Eye Candy: Milani Quads

To those in the know, Milani stands out as one of the better drugstore brands in the US. It's not as heavily promoted worldwide as Revlon or Maybelline but their products are definitely worth keeping (especially if you are the sort who would NOT want to break the bank just for MAKEUP!) Among the brand's most popular products would have to be the eyeshadows. I discovered this because an online friend gave me a Milani eyeshadow quad palette as freebie for something I purchased from her. It was then when I learned how great these are. In fact, many of these eyeshadows (esp. the single e/s) are identified as dupes of the more expensive MAC e/s. Yes, they are that pigmented and vibrant!

 

I was so satisfied with THAT freebie that I got myself two other palettes. Hope I'd be able to score the other palettes too. I swear after discovering Milani e/s, I never felt compelled again to buy another Revlon (which I find expensive in the Phils.) or Maybelline e/s quad.

I have the Earthly Delights (Top), Sedona Sunset (Bottom Left) and Autumn Earth (Bottom Right) palettes. I chose these because they had shades that will complement my usual work clothes.

 

 I was only able to take swatches of the Sedona Sunset palette though. I will work on getting swatches of the others as soon as time permits :P  In my opinion, this is a decent and practical neutral e/s palette.  It includes a highlighter, two shimmer eye shadows, and one with matte finish.

 

 

 

And did I mention that each of these are sold at only Php 140 in Ebay?! 

Tata! 

Lemming List :P

I like anything makeup-related but these two just won't let me sleep :P I hope I'd be able to get my hands on them. Thankfully, a friend is going to the US two weeks from now. I hope she'd be able to get these for me :P

1) Korres Vitamins and Ginger Foundation

I've been reading only positive reviews for this foundation. I think that I can make it my daily foundation since it is said to be lightweight. Great alternative for my Mary Kay Medium-Coverage liquid foundie.
According to Sephora website:

Ginger & Vitamins Foundation SPF 10

What it is:

A lightweight, water-based foundation that is packed with vitamins to balance the skin.

What it does:

Korres Ginger & Vitamins Foundation provides sheer to medium buildable coverage, a creamy finish, and SPF 10 UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum sun protection. This brand favorite contains ginger to tone and clarify with Antioxidant Vitamins C and E to prevent visible signs of aging.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens

- Sulfates

- Mineral Oils

- Petro-chemicals

- Propylene Glycols

- Ethanolomines

- GMOs

- Synthetic Dyes

- Synthetic Fragrances

Size: 1.35 oz

2. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

Sephora Website Item Blurb:

Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
What it is:
A long-wearing, solar-baked blush that lasts up to 12 hours.
What it does:
Infused with natural clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun, this nutrient-rich blush benefits all skin types for a fade-free flawless finish for an amazing 12 hours. Inspired by Tarte's best-selling shades of cheek stains and lip tints, the colors range from soft to vivid to suit a wide variety of skintones. For oily skin types, Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place. Those with dry skin will benefit from the clay's nourishing and hydrating properties, which naturally restore skin's moisture. Combination skin types can rely on its ability to zero in on skin concerns and deliver benefits to restore complexion harmony. The result? Blush that wears better, longer, and truer!
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
What else you need to know:
This blush features the following Skinvigorating™ ingredients:
- Vitamins A and E, two natural preservatives that act as anti-inflammatory emollients and protect against free radical damage
- Vitamin C, an antioxidant that fights free radical damage and prevents oxidative stress and premature signs of aging, while brightening the skin
- Amazonian clay, a nutrient-rich, multitasking, skin-balancing clay that reduces dryness and flakiness, improves skin clarity, elasticity, firmness, and texture while removing oil from the skin's surface for smooth application and wear
Size: 0.2 oz

A common denominator of these two is the fact that they claim to be natural and paraben-free. This definitely ups their ante for me :P Keeping my fingers crossed that I'd have these this time next month :P
Ciao!

Fave Inexpensive Pink Lippie

The problem about me being a makeup addict is the fact that I never get to finish up any makeup item. This is because I always find myself buying the next blush, lippie, or foundation that would pique my interest and of course, would fit my budget. It is therefore, to my amazement, that I am now almost done with a certain tube of lippie that has unexpectedly become my favorite. During my blog hiatus, I had become addicted to MAC lippies but when I got bored with them, I let go of them. The lipstick I am featuring in this blog entry, I can say, is as great and as moisturizing as the more expensive brands that I have tried.

Behold Colour Collection’s Skin Care Series Moisture Intense Lipstick in Sheer Pink Pearl. This is my most often used lippie these days. Why? Because the shade is uber flattering on me and I find it very moisturizing. It does not dry my lips and has a slight sheen finish.

I have always been partial to pink shades because I think they make me look younger. I like how pink this shade is. Not too pale and not too bright either. The shade is also buildable which is a plus factor for me since I also have those days when I don’t want to call attention to myself. It does not have any overbearing scent too. I liked this lippie so much that I bought two back ups of this when this line was still on sale. I also got another shade, Sheer Dainty Peach, as an alternative shade to this. Its retail price is I think just around Php 350-400. I got this on sale at Php 275. By the way, Colour Collection cosmetics may be purchased through Tupperware agents / personal sellers.

Staying power is okay. It stays on my lips for more than four (4) hours but then again that might just be because I don't have that habit of always licking my lips. This is not much of a deal for me though because I always retouch regardless of the brand.

I am glad that Colour Collection has stepped up on its makeup lines. In fact, I like their lippies better than that of other brands in its price category. Another lippie of this brand that I like is the Vintage matte lippie which was hyped to be the lippie Bea Alonzo wore in “Magkaribal.” Personally, I think the shade is not the same one but that’s just my opinion. In the next pic, I am wearing Sheer Pink Pearl topped with Vintage. The latter is matte so I often apply something to my lips first before I apply it.

What’s your favorite inexpensive pink lippie?

Zoom In On: Nyx Blush in Expresso

One of the American drugstore brands that had successfully made a dent into the makeup lovers’ consciousness is Nyx. The hype surrounding this brand started with the round lipsticks. Along with this rising popularity came the public’s awareness of its other product lines. Among the most raved would have to be their powder blushes. I was able to acquire two of these babies namely, Expresso and Pinky. This post will be more about Expresso.

Let me start this review with the generic characteristics of these blushes. Compact has a squarish shape with rounded edges. Case is transparent so the user can actually take a glimpse of the blush shade without having to open it (very useful especially when one’s blushes are stuffed with other). My only gripe with the packaging is that the print on the case would eventually fade away especially when it is often used. 

 

As to the blush itself, I’d say that it may be at par with the more expensive brands when it comes to pigmentation. To my combination skin, it also lasts relatively long (especially Espresso). If I put it on early in the morning, I would still see hints of it around lunch time when I’d usually retouch. The blushes are silky-textured. This is not the typical “kaskas” blusher so there is no need to be exert extra effort to get product to one’s brush. I also like the quilted design of these blushes since I find it very feminine and unique. Moreover, for its price, this is a good buy. It retails $6 in the US. Online sellers sell these blushes at Php 400 – 450. If you are based in Cebu, there’s a small stall in White Gold that displays Nyx stuff. I remember seeing Nyx round lippies and blushes when I went there. The blushes were only Php 250 at that time.
Expresso, as a shade, can be described as brownish with a hint of pink. This is a great shade for contouring. This is perfect if you want a refreshing alternative to the usual pink blush. I imagine this shade will be popular especially during the summer season as it can complement one’s tan very beautifully. It can warm up one’s cheeks making it very versatile and suitable for different skin tones.

The only downside for these blushes is the fact that they can be very powdery or loosely pressed, I should say. Blush brushes applied a bit brusquely on it may cause a lot of fall-outs. Personally though, I think this is no biggie. By the by, go get your own Nyx blush if you want something that works and will not cause massive damage to your wallet. This is not widely available locally but I think there are a number of online stores that has these in their inventories. Moreover, you will have fun choosing from among the twenty-five shades of Nyx Powder Blushes that are available.

Uber Flattered!

Wow! Despite being inactive in the blogging world during the last few months (or was it a year?!), I was flattered to receive an email just recently from Cozycot.com. I was invited to write an article for them in their revamped online magazine. I'm not sure though if they extended the same invitation to hundreds or perhaps, thousands of other bloggers. Nevertheless, I feel really overwhelmed and inspired to know that some people took notice of something that I never really took that seriously. I don't know if I'll accept the challenge though and I don't know yet the consequences should I decide to move forward. Right now, I'm just happy and reveling in the feeling :P

Ciao! 

Spread Love not Germs :P

I worked as a medical representative some years ago. One of the habits I have developed since then is that of washing one's hands every time there is a need to. Before, I was always with a rubbing alcohol since I would feel iffy every time I’d touch door handles of clinics or hospitals. Yeah, I had been and still am obsessive compulsive this way. I think I had always been like this even back in college. I remember that my cousin and I are always armed with Bench sanitizers every day in school. 

Fast forward to now, I’m still like that but I have now graduated to gel sanitizers because unlike rubbing alcohol, they do not spill easily inside my bag. The former are also way more fragrant than the latter and have more moisturizing properties too. 

Currently, I am (and I think almost everyone) hooked with the Bath and Body Works Pocketbac sanitizers. Wow! These babies never fail to perk me up.  They make hand sanitizing something to look forward to.  I have also purchased some pocketbac holders  so I could bring one of these everywhere without having to dig up through all the chaos that I dump into my bag. Unfortunately, these are only sold through PX stores and online stores. They are sold in a local department store in my place but I find the price too expensive. Luckily, my cousin works in New York so I always ask her to get me some of these babies.

Retailing in the US at $1.50, these are usually sold locally at Php 80 to even as much as Php 99 (in our local store) each.

My favorite would have to Sea Island Cotton, Japanese Cherry Blossom, White Citrus, Orange Sapphire and Blue Chiffon of the Cupcake collection. 

What's yours? 

Ciao!