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!

Zoom In On: Obagi Nuderm Sunblock in SPF35

The most recent summer had got to be the sunniest. I remember always feeling exhausted during that time perhaps because of the humidity and heat. If there was one good thing that came out of that episode, it would have to be my strengthened devotion on sunblock LOL. Yeah, I wear facial sunblock but not very regularly because well, I get lazy. I am always rushing to work in the mornings that sometimes I intentionally skip applying it because it would set me back by a few minutes. Since summer, however, I have been faithful to these UV shields to the point that I’d feel guilty and restless when I don’t apply them.

Last year, I reviewed the Neutrogena thinking that it was the best that I could ever get my hands on. Boy was I wrong! Because it does not hold a candle to the sunblocks that I am currently rotating. Unlike Neutrogena, these do not sting my eyes and they dry faster too (which is a must if you are always in a hurry like me). My current sunblock arsenal is comprised of Mary Kay SPF30 Sunscreen, Shiseido Gentle Sun Protection Lotion for Sensitive Skin and Babies SPF 30, and my Obagi Nuderm Healthy Skin Protection SPF35. 

I will review the Obagi Nuderm Healthy Skin Protection SPF35 first as I use this more often than the other two. My review perhaps can be summarized by two words. My HG. As in Holy Grail. At 90 mL, this takes forever to consume. I’ve been using this almost every day since March and I am still halfway through the tube. Personally, I use just a little of it every application as its consistency is not runny unlike other sunblocks although beauty enthusiasts contend users should not skimp on using sunscreens. It leaves a whitish cast a few minutes after application but this only last for a few minutes. When it gets dry, it can serve as a good makeup base. It is also unscented which is another thing that I like about it. Just like Shiseido, it does not have that typical sunscreen-y scent that I associate to the smell of a thinner.

 

Item Blurb:
Active Ingredients : Octinoxate, 7.5%, Zinc Oxide 9%
Inactive Ingredients: Butylparaben, cetearyl alcohol, citric acid, diethanolamine cetyl phosphate, disodium edentate, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropyl palmitate, methylparaben, octyl stearate, phenoxyethanol, polyether, propylparaben, purified water, sodium hydroxide, triethoxycaprylysilane.

 

This sunblock is not widely available however. By this I mean that we cannot just buy it in any random department or drug store. In fact, I was only able to buy one with the help of a friend who considers this her HG sunblock too. It retails at $46-53 (approx. Php 2000) Yeah, I know. Not cheap noh? Good thing my friend gave me a generous discount for this.

What’s your HG sunblock?

Ciao!

I'm Back!

Helo chicas!

I know I’ve been a bad blogger lately because of my sporadic blog entries but I do apologize. Life had been so demanding that I had no choice but to place blogging in the backseat. Nevertheless, my love for makeup had not waned even during these recent months of online respite.

Since July (my last entry was still then), a lot of things have happened (as in A LOT)! These were the highlights:
> BF and I broke up, got back together after a week, and we can say we've never been better :)
> conquered my fear of heights by ziplining in Danao with BF (will post an entry about that!)
> did the makeup of my BF's sis for her prenup
> got my UD Naked palette. I had an extra one which I sold to Sis Sol. Long story.
> trained for Prulife UK and is now preparing for the licensing exam
> finished the first semester at work without committing a major, major blunder
> turned a shade darker because of a recent sojourn with workmates to Anda beach.

I’m also very happy, and somehow, proud to share to you an FOTD of mine during a company affair. I describe my makeup application skill as, well, average. So, I’d naturally feel flattered every time I’d get compliments on how nice my makeup is. The cosmetics I used are also not very expensive so you might want to give some of these a try.

Face: 
 Olay Total Effects Moisturizer 
 Clinique Superfit Foundation in Creamy Beige  
Kokoryu Summer Cake in Russet  
VOV Cover Foundation (as concealer) 
Eyes:  
MAC Shadestick in Beiging (primer)  
Stila Golightly e/s  
Stila Wheat e/s  
Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara
Cheeks:  
Nars Blush in Desire  
The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter
Lips:  
Colour Collection Sheer Pink Pearl  
Revlon Super Lustrous Lippie in Pink in the Afternoon  
C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine

Not naman bad for an amateur noh? hehe :)

Thanks girls :)

I Heart HHN!

First of all, let me apologize for my long absence. I know that it’s a cliché but I just had to let blogging take the backseat to life. I hope you will bear with me though.
 

Last week, I was finally able to try some of the products of Human Heart Nature, an organic line that had so many bloggers raving. Luckily, I have a colleague whose friend is an HHN reseller so ordering was a breeze.

Here are pics of the items I got.

I haven’t used them long enough to be able to make an in-depth review of each but here are my initial thoughts about them:

Organic Cleanser and Makeup Remover – This is a great makeup remover and leaves my skin soft and uber clean. It seems a little runny though but this should not be a problem since it’s fairly easy to spread on the face. It does not easily remove waterproof mascara though (for this, I use the sunflower oil).
Tomato and Lemongrass Facial Wash – Leaves my face squeaky clean but I don’t like that it does not lather or create that soapy foam that I want in my facial cleansers.

Tomato and Lemongrass Toner – Better IMO than Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Toner. It’s true what other bloggers say about its smell but I find it less offensive than the latter. Absolutely no stings when applied and leaves my skin glowing.

Feminine Cleanser – I absolutely love this. Better than Lactacyd, PH Care or Summer’s Eve IMO. It leaves me with a fresh, clean feeling every time I use it.

Sunflower Oil – HHN claims that this can whiten darker areas and is said to be good at ridding dark circles. I haven’t seen its effect though (well I haven’t used it long enough pa). I find this effectve at removing waterproof mascara though.

Lip Balms – So-so but considering how cheap they are, it’s not a heartbreaker.

Aside from being effective and skin- and environment- friendly, Human Heart Nature products are cheaper than other local organic brands that I know. I got all of these at less than Php 500 (I was given a generous discount by the seller).

Thanks for your time readers :) Hope you find this post useful.

Zoom In On: Loreal Colour Fresco Cream Eyeshadow

Hello girls!

I’m sorry for being unable to post new entries lately. I’m currently undergoing a personal crisis. Hopefully, I’d be able to get past this and be able to make the right decisions to make things better.

Anyway, I will try to post new entries to get my mind off things that have been troubling me for days now.

     (swatch of Loreal Bubbly)

This is a review of the Loreal Fresco Crème Eyeshadow in Bubbly. I’ve had this since last year and I liked it so much that I used to have two to three back-ups of this. I acquired recently MAC Shadestick in Beiging and I can say that the former is a good and inexpensive dupe of the latter. I use this mainly as an eyeshadow base to make my e/s look more vibrant. Please note that my eyelids are not that oily too so what works for me might not necessarily work for some of you.

         (violet e/s of the Stila All Dolled Up Palette, swatch on top without base, swatch in the bottom with Loreal Bubbly) 

Yay!
- gives a cool and refreshing feel some few seconds after being swiped on the lids
- creamy and relatively easy to spread and blend
- makes my e/s look more vibrant and longer-lasting
- some Ebay merchants sell this at an affordable price of Php 60
- available in a wide range of color
- works almost as well as the Shadestick without the exorbitant price

Nay!
- tends to clump on the tube especially when exposed to humidity
- may not be available locally
- not so attractive to look at when used alone

Hope you find this review helpful. 

Thanks girls!