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!  

Zoom In On: MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer

For as long as I can remember, I have always been in search for the best concealer for my undereye area. Luckily for me, I have never really been pimple or acne-prone except when I’d occasionally have zits during pre-menstrual days. When I look for a concealer, I look for something that is not necessarily effective in concealing any facial scar but something that lightens my undereye area which is darker than the rest of my face when I’m au naturale.

I decided to try MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer hoping that this would be the perfect remedy to my problem.

Item Blurb (MAC Website):

A creamy concealer that provides full coverage with a natural matte finish. Brushes on with enough blend time to conceal any size of blemish. Rich formulation allows you to use a micro-amount of product to even out skin. Water-resistant and long-wearing.
5.5 g /0.19 US OZ US $16.50 / Php 900

(notice how close the shade the swatch shade is on my skintone, I don't know if you can see it though)

Yay!:

•  I got mine in NW25 shade and I would have to say that it matches my skin tone perfectly. I notice that this disappears right into my undereye area.
• Unlike some of the concealers I have tried, this does not settle into the fine lines under my eyes. 
• Its consistency is just perfect IMO. Not too creamy and not too dried out either. 
• Easy to blend and because it’s opaque in texture, very little is used every application. 
• It’s versatile as it can be applied through a concealer brush or through one’s fingers. Either way, the results are A-okay with me. 
• Its packaging is elegant and durable albeit, a little heavy. I read in one review that this “glass”(I don’t really know the more accurate technical term for it) packaging is crucial to making the content last longer.

(undereye area in the left is with MAC SS concealer, while the one of the right is sans any) 

Nay!:

• As for all MAC and other high-end makeup brands, it’s always the price ;)

Final Say: I’d choose this over MAC Studio Finish Concealer. It’s way better for concealing nasty undereye circles. Definitely HG-material. Still would want to try other brands though. 

Thanks chicas!  

Voter No. 121 Precinct 68C

Last Monday, May 10, the country had its first automated elections. It was the third time for me to be able to participate in this process. Alas, it was also the worst experience I ever had. Methinks that next time, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) should institute steps to make sure that the people would not be subjected to too much stress and hassle just to be able to exercise their right to vote.

My brother and I went to the polling precinct at 8:30 a.m. When we got there, throngs of voters were already in line. I did not have a difficult time finding my name (and my parents’ names) in the voters’ list because we were listed in the same precinct that we voted in during the last two elections. My brother’s name was listed in another precinct as he was a first-time voter.   

As soon as we knew of our precinct and voter number, we immediately fell in line thinking that we’d be able to vote after an hour or two. Our experience, however, exceeded expectations ( and not in a good way!) because we had to endure four and half (4.5) hours of waiting. Our stress was made even worse by the humidity during that day. I remembered praying fervently that it would rain that time. In fairness, everything was a breeze once we got to the polling room. The PCOS machine did not falter during our turn. It was already almost 1:00 p.m. when we got home. And soon as we stepped out of the room, it started raining (talking about answered prayers!)

My parents ended up not voting because although they went at 5:30 p.m. to the voting area, there were still hundreds of voters who were also in the line with them. It was already 10:30 when they decided to go home because my mom needed to have her insulin shot already.

Nevertheless, I never regretted voting because I was able to vote for someone who could have been the best President we ever had. (Go GT!) And while my heart is filled with sorrow that he did not win, I could not feel any resentment towards our President-in-Waiting as he had already been warmly congratulated and accepted by GT.

 Me sans makeup and with a slightly sunburned face 

(and sporting an indelible ink!)

By the by, I think all of the problems encountered during the Election Day are just birth pains considering how new we are to automation. I am looking forward to a breezier electoral process in 2013.The real winners that emerged in this exercise are not the candidates who ran and defeated their rivals but the voters who did not waver and made sure that their votes were counted.

Happy Mothers' Day!

Before we'd all be busy worrying about the outcome of the elections on Monday, let me first greet the most important woman in my life a "Happy Mothers' Day!".

Happy Mothers’ Day!

Thank you Mom!
For giving me life.
For giving me two wonderful brothers.
For being a good wife to Papa.
For constantly worrying about us.
For being just a text away ALWAYS.
For working hard so we’d all get college degrees.
For being our harshest critic.
For being our greatest (and sometimes, only) fan.
For giving up your dreams so we’d realize ours.
For being love personified.

I hope I’ll be as great a wife and mother as you have been to us!