My Kate Tokyo Counter Takeover Experience

Hi Shopcoholics! 

I was recently invited by Kate Tokyo Philippines as a Guest Makeup Artist/Blogger to do their Counter Takeover event. Kate Tokyo is a brand not new to me. I have used some of their makeups before, way back in 2011. What I really like about this brand is that it is suited for Asian skintypes and I didn't experience breakouts with their products.

Fast forward to the present, 2018, I was really excited to know what new products Kate Tokyo has to offer now.

 Fyi, Kate is a sister company of Kanebo. Their products are  made in Japan. I am a fan of VIVI Japanese magazines and I always see their full page ads, and always admire their makeup looks. Simple yet striking.

Kate Tokyo makeup

Kate Tokyo skincare

During the event, I was happy to meet and share some of my makeup techniques to customers. Some are already existing Kate Tokyo users, while others are new to the brand.

Here's Ms. Goya. She was looking for a brow highlighter. I recommended the Kate 3D Parts Designer. It is a dual ended product that has a highlighter and contour in one. It is very easy to use and looks so natural. The highlight shade can be used on the browbone, cheeks and cupid's bow, while the contour shade can be applied on the noseline and cheekbones.

I also tried the New Base Zero Powder Foundation in 02, and she loves it! The finish is so silky, and it is a good everyday powder with SPF.

Me and Ms. Goya with her Kate Tokyo makeups

Meet Ms. Norma. She was looking for a brow product that is easy to use. I applied the Kate Tokyo Retractable Brow pencil in BR-3. I showed her the technique for natural looking brows, it is to apply it with feathery strokes. I heard that this product is one of Kate's best sellers. IMO, this is a dupe for the famous MAC Retractable brow liner. 

I also applied the New Base Zero Liquid foundation in 03 on her and set it with the Base Zero Powder Foundation in the same shade. In less than 5 minutes, her skin looks flawless and glowing. As a finishing touch, I applied the Kate 3D Contrasting Cheek blush in RS-01 and the Smooth Color Rouge lipstick in OR-02.

Ms. Norma posing with me and the Kate Toyko artists.

With Ms. Floe Tapayan, Chief Makeup Artist and Trainer for Kate Tokyo Ph

Before I end this post, I want to share with you my Kate Tokyo favorites:

The Base Zero Liquid Foundation and Powder Foundation - this is their newest product line, it promises to cover pore unevenness in one coat. It offers medium to full coverage, without being cakey.

Retractable Brow Pencil - you can't go wrong with this product. It is easy to use and stays on the whole day. 

Freshel UV BB Cream SPF 50 - it has a light coverage but at the same time doubles up as a sunblock. 

I enjoyed the experience and I was happy to share my makeup techniques with customers. Kate Tokyo products has a wide range of shades to suit the fairest skin to morenas.

Be sure to check out Kate Tokyo products at your nearest mall.

Till next time,

Dr. Jart Every Sun Day UV Sun Fluid SPF 50 PA+++ review

Dr. Jart Every Sun Day UV Sun Fluid SPF 50+

It's almost March, and before we know it, summer is just around the corner. We all know the importance of applying sunscreen all year round. It protects the skin from the harmful UVA/UVB rays. The higher the spf, the better. I know it is easier said than done, 'coz I am also guilty of NOT applying sunscreen. Hahaha! 

Applying my base with spf 30-50 is just enough for me. Yeah i know, i should apply a separate sunscreen. I always hated applying anything with a high spf ‘coz I've noticed that I usually break out the following day. That’s why I avoided applying sunscreens... until I tried  a sample of this product. 

I got the sample when I purchased my Dr. Jart BB cream from a Korean seller.  I immediately tested it, and woaaah I was impressed! Read on to find out why :)

If you are an avid reader of my blog, you’ll know that I don’t usually wear foundations (except for special occasions). I prefer my everyday base to be light on the skin while at the same time has spf. Dr Jart is a brand not new to me. I have been using their BB creams for years (10 yrs to be exact). I have tried a LOT of BB creams but I always stick to this brand. I am just hiyang with it. 

My favorite face base - Dr. Jart Rejuvenating Silver Label Spf 35+ BB cream

Retails for Php 1,800 at Sephora Ph.

On to my review of the Sun Fluid =)

Dr. Jart Every Sun Day UV Sun Fluid SPF 50+

What it is: 
A sunscreen with a fresh feeling that protects from UV rays and fine dust. 

What it is formulated to do: 
This formula provides powerful sun protection and a cationic shield that blocks fine dust to protect the skin. By utilizing the characteristics of magnets that repel each other, it is designed to have the same electrical charge as fine dust in order to form a protective skin barrier. Cypress water and seaweed extract purify the skin while soothing and moisturizing. The liquid gel formulation is moist without being sticky to impart immediate moisture for a refreshing burst of hydration. 


What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
- Parabens 
- Sulfates 

What else you need to know: 
This product is dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and free of tar dyes, talc, artificial fragrances, BHT, triclosan, sulfate-based surfactants, mineral oils, triethanolamine, chlorphenesin, and benzophenone-5.

Where to purchase:

Sephora US for $34

Sephora PH for Php 1,600

Althea Korea for Php 1,600

Bought mine at Althea during their clearance sale for Php 600.
I waited for it to go on sale before purchasing a bottle. This is the most expensive suncreen I have ever tried. Japanese sunscreens like Biore is available at Watsons and are only priced less than Php 500. 

Dr. Jart UV Fluid ingredients list

It contains a lot of natural ingredients like Orange oil, Lavender oil, Peppermint, Bergamot, Rose flower, Chamomile, and Myrrha oil.

Dr. Jart UV Sun fluid swatches

Slightly blended

Notice its watery texture?

When blended

PROs:

-lightweight and non-sticky

-texture is so light, just like water

-absorbs quickly

-has peppermint extracts for a cooling sensation when applied

-my face doesn’t look oily after a few hours unlike other sunscreens 

-doesn’t have a strong sunblock scent

-i don’t have negative reactions like breakouts and allergies

-good for all skin types

-contains natural extracts (see ingredients list)

-doesn’t leave a white cast

-doesn't contain parabens and sulfates

CONs:

-expensive (but contains 100ml)

-not available locally in the Philippines

FINAL THOUGHTS:

If you are looking for a  sunscreen that is mild for everyday use and non-sticky, I highly recommend this! I know it is kinda expensive but I think this will last you more than 6 months, so it is worth it in the long run.


Care to share your favorite sunscreen/sunblock?

Till next time,

MAC Studio Correct and Conceal Palette in Light swatches

If you have been reading my previous posts, you'll know that my Holy grail concealer is MAC Studio Finish. I use it as undereye concealer and for hiding blemishes.

Imagine my delight when my friend from the US, Dona gifted me this concealer palette. 



PRODUCT INFO:
A professional palette of four concealers and two corrector shades in a medium colour wave. Enriched with antioxidants and suited for all skin types, they can be used individually or combined to match any skin tone. Emollient-based formula delivers medium to full buildable coverage in a natural finish. Helps to correct skin tone and conceal dark circles, blemishes, moles, tattoos and birthmarks.

6 g / 0.21 US oz.

This concealer palette retails for $35 at www.maccosmetics.com




My favorite brush to apply this concealer is the MAC 242 Synthetic shader brush ($25).
I love it 'coz it is versatile, it can be used for powder or cream products like packing on eyeshadow, applying cream bases or paint pots.

Close-up of the palette

NC15     |  W10
NC20      |  NW20
PALE YELLOW  |  PALE PINK

It is so convenient to bring because of its size, I don't have to bring separate concealers during travel. For reference, here it is compared to the Studio Finish concealer.

Swatches:

 Flourescent lighting

Natural lighting


Overall, I'm in love with this palette! The shades included in this concealer/corrector palette fits my NC15-NC20 skintone. It has everything I need to highlight, hide undereye circles, and cover blemishes. If you buy individual shades of Studio Finish concealer it costs Php 1,100 each, this palette costs around 2k and you'll get 6 shades already.


What's your favorite concealer palette?

Till next time, 

Colourpop Golden State of Mind Review and Swatches

After one to two months of contemplating and lemming for this palette, I finally gave in and bought one. I love shimmery shades for eyeshadows, so this is too pretty to pass!

Gaahhh... I knew I have to get one before this one goes out of stock - forever! 

This palette is Limited Edition, by the way.

This palette retails for $26 at Colourpop's website.

It has 15 shades and weighs 1 gram each, so it sums up to 15 grams for the whole palette.

For reference, each individual Colourpop Supershock eyeshadow weighs 2.1 grams and retails for $5 each.

Close-up of the palette

Swatches:

First row

Golden Egg: pinky beige with turquoise glitter
Pay the Piper: icy blue
GRLFRND: pink with violet glitter
Zero Clue: vibrant warm yellow
Watch Out: golden ivory with pink glitter

Second row

Drizzle: icy baby pink
Uptight: rose gold
Can't Stop: icy champagne ivory
Sparkler: silvery bronze
Unsupervised: pink champagne

Third row

Lust in Time: medium cool rose

Mind Tricks: icy blackened purple

Wing Woman: red brown with green and gold glitter

Heads or Tales: icy cranberry

Tinker Time: blackened antique gold with blue glitter

I have noticed that the shades look darker on the pan than on the swatches.

PROS:

- affordable

-compact and lightweight

- unscented

-pigmented even without primer

-easy to apply

- it has a nice selection of neutral shades that can be used during daytime or nighttime.

CONS:

- doesn't have a matte shade (but it doesn't bother me, I can use a separate transition shade)

- some may find it too shimmery or glittery

-some shades are crumbly

TIPS:

To avoid glitter fall-outs, this eyeshadow is best applied with your fingertips or a firm synthetic brush dampened with water or setting spray.

OVERALL:

I highly recommend this palette if you are a fan of shimmery eyeshadows! 

Till next time,

Till next time,