Review : ELF Two way cake foundation in Beige

I'm so happy that some ELF Studio items are now available here in Cebu. Saw this foundation and I immediately tested this on my hand! I was amazed at the coverage and texture. I even asked the SA what foundation she's using coz her skin looked flawless, and she said she's using this!

ELF Two way cake foundation in Beige

PRODUCT INFO from box:
This dual foundation can be used wet for a creamy full coverage or dry for a sheer coverage. The SPF 15 formula combats premature aging and protects against sun damage. The easy to blend lightweight formula is great for all skin types and gives a natural looking finish for all day wear.

APPLICATION TIPS : Apply prior to sun exposure. For a sheer coverage, use the sponge dry. For a fuller coverage, dampen then the sponge applicator with water to apply the powder wet.

Note : I edited the description and application tips coz they interchanged some info on the box. It was indicated to use the a wet sponge for a sheer coverage and dry for a full coverage =P

RETAIL PRICE: Php 250 (about $5)

WEIGHT : 8.5 grams / 0.3 oz.

SHADES : Available in 4 shades. I got the BEIGE shade - it matches my NC20-25 skintone.
* Sorry I forgot the other shade names. I tried to search online but can't find any info.


WHAT I LIKE:
* it has spf 15
* i'm surprised that the powder is finely milled!
* no makeup scent
* very smooth finish when applied
* inexpensive
* compact has a separate sponge compartment like MAC Studio fix.
* no allergies or irritations

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* compact made of cheap plastic (but it doesn't bother me that much, as long as the product works!
* the sponge provided is made of latex? it smells bad hehe. Make sure to wash it first before using.


TIPS:
Use blotting paper/tissue first to absorb the oil on your face before retouching, and to prevent your makeup from caking. Wash the sponge frequently and replace it when it starts to crumble.

You can also use a Powder brush to apply this if you want to a sheer coverage or a Flat top brush for a medium coverage.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
Will definitely repurchase!

RATING :
4 out of 5.

Swatch
ELF Two way cake foundation in Beige

*****************************
My powder foundations for shade and size reference
I didn't include my Maybelline Clear Smooth Powder foundation (old packaging) since it has a square compact LOL =P



From Left to right :

MAC Studio Fix in NC25
ELF Two way cake foundation in Beige
Avon Simply pretty dual powder foundation in Light Beige
^^ yey, I've hit the pan! =)



Till next time,

Review: MAC Lip Erase Lip balm in Dim

This is a Limited Edition lip balm from Dsquared2 collection, but its also available in their PRO Line.

MAC Lip Erase Lip balm in Dim


PRODUCT INFO from MAC Pro Site:
A flesh-toned balm that visually neutralizes and erases natural colour from the lip. Shine- and texture-free. Available in a choice of two shades for use on light to medium skin tones.

RETAIL PRICE: $16 (about php 700). Bought it for Php 850.

WEIGHT : 15 grams

SHADES : Available in 1 shade from the Dsquared2 Collection, but 2 shades from their PRO Line.
> Dim (medium skintones)
> Pale (light skintones)


WHAT I LIKE:
* its a lip neutralizer, lipbalm and a sheer nude lipstick in one!
* can be used on its own or under lipstick/gloss
* doesn't feel heavy on the lips
* very creamy
* pot contains a lot of product

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* emphasizes dry, chapped lips. Make sure to exfoliate first.
* pot packaging is not hygenic
* smells makeup-y on the pot (don't worry it will disappear once applied)
* not sure if its still available locally

TIPS:
Want nude lips? You can use this alone + a clear gloss(optional). Make sure to apply a lipbalm prior to applying Lip erase using a lip brush. You can also reapply lipbalm before applying lipstick.
One beauty routine that I NEVER skip is applying lip balm before I go to bed. I alternate using Smith's Minted lipbalm or Rosemith salve. During daytime I prefer to use Carmex Strawberry lipbalm since it has SPF 15.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
Will not repurchase soon coz I think this will last me for more than a year.

RATING :
4 out of 5.

Swatch
MAC Lip Erase Lip balm in Dim

My pigmented bare lips - before applying lip erase.

Nude lips after using lip erase.. love it!

Before, light lip colors doesn't show up on my lips. Sometimes RED lipsticks turns fuschia-ish on me. Thank you lip erase! LOL.


Till next time,

Review : Dr. Jart Silver Label BB Cream



PRODUCT INFO on tube:
Rejuvenating Blemish Base, whitening SPF35/PA++
This unique professional formula containing innovative active ingredients, concealing blemishes and activating skin rejuvenation. It soothes red, irritated skin while providing moisture to the skin. It can also be used as a make up base.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 1,780 for 50ml.

WEIGHT : 50 grams

SHADES : Available in only 1 shade ideal for fair skintones.

WHAT I LIKE:
* provides medium coverage.You can skip concealer if you don't have dark circles & blemishes. I love the coverage compared to Skinfood BB Creams. Effect is like I'm using Maybelline's gel foundation.
* high spf - you can also skip sunblock!
* scent is not bothering
* good oil control. Suits my combination skin.
* brightens my complexion and matches my skintone.
* i love the flip top cap! Much easier to use since I'm always in a hurry.
* been using this for 1 week and so far no break-outs.

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* not locally available.
* kinda hard to blend since texture is thicker than Skinfood.
* shade doesn't suit darker skintones.

EDIT 5/24/10: Dr. Jart is now in the Philippines! Check out Manila Beauty Blog's post for the prices and available variants.
Note: Dr. Jart is also available at Mall of Asia Dept. Store. Thanks to May for the info!

TIPS:
I still use my moisturiser underneath to make it easier to blend. I apply the BB cream on small dots around the face, blend with Bare Natural's Foundation brush and blend again using my fingertips.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
The best BB cream I've tried so far! I really love the coverage...

RATING :
5 out of 5.

Swatch with flash
Dr. Jart Silver Label BB Cream


when blended

left side : bare
right side : with BB Cream

See the brightening effect?

EDIT:
By the way, don't forget to check out Purple Snowflake's review, you'd be amazed at the Before & After pics.

And also, looking for BB Cream swatches and comparison?
Check out Mymakeuplover's BB Cream post.

Thanks to K sharing the link.


Till next time,

Tagged : 40 Beauty Questions answered

Thanks to the lovely Nehs for the tag =)

Updated: 9/14/2010

SKINCARE
-How many times do you wash your face daily?
2x, morning and evening

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
Combination. Dry cheeks, slightly oily T-zone.

-What is your current facial wash?
Celeteque facial wash, my HG!

-Do you exfoliate?
Yes, once a week.

-What brand do you use?
St. Ives apricot scrub

-What moisturizer do you use?
Nivea and Celeteque, depending on my skin condition.

-Do you have freckles?
Nope.

-Do you use eye cream?
Yes, everynight.

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Last 2008 I broke out on the cheek and chin area.

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Nope.

MAKE-UP
-What foundation do you use?
MAC Studio Fix, Revlon, Prestige, Covergirl, Maybelline etc.

-How about concealer?
MAC Studio finish & Select cover up, Maybelline, The Balm, Ben Nye, Skinfood

-Do you know your undertone color?
Yes, slightly yellow.

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?
Its okay for photoshoots.

-Did you know that you are suppose to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes, but I change it every 4-6 mos haha. Some mascara's doesn't dry out that fast.

-What brand of mascara do you use?
Mostly from Maybelline. Love their mascaras!

-Sephora or MAC?
MAC.

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
I wish haha

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
Eyelash curler, concealer brush, blush brush, eyeshadow brushes etc.
I rarely use Duo fibre brushes. =P


-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Yes, I have UDPP but a liquid concealer works if you have slighly oily lids hehe.

-For the face?
I sometimes use Revlon Smoothing primer or The Face Shop's Span Primer.

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
Earth colors like brown, gold, copper etc.

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
Gel and pencil eyeliners coz I have shaky hands.

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Hindi pa naman!

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
Great color pay-off but a bit messy to carry.

-Do you use mineral makeup?
Tried it but I find it messy, plus I don't have time to buff, buff, buff!

-What is your favorite lipstick?
from MAC and Revlon.

-How about lipgloss?
MAC, NYX and Revlon Creme glosses

-What is your favorite blush to use?
NARS Orgasm and MAC Dollymix.

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
yes!

-Do you like drugstore makeup?
Of course, but its expensive here.

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
No.

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
Yes.. I already graduated!

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
No.

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?
Red lipstick + blue eyeshadow.. sakit sa mata! LOL!

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
Neutrals for the eyeshadow, but I love colorful lipsticks like hot pinks & reds.

-Which celebrity always has great make up?
Kim Kardashian & Kate Hudson.

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
Lipbalm. I have super dry lips!

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Nope.

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
i think I look too pale.

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
MAC coz they have a wide range of colors for different skintones.

-What do you think of Makeup??
Makeup is fun, don't be afraid to experiment.


Till next time,

Spend vs. Save : MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

Kung Hei Fat Choi girls!
Wishing you all good health, happiness and success!

and oh, Happy hearts day too!

******************
I borrowed my sister's fluidline to make a comparison.
Hope you find this post useful.


PACKAGING :

Both are made of glass jars.

WEIGHT :
MAC - 3 grams
Maybelline - 2.8 grams

TEXTURE :
MAC is a bit creamier than Maybelline.

COLOR - PAY OFF :
Same intense black color.


(click images to zoom)

STAYING POWER :
(On bare hands without primer)
After a few minutes upon application, I rubbed it several times - it didn't budge or smudge!

When I placed my hand under running water and rubbed it twice, both liners smudged.
Maybelline smudged more than MAC, but hey- just a little bit!

See pic below.


TIPS:
Make sure to tightly close the jar after opening to prevent gel eyeliners from drying fast.

Other gel eyeliners I've tried:
Fanny Serrano gel eyeliner - dries easily after a month. Flaky texture.
Elianto gel eyeliner
- creamy consistency at first. Dries easily too, making it difficult to use.



FINAL THOUGHTS:
Blacktrack is a nice gel eyeliner, but if you want to save a few bucks I really recommend Maybelline! Its a dupe of MAC Fluidline IMO. I've had this for more than a month the texture is still creamy.


Till next time,

Review : Laura Mercier Caviar Eyeliner in Black

Eyeliner is a must in my makeup routine. I always apply it on my upper lashlines to make my chinky eyes look bigger. Got this from a fellow girltalker for almost 1/2 of the price. I think she only used it twice!

Laura Mercier Caviar Eyeliner in Black

*click to enlarge*

PRODUCT INFO from Laura Mercier's site:
Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Liner is an innovative semi-crème eye liner with a velvet matte finish that delivers long-lasting pure colour with a rich texture similar to the Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencils.
  • Perfect for creating a classic, smudged line or smoky eyes
  • Mistake-proof formula never drops colour onto the cheek or face
  • Use dry for a smoky look
  • Pop out your favorite shade from its compact and place it in a Custom Compact for a customized colour palette
  • All Custom Compacts sold separately
RETAIL PRICE: $ 22 (about php 1,000) - really pricey for an eyeliner huh?

WEIGHT : 0.08 oz / 2.5 grams

SHADES : Available in 3 shades.
> Black
> Chestnut
> Midnight

WHAT I LIKE:
* easy to use especially for beginners
* natural to dramatic effect depending on the brush used
* can be applied wet
* long wearing! doesn't smudge even on my lower lashline (haven't tried this on my waterline)
* multi-purpose - can be used as eyeshadow for smokey eyes
* has a mirror included
* quick- drying (when used wet)
* can be used to tightline your eyes (I do this rarely though)

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* I have to swipe the brush several times if I want a more dramatic look.
* expensive! Glad i got this cheaper.
* effect is NOT as dramatic compared to gel liners.

TIPS:
I use my Life and Companion Angled brush to apply liner on my upper lashline (applied wet) & lower lashline (dry). Do not directly mix water into the caviar eyeliner, just slightly wet your eyeliner brush and swipe it in the liner.
You can also apply a black eyeshadow over the eyeliner for a more intense effect OR apply the eyeliner wet first- then layer it using a dry brush.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
I STILL prefer gel liners for a more dramatic effect, but I still always reach for this to line my lower lashline. Its more long wearing compared to pencil eyeliners.

RATING :
4 out of 5.

Swatch
Laura Mercier Caviar Eyeliner in Black


Till next time,

Review : Revlon Soft on the Eyes Sheer Loose Shadow


Revlon Soft on the Eyes Loose shadow in Whisper sweet neutrals

*click pic to enlarge*
PRODUCT INFO from REVLON:
Encircle eyes with a unique "watercolor"-inspired palette of four ultra-light loose shadows. The formula is sheer yet buildable, to adapt coverage and provide increased color impact as desired. Unique quad with mixing well and brush allows for maximum shade play and customization of color and beauty look.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 300 or about $6 on Ebay.

WEIGHT : 0.3 oz.

SHADES : Available in 3 shadow quads.
#760 - Whisper sweet neutrals
#765 - Head in the clouds
# 770 - Sublime

WHAT I LIKE:
* powder smells like candy!
* cute packaging, easy to carry
* spill proof design
* there's a brush included - so soft!
* shimmery
* easy to use

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* colors are too sheer

TIPS:
I use this as eyeshadow base, can also be used as higlighter on the eyes and cheeks. I find the brush included too small for applying shadow all over the eyes, but its perfect as an eyeshadow contour brush if you have small eyes like me.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
I prefer pigmented eyeshadows!

RATING :
3 out of 5.

Swatches with flash
Colors are really shimmery!

Till next time,

The Beauty Junkee's valentine giveway

My friend Martha is giving away..

AN ISSEY MIYAKE L'EAU D'ISSEY PERFUME!

MECHANICS (IMPORTANT PLEASE READ):


1. CONTEST STARTS NOW AND ENDS AT FEB.10, 2009

2. CONTEST IS ONLY OPEN TO PHILIPPINE- BASED BLOGGERS.

3. BLOGGERS AND GIRLTALK BLOG READERS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN

4. WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN VIA RANDOM.ORG

5. SHIPPING AND HANDLING TO ANYWHERE IN THE PHILIPPINES IS FREE!


Click HERE to join.


Goodluck,

NARS Orgasm blush dupes

Looking for a NARS Orgasm dupe?

Just want to share...
Credits to www.mywomenstuff.com


*Pic from www.mywomenstuff.com*

I have Loreal's front page peach, when applied with a light hand it looks kinda similar to Orgasm but its more on the pink side..
Maybelline's Mineral blush in Simply Coral and Cover girl Classic blush in Rose Silk is a dupe too!


Other inexpensive peachy-pink blushes you might want to try:
> ELF Glow blush - I'm now on my 3rd pan. I really love the color, although staying power is not that impressive but who cares?! Its only 125 pesos =)

> Fanny Serrano Blush in Coral Pink - a shimmery peachy-pink, packaging is similar to Chanel's blushes.

> Fashion 21 blush #1 - my friend Gem loves this!

> Nichido Blush in Sunkissed - their blushes are really pigmented.

> Ever Bilena Blush in Honest - a matte peachy-pink blush. The brush included is soft too! Not bad for Php 150.



Till next time,