2013 Makeup Favorites

Before anything else, let me greet you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year Shopcoholics! 2013 has been a wonderful year for me - full of wonderful blessings and events that were a dream come true for me. I want to thank all of you for continuing to support my blog after all these years.

Before 2013 ends, let me share with you my Top 13 Favorite Products this year.

 So without further adieu, in no particular order... 

 You may click the grey colored text for my individual reviews. 

1. 3W Clinic Professional Natural Powder #21

I use this as loose powder to set my BB cream and concealer. I love that it is so lightweight on the face and the shade looks natural on my NC20-25 skintone.

2. MAC Lightful Ultracharge Powder Foundation SPF 35 in NC30

I got this as gratis when I was still working for MAC. I only use this powder to brighten my undereyes. The shades from the Lightful line are actually a one shade lighter compared to other powder foundations like Studio Fix and Studio Perfect. So if you're an NC25 in Studio Fix, your match will be NC30 in Lightful.

3. Benefit Bella Bamba Blush

This is my favorite blush to date! I've already hit pan and bought a back-up already.

The peachy-pink color is perfect for my skintone, while the gold shimmers gives me a glowing effect.

4. Dr. Jart Black Label Detox BB Cream SPF 25 

If you've read my review a few months back, you'll know how much I adore this BB cream! 

5. MAC Strobe Cream

This is the "ultimate quick fix for the skin" according to MAC. It contains potent botanicals that de-stresses, de-snoozes, moistens, brightens and clarifies the face. 

My favorite way to use this product is to mix a small amount on my BB Cream or foundation for a glowing effect. You can also use this alone as moisturiser (best under powder foundation) or as highlighter.

6. K-Palette Zero Kuma Concealer in 03 Orange Beige 

My biggest dilemma is dark undereye circles, and this product is heavent sent! I use this when I'm in a hurry and don't have time to apply corrector and concealer. The orangey shade is perfect for my purplish undereye circles. Review to follow.

 7. ELF Studio Blush Brush

What I love about synthetic brushes is that it stays soft even if you just use brush cleanser to clean it, unlike animal hair that stiffens and gets scratchy if you don't wash it with regularly water. This brush is uber soft, affordable and the perfect size to apply blush.

8. Mary Kay Lash Love Waterproof Mascara

I'm in love with this mascara! I just love how it lengthens and thickens my barely there lashes. Since this mascara is waterproof, you need an oil-based makeup remover to remove it. 

9. MAC Extended Play Lash Mascara

Another mascara I'm loving... this is waterproof but can easily be removed with warm water. With its slim brush, this is perfect for those who have short lashes.

10. Mary Kay Creme Lipstick in Pink Melon

This is the first product I have tried from Mary Kay. The formula is so creamy and non-drying, plus the shade is a lovely coral-pink that can instantly brighten my face.

11. Mentholatum Lip Ice in Strawberry

My bestie Hollie recommended this product, and I'm not disappointed! It keeps my lips soft and oh so smooth... I'm addicted to the flavor strawberry + mint!

 12. Nichido Precise Eye Pencil in Chestnut

I use this on my brows together with In2it's brow powder. This pencil is inexpensive and easy to apply... just make sure to use clear or tinted brow gel to set your brows to make the pencil last longer.

13. In2it Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Black and Brown

This product is an inexpensive alternative to MAC Powerpoint Eyeliners IMO. These pencils are smudge-proof and waterproof. You can also use this as base for smokey eyes but you have to blend fast coz once it dries, it is difficult to remove without any makeup remover.

  

 There goes my top makeup products for 2013. 

Have you tried any of the products I've mentioned?

Till next time, 

Mary Kay Philippines Gives Back: Help Us Help Others, Purchase | Donate| Volunteer

Till next time, 

Makeup Tips from MAC Artists (Part 2)

Now its time for the ladies to share their makeup tips and favorite products from MAC.
If you missed Part 1, click HERE.
 

 
Image from www.maccosmetics.com

NICO ENRIQUEZ (MAC ROCKWELL)

1. Your #1 Makeup tip

 Exfoliate regularly and moisturize daily! Beautiful make up starts with a beautiful canvas so please take care of your skin. It's not just prepping your skin before make up, it's also about giving your skin the proper nourishment it needs before your beauty sleep.

 2. Your favorite MAC product and why?

MAC Mineralize Concealer - Php 1,150

Definitely Mineralize concealer. It has this really creamy texture that has a consistency thick enough to give excellent coverage yet still thin enough to blend seamlessly with the skin.
 

3. Your advice to those who just started using makeup. 

Skin is extremely important. Not just skin care itself but how you apply foundation and concealer as well. You don't have to pile on make up to cover! Try neutralizing discolorations instead like using the NW line to counteract bluish discolorations in the under eye area and the NC line to neutralize any redness. Trust me, neutralizing makes a huge difference.

  ERIN CABRERA (MAC ALABANG)

1. Your #1 Makeup tip

As we all know, "Skin is In", keep your skin healthy and glowing even without makeup by keeping it hydrated and well-exfoliated.

 

 2. Your favorite MAC product and why?
 
MAC Mineralize Foundation Loose - Php 2,050

One of the best powders that i have worked with is Mineralize Foundation/Loose. It has 77 bio minerals under its belt and has pearlized pigments (optical diffusers) to make the dullest makeup look alive and radiant.

 

3. Your advice to those who just started using makeup.

The best advice I could give to makeup artists who are just starting out, "Don't let it get to your head" Makeup artistry is your own creativity. It is creating masterpieces of what you think is beautiful and not let other people tell you otherwise. Yes, there will be a few, if not, most judgements in our line of work, but always remember that you just have to find your niche and do the best that you can to make it work.

KIMVERLEY PERALTA (MAC MOA)

1. Your #1 Makeup tip

Less foundation and having a luminous beautiful skin is still the best coz its the largest and noticeable part.  

 2. Your favorite MAC product and why?
 
MAC 217 Blending brush - Php 1,300

 Super love the MAC brushes especially the 217 coz its multi-purpose, handling anything from any textures to powder ones. I think its a brush must have by any person who loves eye makeup. 

3. Your advice to those who just started using makeup.

Top secret- have confidence and dont be afraid trying new shades specially when it comes to lipsticks. Be on the nearest MAC counter and don't hesitate to ask questions and the expert will tell you what's the best for you. See yahh!

****************************

 Stay tuned for Part 3 =)

Till next time, 

Makeup Tips from MAC Artists (Part 1)

In this post, I want to share with you some amazing makeup tips that I've compiled from my former colleagues at MAC Cosmetics. Enjoy reading! 

 

HAM VILORIA (MAC Makati)

What is your #1 Makeup Tip? 

Be inspired by anything other than makeup looks done by other artists. I find that paintings, patterns, texture from fabrics are great examples of how you can challenge yourself in interpreting makeup trends. 

What is your favorite MAC product and why? 

 

 MAC Fluidline Blacktrack - Php 1,100

It's a product that provides limitless looks depending on the brush you use.

 RAF MAÑOSCA (MAC Rockwell)

   

What is your #1 Makeup Tip?

For me prepping the skin before the application of makeup really does make a difference. Do your normal skin care routine. Make sure that the skin is well hydrated. And apply whatever primer that works for your skin type. Like with MAC, our skin care line is made to make the makeup look good.

What is your favorite MAC product and why? 

 MAC Fix+ Spray - Php 1,050

It's really a must have product. Coz it's just makes your skin well hydrated. Can also be used as a mixing medium for eyeshadows and pigments. It also takes away the powdery finish of your makeup look.

NOEL NOCILLADO a.k.a KENJIE (MAC Makati)

What is your #1 Makeup Tip?

Apply skincare before wearing makeup. Don't put to much makeup to avoid fine lines, freckles and signs of aging. Always use primer with or without SPF to maintain healthy and glowing skin. 

What is your favorite MAC product and why?   

 
MAC Lightful Marine Bright Formula SPF 25 Foundation - Php 2,350 (refill); 650 (compact)

Lightful Foundation  because of its anti-aging ingredients + Spf 30 to avoid signs of aging. The powder is lightweight on the face and looks very natural, even guys like me can use it without looking too made up. 

*********************

Couldn't agree with them more regarding the importance of skincare! When you have beautiful skin, there's no need to apply a lot of makeup. Don't forget to apply moisturiser with sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 before you head outdoors to  avoid premature aging.

Let me know what you think of this post. If you have other questions regarding makeup or skincare don't hesitate to ask me. =)

Till next time, 

Multi-purpose bronzer & highlighter : BYS Sun Bronzer and The Balm Mary-lou Manizer

 I want to share with you these two amazing products I am loving lately!
 Good news is, these are inexpensive and can be used in two ways, as bronzer/highlighter or as an eyeshadow! A great way to save money right?

 Hint: The bronzer is a spot on dupe for the popular Urban Decay eyeshadow. Read on to find out which shade.

BYS Sun Bronzer in Gold and The Balm Mary-lou Manizer

 

 BYS Bronzing Powder Round Sun Design in Gold (8 grams)

This sun design bronzer by BYS gives a sheer, natural finish that can also be built for desired intensity. This is the ultimate solution for a sunless tan that is easily created within seconds giving you a smooth flawless finish.

Available at Watsons and SM stores.

On my fair NC20 skintone, the shade looks orange and too shimmery when used as a bronzer all over the face.... But when used as a blush, it gives me a healthy sunkissed glow on the cheeks. You need to be careful though coz this baby is super pigmented! You only need to tap your stippling/duo fibre brush when you apply it on the cheeks. This shimmery bronzer reminds me of The Balm's Betty-lou Manizer except lighter in color. 

I like that the powder is soft and easy to blend. When used as an eyeshadow, this is a spot on dupe for Urban decay Half Baked when applied sheerly. On some angles, it looks like Chopper from the Naked 2 palette when applied heavily. Check out side by side swatches below.

 The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer (8 grams)

Meet Mary-Lou Manizer, a seemingly innocent honey-hued luminizer that catches everybody’s eye. This highlighter, shadow and shimmer diffuses light so your skin looks softer and younger while adding a subtle glow.

Available at Beauty Bar for Php 895.00

 Mary-Lou Manizer is a lovely shimmery- champagne shade with gold tones. I use this almost everyday on the bridge on my nose and the cupids bow to highlight. Sometimes I use this as an eyeshadow or to highlight the tear ducts and browbone. Super sulit na for the price right?! So instead of buying a single shade of MAC eyeshadow like Ricepaper or White frost for highlight, I suggest you buy this product instead! hehe

Swatches

 BYS Sun Bronzing powder in Gold | The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

Urban Decay Chopper | Urban Decay Half-baked| BYS Sun Bronzer
 
What's your favorite multi-purpose product?

Till next time, 

Review: Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder

Here's another loose powder review for you guys. Mary Kay sent me this product a few months ago together with the Mary Kay Finishing Spray (review to follow). After road testing it for a few weeks, I think it is time to write a review.

PRODUCT INFO: 
Because it’s translucent, this powder is the perfect match for any skin tone – from very fair to dark. It sets foundation for a sheer, invisible finish and has light-diffusing properties designed to help soften the appearance of imperfections for a skin-perfecting look. The powder feels weightless, natural and velvety soft on skin and is suitable for all skin types, even for women with sensitive skin. The long-wearing formula keeps makeup looking fresh throughout the day, controlling unwanted shine while never looking chalky. Wear it over your favorite Mary Kay® liquid or cream foundation as a finishing touch or by itself for a naturally beautiful look.
 
PRICE: Php 800.00

NET WEIGHT: 11 grams

WHERE TO BUY: http://www.marykay.com.ph

SHADES: Available in only 1 shade.

PROS:
* fragrance-free
* powder is silky and finely milled 
* on my NC20 skintone, the powder goes completely invisible and doesn't alter the shade of my BB cream/foundation.
* powder feels lightweight on the skin  
* no-mess packaging; the twist-lock sifter prevents the powder from spilling, so it's safe to put it inside your kikay-kit for touch-ups.
*  compared to the Ben Nye Neutral Set which is matte, this one has micro-particles that blurs out pores and me a glowing effect that looks nice in person and on cameras.

CONS:
* not so good in oil control. I have oily-combination skin and t-zone starts to get oily after 3 hours. 
 

TIPS:
* to avoid caking, use blotting sheets first to absorb excess oil before retouching with powder.
* for better oil control, you may use a sponge and gently "press" the powder on the oily areas of your face and follow with a fluffy brush to remove excess powder.
* if you have dry skin, always moisturize to avoid dry patches.

TOOLS: 
I prefer to use my  Ecotools Kabuki brush to apply this product.

OVERALL:

If you remember my Spend vs. Save list, I have mentioned that this product is a cheaper alternative to the MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Loose powder (Php 1,950). Mary Kay Translucent Loose powder gives the same effect, it even has more content at a cheaper price tag.  

Overall, I love this powder coz it brightens, blurs out slight imperfections and does a good job in setting my BB cream/liquid foundation, but how I wish it has excellent oil control.
 

WILL I REPURCHASE:
No, I still have a LOT of setting powders to finish.

More pics (click to enlarge)

 

Ingredients list

Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder with Mary Kay Cheek Brush

Turn the sifter clockwise to open and counter clockwise to close. 

Swatch:

When blended.

Here's a photo of me wearing Mary Kay Translucent powder over BB cream + concealer on the undereyes.

For more info about Mary Kay, kindly visit their Facebook page:

 https://www.facebook.com/MaryKayPhilippines

Till next time, 

Something new: Clinique Introduces All about Shadow

 This October, Clinique also introduces its All About Shadow collection. Women want eye colour with pop that takes seconds to apply, but lasts all day without fading away. Get lavish lids with intense colour and long wear with Clinique’s All About Shadow and All About Shadow Primer for Eyes, a dramatic new offering that provides form and function and a rich colour payoff in a single stroke.

A luxurious new eye shadow in a rich creamy formula, All About Shadow delivers high-density pigment and intense colour payoff in a single smooth stroke with long-wearing benefits. Special Fusion Layering and Variable Milling technologies create a lush, creamy application that makes lids appear smoother while delivering rich, true-colour intensity.

 

A blend of good-for-your-skin ingredients including Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter and Vitamin E creates the ultimate creamy and silky powder texture. The smooth formula glides on easily and stays put throughout the day. To achieve eye shadow looks from day to night and natural to bold, All About Shadow is available in all finishes, from soft matte to high shimmer and a broad range of on-trend colours ranging from nudes, goldens and greens to pinks, blues and violets in singles, duos and quads for every age, skin tone and style in an inspiring palette of colours that wow.

 

To amp up eyes for hours and increase the wear of All About Shadow from eight to twelve hours, Clinique introduces All About Shadow Primer for Eyes featuring four shades to reach a broad range of skin tones and a doe foot wand applicator for easy application. The perfect first step for achieving eyes that dazzle, it significantly improves colour retention, reduces creasing and extends wear when applied under All About Shadow. For a more casual and natural look, it can be worn alone. Add intensity to any eye look with Clinique’s top-selling Quickliner for Eyes Intense. This ultimate eyeliner provides non-fading, long-wearing colour with a smooth, liquid-liner-like payoff that sets for 12 hours.  All of Clinique’s new eye makeup are ophthalmologist tested and safe to use on even the most sensitive skin and eyes.

Introduced in 1968, Clinique was the first ever dermatologist-created, prestige cosmetic brand. Today, the brand’s customized approach and quality products – all meticulously tested and carefully formulated with the latest science – have made Clinique one of the leading skin care authorities in the world. All makeup and skin care products are allergy-tested and 100% fragrance free.

For more info about Clinique, please visit their Facebook Page:
 https://www.facebook.com/CliniquePH

Till next time,

 

 Disclaimer: Photos and Info are owned by Clinique.