November 2015 Favorites (Skincare)


Hello Ladies!
It's been a while since I have posted a review of the skincare products that I am currently using and loving. That's why I've decided to do a round-up for you guys on my favorite products dedicated to skincare.


 Bifesta Cleansing Express Eye Makeup Remover - Php 300 (145 ml) at Watsons
The oil and water formula mixes together to quickly remove waterproof eye makeup without stinging the eyes. 

Sunkiller Perfect Water Essence Spf 50 - Php 499 (50 ml) at Watsons
It is non-sticky, lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin due to its unique watery gel texture. I love the cooling effect it gives, plus this product doesn't have the typical chemical scent compared to other sunscreens.


Mary Kay Skinvigorate Cleansing Brush - Php 2,190 via Mary Kay Beauty Consultants
I've been curious about cleansing brushes like Clarisonic, but I cannot justify the hefty price tag. Imagine paying Php 5-8k for a product that you are not even sure if it works for you right?! I'm glad I've found a cheaper alternative and at the same time works for me! I only use this once a week (nighttime) together with the Mary Kay Foaming Cleanser with MELA-CP (Php 785 for 100 ml). I immediately noticed that my skin looks radiant and glowing whenever I use this.

 BN Extreme Whitening Face and Body Soap - Php 180 (220 g) at BN Whitening Shop
This soap contains glutathione, rose hip, kojic acid and arbutin to exfoliate and lighten the skintone. This is my 3rd bar already and I am quite satisfied with the results. I only use it on my body because i find it a bit drying when used on the face.

BN Whitening Scar Cream - Php 168 (10g); Php 294 (20g); Php 525 (40g)
Hormonal imbalance and stress causes breakouts especially on the chin area. I use this cream to lighten and dry up my pimples, and usually would notice results 3-5 days after application.

Olay Natural White Hydrating Glow Toner - Php 299 (150 ml) at Watsons
I think my skin got immune already to the old toner I am using. My fashion blogger friend Sweet recommended it to me when I asked her what skincare products she's using. I did her makeup during their Giordano Bank on Basics shoot and I can't help but notice how glowing her skin looks. This toner is alcohol-free which I love and doesn't cause breakouts.
Physiogel AI Lotion- Php 560 (100 ml) at Watsons
This moisturising lotion is heaven sent for super sensitive skin like mine. Hypoallergenic, contains no colorants, perfume and preservatives. I only use this on my face 2x a week during nighttime to moisturise and hydrate my skin.
 

 Purederm Makeup Remover Wipes (Argan oil and Collagen variants) - Php 80 each at Watsons
These inexpensive makeup wipes removes my face makeup (BB Cream and powder) gently and effectively without drying my skin. Does not remove waterproof eye makeup.
The Argan oil variant restores hydration and softness, while the Collagen one is anti-aging. I have tried Nivea's makeup wipes, the Hydrating and Exfoliating ones but I like Purederm better coz it doesn't irritate my skin.

 Hope you enjoyed reading my skincare favorites. 
 
Till next time, 
 

Spend vs. Save : NARS Schiap Lipstick (Dupe Alert!)

Spend: NARS Lipstick in Schiap Php 1,450 
Save: Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick in 014 Sultry Samba Php 350

Schiap is described as a bright fuchsia pink shade.

TEXTURE & FINISH: 
 NARS has a semi-matte finish and has a creamier texture.
Revlon has a matte finish and is a bit drying when worn.


WEIGHT:
NARS - 3.4 grams
Revlon - 4.2 grams

Swatches
Nars Schiap | Revlon Sultry Samba | City Color Cosmetics Pucker Up

I included City Color on the swatch because obviously these babies look like sisters.

COLOR PAY-OFF:
Nars - offers medium to opaque coverage in one swipe.
Revlon - you need to swipe it 2-3x to get an opaque coverage.


STAYING POWER:
Honestly, Revlon is the most long lasting among the 3 brands with minimal fading when worn after 4-5 hrs. I highly recommend applying a lipbalm prior to lipstick application because of the semi-matte and matte textures.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
Though in the staying power game Revlon is the winner, but what I love about NARS is that it is very creamy upon application and dries to a matte finish. It still feels comfortable a few hours after application and doesn't dry out my lips compared to Revlon.



Till next time, 

BH Cosmetics Forever Nude Palette Swatches and Review

Product Description from BH Cosmetics:

Enchant them all with this timeless collection of sweet and tempting neutrals. The Forever Nude Eyeshadow, Blush and Lip Color Palette features 6 deluxe size eyeshadows in shimmer, satin and matte finishes along with 2 silky blushes and 2 creamy shades of lip color. Create endless looks that are sinfully soft and sexy by mixing and matching these glowing shades of NUDE! 
 Retails for $22 (about Php 1,000) 



 2 Blushers, 2 Lipcolors and a Highlighter

 Swatches
 BH Cosmetics Forever Nude Palette
2 blushers, highlighter, 2 lipcolor shades


  6 eyeshadow shades

The 3rd shade from the left is the only matte eyeshadow shade in this palette.
The salmony-pinkish color looks really pretty in person, a very popular shade for korean eye makeup looks. It is a nice transition shade or as an everyday lid color for fair skintones. 

TIP: 
For an everyday eye makeup look, use the 3rd shade on the lid, apply the darkest eggplant color and smudge on the upper lashline. Finally, apply the 4th shade on the browbone, cheekbones and cupids bow as highlight. Curl lashes and apply mascara.

 Ingredients list

OVERALL:

The two blusher shades included are really lovely and compliments any skintone. Reminds me of the popular NARS peachy blushes because of the "glow" it gives when applied.

I haven't tested the lipcolor shades yet so I cannot vouch for the staying power, but it is LOVE on the first swatch HAHA =D I'm excited to wear the nude-ish shade coz I am digging light colors lately.

I wish they added a matte dark brown/black color for contouring, but nevertheless this palette is awesome for the price. The Highlighter is a bit powdery and doesn't show up on my NC20 skintone, but you can use it as eyeshadow base before layering other colors.

Grab this palette at BH Cosmetics , it is now on sale for $8. If you're on a budget, I highly recommend this makeup palette.

Thank you Donabel for gifting me with this palette! XOXO

 Shout-out to my bestie Hollie of Random Beauty for my new blog banner and watermark.



Till next time, 

Fashion Styling Workshop at SM City Cebu Trade Hall


Forever in a day by Cuckoo Concepts and Cebu Fashion Bloggers present

Alexa Martin & Giselle Faye's Fashion Styling Workshop

Dressing for Different Body Types modelled by Cebu Fashion Bloggers

Hair and Makeup by yours truly and my bestie Hollie of Random Beauty


Happening later at SM City Cebu Trade Hall
September 5, 2015
5:00 - 7:00 pm

Registration is FREE. See you there!



Till next time, 




Swatches: MAC Studio Finish Concealer + concealer tips

Just a quick post of my FAVE concealer ever! 
Hands down to this product! It is opaque and lightweight at the same time. The formula is super pigmented that it can cover moles, birthmarks and blemishes. It is also enriched with anti-oxidants Vit. E and A and has SPF 35 for skin protection. It is priced at Php 1,000 each for 7 grams, but trust me this tiny pot will last you a long time.

This product is a must have in my kikay kit. As you can see I own three shades NC20, NC30 and NW25. I'll tell you in a bit on how I use the following shades.

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 concealer
NC20, NC30, NW25


 
I use the following brushes to apply concealer:
Ecotools flat synthetic brush from the 5 pc. set to highlight (browbone)
Ecotools Smudge brush from their Eye set (blemishes)
MAC 242 shader brush (undereyes)


NC20 -  I find that this shade is too light for my undereyes, so I use it as highlight instead under the brows. 

NC30 - to cover pimples and pimple marks. 

NW25 - is perfect as an undereye concealer. The peachy/salmon tone neutralizes and counteracts my purplish dark circles. Doesn't crease and stays put all day when set with my fave Ben Nye Luxury Banana Powder.

I found this helpful guide on Instagram on how to conceal dark undereye circles.



 You can also use the following brushes to apply concealer. 
The fluffy ones for an airbrushed effect, while the flat brush for more coverage.

ELF Eyeshadow Stipple brush (dupe for MAC 282SE) from Stipple Set
ELF Tapered Stipple brush (dupe for MAC 286SE) from Stipple Set
MAC 224 Blending brush (Php 2,000)
MAC 242 Shader brush (Php 1,600)

 Swatches
MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 concealer in NC20, NC30, NW25


What's your HG concealer? 
 

Till next time, 

Swatches : Too Faced Candy Bar Pop-Out Makeup Palette

Hellooooo guys!!!
I'm sorry I haven't been blogging these past few months, but don't worry I have so many (pending) reviews coming up and I can't wait to share them with you guys.
Hint: Happy Skin Cosmetics, City Color Cosmetics, Lorac Pro, Urban Decay Naked 3 and more *wink.. wink..*
 
So first up is this gorgeous palette from Too Faced Cosmetics that my friend Dona gave me a few months back. I've used this a couple times already and I super love it! It is travel friendly and you don't need to bring a separate palette coz' this baby has everything from light to dark eyeshadows (that can double as eyeliner), a gorgeous peachy-pink blush and a soft bronzer for vavavoom cheekbones.
Enough babbling, on to the pics and swatches =)
 
 Product Description from Too Faced:
Your makeup routine has been forever changed! Too Faced was the first to create an all-in-one pop-out makeup palette and iPhone case. Based off this editor-favorite, we’ve created a decadent new, limited edition iPhone 5 cover and makeup palette called Candy Bar. This chocolate bar inspired case includes a collection of 11 day-to-night shadows, a matte bronzer and a pop of pink blush.
Retails for $25. 







The bronzer can also double up as a nice crease/transition color.
The peachy-pink blush reminds me of NARS Torrid blush. I love it coz it is so pigmented, and suits almost all skintones. 



 Swatches
Too Faced Candy Bar Pop-Out Makeup Palette

Overall, this makeup palette is compact, travel-friendly, pigmented and has excellent color pay-off (except for the two highlight shades). 

Let me know that you think.


Till next time,