The Finer Things in Makeup

As my love for makeup grew, so did my collection. Soon enough my makeup drawer became a makeup table and as I ventured into the world of professional makeup artistry one lesson keeps coming back to me over and over again.

On that one fateful day in makeup class we were doing avant garde makeup which requires a lot of color, a lot of skill and a lot of creativity and taste. My very strict but highly skilled teacher looked over my shoulder to check my work. Eyebrows aside (cos he always notices mine is a little unidentical) he asked what brand eye shadows I were using. He said it wasn't my technique that was wrong for he had been watching me work and that it was my makeup product that lacked pigment. We took a stroll around class and he showed me the makeup products that were exemplary in terms of pigmentation. Then he stood in the middle of the room and made the announcement that would forever reverberate in my mind. "Don't skimp on your makeup products. You will not only be defined by what you do but by what you do it with." From then on, I never looked back.

I have nothing against affordable makeup products. I have reviewed quite a few in the past and still use some of them on myself. But when it comes to professional makeup, the price tag can serve as a good marker for the quality of products. High end brands don't price their products just because they can. The name of their company wasn't built in a day and the quality of their products isn't based on a hunch. Careful research and testing go into making the product and housing it in sturdy, reliable (also beautiful) containers. These are carefully though out, planned and executed much like how a drug is made. I want to offer the best for my clients because they pay to get a good experience not just a pretty face. Because one more thing we were taught in makeup school is that we should make makeup an enjoyable experience for our clients. It's not a job, it's an experience. So to provide experience you can't get just anywhere I have started to save up for the growth of my higher end products.

One of the products I've been eye-ing in the higher end category is the Guerlain Meteorite Pearls. This product alone can cost you a good Php 3,000.00. Not to mention it's not easily obtainable as you have to go to Rustan's Department Store to find Guerlain counters. Thus, I summoned the mighty power of eBay to which I was surprised there were actually 3 ads for the above mentioned product. Of course I picked the store with the cheapest amount which was only Php 2,300.00. Compared to the retail price at Rustan's I get to save Php 700.00 which could still fetch me at least 2 Inglot eye shadows. I immediately texted the owner to express my desire to purchase and Ms. Jona gladly arranged a meet up.

(I just want to take this time/space to promote the eBay store. They are very kind and accommodating ladies who sell high end products at much cheaper prices. They have cosmetics, high end bags and apparel and even a unit in Serendra for rent. Please do check them out here.)

The Guerlain Meteorite Pearls is probably one of the most talked about face powders on the internet.  Aside from it being a wonderful product, the packaging (and pricetag, I think) make it a collector's item especially with the different releases they produce each year.  If I'm being honest the reason I saved up my christmas money to buy this was so I could use it on my mother.  At the age of 55 she is very blessed to still have even skin tone (uneven skin tone being the first marker of aging skin according to studies).  Because of this it will be fairly easy to give her youthful glowing skin, without using too much highlighter or shimmery products, with the sheer luminescent finish of the Guerlain Meteorite Pearls.

The permanent line of Meteorite Pearls come in three shades - 01 Teint Rose, 02 Teint Beige, 03 Teint Dore.  My personal opinion, the teint rose is the most universal shade of the 3 as it gives a sheer translucent finish but still giving every skin tone that lit-from-within glow.

I need not discuss why there are other colors such as green, purple and yellow.  If you're out to buy this product and diligently doing your research beforehand you would have probably already stumbled on other blogs dissecting this product into full detail.  My purpose here is only to reinforce the claim of the majority satisfied with this product.  It is a ridiculously good buy because of the amount of product you get and the beauty of the packaging.  According to Guerlain, they are the unmatched authority in face powders and I am quite inclined to agree.  Though the scent (of violet) threw me off a bit, as it reminded me of my much older tita who also has a penchant for makeup, that didn't put a dent on the excellent overall performance of the product.  You may think you don't need it, but you will be very very very glad to have it.

Product Description

Ingredients

Bob's your uncle

Have it your way and it will be okay, that is.  That's what it means when you say it in Australia.  Now this is not a grammar or cultural lesson.  I just thought it would be a cute title for this post because yesterday I received my makeup goodies from the land down under.

On my other blog, I talked about a makeup swap for the holidays.  I was partnered with Emily Smith, a sweet blogger from Australia.  We had agreed on a budget of AUD50.00 which is roughly Php 2,500.00 for us Pinoys.  Yesterday, I received her package or rather I had to go to QC Central Post Office to receive her package.  Let me just say that the QC Central Post Office is a very sad place.  It was poorly kept and not suitable for working conditions or accepting Filipino taxpayers.  It actually broke my heart to see a government establishment look like that.  Made me think where exactly my taxes go.  Anyway...

I received a total of 9 items all of which, I think, are local Australian brands.  We had an exchange of email regarding things we like to shop for and things we would want to try from the opposite's country.  And I'm pretty satisfied with what she sent over.  I haven't tried any of these items yet though I have swatched some.  I guess you'll just have to stay tuned if you want to find out more about them.

1.  Bloom Full & Flirty Waterproof Fake Lash Mascara in Black

I had told her that I like shopping for mascaras and she said so does she.  I guess this is one she thinks I would like.  Upon opening the product to take pictures I found the mascara to be quite dry already.  Old stock?  Used?  Mishandled in Transit?  On a side note, this wasn't sealed either but it did come in a box.

2. Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Lipliner in Chique

This product claims to be waterproof and instead of a smudger at the other end you get what I think is a smaller version of a blending brush.  Pretty cool and different, I think.

3.  Australis Double Decker eyeshadow duo in Cosmic Rays

I've actually heard of this brand from other makeup gurus on youtube.  It's 2 eyeshadow formulas in one, you get a cream eyeshadow on the top and a loose powder eyeshadow at the bottom.  You've seen this packaging before, usually for loose foundation with concealer on top.  I absolutely love the rose gold color of the powder eyeshadow and can't wait to try it on.  I think the khaki gold cream eyeshadow on top would make a perfect base for the powder eyeshadow.  It might create a different color altogether, or at least a different underlying color.

4.  Australis Paparazzi perfect High Definition blush in Poser

not sealed, surface looks scratchy

if you look closely you will see an area where the marks or ridges of a new powder makeup do not appear

Sad to say but upon close inspection I found this product was used (just a little).  The fact that it wasn't sealed actually gave it away.  It doesn't come with a brush and the color is too dark for me to use as a blush.  However it works well as a contour so I guess I'll be scratching that off my need to buy list.  It has a bit of shimmer in the pan but on the cheeks it doesn't really show.  The pan is also huge at a net weight of 9g and I really like the colors of the sleek, sexy packaging.

5.  Savvy by DB lipstick in Pretty Pink

I had told Emily that I really like nude lipsticks but that I was willing to give pinks a try.  She, on the other hand, loves pink lipsticks.  So I succumbed to her authority in pink seeing as how she has had more experience with it than me.  The packaging is reminiscent of the Nyx lipsticks but the color of the packaging is a dark maroon which I think is very lovely and different from the usual black.  I found out that this cost about AUD4.99 and knowing how expensive makeup is in Australia this is a really good find.  Savvy by DB lipsticks are the Nyx lipsticks of Australia.

6. Face of Australia Lip Quench in Iced Almond

From what I gather Face of Australia is one of the pricier brands, correct me if I'm wrong seeing as I'm not from Australia.  I can't wait to try this because I specifically asked for a nude lipstick and she got me one that I think is the perfect shade.  This product claims to be a moisturizing lipstick with shea butter & jojoba oil and an spf of 30+.  The packaging feels quite heavy and looks rather big.  I hope it'll fit in my lipstick organizer.

7. Savvy by DB trio eyeshadow in Cafe Lattee

Honestly the first time I saw this I immediately thought of army fatigues.  It's quite a hug pan for eyeshadow so you get more of the three colors.  I'm not sure how I'm gonna wear the dark green shade but I'm glad I got it cos I don't think I have anything like it yet.

8. Bloom Organics Scented Soap in Fresh Citrus

I really like the whole packaging, the labels and colors and prints and stuff.  The scent is quite strong which smells more like leaves rather than the actual citrus fruit.  It's pretty small so I'm stashing this in my box of travel essentials.

9. Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment

Ah yes, the ever famous pawpaw ointment.  I must be clairvoyant cos I knew this would be part of the package.  I love this product and this is definitely one of those all around ointments.  Feel an itch?  Put some Pawpaw Ointment.  Got burned?  Put some Pawpaw Ointment.  Got Dry Lips?  Put some Pawpaw Ointment.  Hungry?  Eat some Pawpaw Ointment.  Kidding (although I did find a video on Youtube of a little girl actually eating this).  See?  All around! 

I'm really excited to try these products.  Emily, if you're reading this, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Hopefully, we can try this again some other time.  

On the other side of the spectrum, I will show you all what I got her.  I'm just waiting for the confirmation that she's already received the products.  

Want to try a makeup swap?  Send me an email and we'll work something out.

Joys of Christmas

Christmas has come to a close, though the cool breeze we feel at night suggest otherwise.  In remembering the past holiday I would like to share with all of you the blessings Christmas has brought - from overseas!

This post is picture-heavy and a somewhat preview to the things I will be reviewing.  Thank you to all my family and friends for this loot!

1. Physician's Formula Smoky Eyes Eyeshadow Palette

Thanks to my tita for this lovely present.  This palette comes in 9 colors with a redundant silver eyeshadow.  As it turns out, the silver eyeshadow is repetitive because it is the "smoky" factor in all the eye looks physician's formula recommends you to do with the palette.  It comes in a glossy cardboard packaging that is quite sturdy and compact.  I can't be sure but I think there are no magnetic closures or locks so this little baby might not be best to travel with, although for it's size some would think otherwise.

I've tried it out on one occasion, Christmas day, because my outfit was blue and I thought it had the perfect colors.  Upon application I found that color payoff was not so good. I had to foil the eyeshadow for the colors to show intensely.  I was quite dumbfounded since the palette claims it is used for smoky eyes because you cannot create smoky eyes if your eyeshadows lack intensity which this one does.  Nevertheless, I love the color selection and sheer finish and I don't mind foiling.  It's also very small that it's easy to tote anywhere.

2. Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush in Rose

I don't have much to say about this product as I have only used it once.  This product claims to boost your mood through it's smell because it contains endorphin.  Now I can't be too sure about that but the smell is lovely and the pretty hearts do make me want to smile.     

This blush also happens to be the second best blush according to totalbeauty.com beating a mac cream blush and a smashbox cheek color.  It comes with a brush, of the same color scheme, that actually feels soft on the face and deposits color quite well. 

3. Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Lipstick

Forgive the abused table on the background.  This lipstick gives a cool, pink color to the lips.  It is very moisturizing and long lasting and it smells as lovely as the blush.  One swipe is all you need to produce a beautiful pink color.  

 

not sure if you can see it but there is a little pink heart embossed on the center of the bullet

4. Essential Beauty Starter Kit Brush Set

This set includes 3 brushes - 1 powder/blush brush, 1 foundation brush and 1 flat eyeshadow brush.  As you can see from the picture the powder brush is brown-er than the others because I've been using it to apply my mineral foundation for everyday wear.  These brushes are super soft, I mean super soft!  My tita was even surprised to hear that I love them because they were a drugstore product in the states and she thought they would feel "cheap" to me.  

That's it for the makeup Christmas-y goodness.  Although my Christmas gifts from Australia did arrive but that's for another post as there are more makeup products in that package.  See you next time!

  

Product Review: 4U2 Dream Girl Love Pink Liquid Foundation

You've seen this before.  The pink stall in Watson's that sells makeup that looks like it's meant for high school teeny boppers who have pink pencil cases and pink wallets and pink everything.  At first look this brand never appealed to me as it looked like something my 7 year old cousin would go crazy for (she's into pinks and barbie's and princesses).  See, I'm not blessed with very clear non-oily porcelain skin.  I'm more the almost clear very oily morena skin.  So I need good coverage, good staying power and good "mattifying" power.  However, one day after reading a blog review on this product something urged me to try it for myself (my makeup-loving angel perhaps?) and so I did.  Now I'm pretty sure somewhere that angel is laughing at me right now for being judgmental.  This goes to show you can never judge a makeup by it's cover.

The 4U2 Dream Girl Love Pink Liquid Foundation comes in only 2 shades (bummer) - a light shade (#01) and a little less light shade (#02).  I say this because girls who are NC30 and above can make no use of this.  But to all my darker skinned girls, keep reading cos there's something in here for us too.

The first time I applied this I used a blending sponge and I found that it dries very quickly on me (probably because I do my makeup standing up and my face is right smack beside the a/c).  I got shade #02 by the way and still it was very very light on me, about 2-3 shades lighter, that's why I described it as a little less light.  However, I noticed that this foundation made my skin look flawless.  It didn't settle in my laughlines (Yes, I have those at the age of 25 and I'm proud of them.  We're all gonna have lines anyway might as well have the ones that show I've led a happy life.), it covered my blemishes and melted evenly into my skin.  At this point I thought, "It's a good foundation but not my color so I guess I'll give it to mom."  And then it enjoyed the perks of being a wallflower on my vanity table.

too light, right?

Fast forward to 2 weeks later I bought myself a loose powder mineral foundation from Ellana Minerals which was the perfect shade for me.  This became my everyday foundation though the staying power is quite week at 3 hours and the coverage only a medium.  Then I had a thought...

One Sunday I dusted off the 4U2 DGLP Liquid Foundation and applied it with a stippling brush.  This product was very hard to stipple because, again, it dries quickly on me.  So what happened was I would stipple a little and then sweep, and then stipple a little again and then sweep until I get the even-ness I wanted.  Then... (this is for the NC30 and up girls) I brushed my mineral foundation over the liquid foundation after it had dried and found that this pairing worked beautifully.  The liquid foundation "ate up" my mineral foundation and everything was set.  There was also something different to how this pairing made my face look.  Normally, when I dust the mineral foundation on my face the shade was a perfect match but my face looked dark and a little unhealthy.  But when I used the mineral foundation with the liquid foundation from 4U2 there was a glow on my face coming from within and the finish looked very flawless and smooth.  The shade was still a match but there was something lighter about the color of it.  Now it doesn't stop there.  Sunday is the busiest day of the week for my family so I needed my makeup to last all day.  I did this makeup at 8:00 in the morning and at 10:00 pm it was still there.  I blotted occasionally but never retouched.  The color did not fade and I think the liquid and mineral foundation even did something to the oil and sweat on my face.  You see, when I sweat and oil up they usually come out as tiny globs on my nose (my own morning dew) but on that Sunday there were no globs just a very thin oily layer on my nose which I blotted with a blotting paper and even that didn't remove the foundationS.

hello zit!

goodbye zit!

And so the 4U2 Dream Girl Love Pink Liquid Foundation and the Ellana Minerals Pure Blend Loose Powder Mineral Foundation lived happily ever after (What is it with companies and the really long names?  It's kinda tiring to type, ya know?).  Seriously though, this has been my foundation routine every Sunday for when I need to amp up my beauty routine and people have told me I look blooming and that the makeup looks nice (you think that's a compliment?  I think it is).

Ever bought a foundation that's just not a perfect match?  Don't send it to the garbage bin just yet.  Try setting it with a darker/lighter powder foundation.  You might just find your perfect pair like I did.

Product Review: Snoe Shoo Zit Daily Maintenance Acne Fading Gel

Happy New Year everyone!  I know you all had wonderful celebrations filled with food especially because we all survived the "Mayan calendar ending" apocalypse.

Today we have the Snoe Shoo Zit Don't Bother Me Spot On Spot Off Daily Maintenance Acne Fading Gel with Purefix-DC & Purewhite.  (pause for deep breath)  That was a mouthful although the products performance, for me atleast, really isn't.  It took me a month to test this out and here are my findings.

According to the website:



When you take a hit back, hit em good and hard! Spot on, Spot off is the best revenge on ugly marks that pimples leave behind. 50ml P399

SHOOZIT’s Spot On, Spot Off is an acne-fighting treatment gel that controls breakouts, unclogs pores, and restores clarity. It helps eliminate surface bacteria and gently exfoliates to control breakouts, unclog pores, and stimulate cell turnover. This unique formula helps fade unwanted discoloration caused by breakouts, improving skin clarity.

Contains:
Crown Wood Fern - a traditional herbal medicine from Korea that inhibits acne bacteria. It will stop inflammation and also acts as an anti-oxidant.
PUREWHITE - a natural whitening and brightening agent. Studies show that it is more effective than arbutin in lightening spots.
Directions: Every day after cleansing and toning with other SHOOZIT products, massage a thin layer over face and neck or spots. For optimal results, use underneath SHOOZIT’s Dip and Dry or Buff the Magic Tonic at night time or during day time. Follow with recommended SNOE BEAUTY’s SPF products.

The bottle is housed in a cute packaging in a pump bottle which I find very easy to control.  There is absolutely no wastage as the product dispensed is directly proportional to the amount of effort you exert in squeezing it out.  Words cannot say how much I love the pump bottle's dispensing capabilities.  It helps to save the product and prevents contamination.  You have to try it for yourself to see what I mean.

As the name suggests, the product is in unscented gel form which I find took quite a while to dry on my face.  I had to wake up 10 mins earlier than usual because I had to adjust the time of my makeup routine.  My room is air-conditioned and even in the cool environment it still took 5 mins for the gel to completely dry on my face (I put the gel on before my moisturizer that's why I had to wait for it to dry).  Another thing I regret to inform is that the product didn't work as stellar for me as compared with other bloggers.  I used this day on night on my acne blemishes and even put some on my fresh live pimples (I had 2).  One pimple responded quite well, the other was more resistant.  My acne blemishes did not show any signs of improvement until after 6 weeks.     On the 5th week of trying this out, I took a trip to the dermatologist and had my regular facial.  No skin peels or masks, just regular prick and deep cleanse.  After the facial and about 5.5 weeks of using the product, my blemishes were gone except for that one resistant pimple.  (I just really hope I can attribute the "clear-ness" of my skin to the combination of the facial and using the Shoo Zit)

I love Snoe products to pieces but as for this acne fading gel, there are probably better ones in the market.  But don't let me stop you from trying out for yourself.  It might work for you as it did for others.  And for an affordable price of Php 399.00 for a 50mL bottle it's very easy to give this a try.

Snoe Shoo Zit Don't Bother Me Spot On Spot Off Daily Maintenance Acne Fading Gel with Purefix-DC & Purewhite was purchased (by me) at Landmark Trinoma in the Snoe stall for Php 399.00.