Lancome UV EXPERT GN-SHIELD BB Base SPF 50

This is my HG BB Base for several reasons:

1.       The SPF 50 provides the strongest protection against the harsh rays of the sun, so when I’m wearing this I don’t really worry about going out midday.

2.       The light tint is perfect for those days when I don’t wanna slather too much product on my face.

3.       It doesn’t feel greasy and doesn’t oil me up compared to the Lancome UV Expert DNA Shield SPF 50 that I used before.

For days when I want some luminosity, I mix a bit of my MAC Strobe Cream into this. The effect is dewy, luminous skin! The consistency is a bit on the watery side, much like any sunscreens. It is easy to blend, and though it may at first leave a grayish cast; I find that after a while, it blends with my skin tone. For light make-up days, I use only this and pat Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder and I’m good to go. 

For days when I want fuller coverage, I use this under my Anna Sui Protective Powder Foundation or MAC Studio Fix Powder+Foundation. Since the formula is light, it doesn't feel heavy on my face even if I put on powder foundation on top. I usually do not use this BB Base under liquid foundation as I feel uncomfortable layering it with another liquid.

Has a bit of a greyish cast

Perfect for ladies who want high sun protection and a bit of coverage!

Available in 30ml tube

You can get this from any of the Lancome counters in Rustan's.

Kanebo Coffret D'or Haul

Bejeweled Compact Case, Silky Lasting Base UV, and Silk F Pact UV

Got my Coffret D'or loot! Can't wait to road test these!

Coffret D'or Silk F Pact UV (Long Keep)

What a pretty compact case!

Got this in OC-C Shade

Finally! Got my full-sized Coffret D'or Powder Foundation! Can't wait to try it out... As I have mentioned in my previous review, this powder foundation promises to be "the one." I have tried the generous sample I got a before, and I was very happy with the results! Now, I can't wait to try this full size! The sample I got was in a different shade though (OC-B); this full sized one is in OC-C. Coffret D'or foundations come in Ochre and Beige tones; the Ochre tones have a slightly pink tinge while the Beige tones have, well, beige tinge...

Will update this post after a few weeks of use :-)

Samourai Woman "One Love"

Aside from cosmetics, my other passion is fragrance. I think my love affair with perfume started way back in elementary; I remember how I used to sniff and try out my mother’s perfume (Her favorite that time was Estee Lauder’s Beautiful) and my grandmother’s as well (Hers was, still is actually, Tea Rose). From the time my mom allowed me to wear perfume, I have never left the house without any fragrance on. Somehow, I feel incomplete without it. I remember fondly how my high school classmates used to joke that they knew I was approaching because they could smell me from a mile away!

Over the years, I have tried quite a lot, from floral to fruity to powdery to sexy. One of my current favorites is from BFF Mayumi; she gave it to me about a year ago, but it has only been recently that I started using it. 

The name of the perfume is Samourai Woman One Love. I think the “One Love” is the name of this perfume, and it belongs to the Samourai Woman line of fragrances. I thought at first that it is Japanese made, but it turns out that the perfume is made in France.

Simple, but cute! There are some crystal beads inside the bottle...

It comes in a cute 40ml bottle; the bottle is transparent, and the liquid inside has a tinge of pink. When I got this, it didn’t have a box; but I think that originally it comes boxed. (I guess Mayu removed it, so it wouldn’t be bulky in her luggage.)

As for the smell, it is more on the fresh, after shower kind. Actually, when I first sprayed it, it immediately reminded me of Dolce and Gabbana’s Light Blue. The scent of both is similar, yet One Love’s scent smells fresher and crispier.

My husband definitely loves this scent; he told me that this is one of his most favorite among my perfumes. In fact, several times I caught him spritzing it on!

Overall, this is definitely one of my favorites! Sadly, this is not available in the local market, so I’ve been saving what’s left of mine for special occasions. Hehe!

Holika Holika's Magic Pole Mascara

I’m not usually a fan of mascaras because no matter which brand I try, I inevitably end up looking like a raccoon. Blame it on my oily skin or the humid weather, but no formula has worked on me…Until Holika Holika’s Magic Pole Mascara!

I got this mascara along with the Pore Magic Cover Mousse Starter (whew!) as a present from my Korean friend. I was intrigued by the “pole” at the end of the wand, and thankfully, the box of the mascara had illustrations on how to use the pole. I was very skeptical at first since all the other mascaras I’ve tried such as Lancome’s Hypnose, and Estee Lauder’s More than Mascara have failed me.  I decided to give the Magic Pole a try since my friend told me it was a “hot” item in Korea. So with fingers crossed, I curled my lashes with my trusty Shiseido lash curler and applied one coat of the Magic Pole mascara. I followed the directions in the illustrations carefully and used the “pole” to brush the tips of my lashes. 

Lo and Behold!

The first thing I loved about it is the way the “pole” seemed to magically extend my lashes. Two coats after, my lashes were lush and fan like! I actually looked like I had on falsies! (Might be a bit of an exaggeration, but since I don’t normally wear mascara; I was astounded by the effect!)

Next, I anxiously awaited the inevitable raccoon eyes…Yet, hours later, my under eye area remained clean. Still a few more hours later, no sign of dark circles! Finally, I had to admit; this mascara is a winner! I remained smudge-free the rest of the day!

Last, I wanted to see whether the smudge-free formula would be hard to remove like the other long last formulas I’ve tried before. To wash it off, I used my Shu Uemura cleansing oil; it was enough to remove all traces of the mascara. My eyelashes didn’t have any leftover clumps of mascara. So on top of being smudge proof, it is also easy to remove. Now that’s what I call MAGIC!

Bare lashes

Uncurled and without mascara

Curled lashes

Uncurled

With Magic Pole Mascara~ Notice how you can't tell the difference between the two? Although I curled my lashes on the right eye, and I left the left eyelashes untouched; with Magic Pole mascara, you won't be able to tell the difference!

Such pretty colors! One of the things I love about Holika Holika is their color motif!

8 hours after applying Magic Pole. Look, Ma, no smudges!

Kanebo's Coffret D'or Silky F Pact UV

Oh MyGosh! I think I might have found my Holy Grail powder foundation…foundation period.

So my BFF Mayumi got me this sample from her recent trip to Japan (she never fails to get me samples, bless her soul!), and when I tried it; I just fell in love! I just cannot stop raving about this! It’s perfect! It’s magic! It’s the stuff of dreams!

Ok, without further ado…Kanebo’s Coffret D’or Silky F Pact UV Longkeep (I know, I know…seriously that’s the name! I spent hours on the web looking for it since the sample didn’t have any English transalation.)

Anyway, never mind the baffling name…This powder foundation seriously rocks! I got this sample together with the base/primer (aren’t the Japanese generous with their samples?)

This shade is BE-C; it's perfect for me! for reference, I'm nc30-35 in MAC.

The Sample for the base came in  a small pack though...

I immediately tried the combo after I got them. I put on the base, and immediately I felt a tightening sensation. A minute after application, I felt my skin become smooth and soft and matte. I applied the powder foundation all over, and I could see an almost airbrushed finish to my complexion. I was on cloud nine!

Hours later, lo and behold…1^st, the foundation didn’t oxidize on my acidic skin, 2^nd there was no hint of shine on my T-zone, and 3^rd, I still had that same airbrushed look I had when I left the house! And this was in the middle of summer! (Last April).

Sadly, I’ve almost finished the sample…and since the sample of the base was quite little, I was only able to try it twice. I didn’t have the chance to try it out with other powder foundations and see if it works just as well.

But! My BFF Mayumi will be going to Japan at the end of the month, so I’ll be getting the full sized products soon! Yey! I just hope that they still have this product. Japanese companies such as Kanebo are known for releasing limited edition stuff that they replace regularly (grrr…).

I guess the point is not to gat too attached to their products??? Go figure Japanese sense! I tried to purchase this from the Kanebo counter in Rustan’s, but I was told that the Coffret D’or line has been discontinued. So I’m really hoping that Mayumi will be able to still find my new found HG, otherwise; I’m back to square one in my quest for the perfect foundation!

Will update this post as soon as I get (hopefully) the full sized powder and base!

Chanel Rogue Coco Shine in Effrontee

Last month, I got a new Chanel lippie from the Summer Collection of Rogue Coco Shine.

Color: 72 Effrontee  (googled it up; the English meaning is “cheeky”)

Effrontee is a soft rose pink that, i think, will flatter most complexions.

As with all Chanel products, this one comes in an elegant rectangular lipstick case with the logo of Chanel prominently embossed on the cap. One word: luxury!

I think this more of a glossy type of lip color because the coverage is sheer and very light. The description from the Chanel official website says:

ROUGE COCO SHINE makes an irresistible desire for lightness flit over your makeup. With its mischievous touch, it glides over lips with all the charm and freshness of a snapshot.

As melt-away as a balm, its lip-embracing texture becomes fluid on contact with the lips and provides a stunning wet effect with natural shine. Deliciously fresh and tender, it delivers an unforgettable sensation of well-being.

Lips are enveloped in the incomparable comfort of continuous 8-hour-long hydration thanks to the Hydratender complex, the secret of softness of the ROUGE COCO range.

Sparkling with vitality, your smile takes on sheer colour, from candid beige to tangy red.
ROUGE COCO SHINE comes in 18 shades infused with luminosity so that your smile adapts to every emotion and desire of each day.
From her first successes to magical encounters, their names tell the story of Coco Chanel at the dawn of her destiny.

I usually go for full coverage when it comes to lipstick since I hate having to constantly retouch, but I love the feeling of this lip shine. It glides on smoothly, and makes my lips feel softer and moisturized. I use this with my HG lip liner, MAC in Spice. The result is soft, glossy nude-y pink. Perfection!

Overall, I give Rogue Coco Shine two thumbs up!

LOVE:

-makes my lips feel soft and smooth

- has a pleasant scent

- love the glossy finish it imparts

HATE:

- staying power is low since as I've said, the formula is more on the gloss/balm side.

Availability:

Rustan’s  

My Chanel Loot!

My Chanel Loot: Mystic Eyes Quad, Le Sourcil De Chanel(Brow Kit), Pressed Powder, Rouge Coco Shine, Glossimer in Scintillance Twinkle, Stylo Eyeliner Liquide in Brun, and Stylo Yeux in Gris

My precious...

Chanel Les 4 Ombres in Mystic Eyes

For my birthday, I got the best present: Chanel Les Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in 14 Mystic Eyes!

My friend said this is from the Winter Collection of Chanel; the quad contains a light pink shade, a shimmery gray, a metallic dark brown, and a light bronzy brown. 

Chanel being Chanel, I can say that this is by far the best eye shadow I’ve tried. The colors are so vivid and the shadow’s pigmented so a light sweep will surely give you intense color.

I love the shimmery gray as it’s perfect paired with my Lancome Artliner in Noir, while the light pink shade is perfect with my Chanel Stylo Liquid Eye-Liner in Brun.

Description from the website says:

"One essential compact offers unlimited eye looks, with shade combinations that range from matte to satin to shimmer. Versatile smudge-proof formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour, all with long-wearing results -- in even extreme climates. Dermatologist tested."

I just love how the shadow glides smoothly, and the staying power is simply amazing! No fading or creasing. This one definitely makes my HG list!

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks in Bronze

SHIMMER BRICKS

Over the years I have tried many different bronzers in my quest to achieve what I fondly call, “the J.Lo glow.” I think Jennifer Lopez epitomizes that lit from within look with the glow she always seems to sport. Though Bobbi Brown launched her Shimmer Bricks Collection a while back, it was only recently that I decided to splurge and try it.

I got the Shimmer Brick in Bronze as the MUA recommended it for my medium skin tone.  I must say that this one is definitely a keeper and well worth the money! I love how I can use the individual bricks as shimmer eye shadow and highlighter, and then run my kabuki brush through all the bricks to give my skin a bronzy sun-kissed glow! I have even taken to using it in place of a blush! How cool!

Because the Shimmer Bricks come in powder form, they are much easier to use than cream bronzers. I had to be careful with cream bronzers before lest I end up looking like a bronze statue! With Shimmer Bricks, a light application ensures a natural looking glow. Love, Love, Love!

Love:

-          The ease of application

-          The subtle glow it gives

-          You can use it as eye shadow, highlighter, and bronzer! Three products in one!

Hate:

-          Well, since it’s Bobbi Brown, the price is a bit steep. (But I think this will last a looooooong time, so that kinda offsets the price!)

Try this one out, ladies! It’s summer so it’ll be the perfect product to showcase your golden goddess vibe!

Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Gel

Like most ladies out there, I’m also plagued by the annoying oily T-zone. I guess the Philippines’ hot weather also is to blame for this problem. So of course I’ve been on the lookout for a product that will banish or at least reduce the shine that comes out few hours after I put on my make-up. I started googling up products that could help me, and I found a few that I’d love to try. I was intrigued with Benefit’s Porefessional (which promises to minimize the look of pores and reduce oil), MAC’s Matte Cream and Clinique’s PorePerfector to name a few. I had narrowed down my choice to Benefit’s and MAC’s when I came across Urban Decay’s De-Slick Mattifying Gel on line. I decided to get this one instead mainly because it was being offered in a travel size. This is perfect as I wanted to road test it before actually getting a full-sized one (the same goes for Benefit’s Porefessional and MAC’s Matte Cream, though I’ve no hope of getting a travel sized MAC Matte as MAC rarely comes out with travel sized versions of their products)

According to the Urban Decay website, this product is

"A  lightweight gel that keeps skin matte and oil free. De-Slick in a Tube provides oil control and oil-absorbing action in an easy-to-use formula. The gel is completely color-neutral, so it works great on naked skin, under foundation, or over makeup. It's formulated to help tighten your pores for a youthful, shine-free finish. It's a great compact-free alternative to stay shine-free day or night!"

I was so happy to when I got this especially since the product comes in a perfect mini-sized version of the original packaging! It comes in a tiny 5ml tube complete with box in Urban Decay’s signature lavender color (cuteness!).  

how cute is this! seriously! and it's the perfect size for your make-up kit!

But, I am even happier now, nay ecstatic, because the product is a miracle!!! I squeeze a tiny amount on my fingers and rub it, then gently pat it over my made up face (T-zone mostly). Immediately after the application, I can feel a slight tightening. My cheeks feel super smooth and matte, and they stay that way all throughout the day! I put it on say, around 10am, and it keeps the oilies at bay til around 3pm! How cool is that?! I don’t have to use blotting papers every hour anymore, though I still pat some powder around noon.

An important thing to remember is that this is NOT a primer! Don’t use it under foundation; it’s meant to be used over NOT under make up.

LOVE:

-          Lightweight

-          Keeps oil away

-          Makes my face shine-free

HATE:

-          Not available locally

-           A bit on the expensive side (retails for $28 for the full-sized tube)

-          Must be applied with a light hand; too much can leave a whitish residue

t

This product seriously rocks!  buh-bye oiliness, hello smoothness! 

Mac Prep + Prime Highlighter in Bright Forecast

A few weeks ago, I visited the MAC store in Glorietta to get a bottle of Studio Fix fluid foundation.  I’ve been using the Studio Fix Powder+Foundation, but I wanted to try the liquid as I’m currently in the quest for my Holy Grail liquid foundie. Anyway, the make-up artist (who was very nice, by the way. A breath of fresh air from the other snooty MUAs), recommended this product when she heard me complain of the dark circles I have. She said my circles weren’t so dark, and that I would probably benefit from a highlighter worn on top of my concealer. She tried on this product on me, and it was love, love,love!

I could immediately see the difference! Although my Studio Fix concealer ‘s doing a good job in covering my dark circles and the broken capillaries I have, it wasn’t giving me the brightness that I wanted. Well, this highlighter certainly does! I wanted to get the highlighter then and there, but decided to wait and do a little bit more research.  I didn’t wanna buy it on impulse and later regret it.

Anyway, this is the official description on MAC’s official website:

A pen-style highlighter that efficiently brings a soft sheer wash of colour to the skin. With its precision application, adds radiance just where you want it. Goes on smoothly for cushion-soft wear. Use over makeup for highlights, touch-ups or under makeup to brighten and prime.

The highlighters come in three shades :

 Radiant Rose is a light shell pink color. This is great for very fair skinned ladies.

 Light Boost is a soft creamy pale yellow great for lighter skinned girls. It will give slight coverage and a brightening effect.

 Bright Forecast is described as a mid-tone peachy coral. I think this is the best for Filipina skin because of the peach tint; it works great on skin tones which have warmer or darker tones.

So a few weeks after I first tried the highlighter, and after reading all the reviews on it (hehehe), I finally caved in and bought my very own! I got the Bright Forecast for my NC30 skintone. I’ve been using it for about a week now, and I must say…NO REGRETS! This highlighter truly delivers! I even tried it out on its own as a concealer, and it worked fine. The dark circles under my eyes are noticeably covered and over all, the areas where I dab this little baby on become brightened without being too shimmery. LOVE,LOVE,LOVE!  

 

LOVE:

-          Doesn’t settle into fine lines

-          Dries into a soft, matte finish

-          Looks natural

-          Brightens the undereye subtly

HATE:

-          The packaging! The click pen type brush pen is nice, but it’s so hard to control the amount of product that comes out.

-          You need to click and click and click before the product comes out, then you end up with way more than you need.

-          Size. For the cash you have to shell out, you won’t be getting much (only 3.6 ml)

after many clicks, too much product tends to come out. :(

 Oh well, you only need a little product at a time so I guess 3.6 ml will last long (I hope!)

So, there you have it. My new best friend – bright forecast! I recommend this to girls who don’t need a lot of coverage and who just want to brighten some areas on their face.  

Product Details:

Name: MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter in Bright Boost

Price: 1350.00 pesos at MAC counters 

MAC Prep and Prime Skin Base Visage

I thought it fitting to start my blog by sharing my take on one of more recent purchases: MAC Prep and Prime Skin Base Visage. I’ve recently decided to renew my love affair with MAC, a love affair which started way back in high school, and what better way to rebuild our relationship than to try this primer.

I must admit that primers haven’t really been a staple in my make-up kit. My first encounter with one was a while back; a friend gave me a set of Fresh Minerals make-up for my wedding, and it included a bottle of primer. I wasn’t really crazy about the Fresh primer because I felt it made my face oily; it did however, make foundation application much easier, and my skin felt super soft and smooth… I digress, going back to MAC Prep and Prime… Prior to buying it, I did a little (ok, a lot of) research on its pros and cons. Some reviews raved about the product whilst others ranted about it. Well, so far, so good...

 According to the product description, MAC Prep and Prime Skin Base Visage is an ultra-fluid lotion formulated with special-effect silicones. Calms and soothes the skin, blots away excess oil, and evens out skin redness. Improves the laydown and application of foundation or powder

The primer is pearly white with tiny flecks of glitter. I use only the quarter of the size of a pea, and it’s enough for my entire face. It’s supposed to be put on after your moisturizer but I go without the moisturizer in the morning as it feels sticky in our hot weather.  

One thing’s for sure though, it does make applying foundation a breeze! I started using the primer with my MAC Studio Fix Powder + Foundation, and I loved how the powder seemed to glide on smoothly. What’s more, there were no rough patches or uneven areas after application. The foundation lasted longer, I didn’t have to retouch quite as often as I did without the primer. I also noticed that my T-zone (which is the bane of my make-up existence) stayed matte; I normally get shiny/oily few hours after putting on make-up. However, I find that the primer doesn’t mattify me as much when used with my MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 L though I haven’t noticed any major oil secretion, I just don’t feel as matte as when I use it with the powder. Then again, it’s probably the type of foundation and not the primer itself.

Over all, I think MAC Prep and Prime Skin Base Visage is a good buy. It makes my skin feel smooth and soft, and it prevents foundation from caking. With this product, I can say that I am officially a primer believer!