Un-freakin-believable!

I was checking my emails a few minutes ago and I cannot believe my eyes when I saw an email from a person I do not know. Let's just call this person "UNSUB" (unknown subject) since I love Criminal Minds. The email was outrageous and really had me raise an eyebrow and seriously made my jaw drop. I was really contemplating on whether or not I should post about it but then I really want to answer that email and raise a few points as well. I just took screenshots of my mailbox so I can show you exactly what's in the mail. Just click on the pictures to enlarge them.

I had to blur the other emails for privacy. Excerpts from the email underlined and in bold and my response in bold and red.


"I CAME ACROSS YOUR BLOG WHEN I WAS LOOKING FOR REVIEWS FOR CERTAIN MAKEUPS. i CAOULDN'T HELP MYSELF BY SENDING YOU AN EMAIL BECAUSE I THINK YOU ARE ONE STUPID BITHC JUST LIKE ALL BEAUTY BLOGGERS."

- First of all, thank you for dropping by my blog. Back on topic - beauty bloggers are not stupid. It takes a lot of time to come up with just a single post and anything on that post has to be well thought of. Therefore, beauty bloggers utilize their pretty brains to think. And STUPID is a mean word. I firmly believe that this is a tight knit community full of beautiful people who only see the beauty in another person. I think you did not actually take the time reading all the blogs you have visited because if you have, you will, at one point or another see that our world do not revolve around makeup alone.

"TO BE HONEST I WANTED TO NOT THINK OF YOU AS A STUPID PERSON BECAUYSE YOU WRITE WELL AND IT SEEM LIKE YOU ARE EDUCATED BECAUSE YOU ALMOST HAVE PERFECT GRAMMAR. BUT AFTER READING ALL YOUR BLOGS, I NOW THINK YOU ARE JUST SHALLOW JUST LIKE OTHER BLOGGERS, BRAGGING ABOUT HOW MUCH MONEY THEY WASTE ON MAKEUP, EXPENSIVE ONES. REALLY WHAT GOOD DO YOU GET FROM FLAUNTING THOSE BRANDED MAKEUPS YOU HAVE AND EVEN COMPLAINING ABOUT HOW THEY DO NOT WORK FOR YOU? WASTING YOUR MONEY ON SOMETHING THAT YOU DON'T LIKE IS JUST STUPID."

- Wow, thanks for trying to not think of me as a stupid individual and for telling me that I write well. Compliment taken. :) Alright, I have never mentioned my income in any of my posts and so far, I have not encountered any blog telling people how much money they earn. In some cultures, talking about a person's income is taboo. I absolutely have no idea how much other beauty bloggers earn and it has never crossed my mind to disclose and share to the rest of the world my income so to simply assume that we waste a lot of money on makeup is not fair at all. And besides, not all beauty bloggers use high end makeups. You mentioned that you are looking for reviews of makeups and that means you most likely use makeup too. And if you do, that would mean you know that there are inexpensive makeup, both local and drugstore. Whether or not a person uses expensive or inexpensive makeup, that is a matter of personal preference. As they say, to each his own. While I and other bloggers are guilty of complaining about certain products, I only think it is completely natural for someone to complain about something that gave him/her bad effects at least once in his/her life. If you have NEVER, at any point complained about something, even as simple as how hot or cold the weather is, how bad the traffic is, I don't think you are human at all. Of course, you can just as easily rely on other people's reviews but then if something gave someone else a positive result, there is no guarantee that it will also work for you. That's why there are disclaimers on most, if not all, blogs. And the only way for you to know if a product will work for you or not is to try it out and see for yourself.

"THAT'S HOW I CAME TO THE ANALYSIS THAT YOU ARE A STUPID BITCH THAT IS ONE OF THE SUPERFICIAL AND VAIN STUPID PEOPLE ON THE WEB."

- Ouch! That hurts because I am guilty of being vain but only to a certain extent and most of all, that does not necessarily mean that's all there is to me. After all, vanity is my favorite sin. But that does not necessarily mean I am stupid. If I am as stupid as you think I am, I would probably be crying my eyes out for receiving this nasty email of yours and never ever be heard from in the blogsphere again. But no. I will continue what I am doing because I like it. I have met people who share the same passion and interests and really, beauty bloggers (and other bloggers in general) are seriously a bunch of people that are beautiful both on the outside and inside.

"DON'T YOU HAVE OTHER THINGS TO DO IN LIFE AND IS THIS ACTUALLY WHAT YOUR PARENTS RAISED YOU FOR? I SOUND MEAN BUT SOMEONE HAS TO SHED LIGHT ON YOU AND TELL YOU TO STOP THIS STUPIDITY WHILE YOU STILL CAN AND JUST WRITE ABOUT OTHER THINGS THAT CAN ACTUALLY BE OF USE TO THE WHOLE WORLD. WAKE UP CALL, BABY. SAYANG KA."

- No, my parents did not raise me up thinking that I will do beauty blogging as a profession. I do other things in life. I write things other than beauty-related stuff and that is what I do for a living. While I appreciate your "intent" to give me a wake up call, this kind of email is totally uncalled for and is outright rude and nasty. Well, product reviews from beauty bloggers are useful, yes! Especially to those who are starting out with makeup. What's wrong with wanting to look presentable? Check out MakeUpAlley where there are tons and tons of reviews that are useful to consumers.

I am wide awake, BABY! And please, if you have nothing nice to say to a person, might as well just zip it! Between the two of us, I think you are more sayang than I am because you actually call people stupid without knowing anything about them and more so, you took the time to send me a mean email. Happy holidays! :)

Whew! That was long. These are all I have to say to you, Mr./Ms. Stupidpeoplebuster!

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Product Review: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine

NARS is known for the shocking shade names of their products like Orgasm, Super Orgasm, Deep Throat, Torrid, Sex Appeal, etc and I thought they named only their blushes that way but boy I was wrong. I got the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine which is, well, a lip product. I was kinda excited to try it because I read somewhere that though it is labeled as matte, it isn't as drying as others. I've had this since May this year and I guess it's time to review it.

 

What I like:
- It glides on smoothly on the lips.
- Pretty old rose-like shade.
- A little goes a long way.
- Smells nice, like cocoa butter or chocolate.
- Locally available at NARS Counters at Rustan's Department Stores.

What I don't like:
- Drying and makes my lips flaky and also emphasized the lines on my lips.
- While I find the shade lovely, it makes me look old. Seriously, it does a good job doing that. A guy friend once told me that I looked older and asked what the heck I did with myself. After dinner, this product was gone and he suddenly blurted out that it is this lip product that made me look old. I honestly trust men's opinion on what looks good on a girl or not. I think they have a more critical eye when it comes to that.
- Expensive for a lip pencil.

Overall rating: 2/5   I really hate matte lip products. Every single time I try this, my lips get dry and really flaky. This just smells really nice and applies smoothly as compared to others. 

Will I buy again? Not in a million years. I have found a cheaper and better alternative to this and that is the Palladio Herbal Lip Slix in Rosewood. Glossy for a lip pencil and relatively cheaper too. I mean I can buy 3 of these with just the price of one NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. But then, NARS is still NARS though that doesn't mean I don't have the license to dislike any of their products.But I know that this works for other people so it is basically a matter of personal preference.

Swatch

Lip swatch

Have you tried this lip product? Do you like it?

Happy Tuesday, super awesome peeps! :P
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FOTD: Shining Shimmering Splendid Eyes and Kryolan Dermacolor Camouflage Creme as Foundation

Earlier, I was checking out the Kryolan website and I found out that the Dermacolor Camouflage Creme is a cream foundation. It's like a concealer foundation so I decided to try it out on my whole face since I have been using it only as a concealer. It's basically just like the Kryolan TV Paint Stick, only in a pot with a better shade match. Then I applied eyeshadow as well since I decided to completely play with makeup. Here's what I came up with:

This is my favorite shot but it's blurry. Don't you just hate it when your favorite picture in the bunch is blurry? :(

Mentholatum Lip Ice Sheer Color topped with Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in BG 949

For some reason, I woke up with an old school line on my mind - Punks not Dead - and tried to act like that but it's an epic fail.

The stuff I used:
- Celeteque Facial Moisturizer
- Kryolan Dermacolor Camouflage Creme in D2
- Kryolan Anti Shine Powder
- ELF Studio Line Eyebrow Kit in Light
- ELF Studio Line Eyeshadow Single in Mystic Moss
- Purple Generic Eyeshadow Quad from Saizen
- Maybelline Gel Liner in Black
- Stila Major Lash Mascara
- Shu Uemura Glow On M Pink 30
- Mentholatum Lip Ice Sheer Color
- Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in BG 949

Happy Boni Day, super awesome peeps! :P

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Product Review: Dove Intensive Creme

Even though I have combi-oily facial skin, the rest of my body is dry. My arms and legs are so dry that sometimes, they look unbelievably scaly and it doesn't help that I also have skin asthma so I experience itchiness especially on really cold days/nights. That's why I have to use something really moisturizing and hydrating so I will be relieved of the itchiness and the "scales". I prefer using body butters but found that most are heavily scented which isn't good for my nose. So far, I really like Vanilla & Co. Whipped Buttercream in Fresh Vanilla Milk - it's sweet but nothing that gives me a major headache. As for lotions, I rely on Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula and Lander Haydrating Cocoa Butter. Their scents aren't as heavy and nauseating (in my case) as others and they really do a wonderful job in keeping my skin itch and scale-free and moisturized. I've been really happy and satisfied with those two when my mom handed me a Dove Intensive Cream from Dubai which was even part of my September Favorites post. I have been using it for months now that I finally decided it's time to give it a review.

What I like:
- Very moisturizing. Makes my skin feels hydrated and smooth.
- This creme is very rich and thick that you only need a very little amount for those spots you want to apply this on.
- Since the texture is really thick, I prefer using this on really dry spots such as elbows, knees, ankles, and even on my feet. I can't imagine applying this all over my body.
- Keeps my skin moisturized for hours.
- This little jar contains 150mL which I know will last for years since I use this only on certain parts of my body.
- I prefer using this on really cold days/nights as regular lotion just won't do it for me.

What I don't like:
- It is scented. Seriously, I hold my breath every time I apply this as it once triggered my allergic rhinitis. (It's just my nose, others might be able to like the scent.) I also wash my hand after applying this so I won't smell it when my hands get near my face.
- It is in a jar so I need to use a spatula to scoop out some of it.
- I haven't seen this around so I'm not sure if this is locally available.


Overall rating: 4/5 I still gave it a 4 because it really hydrates and moisturizes. I would recommend this to those with extremely dry skin.

Will I buy again? Maybe not. And I know I won't have to in years as this will surely last me a long time. Plus I prefer something that isn't as thick as this creme. I would probably just stick to Palmer's and Lander since I don't really mind reapplying every now and then.

See how thick this creme is? I have been using this for 3 months or so and there is still so much product left.

What's your favorite creme?

Happy Sunday, super awesome peeps! :P

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Product Review: Mentholatum Lip Ice Sheer Color (Fragrance-Free)

I know I have reviewed the Candy Apple lip balm this week but as I have mentioned on that post, I am going to buy the Sheer Color variant and I did the following day. I have been using it for a few days now and since this isn't a skin care product, I can definitely review it now. It is now my favorite lip balm aside from the fact that my mom kept the Candy Apple for herself after having her try it. Boohoo! At least that's one reason for me to buy another. :P

Description on the cardboard packaging:

- Changes color to a natural sheer pink according to individual lips.
- A gentle Beeswax formulation suitable even for very sensitive skin.
- Contains natural ingredients of Shea Butter Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Nut Oil, Jojoba Oil and Aloe Extract to keep lips moisturized, smooth, and healthy.
- Contains effective anti-oxidants of Vitamin E to soften and protect lips against the harmful environment.

What I like:
- Definitely not waxy. I find this more glossy than the Lip Color variant.
- The packaging is really cute! It's pink! :P
- Moisturizing. I apply this at night and wake up with smoother and softer lips.
- I love how it turns to a nice pink shade on my lips.
- No funny smell. I chose the fragrance-free variant over the strawberry-scented one.
- A little goes a long way. One swipe is enough for each lip.
- Adds color to pale lipsticks or lip glosses.
- Even though the gloss is gone, it leaves a pink tint behind.
- Inexpensive and costs only Php145125 for a tube.
- Locally available at Watson's.

What I don't like:
- Unlike the Lip Color variant, this does not have SPF.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Will I buy again? Yes!

Lip swatch

Have you tried this lip balm? I think I am getting addicted to Mentholatum Lip Ice! :P

Happy Saturday, super awesome peeps! :P
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Product Review: MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation

As I have mentioned several times before (and you have probably gotten tired of it), I've been a powder foundation user for years now simply because it works great on my combi-oily skin. I have tried several brands and I found love with some of them while there are also some that I would rather forget. It has been 4 years since I crossed paths with MAC. The first time I tried it, I was given the NC40 shade by a sales assistant who seemed less interested in helping me out. I didn't know better back then and fully trusted him/her. He/she asked what I am looking for and I told him I wanted a powder foundation. He just simply handed me an NC40 powder foundation and silly me went straight to the counter and paid for it. To my horror when I got home, it was dark on me but I still used it up anyway as I didn't want my Php1500 go to waste. Now I know better and have never gone back to the Glorietta branch. :P Anyway, enough blabbing and time for the review. Honestly, I've no idea why I have never ever reviewed this foundation that was once my HG and something that I have been using for 4 years now.

For some reason, I have this knack for dropping my powder foundations and MAC is no exception. I remember breaking one MAC SF 2 years ago and haven't used it more than thrice at that time. :(

What I like:
- The coverage of this powder foundation is amazing! I do not have to use a concealer except for my under eyes when I use this.
- Gives a smooth and flawless finish.
- Unscented.
- I like the packaging which is a sleek round compact.
- A little goes a long way. I rarely ever touch up with this foundation.
- Has never broken me out nor caused any allergic reactions. I know a lot of people have broken out with this foundation and I guess I am part of the minority who never experienced that.
- I like how the coverage can be built up. It can go on light by using a fluffly powder brush to medium coverage with the help of a dry sponge or a flat top brush to really heavy by using a damp sponge.
- Staying power is good. Lasts for a few hours on my skin.
- One compact lasts for a long time. I've had this one for about a year and a half now. (Well, I use others too but when this was the only foundation I used back then, it took me a year to finish that compact.)
- Reasonably priced at Php1600.
- Locally available at MAC counters (Rustan's EDSA Shang, Glorietta, Robinson's Place Manila, Marionnaud MOA, Duty Free and I may have missed one branch.)


What I don't like:
- Has the tendency to cake if used when touching up.
- Oxidizes on me since I am acidic.
- No SPF (though it can be remedied by using sunblock underneath).

Overall rating: 4/5

Will I buy again? Yes! This was my HG powder foundation before I started using Shiseido, Kanebo, and Estee Lauder. It wouldn't have been my HG back then if it does not meet my expectations.

I have this in NC30 and it is a tad dark on me as you can see on the swatch. Plus I am acidic so it oxidizes on me.

On me, used on top of Revlon Colorstay in Buff.

Have you tried this powder foundation?

Happy Thursday, super awesome peeps! :P
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Product Review: Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Powder

When concealing dark under eye circles, we need something to set the concealer in place. Most of the time, translucent powder will do but wouldn't it be better if there is a setting powder made especially for under eye concealers? It was pretty smart of Skinfood to come up with a tag team for dark circles with their Salmon line. I have tried the Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream and it was an okay product but I honestly think it works better when set with the Salmon Dark Circle Powder. Having used the Dark Circle Powder for almost a month now with different concealers, I think it's about time I give it a review.

What I like:
- Powder is finely milled and texture is not too powdery nor chalky.
- Does not settle on fine lines unlike the concealer.
- Nice enough to use even on other concealers.
- Brightens under eyes. The amount of yellow is just right which isn't screaming yellow.
- Comes with a cute puff that I sometimes use when I am too lazy to get my brush.
- Packaging is really nice. The gold-bronze lid adds accent to it making the pot not look tacky.
- Has a faint scent but smells nice, actually. Does not in any way smell like salmon.
- Locally available at Skinfood outlets but cheaper if purchased online.

What I don't like:
- Not enough to be used alone.
- A little expensive for an under eye setting powder.


Overall rating: 4/5

Will I buy again? Yes but I won't buy it from the stores. I got this online for only Php471 whereas this costs twice as much when purchased from the store.

Tip: For cheaper alternatives, yellow mineral concealers in loose powder form work just the same as this one.

Tip2: To avoid caking, use a fluffy eyeshadow brush and lightly blend on the under eyes. Too much of this product will help make the concealer cake even more.

Have you tried setting powders for the under eyes?

Happy freaking hot Wednesday, super awesome peeps! :P
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Yum Moments: Cream Puff

Here is another yum moments post but this time, I did not make it. I ordered cream puffs from my cousin who bakes and takes orders from people. I like how her cream puffs are not overly sweet and the cream isn't too creamy. I do not like sweets and Argie can attest to that. I remember she brought me to Parvati in Trinoma and I find their pastries too sweet even those that aren't the sweetest as recommended by their attendant. That's why I like this cream puff - it's just right. Anyway, here are a couple of pictures.

I love how it's filled with cream inside and how it melts in the mouth. For Php50 for 8 pieces, I think this is already a steal. I remember ordering 20 pieces for around Php150 and everyone who got to taste it liked it. I was not able to take any shots of the cream filling because all these 8 were gone in a few minutes, thanks to my family. Haha! Anyway, She makes revel bars, chocolate fudge brownies, cupcakes, and oatmeal cookies but out of everything, this is my favorite as I find the rest too sweet. :)

Happy Tuesday, super awesome peeps! :P
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Product Review: Mentholatum Lip Ice Color Lip Balm in Candy Apple

Last week, I met up with two super cute ladies, Arg and Crystal, at Gateway Mall. While we were at Watson's, I saw something I haven't seen before on their rack of lip balms - Mentholatum Lip Ice. I was a bit hesitant to buy one because I thought it was mentholated and I don't like minty lip balms so I skipped. But since some of them were tinted, and I am a sucker for tinted lip balms, I couldn't get those lippies off my mind. So when I friend and I went to the mall last Saturday to have frozen yogurt, I dropped by Watson's while he was ordering at White Hat. I looked for these lippies and successfully found them. I only got Candy Apple just to be able to try it out first and I was impressed. In fact, I am planning to get another one. :P

It comes in a simple white tube packaging resembling a lipstick with silver stars and berry-colored label.

It looks pretty dark on the tube but it goes on really sheer and applies smoothly.

Description on the cardboard packaging:

Lip ice color lip balm
Natural moisturizing color


- Gives natural and lovely color for soft and beautiful lips.
- A super moist retention formula with water microsphere and AcHA (Sodium Acetyl Hyaluronate)
- Contains Vitamin E, Lanolin Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Mango Seed Butter to keep your lips soft and moisturized.
- SPF15 for UV protection.
 
What I like:
- I hate waxy lip balms like Chapstick and Carmex. This one applies smoothly and does not in any way feel waxy.
- It is quite pigmented for a lip balm and a swipe shows enough color on the lips.
- Texture is like that of a lipstick but this is moisturizing and hydrating with enough gloss in it. I can say it is moisturizing because I applied it before I slept and woke up with really soft and smooth lips like I just used a lip scrub.
- Staying power is decent. It lasts for a couple of hours if you do not eat or drink and leaves a nice pink tint on the lips. Your lips still feel soft and smooth even after the lip balm is gone when you eat.
- It has SPF15.
- OC people will love the packaging as it is hygienic and you won't have to dip your fingers in a pot.
- Inexpensive. This one costs only PHP125. Other lip balms without the tint cost cheaper, like less than 70 bucks.
- NOW locally available at Watson's.

What I don't like:
- It has a funny smell.


Overall rating: 4.5/5

Will I buy again? YES! In fact, I am buying another one tomorrow. :P

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Product Review: Shiseido Sheer Mattifying Compact

I love Shiseido Supplist Poreless Powder Foundation but since it has been discontinued, I thought that trying what supposedly replaced it is a good idea so I can tell if I should forget about Shiseido foundations and just stick to Kanebo. Although I still have Supplist, I decided to buy the Sheer Mattifying Compact and it's what I have been using lately. Here is my review on their newest foundation.

I like the sleek black compact better than the dark purple one for Supplist.

My perfect shade is O20 though I have O00 in Supplist because I am acidic. But I have Sheer Mattifying in O40.

Description on the box:

Coverage: Medium
Finish: Matte
Skin Type: Normal to Oily, and Combination

An oil-free powder foundation that maintains a silky-smooth touch and a natural sheer matte finish all day long. Can be applied with a dry or moistened sponge.

Non-comedogenic
Dermatologist-tested

What I like:
- Texture is smooth and silky and powder is finely milled, amazing overall.
- Powder makes the skin feel smooth, soft and silky.
- This feels so much lighter on the skin that Supplist.
- Although it says that it provides medium coverage, I find that it provides light or sheer coverage which I like but may be a con to those who prefer heavy coverage foundation.
- Since the shade I have - O40 - is a tad dark on me, it still works especially when I use it to set a lighter shade of foundation or BB cream. When used alone, the shade difference isn't too obvious as this goes on sheer or light.
- Did not break me out nor did it cause any allergic reaction.
- Oil-free
- It has SPF10 which is pretty okay for a powder foundation.
- Staying power is pretty decent. It does not last all day on my combi-oily skin but 3-4 hours is acceptable in my case. :)
- Locally available at selected malls.

What I don't like:
- Just like any Japanese brand, it's pricey. SRP is PHP1650 (introductory price and may or may have already increased to PHP1850) for the refill and a more or less than PHP1000 for the compact alone.
- I find this darker than the O40 shade I had in Supplist before so it seems pretty inconsistent to me. (see swatches)

Overall rating: 4.5/5 I actually like this better than Supplist.

Will I buy again? Yes! But I have my heart set on trying another one from Kanebo. :P

Swatches

What's your fave powder foundation?

Happy Saturday, super awesome peeps! :P
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Ambush Makeover

I wasn't feeling well when I woke up so I needed something to cheer me up. I saw our helper and I decided to do an ambush makeover on her, of course, using her own makeup. At 18, she is already into makeup and is already asking how to properly apply stuff on her face. Besides, she is the only willing victim in our house. Here is the before pic.

Her skin tone is uneven with roughness and spots on her cheeks with a few blackheads here and there though I was not able to totally capture those on cam. I had to soften the roughness on her cheeks and that's all I really needed to do. Her under eyes are way better than mine with almost no puffiness at all, with only minor dark circles.

The After pictures.

I used my sample of Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream on her to help conceal the blemishes. The shade is a little light for her so I had to top it off with her foundation. She didn't want me to do something about her eyebrows as she loves them. I wish mine were like hers, they'll be easier to fix.

What I used on her (her own makeup)
- Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream 21 - except for this
- Ever Bilena concealer
- Careline Foundation
- Generic purple eyeshadow and highlighter palette (I think she has Quianyu)
- Ever Bilena eyeliner
- ELF waterproof mascara
- Neutrogena Plum Perfect blush (my gift to her :P)
- ELF Candy Lip Gloss in Cherry Bomb

She's collecting makeup too. Maybe she'll try beauty blogging too? :P

Any comments or constructive feedback is welcome. :)

TGIF! :P
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Product Review: Andrea Eye-Q's Makeup Remover Gel

Our skin should be free from any form of makeup before hitting the sack so finding a makeup remover that works is important. If you don't want to wake up with a giant pimple on your face, then you should remove your make up. Sleeping with it on your face can definitely cause blemishes and I'm sure no one likes pimples. Back then, I would just settle for a facial wash or cleanser and thought that it was okay. But I became aware (thanks to forums and blogs) that washing the face isn't enough and something has to remove deep seated dirt or make up that regular facial wash cannot remove. So I decided to try makeup removers. I have tried Skinfood Tea Tree Cleansing Gel (broke me out), Fasio Cleansing Oil (broke me out too), Missha Perfect BB Deep Cleansing Oil, Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Fresh (broke me out as well), and what I've been using for a year now and what I will be reviewing, Andre Eye-Q's Makeup Remover Gel.

On the bottle, it says that:

Andrea Eye-Q's Makeup Remover Gel is an oil-free formula that sweeps away long lasting eye and lip makeup. The non-irritating gel contains Panthenol to condition lashes and Grape Seed Extract to help keep delicate skin around the eye area smooth and soft. Ideal for those who wear contact lenses or have sensitive skin.

Sounds good, right?

It does not have the usual pump so you have to press the cotton (pad) against it to dispense the product.

What I like:
- Oil-free and made for those with combination-oily skin, as indicated on the bottle.
- I do not see the dreaded word "paraben" on the ingredients list or anywhere else on the bottle.
- Since this is in gel form, it does not make my skin greasy and oily the way cleansing oils make me feel.
- It easily removes my gel eyeliner and mascara and any other makeup on the rest of my face.
- Has a shelf life of 36 months.
- I find this makeup remover inexpensive for PHP350 with 110mL of product because you don't need a lot to remove your makeup (unless it's really heavy, you may need more). I've had mine for a year now and I'm only halfway through it.
- I find it kind of refreshing.
- Did not cause any allergic reaction, did not break me out. Good for those with sensitive skin indeed.
- Locally available at Beauty Bar stores.

What I don't like:
- There is a very light hint of alcohol on the scent but nothing really bothersome.
- The cap and the pump gets a little sticky.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Will I buy again? Yes. I shouldn't have strayed and tried other makeup removers. I should probably stick to this one. :)

Tip: When I remove my eye makeup using this product,I just lightly press the cotton pad on my eyes (lids, of course), hold for a few seconds, then very gently and lightly swipe it off my eyelids. There is absolutely no need to rub it against my eyes as I find that this product easily removes my makeup. 

It's a transparent gel.

What's your favorite makeup remover?

Happy Friday, super awesome peeps! :P

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Top Picks: Creme Blushes

I love powder blushes as they work well with my combi-oily skin. However, I was once addicted to blushes that I tried out creme ones too and found some that I really like. I sometimes use them when I'm home or as a base for my powder blushes to make them last longer though I most of the time skip that step or just simply forgot about it. My first ever creme blush was from In2It way back when I was still in college and I never liked it so I used powder blushes instead. Then two years ago, I purchased NARS Penny Lane but found that it made me look pale when a few people I know, including my ever so observant mom, asked if I was sick or something. I tried the Nichido South Beach which a lot of girls claimed to be a dupe of NARS Orgasm The Multiple but I hated its consistency. It felt sticky and made me look sunburnt. I decided to stop trying out creme blushes and stick to my trsty ol' powder ones but I think it was destined that I find a couple that I will really like and keep. Oh, I sold Penny Lane and Nichido - it just got lost never to be heard from again. No remorse or sad feeling at all. :D Since these three are the last "men" standing, these are basically my top picks out of the creme blushes I've had.

NARS Lokoum - this is a reddish-brown shade of blush that needs a very light hand when applied as it have the tendency to be overdone and give you a natural flush. This is a pigmented blush too so all you need is one gentle swipe. Texture is smooth and a little creamy with very fine shimmers that is almost non-existent.  I find that this is best used with the fingers as it looked splotchy when I used my stippling brush to apply this. This has a compact but I switched this one with my NARS Torrid tester.

NYX Glow - a very creamy bubblegum pink blush that is really pigmented. You will end up with doll cheeks if you do not apply this sparingly. The texture of this blush is unbelievably creamy and you have to very carefully dip your finger or your brush on it as you might just suddenly hit the pan. Best used with a stippling brush to get that pretty pink cheeks.

NYX Natural - my favorite among the three. A peachy-beige shade that has a very faint hint of pink. The name of the shade says it all - Natural. It also has a very creamy consistency just like Glow and lasting powder is great. A little goes a long way as this is also pigmented. Out of the three, this is what I use the most.  Best used with a stippling brush as well.

Swatches

What are your favorite creme blushes?

Happy Tuesday, super awesome peeps! :)

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