April Favorites + 10 Things I Love Tag

'Tis the last day of April and I'm sharing the products I've been reaching out for in the whole month of April. At the end of the post, I'll also be doing a tag that a few lovely bloggers tagged me to do.

1. Alba Botanica AcneDote Oil Control Lotion - helps keep the oilies at bay even under the sweltering heat of the sun. Though I still get oily, it's not as greasy as it might have been if I wasn't wearing this on my face.

2. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Concentrated Cream - my arms, legs, hands, and feet are awfully dry and this product helps keep them moisturized. This doesn't smell as yummy as the regular variant but since this is concentrated, it's much more moisturizing and hydrating. Plus it's handy.

3. Kanebo Coffret D'Or Lasting Pact - I was reunited with this and I remembered how much I loved it. I didn't love it back then as much as I do not but Japanese foundies still rock the house way better than any US or European foundations! Will do a revisited and reviewed post for this one of these days. :P

4. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder - my touch up powder whenever my oil glands start to act up.

5. Cargo Suede Blush in Montebello - it's so pretty! Need I say more? :P

6. Shiseido Accentuating Stick in S2 Peach Flush - I use this on days when I am too lazy to get my blush brush and swirl and tap it on a powder blush. I love the pretty pink-peach glow it gives my cheeks.

7. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush in Pink Coral - it instantly brightens up my face and gives me a healthy flush on the cheeks.

8. Browlash Ex Water Strong W Eyebrows - A retractable eyebrow pencil with a liquid brow liner that helps create the perfect eyebrows. Too bad it's not locally available. Chel couldn't find it in HK or any Sasa stores though and even reached Macau in search for this. :( I'm left with just the liquid brow liner. Gah!

9. Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara - I am beginning to really love this mascara ever since my Maybelline The Magnum Volume Express Mascara dried in just a month. My mom even asked me once if I was wearing falsies (which I never do when I go out) and didn't believe me until she touched my lashes and tried to pull 'em out! Haha! :P

10. Guerlain Ombre Eclat 1 Couleur 140 L'Instant Precieux - I love using this to highlight my browbones and cheekbones, as well as the inner corner of my eyes. :P

11. NYC Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm in Sugar Angel - a very pretty sheer coral tinted lip balm that is moisturizing, smells and tastes yummy too!

12. Palladio Herbal Lip Slix in Rosewood - this shade is the perfect peachy-nude lippy that looks natural. Non-drying and glossy, I apply this on top of my NYC Tinted Lip Balms in Sugar Baby and Sugar Angel.

13. Mentholatum Lip Ice Lemon - my lip saver! Whenever my lips get dry, I apply this and wake up with soft and hydrated lips. Plus it hs SPF15 too!


14. Guerlain KissKiss Stick Gloss in 902 Corail Des Mers - I am digging coral lippies at the moment. It is glossy and moisturizing, far from being a sticky lip gloss and leaves a very nice coral pink tint on my lips. Plus it stays for hours. :)

So these are my April Favorites and on to the 10 Things I Love Tag. Anyone feel free to do this tag. :)

10 Things I Love:

1. I love seeing little girls and their dads being sweet towards each other. It never fails to bring a smile on my face whenever I see such a scene as it reminds me so much of my dad and I when I was a little girl. Yes, I'm a daddy's girl.

2. My mom. Since my dad is no longer with us, she has been there for me all the way. We may still have not settled our differences but in the end, she's still and will always be my mom. I may not be the expressive type but I love her. :)

3. Books. Yes, I can be such a nerd. I can read 3 books/novels in one day. I love how books can take me to different places and how I get to "experience" different things just by reading. I'm not a fan of chick lits as I prefer reading crime, murder, forensic, political conspiracies, suspense and thriller novels. My faves are Jack Higgins, Steve Berry, Mario Puzo, and Joseph Finder. But then as long as the summary at the back of the book intrigues me, then it no longer matters who the author is. I will read it. Oh, I still read and collect Archie comics.

4. Rain. I love the rain! I hate the sun, I hate summers. :)

5. I love cats though I'm now starting to love dogs, thanks to Hachiko, Mari, and Marley. :P

6. I love stars and stargazing. It somewhat gives me hope in everything. Childish as it may seem, I still make wishes on stars. And some of them came true. :p

7. Coke and Iced tea. I know I should cut back on them since I need to lose weight but I can't help it. It's freaking hot and those refresh me.

8. Makeup. This is self-explanatory, I think. :P

9. Friends. I'd rather have a few friends whom I know are real than know a lot of people and not know who my real friends are. :0

10. Myself. Not to sound self-centered and full of myself but if I don't love myself, how can other people love me? I'm not perfect, I can sometimes be shitty but that's me and I have to accept myself. Hehe. :P

Anyway, like what I mentioned above, feel free to do this tag.

Happy weekend, super awesome peeps! :P

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Product Review: Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Shaping Crayon in Baby Lips Blush

So you think NARS is the only brand that has the guts to name their products in a scandalous way? Nope, there is another brand that does just the same and that is Soap & Glory. They have a moisturizer (if I am not mistaken) called Glow Job. If you have speech defect of some sort or easily get confused with words, you might say it the wrong way, and hopefully not with a man around. Anyway, I only have a lip product and that is the Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Shaping Crayon in Baby Lips Blush. I've only had it for a few days but I think that's enough time to review a lip product that isn't meant to do some sort of treatment on your lips.

What I like:
- A very pretty medium pink shade with a hint of mauve/rose that is glossy.
- Intensity of the color can be built up. You can dot the lippy on your lips and spread it using your pinkie for a more subtle shade of pink or apply it as is for a more intense pink lips.
- It feels mentholated as there is a "stinging" sensation, which I think is how the plumping effect works.
- Staying power is good and lasts for 3-4 hours even after eating or drinking. And leaves a nice pink tint on the lips too.
- Inexpensive at Php 275 on eBay.ph

What I don't like:
- The scent really bothers me. It smells like a newly sharpened pencil (or a wet piece of wood, if I may add) and old crayons. I had to sharpen it to lessen the scent and had to top it off with a better smelling lip balm so the scent will no longer trigger my allergic rhinitis and migraine. The first time I tried it, I had migraine, I swear.
- It tastes awful! Another reason why I have to apply another lippy on top of it.
- Dried out my lips even though I applied a lip balm underneath.
- Unfortunately, it did no plumping effect. Though I wasn't expecting it to perform a miracle.

Overall rating: 2.5/5 This isn't for those who have sensitive noses and those who have the tendency to lick their lips on a regular basis or eat their lipsticks.

Will I buy again? For the love of my nose, NO. In as much as I find the shade pretty, I'll spare myself from migraines and rhinitis attacks. I'm better off with Palladio Herbal Lip Slix.

Swatch

On my lips

Have you tried this lippy?

Happy Friday, super awesome peeps! :P

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Winner of my Apothica $25 Gift Card Giveaway!

It has been over a week now since the Apothica $25 Gift Card Giveaway has ended and I only got 8 entries. :( Anyway, I used random.org to draw the winner and here is the result.

The winner is twofiveone. I will send you an email and please respond within 48 hours upon receipt; otherwise, I will draw another winner. Apothica will contact you regarding the prize. Thanks to Bec, Hollie, and AubreyLaine for joining!

Happy Monday, super awesome peeps! :P Read more...

Product Review: Make Up For Ever (MUFE) High Definition Microfinish Cream Blush in #6 Quickie

A cream blush that stays for a very long time on my combination-oily skin? Sounds nearly impossible, right? But yes, I have found a blush that does that effortlessly and that is the MUFE HD Microfinish Cream Blush in #6 Quickie.

What I like:
- Creamy and blends well with the skin.
- Very pigmented so you only need a very little amount of product and it lasts for a very long time. A little goes such a long way.
- Intensity of the color can be built up, depending on how you want it.
- The shade #6 Quickie is a very pretty salmon pink shade, which, I think, will flatter almost any skin tone.
- One little tube can last for a very long time as you only need a miniscule amount for both the cheeks.
- Staying power is good even for my combination-oily skin. it does not slide off and almost permanent tattoo-like. Stays pretty much the whole day, it's insane!
- The scent is something I can tolerate. I can't describe it but as long as it doesn't trigger my allergic rhinitis, then I'm cool with it.
- Locally available at MUFE stores. However, they don't stock up on most products.


What I don't like:
- You have to be very careful in pumping out a product as you may get way more than what you need.
- It may seem expensive at first for it costs in between Php 1500 - Php2000 here but then again, you are paying for pigments in cream form (in my opinion) that will last you a very looooooong time.
- Since it is in cream form, it may dry easily.

Overall rating: 4/5

Will I buy again? I don't mind having to repurchase but I'm partial to powder blushes.

Tip: While some prefer using brushes when it comes to blending cream blushes, I prefer using my fingers since it helps warm up the blush making it easier to blend with the skin.

Swatches (L- Blended; R - swatched)

Have you tried this blush?

I hope you're having a blessed Holy Week, super awesome peeps! :) Read more...

Product Review: Guerlain Ombre Eclat 1 Couleur 140 L'Instant Precieux

I love multi-tasking products because it saves me money. Who doesn't, right? So when I saw this Guerlain single eyeshadow at the Lux Asia (The Big Outlet Sale) last week, I knew I had to have it and I was sure I can use it on other things aside from using it just as an eyeshadow.

As usual, this comes in a luxurious packaging that is simply divine - the heavy gold packaging that can possibly cause you to get mugged if you flash this in a very public place. (Of course, I'm kidding. I surely hope that does not happen to anyone. Oh good Lord, no!)

The shade is L'Instant Precieux 140 - a very pretty frosted pearly-white shade.

When I saw it, I thought I can use this as a highlighter not just for the browbone but for the cheekbones, cupid's bow, and the tip of the nose as well, and any other part that gets hit by the sun to give that gorgeous and healthy glow. I was right. I love using this as a highlighter on my cheekbones, brow bone, and the inner corner of my eyes. I also sometimes use this as an under eye brightener as recommended by the sales assistant (Oh, I think she's Ate Ey-Vee-Es-Cee-Vee-En or ABS-CBN that Jap mentioned on Girltalk). I also used this on top of a matte blush or a cheek tint and dang, it made the blush lovelier than it already is. This is indeed a multi-tasking product and I love it to bits. I'm also glad to report that even though it's meant for the eyes, I did not break out with it nor get any allergic reaction when I used it on my cheeks.

One thing that bothers me though is that the texture isn't as buttery and soft as the testers we swatched at EDSA Shang but meh! As long as it does the job then I'm cool with it. I'm sure it's not expired because the manufacture date on the box is 1/10 and it's just about 15 months old. And besides, it doesn't feel gritty anyway and I got it on sale for Php600.

Another thing that turned me off in a way is that the pricing on that sale is pretty inconsistent. Some single eyeshadows were priced at Php 500 so I was surprised that this one costs Php 600. I know, it's just a hundred bucks but hello? Be consistent with the price tags. To cite another example, I was lemming for the green single eyeshadow so when Bec sent me an SMS the following day (second day of the sale) asking if I still want the green e/s as she can get it for me, I was surprised when I learned that that shade costs Php 700 (without a pouch and the very last piece on stock). Talk about inconsistency, right? I know it's only 100 or 200 bucks but something like that turns me off. So in the end, I didn't get the green one though I love green eyeshadows. Anyway, I'm done ranting. :P Overall a really nice product to own especially if you like highlighting and multi-tasking products. I give this a 4.5/5 but I won't repurchase if it's not on sale. :)

Here's a closer look.

Swatch

Have you tried Guerlain eye products? :P

Blessed Holy Week to you all. :)
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Yum Moments: Cheesy Beef

Here's my newest yummy discovery without having to have you go all the way to Marikina. I noticed that most of the food posts I made are from cafes/restos located mostly in my city. Yeah, my city. :P You can get this delish Cheesy Beef sandwich wherever you are.

I love how juicy and tender the beef is and how creamy the cheese is. I only wish you can see the onions too. It reminds me of Philly Cheese Steak without the jalapenos. It's flavor in every bite.

Look again... I know you're getting hungry... *evil grin*

Do you want to know where you can get this? Scroll down.
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Another teaser. Mmmmm.

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TADAAA!!!! Another teaser. This is the last one, I promise. :P

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Lookie! You can buy this at 711 for only Php 49! No kidding! It's yummy and a cheaper version of Philly. Try it! Even my mom who is critical when it comes to food liked it.

Have you tried this?

Good Friday it is, super awesome peeps! :)
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MUJI Wooden Lip Liner in Pink

I am not a fan of lip liners simply because I've always thought that it's just an additional step when it comes to makeup application. This is actually the first time I will be featuring a lip liner on my blog. On my recent trip to Muji, I was disappointed because their skin care line is incomplete and I was told they weren't sure when the stocks will arrive. And I felt the need to buy something so my trip there won't be a total fail and their Wooden Lip Liner in Pink is one of the two things I got.

It is a very pretty rose-pink shade that can instantly brighten up the face. I like that it is not a rose shade that makes me look older. The texture is creamy and not dry unlike other lip liners I have previously tried as it goes on smoothly on the lips. It has some shimmers to it but just enough to add sheen on the lips even though it appears to be matte. I do not use this just as a lip liner but instead apply it all over the lips for a very lovely pink shade. I like the fact that it doesn't make me look gay. It lasts a long time, say, for a couple of hours or so, even after eating and drinking. It may seem expensive at first for Php 295 but I must say it's going to be worth every cent since it will last a long time. This is made in Japan too so if you also like cosmetics that are made in that country, do try this one. The only con I see is that you have to go all the way to BHS in Taguig just to get this and I didn't see other shades to choose from. Overall, it's something that I would say you should try if you love lip liners. I wouldn't mind repurchasing too.

Swatch

On my lips

Have you tried any cosmetics from Muji?

I hope you're all having a blessed Holy Week. :)
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MUJI Purchases + What's in My Travel Kit

Hey ladies! It's Holy Week now and I'm sure that most of you are going out of town and so am I. :P That's why I decided to share what I decided to bring in my travel kit when I leave early morning tomorrow. EDIT: Even though the trip was canceled, thanks to the ar$e who I was supposed to go with and bailed out on me just now, I'm still sharing it. Hehe.

I'm bringing Soapy! :P

 

The brushes - Charm baby kabuki, Charm Retractable Kabuki, EcoTools blush brush, Ecotools blending brush, and MAC 188 buried underneath the other brushes

The makeup - Kanebo Coffret D'Or Pact, Shu Uemura Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation, Shu Uemura Glow Ons P Pink 30 and M Pink 30, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush in Pink Coral, Guerlain Single Eye Shadow in 140 L'Instant Precieux,  Maybelline Dream Matte Powder, Shiseido Accentuating Stick in peach Flush, Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara, Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Powder, Laura Mercier Secret Concealer, Revlon Brow Fantasy in Brunette, Pink Lip Liner from MUJI, NYC Tinted Lip Balm in Sugar Baby (in L'Oreal HIP pot), Guerlain KissKiss Stick Gloss in 902 Corail Des Mers, Chanel Rouge Allure in Comedia, Mentholatum Lip Ice Lip Balm Lemon, and MUFE HD Blush in #6 Quickie

Yesterday, I finally decided to check out Muji even though it's far from where I live. I wanted to check out their cleansing oils and other skinc are stuff but most were unavailable and so as to not go home empty handed, I got at least 2 items.

Wooden Lip Liner in Pink (very pretty!!!) and an empty bottle where I can put lotion refills.

Have a blessed Holy Week, everyone. And for those going on a trip, have a safe one! :) Read more...

Product Review: Shiseido Accentuating Stick in S2 Peach Flush

I have always been a fan of powder blushes because given that I have mostly combination-oily skin, they last longer on me. But sometimes, I just cannot resist something pretty even though it's not in powder form and I made an exception for the Shiseido Accentuating Stick in Peach Flush.

What I like:
- I like the practical yet nice-looking packaging. Still looks sleek, imo.
- It is a very pretty pink-peach shade that has very fine shimmers.
- It is quite pigmented so you only need a light swipe for the color to show up on your cheeks.
- Easy to blend and does not cake even if you used powder foundation under it.
- Texture is creamy but dries to a powder finish.
- Contains 10g of product and you don't need to pile it on so it will take you a long time before finishing one stick.
- Gives a very natural and pretty flush on the cheeks. It somehow gives an iridescent glow.
- Works as a nice base for blushes but since it is pretty pigmented, it is nice to use on its own.
- Does not break me out or cause any allergic reaction.
- Locally available at Shiseido counters.

What I don't like:
- Staying power isn't superb. It stays for about 2-3 hours max on my skin type. May last longer on those with 
dry to dry-combi skin.
- Expensive for Php 1800 or so at Shiseido counters.

Overall rating: 4/5 Even though the staying power is not as great as other blushes, I still love the color so much and how it gives me the glow that I still gave it a 4. The color is enough for me to overlook the not so good staying power and won't mind re-applying since it comes really handy.

Will I buy again? Yes, but only when it goes on sale. :)

Swatches (Left - blended; Right - swiped once)

Have you tried this blush from Shiseido?

Happy Monday, super awesome peeps! :P

P.S. Shout out to
Crystal, Argie, Thiamere, and Gale! Had a lovely dinner with you guys last night at Va Pensiero in Gateway Mall. Looking forward to seeing you guys again! And Donnarence, you owe us a song and dance number. Haha!
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Makeup Goodies.. yet again. :D TBO Lux Asia Sale, etc.

Went to the The Big Outlet Sale (Lux Asia) this morning with Tish and bumped into Bec at the Guerlain stall. There weren't much brands to choose from and only saw Guerlain, Shiseido, Max Factor, Covergirl, and a stall selling palettes reminiscent of Coastal Scents. No Kanebo. Boo! And since I set a budget of Php 1500 for myself, I am happy that I didn't reach it and only got two items. It's a good and bad thing that Kanebo wasn't there. Good that I spent less than 1.5k and bad because I was looking forward to buying lippies from them. Anyway, here's what I got.

Guerlain Ombre Eclat 1 Couleur (single eyeshadow) in 140 L'instant Precieux and Guerlain Kiss Kiss Stick Gloss in 902 Corail  Des Mers (The scent again! I just remembered how much I hated the scent when I tried it on but I'm hoping I can get over it because I love how a pretty coral pink shade it is.) The gold Guerlain clutch is the freebie the Guerlain SA or otherwise known as Ate FF (feyl fink) saved for me since January. Went to EDSA Shang with Tish after going to the Lux Asia sale and that's how I got it.

My other online purchases:

Charm Retractable Pink Kabuki 

Bath & Body Works Pocketbacs in Cucumber Melon and Japanese Cherry Blossom + a glow in the dark holder. Couldn't wait for my pre-ordered pocketbacs so I decided to buy a couple from eBay.ph.

 MUFE (MakeUp ForeEver) HD Cream Blush in #6 Quickie and Shiseido Accentuating Stick in Peach Flush

And from the smokey-eyed lovely Tish, a sample size of Benetint Posietint and other goodies.

Have you gone to the Lux Asia Sale? If you are also disappointed with it, you may want to go to the Paul & Joe Sale or the CAS Sale in Makati. :P

Happy Friday shopping, super awesome peeps! :P
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Product Review: CARGO Cosmetics Suede Blush in Montebello

Have you ever imagined how the Earth would look like if it were strawberry pink, gold, and pale pink instead of blue and green? I bet you haven't but you will. :-) I swear that it'll look really pretty. CARGO Suede Blush in Montebello made my imagination go, uh, child-like, imagining how pretty our planet would look like from the outer space if it has those colors. It'll probably be known as the pretty pink planet. Anyway, it took me a lot of courage and will power before finally swirling my blush brush on the pan and try it on my cheeks. And boy, I fell in love.

Being my first ever Cargo Suede blush, I was really excited about it. I was choosing between this and The Big Easy but the design got me and decided to get this instead. It was love at first sight when I first opened the tin can. The gorgeous combination of colors - strawberry pink, gold, and pale pink - made it really aesthetically pleasing. Such and eye candy, if I must say, that I wasn't sure if I would have the heart to even dare touch it.

I could no longer contain the eagerness to see how it will look like when I swirl all the colors together so when I swirled my blush brush on the pan, I literally closed my eyes because I couldn't bear to see the pattern somewhat ruined. But I loved the pink with a hint of peach and very fine gold shimmer looked on my cheeks. They did not look shimmery but has this iridescent glow that is just lovely. I guess the risk was worth it and I used it everyday since then.

The fact that it is unscented is a huge plus. See, the reason why my Guerlain Blush 4 Eclat in 05 Rose Plein Vent is still boxed and unused for three freakin' months now is the scent that is too overwhelming. I initially thought this would suffer the same fate that Guerlain did but na-ah. I love this blush to bits.

The powder is very finely milled and the texture is silky and not in any way chalky. It is also pigmented so I don't see myself hitting the pan any time soon. It may seem expensive at first for $24 at Apothica (though their prices are lower than those in the market) but hey, 12g is a lot and will take more than a year to finish even with everyday use. The staying power is also good and lasts for 4-5 hours on my skin.

Here's the Earth in pink. XD

However, there are two cons. First is that it is not locally available and you would have to ask someone from overseas to buy it for you. Second is the packaging. Since it is made of tin can, it can easily get dents and all so you should be extra careful in case you bring this along with you when you go out.

Overall a very nice blush to own and I would definitely repurchase if needed. I give this 4.5/5 stars. :-)

Swatch

Have you tried this blush or any other blushes from CARGO Cosmetics?

Happy Saturday, super awesome peeps! :P
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