EOTD/FOTD: UAAP Series - UST

Hi everyone! I hope you're all having a great Sunday so far, weekend's almost over and tomorrow will be another manic Monday! Anyway, as the title suggests, this will be a series of EOTD featuring the university colors of the eight schools that are members of the UAAP or the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (much more like the NCAA in the US). I can't think of other themes so while I am looking for my thinking cap, this is what I'll be doing for the next few EOTDs. So the first one will be for UST (University of Santo Tomas) - black, gold, and white - which reminded me so much of the first ever pep rally way back on my freshman year. The first time my batch cheered "Go USTe!" with the matching hand/arm movement. Those were the days. :P I hope you'll like it! :)

I first filled in my brows with Revlon Brow Fantasy in Brunette, using just the pencil. I used both the Sleek Bad Girl and Kiss Beauty eye shadow palettes for this look. After priming my eyes with the ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer, I applied Innocence from the Sleek palette on the inner half of the lids. Then applied the gold shade from the Kiss Beauty palette on the outer half of the lids. Noir from the Sleek palette was then applied on the outer V extending to the crease to give definition on the eyes. Innocence was used again to highlight the inner corners of the eyes as well as the brow bones. I used all three shades to line the lower lash lines too.

My half FOTD. My skin is better now, thanks to Cetaphil.

Products I used:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer
- Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Powder
- Kanebo Coffret D'Or Beauty Lasting Pact
- Revlon Brow Fantasy Brunette
- Sleek Bad Girl Palette
- Kiss Beauty Palette
- Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara
- Shu Uemura Glow On P Pink 30
- Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate

I'm still not using liquid foundation and most of the time just used pressed powder and not even powder foundation to allow my skin to breath and recover from the recent break out.

Anyway, let me know what you think of this EOTD series. If you find it corny, please let me know so I can come up with something better.

Happy Sunday, super awesome peeps! :)

Cheers,

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ELLE Eyewear on SALE

ELLE is giving a 10% discount on their eye wears today at SM Mall of Asia Aside from that, you can also get a free limited edition Elle Bowling Bag. So what are you waiting for? Head to MOA  now and take advantage of the sale, it's the perfect time to buy a pair of glasses for yourself.

Cheers,

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Kiss Beauty 16 Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette from Born Pretty Store Swatches + EOTD

Howdy? I hope you're all doing great. I've been out the whole day and also took the time to drop by the post office to claim a package that was sent by Born Pretty Store again. I knew it was the eyeshadow palette I chose and I was right. So here are swatches and a few shots of the eye makeup I came up with as I was playing with it to de-stress.

I chose this palette because this has lotsa vibrant colours. Since I mostly have greens and dark shades, these will definitely add more life and colour to the EOTDs I do.

Swatches

Top Row

Bottom Row

And the EOTD I came up with. I would like to call this Micko's Sunset. The shades remind me so much of the sunset. So who is Micko and why? Early this morning, my mom and I found out that my nephew, Micko (my cousin's son and only child), passed away due to a motorcycle accident. I won't go further into details but I couldn't look at him in the coffin because he looked so different. I wanted to remember him as the tenacious little boy who grew up to be a fine and responsible young man. Gone too soon and the sun has finally set for him at 16 but I'm sure he's happy where he's at right now.

Used shades 7, 9, 15, and 16 (7 from the top row and 9, 15, and 16 from
the bottom row).

Anyway, I think I will play with this palette some more and hopefully, I can create more looks with it.

Happy Thursday, everyone! :)

Cheers,

Disclaimer: Product received for review PR consideration but does not affect my view on the said product.
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Product Review: Canmake Concealer Foundation UV

Having been a powder foundation user for quite some time now, my preferences have changed over time. From loving full coverage foundations to those with sheer-light coverage - that's how it has changed. Given the unbelievable weather we have and its being unstable, it is important to have one product that does a lot of things - conceals, covers and protects. So when I saw Canmake Concealer Foundation UV, I thought it would be a great product to try. See, it conceals as a foundation and it has SPF 25 PA++. It also doesn't hurt that it is a Japanese brand, although drugstore, since you know by now that I love Japanese brands when it comes to makeup. Now was I happy with it? Read the rest of this post to find out.

Product Description taken from Canmake website:

A color foundation based on the concealer concept.
You'll be amazed by the first application! The moist powder clings tightly to your skin.
Long-lasting formula giving you beautiful skin for hours and hours.
SPF25·PA++

A foundation based on the concealer concept
●Concealer intensively covers the flaws in your skin that cannot be hidden with foundation, such as under-eye bags, dullness and dark spots.
↓However, applying concealer takes time….
This product has the coverage to conceal the flaws in your skin, just by applying foundation. Has a natural finish, for skin that looks beautiful, even at point-blank range.
You'll be amazed by the first application. Feels like silk
●Contains amino acid-based emollient agents, locking moisture into your skin and protecting it from dryness.
●The moist powder feels just like silk on your skin. When applied to your skin with a sponge, it feels like it is just slipping on.
Long-lasting effect
●The sebum-absorbing powder absorbs excessive oil from your skin. ●Contains hyper-lasting polymer. The powder clings tightly to your skin, forming a long-lasting protective layer which prevents your make-up wearing off. ●Pure white mica is a highly white-colored powder, which prevents the dullness that results from sweat and sebum.

How to use:
○After preparing your skin with a make-up base, apply the appropriate amount to a sponge and spread it evenly over your skin.
○If using water, wet the sponge, then squeeze the water out before applying the powder to the sponge.
○Please use a clean sponge that has had the water squeezed out thoroughly.
○Please do not throw the inner film away.

What I like:
- As with Japanese-branded foundations, the texture is amazing - silky, velvety and soft and smooth to the touch.
- The compact is really nice and looks clean which is good for a drugstore Japanese brand.
- It really does conceal and cover pores really well.
- It provides full coverage and works double time as both a concealer and powder foundation.
- Finish is really smooth and almost flawless.
- Does not have the typical makeup scent that is annoying.
- Has 4 shades to choose from - 01 Light Beige, 02 Light Ochre, 03 Natural Ochre, and 11 Pink Ochre.
- Inexpensive for less than 700 bucks for both compact and refill.
- Yes, it is refillable.
- It has SPF 25 PA ++

What I don't like:
-While the finish, coverage, and texture are all amazing, staying power isn't good especially with the kind of weather that we have. It melts away easily like there won't be any visible traces of it in just a couple of hours.
- I think this is suited for cooler places where humidity isn't an issue.
- It cakes even though I apply it real thin using a fluffy powder or kabuki brush that isn't dense enough. What's worse is that it emphasizes pores and even settles on lines I never knew I had. That is even with a moisturized face with primer and setting powder.
- It feels kinda heavy on the face.
- Not much for oil control - my face looks like an oil slick after an hour or two.
- The powder looks dark on the pan but do not, and I mean do not, be fooled by it. It goes on lighter on the face. I thought of getting 01 since I have acidic skin and most foundations oxidize on me but instinct told me to get 02 instead and I'm glad I did. It goes on a bit lighter upon application but thanks to acids, it then becomes a match after a while.
- Not available locally and this was purchased in Hong Kong. However, you can join pre-orders of those going to HK or check out wehaveit143 for pre-orders as well.

Overall rating: 3/5 Please note that I only gave it a 3 because it didn't perform well on my skin type and the weather here in Manila. But I can see it working and performing well in places with cold weather. The texture is really great. My mom likes it though. In fact, she's the one using it now even though I dropped it (why does it always happen to me?!) and it was just pressed using isopropyl alcohol. That's how much she likes it.

Will I buy again? No. I really wanted to like it but the weather and my skin type just doesn't.

Have you tried Canmake foundations? Which one can you recommend?

Happy Wednesday, everyone! :)

Cheers,

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EOTD: Mariposa

Okay, another title from a Barbie Movie. Maybe I've seen too much Barbie movies lately but it's nice to watch movies that does not require one to think every once in a while, don't you agree? Anyway, before I start talking about Barbie (I only had three, by the way, as I prefer playing with toy guns and cars when I was a kid), here are a few pictures of the EOTD. No half-FOTD, still giving my skin its much needed breather and break from makeup.

Skinfood Choco Powder Eyebrow Wood Pencil on eye brows and two coats Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express Mascara for the lashes.

Obnoxious applied on the lower half of the lids;
Intoxicated on the inner half of the lids extending to the crease;
Twilight on the outer half of the lids extending to the crease; and
Innocence on the inner corners and brow bones

I hope you'll like it.

Happy Tuesday, super awesome peeps! :P

Cheers,

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Product Review: Queen Helene Mint Julep Natural Facial Scrub

To have brighter, clearer, and healthier skin that is more radiant and glowing, exfoliation is something we should definitely not skip in our beauty regimen. It is recommended that we exfoliate at least twice a week so we can get rid of dead skin cells and deep seated dirt that makes our skin look dull and unhealthy. Before I crossed paths with Origins Modern Friction, there was Queen Helene Mint Julep Natural Facial Scrub and I guess it's about time I give it a review.

Photo taken from Drugstore.com

Product Description taken from Queen Helene website:

A refreshing natural-fiber facial scrub that deep cleans your skin and leaves a pleasant, tingling glow. The gentle exfoliating action draws out impurities, unclogs pores and removes dead, dry cells from the surface of your skin. Emollients help replenish lost moisture, effectively protecting your skin from the harsh elements. Use once a week, or more often if your skin is oily, for skin that looks fresh and healthy and feels refreshingly soft and smooth. This scrub works great in the shower too.

Deep Cleans, Unplugs Pores and Exfoliates the Dull Surface Layers of Skin

Ingredients:

Water, Walnut (Juglans Regia) Powder (Juglans Regia), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin Kaolin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Isopropyl Myristate, Dimethicone, Triethanolamine, Fragrance, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Phenoxyethanol

How the scrub looks

What I like:
- The scrubs are fine, gentle, and non-abrasive and won't tear up the skin leaving it raw. I like the feel of it.
- Smells nice and not overwhelming.
- My skin feels smooth and soft after exfoliating with this scrub.
- Does not break me out.
- I am really surprised that it did not cause any allergic reaction since it has walnut powder and I am allergic to nuts - quite a miracle for me as nuts can be fatal.
- No animal testing.
- It really does exfoliate and remove deep seated dirt on the pores.
- A little goes a long way. I don't need much to exfoliate my face and neck.
- Inexpensive for a big tube (more or less than Php 400) and locally available at Healthy Options.

What I don't like:
- I was initially amazed as to how my skin feels soooo smooth and soft after using this but then it has dimethicone which is a type of silicone. And what does silicone do as a primer? Do the math, dearies. It could be the dimethicone sitting right on top of my skin that causes it to feel smooth.
- It has Methylparaben and Propylparaben, baby! If you're not fond of paraben, stay away from this.

Overall rating: 4/5

Will I buy again? Yes. Only when I'm done with my Origins scrub which isn't locally available.

Have you tried this product?

Happy Monday, everyone!

Cheers,

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Product Review: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser + Mini Game Winner

I have been breaking out really bad lately - a lot of red spots accompanied with dry and flaky skin on the cheeks and on the sides of my mouth. I am thinking of three probable culprits - the unstable weather, Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Foundation, and hormones because I was PMS-ing. Whatever the culprit is, I had to figure out a way to soothe my skin and using the cleansers I normally use were out of the picture since they somewhat dry my skin even more. Good thing I saw my Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for Sensitive Skin glaring at me partially hidden by the big bottles of cleansers. I have totally ignored it because I felt that it didn't cleanse my skin enough because it wasn't squeaky clean. I knew I needed something less drying so I finally used it again and since it's what I have been using for the past few weeks, I think it's about time I give it a review.

Photo taken from Cetaphil website

Product Description from Cetaphil Website:

As gentle as it gets.
Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser is great for daily makeup removal. Originally formulated for dermatologists, this cleanser is gentle on your skin and sensitive to your skin’s needs. Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser will not strip the skin of natural protective oils or emollients, or disturb the skin’s natural pH balance. Recommended for years by dermatologists, it is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser is gentle enough for children, teens and adults.

Ingredients:
Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben.

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What I like:
- Gentle enough for my skin. It did not aggravate my break outs nor did it add any irritation. It also did not further dry my skin.
- Since I finally gave it a chance to do its work on cleansing my face every single day, I realized that it does remove my makeup. The eye shadows that I have been wearing to do the EOTD posts were effectively removed. I just need to use more product if I want to use it for makeup removal. I know a lot of people complained about it not removing their makeup effectively and that is because it is NOT a makeup remover - it is just a very gentle cleanser. But still, it works fine for me and if it does work for you too that way, I'm happy for you. :)
- Does not sting my eyes like other cleansers do!
- Contains no fragrance and my nose loves it!
- Does not leave my skin feeling squeaky clean and I'm sure that it does not strip my skin off its natural moisture.
- Leaves my skin radiant and soft after cleansing.
- When I used a wet tissue (from Japan Home Center that my mom purchased) on my face, it stung, had a burning sensation and my skin felt raw. I immediately cleansed my face with this and it somehow felt soothing and calmed down my irritated skin and it was no longer red after a couple of minutes.
- Locally available at most drugstores and department stores.
- Not that pricey compared to other cleansers I have used.

What I don't like:
- It sometimes feels like it leaves a very thin film of cleanser on my face so I have to rinse it double time.
- For those freaked out by paraben, this has Methylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben.

Overall rating: 4.75/5 I realized that I need something very gentle for my sensitive skin and this is it.

Will I buy again? Definitely! My mom even made a comment about my skin looking brighter and better since I started using this. Ever heard of the saying Moms know best? :P Though I want to try the Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal, Combination, and Oily Skin (which I understand is pricier).

Tips: If you plan to use this as a makeup remover, squirt some product on a cotton pad/ball then rub it very gently on your face without tugging your skin. You may also want to use a makeup removing cleanser before using Cetaphil and use this as an after-wash cleanser instead to counter the drying effect of the other cleanser. Do the same for eye makeup. It won't do much for heavy duty waterproof mascara but it will do for non-waterproof mascara with just a coat or two. Again, it is supposed to be very gentle for those with sensitive skin and it is indeed gentle.

How do you find Cetaphil cleansers?

By the way, remember the mini game on my last post? My friend is 36 and a proud mom of 2. Jezzhae got it right. :) Please email me (at greenappletini28@msn.com) your shipping information so I can send you my mini gift the soonest possible time.

I hope you had a blessed Sunday, everyone. :)

Cheers,

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Saturday Makeup Gig + Mini Game for You

How's your weekend so far, super awesome peeps? Mine's a drag because after losing all my contacts on my phone last night, I had to find ways to contact everyone and slowly rebuild my contacts list. Pfft! Anyway, I did my friend's makeup earlier today for a wedding she's going to attend. It was fun doing her makeup and I'm glad that she asked me to do it, while her little girl was observing the whole time. And I was excited because it was a formal gig and not just an ambush makeover but I used that title on the picture anyway.

Here are a few of her shots. Well, you've seen her before picture on a previous Ambush Makeover post. Here it is again.

The after shots:

I just had to include this because it's my fave.
But seriously, why do the best shots have to  be
blurry? :-\

Products I used:
- MUFE Mat Velvet + Foundation
- Laura Mercier Secret Concealer
- Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Powder
- ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer
- Innocence, Intoxicated, and Blade Eye Shadows from Sleek Bad Girl Palette
- Maybelline Gel Liner
- False lashes
- Stila Contouring Trio
- Laura Mercier Baby Pink blush
- Kiehl's Lip Balm 1
- Chanel RA Comedia

(Did not use my personal brushes for sanitary and hygiene purposes.)

Now, let's play a little game here - Guess her age! The first one to guess her age right or at least the closest to it will receive a mini gift from me. Are you guys game? Leave your guess on the comments section and I'll announce the winner on my next post. :) (Local bloggers only)

Happy Saturday, everyone! I'm off to bed. Haven't slept yet. *yawn* :D

Cheers,

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FOTD: Fairytopia Using Shu Uemura Aya Takano Reindeer Kiss Palette + KKcenterHK purple lashes

TGIF, everyone! Weekend's finally here and for most of us, it's the best time to relax and bond with the family. Anyway, I received a package yesterday. KKcenterHK has sent me another pair of falsies to try and review and it is something that instantly reminded me of Tessa Prieto-Valdez when I first saw it. So I decided to try the falsies and thought of something that wouldn't overpower the lashes but something that would complement them instead. I decided to finally use the Shu Uemura Aya Takano Reindeer XXXX Kiss Palette (will do a separate review for it). The result reminded me of Barbie in Fairytopia movie (yes, I'm a grown up who still enjoys watching Barbie movies), thus the title. So here are pictures together with the the eye products I used for this look at the end of the post.

I extended the silver eye shadow all the way to the eyebrows to make them softer.

The purple lashes were a pain to apply because the lashes are outrageously long and quite heavy but they look really pretty. Though I'd be insane to use them on a regular day, I think they'd be perfect for costume parties. I honestly have no idea how to review it because it's not something I'd use or wear everyday. But as I mentioned earlier, this is great for costume or themed parties, or if you simply feel like dressing up at home on a boring afternoon. Oh, this also comes with a glue with the label ELF which kinda confused me but I used my own eyelash adhesive anyway.

The eye makeup

Products I used for the entire look:
- Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
- Kanebo Freshel White C Mineral BB Cream UV
- Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer
- Kryolan Anti Shine Powder
- Skinfood Choco Powder Eyebrow Wood Pencil
- ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer
- Shu Uemura Aya Takano Reindeer Kiss XXXX Palette trio eye shadows
- Purple lashes from KKcenterHK
- Shu Uemura Glow on K6 from the palette as well
- Mentholatum Lip Ice Lemon
- Palladio Herbal Lip Slix Rosewood

Have you tried using such lashes?

Happy Friday, super awesome peeps! :P

Cheers,

Disclaimer: Product (purple lashes) received for review and PR consideration but does not affect my view on the said product. Read more...

EOTD: Metallica Thursday

It may not be too obvious but I like Metallica - they're super awesome! My favorites being Enter Sandman and Nothing Else Matters. Anyway, I decided to play with my Sleek Bad Girl Palette and created a look that will remind me of Metallica. So here are a few pictures of the eye makeup I came up with.

Innocence applied all over the lids then to highlight inner corners &
brow bones; Gun Metal applied in inner half of the lids; &
Noir applied on outer half of the lids

I was tearing up when I applied the
kohl liner on my waterline so I  wiped off
the shadow on my lower lash lines

Products I used:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Foundation
- Laura Mercier Secret Concealer
- Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Powder
- Kryolan Anti Shine Powder
- Skinfood Choco Powder Eyebrow Wood Pencil
- Innoncence, Gun Metal, and Noir Eyeshadow from Sleek Bad Girl Palette
- Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express Mascara
- B! Kohl liner on lower lashlines (only seen on the half FOTD)
- Shu Uemura Glow On K6
- Kiehl's Lip Balm 1
- Palladio Herbal Lip Slix in Rosewood

Anyway, you might be getting tired of seeing EOTDs so I'll resume to regular posts on product reviews but will do EOTDs at least once or twice a week.

Do you also like Metallica?

Happy Thursday, everyone! :P

Cheers,

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Product Review: Caudalie Paris Vinoperfect Night Correcting Cream

Some say that we should be using different facial creams or moisturizers for both day and night. I have tried only one night cream before which was way more than 7 years ago and that was the Neutrogena Light Night Cream but broke out with it so I stopped. I honestly never understood why I had to use a different product so I was satisfied with the moisturizer I use during day time. And it was only until I got a sample of this have I used a night cream again. I am seriously not sure what to expect with a night cream so please bear with this review-wannabe.

Product Description taken from SkinCareRX.com:


ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Tired of your skin's spotty record? Reveal a flawless face with Caudalie Vinoperfect Night Correcting Cream. Deeply nourishing and softening, it also imparts gentle fruit acids to help minimize the appearance of sun and age spots.

WHO IT'S FOR
Ideal for those with hyperpigmentation and aging skin who want softer, brighter, and more nourished skin overnight.

KEY INGREDIENTS
Shea Butter hydrates and softens. Lactic Acid resurfaces and renews. Vitamin E protect skin from damaging free radicals.

What I like:
- Unscented.
- Non-greasy and feels light on the skin.
- It is easily absorbed by the skin especially when warmed up between the fingers.
- Texture is really smooth and creamy and not that thick.
- I wake up with brighter and more radiant skin that isn't even oily.
- Skin feels soft and smooth as well and feels hydrated and not just moisturized.
- A little goes a long way. I only need a minuscule amount to cover the entire face. I use plain moisturizer on my neck though.
- No break outs from it.
- No paraben, no phenoxyethanol.
- Has a shelf life of 9 months.

What I don't like:
- No significant reduction or lightening on my freckles. Maybe prolonged usage can do something about it. I'm no longer using it every night and alternate it with my water-based moisturizer.
- Expensive at $68 for 30mL of product.
- Not locally available.

Overall rating: 4/5

Will I buy again? Only when I feel like splurging on it. My water-based moisturizers still work well for both morning and evening. :)

Have you tried any products from Caudalie Paris?

Happy Tuesday, everyone. :)

Cheers,

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