Rouge A Levres - Lipstick Swatchfest

Howdy? I noticed that recently, I have only been doing swatches and reviews  mostly on blushes so this time, I decided to swatch my very minimal lipstick collection together with a couple more lip products. I will also be including a very brief review and/or description of each product so I can give you an idea on how they work for me. I would like to apologize for the lines on the pictures, my camera, I think, is busted. On to the mini swatch fest.

1. Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Chamade - This is a reddish-pink shade that looks quite similar to MAC Sheen Supreme Ultra Darling on my lips. It's applies very smoothly, glides like butter, and never drying on my lips. It leaves a nice light stain on my lips after a few hours with sips and chews in between. Can be applied sheer or layered for a more opaque and bright colour. Mildly scented. Plus I love the sleek packaging.

2. Guerlain Kiss Kiss Stick Gloss in Corail des Mers - If I want something lighter that will look pretty natural on my lips, this is the one I swipe on 'em. It is glossy on its own and goes on smoothly on the lips. It initially looks a bright coral-pink but it turns to a peachy-pink shade after a while. Has a strong scent that I sometimes cannot tolerate.


3. YSL Rouge Pur Couture in Rose Dahlia - This is the shade I go for when I feel like my skin's dull due to lack of sleep and this immediately brightens up my face. It is a lovely coral-pink shade that is opaque which leaves a pretty stain on the lips. Lasts for a few hours too just like Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Chamade. Has a strong rose scent too that my sense of smell has gotten accustomed to.



4. YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in Coral Fauve - My latest acquisition. Lately, I have been into tints and stains as they last longer on my skin and lips so I decided I should give this a try. It is a non-sticky gloss with a reddish coral tint that lasts for hours. It leaves a stain behind even with the gloss going kaput. It is a bright coral-pink upon application but it turns red-coral on me. And if I apply a second coat, the color is intensified making it look red on me. It also amazes me how non-drying it is. Now I love it and I want a pink shade - 15 or 13, perhaps. Sadly, the brand has pulled out and is no longer locally available. Why, Rustan's, why?!!!!!!


5. Chanel Rouge Allure in Comedia - As my very first high end lipstick, this has earned a spot in my heart. The very sleek and classy packaging got me at first glance. The shade is a nice rosy pink-peach shade with nice flecks of gold shimmer that is very fine, giving the lips a certain sheen. It also lasts a couple of hours on my and does not dry my lips either.

6. MAC Sheen Supreme in Ultra Darling - Pardon the different lip pose for this swatch. Anyway, this is a reddish-pink shade just like Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Chamade with a glossy and shiny finish. It also does not dry out my lips and lasts for a few hours. Smells like vanilla too.
 

7. Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti - I don't know how this particular lippy made it to this date as this has already melted and I can no longer apply it without a lip brush. As the name suggests, it is a lip butter which also melts as quick as butters do when it's hot. While I love the shade and its longevity, it dries my lips. Not happy with this product at all.

8. Model's Own Lip Balm in Tangerine - I love this tinted lip balm and has been my go-to lippy for months now. This is a verrry pigmented tinted lip balm that keeps my lips moisturized through out the day. Shade is red-orange that smells fruity and juicy but can be sheered out by applying very little product on the lips. I also love how long lasting it is and has the ability to brighten my face. And quite inexpensive too, just not locally available. Dang!

 9. Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate - When I want to wear a tinted lip balm that isn't as bright as Model's Own Lip Balm in Tangerine and more natural looking, this is what I dab on my lips. It is a sheer coral-pink shade that is moisturizing with a scent I like too.


10. Sleek Pout Polish in Powder Pink - I received this product from Updated Trends third quarter of last year. This is a sheer candy/baby pink shade that can make me look pale on its own so I usually use this as a base for other lip products or as a gloss on top of a brighter shade to tone it down. This isn't drying and I like how glossy it is.

No lip swatch:

11. Caudalie Paris Lip Conditioner - I don't think there is a point to swatch this since it doesn't have any tint at all. This lip balm rescues my lips from wind burns and when my lips get very dry. I usually apply this before bed time to hydrate my lips and I wake up to softer smoother lips that are less drier than the night before. It has a strong vanilla scent so I do not use this on a regular basis.

12. DLE Cosmetics Light Up Gloss in Pink Fetisssh - see my review HERE.

13. DLE Cosmetics Light Up Gloss in Jess Barely - This is a very basic lip gloss with fancy light up packaging that allows you to apply it even in the dark. It also has a small mirror on the side so it's pretty great for touch ups. It isn't that sticky which is nice. Shade is a very sheer almost translucent pink with shimmers perfect to be used on top of lipsticks.

So that about sums up my lipsticks and other tinted/lip balms. I hope you find something useful on this post.

Have a wonderful weekend, super awesome peeps! Stay tuned for another scheduled post tomorrow! :D

Cheers,

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March Goodies

What nicer way could perk up a sick makeup lover like me than to receive goodies when you're stuck in bed, sneezing and coughing your heart out, looking like a red-nosed reindeer on a rainy day? That'd definitely perk and cheer me up. I was handed a few goodies that I got way back December last year from Apothica and the mailman also arrived to hand me something. I decided to just post almost all the goodies I have acquired for the whole month of March before the month ends in 2 days so you'll definitely see some products that have already been featured on previous posts. So I'd like to share what cheered me up on a gloomy, bed weather afternoon-evening.

1. Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Second Skin Nude Makeup 2
2. MAC Blot Pressed Powder in Medium
3. Burberry Light Glow Blush in 04 Peony (which replaced Blossom which I also purchased this month)
4. Becca Mineral Blush in Flowerchild
5. Becca Beach Tint in Guava
6. Benefit Bella Bamba Mini
7. Skinfood Sugar Cookie Blush in Winter Cherry
8. YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in Rose Dahlia
9. Clinique Happy
10. Caudalie Paris Lip Balm
11. The Balm Down Boy Blush/Shadow (not in picture)
12. Burberry Light Glow Blush in 05 Blossom
13. Random samples from Phytomer, Ahava, Nuxe, and Skinfood.

More reviews to follow then. :)

Happy Thursday evening, super awesome peeps! :)

Cheers,

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Foundation Day: Swatches and Mini Reviews of Base Makeup- Kanebo, RMK, Shu Uemura, YSL, Giorgio Armani

Hello guys! It's rare that I would post on a weekday but after being advised by the doctor to stay home and rest for a couple of days (I've been sick for a couple of days now), I decided to update my blog as I didn't want to get bored from resting too much. I've been sleeping pretty much the whole day, getting all the rest I need, and it's becoming pretty tiresome. Going back to today's topic, I decided to post swatches and a little review on each foundation that I have. I don't have tons of foundations so this'll be short and sweet.

L-R: Kanebo Coffret D'Or Beauty Lasting Liquid UV | RMK Liquid
Foundation | Shu Uemura Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation |
Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Second Skin Nude Makeup | YSL Matt
Touch Oil-Free Foundation

The swatches

All the foundations are yellow-toned but the ones with the least yellow in them are RMK Liquid Foundation and Giorgio Armani Face Fabric. They both have peach tones in them but they manage to turn yellow and blend well once on the skin. The most yellow turns out to be YSL Matt Touch followed by Shu Uemura Face Architect, and lastly, Kanebo Coffret D'Or.

As mentioned above, I will be doing a quick, mini review of each to somehow give you an overview based on my experience.

1. Kanebo Coffret D'Or Beauty Lasting Liquid UV - Out of the five, this has the thinnest consistency which is almost water-like, thus, making it very easy to spread out. It gives a nice, semi-matte finish that dries down to a natural-looking, almost like second skin finish. For an in-depth review, please check out my post.
2. RMK Liquid Foundation - Another liquid foundation from a Japanese brand created by makeup-artist Rumiko. This is fast-becoming an HG liquid foundation for me due to its very nice, natural-looking finish, and its ability to make my face still look fresh even after 12 hours of walking around where sweating was inevitable on a hot, sunny day for a work event. Pretty expensive but nonetheless worth it. Review coming up soon.
3. Shu Uemura Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation - This used to be my HG foundation but was dethroned by another one. To know my review from last year, please click here. Sadly though, that HG phase was over when I noticed how after having it for half a year, the quality has somewhat deteriorated (and it's not even past its shelf life yet). It was no longer as easy to spread, oxidizes so bad that it turns to an undesirable orange shade after a short period and no longer as nice as it used to be. Really sad.
4. YSL Matt Touch Oil-Free Foundation - I owe this product a review which I must include in my to-do list for my blog. The texture is very smooth and airy and applying and gliding it on the skin brings immense pleasure. Hey, don't get me wrong with "immense pleasure" but it really does feel nice on the skin. It mattifies my skin while making it smoother than smooth, making my pores less visible. It lasts a pretty long time too. 
5. Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Second Skin Nude Makeup - My latest foundation acquisition. Got it early this month and has been a favorite since then. Really feels like second skin because it barely offers any coverage but it somehow evens out the skin tone keeping it matte for a couple of hours. It is lighter than YSL Matt Touch but they are both in the gel/mousse foundation family. Will also be doing a review soon.

So to sum up this post, I am glad that I do not have a huge collection of foundations because I get to appreciate everything and actually focus on each foundation. I can still say I am quite partial to Japanese brands with the exception of both YSL and Giorgio Armani. Nothing beats the suitability of Japanese foundations on Asian skin if you were to ask me but it still boils down to personal preference.

I hope this post somewhat helped you decide which foundation you can most probably give a try next. 

I wish you all well and happy week, everyone! :)

P.S. Local readers: My 3rd year on blogspot (Xanga being the first platform that I used) is fast approaching; thus, I am thinking of doing an anniversary giveaway which I have not done yet. It's not going to be a huge (bongga) one but at least something I think you all can use. :)

Cheers,

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Updated: What's in my Kikay Kit (Makeup Kit)?

Hi everyone! Another week has passed and pretty soon, the first quarter of the supposed last year according to the Mayan Calendar will be over. Anyway, I like taking a peek on what most of you ladies stuff in your kikay kit and I have been meaning to post an updated what's in my kikay kit since the last one was way back in 2009, I think, but haven't gotten around to doing so until now. What I am going to show you is what I have in my kit at the moment because it changes on  weekly or daily basis depending on my mood and how lazy or not I am in changing the products I use everyday. So without further ado, here's a  peek on my kikay kit and what's inside.

I am using a cosmetic pouch from Estee Lauder

Face/Base Makeup - Giorgio Armani Face Fabric 2 | Maybelline
Dream Mousse Concealer - Cream | MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural
- Light | Kanebo Kate High Coverage Pressed Powder UV

Cheeks - Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric 2 | Chanel Joues Contraste -
Tea Rose

Lips - Vaseline Lip Therapy Advanced Formula | Models Own Lip Balm
- Tangerine | MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Ultra Darling | YSL Rouge
Pur Couture Lipstick in 17 Rose Dahlia

Eye Area - Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero | Kiss Me Heroine
Make Volume & Curl Mascara | Browlash Ex Water Strong W Eyebrow

I wear makeup to a minimum especially with the kind of weather we have which is beyond description. Well, it is the type which can easily make one sick overnight. Here is my everyday look using most of the products in my kit. I don't normally use eyeliners because almost all that I've tried smudges on me but I am liking UD Zero so far. Products usually change but it's pretty much the same look everyday for me. And oh, the lipstick I am wearing here is Bewitching Coral from Max Factor's Elixir lipstick line which is something I really don't wear to the office but picked it up today just for this post. It is a tad bright for my liking.

Have you updated your kikay kit lately?

Happy Sunday, super awesome peeps! Another work week again. I badly need a massage. :-\

Cheers,

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Some Kinda Birthday FOTD

Hello again. I hope you're all having a great start of the week. I'm having a good one so far and as the title suggests, I am a year older again. I celebrated it with a couple of friends and family, of course and I am so thankful for another year, another chapter in my life. Anyway, I would like to share my FOTD (or rather a half FOTD) for the day when I went out earlier. Well, there isn't anything special with this FOTD since I wear pretty much the same look everyday but I thought I'd just share anyway.

I really like this shot. Too bad it's blurred. Don't you just hate it when your favorite picture in the bunch is blurry? Happens all the time. :D

A clearer shot

Products I used:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- YSL Matt Touch Oil Free Foundation
- Laura Mercier Secret Concealer
- Maybelline Dream Matte Powder
- Revlon Brow Fantasy Brunette
- Maybelline Gel Liner
- Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara
- Shu Uemura Glow On P Pink 30
- Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Pomegranate
- Guerlain Kiss Kiss Stick Gloss in Corail Des Mers

Have a great week, everyone! :)

Cheers,

P.S. Thank you for all the greetings earlier on Facebook and Twitter. :)

Coming up: Becca Bodouir Mineral Powder Foundation Review
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Current Favorites + CozyCot

I decided to stop doing my monthly favorites post since my favorites for last month is like a repetition of my favorites for the previous months so I deem it pointless to post about the same things over and over again. I decided to just do a Current Favorites post instead of a May Favorites post. And besides, due to the sweltering heat of the sun these past couple of months, I didn't feel like wearing makeup at all. Anyway, here are my favorite products at the moment.

FACE:
1. Celeteque Facial Moisturizer - I needed something very light and water-based to keep my skin moisturized without the heavy, sticky feeling. This product perfectly fits the bill.

2. YSL Matt Touch Foundation - A foundation with mousse-like texture that feels just like a primer. It lasts for a fairly long time too even in humid weather conditions. My favorite thing about it is that it feels light on the face, as if it's not there. I only wear this when I go out though.

3. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder - The powder that I use everyday that helps keep the oilies at bay.

4. Kanebo Freshel White C Mineral BB Cream UV - I recently got this from AdamBeauty. I just wanted to try BB creams from Japan since most of the BB creams in the market are from Korea. And of course, I adore Kanebo. :)

5. Kanebo Coffret D'Or Beauty Lasting Pact - my HG powder foundation. I'm not straying anymore. :)

CHEEKS:
1. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Calypso Coral - A coral-pink cream blush that I am hooked into right now. :)

2. Kanebo Coffret D'Or Blush in PK-22 - A sheer pink blush that gives a glow from within look on the cheeks. I love using this on top of Bobbi Brown Calypso Coral.

3. Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush 10 - I grab this blush when I can't decide which blush to wear. :P

LIPS:
1. Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate - I love tinted lip balms and this is coral-pink. I could not ask for more.

2. Maybelline Color Bloom in Peach Blossom - Works just like Mentholatum Lip Ice Sheer Color but this one  turns to a peach shade that looks more natural and more inexpensive too.

EYES:
Skinfood Choco Powder Eyebrow Wood Pencil - Looks natural on my eyebrows.

SCENT:
DKNY Be Delicious - refreshing fruity scent

MISCELLANEOUS:
Japanese Kokeshi Doll Pens from Kimmi Doll (Php 325) and from eBay (Php 30) - the cutest pens everrrrr! :P

So these are my current favorites. Hopefully, they change on a monthly basis.

Anyway, I'd like to share a short article I have written for CozyCot. To read the write up, please click on the picture.

What are your current favorites?

Happy Saturday, super awesome peeps! :P

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