In the Limelight: Becca Cosmetics Ombre Nudes Palette - Product Review

For so many years, I have steered clear of neutrals and earth tones when it comes to eyeshadow as being acidic, they tend to look muddy on me so I stuck to greys and greens, and anything dark. It was only last year that I started to wear neutrals mixed with darker browns and blacks and I realized I can rock them. And now, I mostly wear these shades when I go out. I wish I could review the Urban Decay Naked palette for you but I'm sure you've seen tons of reviews about it and besides, I let it go for something less overwhelming for me. My new found love for neutrals + my love for Becca Cosmetics led to my acquisition of the Becca Ombre Nudes Palette. It was a choice between the Urban Decay Naked Basics or this but I chose the latter instead. And here is my review.

What I like:

• The shadows are smooth and velvety though not as buttery as compared to, say, Burberry eyeshadows and blushes.
• All the colours blend nicely albeit matte which I usually have a hard time with.
• They all work well with each other (at times, they look cool-toned but on most times, they lean towards the warm spectrum) as well as with eyeshadows from other palettes or quads.
• All the shades are very pigmented and didn't have a hard time showing up with or without primer.
• Longevity is very good, more so when applied with primer.
• The compact is sleek and simple and although plastic, it feels sturdy and won't easily break. 
• I do not feel overwhelmed as to the number of shades and which ones to use (I'm talking to the UD Naked palettes, Lorac Pro palettes and everything else that has more than 5 shades to choose from in one compact).
• This is a no-brainer eye shadow palette for me.
• Aside from being used on the eyes, I can also use the third and fourth shades as face contour and as brow powders. Talk multiple uses in one slim compact.

What I don't like:

• They come off as a bit powdery but surprisingly has very minimal fall outs once applied on the lids. But still, I wish it does not do that: product wastage = money wasted.
• It is quite pricey and what I would consider an investment for a product I do not use everyday - pretty steep for $40. Got it for Php 2250 through a pre-order.
• Not sure if it's already locally available in Adora.
• I wish they'd come up with other palette selections - blues, greens, smokes, pastels or whatever colour combinations you can think of.

Who might and might not like this?

Those who prefer satin or shimmer finishes for their eyeshadows can skip this one as this is an all matte palette. Also, if you want a variety of shades to choose from, you'll be disappointed if 5 isn't enough for you. If you are, however, into mattes and neutrals, and wants minimal shades in their palette, then this has your name spelled on it. If you like multi-purpose products, go grab this for your contouring and eyebrow needs.

Will I buy again?

I'd love to say yes but if they come up with smokey shades or dark greens, I would get those palettes first. And besides, this will take me over a year to finish since I do not wear eyeshadow on a regular basis.

Swatches. Photo taken from my instagram account.

What's your favourite neutral or nudes palette?

Have a wonderful week ahead, super awesome peeps. :)

Cheers,

Follow me on Instagram: greenappletini

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In the Limelight: Kiss Me Heroine Make Impact Frame & Curl Mascara - A Product Review

If there is only one eye makeup that I would use, it'd certainly be mascara. I like how it instantly opens up the eyes, giving a much more awake look, and makes the look a bit more posh. So after having tried out a few, I think I have finally found my HG (Holy Grail) mascara and that is the Kiss Me Heroine Make Impact Frame and Curl Mascara. I guess you know by now that this post will contain mostly raves because of the HG status but then again, there is no perfect product. So here's my review after using it for a few months now.

Product Description taken from the Sasa website:

Kiss Me Heroine Make New Impact Frame & Curl Mascara is the most black and glossy formula ever. It enables even application and no cake is resulted even if multiple layers are applied. Highly resilient styling wax supports and curls up lashes. The special-designed brush soaks a great amount of fiber, making lashes richer. Eye-catching black color performs larger and sharper eyes.

What I like:

• The brush seems complicated at first glance because there are two sides of it. The one that's kinda flat lifts the lashes and adds volume to it. The other one with bristles separates the lashes and lengthens them. 
• Waterproof, smudge-proof, sweat-proof. I've worn this mascara for almost 20 hours straight and my lashes still looked pretty much the same as when I freshly applied this mascara. Well, there may have been a few budges here and there but it held the curls well and there was absolutely no raccoon eyes.
• One coat already defines each lash. Two coats make them look thicker and richer and fuller. And my lashes are kinda "thin" (not sparse and not short either but are just simply thin) to begin with.
• The formula is wonderful and does not easily dry. My first tube (which I think already croaked) still isn't dry.
• It looks natural with just one coat but you can build it up if you want more drama to your lashes.
• Does not cause any eye irritation even though it has fibers.

What I don't like:

• Such a pain to remove. You can't expect water and soap to take it off. You'll need an eye makeup remover before it finally stops clinging for its life on your lashes. Japanese mascaras are darn good at it, don't you think so too?
• Takes time to get used to using the brush. On the first few applications, I always end up smearing some on my eyelids but after some time, I can apply it even while inside a moving vehicle. Plus it can clump if you apply too much.
• Not locally available and has to be purchased abroad or online. Purchased mine from Adambeauty.com
• Pretty expensive for a mascara at $16 but if you're the type who uses mascara everyday, I think you really won't mind the price at all since you get a bang for your buck with its good quality.
  

Overall rating: 4.75/5 I am willing to overlook the cons as I absolutely adore this mascara.

Will I buy again? You can bet on it! I am already on my second tube and plans to get another one soon once I am out of the Volume & Curl variant.

The brush

On my lashes and the makeup I wore when I took my niece to the mall earlier today- click on the picture to enlarge and see my eyes better.

Face: Celeteque Hydration Facial Moisturizer | Kanebo
Coffret D'Or Beauty Lasting Liquid UV | Maybelline Instant
Age Rewind Double Face Perfector | Kanebo Kate High
Coverage Pressed Powder | Browlash Ex |  Laura Mercier
Topaz Eyeshadow | Kiss Me Heroine Make Impact Frame
and Curl Mascara | Shu Uemura Glow On M Pink 30 | Kiehl's
Lip Balm | YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in Rose Dahlia

Have you tried Kiss Me mascaras or those from Japanese brands? Which would your recommend?

Have a blessed Sunday, everyone. :)

Cheers,

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Current Favorites

How's your weekend so far, guys? Mine was pretty nice - had a company Valentine's Day party last night - which I think is cheesy - that was filled with dancing and singing and is quite fun. I still think it's cheesy, though. Anyway, I thought of just sharing with you my current favorites. You might notice that some of the products on this list were purchased just recently but were included because I've been using them everyday since I got them and are have become instant favorites. So without prolonging the agony (I hate the waiting game), I present my current favorites (and those I think will become favorites in a long time).

RMK Liquid Foundation | Kanebo Coffret D'Or Beauty Lasting Liquid UV |
Pore Serum Gel | MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural |
Versace Bright Crystal

For the face:

RMK Liquid Foundation 102 - I initially wasn't that pleased with this foundation but it works perfectly well with MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light. It feels light on the skin while providing a really, really, really nice natural finish that does not turn greasy when my T-zone starts to oil up. The shade also perfectly matches my skin tone.

Kanebo Coffret D'Or Beauty Lasting Liquid UV - please refer to my review.


MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light - feels light on the skin and the texture of the powder is also very nice. It makes my skin look glowing without making it look nasty or oily.

Pore Serum Gel - rescues my skin when it acts up, making it less oily. Works as a fab mattifier too!

The little lost soul - Versace Bright Crystal - I am definitely not good in describing scents but this one is so feminine and smells gorgeous! It also doesn't hurt that the bottle looks exquisite.

Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric 2 | Guerlain Blush 4 Eclats 05
Rose Plein Vent

For the cheeks:

Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric 2 - this little baby provides a very natural-looking flush. It feels velvety as it glides on the cheeks and lasts for at least 10 freakin' hours on me! That is absolutely a first for me.

Guerlain Blush 4 Eclats 05 Rose Plein Vent - the blush is such a beauty! It's a gorgeous peach-pink shade which works really great with Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric 2.

Chanel Rouge Allure in Comedia | MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in
Ultra Darling | Models Own Lip Balm in Tangerine

Lips:

Chanel Rouge Allure in Comedia - when I feel like using something luxurious on my puckers, this is the lipstick I instantly grab. It complements any type of blush that I wear without competing with it. Such a wonderful subtle pink lipstick for me.

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Ultra Darling - such a pretty coral-pink lipstick that has a very nice texture which is not drying on the lips at all.

Models Own Lip Balm in Tangerine - this has got to be the most pigmented tinted lip balm I have ever tried. This screams red-orange on the jar but looks very lovely on the lips. It instant brightens the face plus it's moisturizing and smells great.

Kiss Me Heroine Make Volume & Curl Mascara |
Kiss Me Heroine Make Impact Frame & Curl Mascara

And lastly, mascaras:

Kiss Me Heroine Make Volume & Curl Mascara - for natural looking lashes with added volume, this is the one for me. I also like that it can be easily removed.

Kiss Me Heroine Make Impact Frame & Curl Mascara - this definitely knows how to make an impact by making your lashes longer with extra volume that insanely holds the curl for hours. Only hard to remove, though.

So these are my current favorites. What are yours?

Happy Sunday, super awesome peeps! :)

Cheers,

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Goodies Goodies!

People come and go. And so does makeup. Since I am trying to curb my spending habits, I made a pact with myself that for each makeup (or two) that I buy, I have to let go of something from my stash, to somehow feel less guilty about buying. One replaces the other - that will be the cycle unless I really like something and decide it's a keeper that I won't let go of. I have recently done a little de-stashing and have let go of most of the items I barely use and here are the replacements I have acquired since last week (and maybe a little bit longer than that for the mascara).

1. Clinique Happy Heart 100mL

2. MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural Light

3. RMK Liquid Foundation 102

4. Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric 2

5. Kiss Me Heroine Make Volume & Curl Mascara

6. Kanebo KATE High Coverage Pressed Powder UV

7. Models Own Lip Balm in Tangerine (which I am absolutely in love with at the moment!)

8. Avon Ideal Oil Control Pressed Powder

9. Covergirl Clean Pressed Powder

10. Covergirl Tru Cheeks Blush 1

11. Covergirl Tru Cheeks Blush 5

12. L'Oreal Volume Perfect Lipstick in Fawn

13. Colour Collection Vitamin E Lip-Eye-Cheek Color in Rich Apricot - a little local lovin'!

14. Lilo & Stitch plastic jars for samples

15. More cosmetic jars

16. Make Cleansing Pad

17. Dove White Beauty Bar

18. Dove Intense Repair Conditioner

Not in pictures:

19. Herbal Essences Hydralicious Shampoo

20. Dove Intense Repair Shampoo

21. Colour Collection Moisture Intense Lipstick in Autumn Glaze

22-23. Tupperware Brand Jellies Glossy Tints in Apple Glaze and Tropical Punch

I have a lot of reviews coming up. I only need the drive to get back to blogging regularly. Anyway, I hope you're all having a wonderful week so far.

Cheers,

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Back with a Product Review: Shu Uemura Aya Takano Reindeer Kiss xxxx Palette

Hey guys! I hope you're all doing fab this holiday season. It has been a month and a half since I have last updated this blog. Busy isn't quite enough to describe how my previous weeks were plus dealing with personal stuff that are great, actually, but I'm glad that I finally had the time to make a post again. I was supposed to go malling with my family for a little Christmas shopping but since I barely even stay home due to work, I decided to skip going out and stay home instead for a little R&R. Rock & Roll? Nah. Just Rest & Rest or perhaps Rest & Read or Review & Read or Review & Rest. Whichever of the four my Sunday leads to, I'll make the most out of it. Anyway, here's a review of the cutest makeup piece in my stash and that is the Shu Uemura Aya Takano Reindeer Kiss xxxx Palette. I received this as a birthday gift last August. If I'm not mistaken, this was part of Shu Uemura's Holiday Collection from 2010. So without further ado, I present to you the Reindeer Kiss Palette.

Oh jeez, I don't know how to start this review. I'm searching for the right words. It has been that long, huh. I'm still giving this a shot even though I think I lost my blogging mojo.

What I like:

• The package is unbelievably cute! It's such a swell to see this inside my traincase. Even my niece, who loves looking at and playing with my make up always grabs this and says, "Look oh, so cute". And that is simply adorable. Even though I have no idea how it would feel to kiss a reindeer, it's still uber cute for me as there is something quite "magical" about how this palette was presented and packaged.
• The well-coordinated colours are so pretty to look at. I kept myself from using it for a week or so but when I received and used my "Tessa Prieto-ish lashes a couple of months ago for my Fairytopia FOTD, I knew this palette would be perfect for those lashes.
• The K2 silver eyeshadow  is so creamy and smooth that it's so easy to blend and applies wonderfully on the lids. 
• Texture is still wonderful even though it is now made in Korea. There is a slight difference on the quality but it's not something that would keep me from buying Shu makeup again.
• K4 or the brown cream color is an eyeliner though I prefer using it on my brows but it still works as a liner.
• K5 or the gold cream highlighter is gorgeous! Pretty on the cheekbones and brow bones and cupid's bow.
• The K6 glow on is a medium pink blush with a bit of blue tones in it. There is something about it that gives a certain glow on the cheeks. 
• It also does not hurt that I get a full-sized eyeshadow and blush in this palette too!
• Still locally available at some Shu Uemura counters.

What I don't like:

• K1 and K3 are not as pigmented and opaque as the K2 silver eyeshadow. 
• Creams and powders should never ever be together in one palette. Powders get in the cream products and when that happens, it's not usually a pretty sight.
• Pretty expensive for a palette as this costs Php 4000. But if you are a sucker for packaging and is into collecting such things, or a Shu Uemura devout, then I think this would prove as something you must absobloodylutely have.

Overall rating: 4.25/5

Will I buy again? I would like to say I would but I honestly won't. Even though I love it and it is gorgeous and the packaging is outrageously cute, these are not enough reasons for me to purchase it. With 4k, I can purchase a customized palette from Shu with my choice of colors. Super glad I got this as a gift from a very nice lad though who has proven his uncanny gift-giving skill. :)

The palette up-close - K1, K2, K3, K4

Swatches

I have a lot of reviews coming up. And hopefully, I can continue blogging again. Have a happy and blessed Sunday, everyone! :)

Cheers,

P.S. Thanks to all who left comments and emailed me asking how I am and if everything's alright. It warmed my heart, promise.

Coming up: Purbasari Lulur Scrub
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Random Goodies

Hola! I hope you're all having a fantastic weekend. Mine was still pretty busy because I was working earlier today and this week has been stressful. Stressful is the understatement of the year! Anyway, I think this week was still pretty good because of the goodies I received and purchased and for this quick post, I'm sharing some of them. Please do note that I am not bragging or anything. I haven't done a goodies post for a couple of months now, I think, so I decided to do one tonight. And it was the easiest thing to post because my brain's too tired (and so I am) to do a review or do an EOTD/FOTD. I badly need to recharge. :D Well, here are the goodies. These aren't much but they were enough to cheer me up after a  few long and tiring days.

1. Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Stay in Place Makeup Intensity 1.0
2. Kiss Me Heroine Make Impact Frame and Curl Mascara
3. Kanebo Kate Eyebrow Gel in BR-3
4. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector in 710 Light

5. Tony Moly Berry Berry Magic Lip Tint in Strawberry
6. Tony Moly Cherry Pink tint

7. Bath & Body Works Pocketbac in Fresh Lemon
8. Bath & Body Works Pocketbac in Island Margarita

Goodies from Genson:
9. Vitacreme B12 Regenerative Cream
10. Purederm Exfoliating Foot Mask
11. Purbasari Lulur Scrub (I read a review where the blogger claimed that she likes this better than Asian Secrets Lulur Scrub. Now I'm curious.)
12. Nanomed Finale Whitening Cream

That's pretty much all. I no longer included the shampoos and conditioners and Cetaphil. Reviews coming up.

How about you? Any goodies recently? :P

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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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I'm a Bad Girl - Sleek Divine Mineral Based Eyeshadow Palette in Bad Girl Swatches

I seriously cannot contain my excitement! I'm supposed to post my review on Caudalie Paris Vinoperfect Night Correcting Cream tonight but I decided to post it tomorrow instead because of this one. That's how excited I am. Anyway, a surprise came in the mail today though I was expecting to receive it tomorrow - and it's my Sleek Divine Mineral Based Eyeshadow Palette in Bad Girl! I was choosing between the Original Palette and this one but I figured that the former has more neutral shades that I am not into so it then became an easy decision for me. So without further adieu, I present to you Bad Girl.

It is indeed sleek. The packaging is very minimalist - a black matte non-rubberized compact.

I literally gasped when I opened the palette as the 12 colours are just as gorgeous as I expected them to be. I also like how the protective film has all the shades written on it.

First Row (L-R): Innocence, Gullible, Blade, Gun Metal, Underground, Noir
Second Row (L-R): Intoxicated, Envy, Obnoxious, Abyss, Twilight, Rebel

Swatches with base

I played with the palette right away, before my mom even took the palette and tried it on herself. XD

I used the following shades: Innocence (to highlight inner corners and 

brow bones); Gullible (as base applied all over the lids); 

Abyss (outer half, crease); and Envy (to line upper lash lines)

I like this palette and I'm planning to try out other palettes too. Maybe I'd try Original next since I am satisfied with this one. They are pigmented, non-chalky and not powdery either, creamy, and blends easily. I also have my eyes set on the lippies and a couple of blushes. I hope Digital Traincase stocks up on her Sleek palettes so a lot of us can finally try these much-raved palettes. Expect to see more EOTDs since I now have more colours to play with.

How about you? Have you tried Sleek palettes? What are your favorites?

Happy Tuesday, super awesome peeps! :P

Cheers,

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Product Review: ELF Eyebrow Treat & Tame in Ash

For someone who has sparse or thinly dispersed eyebrows like mine, it is necessary to use eyebrow makeup to make them look more groomed so they can frame the face nicely. I have tried a few and here is something I took my chance on when I saw it sold online. I was in dire need of a clear mascara to use for my brows so I figured this will do since it has clear and tinted gels. I have been using this on and off for a few months now and here is my review.

Product Description taken from the ELF website:

Create manicured and styled brows that are beautiful and defined. Treat your eyebrows with a hair re-growth, vitamin infused gel formula to help stimulate hair follicles so your once thin and sparse brows become thicker. Tame eyebrows with a fiber enhanced eyebrow mascara formula for fuller and more natural looking brows. The special fiber infused mascara grips onto even your finest brow hair to create a beautiful healthy and enhanced look.

Directions:

Use the “tame” mascara to brush onto eyebrows to define and keep them in place for a fuller and more tailored look.
Use the “treat” gel to condition, repair and restore the eyebrows.
Use alone or underneath makeup.

Ingredients:

Tame Ingredients: Water (Aqua Purificata) Purified, Alcohol Denatured, PVP/VA Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, TEA Carbomer, Mica, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone
May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491 CI 77492 CI 77499)

Treat Ingredients: Aqua(Water), Acrylates/C10-30alkylacrylatecrosspolmer, Polysorbate 80, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

Tame

Treat

What I like:
- I never really gave Treat a chance to do its job in aiding my brows to re-grow and no longer be sparse simply because I am already using something that does an amazing job at it. I had the intention of using this as a clear brow gel to set the brows and keep them in place. It does an OK job. Nothing really fantastic since it was not designed to work that way. I also sometimes use it as a base for my brow pencil and it works as well though still nothing remarkable.
- On its own, Tame with the shade being Ash, makes me look older and add years to my face when used alone. That could very well be due to Ash not being the right shade for me. It was the only shade available online at the time of purchase so I settled for it. However, I like using it to set my Skinfood Choco Powder Eyebrow Wood Pencil since it tones down the darkness of the latter product.
- Keeps the eyebrows in place for a couple of hours though not evident on my EOTDs because I only use the pencil on them.
- Has 4 shades to choose from - Light, Medium, Dark, and Ash. I now see other shades on eBay. Snap!
- Inexpensive at Php 250.

What I don't like:
- Not locally available at ELF counters (my last visit was yesterday and the sales assistant gave me a puzzled look when asked about this product)
- The shade Ash makes me look older and sort of makes my brows seem blurred from afar.
- Does not stay for a long time, say 3-4 hours at most.

Overall rating: 3/5 It does not tame my brows as much as Revlon Brow Fantasy does. Don't get me wrong. It works but not as good as my darling Revlon.

Will I buy again? No. I'll stick to Revlon Brow Fantasy.

Left: ELF; Right: Skinfood Brow Pencil + ELF

Have you tried this product?

Happy Thursday, everyone! :)

Cheers,

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