Product Review: Myra E Vitaglow Tinted Facial Moisturizer

On really hot days, I prefer wearing very light makeup as much as possible as the heat will just melt the makeup off my face and I don't want to look like a grease ball when that happens. So when I started reading raves from girltalk and local bloggers, I decided to give Myra TM a try. Though I have also read about some complaints regarding the shimmers, I still gave it a go. And here's what I thought of this product.



What I like:
- It has light coverage and all I need to do is set it with loose powder or a very light dusting of powder foundation and I'm all set.
- It gives my face a healthy glow.
- It doesn't make my face oily but once my face starts to oil up, it looks rather dewy than oily.
- Cheap. Around PHP130 bucks or so, I forgot the exact figure.
- Locally available.
- Shade Ivory matches my skintone though it gets a tad darker once it oxidizes on me.
- Claims to have minerals and has Vitamin E.
- It has SPF 15 which is pretty okay.
- Dries to a somewhat matte finish but the shimmers are very evident.

What I don't like:
- The shimmers!!! I like it on my cheeks but not on my entire face.
- Gave me whiteheads and red spots a couple of zits.
- My face gets itchy a few minutes upon application though I just shrugged it off back then.

Overall rating: 3/5

Will I buy again? No. I stopped using it and when I applied it again earlier today, my face got itchy once again. But if they come up with a formulation without shimmers, maybe I would.


Have you tried this product? Do you like it or do you not? :P

Happy Sunday, super awesome peeps. :P

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Here, Twiggy Twiggy! (MAC Satin Lipstick in Twig)

I like the natural look so I go for neutrals or nudes when it comes to lip color. In as much as I would want to go out wearing bold and bright colors, I cannot really muster up the courage to do so as I don't want to get the same kind of look I usually give when I see people wearing something outrageous, more so, with make up. Anyway, enough blabbing. So here's the latest lipstick addition to my mini mini lippy collection - MAC Satin Lipstick in Twig. Pictures!!!



It's a pretty warm neutral pink-brown shade that looks very natural - another MLBB. It's kinda similar to MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Cosmo, only this one has more brown and Cosmo is pinker. I'm not sure if I'd like the Satin formula in as much as I liked the Amplified Creme one as it is drying, based on most reviews I read on MakeUpAlley but I always apply lip balm before any other lip product anyway so I haven't experienced any dryness so far. No chapping or flaking as of yet. This color is great for everyday makeup and looks prettier when topped with a gloss. It complements my warm skintone and doesn't scream I-am-wearing-lipstick and looks really natural. It's like my lips only with a little more tint. My mom agreed that it works very well for my skintone and said it's a pretty lipstick too. Overall, I am liking it so far.

Swatch

Lip swatch

Uneven application on the upper lip, I know. :P It looks dark on the hand swatch but turns to a pretty warm pink-brown color once on the lips.

I am a happy girl. But gah! When will this lippy phase ever end?

Happy Saturday! :P
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DIY Project: Homemade Brush Spot Cleaner

I am almost out of my Smashbox brush cleaner after having it for more than 2 years now. The 120 mL bottle lasted that long. After watching videos on YT, I decided to make my own spot cleaner but I did not follow recipes which had detergent because they make my hands itchy. Moreso if I use a brush cleaned with it on my face. I used only 3 things - water, shampoo (I used L'Oreal Total Repair Repairing Shampoo) and Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap in Lavender (which I use for deep cleaning my brushes). I mixed them all together and placed the mixture in an empty spray bottle. I must say it cleaned my brushes pretty well and I'll show you how it did.


The dirty brushes

Eyeshadow and gel liner dirt

Prestige 103 blending brush

MAC 194SE concealer brush

And the clean brushes! :P

I hope you can tell the difference. I am so glad this worked I will continue using this until I have decided which spot cleaner to buy. I'm thinking either MAC or another one from Smashbox or other cheaper alternatives. Plus this one smells good too. :P I hope this post helps. :)

Happy long weekend, gals! :P
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Product Review: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream

This is the first time in two years that I used BB Cream. The first one I had was Skinfood Mushroom Multi Care BB Cream and it broke me out way back in 2008. It gave me the impression that bb creams are mediocre products that are quite costly so even though people were raving about them, I never once again dared buy another one. But last week, I saw the glaring PHP200 marked down price of Maybelline BB Cream so I decided to once again give it a try - I am after all trying out different drugstore brands, just like what I mentioned on my An All Drugstore Makeup Look post. I mean it's waaaay cheaper than what I had to pay for the Skinfood one which is around PHP1.2-1.5k since pre-orders were not yet available here at that time for that brand. So after trying it for about a week, I guess it's time for a review but as usual, pictures first.



What I like:
- Comes in a small cute greenish tube, which I really like. It's light and handy and can easily fit purses or makeup pouches.
- I actually like the squeeze out packaging as I can control the amount of product I get but it's kinda hard with this one because of the texture.
- I find this more like a tinted moisturizer as it provides minimal coverage. Perfect if you feel like going out kinda without makeup but not totally barefaced.
- It has SPF26 which, I think, is okay considering that my moisturizer doesn't have any.
- The scent isn't bad. Nothing that triggers my allergic rhinitis.
- Easy to spread and blend on the face.
- Skin easily absorbs it.
- No whitish cast on pictures.
- No shimmers or glitters.
- Locally available.

What I don't like:
- Texture is watery or runny.
- Each tube contains only 18mL and I kinda find it expensive for the srp of PHP249 and you get only a little amount of product.
- The box states that "One shade fits all". I beg to disagree. This will work better for those who have fair-medium skin but how about the other skintones? This will look a little off for our golden-skinned sisters.
- This is more like a tinted moisturizer rather than a bb cream so this may be a con or for bb cream users.
- Very minimal coverage so you can't expect it to conceal blemishes and undereye circles so there is absolutely no way this can work as a foundation either. Well, unless you have perfect skin to begin with and you barely put anything on your face.
- Gives a rather dewy finish than matte. I like a matte finish when it comes to moisturizers.

In between: I broke out on the testing phase. But I would like to believe that it is due to hormones or the weather. I get red spots on my face when the weather is too hot like it has been the past few days. I'll try it out again since I sort of like it.

Overall rating:
As a bb cream - 1/5
As a tinted moisturizer - 3/5

Will I buy again? Maybe, I kinda like it as a tinted moisturizer. I still like my Celeteque better. Maybe I'll just leave the tint to my powder foundations.

Swatch

Spread at the back of my hand

Blended

Disappeared right on my skin.

On me, topped with Kryolan Anti Shine Powder. (Forgive the messy hair, please. I was right in front of the terminator fan when I took this shot.)

Have you tried this? Do you like it or not? :)
Happy Thursday, guys! :P
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Product Review: L'Oreal HIP Jelly Lip Balm in Ripe

My favorite lip product has to be tinted lip balms and my HG is MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner. But since I am out of it, I decided to look for cheaper alternatives. I read really great reviews on MakeUpAlley about L'Oreal HIP Jelly Balms and saw swatches as well. I wanted to get Ripe since it's corally based on reviews and swatches. When I saw it on eBay, I immediately clicked on the Buy it Now button with high hopes for this product. Now let's see if it met my expectations due to all the praises and positive reviews.



What I like:
- I find this moisturizing. I remember applying this at night and woke up with moisturized lips.
- Smells good. Not overpowering.
- I like the glass packaging.
- Looks pretty on the pot.

What I don't like:
- It's part of the HIP (High Intensity Pigments) line but where the heck is the pigmentation here? It's almost like a clear gloss. I honestly have no idea how it looks sooooo pigmented on the swatches at MakeUpAlley because even if I piled on like more than 5 layers on my lips, there just isn't much color. Please refer to the swatch. I already layered it 5 times and that's the best it can get. My lips are kinda pigmented but I expected more from this since some of those who reviewed it claimed they have pigmented lips and said the color showed up.
- A little sticky and gooey to be a lip balm though it is moisturizing. But of course, it isn't as sticky as MAC lipglasses.
- It was kinda expensive for PHP350.

Overall rating: 2/5 (2 for the moisturizing property and for the packaging) as it was an utter disappointment for me.

Will I buy again? A big NO! Since I got frustrated with it, I did a little experiment since I do not want this to go to waste. I mean, I paid for a little less than half of the cost of one MAC TLC so I should at least be able to use it.

THIS is how it looks like now!


Remember my diy tinted lip balm project last year? I did it again! I cut the remaining MAC Marisheeno lipstick from the tube then a little of Revlon Colorburst Soft Rose (since it already melted) then half of my Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lip Balm and melted them altogether on a big metal spoon with the stove benetah it. And check out the swatch.


It now has the pigment I was expecting it to have. But of course, it is no longer L'Oreal HIP Jelly Balm. I am happier because it smells better - smells like cocoa butter, and is now kinda pigmented. :P

Anyway, happy Tuesday! :P

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Product Review: Clinique Lash Power Mascara in Black Onyx

Heya! Here's the start of my series of reviews as I really have a lot lined up for you guys. Hopefully, you won't get bored with seeing reviews one after the other. So the first on my list is Clinique Lash Power Mascara in Black Onyx. Although I received this item for free when I had my Clinique Skin Consultation, this review will be nothing but honest. On to the review then.


According to the website:

Lash Power Mascara Long Wearing Formula

Mascara with staying power. Vows to look pretty for 24 hours without a smudge or smear. Lasts through rain, sweat, humidity, tears. Yet the formula removes easily with warm water. Unique brush reaches and beautifully lengthens even the tiniest lashes. Ophthalmologist Tested.

* Skin Types: All
* Benefits: Long Wearing

(I really cannot post a before and after pic of my lashes without and with this mascara on because I cannot really get a decent shot.)

What I like:
- Smudge proof. True to its claim that it has a long wearing formula. Even though I have sometimes teared up or my lids get oily and sweaty on really hot and humid days, it held up to all those conditions. But I am not sure if this is waterproof or not, I cannot find it anywhere else on the website and on the tube either.
- Staying power is really great though I have not tried having it on my lashes for 24 hours.
- Does not clump even after I apply 2-3 coats of mascara.
- Looks really natural and perfect for a natural make up look or everyday wear. (May be a con for those who want dramatic lashes.)
- Although I do not really see a volumizing and lengthening effect on my lashes, they look more noticeable and makes my eyes look brighter and more awake.
- Can easily be removed with water.
- I read some girls complaining about the brush being too small. I actually like it because it reaches even the smallest and shortest lashes on the inner corners of my eyes and are also perfect for my lower lashes.
- Holds up the curls and does not weigh them down.
- Does not irritate my eyes.
- Has a shelf life of 6 months as seen on the tube.

What I don't like:
- I personally find this mascara expensive as you all know how high Rustan's mark up is for cosmetics and perfumes. But this sells on their website for only $14 which is like PHP630 if converted which is not bad at all if you get to buy it from the US.

Overall rating: 4.5/5 I remember mentioning in one of my EOTD's that I am really loving this mascara and could be HG material for me.

Will I buy again? I would love to, if the price at Rustan's is reasonable and if I can have someone in the US buy it for me. Or if I see it on eBay at a great bargain. I'm just not willing to shell out more than a thousand bucks for something I need to ditch in 6 months or less.

Anyway, here is a really cute picture of lolcat I saw on a website. Click the picture if you want to see more funny cats. :)


I hope you all had a great weekend! Happy Sunday!
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FOTD: An All Drugstore Make Up Look

I've been venturing into drugstore make up lately. I was really impressed with how some people make beautiful looks using mostly drugstore make up. So I guess it must be how you make it work for you and not all about the price of the makeup, whether it's a drugstore or department store brand. So I decided to experiment and do an all drugstore make up look today.



I used the following:
- Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream
- Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer in Ivory
- Prestige Perfectly Matte Translucent Powder (not on the picture)
- ELF Studio Line Single Eyeshadow in Pebble as brow powder
- ELF Brightening Eye Color in Ivy (eyeshadow quad - layered, no outer v thingie)
- LA Colors Automatic Eyeliner Black (not on the picture too)
- Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express Mascara in Glam Brown
- GOSH Blush in Electric Pink
- L'Oreal HIP Jelly Lip Balm in Ripe

Here's the look:


I hope I did well. Seriously, I am now thinking that make up doesn't have to be expensive in order for it to work for you. Of course, I am guilty of believing that more expensive products are better but there are precious gems in inexpensive ones too. I am actually liking these drugstore make up and I might even try out more. They are still, after all, make up. :P

Happy Saturday, super awesome peeps! :)
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Yum Moments: Wham! Burgers + L'Oreal and Maybelline Purchases

I think I am on a burger craze right now as I had BBB (Big Better Burgers) yesterday, which I was not able to fully consume and earlier, I had late brunch at Wham! Burgers. So here's another yum moments post.



Always fresh! Always hot! Yeah, it was hot when it was served and I believe it's also fresh as the meat is so tender and juicy and really tasty.


It looks so small on this shot but looks big as I am holding it which you will see later.


I like putting tabasco or hot sauce on my burger as I love spicy food. See the lettuce? It was crispy and fresh when I had it.


This burger is big! The patty is thick and the bread is kind of toasted with sesame seeds too. I really had to open my mouth every time I take a bite. Of course, I took the other half home and finally finished it.

I like Wham! Burgers because it is a good quick fix for burgers aside from the usual Jollibee, McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King, which all taste differently now as compared to how good they were before. I get heart burns when I eat Jollibee burgers and McDonald's just no longer do it for me. Same goes for Wendy's which has really dry buns, imo. Burger King used to taste so much better back then. This one is pretty cheap too considering you get at least a quarter pound of meat for only PHP98. My only beef about Wham! is that their burgers are sometimes a little greasy and fatty but that is not always the case. I will definitely eat here again.



Now these are the items I got earlier. The much-raved L'oreal HIP Jelly Balm in Ripe, which had a 4.4/5 overall rating and 85%buy again rate at MakeUpAlley and the Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream, which I got on sale for only PHP200.

I have a lot of product reviews in store for you guys so expect to see product reviews one after the other.

Happy weekend, guys! :P

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