Steph / MNL, PH As a blogger and bonafide makeup junkie, I'm always on the hunt for the next best thing in beauty. This blog is going to serve as my outlet in discussing the latest trends, reviews, tips, tutorials, and anything beauty related. More >>
Achieve Lashes in Full Bloom with Lash Sensational by Maybelline
For Filipinas who love their makeup and who can’t live without their mascaras, there can only be one deal breaker when it comes to their relationship with their best eye makeup tool: messy clumps on their lashes.
Lash lovers, Maybelline New York’s got sensational news for you! Perfect for creating the freshest and most blooming summer eye looks – say goodbye to clumps, flakes, and smudges and meet the newest mascara favorite in town.
From the World’s #1 Makeup Brand, Maybelline New York, achieve lashes in full bloom this summer season with newest eye makeup sensation to hit the Philippines – Lash Sensational mascara. “We are very happy to share with all the Filipinas our newest mascara to help bring their most sensational lash game yet.” shares Maia Ang, Senior Product Manager for Maybelline New York. “Maybelline New York’s Lash Sensational is the perfect go-to mascara for women who want to achieve volumized, full flared lashes with zero clumps, perfect for everyday wear. Instant drama, with zero mess.”
Unlike other regular mascaras in the market, Maybelline Lash Sensational’s unique fanning brush is innovated with 10 layers of bristles, giving you a clean and flared volume effect – one that will still leave your lashes looking sleek and natural after application. With a liquid ink formula that coats from all sides and opens up your eyes from corner to corner, the sensational brush and formula combination by Lash Sensational separates and lengthens lashes with just a few swipes. The result? Clean, flared, and volumized lashes with zero clumps and zero mess.
Give your lashes a sensational bloom plus get layers and layers of compliments this summer with the newest Lash Sensational mascara by Maybelline New York. Grab your Lash Sensational mascara for only P429 at Maybelline counters nationwide.
I’m not the biggest matte lipstick fan but lately I’ve been into matte lipsticks and I kinda blame it on the hype for liquid lipsticks. Honestly, I have not tried yet any matte lipsticks from any local brand that’s why I was so excited to try on these Fashion 21 All Day Matte lipsticks.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
One swipe of this matte lipstick gives full, intensely colored, and lasting coverage to your lips. And it doesn’t just look good—the formula is light on the lips and does not dry them out. The All-Day Matte Lipstick comes in 15 brownish, reddish, and pinkish shades that fit any mood for any event, any day and night.
PRICE
Php 175 each
The shades that I got are Bliss, Blossom, Flamingo, Garnet, Passion, and Rosy. These shades are the reds in the All Day Matte collection and I believe that they also have nudes and pinks available. Upon swatching and application, I noticed that they don’t have the same finish some are slightly metallic (e.g. Bliss and Flamingo) and have micro shimmers. All shades are easy to apply and I didn’t experience any tugging, they have a creamy texture. Pigmentation is so-so, you need to swipe it a few times to get the utmost opacity. These also emphasized my dry patches so I highly suggest that you prep your lips before applying the lipstick. Lasting power is average and you may need to reapply it after eating or drinking.
PROS
Affordable
Wide shade range
Available locally
Creamy
Easy to apply
No pungent smell
CONS
Emphasizes dry patches
OVERALL
If you’re looking for affordable matte lipsticks that you can easily spot at the drugstore, you may want to consider these ones from Fashion 21. With their wide range of shade, I’m pretty sure you’ll find one that will flatter your skin tone.
Bring Life Back to Dry Hair with Cream Silk’s Daily Treatment Conditioner Dry Rescue
What is your biggest hair concern? Mine would be dry scalp and brittle hair that ends up falling everywhere. I used to dye my hair frequently before but since the chemicals make my scalp super dry and hair frizzy, I decided to finally stop and just wait for my natural hair color to grow back. One quick fix to treat dry hair is by using a conditioner specially designed for it just like Cream Silk’s Daily Treatment Conditioner Dry Rescue. You can now bid goodbye to your dry hair woes and double up on beauty with this expert-approved Daily Treatment Conditioner that promises to transform even the driest of hair up to 2x smoother and shinier.
What makes it extra special are the combined powerful ingredients from both a conditioner and a hair treatment, Cream Silk’s Daily Treatment Conditioner Dry Rescue upgrades your daily hair care routine for the smoothness of conditioner with the intense nourishment of a hair treatment. It is infused with Vitaboost Complex, which deeply penetrates hair to rescue it from dryness and transform even the driest of locks to the beyond beautiful hair that every Filipina deserves.
Filipinas have become more daring with their hair. From straightening irons to perms, colored locks to elaborate up-dos. Which is why it’s also important to double up on hair care too. The hair expert Cream Silk gives you up to 2x more smoothness and shine with Dry Rescue to address issues of dryness that salon visits and weather exposure can cause to your locks.
Want to experience sophisticated salon-esque hair treatment? Just replace your normal conditioner with Cream Silk’s Daily Treatment Conditioner Dry Rescue and see the results as soon as after 4 weeks of continued use! Beyond beautiful hair is within your reach, thanks to Cream Silk’s new formula that brings life back to dry hair. I’m currently hosting a giveaway on Instagram so you can have beyond beautiful hair too!
Giveaway Mechanics:
Post a selfie of yourself on Instagram showing your 2x smoother and shinier hair (profile must be set to public)
Use the following hashtags #creamsilk #creamsilkdryrescue #clozette
Caption: “I want to Double up on beauty with Dry Rescue!”
Tag @_beautychapter & @clozetteco in the caption
You can post your entries until Dec 20, 2015 (Sunday) and winners will be announced by Clozette by Jan 2016.
Experience natural care “down there” with pH Care Naturals
Everyone’s going all-natural these days, whether we’re talking about organic food, health supplements from plant and animal extracts, and even personal care and beauty products. And, why not? It’s important to make sure that what we ingest or apply onto our skin is something that won’t harm us.
pH Care Naturals Papaya
150 ml (Php 104) and 50 ml (Php 49.50)
There are a lot of factors that can influence a woman’s confidence when it comes to donning that swimsuit, including puson problems and cleavage consciousness. But one other common insecurity many women have is dark skin in and around the bikini area, and this is something they can feel self-conscious about even in the comfort and privacy of their own rooms and bathrooms. And while there are many products for whitening dark skin in other parts of the body, most of these aren’t safe or suited for use in intimate areas. Now, however, pH Care has a new whitening feminine wash that uses natural ingredients, so you keep the sensitive area fresh and fair. The new pH Care Naturals Papaya cleanses the bikini area while the papaya extract, added to its formulation, aids in skin-whitening, so you get fairer skin in as early as 14 days.
pH Care Naturals with Guava Leaf Extract
150 ml (Php 104) and 50 ml (Php 49.50)
Even if you’re not overly concerned with dark skin, you may still want a feminine wash made from natural ingredients that will still keep your intimate area fresh and clean. After all, in a hot country like ours, sweat can lead to discomfort, even body odor, and infection—and it’s worse when it involves the bikini area! But no need to worry; pH Care Naturals Guava has been specially infused with guava leaf extract, which is well-known for its cleansing and anti-bacterial properties over the years. So if you’re 1 in 3 Filipinas constantly seeking for natural solutions “down there,” then give pH Care Naturals a try. It will naturally deodorize the area so you can feel confident regardless of outfit, activity, or even weather.
The NEW! pH Care Naturals variants are available at leading supermarkets, drugstores, and beauty stores. For more information, check out www.facebook.com/pHCare.
PH CARE PHILIPPINES
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pHCare
Twitter: www.twitter.com/phcarephilippines
IG: @phcarephilippines
J&J Philippines Launches Camp Courage:
An advocacy aimed to help build the confidence of Filipina teens to seize the moment
Teen brands Carefree, Modess, and Clean & Clear hope to inspire 400,000 Filipina teens nationwide
In its commitment to be the partner of Filipino families in addressing their needs in every life stage, Johnson & Johnson Philippines launched Camp Courage -- a movement that seeks to help Filipina teens overcome the many difficult challenges they go through during their teenage years, such as dyahe, hiya, and kaba, by providing the right tools and information to build their confidence in seizing every moment for them to reach their full potential.
According to a study* conducted about the behavior of teens nowadays, 75% of girls ages 13-17 want to feel accepted yet are afraid of being judged. Among Filipinas, this translates to dyahe, hiya, and kaba, which are amplified by the many changes they go through physically, emotionally, and socially.
Camp Courage lead advocate Liza Soberano with representatives from J&J Philippines: Associate Director for Marketing Lovenna Cadano and Group Brand Manager for Women’s Health and Beauty Karen Co.
This prompted J&J Philippines to jumpstart the advocacy, Camp Courage. “Knowing and understanding the needs of young Filipinas is the very foundation of the advocacy we are doing at J&J Philippines,” shared Karen Co, Group Brand Manager for Women’s Health & Beauty of J&J Philippines. “It is during the teenage years when girls start to feel new emotions that translate into their perception about themselves and how they relate to others. Madalas nandyan yung ‘dyahe’, ‘hiya’, at ‘kaba’ especially when they start to get affected by the many changes that are happening around them, which also include the bodily changes resulting in discomfort. That is why we developed Camp Courage: an advocacy that helps today’s girls fight hiya, dyahe, and kaba, and turn them into saying “kayang-kaya!” We want to empower Filipina teens to celebrate their teenage years by building up their confidence to seize every moment with the right tools and information, leading up to realizing their full potential.”
Johnson & Johnson Philippines aims to visit 500 schools nationwide through the Camp Courage school tours. Camp Courage ambassador Liza Soberano joined by Associate Director for Marketing Lovenna Cadano (leftmost) and Group Brand Manager for Women’s Health and Beauty Karen Co (rightmost) of J&J Philippines; teen expert Mary Clare Pineda (2nd from right); teen blogger Isabel Garcia (3rdfrom right); and Camp Courage’s senior scouts.
Camp Courage will go around the Philippines to reach out to about 400,000 Filipina teens in 500 schools nationwide. It will conduct workshops and activities that will help girls understand their bodies even better, know the right things to do in any situation, and find opportunities where they can enhance their talents and skills even more. More importantly, the Camp Courage School Program will encourage teens to face their teen challenges head on, inspiring them to believe in themselves and their abilities.
The advocacy will also run online at www.ourcampcourage.ph where teens can support each other by sharing information and inspiring stories to help them be the best that they can be. This platform will be a venue to house a strong support system for girls encouraging other girls, making it a safe place where they can share their thoughts and feelings, and receive much needed support as they go through the challenges of teenage life.
Among the brands supporting this campaign are Clean & Clear, which seeks to help girls show their real self with the confidence of clean and clear skin; Carefree, which aims to let them discover and fully enjoy new experiences with a well-maintained fresh confidence; and, lastly, Modess, which empowers them to make their move with unrestrained confidence.
Camp Courage seeks to inspire every Filipina teen to be determined to discover her full potential by not being held back by the many changes happening in her life, instead, allowing her to celebrate the many opportunities being young brings about!
Join the conversations and encourage other girls online by visiting www.ourcampcourage.ph this September, and by using the hashtag #CampCouragePH.
*A study conducted by Civic Science for Johnson & Johnson: Clean & Clear, 2014
Hi guys! I’m so sorry for being MIA these past few weeks. I've been busy with a lot of school stuff lately and I needed to take a short break from blogging since my thoughts were all over the place. I honestly don’t know where to start so If you have any ideas and suggestions, kindly leave them in the comments below. To compensate also for the lack of posts, I'm giving away Maybelline Fresh Sets! Remember my #MUSTCARA blog series? You can now recreate the looks I posted with the help of these makeup items from Maybelline Philippines.
FRESH SET INCLUDES:
Maybelline HyperCurl Volum’ Express Mascara
Maybelline White SuperFresh Powder
Maybelline Baby Lips Color Lip Balm
BLOG GIVEAWAY MECHANICS:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
WINNERS:
Theresa Cruz-Escaros
Rachelle Anne Sianson
Congratulations! Please send your details (complete name, shipping address, and contact number) to [email protected] with the subject "Maybelline Fresh Set Giveaway Winner" within 72 hours.
The year is flying by so quickly and it feels like it was just January yesterday. We have 4 and a half months left until 2016. I can’t believe it is already August! However, I am happy to be sharing my favorite products for the months June and July with you all. I wanted to include two more products but I decided to just trim down my list. So here are the products that made it on my favorites:
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in NC30
As you can see, this foundation has been well loved. I’ve been using it a lot for the past two months, hence the dirty packaging. It provides medium to full coverage and is very long-wearing. If I’m in a hurry, I skip concealer and just go straight to this powder because of its great coverage. I usually spray a little bit of MAC Fix+ after applying it to achieve a more natural look since it has a flat matte finish. It is a must have for oily skinned gals!
RMK Liquid Foundation in 103
Currently, this is my number 1 foundation. It has great coverage while still feeling breathable and light. It literally just melts into your skin and doesn't feel cakey at all. I wish it came with a pump dispenser though but it is something I can overlook since it works great on my oily skin, definitely a holy grail material.
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20
I expected this concealer to be thick and heavy but I was wrong! Truth is, it is pretty light (feels lighter than the NARS Creamy Radiant Concealer!) and has a buildable coverage. It doesn’t crease or settle into lines and one pump goes a long way. I chose the shade NW20 for my under eye area because it is not too yellow or orange. It has a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones to conceal and brighten at the same time.
Maybelline HyperCurl Volum’ Express Mascara
When it comes to mascara, I swear by Maybelline! They have one for every need and most importantly their mascaras are affordable. My old favorite, HyperCurl, was reformulated. I like it because it holds curl effectively throughout the day and it doesn't smudge at all. I actually did a blog series featuring the newly formulated HyperCurl, check out my posts here!
MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul
This has been the only blush that I've been using for the past month and a half. It is a very flattering color that works well with any makeup look! I just can’t get enough of this blush! It has a nice subtle sheen that gives a natural-looking glow. I can safely say that I like it even better than the NARS Orgasm!
Tarte Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette
I got this palette for my birthday and I absolutely love it! The shades are mainly neutrals but you also get pinks and purples, a nice mix of everyday colors. They all blend easily and the formula is amazing, they are incredibly pigmented especially for matte eyeshadows. The packaging looks classy and I do appreciate that it has a big mirror.
Maybelline ColorShow Creamy Matte Lipstick in Lively Violet
I love mauve lipsticks and this is by far my favorite from the drugstore. It has a creamy matte finish which I like because I don’t have a lot of matte lipsticks. It is so affordable for only Php165 and the quality is surprisingly good.
Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Matte Lippie in Too Cool
Moving on to another matte lipstick, I also love the Too Cool lippie from the Happy Skin x Preview collection. It is super comfortable on the lips and stays on for hours. You can check my full review and swatches here.
Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint in Hope
This is very similar with the Happy Skin Moisturizing Matte lippies in terms of finish, consistency, and longevity. The only difference is that Tarte has a minty flavor and cooling effect upon application. The shade Hope is a flattering warm rose color which is right up my alley.
NYX Butter Gloss in Angel Food Cake
I'm not a big fan of lip glosses but I fell in love with NYX’s Butter Glosses. My favorite shade is Angel Food Cake, it is a gorgeous rosy nude color that goes well with everything. Not to mention that the color pay off is amazing as well as the scent.
The Face Shop Perfume Seed Velvet Body Milk
I usually hate putting lotions on because they feel greasy but this lotion is super lightweight! It has a fresh floral scent which I’m a fan of. The consistency is milky so it does absorb into the skin quickly.
Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Florale Perfume
I got it on sale at Landmark about three months ago and it has been my go-to scent ever since. If you like clean, floral, feminine scents (e.g. Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet, Versace Bright Crystal, Lanvin Eclat D’ Arpege) you’ll like this for sure. I’m so happy that this perfume mixes well with my body's chemistry and it lasts all day.
Krave 100% Argan Extract Beauty Treatment Oil
If you’re looking for an affordable argan oil that works just as good as the expensive ones, then look no further! I usually apply it on the drier parts of my body like knees, elbows, cuticles, hair, etc. It is a good all-around natural moisturizer and is recommended for dehydrated skin.
BeautyBlender Original
I finally got my hands on this famous sponge last month! I wanted to try the BeautyBlender to see if it performs better than the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. I think the RT Miracle Sponge does retain more water which means it sucks up more product than the BeautyBlender, but in terms of that flawless airbrushed looking finish they both do the job.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these yourselves and your thoughts on them.
It’s been a while since I last reviewed a mascara and since I’m about to wrap up my #MUSTCARA blog series, I will be sharing my final thoughts and the results of the lash test I did a few days ago to check the non-smudginess of HyperCurl. It has been recently reformulated to give us even better results! I've tried HyperCurl before and remember really liking it. In fact, my first mascara ever was the cat eyes version (the one with metallic pink zebra print wand). Wondering why the newly formulated HyperCurl mascara by Maybelline should be the latest addition to your basic face, lips, and eye makeup stash? Keep reading!
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Bid volumizing wax contents in your mascara goodbye and smize on the prize as HyperCurl Volum’ Express mascara is packed with lightweight volumizing black-gel formula --- a breakthrough formulation that gives 4x volumized curl that won’t smudge for up to 24 hours. Coupled with a pointy tip brush for easier and more precise application, this totally buildable blackest of black gel creates the most desirable stare that doesn’t leave smudges and irritation on your eye area.
PRICE
Php 199
MY BARE LASHES (TOP) AND AFTER APPLYING 1 COAT OF HYPERCURL MASCARA (BOTTOM)
When it comes to mascara, I always prefer something that offers length, volume, and curl because my natural lashes are really thin and short. HyperCurl is one of those mascaras that delivers decent amount of length and volume without weighing down my lashes. It holds curl effectively throughout the day, plus it doesn’t smudge --- thanks to its black-gel formula! Compared to other waterproof mascaras, I can easily remove HyperCurl at the end of the day even by just using water based makeup remover. You don’t need to exert a lot of effort and strength to remove the mascara traces, thus it won’t cause your eyes to feel irritated and itchy.
I like the wand of the newly formulated version, it has a pointier tip for more precise application. Maybelline also slightly tweaked the packaging, the cap comes now in a metallic pink color.
Moving on to the lash test, I tested out the non-smudginess of HyperCurl together with Brand X.
First, I applied Brand X on one set of eyelashes (left) and HyperCurl on the other (right). Then, I applied cream on both sets of eyelashes to simulate sweat. The result? I noticed that HyperCurl did not smudge compared to Brand X.
PROS
Adds length and volume
Smudgeproof
Waterproof
Holds the curl throughout the day
It doesn’t weigh down the lashes
Affordable
Available locally
CONS
Lashes may look a bit clumpy if you apply more than 3 coats
OVERALL
The newly formulated Maybelline HyperCurl is a great everyday mascara, it’s perfect for day time when you don't want too much drama for your eyes. It gives enough volume and length to make the eyes look more awake and lashes appear more black. If you have oily lids or watery eyes, don’t fret because it is indeed smudgeproof and waterproof. I highly recommend HyperCurl if you’re looking for an inexpensive yet effective mascara!
Maybelline Philippines
HyperCurl is available in all Maybelline counters nationwide
Hey guys! I hope you're all doing well. Today I will be featuring a few of my favorite online shopping sites. I get a lot of questions asking where I usually shop. I shop online most of the time simply because it's convenient, there’s no pressure, and no annoying salesperson hovering around. So for those of you who are fond of shopping online, I hope you’ll find this post helpful!
ZALORA Philippines
I'm pretty sure you're already familiar with Zalora. They carry a wide selection of bags, shoes, clothes, and even beauty products! I've bought a bunch of stuff from their site and always been very pleased with their service. Zalora always has sales going on so you can save even more. They also accept multiple payment methods like Credit Card, PayPal, Bank Deposit, and Cash On Delivery.
BeautyMNL
BeautyMNL is undoubtedly my best bet for a one stop, go-to beauty haven! You'll find a diverse selection of luxury and drugstore brands. They even offer some hard to find products at discounted prices! First time shoppers enjoy 20% off their first order and 10% rebate on succeeding purchases. They also accept multiple payment methods just like Zalora.
CareFreeShopper
I highly recommend CareFreeShopper if you’re looking for high-end cosmetics at more affordable prices. They carry on-hand makeup brands like MAC, Tarte, Too Faced, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Hourglass. The owner is very accommodating, too.
Stuff In Style
This is the online shop to visit if you’re planning to do some serious makeup shopping. They got almost everything from drugstore brands like NYX, eos, Rimmel to high-end brands like Tarte, Urban Decay, Lorac. The owner is very accommodating as well, I usually just text her my orders and receive them the next day.
Bon Marche
Bon Marche is a trusted seller of authentic drugstore and high-end cosmetics. They update their inventory every week since they only offer limited quantities per product. If you see something you like, put it in your shopping bag ASAP because they do run out of stocks quickly.
Makeup Inbox PH
Makeup Inbox PH (formerly known as NYXWholesalePH) is an online pre-order shop, you need to wait at least 3-4 weeks for your orders to arrive. They accept special orders from US based websites like Sephora, Drugstore.com, Colourpop, Makeup Geek, MAC, BH Cosmetics. They also offer the most affordable prices for drugstore brands like Wet n’ Wild, L.A. Girl, e.l.f., Rimmel, Jordana.
Have you tried any of these sites? If so, did you enjoy your shopping experience? What are your favorite sites for online shopping?
Share them in the comments below!
The month of June is considered as the most popular month for celebrating weddings. We’ve seen the stunning photos on print and online from Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano’s ethereal wedding ceremony held last June 12. As Toni glowed in her Vera Wang dream wedding gown, her makeup artist Krist Bansuelo made her even more beautiful during her most special day. A few days ago, I stumbled upon an article online where Krist Bansuelo revealed the products he used on Toni. I was quite surprised when he mentioned that most of the products were from the drugstore like Maybelline’s Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner and HyperCurl Volum' Express #MUSTCARA! Toni’s makeup look was simple yet stunning, her eyes were the focus of her makeup since she wanted to keep everything light and radiant. I actually tried to recreate her fresh eye makeup look! Want to see how it turned out?
Photo credit : www.mymetrophoto.com
According to Inquirer.net, Krist used rose gold and brown eye shadows. However, I only sticked with matte eye shadows to create an illusion of deeper eyes. I have monolids and I don't have much eyelid space compared to Toni. If you want to recreate this look, here’s a quick tutorial:
Start off with primed lids and set it with a cream eye shadow.
Apply mauve eye shadow slightly above the crease, this will serve as transition color.
Define the crease by using a light brown eye shadow.
Apply a darker brown eye shadow over the light brown and blend the two shades.
Line upper lash line, avoid dramatic wing eyeliner. Line your lower lid with light and dark brown eye shadows.
Curl your lashes and apply a waterproof mascara like the newly formulated Maybelline HyperCurl. (Optional: apply false eyelashes)
And that's it! Here's how the final outcome will be like. See how it gave me an illusion of deeper eyelids? I hope you found this easy to recreate. Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below! :)
For more information about Maybelline, please visit www.facebook.com/MaybellinePhilippines.
* This post is in partnership with Maybelline Philippines.
Hi everyone! Happy Saturday! I know some of you have plans for later this evening. It is time to have some fun and forget the gathered stress during the week. They say that eyes are the windows to the soul, so it is only right that you step up your eye game for your girls’ night out! Today I’ll be sharing a step-by-step tutorial to achieve that perfect smize-worthy eye makeup.
Start off with a primed lid. This will help create a perfect canvas for the lid while extending the life of your eyeshadows.
Use a matte light brown shade as your transition color. Blend it using soft circular motions.
Apply a mauve-brown shade on top of the transition color. This will help you achieve a gradient effect. Thus, a more seamless color.
Here’s the blended effect!
Take a metallic dark brown shade and apply it on the outer v corner of the eye.
Blend it using a small eye detailer brush.
Next pat on a shimmery light bronze shade onto the middle part of your lids and slightly bring it inner corner.
Line your lower lash line with the same shades you used for the crease.
Apply eyeliner and wing it out.
Tightline your top and bottom waterline.
Curl your lashes.
Don’t forget to apply mascara. Mascara is the cherry on top in any eye makeup! (Optional: Add false eyelashes)
To complete the look: apply some blush on the apples of your cheeks, carve out your cheekbones, and swipe your favorite lipstick. Now that you’re ready to take hundreds of selfies, don’t forget to smile with you eyes! Also, I highly encourage you guys to use sweat-proof and long-wearing products just like the Maybelline HyperCurl Volum’ Express Mascara! There’s no need to worry about your #MUSTCARA smudging because it is packed with lightweight volumizing black-gel formula that gives 4x volumized that won’t smudge for up to 24 hours, perfect for leaving a lasting impression during the day and making the most of your girls’ night out. Get it for only Php 199 starting July 1! For more information about Maybelline, please visit www.facebook.com/MaybellinePhilippines.
* This post is in partnership with Maybelline Philippines.
REVIEW: Preview X Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Matte Lippies
As some of you may already know, Happy Skin recently came out with their very own matte lipsticks in collaboration with Preview magazine. When I heard about the release, I knew that I had to get my hands on them. Not to mention, the packaging is just too pretty to resist! I purchased the set during the exclusive release at Zalora so I got it for a discounted price. Although I don’t typically lean towards matte lipsticks, these two have definitely won me over.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Preview Magazine and Happy Skin celebrate 20 years of being #imaPreviewgirl with these limited edition matte lippies. Each Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Matte Lippie contains Happy Skin’s signature shea butter and collagen combo paired with powerful Cupuacu Butter, which offers unrivaled hydration, healing, and improved elasticity. Presented in two pigments that best represent the Preview girl – timeless red and classic nude – you can wear them alone or layer them together, like the true fashionista that you are.
PRICE
Php 1,099 (set) / Php 599 (each)
While most matte lipsticks have outstanding pigmentation and longevity, one major downside is their tendency to dry out the lips. Happy Skin’s latest collection is enriched with shea butter, collagen, and cupuacu butter, giving you the best of both the worlds--- matte with moisture. They feel very velvety and creamy upon application. They glide on the lips like a dream and I often find one swipe is more than enough for a great coverage and pigmentation on the lips. Since these are matte, they last longer than the regular Shut Up & Kiss Me lippies. They stay for hours and need to retouch only after eating and drinking. Too Cool is a true nude lipstick, it has a slight hint of pink mixed with beige. You can wear on its own or layer it with another lipstick. This shade doesn’t only look great with smokey eyes, but also with minimal look and dewy skin. Hot Stuff is a very sophisticated deep red wine with a hint of brown. It's in the same deep, vampy shade family of MAC Sin, MAC Diva, Wet n’ Wild Cherry Bomb, and Maybelline Creamy Matte Divine Wine.
SWATCHES: Too Cool (left)) and Hot Stuff (left)
PROS
Very moisturizing
They glide easily on the lips
Great color payoff
No sharpening needed
Decent staying power
Reasonable price
Available locally
CONS
Too Cool and Hot Stuff are limited editions shades
LIP SWATCHES: Me wearing Too Cool (left) and Hot Stuff (right)
OVERALL
I really like these matte lipsticks, I think they are excellent quality, and I love the fact that they are very moisturizing on the lips. Happy Skin did a great job with these matte lippies, I hope they come up with more shades soon. If you are on the fence with purchasing the set, I highly suggest getting it!
Happy Skin Cosmetics
Available at Plains & Prints, Beauty Bar, Rustan’s Beauty Source, Selected SM Dept. Stores, ZALORA Philippines, and Happy Skin Online Store.
Last week, I shared my basic face makeup routine plus tips & tricks on how you can get the best out of your mascara. Today’s post is all about mascara myths. So, what are these myths? Read on and we will debunk them one after the other! It’s important to arm yourself with the right information so you can truly appreciate the wonders of mascara.
A photo posted by @hoenest on Jun 4, 2015 at 7:41pm PDT
MYTH #1: Mascara can cause eyelashes to fall out.
Most waterproof mascaras contain proteins and vitamins than washable mascaras. Waterproof mascara creates a protective coat on the lashes which actually nourishes them. Just like our hair, eyelashes need some TLC to keep them strong and beautiful too. Make sure to take off your eye makeup at the end of the day. You may also apply a thin layer of Petroleum jelly, Vitamin E oil or Argan oil before bed to help condition your lashes.
MYTH #2: Curling your lashes after mascara breaks them.
False! The idea behind this myth is that if you curl your eyelashes while the mascara is still wet, you risk pulling out the lashes when you remove the curler. The trick to avoid this mishap is to apply a light coat of mascara, allow it to dry completely, then curl. It will actually help hold the curl in place.
MYTH# 3: Mascara can make your eyes itchy, dry, and irritated.
Not all! If you have sensitive eyes, avoid mascaras that contain fibers. The threadlike fibers can fall and get into the eyes, stick to traditional lengthening and volumizing mascaras. Be gentle also when removing your eye makeup. Don't tug or try to rub away the mascara.
My current favorite mascara is the newly formulated Maybelline HyperCurl Volum’ Express. Besides making my lashes volumized in a natural-looking way, it doesn’t make my lashes brittle and doesn’t leave any smudge for up to 24 hours. It goes on effortlessly and comes off without removing any of my natural lashes. It is is every young Filipina’s #MUSTCARA for achieving huge impact with full volume and zero fuss every day. Starting July 1, HyperCurl mascara gets even more affordable for only Php 199! For more information about Maybelline, please visit www.facebook.com/MaybellinePhilippines.
* This post is in partnership with Maybelline Philippines.
Hey, ladies! Today I will be sharing a Basic Face Makeup routine that is not only appropriate for students like me but also for young professionals. Many of us live a fast pace lifestyle and don't often have the time we want to dedicate to beauty. All of the products that I will be mentioning doesn’t require extensive makeup skills. If you’re someone who’s still figuring out where to begin when it comes to makeup, I’ll make it even easier for you by using just three basic makeup products that can make such a huge impact on your everyday look. This is the first in a four part mini series of blogging that I will be doing all Saturdays of June! I was chosen by Maybelline Philippines to be part of the HyperCurl Blogger Circle to help you guys achieve big transformations with easy and basic makeup tricks for everyday wear.
BASE
I’m starting off with the base because we want to make sure that our skin looks fresh and even. My personal choice is Maybelline White SuperFresh Powder Foundation with SPF 34 PA+++. When I’m in a rush, I often forget to apply sunscreen that’s why I prefer makeup bases with SPF. White SuperFresh has light to medium coverage, enough to cover minor skin imperfections. Whenever I use this powder, my skin stays matte all day long and you don't have to reapply the powder very often.
EYES
If you have nicely shaped and groomed eyebrows to begin with, you may skip applying brow products and proceed to your lashes instead. Mascaras can make such a huge difference, it can help open up your eyes and make them look bigger. Your eyes are one of the first things people notice when they first see you. If you’re someone like me who has teeny-tiny eyelashes and can't deal with false eyelashes everyday, I highly recommend the newly formulated Maybelline HyperCurl Volum’ Express Mascara. It is packed with lightweight volumizing black-gel formula that gives 4x volumized curl that won’t smudge for up to 24 hours. You can get it for Php 249 and starting July for only Php 199. Maybelline HyperCurl Volum’ Express is every young Filipina’s #MUSTCARA for achieving huge impact with full volume and zero fuss every day. To really maximize your own lashes, I have a few tips and tricks that will help you achieve longer and fuller lashes.
MASCARA TIPS AND TRICKS
1. Tilt your head upwards - When applying mascara to the upper lashes, place your mirror lower than your chin and look down to prevent stains on your eyelid.
2. Don’t pump the wand in and out - I’m guilty of doing this when I was just starting out with makeup. Truth is, you’re actually pushing air inside instead of getting more product. This will cause your mascara to dry out faster, resulting to clumpy looking lashes.
3. Remove excess product from the wand - If you feel like your mascara is making your lashes look too clumpy, then maybe you’re putting on too much product. The right way to do it is to wipe the extra product off the mascara wand gently using a tissue paper.
4. Flip your mascara wand - Use the wand horizontally and wiggle from side to side from the root up to the tip in a zig-zag manner. Flip your mascara wand vertically to separate any eyelashes and curl upwards for extra volume.
5. Business card trick - An easy way to apply mascara on the bottom lash without getting it all over your face is by using a business card to cover the skin under your eyes. This will prevent the mascara from transferring to your skin while it is still wet.
6. Clean up any mistakes with a cotton swab - Accidentally get mascara under your eye? Do not wipe off immediately! Let it dry and take a cotton swab to remove the mascara mess. It’s easier to clean up hardened mascara and you’ll not need to retouch your foundation.
LIPS
As for the lips, it’s important that they stay moisturized during the day. Exposure to wind, sun and even staying in an air-conditioned environment contributes to chapped lips by sucking out the moisture. Lip balms are great option because they are very sheer and you don't need to be precise when applying them. With Maybelline Baby Lips Electro Pop, your lips stay smooth all day for that perfect pout. If you prefer a more opaque finish, you may opt for a long-wearing moisturizing lipstick like Maybelline Color Show Lip. My favorite is the Party Pink shade because it instantly brightens up my face.
There you have it. You can do this super easy makeup look in less than five minutes! It’s all about prioritization, no skills required. All products used are available nationwide in all Maybelline counters. For more information about Maybelline, please visit www.facebook.com/MaybellinePhilippines. Stay tuned for another blog post next week. Have a great weekend! :)
* This post is in partnership with Maybelline Philippines.
Hey, guys! I know I haven’t updated this blog in a while as I’ve been busy but I’m back with a new post. To give you a little update on what products I've been loving, I decided to do a favorites post. Let me know if you would like to see more of my monthly favorites!
L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup
You may have seen my review on this product a couple weeks ago and read that I've really been enjoying the L’Oreal True Match Foundation! I find this product is great for a light to medium coverage that looks completely natural. I also think that it is even better than my higher end foundations. If you haven’t tried it yet, this is the perfect opportunity because L’Oreal has an ongoing sale until May 31.
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
This product has been all over my Instagram account lately just because summer time calls for base products with ample amount of SPF. It goes on slightly dewy with a soft matte feel and has incredible coverage--- it is more like a foundation than a tinted moisturizer.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
I finally caved in and bought the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in the shade Custard. I use it mainly for spot concealing. It covers redness and dark spots without looking cakey. A lot of people like it as an under eye concealer but since the shade Custard fails to brighten my under eye area, I use a different concealer.
Benefit They’re Real Mascara
I got this deluxe size Benefit They’re Real Mascara as a freebie 2 months ago. I like this mascara because it doesn’t smudge even though it is not a waterproof formula. It adds decent amount of length and volume to my almost non-existent lashes. I don’t think I’m going to purchase the full size anytime soon just because I still have a lot of mascara tubes to finish and there are good drugstore alternatives.
The Face Shop Lovely me:ex Style My Eyebrow Pencil
As much as I love Anastasia brow products, I wanted a more inexpensive alternative to try. I decided to try this pencil from The Face Shop and it is sooo nice! The texture is soft enough to glide on my brows but stiff enough to draw tiny lines to mimic brow hair.
NYX Tinted Brow Mascara
One of the best brow mascaras I’ve tried to date is this NYX Tinted Brow Mascara. I got it in the shade Brunette and it blends really well with my natural brow color. It simply puts my brows in place without having the "crunchy" feeling.
NARS Blush in Orgasm
A cult favorite among beauty bloggers, makeup artists and enthusiasts. I just recently got myself one and so far I really like it. Described as “peachy pink with golden shimmer”, you can never go wrong with this blush. I like how it looks on top of my bronzer because it brings out a natural-looking summer glow.
Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Lip & Cheek Mousse in The Morning After
A mousse version of my favorite The Morning After lippie. This shade is absolutely gorgeous! It is a very wearable and flattering color. It has a velvety semi-matte finish and it stays on my cheeks all day. Check my review here!
CoverGirl Lip Perfection in Heavenly
Another MLBB lipstick, this time from CoverGirl. Heavenly is a peachy-pink shade that looks good with NARS Orgasm blush. It has a moisturizing formula so I don’t have to worry about my lips getting dry at the end of the day. It also lasts pretty well considering its formula. More about this lipstick plus swatches here.
TruSelf Organics Detox Mask Kit
I have an oily skin type and during summer it gets even worse. A few weeks ago, my skin suffered from clogged pores and I had those tiny bumps on my right cheek. The only thing that calmed down my skin was the detoxifying mask + detox solution concoction from TruSelf Organics. If you want to know more about their skin care products, check out their website.
That’s all for my April-May 2015 favorites! If you have your own monthly favorites post, leave me a link, I’d love to check it out! Also, I will be doing a mini blog series + giveaway next month so stay tuned. ♥
REVIEW: Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Lip & Cheek Mousse - Beauty in Bloom Duo
Happy Skin recently launched their ‘Beauty in Bloom’ summer 2015 collection. Being a fan of the said brand, I immediately checked their website and ordered a few goodies (April haul post coming up next!). I picked up their latest Shut Up & Kiss Me Lip & Cheek Mousse, The Morning After (mauvey pink) and Summer Crush (bright pink). You can buy them individually or as a set. If you've been reading my blog for a while now, you'll know that I love the Lip & Cheek Mousse in Swept Off My Feet. In fact, I've included it in my Favorite Beauty Products of 2014 post. If you’re interested about the new shades, check out my review and swatches after the cut!
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Handpicked like a fresh bloom, Happy Skin gives you back your dream limited edition summer lippie hues Summer Crush and The Morning After – this time as your favorite Lip & Cheek Mousse! Pucker up again with these bestselling lippie colors! The Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Lip & Cheek Mousse is a lightweight product that can be worn both as a blush AND as a lippie! Wear it on your lips, or dab it onto the to the apples of your cheeks and blend for the ultimate flirty finish! Long-lasting and easy to blend, this 2-in-1 makeup must-have gives firmer, smoother, and better-defined lips & cheeks to kiss!
PRICE
Php 1,199 (duo) / Php 699 (each)
I’m very happy that my favorite The Morning After lippie from last year’s ‘Turn Up the Heat’ summer collection has a mousse version now. It’s just the perfect everyday color plus it looks good on any skin tone. Summer Crush is a wearable vibrant pink, great for those days when you don't want to wear a lot of makeup but still want to look fresh and a little more put together. The creamy formula blends into skin seamlessly. They give off a velvety semi-matte finish but they don’t dry out the lips. They are very pigmented and a little goes a long way. I prefer to blend these with my fingers then use my Sigma F80 flat top brush to give it a flawless finish. I can say that these lasted a long time on my oily skin with very little fading. When used as a lip color, you may have to reapply after eating or drinking as it fades a little.
The applicator has a doe-foot, V-shaped, bent tip, which I find really convenient in outlining, as well as filling in the lips with color.
SWATCHES: Upon application (top) & Blended (bottom)
PROS
2-in-1 product
Long wearing
Has SPF 15
A little goes a long way
Doesn't dry out the lips
Blends easily
Nice packaging
Unscented / Fragrance free
Travel friendly
Reasonable price
Available locally
CONS
The Morning After and Summer Crush are limited edition shades
ON MY LIPS & CHEEKS: The Morning After (top) and Summer Crush (bottom)
OVERALL
I love and enjoy using these new lip & cheek mousse shades. They are very convenient and easy to use. These shades are available for a limited time only so get yours now before they are all gone!
Happy Skin Cosmetics
Available at Plains & Prints, Beauty Bar, Rustan's Beauty Source, and Happy Skin Online Store.
Summer is the perfect time to load up on SPF, wear less face products, and use the pretty lipsticks sitting on top of your vanity to perk up your complexion. You can still look fresh all day long this season without sacrificing style with the help of lipsticks. These CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipsticks are definitely on my summer makeup list. Wanna know why? Keep reading!
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
CoverGirl’s vibrant lip color that smoothens dry lips in 7 days. Transforms lips with rich, fabulous color; enriched with silk moisturizing complex that helps hydrate lips; creamy formula that goes on smoothly; nice, satin finish that wears long.
PRICE
Php 395 each
The shades that I picked up were Heavenly (warm peachy pink) and Spellbound (deep fuchsia pink). The packaging is quite nice, they don’t look super cheap and flimsy. I also love that the bottom part of the tube shows the actual shade of lipstick.
In terms of finish, both colors are a bit glossy upon application, but dries down into a satin finish. They are very moisturizing and they glide on the lips easily without pulling or tugging. Usually, I apply lip balm before my lipstick, but when I'm wearing any of these lipsticks, lip balm isn't necessary. These lipsticks are nicely pigmented which justifies their staying power. They last about 4-5 hours on me before I have to reapply. The thing to love about these is that they do not fade off in patches and when they fade, they leave a beautiful tint behind. These lipsticks have a very faint scent, sort of a mix between vanilla and plastic. I think the line has over 20 shades available locally. Heavenly is a great MLBB color, you can wear it alone or with dramatic eye makeup. Spellbound is my favorite shade, I get to wear it more than Heavenly just because it is such a unique color and I don’t have anything similar in my collection.
ON MY LIPS: CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick
in Heavenly (left) and Spellbound (right)
PROS
Great pigmentation
Long wearing
Moisturizing on the lips
They do not settle into lip lines
Does not get patchy or uneven
Easy to apply
Lightweight
Affordable
Available locally
CONS
None
SWATCHES: CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick
in Heavenly (left) and Spellbound (right)
OVERALL
I enjoy using these lipsticks, they last about 4-5 hours on me before I have to reapply. I’m very impressed with the longevity and pigmentation. They are inexpensive and I honestly think that these lipsticks are worth far more than their price. I find them moisturizing and they feel really comfortable on the lips. They do not settle into lip lines, does not get patchy or uneven when fading.
CoverGirl Philippines
Available in leading drugstores and department stores
