Human Nature introduces its new eye shadow palette in Enchanted Evening — composed of lovely gradient shades of purple for a captivating smoky eye look.

Human Nature Mineral Eye Shadow Palette is enclosed in a small purple packaging, and comes with a dual sponge tip applicator.

Being an organic brand that Human Nature is, rest assured that this mineral eyeshadow palette is 100% all-natural, free from harmful chemicals and animal cruelty-free. It’s enriched with passion fruit seed oil, which is rich in vitamins A & C and has a calming effect on the skin. Vitamin C serves as a natural skin antioxidant.

The colours are made especially for Filipina’s skin tone, which suits all kinds/types of complexion — from the fair mestizas to the copper-skinned morenas.

Here’s the palette up-close in varying shades of purple. It has a velvety smooth finish with shimmers.

I also took the liberty of making swatches on my skin.

Without flash

With flash

Our friends from Human Nature also shared to us a simple three-step makeup application procedure to pull off an “eyening glam” look.

Price: Php 325.

Human Nature Mineral Makeup is available through Human Nature dealers and branches and in all Beauty Bar outlets in Metro Manila. To learn more about Human Nature, visit www.humanheartnature.com, your nearest Human Nature Branch or call (02) 931-5787.

Having a good skincare and body care regimen is a woman’s not-so-secret basic cheat sheet to a healthier, better looking and more hygienic you; and being a man is no exception.

Need not to fret guys, ‘coz it does not entitle you an instant metrosexual award (or should I rather call it as “stigma”) if you own a facial wash/shaving cream, moisturiser and a deodorant. Rather, it just proves how hygienic and conscious you are on your well-being, which earns you a gold star from the ladies.

NIVEA brought something new made especially for the gents: a deodorant especially formulated to fight odour-causing bacteria and a skincare line that specifically targets oily skin problems.

NIVEA FOR MEN Silver Protect Deodorant

It’s not surprising that men sweat more than women, and obviously are more prone to body odour. This also means that they have more bacteria in their underarms –- one centimetre of the skin could be occupied by a million microscopic bacteria that cause body odour!

NIVEA FOR MEN Silver Protect Deodorant draws its the antibacterial power from silver ions and fights body odour by targeting its cause, hence stopping body odour before it emanates. It gives you the round-the-clock protection,  so you don’t have to worry applying again and again through the rest of your day.

Albeit tough on bacteria, it promises to be mild and gentle to the underarms. It also comes in a dry, musky-woody scent that smells so masculine.

Available in:
25 ml roll-on – Php 55
50 ml roll-on – Php 95
40 ml stick – Php 160
150 ml spray – Php 180

NIVEA FOR MEN Multi Effect 8 Facial Wash & Moisturiser

Having an oily, acne-prone skin is a challenge for ladies like me, more so for guys. Men are also capable of having hormonal imbalance, which can lead to nasty skin problems such as excessive sebum (oil) production, comedones and zits.

NIVEA FOR MEN Multi Effect 8 is the newest skin care range that promises to fight the 8 main problems of oily skin:

1. Excessive Oiliness
2. Oily Shine on Face/Skin
3. Enlarged & Clogged Pores
4. Dry skin feeling after cleansing
5. Uneven & impure look
6. Formation of blackheads
7. Formation of whiteheads
8. Acne

Each contains Carnitine, Salicylic acid and encapsulated Lactic Acid that control and reduce oil production and prevent skin impurities such as blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. Magnesium Chloride, Hydramine and Algae Extracts moisturise the skin, whilst Elastomer allows these ingredients to be quickly absorbed by the skin, giving it a smoother feel thereafter.

It comes in two variants:

NIVEA FOR MEN Multi-Effect 8 Face Wash cleanses and preps the face prior to skin care application such as the toner and moisturiser. It’s recommended to use once to twice a day.

Price: Php 139 for a 100ml tube

NIVEA FOR MEN Multi-Effect 8 Moisture Gel can be used during the day and night as a moisturiser without the greasy feel.

Price: Php 199 for a 50 ml bottle

NIVEA FOR MEN is available in leading supermarkets, department stores and drugstores nationwide

Tony Moly has a bevy of latest releases, and I’m equally excited and giddy as you are to get up-close and personal with these products.

Tony Moly Shiny Foot Baby Skin Heel Patch – Php 178 & Luminous Pink Heart Makeup Starter – Php 58

Rich in jojoba, eucalyptus and tea tree oils plus the moisturising benefits of cocoa butter, Tony Moly Shiny Foot Baby Skin Heel Patch helps prevent dry, cracked heels, and keeps them soft and well-moisturised all day.

On the other hand, Tony Moly Luminous Pink Heart Makeup Starter works like a priming mask — with AHA, BHA and collagen to nourish and exfoliate the skin — prior to makeup application. The heart-shaped pink dot is the exfoliating part that removes dead skin cells, whilst the embossed side deeply moisturises the skin.

Tony Moly Berry Lovely girl Heart Lip Palette – Php 448

Tony Moly Berry Lovely girl Heart Lip Palette contains 5 luscious lip colours in pinks, nudes, reds and corals stashed in a pocket-sized transparent compact case with a tiny lip brush included. It reminds me of my old Barbie tinted lip gloss palette (yes, I’ve been very interested in makeup ever since).

Tony Moly Lovely Girl Eau de toilette 30ml – Php 748

Tony Moly Lovely Girl Eau de toilette has crisp floral top notes, making it ideal to wear during daytime. The scent minds me that of CK’s.

Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar – Php 278

Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar is rich in fruit extracts and Vitamin C that moisturises and hydrates chapped lips. It comes in 6 yummy flavours (stawberry, grape, orange, peach, cherry and apple). I got mine in Strawberry.

Inside

I tested it, and it’s just like an ordinary lip gloss sans the tint. Might as well give it to my younger cousin, since I’ve tons of lip glosses and balms already.

Tony Moly Backstage Eye Paint Pot – Php 448

Tony Moly Backstage Eye Paint Pot works as an eye shadow, liner or a highlighter. This high definition, long-wearing eye colour claims to be budge-proof and waterproof, and lasts the entire day. It comes with a small brush concealed on top of the lid for quick, instant touch-ups. I got mine in lavender with shimmers.

Tony Moly Berry Trendy Hair Wax – Php 178

Tony Moly Berry Trendy Hair Wax comes in different formulations, depending on the length and type of the hair. Each pot delivers a different hold and glossy finish. I got mine in a coral pink pot that’s perfect to those who have long, wavy hair. It has the weakest hold for a voluminous wave, if I’m mistaken, but gives off the best sheen. It has a yummy apple scent, hence I initially mistook it for a facial mask lol.

Inside

Albeit made specially for men, I use it ideally to keep those stubborn tutchangs at bay and nix those icky frizzes for neat and sleek hair styling.

Tony Moly Berry Trendy Style Hair Mist – Php 378

Tony Moly Berry Trendy Style Hair Mist is one of my current hair care-slash-styling favourites. It prevents split ends, effectively detangles my unkempt locks (prior to combing), calms down frizzes, and keeps my hair freshly scented with a hint of sweet berries. It also has UV filters that protect the hair from the drying and damaging rays of the sun. It’s a must-have hair care arsenal!

I’ve been meaning to get my bushy brows fixed, and finally I just did!

I used to drop by the nearest hair salon to have my brows fixed, but I was never superbly satisfied at the results. I decided to deliberately let my brows grow fully, until I get them fixed back to shape. Knowing a salon solely dedicated into fixing brows (and lashes) nearby the area where I work, I made a quick stop to Browhaus.

…and I didn’t regret doing that! It was really refreshing to be seated on a soft reclining chair, whilst a skillful brow technician meticulously fixed my brows. I decided to have them threaded to make things (like pain) quicker.  Unlike the usual threading sessions I experienced during the past, this one lasted a little longer than expected. The technician diligently checked all angles, and removed even the ingrown hair left after threading — the latter is something I’ve never experienced in a typical hair salon.

Of course, expect some pain whilst threading, but for me it’s really bearable. She asked me to pull my skin above the cheek area on the side, depending on the area she’s gonna thread, in order to make the session less painful.  She even put some cream (I think she called it “Ice Cream”) atop of the threaded part after. It felt so cool and relaxing, as if I didn’t have my brows plucked from its roots.

Overall, I was very satisfied on how she [brow tech] groomed my brows. The shape and fullness thereafter is just right. Thank heavens that my brows are naturally full and almost in shape; she simply removed the excess, and didn’t have a hard time!

Am I going back? Hell yeah! I’m so happy with my perfectly groomed brows. It’s a Php 580 well spent! Apart from the brow and lash services they offer, they also have brow and lash care products that really pique my interest. I’m thinking of getting the post depilatory cream (Php 1,200) or the x’ed out cream (Php 1,650), as they’re perfect for hair removal in general.

Browhaus is located on the 2/f The Piazza at Serendra, as well as at Greenbelt 5.

www.browhaus.com

Introducing the Dear Me Skincare (and Makeup) Line:

Each of these Tony Moly Dear Me products contains baby herb complex — composed of 7 different botanical potent extracts — that works as a skin barrier, keeping the skin healthy and protected against the harmful effects of environmental pollutants. It also promises to relieve the skin from stress, whilst keeping it rejuvenated and moisturised. Its mild formulation makes it suitable for sensitive skin types.

I haven’t tried any of these products yet, but I’m thinking of trying one or two from the line for an extensive review.  

Tony Moly Dear Me Waterful Lotion

Tony Moly Dear Me Waterful Lotion – Php 498

It’s a mild, moisturing lotion that promises to transform rough, dull skin into its soft and supple state like that of baby’s.

Tony Moly Dear Me Waterful Skin Toner

Tony Moly Dear Me Waterful Skin Toner – Php 498

It contains Nordenau water, known to have miraculous healing properties, which is rich in antioxidants keeping the skin dewy and well-hydrated.

Tony Moly Dear Me Waterful Cream

Tony Moly Dear Me Waterful Cream – Php 528

It’s a rich moisturising cream in a pocket-size tube that deeply moisturises and nourishes the skin.

Tony Moly Dear Me Petite Cotton BB Cream SPF 30 PA++

Tony Moly Dear Me Petite Cotton BB Cream SPF 30 PA++ – Php 348

This blemish balm cream adheres lightly to the skin, giving it a flawless, baby-soft finish. It has a light-medium coverage sans leaving an oil residue behind. Amped with SPF 30, this blemish balm is convenient to use even when exposed under the sun.

I got mine in Cotton Beige which closely matches light to medium-light skin complexions.

Tony Moly Dear Me Petite Cotton Pact

Tony Moly Dear Me Petite Cotton Pact – Php 348

This teensy powder compact would easily be mistaken as a toddler’s toy, because it’s “that” tiny.  It’s like a typical powder compact with sheer coverage, which I think can also work well as a blotting powder.

Inside

It has a separate compartment for the powder puff, making it an interesting little toy to tote along with the rest of my beauty armaments.  Its mild ingredient promises to relieve skin irritations such as itching.

I got mine in Natural Beige which I think best fits light to medium-light skin tones.

ECHOstore is one of my favourite local stores in the metro that sells organic brands at reasonable prices. It’s been a haven for most local organic brands such as Giga, ZEN, Human ♥ Nature and Ilog Maria to name a few; not to mention, the store houses its own brand of organic products under its namesake.

I frequent their branch in Serendra whenever I have the time to pass by the area from work in search of interesting finds. That’s where I got my Burner lip balm, among other things.

Sharing with you is my ECHOstore mini-haul from my last trip. I’m sure you’d be surprised on how much each of these products cost.  

ECHOstore Body Basics Spa in a Bottle

ECHOstore’s own line of organic products never fails to amaze me. My first purchase was a pocket hand sanitiser in yummy grapefruit scent, which I religiously used and recently emptied.

As for ECHOstore Body Basics Spa in a Bottle, I can really attest to its calming and relaxing scent! I know, it can be very addictive! The product name is kinda bemusing at first, but you’d get what exactly it is once you tried it yourself. It’s like an oil concentrate from a concoction herbal ingredients such as virgin coconut oil, peppermint, orange, musk and lavender.

It’s a great reliever for congestion, stress, nausea and dizziness.

To use: spray a small amount on a palm of the hand. Rub oil gently with two hands. Cup hands to the nose and mouth area. Take a deep breath. Oil can be rubbed on the nape area and temples of the head for stress relief.

I believe it can also double as a massage oil. Also available in balm or cream variant.

Price: Php 125 for a 50ml bottle.

Ilog Maria Honey & Propolis Shampoo

I’ve been a fan of Ilog Maria for many years. I usually have their products delivered right to my doorstep (via shipping), coming straight from their honeybee farm in Silang, Cavite.  They have a variety of organic products to choose from; most are honey-based, of course.

Finally, there’s a one-stop shop for Ilog Maria products here in Manila, and one of which is in ECHOstore. I got curious about Ilog Maria Honey & Propolis Shampoo, so I gave it a try. One of the things I like about the shampoo is its high peppermint concentration that really feels good on the scalp. I love the pleasantly cool after-feel the peppermint leaves. However, I don’t find the shampoo sudsy enough, which is common for most all-natural, organic products. It requires me to apply an ample amount in order to cleanse entirely my super long hair.

Price: Php 155 for a 125ml bottle.

For bulk orders, it would be better and much cheaper to have it delivered from the farm, since the original price is almost half the retail.

Indigo Jar of Hope First Aid Gel

I got a small jar of Indigo Jar of Hope First Aid Gel out of curiosity. Although it has a steeper price tag as compared to other local organic brands available in the store, this nifty product justifies it all by proving its versatility in relieving burnouts, stress, insomnia, fussiness, insect bites, motion sickness, inflammation, rashes, cuts, wounds, chicken pox, diaper rash baby acne and, uhm, sore nipples.  So yea, it can be used by both babies and adults!

The gel inside

Its main ingredient is the blue chamomile essential oil, which contains Azulene‘s healing properties. I use this gel as an initial treatment for insect bites and breakouts. Once I had a breakout (due to extreme stress), and this was my “life saviour” in keeping those nasty red zitties at bay. It dries fast and is easily absorbed by the skin sans the greasiness thereafter.

Price: Php 510 for a 30ml jar.

ZEN Palawan Kelp Organic Body Scrub

ZEN Palawan Kelp Organic Body Scrub has got to be one of the best [organic] body scrubs I’ve ever tried, and I’m not exaggerating.

I’ve been curious about ZEN, which stands for “Zestful”, “Energetic” and “Natural”, ever since I saw them flocking most stands in leading department stores, yet I never tried taking one home until recently.

The reason why I bought this variant is because: first, it’s made out of kelp (a huge sea algae) found in Palawan; and second, it looks like Cookies ‘n Cream from afar (hahahaha!).

Inside

It has a creamy consistency like that of lotion. The apricot seeds are finely milled and evenly distributed, making it less abrasive than the usual (except if rubbed vigorously).  I’m surprised that it doesn’t smell fishy at all. It kinda smells herbal in a nice way. The kelp isn’t slimy to touch. It’s rather an interesting twist to run-of-the-mill body scrubs found in the market today.

Price: Php 150 for a 100g jar.

This newest product from Tony Moly is one of the most interesting things I currently own.

Tony Moly Bunny Sleek Mist comes in a cutesy bottle. It simply works as a facial mist. With its fine soft moisture particles, it promises to offer a simultaneously exhilirating and skin-bolstering effect.

To use: Spritz onto skin 20-30cm away from the face with eyes closed. Leave for 30 seconds or gently pat the skin [until dry] to fully absorb the product.

Cute Packaging, Refreshing Scent

Who wouldn’t fall in love with its cutesy bunny bottle which reminds me of Matryoshka dolls (only it doesn’t have a smaller counterpart on the inside)? It’s so adorable that even little girls would love to own it as well.

I also like the scent. I daresay it smells better than my BB Magic Mist. It has this subtle floral scent which’s just as refreshing as a baby cologne or powder.

Thick Mist Particles

As said earlier, it works like your regular facial mist/spray. It sets makeup giving it a dewy finish, and refreshes the skin.

On the other hand, I just wish the mist would be finer. Perhaps, it’s because of the spray nozzle, which delivers a thicker mist than my BB Magic Mist or that of Evian. Hence, it’s important to follow the instruction regarding the distance, lest you’d end up pretty much drenched. And yes, it’ll take a toll of your time waiting for it to dry completely.

Price:  Php 448

Available at leading SM stores nationwide.

I’ve known Covergirl cosmetics for a long time, thanks to my folks abroad who would send me some makeup every now and then. One of my first foundations was from this brand (from the US), along with my first blusher from Shu Uemura (came straight from Japan) and a Clean and Clear powder compact (which’s locally available ). All of these I owned waay back in high school.

Back to the event, Covergirl introduced their latest line of lip products.

[Lip Perfection] is a family of bullets and liners that promise to deliver a new kind of lip transformation.

Covergirl Philippines’ Assistant Brand Manager Jinkie Simbulan told us the story behind the Lip Perfection line.

Covergirl Lip Perfection Bullet Lipstick is enriched with Silk Therapy Complex, a unique formula that sustains moisture levels on the lips. It claims to improve lip condition over time. Use the lipstick in conjunction with Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipliner for more defined lips. It has 4 exciting hues to choose from.

As for the bullet lipstick, it’s available in 22 lovely shades.

One of the exciting parts of the event was emulating Drew Barrymore’s “Lip Perfection” look using Covergirl cosmetics. Drew Barrymore is current image model of Covergirl, particularly for this range.

Here’s my teammate Liz, channeling a classy, sophisticated vibe with her crimson red lips.

Martha won the challenge with her sultry look ala Drew’s.

Then, Jinkee gave us another challenge. She handed over 3 unbranded lipsticks. Two of which were from popular luxe brands, whilst one was a Covergirl Lip Perfection Bullet Lipstick.

We got to swipe one of each in a piece of cloth to test which of these three is Covergirl Lip Perfection Bullet Lipstick.

Now, you tell me which is which?

I’d love to reveal it right now, but decided to save it until I make a more detailed review very soon! x

Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without these panache finger foods.

…and yes, we’re in Sweet Bella. So, we nibbled our way to these yummy macaroons!

Best of all, I’ve got to take home these goodies!

Too bad, the foundation shades don’t match my yellowish undertones.:-( But, I’ve still kept the bottles in case I might need them in the future.

More Event Pictures

Aireen Mayol of Rustan’s who looked effortlessly gorgeous. I super adore her lips!

Jinkee Simbulan of Covergirl, who’s so radiant and refreshing.

Tara & Jaime

Bambi & Brigitte

Shen with her luscious red lips.

Group pictures of us wearing fiery red hues from Covergirl.

It’s a shame that someone like me, who happens to own a beauty blog, does not have an extensive set of makeup brushes. I must confess that though I’m fond of collecting makeup myself, I don’t really wear them on a daily basis. Blame it on one of my peculiar traits.

I buy makeup brushes separately, particularly those that I need. I own some from Youngblood, MAC, The Body Shop and Charm to name a few. To think, I have more brushes that I use for oil, watercolour and pastel (with the help of turpentine) painting than makeup brushes.

Since I’ve been going out and about recently, I am now more accustomed into wearing full makeup. Hence, now is the high time to reward myself with a brush set that I can use on a more delicate canvass — my countenance.

That’s where Charm Travel Pro Makeup Brush Set comes into play. I’m more than happy (and lucky) to own this beautiful brush set as my first ever pro set!

The brushes are enclosed in a faux croc skin patent clutch that looks so chic in black complemented by the hot pink zip.

I was so giddy and excited that I took a snapshot instantly as soon as I opened it.

Ta-dah!

‘Twas love at first sight! I’m so in-love with the colours. The gunmetal black handles and polished hot pink ferules look so chica. Truly, this is one of Charm’s finest creations.

This 14-piece brush set is made from animal hair and synthetic hair fibres. I’d love to spare some time reviewing this brush set in full detail. In the meantime, here’s a quick preview:

For the Face and Cheeks: Stippling Brush, Powder Brush, Foundation Brush, Angled Blush Brush and Concealer Brush

The 187 dupe (stippling brush) leaves me so intrigued, albeit I haven’t used it yet. On the other hand, I super duper loveee the foundation and the concealer brush ‘coz of their uber softness like feather. x

For the Eyes and Lips: Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush, Angled Eyeshadow Brush, Pencil Point Brush, Blending Brush, Flat Liner Brush, Bent Eyeliner Brush, Eyebrow Shading Brush, Brow Spoolie, Lip Brush

Here comes the tricky part: how to use these brushes effectively? I must admit I’m still a neophyte when it comes to the art of eyeshadow application. Nevertheless, I’m amid learning how to make good use of these tools.

The blender brush resembles that of 222 (tapered blending brush), and I’m quite excited to try it especially in perfecting the smoky, gradient look. The flat liner brush looks interesting, too! I’m thinking of experimenting different eye shadow looks soon, similar to what I do during my art class back in the days. Oh yes, it’s playtime once again. I hope my creative juices will cooperate!

Price: Php 2,200 inclusive of shipping

Available exclusively at Beauty & Minerals. You can also check their branches in Crossings, Shangri-la Mall; PurBeauty, Serendra; and Beauty & The Geeks stall, Robinsons Cyberpod Eton 1.

As promised, here’s my first Tony Moly product review. I’ve got a looong way to go, and I’m aching to review each and everyone of them (I hope) soon!

Tomatox Magic White Massage Pack is one of Tony Moly’s best sellers. Hence, I gave it a try to kick start my series of Tony Moly reviews.

Tomatox’ main ingredient, tomato solution, claims to deliver instant brightening, massaging and skin clearing mask effect.

To use: after cleansing, apply on towel-dried face and gently massage for about 1 to 2 minutes. After massaging, leave it on your face for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse out with lukewarm water and pat with towel. You may use it 2-3 times use per week, or use everyday as needed.

Pretty Packaging, Easy Application

Given the product name and main ingredient, Tomatox’s packaging is shaped like a real-life tomato! I love the packaging to bits! It can double as a paperweight or a whatnot display.

Inside comes with a spoon applicator, making it much easier to scoop the product and spread it thoroughly on the face.

Inside

Stinging Sensation, Soft & Refreshed Skin

Albeit very bearable, I noticed a little stinging sensation whilst letting it sit for about a few minutes. Perhaps, it may be due to the acid content, which is natural for the tomato’s pH. Thus, I strongly suggest to do a patch test first prior to slathering the product all over your face, lest your sensitive skin might react adversely causing redness and irritation.

Boo! Me in Tony Moly Tomatox Brightening Mask.

I love the cold feeling nevertheless, which made the application such a breeze.

Since it’s a thick mask pack, it took a tad time for me to wash it off completely. I like how my skin felt soft and refreshed thereafter. I’m not sure about the “brightening effect”, but this review may give you some enlightenment (pun not intended).

Yummy scent

I really love its subtle yet luscious fruity scent! I found it really relaxing and invigorating.

For me, it’s a perfect mask to soothe dull, tired skin. Thank goodness, it didn’t react badly with my oily, acne-prone skin type!

Price is at Php 548.

Tony Moly is available at major SM stores in Metro Manila.