All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

DuWop, best known for its lip plumping glosses with a sting, has something to offer for the much anticipated Twilight series. Surely, fans have something to go gaga into aside from the upcoming movie, New Moon, this fall.

Unleash your inner Bella Swan with a swipe of DuWop Lip Venom V, which is a shimmering crimson lip stain suspended in a venom-laced liquid lip conditioner and contains argan, avocado, olive oil and vitamin E.

Here’s how it’s used:

The product should be shaken before use to represent the blending of the human and vampire worlds and applied repeatedly until lips are plumped, revitalized and the desired intensity of color has been reached.

And yes, it also leaves a biting effect, just like your dreamy Edward Cullen’s kiss would. Aww! Unfortunately, though vampires may live forever, this offer will not. It’s available in limited stocks only! (more…)

Let’s take a break from our Fall 2009 recap with this lovely new beauty product from Lancome. xx

Finally, a French makeup brand that understands Asian skin! Lancome recently develop its new powder-foundation that promises to suit Asian skintypes like mine–Lancome Maquicake UV Infinite Powder-Foundation. Its unique light-as-air and anti-sweat formulation help skin breathe amidst the tropical country’s  scorching heat and humidity. It promises to provide buildable coverage as fine as a veil silk for a just flawless finish.  And of course,  this powder is just also perfect to stash in this blazing heat of Summer!

Light as Air~!

This innovative formula containing soft-focus fillers (Synthetic Mica) to conceal irregularities and imperfections, and coated spherical fillers for a gentle perfect fit sensation-Lancome

Sweat-Proof Formula

Maquicake UV Infinité prevents your perspiration and sebum to “shine”, thus minimizing the need to for “touch-ups” throughout the day–a must for many Asian women when looking for the ideal compact foundation.-Lancome

Plus, it’s packed with SPF 20/PA++ to help your skin protect against sun’s harmful UV rays, as well as keeping your skin from dark spots and discolorations.

Price is at Php 1,795/ US$ 55

Looks like someone had it reviewed at Makeup Alley. Hmmm… now, it beckons me to try it out soon!

For Philippine residents, it’s currently available at the ff malls: Lancôme Paris, 1/f Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La Tower, Rustan’s Alabang, Marionnaud Mall of Asia

Remember the mission I blogged about? Well, here’s a preview on what happened:

First of all, the mission was to be Stunning for a Steal. To make sense, we need to look gorgeous without spending a goldmine! Recession is putting a dent to our pockets and budgets these days, so we need to cut some slack off from (over)buying expensive beauty products without compromising quality. This is where these three fab products come to the picture.

*Nail Technician hand-painting my nails*

Whilst waiting for the queue to have my facial first, I decided to bypass the steps and immediately headed to the Nail Spa station, where I had my nail art done. I’ve been a great patron of Nail Spa in Shangri-la Mall since I landed my first job. This is actually my first time to pimp my manos for some nail art fun. I chose something bluish amidst my pink and red ensemble I was wearing then, since I’m a typical blouse and jeans girl–blue denim jeans to be exact.

I was surprised to see that they actually hand-painted the nails one-by-one, sans using any stencil. Wow, that’s creativity + talent going on there. The nail art tools she used actually pique my curiosity. She told me those came from US. Hmmm…

*Here’s what my nails look like after. What’s great about it is that it’s still hasn’t chipped off amidst long hours of typing.*

Then, I had a luxe facial using Garnier Light products, which promises to bring a visibly fairer and more radiant skin I can measure. It uses natural products such as pure lemon essence and long dan essence that help remove dullness and effectively diminish dark spots whilst whitening the skin. I indulged myself lying around 20 minutes of uber-relaxing facial–the massage was so relaxing that I felt like dozing off! My once tensed skin felt de-stressed thereafter. What I love more was the smell of Garnier products, they smell really, really good that I want to eat it!

*Lots of Garnier skin care products used for the facial*

After some skin pampering, I headed straight to Matrix booth to have my hair done. The hairstylist asked me how do I usually wear my hair on a typical day. I told her, I just let it alone, silky straight. With a eureka moment from her, she resolved into giving my locks some lovely curls. Okay, another Marimar moment has yet to come!

I totally love the smell of the hairspray, unlike others that smell like solvent. Surprisingly, it strongly held my locks all day long, even when I tied my hair into a bun going home.

*MUA doing makeup using Maybelline products*

Finally, here comes the makeup! I had my makeup done courtesy of Maybelline. The MUA gave me a natural look, using mostly Maybelline clear smooth mineral makeup! First, using MAC 187 brush, he gently dabbed on liquid foundation as base (which doubles as a concealer). Then, he buffed on some  powder-foundation to neutralize the color, making my base match my skin tone better. He accentuated my eyes using neutral colored eye shadows, eye liner pencil and mascara. Of course, he put some blush-on and lipstick for flushed-looking finish. (more…)

Looking back, my makeup kit (so-called kikay kit) has evolved in years. Before, it started as a tiny pouch with press powder & chapstick in it. Then, it grew up by adding liquid foundation (I used Cover Girl then), lip gloss and concealer (I used Avon concealer stick).

Back in college, I made a full switch to using VMV Hypoallergernics products: from powder-foundation down to concealer. As soon as I started working, I upgraded into using MAC Cosmetics, hence the studiofix, concealer and lots of lip glasses.

I just hate to see blemishes standing out on my face, so I stashed in Cinema Secrets Concealer to do its job.

Due to my studiofix rant (couple it with my being adverturesome when it comes to makeup), I decided to make another switch, yet again, to Shu Uemura White Recovery RX Powder-Foundation, along with its Pro Concealer.

Oh well, much has been changed. First, breakouts are finally going, going, gone (I hope this is gonna be the last time I’ll be seeing you, zits!), that’s why I don’t have to put on loads of kabuki-thick makeup. Then, I finally learned how to set my makeup to last longer (thanks to my mattifier, oil-blotting sheets and loose powder), and to practice the cardinal rule of skin care by wearing sun block everyday.

Enough gab, here’s my present kikay kit:

Starting off with my Wicked Sista makeup bag from Beauty Bar. They got pretty makeup bag designs that’s proven to be durable and waterproof. I’ve been avidly using these for almost a year. xx

Here’s what’s inside my makeup kit. I know it’s not a lot, but these are essential stuff meant for everyday use (well, at least when going out!). Products are:

Shu Uemura Sheer Colorless Loose Face Powder – Lurve this. Sets my makeup well for a smooth, flawless finish
Shu Uemura White Recovery RX Powder-Foundation in 754 - My new makeup BFF. Not too sheer, nor too heavy. It gives just-right coverage
Shu Uemura Pro Concealer in 7YR (Blendable. Perfect for Tropical Climate. I used Cinema Secrets though when I was in Belgium, coz this one was as hard as a rock! See review here)
Bloom Shadow Liner in Ebony Brown (My HG eye liner)
BeneFit Eye Shadow Duo in Fate Made me Do It (Lavender/Smoke Gray)  – I don’t really use it that often. But, this is the smallest e/s set I can stash inside my makeup bag
Lancome Virtuose Mascara – Lengthens and Defines my Lashes. See review here
Smashbox Anti Shine – Great for keeping oilies at bay. Sometimes heavy on the skin, so I don’t use it everyday. More review soon!
Chanel Lumiere Lift Concealer in Beige Lumiere – I’m a freak when it comes to anti-aging stuff. Lurve how it blends and moisturizes the skin around my eyes. Lessens its puffiness to boot. Can double as liquid foundation See review here)
MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Gaily – I don’t hafta wear lipgloss over it, coz it’s that moisturizing
MAC Lip Glass in Soft and Slow – Only if I wanted nude lips xx
MAC 3D Lip Glass in Wondershine – Has rich red color for a bolder look.
The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain – Good thing Body Shop reformulated this from liquid to gel. Use it everyday for that just-bitten, reddish lips.
Agent Provocateur Lip Balm – Not really that effective to keep lips from chapping. But, heart its cooling effect, making my pout look naturally redder xx
Diesel Fuel for Life Unlimited Sample – I just put it for the sole purpose of making my makeup bag smell good. Ha-ha!

(Not in pics: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Blotting Tissues, Neutrogena Dry Touch Ultra-Sheer SPF 50 Sunblock, Shu Uemura UV Base and Shu Uemura Curlash)

Hoping to see what’s yours soon! xx

I heart mascaras because they give more definition to my eye lashes–creating curls & more volume to it! I recently compared two sample mascaras: Exceptionnel de Chanel Mascara & Lancome Virtuose Mascara.

Exceptionnel de Chanel

Exceptionnel de Chanel Mascara claims to be volumizing, curling and lasting. Its exceptional brush provides lash-by-lash application and creates an intense volume effect for precise makeup from roots to tips. Moreover, its creamy and resistant formula stretches perfectly over the entire length of lashes, and curls them to the extreme sans any clumps in sight.

Its texture ensures resistance to humidity and provides lasting hold–so rest assured that it won’t run or flake!

It comes in four sensational colors: Smoky Noir, Smoky Brun, Smoky Marine and Smoky Violine.

Lancome Virtuose

An Allure Magazine’s breakthrough award winner, Lancome Virtuose Divine Lasting Curves Mascara boasts a 100° lash curve with divine length all day.

It has CurlGuard™ formula lengthens and holds a divine lash curve for 12 hours.  The KeepCurl™ brush provides an outstanding eyelash curling effect. Its long-lasting formula is virtually smudge-proof, tear-proof and easily removable.

The Test

First, I put Exceptionnel de Chanel on the left eye (right on the pic) since I’m a leftie , and then Lancome Virtuose on the right eye (left on the pic). I wish to have a clearer image, but my camera’s not doing that. Anyways, here are the results!

Lancome Virtuose gives a bit more definition than Chanel. It’s also easier to apply. With Exceptionnel de Chanel‘s unique application, I think it’s kinda time consuming to pull off. Lancome Virtuose looks more dramatic and lengthy in this picture. The camera facing up close. Eyes facing the camera.

Here, you can now visibly see Exceptionnel de Chanel. If Lancome Virtuose puts some length on my lashes, Exceptionnel de Chanel puts some volume to it–naturally! Camera facing up close. Head titled. Eyes looking upward.

The Verdict? (more…)

I would have shared to you some tidbits on the latest L’Oreal Luxe Beauty Group Event here in the Philippines, but this one requires some sense of urgency. Deadline of entries is tomorrow, May 7th!

I gotta heart someone who posted this contest in her Multiply blog, as I’ve been wanting a brush set from Shu Uemura. Beauty for a Living is giving away this lovely brush set which consists of 4 brushes: a goat brush for the face, a pony and squirrel brush for cheeks,  a sable and kolinsky brush for eyes, and a  sable brush for lips. All enclosed in a lovely floral makeup brush kit!

The Mika brush set is Shu Uemura’s collaboration with photographer Mika Ninagawa

Of course, it doesn’t stop there.  Up for grabs is this luxurious introductory skincare set from Jurlique. It contains a Balancing Foaming Cleanser, Rosewater Balancing Mist, Daily Exfoliating Cream, Herbal Recovery Gel and Balancing Day Care Cream.

Finally, win another fab Shu Uemura loot–a lippie case that fits at most two lipstick tubes. It comes with a compact mirror for quick touch-ups!

Of course, touring Belgium won’t be complete without shopping! So, I got myself these cutesy lil’ pieces from Dark Dudes in Bozzy, a gift shop found in the streets of Antwerp.

This actually reminds me of the cute, cuddly yet dark characters of Happy Tree Friends. Obviously, it won me aesthetically. It’s very affordable to boot. Each only costs € 2.35 (about $ 3.10), so grabbing a piece or two won’t hurt my skimpy pocket.

So there, I had an eyeshadow duo in baby pink and purple, enclosed in a tiny metal-like canister that’s really, really handy. I also had this blackberry flavored lipgloss in rose that comes with a cute bear charm (which also doubles as a phone charm[!])

I haven’t tried them yet, but I’m so giddy to finally open and give ‘em a swipe. It may not be as good as MAC, Smashbox or Bobbi Brown, but surely it’s worth a fab collector’s item.

During the Guerlain and YSL launch in the Philippines, I got myself to try this liquid-slash-mousse foundation from Yves Saint Laurent.

Yves Saint Laurent Matt Touch Foundation claims to have an oil-free formulation that controls excess oil and conceals imperfections for a flawless looking skin without losing its natural radiance. Skin never looks dry or overly made-up.

Thanks to its white water lily extract that controls excess oil, and star radiance booster pigments that conceal imperfections and illuminate the complexion. Its smoothing, silky-soft texture cares the skin with a long-lasting radiant matte finish. Not to mention, it’s packed with spf 10 for added UV ray protection.

It’s especially made for normal-to-oily and combination skin, and provides light to medium coverage.

The Verdict?

Lightweight, and Makes Skin Breathe

I attest to its lightweight formulation that feels so comfy to the skin, as if I’m not wearing any makeup at all. It has a mousse-like texture that makes application easy and mess-free. Plus, it’s really easy to blend, and really has a matte finish. It also somewhat brightens my skin complexion when applied.

Lacking Coverage

However, it seems like this one’s your average tinted moisturizer, as it offers little or no coverage at all. It’s not that buildable to boot. Another factor is its short mattifying power. Though it claims to have a lasting oil-free coverage, it didn’t quite control my very oily complexion.

I would recommend this to those who have virtually flawless skin, with normal skin types. The price is a bit of a low-down to me. But I guess, it’s a good try should you want to splurge for a luxury product like YSL.

Looks like Barbie hearts makeup in general, as Stila launches its Barbie loves Stila Collection in commemoration of its 50th Anniversary.

If you tried and loved Barbie loves MAC, then this Stila collection will surely eat your heart out! It’s composed of various makeup sets and palettes, all beautifully crafted to fit Barbie’s glam and charm. If you want to sport an enchanting doll-face look [just like Barbie's], then grabbing one of these fabulous sets will definitely do the trick. Each set is made ideally for every Barbie’s exquisite look as it evolves through the years.

You can also opt getting Barbie loves Stila Talking Palette or  Barbie loves Stila Eye Shadow Trio & Lip Glaze Combo for a try.

The makeup sets include: (more…)

Chanel is truly an epitome of all things posh. And so, I have always drooled for Chanel 2.55 bag, which is famous for its quilted lambskin structured leather with a lavish golden chain handles.

Take this Chanel Baby Pink Flap Bag for instance, which is a part of Chanel’s 2009 Cruise Collection. I always have my love for subdued pink hues, and this one really caught my attention! Next to Hermes Birkin, I’m so eying to get one of these gorgeous, sophisticated babies in the future. Oh well, the hefty price tag, however, is something to sigh for. Most Chanel 2.55 bags cost around a whopping $2,000. Truly, my parents (not to mention, my pocket ) will kill me should I get one of these soon!

Oh well, oh well. Since I couldn’t afford a lovely piece of Chanel quilted purse as of the moment, I recently snagged this oh-so-luxurious concealer from Chanel. Chanel Lift Lumiere Concealer, a smoothing and rejuvenating eye concealer, works perfectly as an eye-caring liquid concealer to revive my dark, tired eyes. It makes my peepers look bright and alive. Well, thanks to its ingredient, Tetrapeptide, that targets the fluid responsible for building up under the eyes and making them look tired. I don’t even worry skipping my Awake Eye Serums.

Moreover, it functions well as an all-over face makeup as it blends easily and evenly on the skin. In my case, I use it as a blemish concealer, camouflaging those sightly blemishes with its sheer-to-medium coverage. It doesn’t cake or streak, and works fine with oily skin types (like mine). Just remember to put the liquid concealer first before set it with powder!

It currently has 3 colors: Beige Lumiere, Rose Lumiere and Apricot Lumiere. I got mine in Beige Lumiere that works best with my yellow undertones. Get a 15ml for Php 2,650 (or $45) that comes with its signature Chanel bottle [with pump inside].

P.S. I also have Exceptionnel de Chanel Mascara and Rouge Hydrabase Satin Lipstick. OMG, I’m so loving all the lipstick hues. Reviews soon!