All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

For sure, you ladies already know that Benefit Cosmetics is already in the Philippines, since its soft launch last December. I had the opportunity to take a sneak peek at them goodies.

I’ve been a fan of Benefit since I owned one of their best selling products the first time — Benefit Dandelion. I also love the cult favourite, Benetint. In fact, I bought a Pocketpal (Benetint + Transparent Gloss) during my first visit in Singapore. I’m so happy that they finally set their first ever flagship store in Greenbelt 5, since I don’t have to buy Benefit products elsewhere. I used to get mine abroad, either by going to Sephora or ordering online; both of which is quite expensive.

Back at the launch, I was able to taste one of these yummy cupcakes, featuring BeneBabes Simone, Gabby and Betty amongst others.

(more…)

It’s been a tiring week for me. Thank God it’s Friday!

I just barged into my swarm of e-mails, and found this:

Image from Benefit Cosmetics

They’re real is the newest mascara from Benefit Cosmetics. It prolly is the better version of BADgal lash. I wonder if this fares well with Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus.

Benefit They’re Real Beyond Mascara promises to add dramatic length and volume to your lashes with its specially designed brush.

Image from Benefit Cosmetics

The exclusive brush is specially designed to maximise the performance of the long-wearing, glossy formula-revealing lashes you never knew you had! Staggered bristles grab close to the root, boosting length & volume beyond belief. The precision bristles on the custom-domed tip lift, define & curl even your tiniest lashes. The end result: luxurious, silky lashes that won’t smudge, clump or dry out. – Benefit

I really love Benefit ad campaigns for being so creative! Of course, the brand’s signature classic bombshell look is a given.

Colour is available in jet-black. Price is at USD 22.

More info here.

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