I got a sampler of Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick, which proves to be really moisturizing giving me a dramatic look with every hue. It has this creamy, emollient consistency that easily glides on with every swipe.

Unlike other more tinged, matte lipsticks, it leaves a sorta-translucent, sparkly satin  finish. So, you may require putting on a tinted lip conditioner or primer first before lavishly swiping this sweet, rose-scented lipstick . Never fret on the shine, ‘coz for me, it just gives a perfect lustrous finish. Overall, I really, really like it. The smell is soo addicting to boot!

The Swatches

I currently have the 2009 Printemps Collection which consists of four beautiful hues: rose rebelle (rose berry hue with a bit of shimmer), fuego (subdued red-orange  hue), beige desire (neutral brown hue with golden shimmer) and gipsy scarlet (crimson reddish hue) .

Pardon for the blurry pics!

Here are the swatches:

*Chanel Rouge Hydrabase  Swatches without Flash: (L-R) Rose Rebelle, Fuego, Beige Desire, Gipsy Scarlet*

*Swatches with flash*

When worn

*Chanel Rouge Hydrabase in 158 Rose Rebelle*

*Chanel Rouge Hydrabase in 166 Fuego*

*Chanel Rouge Hydrabase in 168 Beige Desire*

*Chanel Rouge Hydrabase in 170 Gipsy Scarlet*

So ladies, what are your thoughts? xx

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

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?

Exceptionnel de Chanel is More Natural Looking

Following the application instructions is quite time-consuming, so you have an option to simply apply it on a manner that  suits you best. For me, Exceptionnel de Chanel is more natural looking. It gives definition to each lash perfectly and naturally, as if I’m not wearing any mascara at all. But, you can still see the added volume on my lashes. Plus, it really doesn’t run when wet. So, I don’t have any worries of it running down on my face, ruining my look! However, it does somehow flake when dried under certain conditions, say, if I put much of it causing a buildup!

Lancome Virtuose is more dramatic. It adds length to my lashes.

Lancome Virtuose proves to be more dramatic as it adds intense length to my lashes. It also adds some volume and curl to it. It’s really easier to apply–perhaps because of its curved brush applicator.  However, I fear that this might really run when wet. So, it’s better to keep off using it when going to the beach (Who wears mascara to the beach, anyway? ). It also takes time to dry up, so patience is a virtue from flicking your lashes!

So far, it does not seem to flake. Plus, the staying power is more to love since this one’s long wearing!

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!