Time for the Holy Week holidays here in Manila! This also means that I have more time trying out beauty products and makeup for an up-close review.

I must say that I do not have an existing talent in eye lining. It’s a fact of life that I’ve long accepted, until then.

Of course, like any other girl who wants to wield a wand in order to rim her eyes and hence make ‘em prettier and more pronounced, I’ve been trying so hard perfecting the art of eye lining (although most of the time, to no avail!).

That’s why, I’m really grateful that Majolica Majorca gave me a wonderful gift last time. Part of which is the Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner.

I feel a bit intimidated about liquid eyeliners, just coz they’re  harder to control than the pencil ones, in my experience. Sometimes I get so impatient about letting it sit for a few minutes in order to dry up. Hence, it ends up getting smudged off, ruining my whole eye makeup. Most of the time, my hands are shaky so I couldn’t pull off a one quick sweep. I just have to try my best to make a slow steady sweep in order to neatly line my peepers.

Well, it doesn’t really hurt to try using a liquid eyeliner for starters (like me literally ). So, I tried lining my rims using Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner in BL603.  The colour is pretty close to navy blue with a little lustre.

What I love about this liquid eye liner is that it’s perfect for beginners like me. The pointed tip makes it way easier to thinly and evenly line my eyes. Also, it dries fast, and is smudge-proof so it doesn’t run down my face even when I sweat.

The turn dial system is kinda tricky though. I guess, it’s safe to turn it just once and shake the product downwards in order to let the right amount of makeup out. I tried turning it twice consecutively thinking that it wasn’t enough, yet it let out way too much makeup, much to my surprise.

So, here’s one of my feeble attempts in eye lining. I hope you like it. I’m still practicing!

Sorry for the spots and freckles! I was in my powder-less self.

Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner is available in 7 colours. Price is at Php 695. Visit Majolica Majorca’s counters in SM Manila, SM Makati, SM North Edsa and SM Megamall. They’ll be giving away 20 FREE Honey Pump Lip Gloss this Easter weekend!

Who doesn’t love a pretty packaging? This purple box is love at first sight.

The ornate design reminds me of Etude House and Urban Decay.

Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara – Php 795. This one’s quite interesting.

Majolook Trick On Eyeshadow Quad – Php 795. I don’t have a talent in eyeshadow application, as I rarely put on makeup these days. But, thank God for the instructions inside the catalog. I’m gonna give it a try.

Rouge Majex – Php 495

Perfect Automatic Liner – Php 695

Artistic Nails Jewel – Php 225

Skin Remaker Pore Cover SPF18 – Php 895 (case sold separately)

Definitely love the case!

Good news is that prices are below Php 1000, which won’t burn a hole in your pocket. You can find them at SM Department Stores and Watson’s. Visit www.majolica-majorca.com for more info. I’ll try to post the catalog as soon as I can work with the uploading.

I would have thought of doing something creative, like getting myself a snapshot in my quirkiest pose donning the quirkiest makeup. But, since fresh is the theme, I’ve chosen this look  I pulled off at a Christmas Party.

Boho Makeup-No Makeup Look at the Christmas Party

Makeup: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation, Dollface Cosmetics Oil-Absorbing Mineral Finishing Silk, Shu Uemura Sheer Face Powder, Maybelline Volume Express Cat Eyes Mascara,  Shu Uemura Pro Concealer, Bloom Retractable Brow Definer, Bloom Eyeshadow Liner,  Nars Orgasm blush, MAC Bronzing Powder and MAC Lip Gelee.

Back then, I remember using loads of makeup. And by makeup, I mean loads of foundation and concealer–obviously to hide “something”.  My face is oily, and so it’s prone to acne and scarring. It’s not that I hate being oily (well sometimes, I do). It’s just that it totally melts the makeup away, and gives me unwanted breakouts here and there. Wearing heavy makeup did cover my flaws, but it made my look somewhat unnatural as much as it felt.  I can’t deny that there’s this heavy feeling wearing such makeup everyday. And so, I resorted into ditching using heavy makeup (well, only if there’s no special occasion).

And so, I learned about mineral makeup–which is well-known for its almost all natural (organic) properties. At first, I was bothered about the mess it always leaves, as it kinda stains on everything it touches. Mineral makeups are usually of loose powder type. But then, as I reap the great benefits of using MMUs, I try adapting to “change”. Later on, I found the El Dorado–MMUs in compact powder and liquid types.

And for the whole look, I always go for the makeup no-makeup look. I just admire [and envy] how Koreans pull it off with so much ease! Maybe because, they’re already born with clear, radiant skin. But, that didn’t stop me from hoping to achieve it. Mineral makeup looks and feels so natural with my skin. Albeit it doesn’t have as much coverage as compared to traditional types, it gives me the just-right coverage that sets in my concealer in place.

Speaking of concealers, I use as little as possible. I tried not to layer it too much lest it will look streaky as soon as my face gets oilier and oilier. Time after time, my face gets clearer and clearer, so I use less concealer. Sometimes, I don’t use it at all!

Whenever my skin gets oily, I just blot the excess oil using oil-control films and dab  some oil control powder on after. With this look, I opted to skip blotting oil from my cheeks, giving ‘em some sheen.

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

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:

Barbie loves Stila Ponytail Doll Set (for a striking & glamorous look)

This set includes:

• 3 Pan Palette with a soft shimmering pale pink eye shadow, a sky blue eye shadow with white shimmer, and a golden bronze bronzer
• Lip Glaze in Malibu (pale pinky peach)
• Lash Visor Waterproof Mascara in Black

Barbie loves Stila Malibu Doll Set (for a fresh & sun-kissed look)

This set includes:

• 3 Pan Palette with a soft shimmering pale pink eye shadow, a sky blue eye shadow with white shimmer, and a golden bronze bronzer
• Lip Glaze in Malibu (pale pinky peach)
• Lash Visor Waterproof Mascara in Black

Barbie loves Stila Foxy Doll Set (for a bold & stunning look)

• 3 Pan Palette with soft wheat eye shadow with white shimmer, mid-tone brown. with gold shimmer, and matte soft berry cheek color
• Lip Glaze in Foxy (sheer tangerine color)
• Lash Visor Waterproof Mascara in Black

Barbie loves Stila Jewel Doll Set (for a pretty & sassy look)

• 3 Pan Palette with a tan eye shadow with pink shimmer, a brown eye shadow. with gold and brown shimmer, and a shimmering pink cheek color
• Lip Glaze in Jewel (shimmering vivid pink)
• Multi-effect Mascara in Black

Palettes & Combos include:

Barbie loves Stila Talking Palette

An eyeshadow quad palette in cool pink shimmer (base), bright lilac with gold sparkle (lid), deep pink (crease), and dark purple with blue sparkle (liner). It also includes an insert card with instructions on step-by-step makeup application, and information on Barbie through the decades.

Barbie loves Stila Eye Shadow Trio & Lip Glaze Combo

A combination of eyeshadow trio in matte nude pink (Base), shimmery champagne pink  (Lid) and shimmery soft black (Liner), plus lip glaze in  Jewel (shimmery vivid pink).

Prices range from $28-$40. For more details, click here.

Every piece in this collection is worth keeping for. The palette compact as well as the boxes are beautifully embellished in paint splatters, which reminds me of Jackson Pollock‘s masterpieces. One product to look forward to is the Cream Eye Liner Pencil that you can buy in a set of 4 lovely colors! It effectively accentuates the eyes, and is easy to blend due to its cream consistency. Of course, you won’t go wrong with the best-selling Bionic Mascara for longer, stronger and more voluminous lashes that truly stand out. The Hybrid 2-in-1 Luminizing Primer works as Photo Finish primer and highlighter in one. Lastly, the Muse Artist Eye Palette is composed of 10 velvety eye shadows plus a custom shadow brush. I consider the latter as one of the unique, practical finds in this collection.

The look won’t be complete without the Muse Blush Rush and the Muse Lip Paints that give the right amount of tinge for cheeks and lips.

Wanna get this gorgeous look? Simply watch this tutorial video featuring Smashbox National Artist Hank Hoffman here.

Products:

Bionic Mascara – $48
in Black Violet (Black with a hint of Violet)

Crease Brush #10 – $28

Hybrid 2-in-1 Luminizing Primer – $34
in Bare Canvas (Luminous Champagne)

Muse Artist Eye Palette – $48
in Biscuit, Chocolate, Soft Green, Dark Celery Green, Light Silver-Blue, Dark Blue-Grey, Sheer Lilac, Deep Orchid, Rose Copper and Coffee

Muse Blush Rush – $24
in Masterpiece (Warm Peachy Coral)

Muse Cream Liner Pencil Set – $36
in Lapis (Deep Ocean Blue), Imperial (Deep Violet), Slate (Deep Charcoal) and Gold (Deep Gold)

Muse Lip Paints – $21
in Luminary (Creamy Nude)
Artiste (Creamy Berry)
Virtuoso (Creamy Pink)