I finally resolved into posting something in this blog, and prolly my home blog. Been almost two weeks since I moved out from the Philippines to another Asian country…mainly for work.

Anyway, here’s the story of something old.

A few years ago, I was excited to own a Smashbox Tokidoki palette. You know how I love cute packaging, non-realistic doodles and Japanese.

I got Celebrita, which has a berry, a plum and two neutral (b/w) shades.

Swatches

With flash

Without flash

The plum and white colours give off a subtle lustre, whilst the the berry and grey-black colours have a more defined shimmer (but not way too glittery). I often use the neutrals, of course, especially the white one for highlighting. The colour payoff is more of satiny, especially for the grey-black one.I remember using it during Levi’s Roadwear Party.

Given that it was just launched in the Philippines, the price was quite steep. I believe I got it for no less than Php 2,000.

…and now, for something new.

A few months ago, amidst defying boredom, I found myself browsing eBay listings and stumbled upon the other Smashbox Tokidoki palette in Modella up for bids. I didn’t think twice and bade on it. Eventually, I won it along with 2 other palettes from Milani. I was a happy camper indeed!

Modella’s cutesy packaging

The colours weren’t interesting at first sight, maybe because I’m biased to girly pink and plums . Having swiped them onto my skin (as swatches), I took that impression back and started to appreciate them.

Swatches

With flash

Without flash

The three colours (yellow, blue and orange) have sheer payoff with subtle shimmer, whilst the lone brown colour has a muted, matte finish.

Best thing of all, I only shelled out a measly Php 500 for the palette. eBay isn’t really your best bet when it comes to finding quality, original stuff, but I’m happy that the seller sold me an original one. Definitely, one must have a keen eye for spotting trusted sellers.

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.

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!

Dear UK readers, NARS Fall 2011 Collection recently landed at HQhair.com, and they are offering three free Nars goodies – NARS eyeshadow base, NARS multi protect SPF30 primer and NARS pore refining primer in sample sizes — when you order two or more products from the Nars collection.

Nars Trio Eyeshadow Limited Edition in Delphes would be my personal pick.

In Sparkling sheer peach, Matte dove grey and Frosted sage colours, Nars Trio Eyeshadow in Delphes allows you to achieve dazzling looks. Use lightly for a more natural look or to create a more intense look apply more heavily. The great thing about these eye shadows is that they can be used in combination with one another to achieve numerous different looks. Each colour can be worn alone, as a combination, a base or as a illuminator for your eyes.

View the entire NARS collection  here.

This post is in association with our friends at HQhair

I was amidst posting this when a 3.0 magnitude earthquake struck here in The Fort. Thank goodness all was well!

Going back, here’s another makeup purchase I had weeks ago aside from my yummy EOS lippie.

I got curious about NYX whilst browsing through Digital Traincase’s Multiply store (thanks to beauty blogger Nikki’s strong clout ). I’d been seeing reviews (mostly raves) about the brand when I was still adamant to makeup — say, a few years back. Because of the price, I didn’t hesitate to add NYX 10 Colour Eyeshadow Palette in my mini loot.

Plain Black Casing

This NYX 10 Colour Eyeshadow Palette is part of its Runway Collection. The casing is mainly tinged in midnight black. I find it nice and simple, although the overall hardware lacks sophistication (perhaps, given the affordable price tag). But hey, I’m more into the content than the packaging this time around.

NYX Casting Call Palette

I got mine in Casting Call which is mostly composed of shimmery, satiny and matte  colours in taupes — think of neutral colours like that of greys and blacks (with bronze on the side). I’ve been eyeing to pull off a smokey eye look on my peepers for a dramatic change, far from the usual beige-brownish  makeup-no makeup look that I don all most of the time.

I was too lazy to create my own swatch, and decided to provide you the one from Digital Traincase instead.

Image from Digital Traincase

I looked for individual reviews, and I found Pink Sith’s quite useful.

The colours stand out more when Urban Decay Primer Potion is used prior to eye shadow application. Good thing I still have mine in Sin. I’ll try playing with this palette should I have enough time, and post some EOTDs. But first, I need to do some major research, and a new decent set of makeup brushes!

The nicest thing abouy NYX palettes is that they’re very affordable (did I say it a while ago? )! I bought mine for only Php 450 in Digital Traincase. I’m thinking of getting more palettes in the future, and rekindle my affinity for makeup.

Think I’ve heard sometime before about Burberry having its own cosmetics line alongside luxe brands like Chanel, Givenchy, Yves-Saint Laurent and Dior to name a few, I’ve recently stumbled upon the Iconic Runway Look from the Burberry Beauty Collection.

Burberry Beauty Iconic Runway Look features gentle khaki shades (plus a nude pink lippie) to compliment all skin and eye colours for that effortless, neutral finish. I’m one of the few fans of the “makeup no-makeup” look.

I’m so mesmerised by the lovely packaging! I’d love to get one of these gorgeous babies.

Lip Mist in Feather Pink

Sheer Foundation in Trench

Sheer Powder in Porcelain

Effortless Mascara in Midnight Black

Sheer Eyeshadow in Khaki

Sheer Eyeshadow in Trench

Iconic Runway Look Makeup Tutorial

Burberry Beauty Artistic Consultant Wendy Rowe shows us the right way to wear the khaki colour on British model Cara Delevingne.

All Images from Burberry. Thanks I for the tip!

http://www.burberry.com/

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.

NARS Spring 2010 Collection is overtly dominated by bright sunny yellows, luscious berries bright lilacs and rich plums, which clearly remind us of the approaching season.  Amber Valletta graced the ad campaign, emulating French actress Catherine Deneuve’s role as Lucille in the movie, La Chamade.

“I love Catherine’s makeup look in the movie. She is the perfect reference for this collection, and apropos for spring, a time to embrace color and get noticed” – Francois Nars

The collection features two duo eye shadows, one single eye shadow, one lipstick, two lip glosses, one glitter pencil and a nail polish. OTOH, Amber’s Impeccably sculpted and contoured face is made possible by using Amour Blush and Albatross Highlighting Powder.

The Collection:

Duo Eye Shadows

in Kuala Lumpur

in Carmague

Single Eye Shadow

in D. Gorgeous

Glitter Pencil

in Bains Douches

Lipstick

in Cruising

Lip Glosses

in Easy Love

in Ophelia

Nail Polish

in Purple Rain

Get to know more about the collection here.

All Images from: NARSCosmetics.com

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