I was aiming for a simple look  that’d blend well with the afternoon’s affair. I used blues and whites for my eyeshadow (which clearly matches my blue and white NIVEA-themed ensemble), a dash of nude pink shimmer for my cheeks, and a nectar colour for my pucker.

For the Face:

Tony Moly Baby Doll BB Makeup Base

Majolica Majorca Skin Remaker Pore Cover in O10 (review here)

Cinema Secrets and MAC Concealers

Monave Mineral Setting Powder in Angel (available at Beauty & Minerals)

For the Cheeks:

MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Afterdusk

For the Lips:

Smith’s Minted Rose Lip Balm

Tony Moly Berry Berry Magic Lip Tint in 01

Human Heart Nature Love Minerals Passion Fruit Lipstick in Sweet Nectar

It’s been quite a while since I had my eyebrows fixed. I’ve been meaning to save my bushy eyebrows until sometime soon!

As for my peepers, it was just an easy-peasy gradient blend. I used a blue-black colour on the outer corner, and a shimmery white colour on the inner corner. I blended the two contrasting colours together on the middle. It felt like oil painting 101 all over again!

For the Eyes:

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin

Maybelline Magnum Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara

Majolica Majorca Majolook Trick On Eyeshadow Quad in GR750

Monave Multi-Purpose Powder in Turquoise (for blending)

Majolica Majorca Aurora Tearliner in PK (for highlight)

When I found out about Burner Lip Balm being sold at EchoStore, I didn’t hesitate to try it out. Not that I’m currently on diet, but I simply bought it out of sheer curiosity.

Infused with Green Tea, Hoodia Gordonii, Chromium Picolinate and Caffeine, Burner Lip Balm claims to curb your appetite whilst increasing your body’s metabolism. It contains zero sugar and calories, which is ideal should you stick to a low sugar or low carbohydrate diet. In other words, this lip balm helps you “lose weight”.

The manufacturer explains that this method of ingesting these ingredients bypasses the digestive system, thus making more available for absorption into the bloodstream. – Comparebestdietpills.com

The lip balm comes in five flavours: acai berry, spearmint, strawberry, pomegranate and vanilla. The store only had one tester in vanilla, which I found really nice-smelling. Anyhoos, I got mine in acai berry.

To use: Apply lip balm 4 to 8 times daily.

Inside

Glue Stick Texture, Placebo Effect

I’m a little disappointed with this lip balm, to be honest, because of its dry, glue stick texture. It doesn’t glide well on my lips, and it doesn’t provide enough moisture to boot. I need to glide it on again and again in order to decently apply the lip balm, which is kinda odd.

As for the appetite suppressing prowess, I think it’s just a placebo effect. Since the direction indicates using the lip balm 4-8 times daily, I’m always drawn to think that I’m using a “dietary” lip balm which psychologically affects my craving.

However, what may not work for me may work for you. I’ve read some positive testimonials here and there, so I cannot ascertain that this product is a complete bust!

Cheap Packaging, Weird Smell

I didn’t expect an awesome packaging for starters, since it comes with a very affordable price tag. As for the acai berry flavour, I really don’t find the smell pleasant. It has a weird medicinal scent, which is a far cry from the yummy vanilla flavour scent. I highly recommend the latter should you wish to try this lip balm.

Update: I forgot to mention this prior to posting. Nevertheless, here’s a friendly reminder:

One of its main ingredient is beeswax, which is a common allergen and shouldn’t be used by someone who’s allergic to it.

Price is at Php 150 only. Available at EchoStore in Serendra, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

Note: although it’s an old one, I find dietchoices.com’s review very informative as it included the product’s clinical trials. Read the review here.

http://www.burnerbalm.com/

I’ve been hearing raves from here and there about this new lip balm in town that claims to “make you smile”, and so I gave it a try a few weeks ago.

EOS (Evolution of Smooth) Lip Balm is 95% organic and 100% natural that vegans will surely love. It’s packed with Vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil which keep the lips moist, soft and supple.  Moreover, it contains zero parabens, petrolatum, gluten and phthalates.

This dome-shaped lip balm is beautifully packaged in a smooth plastic sphere.

Directions: Twist off top. Pucker up. Smooth on. Smile.

Glides on Easily, Yummy Smelling

What I love about this lip balm is the smell. I got the Honeysuckle Honeydew flavour that smells (and tastes) so yummy!

The lip balm itself is really smooth and glides on easily, leaving a matte finish like your typical lip balm.  On the other hand, it would be nicer if it had a tinted version for a “just-bitten” look.

I got mine from Digital Traincase for only Php 250.

I’m so happy that finally got this after, well, many years of searching. I couldn’t find it anymore in the Philippines, so when I saw it sitting prettily on the counter, I immediately grabbed ahold of it without hesitation.

Well, this is not really something new, as the old formulation (Rosebud Salve) dates you back to 1895. I’m so interested in getting Smith’s Rosebud Salve because of its versatile properties.

It’s not just your ordinary lip balm. It claims to help ease burns (sunburn and chemical burns on the scalp), itchiness, dryness and other skin irritations (such as wind burn, insect bits and zits). It can also help you relieve hemorrhoids diaper rash psoriasis and alopecia. Not only that, it also works as a spa-like treatment (for softer skin), eye makeup remover, cuticle softener and frizz fighter.

I got mine in Minted Rose instead of the original formula (by mistake, but doesn’t matter anyhow ). I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m expecting it to be cool and minty, which reminds me of my then Agent Provocateur Lip Balm.

Price is at 15 SGD. You can get it at Sephora in ION Orchard, Orchard Road, Singapore. You can visit this page for to check out the product raves.

All The Vanity & organic skin care brand Made From Earth has just something in store for you.

Made from Earth is a certified USDA organic beauty brand that includes natural, chemical and preservative-free skin care products to promote a healthy and holistic living. Their products range from face care, body care, hair & body care and lip care. Each is specifically formulated to meet your healthy skin care needs. Now, do you don’t have to fret about your skin care products having such strong, undesirable ingredients that may actually have carcinogenic or estrogenic effects which lead to various dreadful diseases like Cancer. You will never find any of these chemical ingredients in their products:

- Petrochemicals and Phthalates
- Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl)
- Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate Diazolidinyl Urea
- Cosmetic Fragrance

Click here for more info about Harmful Ingredients in Skincare Products

We offer a large selection of healthy and chemical free skin care products, including Organic Aloe Vera, Chemical Free Jojoba, Organic Lavender, Organic Honey Lotion, and Organic Green Tea Toxin Cleanser. We also offer chemical free organic face creams, which are full of potent and top-quality organic ingredients such as organic rosehips.- Made from Earth

Everyone can have a taste of such healthy & guilt-free pampering coz they ship their products globally. Now this some vanity I want to have!

One of the products to look forward to is the Three Berry Daily Organic Face Cream, which packed with organic blueberry, organic raspberry and organic cranberry. For healthy anti-wrinkle and face firming treatments, there’s Vitamin Enhanced Face Firming Serum that uses organic compound DMAE to naturally and instantly firm your face in 15 minutes after application.

Start shopping now by simply visiting their website here.

Although I didn’t get this Kiehl’s lip balm in particular, I recently stashed in Kiehl’s Lip Balm with SPF 15 in 30G.

I used to own the non-scented lip balm #1, but I just got rid off it the moment it smelled really funky. Good thing, my recent Kiehl’s lip balm is sweet-scented with the hint of peachy-red color. It also belts a higher SPF than the former. Best of all, it comes with a slanted tip for better, more precise application.

Kiehl’s Lip Balm with SPF 15 has a slanted tip for more precise lip application.

Just like my former lip balm, Kiehls lip balm with SPF 15 soothes my chapped lips in pronto! I also love its scent that somewhat lingers upon application. It leaves my pucker shiny yet not sticky, relieved and chap-free. The color, on the other hand, didn’t really do much in making my lips redder; that’s why, I hafta put on some lip tint first before swiping it up with the lip balm.

Price: $9/Php 650

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

Kiehl’s is one of my favorite brands because of its moisturizing prowess. Now, I’m currently lemming for this lip balm in particular, Kiehls Facial Fuel Non-Shine Lip Balm.

This lip balm is said to work wonders relieving chapped or cracked lips in pronto. I have been suffering from painful chapped lips since I restarted taking my oral isotretinoin meds (in which one of the effects is dryness particularly on the lip area). It also temporarily protects lips sans the shine, leaving the pucker stick-and-grease free.

This pocket-sized lip balm costs $8.50 in a 4.4 g stick. Not bad, eh?