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.

I couldn’t resist touching these scintillating thingies!

To my surprise, prices here in the Philippines are way cheaper than that of Singapore’s. As told by the brand manager, they keep the prices aligned with Hong Kong’s. By definition of cheap, I can’t say that they really are affordable. Prices range from Php 900 – 3000, which is a bit steep for someone who’s on budget. But, comparing to prices in other countries, I should say that I’d rather purchase Benefit in Manila anytime of the day.

I went to Singapore just recently, and didn’t mind shopping for Benefit since I got what I needed (and I’m more likely to shop in Manila). Thank you very much Benefit Philippines for these goodies.

Benefit Stationery, Brow bar gift cheque, b.right moisturiser, Benetint & Brows a-go-go.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t use my gift cheque since I’m currently out of the country. But, but, I brought with me two of the coolest loots I got: Benefit Benetint, a lip and cheek tint that I religiously use, and Brows A-go-go, a nifty brow colouring and fixing set.

I’d love to post separate reviews of each products in the future, as soon as I have more time to do so. xx

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.

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.

Her Fall-Winter collection mainly consists of multicolored printed tights and tunics, inspired by The Little Prince with the presence of stars and other whimsical storybook  prints and characters (do I see little twin stars here? ). Some colors are bright and shiny, while others are subtle sans losing its edge. I like this collection and  found it really cute, bubbly and uplifting! View more of the collection.

On the other hand, I got mixed feelings on her latest Spring-Summer 2010 Collection. Of course, Chisato’s signature prints are still the highlight of the whole collection, albeit it’s a tad bit subtler this time around–more like a Japanese painting. Also, notice how breezy most of the materials are. Texture, drapes and frills are conspicuously present in some of them. View more of the collection.

However, speaking of which, I really do not like this kind of draping:

It kinda looks like an undergarment, more like a  loose diaper.  It reminds me of Balenciaga‘s fall collection that fell short on my expectations — this one in particular.

Not sure if this one’s a sleepwear. It really looks like one! Unlikely to be a suit. I really wanna snug to fit in these, whilst tucked in a very comfy mattress with uber-soft Egyptian linen sheets having my fashionista dreams. I wouldn’t think of wearing this outside, lest people may think I just came straight from the bed!

Tsumori Chisato for Shu Uemura

In case you haven’t heard, the Japanese designer has teamed up with Japanese cosmetic brand, Shu Uemura, for the latter’s Little Prince collection:

The collection consists of palettes, a highlighter, mini brush set, lipsticks, make up bag and studded false eyelashes in its shiny, shimmery packaging.

I’mma include this palette on my Christmas wishlist:

Tsumori Chisato Planet Cat Couture Palette

A limited Edition Couture Compact palette that contains 3 Pressed Eye Shadows (Black Glitz , Shiny Silver, and Copper), 1 cream eyeliner (Black Purple), 1 cream highlighter (Gold Iridescent), 1 blush (Apricot Pink), and 2 dual-ended applicators (wide tip/narrow tip and cheek brush/liner brush)-Shu Uemura USA

Has a royalty damage of $65. Available at  Shu-UemuraUSA.com.

From from tools to makeup palettes and sets, looks like everything you crave for is in store this season.

MAC Magic, Mirth and Mischief Collection

The collection features mineralize eye shadow duos, softsparkle eye pencils, pro lash mascaras, lipsticks, cremesheen & dazzleglasses, mineralize blush and nail lacquer–all sure to bring the shine, sparkle and seduction you need to dazzle and delight this holiday season! Sport a dollface look with this wonderful collection.

I’m soo eying the mineralize eye shadow duos in It’s A Miracle, Under Your Spell, and Blue Sorcery and cremesheen glass in Partial Pink in particular. View the complete collection here.

MAC Lip, Eye and Face Kits

If you’re a wee bit practical about spending on makeup, then these eight precociously pretty holiday palettes are sure to love your purse literally and figuratively, as each set is impeccably packaged in a posh, bubbly compact.

The Sorceress, Mystic Cool and Devil May Care eyeshadow kits caught my attention big time! View the complete collection here.

MAC Exclusives

If you’re a mineral makeup lover, then these sets are perfect to satiate your MMU craving! The collection features  two mineralize sets, each with a mineralize skinfinish, mineralize blush, mineralize eye shadow duo and 181SE mini buffer brush. View the complete collection here.

MAC Lip and Eye Bags

If you wanna give your either peepers or smoochies an extra treat, then you could  grab one of these lip or eye sets stashed inside a fab high-tone metallic bag. Grabbing one is like owning your very own kikay (makeup) kit in a single purchase! View the complete collection here.

MAC Brush Bags

Applying makeup won’t be complete sans the right tools! Each of the three sets consists of 5 special edition short-handled brushes that caters to your direst needs–Eye Brushes, Buff and Line Brushes and Sweep and Define Brushes–all complete with purple tinge brush bags for that glam packaging these fabush brushes deserve! View the complete collection here.

Mischief Makers

The collection features an assortment of lip gloss (lip/lusterglass) and loose eye shadow (pigments/glitter) set in a fancy metallic box that’s just perfect for holiday giving. Avid lipglass, lustreglass, pigment and/or glitter junkies will surely rejoice grabbing one of these shiny, iridescent sets in six glam-ly giftable versions. View the complete collection here.

Miracles Happen Viva Glam

MAC’s Viva Glam Lip Kit is perfect for giving in so many ways, as every cent of your purchase goes directly to MAC AIDS Fund. View the complete collection here.

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)