Pardon for not posting for the past three days. I resolved to rest this time around by spending my long weekend in deep slumber (well, most of the time). It has been quite a lethargic week for me, mainly due to PMS I assume. Nevertheless, here’s to welcoming a new week bursting with energy.

It is evident how I’ve been very fascinated with Majolica Majorca. For starters, the brand had me at its whimsical packaging, which is indisputably beautiful! Of course, there is no mistake that their pore remaker (powder foundation) and lash expander (mascara) really do the job well!

Majolica Majorca Counter at SM Makati

Along with Marbbie whom I met a few years back during one of L’Oreal’s events, we passed by the Majolica Majorca counter in SM Makati to witness vis-à-vis the magical prowess of Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara.

Marbbie removing her eye makeup

Before road-testing the product, the SA handed the Majolica Majorca Eye Reset Gel to Marbbie to remove her eye makeup. It successfully nixed traces of mascara she donned earlier, although she told me it stung her eyes a bit.

Majolica Majorca Eye Reset Gel

Then, the SA led her into a dresser-like counter, patted Majolica Majorca Skin Remaker Pore Cover on her face, and curled her lashes using Shiseido Eyelash Curler.

SA applying Skin Remaker

Curling Marbbie’s lashes using Shiseido Eyelash Curler

After which, she applied the Majolica Majorca Lash Bone Black Fiber In that served as a mascara base to hold her curled-up lashes.

The Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Mascara was applied thereafter. Using the flat part of the brush, the SA generously applied the product on her lashes.

The SA lifted up and spread the product further using the crescent part of the brush.

…onto the other side

Et voila, Marbbie with her now-gorgeous doll-like lashes!

Left: with Lash Bone Black Fiber In only. Right: with Lash Bone Black Fiber In and Lash Expander Frame Plus

Prices:

Eye Reset Gel – Php 695

Skin Remaker Pore Cover – Php 895

Lash Bone Black Black Fiber In Mascara Primer – Php 795

Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara – Php 795

Majolica Majorca is exclusively available at leading SM Department Stores and Watsons outlets nationwide.

I don’t know how much does a Shiseido Eyelash Curler cost, but you can check it out at Shiseido Counters in Watsons or Rustan’s.

I just barged into my swarm of e-mails, and found this:

Image from Benefit Cosmetics

They’re real is the newest mascara from Benefit Cosmetics. It prolly is the better version of BADgal lash. I wonder if this fares well with Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus.

Benefit They’re Real Beyond Mascara promises to add dramatic length and volume to your lashes with its specially designed brush.

Image from Benefit Cosmetics

The exclusive brush is specially designed to maximise the performance of the long-wearing, glossy formula-revealing lashes you never knew you had! Staggered bristles grab close to the root, boosting length & volume beyond belief. The precision bristles on the custom-domed tip lift, define & curl even your tiniest lashes. The end result: luxurious, silky lashes that won’t smudge, clump or dry out. – Benefit

I really love Benefit ad campaigns for being so creative! Of course, the brand’s signature classic bombshell look is a given.

Colour is available in jet-black. Price is at USD 22.

More info here.

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/

As you already know, one of Majolica Majorca’s award-winning, HG (Holy Grail) products is their mascara — specifically that of the Lash Expander Frame Plus.

Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara contains long jet-black fibres for length and dense wax for intensity. It also has a fluid extended base for a silky smooth finish.

Recently, I asked my friend I for an unbiased review. Good thing, she obliged. I is one of many artist friends that I know, who apparently is also into makeup. Now here’s what I has to say:

Classic Packaging, “Majo” Effect

I like the packaging. The design is nice and classic (especially the emblem-like logo on top). It’s like a thin potion bottle that can be recycled into either a chess piece or perhaps a pendant.

Results on I (with and without mascara)

Majolica Majorca gives “majo” to my eyes (*majo/maho is a Japanese term for sorcery or magic) Yeah! It’s like magic that va-va-blooms my lashes.

Curly, Natural Looking Lashes, Easy Application

It looks more natural compare to other brands I use. This product saves me the time and effort of curling my lashes. It automatically curves up the strands so I don’t need to use an eyelash curler or spoon.

Lash Expander Frame Plus Applicator

The applicator’s crescent moon-shaped design makes the mascara easier to apply. Now, it is rare for me to accidentally smudge my eyelids with the black pigment. It’s not hard to remove after a long period of time wearing it. And, it is waterproof, another reason why I like this product.

My overall rating for this product is very good. I’ll definitely add it to the list of my favorite products. ^___^ ^___^

Price is PHP 795. Majolica Majorca is exclusively available at leading SM Department Stores and Watsons outlets nationwide.

All images courtesy of Iris Laxa.

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 haven’t really done cat-eyes on my peepers. Quite honestly, I don’t have a time to pull off such look. But, I’ve always wondered how my eyes would look like with it. I know many Hollywood stars are going ga-ga with this look. So, it won’t hurt for me to try it out.   Good thing, I have this mascara on my beauty armament.

I’ll definitely try the cat-eyes look on me in the future, and of course, to share to you!

Anyways, I did some testing on this Maybelline mascara with bare eyes (meaning no mascara or eyeshadow). So let’s have a quick look on what this mascara claims:

Maybelline Volum’ Express Hypercurl Cat Eyes Mascara has spiky comb that sculpts every lash, giving an instant 5x boost of volume and a 75-degree lift for wide-eyed curls and wild volume. The curl-lock formula holds curls for 18-hours giving a long-lasting and waterproof wear that does not clump. Using the easy Cat Eyes Mascara applicator and combing the outer lashes to create a glamorous fan effect – outer lashes are longer than inner lashes and giving you gorgeously feline eyes. The result—purr-fect, sexy, glamorous lashes that’s sure to attract any prey.

Putting Maybelline Volum’Express Cat Eyes Mascara to the Test

So, I give it one heck of a try. I believe I should’ve done a before and after pics (maybe next time I will!). Hence, please see the “after” pics below:

So, the mascara really lengthens my lashes literally into great heights, whilst visually volumizing them! Notice that it appears thicker in the first pic, and longer on the second. I really, really love it! I think one application is enough, though you could go swipe it twice to notice more remarkable results–especially in terms of volume!

The downside, it’s really, really prone to buildup whilst application. So better get these eyelash brushes ready to nix the clump and buildup. Luckily, it dries fast, so never fret about the clumping after. It’s not really of washable type, but can easily be removed by makeup removers or cleansing oils (I use Shu Uemura cleasing oil). Another is, it’s only available in black.

I tried wearing this all day long, and I really notice that it lasts and stays long throughout the rest of the day! xx

Of course, the price is definitely affordable at Php 429/ about $ 9. It’s one mascara must-have!

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!

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)