Make the Outside Match the Inside: Beauty During Cancer Treatment

Hello everyone! Today, I will be sharing a post written by a guest blogger.

Jackie Clark does outreach for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, a leading web resource for mesothelioma cancer. She emailed me and asked if I would post her article, and I said yes. Like her, I also believe that all women need to feel beautiful, no matter what circumstances they may be facing. Some women who undergo cancer treatment have low self esteems, lose self confidence and sometimes get depressed on account of their external appearance. I hope that women all over will have an idea of what cancer patients go through and that it inspires women from all walks of life.

Women undergoing cancer treatments often suffer from decreased self-esteem.  Cancer therapies like radiation and chemotherapy can cause extensive hair loss and weight fluctuations. Persistent nausea and fatigue may make them feel ugly or undesirable. However, the strategic use of cosmetics and beauty products can help these women feel beautiful and strong in spite of their diagnosis. 

One common complaint from women undergoing cancer treatment is that these treatments make their skin dry and itchy.  It can appear red and irritated, almost as though they are sunburned.  Fortunately, there are many organic moisturizers on the market that can help to sooth and rehydrate problem skin.  Organic moisturizers contain all-natural ingredients, which, unlike synthetic moisturizers, will not irritate the particularly delicate skin of a woman undergoing cancer treatment.

Another great product for women undergoing cancer treatment is BB Cream.  Incredibly popular in Korea and now making its way West, BB Cream is a combination moisturizer, treatment, foundation and concealer.  These creams contain soothing botanicals and have healing properties to calm skin redness, and also provide great coverage without the need for additional foundation.

Cancer treatments sometimes cause women’s eyelashes to fall out.  However, a brown or black eyeliner pencil provides an easy fix!  Simply trace a thin line along the top of where the lash line was, and smudge gently with a cotton bud.  This creates an optical illusion that the eyelashes remain, without the hassle of applying false eyelashes.

Blush is an indispensible tool in any beauty arsenal, and pink or rosy tones are a great way to add life to sallow skin.  Focus the blush on the apples of the cheeks and lightly on the nose to brighten up the whole complexion.

Finally, a pretty lip gloss is a great way for a woman undergoing cancer treatment to spice up her look.  Women can experiment with bolder or richer colors that compliment their personality and make a statement.

For many women, a cancer diagnosis like mesothelioma is not only daunting, but the physical effects of treatment can make them feel unattractive.  However, such a diagnosis has no effect on who they are internally.  A way array of beauty products and cosmetics can help patients to look like their former selves, or to experiment with exciting new possibilities they may not have previously considered.  

By: Jackie Clark

I made this using Polyvore. These are some of the products Jackie mentioned. Of course these are just my suggestions, there are a variety of products to choose from.

Lastly, whether you have cancer or you do not; whoever you are, whatever situation you are in right now, remember to smile, because ---

"A smile is the best makeup a girl can wear."

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Brush Travel Essentials

The Real Techniques is a makeup brush line by Samantha Chapman of Pixiwoo. I am sure that most of you are familiar with her and her sister.  I was excited to try her brush set after seeing Youtubers using it on their tutorials.

Information on the box says: Travel Essentials provide everything you need to create flawless looks at home and away:

• Look pixel perfect even in harsh light.
• ultra plush taklon bristles.

The brush case doubles as a stand. Pretty neat, right?

• The case seems durable. 
• It has a velcro closure.
• Contains several garterized slots and can house other brushes.

The set includes: (1) Multi-task Brush; (2) Domed shadow Brush; (3) Essential Foundation Brush; and (4) A Brush Case. 

•  I have had these brushes for quite a while now. I have washed these again and again, and these do not bleed nor shed like other cheap brushes. The bristles are soft although I have tried other brushes with softer bristles.
• The handles are sturdy. These seem well made, while these are do not have substantial weight like other brushes do.
• No weird smell even when these were new I never had a problem with how they smelled.
• The brushes are cruelty free. YAY! Plus points. =)

Multi Task Brush

for effortless application of powder, blush and bronzer.

What I use the brush for - pigmented blushes, finishing powder and buffing.

Thoughts - I am not too fond of this brush. I do not find myself reaching for it at all. I find that it is not dense enough and does not pick up pigments well. It works well for buffing and I also use it sometimes for my finishing powder.

Essential Foundation Brush

build flawless custom coverage with liquid foundation and concealer.

What I use the brush for - Liquid highlighter, primer and cream products such as blushes and concealer.

Thoughts - I tried to use this for liquid foundation, I find that it can get a bit streaky. It might just be me, but I was not impressed by this brush. I wouldn't use it for my foundation. It does however work with cream products.

Domed shadow Brush

tapered design smoothly shades and defines eyes.

What I use the brush for - Concealer, liquid highlighter, eyeshadow, contouring.

Thoughts - This is my favorite among the 3 brushes in the kit. This makes blending easy be it concealer, eyeshadow or highlighter. I wouldn't use this to apply my eyeshadow though, I just use it for blending.

OVERAL: I have heard/read so many positive reviews on this set by Youtubers and bloggers alike.

Considering the price, this is still a nice set to have; It just did not live up to my expectations. I would recommend this for beginners or those who want a complete brush set who do not want to spend as much. It is still a decent set - it is a good set to take along when traveling for it can still address the needs for basic or on the go makeup, but if you may still want to take other brushes for your other makeup needs such as lining the eyes.  

This was sent to me by Jenny as a gift. Thank you Jennybee!

Pretty sis Apple asked me to review these brushes. Hope you find the review helpful sis!:)

Neutrogena Fine Fairness BB Cream

I have a love and hate relationship with most of the BB creams I have ever owned - I like to buy them and find myself hating after I have tried them for a couple of times or so. I guess I have always been more of a foundation kind of person, although I have decided to try out tinted moisturizers and BB creams once again. 

The BB cream craze is still going strong, it's been so popular that even western brands have decided to make their own version. Popular brands such as Bobbi Brown, MAC and Clinique have come up with their own respective BB creams. I was delighted to find out that Neutrogena, a trusted skincare brand has also launched its own BB cream. 

I was obviously delighted at the thought of not spending so much to try a product I might not like at all, because, it's still a BB cream and I wouldn't want to spend too much on a product that may end up untouched and unloved on my dresser. Thankfully however, that was not the case with this BB cream.

Product Information - NEUTROGENA Fine Fairness BB Cream UV is a multi-benefit whitening moisturiser thatcorrects dullness and uneven skin tone for a fairer, natural-looking healthy glow. Workingfrom within, its unique lightweight formula contains Neutrogenas HealthyWhite Complexwith Lily and Vitamin C to help inhibit melanin production, which causes pigmentation andskin dullness. It instantly brightens skin with customised skin-matching illuminating mineralsand protects skin by shielding it from darkening UV rays and environmental aggressors.

Comes in a white bottle with a silver cap. The bottle has substantial weight, but is not too heavy; this will be easy to bring or toss inside the bag. However, the white bottle has no indicator of how much product is left inside.

Thank goodness for a hygienic pump bottle - the pump is ok. Just press gently and it will dispense the right amount of product.

1. swatch; 2. partially blended ; 3. blended

Coverage - Light to medium. The coverage is build-able. You may layer the BB cream. If you watch my tutorial, you will see that I have layered the BB cream 3 times using 3 different methods of application.

It will even out uneven skin tone, but problem areas which need more coverage might not be concealed with the use of this BB cream alone.

Scent - I detect a slight floral smell from this BB cream which does not bother me.

Finish - Semi-dewy. Not as dewy as some products are because those products tend to make one look like a grease ball come midday.

Price - AT 720.00 Php for the skincare benefits, plus added UV protection and a makeup base all in one. I'd say it's definitely a great buy!

Lasting Power - Decent. I'd say around 5-6 hours on my oily skin.

Comparison as to consistency - BB cream, Tinted moisturizer and Foundation.

Texture - All products are smooth and silky to the touch. 

Consistency - The tinted moisturizer still has the lights formula and the BB cream and Foundation almost have the same consistency, although the BB cream would still have the thickest consistency of the 3 products. I would however like to point out that compared to other BB creams I have tried this one is very light weight. 

Partially blended.

Application - All are easy to spread, blend and work with. All three products also apply evenly.

I have been asked again and again to make a makeup tutorial. This is my first makeup tutorial and I hope you somewhat find it useful. You don't have to follow the exact routine because you can devise your makeup application according to what suits you. Also, you can use other products. 

FOTD with Neutrogena Fine Fairness BB cream

What's your favorite BB cream?

I won the BB cream from Argie and Neutrogena's giveaway on The Beauty Bin.

Love Package from Bijin Blair + New iPhone4 cases

One of the greatest thing about having a blog is being to able to meet wonderful and lovely people from all over the world. Last January Blair told me she would want to send me some items, so I readily agreed as I thought she would only send me some masks. The parcel took some time to get here and we were both getting worried that it could have been lost in transit.  

I was surprised when I opened the parcel haha!xD There were just so many goodies inside. I was overwhelmed and I felt loved. Thank you so much, Blair! I cannot wait to use everything!

VOV Daily Fresh mini wash off pack in Volcanic Pack, Green tea Collagen Pack, Apple AHA Peeling Gel and My Beauty Diary Earl Grey Tea & Macaron Sheet Mask. 

Lavshuca Cheek Color in PK-1, Lavshuca Eye Color Select in BR-2,  Etude House Petit Darling in PK004 and PK008.

L-R: Sephora Flasy Liner waterproof in 10 deep black, Canmake Nudy Glow in 04 Sugar Milk Tea and Lip Smacker Julius' Coconut Cream.

Maxim Stick  menu (Caffe Latte)

Again, thank you so much hun! I will use and take care of everything. I love, love Lavshuca already! Hahaha! :3 Shall do a FOTD with these as soon as the big pimple on my cheek goes away.

Please don't forget to visit Blair's blog. She does amazing reviews and has the prettiest swatches and pictures!

Sorry for the long post.

Anyway, since one of my Stitch iPhone case was torn off I decided to buy another case. However, I couldn't decide between the Pink and Blue case so I just ordered both. 

^says that it shouldn't be cleaned with alcohol, chemical or bleach as the color may fade. 

Yes, these cases are so cute and sturdy because these are hard cases. Why, I can even hit someone in the head with it and I'm sure I'll end up with a physical injuries case filed against me. :P

The ears can be folded so it can be stored. Of course the ears will get in the way of everything if they can't be folded haha! x)

Just press Stitch's bangs or hair and his ears will pop out again.

I dedicate this last picture to Charles and Aya.

Mid-week! I hope all your weeks are going well. :3

Sharing: Clinique Bonus March 2012

Brand Introduction:

Introduced in 1968, Clinique was the first ever dermatologist-reated, prestige cosmetic brand. Today. Clinique's mission remains what it was from the beginning: to provide the highest quality and most effective collecction of products to enhance every skin type and tone. The brand's customized approach and quality products - all meticulously tested and carefully formulated with the latest science - have made Clinique one of the leading skin care authorities in the world. All makeup and skin are products are allergy-tested and 100% fragrance free. Clinique offers products for men and women of all ages and ethnicities. Clinique is sold in more than 130 countries and territories, and over 16,000 sales locations.

This March, get the best of Clinique - free with every purchase worth 4,500Php from Clinique counters. 

Each Clinique Bonus travel sized best-sellers packaged in a handy cosmetic bag, perfect for your summertrip.

Here's a quick peek into this bag of goodies:

The set contains:

Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin Formula. Claryfying Lotion Twice A Day Exfoliator 3, and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel - Cleanse, Exfoliate, and Moisturize daily with Cliniques's 3 Step reimen. 

All About Eyes

The perfect pick-me-up for your eyes. In addition to moisturizing and softening the appearance of fine lines, this treatment is formulated with botanical complex that helps minimize dark circles, as well as grape, mulberry root extract, and caffeine to discourage fluid retention and reduce puffiness.

Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

Your skin will never go thirsty again! A lightweight gel moisturizer that quickly delivers 24 hour moisture where it's needed, while taking into account changes in temperature and humidity. The ideal travel companion to have whether you're traveling on planes, trains, or automobiles. Experience a higher level f hydrayion from the very first application. It also dramatically improves skin's natural moisture retention ability for longer lasting hydrayion thoughout the day.

Longlast Glosswear SPF15

True to its name, Longlast Glosswear is formulated with powerful film-formers that create a seal so that the gloss stays put for hours. This high shine lip gloss also provides SPF15 sun protection to help protect lips from the harsh summer sun.

I am excited to try this set! It will be a great travel companion this summer. Clinique fans and lovers, grab yourself one of these bag of goodies now while supplies last. 

Clinique Bonus runs from March 12-31, 2012. Step up your purchase to 5,000 or more, and recerive a silver travel bag with your Bonus.

Clinique is available at Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Shangri-la, Rustan's Alabang Town Center, Rustan's Gateway, Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu, Essenses at Powerplant Mall Rockwell, Clinique Trinoma, and Clinique Mall of Asia.

Keep yourself updated for their latest products and promos by liking their Facebook Page.

Summer Makeup Kit ☀

I live in a country with only two seasons, as I may have previously stated that in another post before. The current weather and heat  makes me think of going to the beach so I am under the impression that summer season has officially kicked off. (Excuse me for the long post. Do let me know if you hate seeing long posts, such as this.) ☀

These may seem to be a bit much to other people, but these are the things that I'd take along just to feel comfortable. There are items that I may not use and would just bring along just in case the need to arises for whatever may come my way.

What I think:

The "no makeup, makeup" look  - A little color to conceal imperfections and bring out the best features of the face is the way to go. A big no to heavy makeup and too much contouring (of course I'll say this as I don't know how to contour. :P ); no to glitters but shimmers that make the skin appear healthier is fine.

SUMMER MUST HAVES: 

1. Sunblock/sunscreens - This doesn't even need an explanation. Everyone knows that we need to protect our skin, especially during hot summer days.

2. Products with SPF - Extra protection is always good. There are foundations, bb creams and lip products that have spf - these products are perfect for summer.

3. Multi purpose products - One product for several uses. Makeup items that have added skincare benefits while making us look and feel good. :)

Paul & Joe  L'Horizon Bleu LE Summer  2011 Makeup Bag and Pouch.

1. MAC Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist 

Summer can make us dehydrated and harm our skin. I like to bring this and spray about one or two spritz; it to keep myself fresh. It does not ruin my makeup.

2. BECCA Luminous Skin Colour in Porcelain

Some might want to skip foundation because we do not want foundation sliding off our face during hot summer days. I would recommend a tinted moisturizer or BB cream because both serve as skincare products.  

3. Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA +++ UVA

My favorite sun block! May be used as a makeup base and makes the skin matte.

4. benefit erase paste in No. 2 medium

I don't use this daily but in case I need to conceal something such as eyebags, pimple or pimple marks I keep this in my makeup bag.

5. Haughty Perfect finish Lip Gloss in Believe

Gives a healthy sheen on the lips without looking too fake. Also provides moisture to the lips.

6. Majolica Majorca Lash Kind in BK999

Gives doll-like eyelashes. I usually don't wear eye shadow on a daily basis. I just like to line my eyes and use a good mascara to lift up my lashes so that my eyes will still stand out.

7. Full Glamour Gloss EX19 Tender Glow Pink

Another lip gloss that provides moisture to the lips; gives a healthy sheen without looking fake nor covering the real color of the lips.

8. benefit ooh la lift

No one wants to look like a vampire with dark, big eyebags. This brightens and lights up the face without glitters or shimmers that look unnatural. I also use this to highlight my brow bones.

9. benefit POWda WOWza

A bronzer that suits most skintones, plus two great blushes. What more can I ask for? It also has a very cute brush that's very travel friendly.

10. Clio Waterproof Pen Liner Kill Black

An eyeliner that stays put and doesn't budge - I use this for lining my eyes. As I previously stated, I usually just line my eyes and use a mascara. 

11. Majolica Majorca Brow Customize in Light Brown 

One end contains a slanted pencil for drawing or filling in eyebrows; while the other end contains a brow brush. It makes grooming brows easier!    

12. The Body Shop 13 Definer Shade in Burnished Amber 

In case I look sickly and want an extra pop of color, I use this on my waterline and as an eyeshadow. 

13. BECCA Beach Tint in Raspberry

Gives a very healthy glow and looks very natural on my skin; serves as a blush and a lip tint and is water-proof. Perfect for the beach!

14. dior addict lip glow

Gives a hint of Pink that looks healthy and natural on the lips, and has 10 SPF.

I have decided to add more items. Just to give more product choices; as you may find that these serve the same purposes as the products above do. And no, I don't carry all of these with me on a daily basis. 

Extra products that I may take or have in my makeup bag.

1. Etude House Aloha V-Line Slim Maker in #01 Sun Gold/ Wood Brown - another product that's dual purpose.

2. Lunasol Skin Contrast Face Powder 01 Glow - Just in case I want to set my makeup.

3.Kanebo Freshel Cover Concealer - Contains a concealer, pore cover and highlight.

4. benefit highbeam - for night outs. to highlight above my cheekbones.

5. benefit posietint - another tint that has a lovely pink color.

6. benefit benetint - a cult favorite. looks natural and stays put once applied.

7. Maybelline Long Extreme Stiletto Waterproof in Black - contains fibers. waterproof.

8. Neutrogena Fine Fairness BB Cream - to even out skintone. has added spf.

9. Caudalie Beauty Elixir  - I use this to freshen up in the middle of the day.

10. Physcians Formula  2 in 1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum in Ultra Black - waterproof. one of the blackest eyeliners I have used.

11. Tony Moly Perfect Eyes Eyeliner in 09 Tear Beige - for that extra pop of color to brighten the eyes.

12. Secret D'Or Eye Gloss Duo in 01 - just in case I need to look more polished or made up. 

13. Majolica Majorca Jeweling Pencil in 71 - same as with the other eye pencils.

14. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Zero - for tightlining.

For Tools or makeup brushes, I bring multi-taskers such as these two brushes below:

BECCA Professional Brush 58 - Foundation and Concealer Brush (Review coming up soon!)

My new favorite brush. The bullet tip allows precise application for small areas such as the side of the nose and under the eyes. May be used for both liquid and cream products. 

Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki

May also be used for liquid and cream products! This is one of my all time favorite brushes.

You don't need to have the exact products for your makeup bag. I hope this post will be helpful to those who want to organize their makeup kits for summer.
I have linked previous product reviews. If there are any products that you are curious about which I may have featured in this post please leave a comment below.

What are your summer beauty kit essentials?

Haughty Cosmetics Perfect Finish Lip Glosses

Haughty Cosmetics Perfect Finish Lip Glosses

A bunch of Pink lip glosses for different moods and different occasions with warm and cool undertones. :)

Have you ladies heard of Haughty Cosmetics? 

I learned about Haughty Cosmetics from the Adventures in Makeup Blog. Shahada has a great blog with honest reviews on a wide variety of products; I make a point to visit the blog often. I was delighted when she had a giveaway of these lip glosses. I joined but did not initially win; I won on the 2nd time winner was drawn. 

Thank you first winner for not claiming the prizes! Thank you Shahada and Haughty Cosmetics! These lip glosses truly made me happy! 

Each retail for $21 USD. 

Some might say that the glosses are a bit pricey, but these glosses are worth the price and according to owner, Michelle: "I'm committed to donating 50% of net profits from the sale of Haughty products to domestic violence prevention education. It's important to me that the work I do every day helps prevent young people from getting trapped in unhealthy, abusive, and violent situations. Nothing fulfills me more than hearing from survivors who tell me that they got out of a bad situation and now want to help others." 

Plus, their products are also cruelty free - "Tested on divas, never on animals." 

Product Description - "Quit using balm under lipstick under gloss! My lip gloss FEELS AWESOME and STAYS ON. It doesn't sing the Hallelujah chorus when you open it, but it should. I knew this product was ready for primetime when my friends, my mom, and everyone else I knew got completely addicted to it. Seriously, you have to try it to believe it. It's the fastest way to feel polished, confident, pretty and put-together all day long." 

I say these lip glosses are fantastic! The formula is amazing. The glosses do provide moisture, hence there is no longer a need for a separate lip balm. The formula of these lip glosses reminds me of Lunasol's full glamour lips, pigmented yet not opaque to make the lips look overdone or fake. 

These glosses go on smoothly and apply evenly. These do not feel gritty despite the shimmers some of the colours may contain. These do not settle on fine lines - one may layer the product without it looking like a pile of gunk on the lips. Although not the lightest of the lip glosses I have come across, the formula is also not as heavy as with other lip glosses that are pigmented.

I think the glosses may contain lip plumping ingredients as I feel a tingling sensation on my lips when I apply.

Packaging: 

Simple yet glamorous.The cap is silver and has a pattern. The tube which contains the product is clear and sleek.  

I like the applicator, it is slim and has a sponge tip; it is longer than the usual doe foot applicator. 

Wear: 

The pigment lasts for hours but may wear off when you eat, smoke or drink. The shine/sheen stays on for about the couple of hours or so. 

Finish: 

Glossy - gives a lovely sheen on the lips without shimmer over-kill. 

Scent: 

Smells sweet and reminds me of Vanilla. Those sensitive to scents might want to reconsider as the scent may linger for a while. 

Swatches. All swiped once.

From Left to Right: Believe,Be Yourself,Choose Happiness,Have Faith,Inspire,Live Free or Die,

Overdeliver, and Roll with it.

swiped once. taken in natural lighting.

taken with flash.

Believe -light peach

Be Yourself - warm, bright pink

Choose Happiness - light cool pink

Have Faith - very light, baby pink

Inspire - rosy pink

Live Free or Die - bright coral

Overdeliver - cool, violet mauve

Roll with it - light coral

Some lip swatches:

Believe

Be Yourself

Have Faith.

Live Free or Die.

Overdeliver.

Shahada's post on these lip glosses.