Kanebo Lunasol Skin Contrast Face Powder in 01 Glow

Once again, Lunasol did not disappoint me with this product. Lunasol is on the high end side and can be a bit intimidating. I would have to say though, that most of their products are worth the money that will be spent, because these are products that I can stick to. When buying makeup that makes my piggie bank cry, I think of it as an investment. I do not know if you have noticed but I generally stick to my base and skincare products. :)

On to the review...

Comes with a soft puff which I have washed a few times. I prefer to use the puff that comes with the powder rather than using a huge face brush.

Packaging is elegant and very classy. I however am not crazy about the Gold cap because it is a finger print magnet. I suggest keeping the sticker and just peeling off half because the powder will get all over the place once removed and that's something we'd all like to avoid, right?

The powder is finely milled with micro shimmers which are hardly noticeable once applied on skin.

This is rather very light and feels like it hardly has any weight once applied. It is comparable to the Paul and Joe loose powder which I have previously reviewed. However, I prefer this to the Paul and Joe powder because this helps keeps my oiliness at bay; feels lighter on the skin and matches the color of my skin. This helps keep my makeup looking fresh and intact all throughout the day. 

It also helps hide my pores. I did notice that my pores are less visible once I have applied this powder on my face.

1. Powder.

2. Applied on skin, not yet pressed/blended. You can still see the shimmers.

3. After blending. The shimmers are no longer noticeably and just give a healthy glow on the skin.

Do remember to blend! You do not want chunks of glitters on your face. :P

Do you use a loose powder to set your makeup?

Other posts on the LE 2011 Holiday Coffret:

http://sugarpao.blogspot.com/2012/02/kanebo-lunasol-3-dimensional-eye-shadow.html

http://sugarpao.blogspot.com/2012/02/lunasol-ex-tender-glow-pink-cheek-color.html

L'oreal Infaillible/Indefectible Eyeshadows

Another quick post - initial thoughts and swatches. 

Sometimes, getting suckered in to buy something does wonders and meet expectations. If you are like me, and watch youtube often and visit many blogs about beauty and makeup; you most have likely encountered the jars above from somewhere.

Constantly raved about by the blogging and Youtube community - The L'oreal Infaillible/Indefectible Eyeshadows. Some people say that these are like Giorgio Armani's Eyes to Kill except these are more affordable than the former. 

Long lasting, easy to apply, great colors with amazing pigmentation at a fraction of the cost - could it really be true?

These come in a plastic jar and you can see the color of the eyeshadows from the jar/pot. 

001 Time Resist White - cream white.

015 Flashback Silver - silver 

021 Sahara Treasure (iridescent finish) - bronze 

027 Goldmine (iridescent finish) - gold

I believe that these names are the names of the color in UK and may vary in other countries.

All the jars come with a black plastic cap/cover which seals the product.

When I got my eyeshadows and initially opened the jars, 2 of the cream eyeshadows were stuck to the black cover to my dismay. I put the cover back in and gently twisted it and I was able to get all of the products back in their respective jars, YAY! 

Opened.

Although not as smooth as high end brands these are still very easy to work with and are easy to use. The only problem I have is I have very long finger nails and I haven't figured out a way to apply these without getting these stuck to my nails. Most of the users who have used these eyeshadows recommend that one use the fingers for application. I will probably use a sponge tipped applicator to get the product next time and use my fingers to blend.

These eyeshadows may be worn alone or can be used as a base for other eyeshadows. 

Left to right - Flashback Silver, Sahara Treasure, Time Resist White and Goldmine

Overall, I am impressed with the quality of these eyeshadows and would recommend these to anyone who wants affordable eyeshadows that won't make your wallets cry. These are also good for those who are just starting with makeup because these are very easy to apply and blend. 

I hope L'oreal Philippines brings these wonderful eyeshadows in the Philippines.
Have you tried these eyeshadows?


BTW, I would like to thank everyone who commented on my last post. It means a lot to me. :)
I shall go back commenting soon. I just need to stop being sarcastic and snapping at people for now. Hehe. >.<

Sleek blush BY3 in Pumpkin

Quick post! Initial thoughs plus swatches. 

 I just wanted to try Sleek blushes but couldn't make up my mind which color should I get so when I saw the Blush By3 I knew I just had to get it! This was sent by a friend from London. I thought I'd share the swatches with everyone.

The colors arevibrant and seem kind of intimidating in the pan. 

I won't be doing a full review because I have not worn the blushes so I cannot attest to the lasting power throughout the day.

Packaging is nothing special - like Sleek eyeshadows it comes in a Black plastic-y palette. It has a big mirror, is compact and looks sturdy.

L-R: Lantern, Squash and Pumpkin Pie. 

Lantern - Coral Red with shimmers.

Squash - Satin Pink with blue tones.

Pumpkin Pie - Matte Orange. 

I knew these were pigmented but the colors shocked me when I swatched these. All the swatches above were swiped once and the color payoff is amazing; so amazing that one has to be sure to apply it with caution in order not to look like a clown.

The texture is not as silky or soft as high end blushes, but is good enough for the price. 

Blended.

All the blushes are easy to blend. All the colors would probably compliment most skin tones too and are perfect for summer! :)

UPDATE:

Sorry if I've been MIA (missing in action lately),  I just haven't been myself and would rather not spread any negativity. I just don't want to rant or snap at anyone. I just need some time to sort myself out. Thank you to everyone who still finds time to check my blog. 

BECCA Beach Tint in Raspberry

The perfect product for summer! :)

BECCA Beach Tint is a beautifully blendable crème stain for cheeks and lips that suits all skin types. Kiss-proof and water-resistant, it dries to a perfect, streak-free, non-greasy and non-drying finish. Each shade is deliciously scented in its synonymous name.

I originally wanted to pick up Watermelon, their best selling shade but Raspberry looked more flattering and natural on my skin so I chose it over Watermelon. I didn't pick up Watermelon because I don't need two Red tints. 

Packaging is sleek. I do not like the cap though because it's made of plastic and seems cheap.

You can see the product's color from the tube. It may seem like a scary color but once it's blended to the skin it gives a really healthy flush.

Directions: Shake well before applying. Open the cap and tilt or invert the tube; the nozzle must be facing  upwards then squeeze a tiny amount on your wrist or the back of your hand.  Apply with fingers or a brush. I usually just use my finger.

Most people complain about how oily the product is; If you apply the product and squeeze it out the conventional way, with the nozzle facing downwards. Be prepared for loads of oil from the tube. 

Thoughts:

- Becca is made from natural ingredients. No scary and harmful chemicals.

- Did not break me out.

- Price may seem a bit steep but you will only need a tiny amount for each time you use it. So the tube will probably last for months.

- I am not crazy about the Raspberry scent. I would have preferred watermelon because it smells yummier!

- As the Beach tint fades throughout the day, it does so evenly; does not make me look weird like other tints out there. 

- Lasts up to 4-6 hours on my lips, while it lasts for the whole day on my cheeks.

- I usually top it off with a lip gloss when I use it on my lips as I find it a bit drying on my lips.

The product is very easy to blend and has a gel-like consistency. 

Overall, I would say that I am very happy with my purchase and would definitely be buying more beach tints!

Mario's Restaurant - Food Glorious Food! :D

I miss my my food posts. We usually eat at the same places, hence there's no need to post about the food. I haven't been going out as much; Plus, I haven't been bringing my camera with me. I would like to apologize for the pictures taken with my iPhone. It just doesn't do justice, oh well...

Dessert trolley - YUMMEHHHH!!! 

Complimentary Bread.

New England Clam Chowder.

Server is making Mario's Caesar salad. :)

 Finished!

Greek Salad.

Lengua con Setas.

Steak ala Pobre

Prawns Thermidore.

Toffee Sanrival.

Canonigo.

Mario's another oldie but goodie has managed to maintain the quality of its food throughout the years. If I am not mistaken, the restaurant is older than me and my parents used to have dates there. Staff is very friendly and attends to the needs of the diners. I would definitely go back and will keep going back because I love their steaks and desserts. 

Food - ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

Service - ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Ambiance - ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Value - ♥ ♥ ♥ 


Mario's Restaurant Quezon City 
191 Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Scout Gandia
Quezon City
Philippines 

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.