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."

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?

benefit POWda WOWza (initial thoughts + swatches)

Just a quick post- these are my initial thoughts on benefit's Powda Wowza. 

Benefit says, "Wear 'em to wow 'em - get unstoppable gorgeousness on the go with Benefit Powda WOwza. This trio of sensational face powders makes an unforgettable impact. CORALista, Hoola and Bella Bamba all featured in this portable box!"

3x3.0g NET WT. 3 x 0.1 oz.

Powda Wowza wasa part of Benefit's 2011 Holiday Collection. 

This is the perfect product for me and other blush fiends who never manage to hit blush pans! :P For the price of one, we are getting 3 of the most popular Benefit blushes. I always say I like the products I purchase, because I really do. I usually even ask for 2nd opinions before buying stuff. 

Who doesn't love Benefit's Boxed Powders? From the packaging to the product inside it's just pure happiness. The blushes are:

- Pigmented.

- The colors look flattering on most skin tones, 

- Actual powders are soft and go on smooth not gritty though Coralista and Bella Bamba both contain shimmers. 

- Powders are easy to blend and work with.

NEUTRAL:

- The powders are scented.

- I haven't used the tiny brush for application. 

The only downside people often complain about is the prize; when I learned that I could get 3 of Benefit's best sellers for the prize of almost just one powder I knew I just had to buy it.

From Left to Right: CORALista, Bella Bamba, 

Tiny Brush and Hoola.

Hoola - A matte bronzing powder that looks flattering on most skin tones.

CORALista - Coral pink with gold shimmer.

Bella Bamba - 3D brightening watermelon pink with shimmer.

All swiped once.

This is really a great deal if you have been wanting to try out Benefit blushers, or if you're like me and  have never managed to hit a blush pan.

I have previously reviewed Benefit's Dandellion HERE.
I bought this online from the carefreeshopper.

benefit the POREfessional

Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. Translucent, oil-free formula complements all skintones and helps makeup stay put. Contains a Vitamin E derivative, known to protect skin from free radicals. (source)

Product may be used as a primer before foundation or above makeup.

I usually use my fingers to apply the product, but one may use a brush or a sponge depending on one's preference. I would have to say that I need or use about 2 1/2 squeezes of the product to cover my whole face.

LIKES:

• It smells lovely. It has a subtle and clean scent.
• Makes my skin smooth and silky.
• Did not break me out.
• Comes in a tube - hygienic. Tube dispenses the right amount of product with a gentle squeeze.
• Translucent - Does not leave a cast and blends wonderfully.
• Light weight - Does not feel heavy on the skin.
• Blurs out skin imperfections.
• Can be used as a primer and can be applied over or on top of makeup.

DISLIKES:

• Not crazy about the balmy-feel of the product although it no longer bothers me once I have it on.
• Does nothing for my skin's oiliness.
• Not cheap.
• Not long lasting - lasts up to 4 hours on my super oily skin. Keeps my oiliness at bay for around a couple or hours or so.

1. swatch
Goes on translucent and blends perfectly on the skin.

2. blending

You may notice the texture is rather balm-like from the picture above. The product is very easy to blend and apply on skin. Once applied it feels like other silicone based primers i.e. Smashbox's photo finish.

3. blended

I'm not sure if you noticed the difference but it made my skin smoother and the lines became less visible, as if the marks, pores and spots were blurred like a camera on soft focus.

benefit stay don't stray

Who doesn't love eyeshadows? We all have our favorites but we all need a decent eyeshadow primer to bring out the best in those eyeshadows and make them last for as long as we need them to! Creasing and fading eyeshadows aren't very appealing so a good eye primer is a must! There are just so many eyeshadow primers out in the market today. I have the Original UDPP and Etude House Proof 10 eye primer which I have previously compared HERE.

Benefit says:

This dual-action power primer works 360° degrees around the eyes to make concealers AND eyeshadows STAY PUT. Concealers don't crease, eyeshadows stay vibrant and true...you'll wonder how you ever lived without it! Comes in a neutral nude shade that is universally flattering and a custom airless pump that is sooo easy to use - just a dab'll do ya! Sodium Hyaluronate hydrates and fills in fine lines. Vitamins C & E help fight signs of aging.

SRP - 1,400 Php (I bought mine from Sephora.)

360° simply means you can apply it on your lower and upper eye area. What's great about this is its dual purpose for it can also conceal and brighten the under eye area. No need for a separate concealer, especially if the dark areas under your eyes and eyebags aren't that bad. 

It comes in a pump bottle which I kind of like and dislike. I like that it's hygienic but  the pump because it may tend to dispense more than I need at times. 

10.0mL 0.33 US fl. oz.

Directions:

Gently pump a small amount onto the back of your hand. Apply 3 tiny dots under your eyes with fingertips & blend. Next apply 3 dots on eyelids & blend. Let set, then apply concealers and eyeshadows as usual.

I use my fingers or apply half a pump on the back of my hand to warm up the product. I find the consistency to be a bit heavy but creamy and easy to apply.

First picture - swatch

Second picture - blending the product 

Third picture - blended on NC30 skin.

Top row - with stay don't stray

bottom row - without primer

Does it make eyeshadow pigments stand or pop out more? Well, you be the judge. :)  

I did notice thoughdoes make certain eye shadow colors more vivid as you would see from the swatches above.

Left with Benefit SDS; Right without.

Eyeshadows from Bottom to topt: Paul & Joe Eye Color B in 003 Tranquility, Lancome Radiant Smoothing Eye Shadow Duo in Velvet Corail (Darker shade), Lancome Radiant Smoothing Eye Shadow Duo in Velvet Corail (Lighter shade), Paul & Joe Pearl Powder in 04 After Glow, Urban Decay in Vanilla, Junkshow, Tainted and Deep End.

OBSERVATIONS:

- Spreadable and creamy. (Like sandwich spread. LOL! :P)

- Not greasy.

- Hygienic pump bottle.

- Can be used as an eyeshadow primer, brightener and concealer.

- Provides a good base for eyeshadow/s. 

- Makes certain eyeshadow colors stand out a bit more.

- Does what it claims and makes eyeshadows last for looooong without creasing!

benefit erase paste in No. 2 medium

I usually keep around one or two concealers to blend and address areas that need to be concealed. If you go to though my FOTDs, you will notice that I rarely use any on my face when I do makeup. I, however have been an insomniac for most of my life and lately my eyebags have started to bother me. So I went ahead and picked up a cult favorite. 

Erase Paste
What it is:
A brightening camouflage for the eyes and face.

What it does:
Benefit Erase Paste is a concentrated, creamy, blendable concealer that instantly brightens and camouflages all-in-one. It has an innovative formula which makes sure signs of stress and fatigue are a thing of the past. These three brightening neutral shades give every gal correction perfection.

What else you need to know:
Erase Paste includes a step-by-step concealing and brightening lesson and a handy little spatula. (source)

SRP  -1,400Php

(I bought mine from Sephora when they were on sale. ^_^)

Upon opening the box, you will see a leaflet with a tutorial on how to use the product on different areas of the face:

1. Under eye concealing & brightening for dark circles

Use spatula to scoop out a tiny amount.  Place the paste on the back of your hand.  With your ring finger,  

take erase paste and make a dot on the inner & outer corners of the eye.  Delicately blend by following the arrows above.  For complete under eye concealing, connect the dots.

2. Camouflage those shadowy areas from nose to corners of the lips.

Use the side of your finger to draw three “cat whisker” strokes in an up & outward motion across the shadowed grooves. Blend lightly in soft, upward strokes with your finger tips.

TIP: Run your fingertips under warm water to heat them up before blending.

3. “X” marks the spot to conceal 

spot imperfections.

For blemishes & spots of discoloration use the side of your finger to draw an “X” on top of the imperfection.  Pat & blend with your ring finger.

TIP: Apply 10% more erase paste than necessary  —by the time you get to where you’re going, you’ll look perfect.

It has its own spatula! Thank goodness! I don't have to worry about dipping my fingers in the pot. I would recommend cleaning the spatula before and after use.

You can also use cotton bud, a brush or your clean fingers to apply the product on.

Packaging is cute! It comes in a clear purple jar. While the jar may seem a bit small there's a lot of product inside.

Picture no. 1 is a swatch of the product. The texture is amazing - it is very creamy and easy to blend. 

Picture 2 - it matches my skin tone and brightened the area too. It also made the veins on the back of my hand less visible. Please note that I only used a tiny amount of the product. 

Thoughts:

- At first glance, I thought this wouldn't work for me as the product has a pink tone to it, but I was surprised at how well it blended on my with my skin which is warm with a yellow undertone.

- Don't be afraid of how thick the product is. Just apply it with your fingers or put a tiny amount at the back of your hand to warm the product up. 

PROS:

- Does not break me out.

- I like that it's very creamy and smooth. It has a buttery texture and is quite easy to blend.

- A little goes a long way.

- The color matches my skin (I'm around MAC NC30 for reference). 

- It covers skin imperfections - great for concealing eye bags and making the under eye area brighter.

- It can be layered and it doesn't cake on me.

- Excellent staying power. 

- Not drying, not wrinkly under the eye area but might crease with more problematic areas of the face. 

- PLUS: It works well as a lip primer. (No need to purchase a separate lip primer!)

CONS:

- It might be a bit expensive for some people. 

Benefit Philippines invites you to come to their opening on December 15, 2011!

benefit dandelion

Benefit says, "Finely spun with delicate mauves and pinks, this exquisite brightening face powder leaves a petal like finish."

I just love Pink blushes for December! I live in a tropical country that doesn't have snow nor winter. However, I still want to get the glow that girls have when they've just been exposed to cold winter air. 

Confession - I haven't used it as a brightening face powder as I have been using it as a blush. Although it seems to make my complexion brighter because it gives such a pretty glow on my cheeks.

Comes in a box with a lot of product inside. I have yet to hit the pan of any blusher and I don't think I'll ever see the pan of this one either.

I usually rant about applicators that come with the product but this brush really works with the blush! :) It is not scratchy and picks up a decent amount every time I swipe it on the blush. It is also very compact and pretty. 

While I am not a fan of boxes and paper packaging I find this box sturdy and cute. :)

Note: Under direct sunlight. This appears a bit more peach than it is in real life. The blush has no glitters/shimmers it is a matte blush. (I FINALLYhave a matte blush!)

Pale powder pink with a hint of peach and purple or mauve tones.  

The blush has a very delicate feminine like scent which does not bother me. If anything, it reminds me of L'Occitane skincare products.

Other reviews say that this blush has weak pigmentation but I disagree with the opinion of the majority. :P It can be built with several layers and does show up on me so I wouldn't say that the pigmentation is weak. I have used other blushes with weaker pigmentation. Just use the brush that comes with the product and you will be fine - pack the product in the blush and apply several layers as you would with Japanese blushes. You may want to use another product for buffing and blending. 

These are the only CONS I can think of:

- Packaging may be a bit bulky.

- Pricey. (Keep in mind that there is a lot of blush inside the box. I believe this contains more product than most blushes out there.)

- May not work for ladies with darker skin tones.

Wearing benefit dandelion. Sorry, the flash washed out the colors in the picture. >.<

FACE:

Benefit Highbeam

Kose Sekkisei Supreme Makeup Base

Paul & Joe Protective Fluid Foundation S in 103

Kose Supreme in OC-405

Benefit Erase Paste

Benefit Dandelion

EYES:

Smashbox Brow Tech Trio in Taupe/Soft Brown

Benefit Stay don't stray

Lancome Ombre Absolue Duo in Velvet Corail

Clio Waterproof Eyeliner Kill Black 

Daiso False Eyelashes

Majolica Majorca Jeweling Pencil in 71 

LIPS:

Lunasol FUll Glamour Lips G in 33

Here's another picture. :) I was supposed to attend the Benefit launch but got stuck in heavy traffic a few times.. Sigh. -_- And yes, I still think it brightens up my complexion! :)

Benefit will soon open it's first branch in Greenbelt! YAY! We can all experience and buy Benefit cosmetics very soon! I'm excited and I hope I can go to the opening.

UPDATE:
I still have loads of Benefit products to review. Sorry I have been very busy lately. I will try to catch up with posting and commenting this weekend. If I fail to do so, please know that I am indeed very busy, because I'm trying to save money so I can have a giveaway for new year. ;)

Majolica Majorca Jeweling Pencil in 71 (Short Review + Tip + FOTD)

I have been looking for another eyeliner to use for my waterline. As much as I love lining it with a white eyeliner, I often find that white is a bit too strong and just looks very unnatural in some pictures. 

It is a champagne Gold. I have yet to find a Peach eyeliner. :)

As you can see from the swatch above, this particular eyeliner contains glitters. If you have sensitive eyes, I suggest you stay away and find another eyeliner because this might irritate your eyes. I on the other hand would have to say that I really like this eyeliner. :3

The lasting power amazed me and the color makes my eyes pop out without being too obvious. I would have to say though that this feels a bit scratchy, it does not go on as smoothly as some of my eyeliners do. I suspect that the glitters may be the culprit but I still love it! It's available at all Majolica Majorca counters and it's also very affordable. 

TIP: Use a Peach, Champagne or Gold eyeliner instead of White to make your eyes more alive without being too obvious.

Trying out Geo Princess Mimi Green lenses. :)

FACE:

Benefit Highbeam

Kose Sekkisei Supreme Makeup Base

Paul & Joe Protective Fluid Foundation S in 103

Kose Supreme in OC-405

Benefit the POREfessional

Benefit Dandelion

EYES:

Paul and Joe Eyebrow Powder in 02

Clio Waterproof Eyeliner Kill Black 

Daiso False Eyelashes

Majolica Majorca Jeweling Pencil in 71 

LIPS:

Lunasol FUll Glamour Lips G in 33

Picture taken with iPhone 4. I think the flash washes out the color of the blush and I applied it heavily so everyone can see the lovely pink color it gives. I will be doing a separate review with swatches of Dandelion.

As I have previously stated - I tend to act goofy in real life although people don't suspect I do. :P

I have always wanted to have my picture taken with the pose below. A headshot with a mesmerized stare.. :P Please excuse the vanity. LOL! x)

I used Photoscape to edit the photo. In the first photo, I just reduced the noise since the picture was taken with an iPhone. I then played with the lighting in the 2nd and 3rd photo. Which among the three do you like? :)

Have a great weekend everyone! ^___^