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.

random iPhone 4 pictures plus FOTD

All pictures have their own stories to tell...

As for me, I usually take pictures of whatever catches my fancy so I thought I'd share the pictures with everyone.

These Murano miniature animal glass figures were bought from Venice during a trip to Italy. I think they are cute so I took a photo.

This is where I go when I wake up on weekends. 

I then walk and stare at these bamboos because it makes me feel relaxed and at peace. :P Afterwards I go inside our house and find people to tease. mwuahahahahah! 

I love eating warm taho for breakfast. Taho is made from soft tofu and "arnibal" (brown sugar with vanilla) and tapioca. 

I was bored yesterday so I decided to do something I haven't done in a long time. I tried to bake carrot cupcakes for the 1st time. :P

I know the frosting looks terrible. But these cupcakes passed the taste test so your arguments are invalid hahahah!

Who doesn't love Bubble/milk teas? I know I do! My brother brought these for me yesterday. Thank you Bubi! 

I haven't posted a FOTD for quite some time now. I have previously had warts removed by the dermatologist and had to have part 2 of the treatment last week. Yes, I know warts are gross. I don't even know why I have warts but I freaked out when the dermatologist told me and I immediately told her to remove the warts. As you can see from the picture below I still have marks from the cauterization session (treatment).

I did try the products at Becca before I purchased from their counter. Their chief makeup artist was kind enough to help me choose the right products for me. Below is a picture of me with a full face of Becca makeup, except for the eyes as I prefer my winged eyeliner. Plus,  I seriously don't want to buy any eye shadows. 

I think I have fallen inlove with their brand because their makeup feels looks and feels like 2nd skin- it's so light and just looks natural - perfect for summer! I hope this does not turn into some sort of addiction. 

FACE:

BECCA Resurfacing Primer (Line & Pore Minimizing Formula)

BECCA Luminous Skin Colour in Porcelain

BECCA Compact Concealer - Sorry, I forgot what shade I'm in. :/

Mineral Bronzing/Highlighter Duo

BECCA Line and Pore Corrector 

BECCA Beach Tint in Raspberry

EYES:

Tony Moly Perfect Eyes Eyeliner in 09 Tear Beige on the lower lash/water line

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero

BECCA Line + Illuminate Pencil in Shimmering Pink on the inner corners of the eyes

Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara

Clio Waterproof Pen Liner Kill Black

LIPS:

BECCA Beach Tint in Raspberry

Sheer Tint Lip Colour in Estella

Glossy Lip Tint - forgot the shade too. Sorry. 

Here's another picture. 

I regret not buying this when I had a chance to. Now I have to go back to Adora to purchase this. I usually don't spend a lot on makeup brushes but this brush is just so soft and I can definitely see myself using this as an all around brush for foundation, contouring, highlighting and blushes! 

NEED! Becca Foundation and Concealer Brush #58

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.

Guess who's back? :P A post of all sorts

Hi everyone! I hope my blog still has followers hahaha! I apologize for not posting sooner. I have had some personal stuff to deal with and I have decided to make a few changes on my blog.

Anyway, I celebrated my birthday last January 22 which was also the eve of Chinese New Year so we welcomed the year of the water dragon at Li Li Chinese Restaurant with relatives and friends.

with LLB friends taken at the Li Li Bar, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila.

The outfit: Laetitia Dress (RED) from Luca

*Carrying a Massimo Dutti paper bag which I received as a gift from a family friend.

I love the dress from Luca. I had to go to their Eastwood store to pick it up but it was worth it! I have bought other dresses from them. Let me know if you want to see those in future OOTDs. :)

Cake number 1 from Cafe Roces. Of course I just had to eat breakfast in one of my favorite restaurants. :)

Cake number 2 from Personnalisée Cakeshop. I chose the design myself because we were also celebrating Chinese New Year.

Cake number 3 from Li Li at Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila. 

YAY! I got another cake. :) I must be lucky this year haha! The staff at Hyatt Hotel as I have previously said are very nice and accommodating to their guests.

A bunch of cupcakes were given to me by Miss Joy of Personnalisée Cakeshop.

Thank you for the yummy and super cute cupcakes! :3 The cupcakes made me and my guests smile. 

I was obviously thinking of this and that haha! xD 

One must not forget to post the Face of the Night/Day:

FACE:

- Lunasol Smoothing Makeup Base

- Lunasol Water Cream Foundation in OC03

- Lunasol Skin Contrast Face Powder in 01 Glow

- Benefit Highbeam

- Benefit Erase Paste

- Lunasol Cheek color in Tender Glow Pink

- Becca Lip and Cheek Creme in Blossom

EYES:

- Benefit stay don't stray

- Majolica Majorca Jeweling Pencil in 71

- Lunasol Eye Shadow in Tender Glow Beige Brown

- Urban Decay in Vanilla and Blackout 

-Clio Waterproof Pen Liner Kill Black

- KOJI Dolly Wink False Eyelashes No. 2

- Benefit Bad Gal Lash

- Maybelline Long Extreme Stiletto in Black

LIPS:

- Dior Addict Lip Glow

- Paul and Joe Lipstick M in 001

- Revlon Lip Butter in Cupcake

- Lunasol Lip Gloss in Tender Glow Pink

It was just one of those days where I could not make up my mind. Hence, I ended up mixing different shades.

Manila Bay greeted me the next morning. :) I wish I could have woken up a bit earlier because the view is simply amazing!

Sorry for the long post. It was the least I could do for not posting for almost a month. I hope everyone is doing well. 

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. ;)