NARS Kabuki Yachiyo Brush

"Inspired by traditional Japanese beauty rituals Kabuki Theather, the Kabuki Artisan Brushes meld heritage with modernity, in both concept and function. The multi-functional design of the Kabuki Yachiyo Brush, with its tapered dome head, makes it excellent for defining cheekbones, highlighting the complexion, and blending and diffusing color on or around the eye area."

I originally wanted to buy the whole 2011 NARS Holiday brush set. Due to my laziness however, I've never gotten around to doing it. I did not think anyone would buy the last set, really.. I always thought that the set would wait for me... I now realize that I am wrong and I regret not purchasing it when I had a chance to. ( I hope NARS releases a new Kabuki brush set this Holiday. Hohoho! :P I will surely purchase when they do.)

The curious shape was what got me interested in this brush. I find that while it is the lightest of all the brushes I have, it applies blushes and highlighters with utmost precision. And it's feather-like weight actually helps in the application of products as it just glides on the surface. The unique handle also allows the brush to be flexible to an extent which would help the used apply products with ease.

I have tried using small circular and sideway motions with this brush to see what works best when I use it. Both methods work well though. The tapered end allows a more precise application for highlight and contour products. 

One thing that is unique with this brush is the handle, which is made from hand-spun wisteria.

Google told me that wisteria is a vine. I have not seen one, but it seems to be very durable. One concern I had was how it would hold out after washing, because I was afraid of ruining the brush. I have had this for months now and I can say, that fall out is minimal. I did not experience any bleeding too. Of course I try not to get the handle wet if I could get away with it.

Bristles are made from Pen Super Goat hairs.

I have no idea what a super goat is, but upon Googling it I found a site that said that is deemed most effective for powder pick up and deposit on the skin.

The bristles soft but are not the softest that I have encountered, it is soft enough not to irritate my skin nor feel scratchy. The brush as I have previously stated pick up the right amount of product every time I use it. This works well especially with pigmented products that are hard to sheer out. Everyone who has this brush will tell you that it picks up the right of product every time and while I was skeptical about it, I was surprised to find out that it is indeed true!

This brush is also effective in applying highlighters to the face as it sheers it out to an almost natural finish with a healthy sheen, effectively eliminating the dreaded disco ball effect. LOL! x)

I haven't tried to use this to blend out eyeshadows as I find the head a bit too big to work around my tiny eye area. I can say thought that this can also be used to apply finishing powder to the t-zone and specific areas of the face.

The only downside to this brush is the price. Yes, it's an investment but I would say that it is definitely worth it. If I had to, I would re-purchase the brush again. I actually wouldn't mind buying a set with another Yachiyo brush in it. If you are looking for a good cheek and highlighter brush and have the money to spend do try this brush out. I highly recommend it. 

OOTD: A splash Ube & icetea

Attending a 40th wedding anniversary and wearing Violet at the Diamond Hotel, because I love Kohikan's Ube (Taro) enseymada. :p While the pictures below were not taken at the event I attended, I took pictures at the coffee shop because I ate said enseymada. 

I usually don't post OOTDs, because:

1. I never follow trends. I usually wear whatever I like.

2. I stick to basics. If you open my closet, most of my clothes are basically in the same color family, though there are times that I buy dresses/outfits other than monotonous colours just because I find them pretty.

3. I don't accessorize as much as other people do.

4. I own less than 10 pairs of shoes. 

With all the reasons stated above, I honestly think that I don't make a good fashion blogger. I just dress in clothes that I think look good on me and I am comfortable with. (If you've noticed I also wear the same makeup every time.)

More pictures... Please proceed with caution:

Dress - http://shopluca.com (see picture and description below from their website.)

Shoes - Forever 21

Accessories - Swarovski and Tiffany & Co.

Bag - Louis Vuitton

I apologize for wearing the same accessories every time I do an Outfit of the Day Post. I usually just stick to what I have or what's readily available. 

VALERIA DRESS (VIOLET) One-shoulder satin dress with ruching

All of Shop Luca's clothes are very comfortable to wear. The fabrics they use are soft and silky. I think I may need to get more as I have already worn all the dresses I ordered from them. I love how their dresses fall down and how they look when I wear them. Although I just order the medium size which is a bit loose in some areas for me.

Diamond Hotel Ballroom.

Must stop by Diamond's Kohikan for pastries and the all time favorite ube enseymada! :)

Sorry I forgot to take a picture of the Ube ensaymada. Next time I will try to remember to take a picture before I eat it all up. LOL! x) Maybe I ought to dedicate a whole post to it in the future. I'll just end this post with a picture of me and a glass of ice tea. :) 

Lip Treatments - OLE HENRIKSEN african red tea exfoliating lip salvation (HG)

What convinced me to buy this:

Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Exfoliating Lip Salvation moisturizes, nourishes, and revitalizes the lips. This luxurious emollient is infused with antioxidant-rich red tea that delivers powerful protection, and conditioning extracts that replenish your pout, creating healthy, soft results.

The Institute for Science and Aging in Japan found that red tea has higher antioxidant levels than green or black tea. Antioxidants fight free-radical damage (which can cause premature aging), while the flavonol Quercetin increases capillary strength. Additionally, red tea is rich in minerals (such as iron, calcium, copper, and magnesium); has antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties; heals skin irritations; and promotes smooth skin.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
-Petrolatum
-Parabens
-Synthetic Dye
-Synthetic Fragrance
-Sulfates

No unhealthy and harmful chemicals - definitely a big plus! 

This contains micro beads that gently exfoliate the lips. :) Unlike normal lip scrubs, the micro beads would not feel rough nor irritate the lips. It softly exfoliates the lips while its on, without the hassle of having to keep a separate lip scrub. It sort of reminded me of the very expensive La Mer lip balm, this however does not have the cooling sensation of the latter has. It also does not cost as much, although it is more expensive than other lip balms. I would say, it's worth every cent I paid for it.

The scent is rather pleasant. It is not irritating nor strongly sweet smelling like some lip products are. This product gives a very subtle colour on the lips that just makes it seem healthier and more kissable. I have noticed that my lips haven't been as dry since I have started using this product.

I will repurchase if ever it runs out, and I'm halfway done as I write this post (or I might purchase the La Mer lip balm, if I have extra money to spare just to satisfy my curiousity about the product).

I have recently acquired the Lucas Papaw Ointment and I will review it as soon as I feel that I have tested it enough to give a review. 

A great deal on CK, Pepe Jeans, Esprit, Ferragamo, Puma, Rayban, Prestige and other Luxury brands Eyewear's Great Deals!

My sister, Bea, wearing a pair of YSL sunglasses.

Whether you just want to protect your beautiful peepers from the sun's rays, trying to conceal puffy eyes or just want to wear a pair to compliment your outfit. From the beach to parties... Sunglasses is a definite must have for everyone.

Press release:

ABOUT BLi 

Branded Lifestyle Inc. represents the largest and finest global eyewear brands in the Philippines today. Since the 1980s, the company has been involved in the retail and distribution of prestige and luxury eyewear brands in the market.

A recognized industry pioneer, BLI carries over 50 of the most recognizable and trusted eyewear names in its portfolio. It has successfully driven the growth of the iconic Ray-Ban brand, alongside high-end lifestyle labels such as Prada, Bulgari and Burberry. Our distribution network spans the whole archipelago, with over 200 retail doors and counting. 

For over 20 years, BLI has cultivated valuable relationships with the industry’s largest eyewear manufacturers, ensuring relevance with global fashion, technological and medical trends. Bushnell Performance Optics, Charmant Group, Luxottica Group, Marchon Eyewear and Mondottica International are just some of the biggest eyewear companies who have found in BLI a key partner since 1987.

PRESTIGE FRAMES BUY ONE TAKE 2nd Pair at 990!!!

Pick-a-frame like apples in an orchard.

Through the years, an incredibly wide range of prestige eyewear brands have demystified the process of choosing the frames that flatter you most. It could be daunting to choose the right frame for you and even more, if your budget limits you. But now you can grab your desired frame from your favourite prestige brands like apples in an orchard. For every purchase of regular Guess, Guess by Marciano, Esprit, Pepe Jeans, Ted Baker, Hackett, Puma, Elle, Polo/Ralph, Vogue and DKNY worth P3990 and up, get your 2nd pair at only 990**.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to Pick-a-frame! 

Promo Details

Period Covered: August 1 to October 31, 2013

Available in: In participating optical stores nationwide, among are the following: Almeda Optical, B Perez Optical, Eye Experts, Eyecrafter, The Eyeshop Plus, Good Vision, George Optical, I View Inc., J Perez Optical, L.S. Pascual, Magno Optical Shop, Optical Works, Optical SPEX, Rita Optical, Sarabia Optical, S.E.E. Optics, Shades & Sights, Siapno Tada Optical, The Optical Shop, Unique Vision Optical Center, Vision Wise Optical Clinic

Random person doing random stuff...

Hello. I hope everyone is doing well. I thought I'd post something to destress myself so I thought of doing this challenge although no one tagged me to do it. 

Random thought: It's already September and it feels like months went through without me realizing that they've gone by...  Haha!

Anyway, on to the video... All products and tools used are listed below. 

You will notice that I am very familiar with my face and sometimes there are just right tools and right products that are fool proof. 

I had to edit the video because I was being fuzzy about the products I used and took a long while selecting and applying because I didn't want to look like a clown but I had no idea what I looked like.

I used my MAC Air to film the video and just placed myself in the frame then opened Safari so I couldn't see what I was doing the whole time.

Makeup:

- BECCA Resurfacing Primer

- NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Finland

- Etude House Bling bling eye stick in White

- Kanebo Lunasol - 3 Dimensional Eye Shadow in EX01 Tender Glow Beige Brown

- Benefit Eye bright

- Majolica Majorca Brow Customize in Light Brown

- The Face Shop Lovely ME:EX Auto Eyeliner #2 Black Brown

- Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in Black

- BECCA Lip and Cheek Creme in Blossom

- Benefit dandelion

- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium

- BECCA Beach Tint in Raspberry

- FAIRYDROPS Scandal Queen Mascara

- Burberry Lip Mist No. 210 Pink Heather

- Burberry Sheer Summer Glow

Brushes used:

- BECCA Foundation and Concealer Brush #58

- Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki

- Sigma Tapered Blending brush (Travel Set In Nice in Pink)

- MAC 129

- Sedona Lace Midnight Lace Kabuki brush

- NARS Yachiyo Brush

Thank you for reading and viewing my totally random video! :D I hope I can squeeze in a few reviews soon. Have a great day/night! 

butter LONDON - NOTD

"butter LONDON believes in colour, not carcinogens. 3-Free is what we do and it means NO Formaldehyde, No Toluene, NO DBP or Parabens. Ever. Brilliantly Butter. Totally London." 

FINALLY got my hands on their nail lacquer! YAYYYY!!! :) I bought mine from butter LONDON (Philippines). Please check their page for more information on their availability in the Philippines. Miss Trish, the owner is also very nice and agreed to an online transaction.

butter LONDON nail laquers in Teddy Girl and All Hail the Queen.

All hail the Queen is going out to a friend overseas so I didn't open and swatch it. I regret not buying it though because the color it looks absolutely fabulous. I hope I don't go on a nail polish binge. (Crosses fingers)

All Hail the Queen.

Top removed.

applicator/brush

butter london in Teddy girl.

Teddy Girl - Light Pink or a very milky pink. It's a color that would flatter most skin tones.

I applied 2 coats without a base and without a top coat. Please forgive the streaky nail application as I just quickly applied it to take a picture of what it looks like when it's on. 

I recommend vigorously shaking the nail polish for a smoother application. I did find it to be a tad streaky but it's not that difficult to work with. The formula is rather opaque and the color is really pretty! (Yes, I will buy more nail polishes. :p ) 

OOTD - a glimpse of where I have been.. (father's day)

Hi! I will try to pretend that I haven't neglected my blog for quite some time. Okay, I admit I did, but I'm back. I guess I need to get my act together and devote time to blogging.

I love this scarf! :) I received it as a gift on my last birthday.

Maxi dress - Forever 21

Scarf - Massimo Dutti

Necklace - Forever 21

Flip flops - hotflops

Please excuse me as I try to make up for my long absence.