BECCA Line + Define Pencil in SANTORINI

If you have been following my blog, you will know that I have been completely hooked to the brand, BECCA. This started when I tried their beach tint in Raspberry. I constantly buy an item to test whenever I pass by their counter. :3

BECCA says: A combination liner and brightener in one, this convenient dual-ended pencil has a soft, smooth texture that glides on easily to line, define and brighten the eyes while blending easily. The dark side of BECCA's Line & Define Pencil lavishly lines while the light side helps brighten and awaken tired eyes for a vibrant and youthful effect.

BECCA also says that this is suitable for sensitive eyes - dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.

Artist's tips:

• - Line the inner rims of the eyes or the inner corners of the eyes with the flesh toned side of the pencil to make eyes "pop"
• - Highlight the brow bone by smudging the lighter shade beneath the brows, then blending, or apply to your upper lid to intensify eye shadow color
• - Define the lash line and outer corners of the eyes with the darker side of the pencil
• - Enhance eye color by blending the two shades together midway along the lash line
• - Apply the light side of the pencil above your lip line to plump the appearance of lips.
• 
  

You're probably thinking, why didn't she sharpen it before taking pictures? I actually like to keep the tip of this pencil short as it's too creamy and I find it breaks when the tip is long. 

Buff - a neutral/skin-toned shade.

I have long searched for a shade that would be a bit lighter than my skin tone without being too white and this is just the perfect colour as it brightens the eyes without being unnatural.

Navy - A deep Navy blue. 

True to its name, Navy is a dark blue and is great for lining and defining the eyes. I wanted a dark blue eyeliner for quite a while now, since Black tends to be a bit harsh sometimes.

Buff and Navy swatched

Consistency

Notice how creamythe eyeliners are..? Both shades go on smoothly, do not tug nor drag when applied.  However, these can be a bit too creamy and take a while to dry. Which is not entirely a bad thing, if you want to blend or smoke out your eyeliner. Because, both shades are ever so creamy, it is not hard to break the tip of the pencil. 

Staying power
These stay for hours and hours when set with an eyeshadow. As these are creamy and take a while to dry, it may crease when not set with an eyeshadow and may even bleed.

Colour payoff
Both colours are very pigmented. As with most BECCA products the colour can be layered to achieve the desired opacity.

This can also be used as a base or worn alone as an eyeshadow. The lighter colour can be used to highlight certain areas of the face, like under the arch of the eyebrows, cupids bow, etc.. The formula as previously stated is creamy and blendable. Do note however that because these are very easy to blend, over blending is possible and you might end up erasing what you just applied.
Use a light hand when applying and a lighter hand if possible when blending. :p

Here's a video from Zuneta demonstrating how to use the line + define pencil. 

Overall, I do not regret buying this eyeliner. For the price however, I somewhat expect better performance. It's still a nice addition to my current stash of eyeliners as I have neither of the shades in the pencil. If you want to buy, I would suggest that you test it at a counter to see if you like it before you splurge. 

NARS JOIE DE VIVRE - Nordstrom Exclusive Cheek Palette

Blush-fiend-must-have!

I know, I fail at swatching products most of the time, but I have fun trying and sharing the swatches on my blog so I still give it a go. I hope these swatches would be useful for someone out there. This palette is limited edition and is probably no longer available at Nordstrom. If you're lucky, you can still find it online. Also, it can be used as a reference for buying individual blush colors.

Thank you to my all time favorite enabler, the ever pretty and sweet, Blair for giving me a go signal and enabling me to purchase this palette! :3

This is an exclusive and Limited edition cheek palette. It contains 6 cheek colors composed of blushers, a highlighter and a bronzer. Each pan contains 3.5g/0.12oz of product.

For those who are curious where I got the palette, I bought it from the carefree shopper at Multiply. Armie, the shop's owner even sent me a mini Super Orgasm blush as a freebie! I will try to post and swatch it next time. :)

No surprise here, NARS' signature black rubbery packaging which I label as a dust magnet. :) The back of the palette contains the names/labels. While I label it a dust-magnet it is sleek, portable and easy to travel with. I also like that it has a large mirror. :D

NARS blushes need no introduction as they are very popular. Known for their great colour payoff and lasting power. (of course everyone complains about their dust magnet packaging too! LOL!) 

Most of the blushes on this palette are shimmery/shiny or have a sheen. Angelika contains chunks of glitter like Super Orgasm. The other colours might look scary in the pan but I found all easy to apply and blend.

I own a few NARS blushes and a full sized Albatross. There seems to be a slight difference between           the texture as the blushes I have are more soft and a bit more pigmented. These blushes however, are not a pain to work with, not as gritty nor rough as some blushers are, and the colour is buildable after a layer or two. 

Swatches.

Albatross- Luminous glow

A pearl highlight with golden shimmers. It can be used on top of blushers, the c-zone, below the arch of the eyebrow and in the inner corner of the eyes. This shade will probably go well with most skin tones. I have a full-size of this product and I quite like it. Be careful and use a light hand when applying though, as you may end up looking like a disco ball.(I will be posting a separate review and more swatches of Albatross.)

Laguna - Diffused brown powder with golden shimmer.

Another cult favorite. I haven't gotten around to trying this as a contour powder but it works wonderfully as a bronzer. Yes, it contains shimmers but the shimmers just give a sheen and are not too overpowering or anything like that. Like Luster, this gives a wonderful glow. I am not sure if this would work for darker skin tones but I would recommend this to those with fair to medium skin tones.

This colour needs a few layers to show up, but that's okay rather than have a scary and overpowering bronzer, I prefer something that is more sheer.

Albatross and Laguna

Luster - Sheer golden apricot

Apricot with a tinge of peach. Looks rather scary in the pan but looks wonderful once applied and blended on the skin. Of all the colours in the palette this was the easiest to work with. The pigmentation and texture is similar to my full sized NARS blushes.

This gives a luminous and pretty finish when applied to the skin - like a highlighter and blush in one. This gives a healthy glow, like you've been just kissed by the sun. Of all the colours in this palette, this is probably the most universal as it would compliment anyone.

Angelika - Cotton candy pink with gold and silver sparkle.

I wouldn't say that this is Cotton candy Pink as it seems a bit dark to be in the cotton candy shade range. It's a hot pink with more Fuchsia and has tons of glitters in it. Yes, glitters! Not sparkles. But the glitters rub off and disappear and go elsewhere when applied on the cheeks. Do note that shimmer/sparkles/glitters might enhance large pores. This blush is perfect for days you want a pop of colour on your cheeks or when you're just feeling like you're extra pale. This will look flattering and won't look like you've just piled on a ton of blush with the right brush. ;) 

I initially thought that this would be similar with Gaeity but it isn't. It is a lot darker and has more glitter than Gaeity. 

Luster and Angelika

Gaeity - Bright candy pink

Now this is a cool cotton candy pink. While it may look scary in the pan, it goes on wonderfully. I have read reviews that said they found this shade a bit chalky but I really like how it applies and think that it really needs that amount of powder because of its color. 

This is very flattering on my skin and somehow looks natural. As much as I love pink blushes, there are those that make me look more yellow. I find that this blush doesn't do that so I truly adore it! 

Orgasm - Peachy pink with golden shimmer

A shade I don't personally own as I am one of the few persons who does not look good with this blush on. I thought I should give it another go and hope that things work out now haha! I don't think the ever so popular Orgasm needs an introduction as everyone is already familiar with it.

Gaeity and Orgasm

I didn't swatch these heavily. I swatched all the products with 1 swipe so you can see the real colour payoff of each:

Albatross, Gaeity, Luster,  Laguna, Orgasm and Angelika

swatched indoors. natural lighting.

outdoors. natural lighting.

I am very satisfied and happy with this purchase. My favourite shades are Luster and Gaeity.
I still have a couple of NARS reviews I will post soon but I suppose I ought to post about other brands too.

What's your current favourite blush? :)

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!