Major Haul from the U.S.

Hello my dearies! How is everyone? I'm sorry I haven't been blogging lately. I've been very busy. But now I'm back! So I'd like to show you the stuff that my parents brought home when they came from the US. I asked for some of these stuff while some of these were given as gifts. So here's what I found when I came home:

Here's this really cute makeup bag from ULTA. It's pink and shiny! How great is that?

Here it is when it's opened! A makeup kit! It has lots of eyeshadows, lipglosses, some lipsticks and blushes. It also has two shades of concealer and some loose powders. I've tried the eyeshadows and they have good pigmentation. I can't say wow really but for the price I can't complain! The lipsticks are sheer but buildable.

 

 And here's what I've been waiting for the most.....

 

I'm really so excited about this! Here it is when opened.

 

Nice right? It has 16 shades, a mini UDPP and mini 24/7 pencils of Zero and Bourbon. If you've been following my blog for a long time, then you know that I loooove UD shadows! These are really great. Very good pigmentation, and it applies very creamy!

Here's a picture of different stuff from Clinique, Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, and ELF. Also in the picture is an NYC waterproof pencil (which I've been reading good reviews about) and a NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Strawberry Milk. I originally asked for 4 shades of JES as well as a Concealer in a Jar but they were all OOS.

 

 And finally, a brush set from MAC's holiday collection and a MAC MSF Natural in Medium Plus.

 

A Moment of Silence...

Today, I am not writing anything about beauty. I'm going to use this space and ask for a moment of silence--a moment of silence for the victims of the Maguindanao massacre. I am so shocked and ashamed that this happened in the Philippines. Our country has turned into Gotham City, where evil runs amok and the corrupt ones in power are paid to keep quiet, while the clean ones are too scared to persecute the ones who are in wrong.What happened was clearly a crime against humanity. Now, the world over is asking for justice, but with our slow and corrupt justice system, I am not confident that this will be resolved right away. I ask for justice for what has happened.

Nyx Round Lipstick Swatches

My pre-order from the Digital Traincase is here! She has one of the cheapest prices for NYX so yeah, I hoarded some lipsticks! And I swatched them for you lovelies since I know that a lot of people are curious with the colors. I actually ordered 11 lippies but Tea Rose was OOS. It's sad because it was one of the colors that I was looking for the most. I also ordered the Leow Cornell 3/8 Maxine's Mop brush which is said to be a dupe of MAC 239. I can't compare though because I don't have the MAC 239.

And here the swatches without flash:

 

Here are the swatches with flash. Please refer to the previous picture for the labels.

 

If you ask me, Strawberry Milk is the hardest shade to pull off. It's probably best for skintones NC15 or lighter. Since I'm an MLBB kind of girl when it comes to lipsticks, my favorite shades are B52 and perfect.

Here's how they look like on my lips (all done without flash):

 

Hope that helped you gals out there!

Droolworthy Giveaways in the Blogger World!

The fabulous giveaways never end! Check these blogs out!

Mommy Fabulous' Giveaway

Princess Livia's Giveaway

Soapaholic's Giveaway

Gel Liner Showdown: MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack vs. Stila Smudgepot in Black

Hello dearies! I have a lot of work to do but I took a quick break to post this entry LOL! I love gel liners. I don't know why haha. That's why I bought both Stila Smudgepots and MAC Fluidline. I put both to the test to show you which withstood more. I'll also reveal which one is my favorite.

First let's go look at the product. The Stila Smudgepot you see here is not the full size. It's the mini size I got as part of a set. The full size of the Stila Smudgepot is bigger than the MAC Fluidline that you can see on your left.

MAC Fluidline: P1,100

Stila Smudgepot Full size: P695 (I'm not sure as I bought this from Ebay)

Packaging: I find that MAC has better plastic, since Stila's plastic cover is made of thin plastic, as opposed to MAC's cover which is made of thick plastic.

So here are the swatches. MAC Fluidline on the left and Stila Smudgepot on the right.

 

As you can see, both liners make a good black, dry fast, although I find that MAC Fluidline is a teeny tiny bit creamier than Stila Smudgepot.

An on to the test. After waiting for both of them to dry, I rubbed both hard with my dry finger. Let's see what happened:

 

As you can see, MAC Fluidline smudged quite badly while Stila Smudgepot smudged just a tiny bit, although it's hard to see in the photo.

I wet both of them through running water:

 

Both showed no change.

Then while they were still wet, I tried rubbing both with my finger.

 

Both smudged a bit, but just a little bit as compared to it's previous state.

So who won? Well, obviously it was my Stila Smudgepot. I've said this a lot of times in Girltalk, Stila is definitely my favorite brand for gel liners! It got everyone beat. Plus it's cheaper than MAC Fluidline but has more product. Yey Stila!

Tip: Right after dipping your brush, close the jar immediately! Or else it will dry up.

To see another eyeliner showdown (Coastal Scents vs. MAC Fluidline), Click here

I Found my HG Liquid Liner!

I love Japanese products! First of all, it's more suited for Asian skin, so yeah, I take a leap of faith. Kanebo is the first Japanese brand I've encountered. Even when I was young, my mom used a lot of stuff from Kanebo, and if you've been reading my blog for a long time, you'll see that she even bought me lovely presents from Kanebo for Christmas.

Anyway, moving on, I got the chance to try this Kate Super Sharp Liner. Before that, I was really lemming for MAC Penultimate Liner because I'm fond of felt-tip applicators for liquid liners since I find that it's easier to use than brush-type applicators. As you might know, it's hard for me to find a budge-proof black eyeliner because I'm the oiliest gal you will ever meet! I'm serious. But one day, while hanging out in SM Makati, the SA of Kanebo applied this on my lids. After a few minutes, it smudged but after I wiped off the immediate smudging, the rest of it stayed put the whole day. So it seemed like a good product so yes, I went ahead and bought it!

I roadtested it now. I primed my lids using UDPP, and then applied this. I experienced no creasing for the first 3 hours! That's really a record for me! After the 4th hour, there was a very teeny-tiny crease in my right eye (because it's more monolidded than my left), but you couldn't even see it unless you look real close! Whoa, I was really impressed because no liquid liners has ever lasted this long without creasing! I've found my HG liquid liner. I didn't even buy MAC Penultimate Liner anymore when it came out.

So here's how it looks like:

 picture taken from www.kaboodle.com

My shade is BK-1 which is the blackest. It's not uber black, but black enough. I can always swipe again if I need it to be darker. I can make a really thin line with it as you can see in my swatch. The texture is not so runny. It's just right if you ask me.

 

I'm loving this because it gets the job done and it's affordable! I got this for less than P600. No need for more expensive brands.

TIPS

• During SM mall sales, Kanebo goes for 10% off. During Luxeasia sales, they become 20% off.
• Be sure to close the tip when not in use or else it will dry up easily.

So to end this I will leave you with an EOTD using the Kate Super Sharp Liner:

 

It's hard to see it well with my monolid eye, but it's there. I'm so happy with this EOTD. Do you know why? Because my eye has very little puffiness in this picture. Yey for enough sleep! Unfortunately, I can't say the same for today because I was so tired last night and I'm still tired today. Haha!

So what's your HG liquid liner? I'd love to hear from you.

Giveaway Update

I'd like to say thank you to everyone who joined my giveaway. But as you know, there can only be one winner. So who will get the Belle de Jour 2010 planner?

and the winner is...........




GEM!

Congratulations! I will be contacting you shortly.

Major Haul + Swatches

 I'd like to show you pictures of my haul last Sunday. This is seriously the most money I've ever spent on one day. Oh well, at least I'm happy :)

I went to Rustans to check out MAC's holiday collection. I got the Haute High Jinks, a Select Cover Up Concealer in NW20. I've never owned any MAC pigments before, so I bought the ones that I felt I could use the most. Then I went to NARS to buy my first ever NARS product, and what else could it be but my very own NARS Orgasm blush! I love this blush and I'm glad to finally have my own. I won't swatch it already since I'm sure many of you have this and there are many swatches around blogger.

Here's a picture of the pigment set when opened. Their packaging and bag is just lovely!

I also went to SM Megamall and bought some stuff there. A lipgloss from In2It, a lip liner from Elianto, and some stuff from Ellana. Ellana Minerals has some really lovely multipurpose minerals. Scroll down to see swatches.

And now for the swatches:

Taken with flash in artificial light:

MAC Haute High Jinks: Reflects Gold, Jardin Aires, Museum Bronze, Rushmetal, Copperized

Taken in natural light, with flash:

All except Reflects Gold, are pigments. Reflects Gold is actually glitter. I'm not impressed with it because the staying power is poor but all the rest are nice, earth colors that are very useful.

Moving on, I'd like to show you the swatches of the three multipurpose minerals I bought and the Yellow Submarine Super Sparkle Powder I bought. I discovered the multi-purpose minerals when I was in makeup school. I got the light colors to use as highlighters in the eyes as a sort-of substitute to MUFE star powders which are expensive.

For P130 (around $2.50) per jar, how can you go wrong?

For those who want to buy any of these products, I hope these swatches helped. I can't wait to use these!

Beauty Addiction: Has It Gone Too Far?

Yes, I admit it. I am a beauty junkie. I don't buy expensive clothes, bags or shoes, but I do spend a lot on makeup and skincare.

I recently stumbled across an issue of a magazine targeted for tweeners (ages 10-12) up to the age of seventeen. I used to read this magazine when during my elementary days up to my early high school days. And now, years later, I browsed through it and I was surprised to find that they are featuring products from Make Up for Ever and Kerastase. As we now, these products are around P1200 to more than P2000. It's highly unlikely that their target audience can afford these things on their own. Unless, these teen magazines have shifted their demographic to the children of elite families OR early teenagers are that vain already that they will pester their parents or save up their tiny allowance to be able to buy products like these.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm a vain person (hence, this beauty blog) but I couldn't even buy my own Make Up for Ever foundation until after I graduated from college, even though I came from a family with means. And to think I've been working part-time already since I was in first year college. Surely these kids don't have their own means too and rely on their parents. Could it be that society today is pushing young girls to be obsessed with looking good? And if they're willing to spend that much at such a young age, what will they be pining for by the time their 20? Cosmetic surgery, perhaps?

Has beauty addiction gone too far? What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear them.

How to: Men's Makeup

Before I went to Basement Academy, I had absolutely no experience doing men's makeup. I'm glad it was tackled in class because now, I can do makeup for them already. This is very handy because at some point in our lives, we'll be doing makeup for men when we do weddings, photo shoots, etc.

So here's my how-to when it comes to men's makeup:

• Make sure to cleanse and tone very well because men normally have oilier and have more dirt on their faces compared to females.
• Powder foundation is your best choice for males because they hate that sticky feeling on their faces; plus, men tend to be oilier. A two-way foundation is handy because you can apply it dry for men who have good skin already and then use it wet for men who need more coverage.
• Generally, men hate looking white because they think that it doesn't look manly. Since they're not the type who are color and sun-conscious, their arms are probably darker than their face. Use the color of their arms as a guide to what foundation shade to use on their faces. However, some men do not want to look darker, so I think it's best to inform them first of what you're going to do. If they agree, then go, but if not, then use a shade that matches with their faces.
• Don't forget to put powder in the ears and the sides of the neck to make sure that the color is even throughout the face.
• Use concealer as needed.
• When contouring, use downward strokes to make a chiseled appearance.
• NEVER use anything with shimmer. It has to matte all the way.
• Eyeliner, curling lashes and brow trimming are optional. Unless his brows are majorly thick, putting on clear mascara will do.
• A neutral blush can be used especially for men who are pale. Blush through the forehead, chin, cheeks, etc.
• For the lips, a cherry chapstick comes in handy, since a clear lip balm can make them look pale and most men don't want gloss on their lips.

I hope that these tips are handy if ever you decide to do makeup for males.

To finish off, I'd like to share with you an example of doing men's makeup. I made this during my makeup makeup classes in Basement Academy. HTH!

Camwhoring!

Who knew I could be such a camwhore? Just want to share with you some pictures I took with my friend during our concert last week. The lighting was really terrible that's why there are some shadows. We did what we could :P It was actually a bad day for me to be taking pictures because my right eye was red. I hope these won't hurt your eyes too much :P

















P.S. For Philippine residents, if you haven't joined my giveaway, check it out!

Basement Academy Makeup Classes: Bridal

Yes, I'm talking about makeup makeup classes. I spent some time on Basement Academy to take some makeup classes on the classes I missed before. One of the classes I missed was smokey eyes. During the day I went back, we did a bridal look and then changed it to smokey eyes after. Anyway, I didn't have a good picture of the smokey eyes I did (it was too dark) so I'll just show you the bridal picture.

Here's her before and after shot:



That's all for now. 'Til next time!

The Polka-Dotted Apple Giveaway

The Polka-Dotted Apple is having a giveway! Check her goodies out. And see, look! There's an Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II!



And to answer the questions:
* What is your most prized possession?
My Flute! Definitely. I'll just die if I lose it.
* What is your definition of beauty?
Beauty is the real you.
* What makeup item (Brand and name of product) would you recommend to me?
ELF Studio Liner Sealer. I just discovered it and it works great!
* What is your favorite KIND of makeup item and why?
Lipgloss. I've always been a lipgloss girl ever since I was a kid. It adds instant color on your face.
* A weird factoid about you. :B
I still play with stuffed toys. It's something I never outgrew.
* What is the fondest memory of your childhood?
Watching cartoons all day during summer vacation.
* Describe yourself honestly.
I'm really small, quiet but really bubbly once you get to know me.
* Tell me something I could do to improve my blog.
I can't tell yet since I just started following but it looks like a great blog!

To find out how to join her giveaway click HERE

Need Help + Giveaway Update

Good afternoon everyone! Today is a major holiday but I still had to teach a student today. But it's okay I'm home now. Anyway, I'd like to ask you guys for a little help: What peach-pink lipstick or pigmented lipgloss would fit well for morena skin around NC40 and darker? I'm thinking of something that would go well with NARS Orgasm or NARS Deep Throat. Preferably something not so expensive.

Moving on, I'd also like to clarify some things regarding my giveaway. Please note that you have to be a follower to join. And also, please check your links to make sure that they're not broken links. Thanks everyone and have a nice day!