Hamptons, Soho and the whole shebang

After missing out on the styli-style craze I decided to get a bunch, and theyre all finally here! Except for one, I think the seller ran out so she just reimbursed me. Anyhoo, here are the swatches =)



Please right click on image to view in full size :D

Wee! :)
Top to Bottom: Soho, Hamptons, Midtown Flat Pencils.
Sand, Bare and Sun Line and Seal

Flat Pencil Swatches

Line and Seal swatches
Sun was broken the liner kept on coming
out of the pencil so I couldnt get a decent watch. boo :/

Take note, its very hard to tell what the actual shades are from the photos. I got 2 which I thought were pinkish and as it turns out theyre actually violet :/ Hope these swatches help when you decide to purchase some for yourself as well!

Ruby Woo!

Since my train case was getting a little too over crowded I decided it was about time to depot some of my eye shadows.

Pinks/Corals and my other homeless shades haha :)

1st row L-R: Pen N' Pink, Hot Ho Hot, Maira's Mood, Shale, Vibrant Future
2nd row L- R: Perky, Coppering, LaLa, Nocturnelle, Chrome Yellow
3rd row L-R: Free to be, Expensive Pink, Creme de Violet, Shadowy lady, Golden Rod

And of course, depotting means Back to M.A.C.! For those who are not aware of what back to M.A.C. is, its a recycling program and a good one actually! You return 6 empty M.A.C. containers and in exchange you get a free product. Here in the Philippines, you get to choose from selected lipstick shades.

I actually never wear red lipstick, but the last time I visited a counter to exchange some of my depotted items I saw that Russian Red was available for back to mac so I decided to try it and fell in love. It was however, out of stock so I decided to get Twig instead. This time hoping that theyd have Russian Red, I visited the counter but alas! still no Russian Red. Gee Vee from M.A.C. Glorietta suggested Ruby Woo which is a matte red lipstick that is pretty close to Russian Red.


Swatches:

I really dont like how the swatched came out in te photos. Looks a bit pinkish red which I do not like haha but in person it looks much darker, I think my camera is able to pick up more of the pinker tones.

What it is:
- Matte, Vivid bluish-red
- Permanent
- Retials for $14.00 (plus tax) and around 950 Php (i think?)


I liked Russian Red because first off it wasnt drying, it did not smudge and budge even after eating and drinking, it was easy to remove and didnt leave me with red stained lips. With Ruby Woo, its almost the exact same thing it faded just a bit after eating but it felt really dry.



Some tips for using matte lipsticks or lipsticks with a drying formula:

• Exfoliate your lips. You can use a toothbrush or one of those scrubs that are meant for your lips.
• Apply lip balm. Apply it before you start your makeup application so it will have time to really sink in to your lips.
• You can also top it with gloss (but that kinda defeats the whole reason why you got a matte lipstick haha)

Today I fell in love...

...with COLOR! =)

BTS pictures from the shoot this morning

Cant wait to see the photos! Worked with such amazing people! Thanks to Lyka, Vania, Rosanna, Mara, Ayla and Kirsten =)


I just realized that I want more shoots that allow me to go nuts with color. I really enjoy going crazy mixing and matching loud, bold and bright colors! :)

Review: M.A.C. Pro Longwear Lipcolour

M.A.C. Pro Longwear Lipcolour
in Durashell (soft pink with gold pearl - Frost)






Special Sleeve (available only
while supply lasts) Its so cute! hehe

What it says:
A longwearing lipcolor that applies in two quick steps. Stroke on the special formulated colour base, flip the stick and apply the clear gloss. Soft and comfortable on...kiss, drink and eat. Smudge, run, transfer and feather proof. Pro longwear lipcolour is best removed with Cleanse off Oil.


Swatches:

on my arm

on my lips (now I dont normally wear frosted lipstuff on
my lips let alone on my entire lips haha for demonstration purposes only lol)

Why you should buy it:
- True to what it claims, it is long wearing. I thought clear gloss was what it made it stick, but the colour base actually adheres to your lips.
- If you hate having to reapply lipstick this is for you.
- Best used for events when you wont have the time to check if you still have lipstick on

What you should consider:
- Its makes your lips dry
- Limited shades, the cream ones are much better as a lipstick then the frost ones.
- the color base applies and feels like a regular lipglass at first but starts to feel drying after a few seconds.
- I dont know if its just my lips or the frosted formula but it tends to crack. And no it doesnt feel soft and comfortable. It feels dry and cracked


I would really like to try the cream ones instead of the frost since I dont normally like frosted lipstick. Ill probably use this to top off a lipstick but wont wear it alone on my lips. Durashell looks a lot like the lipglass Nymphette. Such a pretty color but id probably just stick to the lipglass

Scandalous!!

As you know, I just got the 32 lip Palette (right click on link to read review) from Dollface a few days ago. Last night I decided to play with it. I normally go for warm colors, so it was exciting to have louder and brighter shades to try.

I grew up with my mom telling me that red lipsticks dont suit her. So I dont know, I think I just assumed that red lipsticks wont suit me as well. I think a lot of us are intimidated by red lipstick. Its just loud, bold and scandalous! haha

But red lipsticks have always been a classic and it has yet to go out of style. Here are a few tips on how to choose the perfect red and how to wear it!

• Consider your undertone. If you have YELLOW undertones or have darker skin choose warmer reds or reds that have a brown base. If your complexion is PINKISH you can go for cherry red or reds that have a hint of plum. Those with OLIVE skin can wear fire-red shades

• Red lipstick tends to bleed. Line your lips with a lipliner before filling out the entire lip with your lipstick. Red lipstick will look prettier on defined/lined lips.

• Color Balance. If you want to wear a bright bold red lipstick, make sure that the makeup on the rest of your face is minimal. You dont want the colors to clash and to look like a clown. Having minimal eye makeup avoids the heavy/overdramatic look.

• Use a lip brush to apply for a more precise application.

• Its not all the time that you get a perfect shade for you. Dont toss out that red lipstick that looks garrish on you. Use other lipstick shades and blend to create a new color or a more flattering shade of red.

• Don't be too Matchy-Matchy. Unless youre as fab as Dita Von Teese, dont match your red lips with a red dress and red nails to avoid looking over the top.

• But its all about attitude as well, if youre dark skinned and feel like wearing a cherry red lipstick. Go ahead!! I think that makeup has no more boundaries, nobody can really tell you dont wear green or orange as eyeshadow. Just make sure to head out with confidence! :)
  

I wanted to try using two shades for a two toned look before blending the colors.
So heres Red and Orange(I used 1 for the upper lip and 4 and 5 for the lower lip)

Scandalous!!
Red lips using the shades numbered 1 to 5




32 Lip palette

32 Lip Palette

As promised here is a review and swatches of the 32 lip palette. :) This is the bigger palette. There are two 32 lip palette, the other one is the compact palette and they have different lipstick shades. I personally prefer the bigger palettes shades.


I got this from Dollface Cosmetics for P700 (including the 50 shipping fee). Purchased it for makeup classes before I finally decided to postpone it for next year. I was surprised that it was packed with a lot of bubble wrap. Id understand if it was an eyeshadow palette. Dont thnk this would crack easily but kudos to Pearl from Dollface Cosmetics for making extra sure the palette gets here in perfect condition.


Here are Product images and swatches:

The 32 Lip Palette

Some of the shades leaked? I think its the oil component of the
lipstick that leaked during shipping, no biggie though



Size comparison, next to a 10 peso coin

on paper




on my arm; its actually on reverse my bad haha labeled it so you can
tell which is which. Click on the image to view in full size



A really bad job swatching on my lips haha

Why you should buy it:
- Comes in 32 different shades
- Easier to travel with just one palette instead of dozens of lipsticks hehe
- Almost all of the shades are very pigmented. Has matte lipsticks, frosts and only 3 are sheer
-Im sure you cant see much of the difference with the colors from my picture, but only two colors are very similar (the bronze/gold ones)
- Creamy texture, easy to apply
- Has a good range of colors. You can also mix the colors.
- Affordable


What you should consider:
- You might want to ask for the ingredients especially if youre very sensitive or have allergies
- Lip Palettes have a shorter shelf life than lipstick tubes
- Make sure to be hygienic with it because bacteria tends to thrive more on products that are in (well) palettes
- You have to store this in a cooler place to prevent it from melting.



I think this is a good palette to start out with especially if youre budgets a bit tight. This would also make for a really good christmas gift! I purchased this becuase I didnt want to carry too many lipsticks in my case, didnt want to have too many extra bags/containers to bring to school and didnt want to spend too much haha. Overall a great product!

Nyx Lippies

A post delayed by 3 weeks. haha. Have been busy so didnt get the chance to write the post. Finally had the chance to try out some NYX Round Lipstick for myself. Ive no idea why I didnt try any of their products while I was in the US. I think I was too crazed over too many products at the same time LOL.

Got NYX Round Lipstick in Tea Rose, Indian Pink and Orange Soda from Digital Traincase. I was happy with my purchase! Except for orange Soda (does not suit my coloring) thinking of keeping it in my kit or including it in my blog sale hmmm.

Anyway here they are:

Multiply Seller is also a Beauty Blogger. Here is her BLOG :D



L-R: Tea Rose, Indian Pink and Orange Soda



L-R: Indian Pink, Tea Rose and Orange Soda
( Off topic - Im starting to look a little anemic haha)

Why you should buy it:
-Very Creany, Glides on very smoothly
-Feels like a Lustre lipstick but looks like Satin
-Pretty colors and wide range of shades

What you should Consider:
-Some of the shades dont look pretty on me (hahaha)


Overall, I really do love them. I just wish I could swatch them first before buying. Will post btter swatches next time or use them on a FOTD. Ooh and i got a Jumbo Pencil in Milk too, which I am love-love-lovinggg! :D I need more! hehe

Swatches, Dupes and Reviews

Making up for no post days, Sweets! Swatches, Dupes and Reviews! :)

Ive been stressed out lately and its taking a toll on my already super bad sleeping habits = poor skin. So i havent done any eotd or fotd. ya'll dont need to see me all stressed out and gross haha. Okay on to the post.


Lipgloss

Mars from Mars Simpsons! was asking me where to find good yet affordable lipgloss. Until this year, I havent been much of a lippie person. So I only own a few (and mostly just from m.a.c.). And though I like their lipglass they dont actually fall under the category of affordable. A few days ago I saw some swatches of the lipgloss from bench (im sorry i'd post the link but I cant remember where I saw them :/ ) Anyway decided to check them out. There are tons of lip stuff at herbench I was pretty amazed haha. They have ones that look like dazzleglass and they have a lot of lipsticks too.

The ones I got are called Paint Box Color Sheen lip gloss. I think there are about 6. I swatched them all but forgot to take a picture. Most of the shades are pinkish though. I got Polished Plum (which I think is a darker dupe of M.A.C.'s lipglass in nymphette) and Sheer Pink (which reminds me of NARS Turkish Delight --lemming on that). Though I wouldnt say theyre as pigmented, I actually do like them!

Mars also asked about the taste and smell of the alternative/cheaper lipgloss. Well, it doesnt really taste like anything (I dont suppose you'll be licking them purposely anyway hehe). The smell is okay, its not repulsive but its not the best smelling one out there.


Click on images to view in full size :)

Paint Box Color Sheen Lip Gloss

No Flash and With Flash

Left: Sheer Pink; Right: Polished plum





What they look like on me, my lips are very pigmented. A bit messy applied them very quickly hehe
Left: Polished Plum - Sheer plum with gold flecks
Right: Sheer Pink - Nude Light Pink (better with something under if you have pigmented lips*)

DAMAGE: 178 PhP

Rating: 4 out of 5

Why you should buy it:
-Pretty shades!
-Cheaper and comparable to expensive ones
-Not super sticky like M.A.C.'s lipglass (if you dont like that)
-Very shiny! hehe
-Sheer and feels light ( you wont feel like you have tons of gunk on your lips haha)

What you should consider:
- I dont like the lip wand it comes with
-For swatching purposes, you'll get a decent amount with one dip. But actually putting it on your lips may take a couple more.
-If your lips are very pigmented, the colors may not show as well.*


* If your lips are very pigmented you can use a nude lipliner to shade your lips and then apply lipgloss or apply a small amount of flesh toned concealer on your lips just enough to conceal your lips natural pigmentation and then apply the gloss. And flesh toned please (similar to your skin tone) do not put very light concealer on your lips, its not pretty making 0.0 haha. Or apply over your favorite lipstick!



Okay, next. Told you Im trying to make up for no post days! :)



M.A.C.'s Studio Moisture Cream vs. M.A.C. oil control lotion

First off, I hope you guys moisturize. Oily skin is a common problem especially for us who live in the Philippines. Where its hot and humid practically the whole year! But did you know, that the more you try to make your face dry with products (esp. alcohol - I know someone who does that!) the more it'll produce oil. Yeah so its actually pointless. What you need are products that help maintain your skins balance and helps control oil.

Which brings us to...tenen! LOL M.A.C's Oil Control Lotion vs. M.A.C. Studio Moisture Cream. I was using M.A.C's Studio Moisture Cream but decided to get the oil control for when I go back to the Philippines figured I might need something to keep the shine to a minimum.



M.A.C. Studio Moisture Cream 50 mL

Damage: I actually cant remember. I got the one with the old packaging at CCO too.
Rating: 5 out of 5

Why you should buy it:
- I bought this during Winter and my skin was super flaky and dry and itchy. It might sting a little ( a very very very little - and I think thats expected) when you apply it to dry, flaky windburned? spots but it does get rid of it after continued use.
-I like the smell, it smells the same as the oil control lotion but the scent lasts longer and a bit stronger than the oil control's.
- It hasnt broken me out
-Creamy but not heavy.
-You wont need a lot.

What you should consider:
-Your skin type. I have combination skin but your skin needs extra moisture during Winter. But on non Winter months or countries that dont have Winter, best to skip it unless you have dry skin.



M.A.C. Oil Control Lotion 50 mL

Damage: I also got this at CCO and cant remember how much I got them.
Rating: 5 out of 5

Why you should buy it:
- Its not greasy and very lightweight. You wont feel like youre melting haha.
- Im not quite sure if its water based but it does seem like it from the texture
- Since it practically wont melt off my face, it does seem to keep the shine at bay.
- I do like the smell and its quite faint and goes away after a minute or two.
- It hasnt broken me out.
-You dont need to use a lot of product.
- I dont see this as drying or anything in the extreme that might make dry skin worse so I think its safe to use on any skin type.

What you should consider:
- This is not a miracle product! At the very most, it lessens shine because it isnt as heavy as other face moisturizers.
- You'd still have to blot your face once in a while esp. on very hot and humid days.


* I rated both 5 out 5 because for a very long time, I stopped moisturizing my face. The very first time I did, I used Pond's ( I forgot what its called - they came in those am and pm jars. the blue and white ones) Anyway, So I used those for about a month and started noticing that my pores were getting clogged and I broke out too. The M.A.C. moisturizers have never broken me out.

Left: Oil Control Lotion; Right: Studio Moisture Cream





Applied on Skin.
Top: Studio Moisture Cream; Bottom: Oil Control Lotion





Blended. I applied a bit too much of the Studio Cream but it goes on clear after blending but you can see how they differ in forumula and texture.

If youre interested you may check the prices at M.A.C.'s website: LINK
Or check them out at your local M.A.C Counters


EDIT: Extra info about the 2 products from the M.A.C. Website

Oil free lotion
The ultimate no-shine base for oil control. Natural exfoliants help improve texture and clarity. Lightweight and instantly matte, bonds makeup to the skin for fewer touch-ups. Oil-free hydration with natural colloidal minerals and antioxidants. Formulated to keep skin pH-balanced. Use day or night.
50 ml / 1.7 fl oz US $29.50


Studio Moisture Cream
A super-rich creamy moisturizer boosted with skin-nourishing extracts including passion fruit, spinach leaf, green tea, algae, wheat germ and coconut. Moistens, feeds, firms and protects the skin. Promotes a healthy radiance. Diminishes the appearance of fine lines. Good for day and night.
50 ml / 1.7 fl oz US $32.00





Cinema Secrets Concealer/ Color Corrector Palette kit #2 Swatch


Click on the images to view them in full size :D

Concealer/ Color Corrector Kit#2


These are heavily packed/applied for swatching purposes. They can go as sheer as you want them to and layer them as needed. Theyre not as dark as when they're in the container because theyre very pigmented thats why you only need a very small amount.

I didnt get to swatch them before, though i've reviewed these 3 times LOL. So I wont go into details about them anymore. If you want to read my reviewS on them you can find them
HERE, HERE (2) and OVER HERE

If youre interested you may:
BUY ME

LOL.


As with any product, please remember that results or effects may vary due to various reasons. The product reviews above are what I experienced and how they worked for me :)


And just to make up for the days that have gone by without any posts. Here is an eotd for you! LOL. Just a simple, quick, brown and gold look.

-Prime
- Wash of color on the crease (I used M.A.C.'s Haux)
-Packed M.A.C. Gold Mine on the lid and inner corners
-M.A.C. Woodwinked on the (outer) lid blended towards Gold Mine
- M.A.C. Chrcoal Brown, Embark and Carbon on outer crease for depth and definition.
- M.A.C. Vanilla on brow area and Femme Fi for highlight.
- Wet n Wild Eyeliner
- Face Shop Lashes in XO

-> You may use whatever color or substitute with what you have. Just putting down the names for color reference. :D

BOOO! haha