Things I failed to blog (beauty-related)

Remember before I told you that I still have alot of things I need to blog and promised that I will do a  blog post about them really soon. Guess what, I failed! I tried, but I couldn’t find time to blog everything (one at a time). So I decided to do a group review. However, I can’t give you a comprehensive on all the products. Nevertheless, If you want me to do a thorough review on some products in this post, just leave a comment so I would know what are the products you are most interested with. (you can also tweet and messaged me on facebook)

PRIMERS:

Dr.Oil Solution Anti-Shine Dual Primer – Price: 498 – I don’t like it. It doesn’t do anything on my face.

The Body Shop Skin Primer Matte It – Price: ?? – Great primer especially if you have dry skin. But it works for people with oily skin too (or combi). Oil control is great but not superb. Amazing primer if you have flaky/dry skin, makes makeup glides easily with it. Yet, it’s quite pricey for the amount of product that I was able to get. Nevertheless, I still love it. It’s my saviour. I have a combination skin, (oily on tzone and really flaky on cheeks) and I use this on my cheeks to smoothens that surface for better makeup application.

Faceshop Pore Minimizer Cover-up – Price: ?? – Pricey for something that does nothing special. Hard to apply on face due to thick consistency.  Though it works for filling up the fine lines and pores.

Nyx HD Studio Photogenic Primer- Price: Php 650 – AMAZING! SUPERB IN OIL CONTROL!!!!! A must buy for people with oily skin (and combination). Brightens up complexion due to its color (white). The consistency is rather liquidy. However, make sure that your face is totally dry when you apply this or else, you’ll find it hard to blend it on your face.

FOUNDATIONS

Fanny Serrano Two way cake foundation in Organza - Php 399 - I haven't tried it enough yet to do a review. But the staying power is decent and coverage is good. 

Faceshop Phytogenic Infinite Foundation - Good foundation. Quite expensive, though. One pot wouldn't last a month if used for everyday.

LIPSTICKS

Covergirl Lip Perfection in Heavenly - Php 395 - The formulation is good. It doesn't make my lips dry but lasts really long. The shade is definitely not nude as described in other reviews. It is slightly brighter (pinkier) than Nyx Tea Rose. However, it does oxidize on me. 

Maybelline Colorsensational lipstick in Coral Pink - Php 299 - The formulation is average for lipstick, not drying and good pigmentation. The shade is pretty, great for everyday.

Etude House Look at my lips in 10 - Price: I forgot again. It's around Php 300- is a nude lipstick with peach undertone. The pigmentation is quite sheer, it doesn't makes my lips dry but do not lasts long.

LIPBALMS

Venus and Mars Lip Butter Tints in Wine Pearl - Php 180 - very moisturizing, nice shade. Great lip tint. People who hates lipstick (drying) will love this.

Mary Kay Lip Balm in Mango - Php 600 (something) - EXPENSIVE! And not moisturizing. The shade is pretty but I don't like the formulation. It accentuates the cracks and lines on my lips. The smell and color are nice, though.

Nivea Soft Rose Lip Balm - less than Php 100 - another disappointment! i don't like it, not moisturizing.

LIPLINER AND GLOSSES

Etude House Soft Touch Automatic Lip Liner - no need to sharpen. Affordable. The shade I got is very close to my lipcolor, thus, appears nothing on my lips. Staying power is so so.

Wet n Wild Lip Liner - I love the formula. Very Affordable, one pencil will lasts me forever. Glides smoothly on lips.

Avon Lip liner and color - Great formulation, great staying power. 

Careline Lipgloss - the best among all the most affordable lipglosses. I love it. great pigmentation, staying power, all! Who says you can't have the best of both worlds?

BLUSHES

Avon True Color Blush in Rose Lustre –Great blush!! Color is pretty. It’s pigmented. Good staying power. Not chalky. 

In2it Blush in CW 03 Sensation- The color is beautiful! It’s a peachy shade on me. Good pigmentation. Average staying power. Not chalky.

Sansan Mousse Blush in Rosy Blush – I apply this before my Ever Bilena blush and it’s gorgeous! gREat staying power when use alone (set with powder) or use as base for blush.

Elf Blush in Peachykeen- Php 250- the shade is to die for. But it doesn’t appear pretty on my cheeks!!! Seriously, it’s like a shimmers with gold (not gold with shimmer lol) on my cheeks. Very chalky and staying power is average.

Prestige Blush – the shade is beautiful (pinky coral). Staying power is great and not chalky. It is pigmented enough.

Ever Bilena Blush in Honest - Php 150- the packaging looks good. The blush is really pretty (coral). The staying power is great. Overall, I highly recommend it

EverBilena in Pink Petal - I don't like the twist-up packaging. The blush is pretty but not as pigmented as EB Blush in Honest. 

Elf Blush in Glow - Php 120- the color is gorgeous, a coral blush with gold shimmers. However, the packaging is very cheap, the powder is not as pigmented as I want it to be, it is very chalky too. I wouldn't repurchase again.

Eyebrow Pencil and kits

Elf Eyebrow Kit in Light, medium, dark - Php250 each - good buy. Comes in 3 shades, quite affordable. The packaging is cute and handy. Stays until the end of the day. The wax in the kit is good enough, the powder is pretty chalky. 

Modelco Designer Eyebrow Kit - Php 1400 - expensive. Comes with 4 stencils (very fine, fine, natural and full), 2 angled brushes, spoolie and tweezer. The wax is really good. The powder is pretty chalky. The angled brushes are perfect for filling the hairs, spoolie is small but useful and the tweezer is good. Overall, a great eyebrow kit but overpriced (for me!)

Etude House Easy Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown- I love eyebrow pencils from Etude House. It works really well on me. This one is a pointed eyebrow pencil, you need to sharpen it. Dual ended. Comes with a brush. The shade is not really dark brown. It's lighter brown, perfect for people with black hairs but wanted a lighter eyebrow. 

MASCARA

The Faceshop Extreme Volume Mascara - my HG non-waterproof mascara. The only mascara I used for everyday. It doesn't smudge on me but can be removed with soap and water. It doesn't give me a panda eyes when I accidentally rubbed it off my eyes. I like it so much

Revlon Beyond Natural Mascara - good waterproof mascara. It does lengthens my eyelashes. Hard to remove, though. Perfect for special occasions.The applicator is easy to use for upper and lower lashes.

Gel Liner

Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Gel Liner - Php400 something - I got mine on sale (Php 314). The gel liner is as creamy as Mac Blacktrack. The brush that comes in the liner is pretty good, but I use angled brush since it's alot easier to use. It doesn't last forever on my eyes but lasts longer when sets with black eyeshadow.

Mac Fluidline in Blacktrack -Here is my first review on Mac Fluidlne. Yes, it smudges like it's crumbling. It doesn't lasts long when use alone (lasts longer when sets with black eyeshadow). However, I had this for a year now and I can still use it! Amazing, right? It's expensive but really worth it! 

Liquid Liners

Tony Moly Easy Touch Brush Liner - Php 458 - One of my biggest disappointments this year. I was looking for a waterproof eyeliner. The SA recommended this to me so I purchased it. And yes, the hell, it's non-waterproof. It's quite pricey for my taste.  I used it once and never ever used it again. What a waste of money. When it dries, the color turns to be gray rather than black. 

Fanny Serrano Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - Php 198 - the cheapest felt tip liquid liner I had. It does stays long on my eyes, but not forever. Can be easily removed with soap and water. Great liquid liner for the price (really). 

Eyeshadow Palettes

Clinique - The purple is gorgeous, (perfect for everyday, work/school and even occasions). The definer (dark brown) is perfect as crease color. The dual ended brush is decent for touch ups.

Avon  Quad  - Another gorgeous color combi in a palette. The colors are quite pigmented and not chalky. The packaging is identical to the blush.

Avon Quad - great for everyday and work. I love all the colors, honestly. 

Nyx Glitter Cream Palette - I got it for free when I won a giveaway from this store. The first three colors are really beautiful, but the two colors, does not appear really well on me. 

Almay Quad-  favorite quad among the rest. The 1st color is gorgeous as highlighter or if you want to brightens up areas of your eyes (or even face). 

Elf Quad - very pigmented. Great for smokey eye look. I don't like it though since it is very chalky.

Sk

FACIAL WASHES

D & G light Blue and Benetton Paradiso and Inferno

Benetton Paradiso and Inferno is a cheaper alternative for D & G Light Blue (has more citrus scent). However, D&G stays longer on me.

Venus and Mars La Chica

Smells really good and amazing staying power!! Seriously, you should try it.  

Goody Stayput (200php plus)

Quite expensive but it is definitely a slide-proof clips. 

Shopping Haul: Laura Mericer, Bobbi Brown & S Factor

Happy Saturday everyone!!!

I am so tired!!! I slept in until 11am this morning. My body is just DONE from my first week at my new job. I'm hoping to rest up this weekend and just veg, because I think my body and mind just need a break and a chance to re-group!! lol

Anyhow, I was at Yorkdale shopping the other day. I have been looking for a sweater coat, or some sort of fall coat to wear over my work clothes, but I just can't find anything. It's always so gross out in the morning and I think I need something with a hood so my hair doesn't frizz up... Oh-my-goodness I just hate that!!!

Anyhow, I couldnt' find anything, but I did pick up a few things that I needed, and a new product that a few blogs that I read.. RAV about!!

Here is what I got..

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Medium Ivory

I absolutely LOVE LM's foundation. I always get medium ivory because it's more yellow toned. I have very pink-y skin, so it helps minimize the pink tones and also gives the best coverage!! It's a little pricey, but you pay for quality! It's totally worth it IMO.

The next purchase I got, was totally a splurge. I love blush!!! I always look for different colors to try. I guess blush would be one of my top 3 favorite make up products. I have been reading a few reviews for this blush, and I have heard nothing but amazing stuff. So since I was at Holt Renfrew, I thought I would give it a go!

Bobbi Brown Blush in Peony

Isn't it such a pretty color? I layered it on a little heavy so you can see it on my face. I wish my camera was more clear sigh.  I am very happy with my purchase. I love Bobbi Brown make-up. I wish there was one closer to my house, so whenever I can get to Holt Renfrew in Yorkdale Mall, it's one of the first places I go to :)

The last purchase I got, was from when I got my hair color refreshed. I wanted to wait to post about it because I wanted to try it a few times to let you know what I thought of it.

It's S-Factor's Serious Conditioner

My hair colorist, Cayla, told me to try this. She said that it is one of the BEST conditioners to use. I think it's supposed to be a conditioner you use maybe once a week, but she told me that it's ok to use each time I wash my hair, because I only wash it 2-3 times a week anyway. So far I LOVE this!!! My hair has felt smooth, frizz-free, and the smell is also really nice!! I will continue to use this. I just put on a quarter size amount, really concentrate on putting it from the nape of my neck, downwards to my ends. I leave it on for about 2 minutes, then rinse. This product is pricey, but I have heard (not only from Cayla), and people's hair I adore, that they use this product because it's the best that they have found!!! I would have to agree that this is so far... amazing!!!!

So, that's pretty much it. I am goingo head downstairs, make some dinner and have a few drinks. 

Hope everyone has a great Saturday night!!!

Hugs,

Mel

Glymm Box

Hi everyone!

I'm sorry I have been away, but I have been stressed beyond belief!!! I am happy to announce that I have accepted a new job. I will be working for a Specialist in his office with full time mon-fri hours. FINALLY!! I will be done with shift work and I can have a normal life again. I am hoping this is a good move for me. I am nervous beyond anything... My stomach is churning, my heart is racing. I have a checklist that I have been going through. I hate starting new things, I am always a wreck and I just feel SICK!!! However, I am excited at the same time. I have been searching and shopping galore. This office is pretty fancy, so I want to make sure that my outfits are tres tres business-y!!!

With that said, most of my stress has been with finding my puppy a dog walker. Puppy is my baby, my love... so I interviewed with an amazing dog walking lady, and had a great feeling about her (Remy also loved her, I think he was showing off while she was there..lol). I'm happy that puppy will have a friend to take him out for a walk while BF and I are at work. Her prices are very reasonable too which is awesome!!! She charges $10 for a half hour walk, and will also leave me little notes each day to tell me how puppy was.. I hope everything goes ok. I've never had a dog walker before!

I'm also really happy that I have fantastic neighbours who will also keep me informed how puppy is when she is over. My street is fantastic with keeping an eye on each others houses.... I love my street!!!

Anyhow.. moving on.. LOL..

A girlfriend of mine, Ashley has been getting monthly subscriptions from a company called Glymm. Its very much like Birch Box, or like Lux Box that I posted about... I think it was actually my first post?? It's the idea that every month you get sample sized products to try from high end cosmetic companies.

I have to admit that I opened the box and didn't really know any of these brands except for one. However... I am always up for trying new things, so I'm really excited to give these products a go, and see if I love 'em... or hate 'em!!

Take a peek...

The box is super cute... Such a pretty pink color!!!

I love how it was packaged when I opened it!!!

This is the only brand that I knew... Oscar de la Renta purfume.. Hopefully it's not too strong!

This body wash and moisturizer smell like the tropics...lol.. Sometimes vanilla stuff makes me gag.. but this stuff isn't too strong, so we will see if I get sick of it quick or if it's bare-a-ble!!!

This blush is a gorgeous color. I tried it on the day that I got it. It's not as red as in the pic when it's on my cheeks, but you have to build the color, because I notice if there is too much on my brush... I enter "Clown Town"

My FAV part of this box, is the sweets that came with it. How cute is this little packaging!!! It was filled with yummy jelly beans.. I'm pretty sure those were gone within minutes!!! LOL

Lastly... I got this croc make up bag. I LOVE it!!! My old green one that I have is ripping and gross inside. This little bag came at the perfect time!!!

What do you think of the goodies that I got? Like Luxe Box, it's a monthly subscription of $10 per month. I might try it again next month. I do have to admit that I enjoy getting suprised, and at least if I hate the product... It's only sample sized so I don't have to feel guilty about tossing it!! :) If you're interested in joining Glymm, visit their website at http://www.glymm.com/

Have a great night and wish me good luck with my first day at my new job tomorrow!! I'm so nervous!!!

xo
Mel

August Favorites!!!

Hey hey!!

Hope everyone is having a good day. I have the day off today, so I'm spending my day relaxing and cleaning up, especially my bathroom. I can't believe how dirty is was. I even had to wash the walls because my foundation must have squirted all over the place. I'm running low on my Laura Mercier foundation so I have been squeezing out every last bit before I have to buy another. I might actually try a drugstore brand this time around. I have heard really awesome stuff about a few of them, so later today I might head up there and take a peek.

Usually when I have a day off, BF takes the car. It helps my spending soooo much! The mall is at least like 20 min driving away, so unless I want to jump on a couple of buses, I ain't going!!! lol

So for today's post, I know lots of bloggers out there do a monthly favorites, so since I have really been loving a few things over the month of August, I thought I would do my own favorites post!!

Here we go...

My first favorite has to be my M.A.C Mineralize Skin Finish in Perfect Topping

I use this over top of my blush. It has the most pretty sheen to it, and since it has all different colors of pink and pearl, it gives off the most perfect pinky glow. I highly recommend this to every girl out there. It's very sheer, so that's why I wear it over a matte blush, and also as a highligher on my cheek bones. It also doesn't go on cake-y or anything, so be prepared to look incredibly gorgeous if you use this. It also photographs really nicely. This just gives you a beautiful glow.. Love it!!!


My next FAV, is a bronzer that my mom gave me. It's from Smashbox and the color is Halo

This bronzer is very pigmented, so you don't need much at all. It is also on the dark side, so you really only need a really tiny amount, but the finish is gorgeous!! I have been using this all summer and giving my NARS Laguna bronzer a rest. You can also control how much bronzer you want, by turning the bottom. Those slits in the bronzer actually cut the solid bronzer bar, so it's fresh every time you use it. It also helps it not to spill everywhere like loose bronzers do. I really really love this and will definitely purchase this for myself when it runs out. I think it's a little on the pricey side, but you seriously don't need much of it at all!!! :)


Next up, is for my hair.  I have been really loving my Moroccan Oil.

I bought a tiny bottle of it awhile ago and it's still more than half full. I put a tiny amount on my damp hair, but only the ends. I also put a little bit as a finishing product when my hair is styled. Again, ONLY on my ends, and maybe any frizzy areas or flyaway hairs. You really don't need much. I just feel like my hair is protected from heat when I use this. It's not heavy, so that's why you don't need much. A girlfriend of mine had a really bad experience lately going from dark brown, to putting light blonde highlights in.. Her hair BROKE off (poor thing), and a couple of us recommended using the Moroccan Oil to help smooth it out and protect it so it wouldn't break anymore. She said she is having really great results with the oil, and it's helping to keep her hair looking more silky and smooth, rather than dry and brittle. If you dont' have this... you must invest!!! Trust me, it's well worth it.



For the body... I have the most sensitive skin that any person could have. Everything bothers it and I break into either a rash, or I break out.. Uggghhh.. hate it!!! I decided I would give Dove Baby Soap a try.

I figured that if it's so gentle on baby's skin, then it would be with mine. I totally love this!!! My skin gets clean without the rash or breakouts. This is my saviour soap and I don't think I can go back to anything else now!!! You can also get this fragrance-free and dye-free too.


Another item for my hair that I am LOVING... Are  Soft Circle Headbands

These headbands you can buy in the Dollar Store. They are sooooo comfy when I'm lounging around, when I'm doing a hot yoga class, when I'm washing my face at night, or even just to go out and do some groceries. I absolutely LOVE these!! I have been noticing that I am totally grabbing for this soft headband lately. You can get lots of different colors too. I have this black on above, and also a white one too (although it gets dirty fast which sucks!)


Lastly... My most favorite August favorite is... Coconut Water!!

Coconut water is soooooo good for you!!! It helps with so many things. I started drinking this for my hair, skin and nails. It really sweet, but I got used to it, and now I'm obsessed with it. I just buy it in a can, and have half the can or the full can each day. It also helps fill your sweet cravings too... BONUS!!! The kind I buy has pulp (coconut chunks) in it. It tasted kind of gross at first, but I just strain the chunks of coconut out, and then I usually eat it afterwards, or if I don't feel like it, just toss it... I like to put things into my body that are good for me, instead of just outside. So I have been taking Vitamin E with a daily vitamin, and also drinking coconut water, I think it's a good start to work on my insides too. If you haven't tried this, just buy one can and see if you like it. It takes a little getting used to, but it helps fill you up, and also quenches your thirst. I love it!!!!

That's it for my August favorites. I hope you all have a nice evening and I will see you tomorrow!!! :)

xo
Mel

Sephora Makeover & Keratin Haircare

Hey everyone!

So today I had to take the bus.. uggghhh.. but it's ok. On the brighter side of it, I got to browse around the mall for a bit. I actually managed to go into Sephora and NOT buy anything!!! LOL.. I'm on a budget these days and have already used up my spending money for the week...lol.. I did however, pick up a BUNCH of samples to try out. Plus.. I also decided to give myself a make over and use all different products on my face, eyes etc... lol

First off... I saw a new line at Sephora that I haven't seen yet.. It's a Keratin Haircare line called Keratin Perfect

Shampoo & Conditioner (Suphate Free)

                                      
Replenisher and Oil

Blowout Booster Smoothing Cream
        

                                                      

Here is what the Keratin Line is.. as per Sephora

Keratin, a natural protein found in healthy hair, is constantly depleted due to heat styling and environmental damage. This can cause frizz, breakage, and dullness. KeratinPerfect features exclusive ReBonding Technology, which fills in rough spots and replenishes lost keratin, replacing frizzy, uneven texture with a protective shield around the hair shaft that radiates shine and health. The KeratinPerfect system is a long-lasting, salon-quality smoothing system, and not a straightening treatment that breaks the hair's bonds and causes damage. In fact, the benefits of this system are cumulative: Your hair will continue to improve with each treatment and will be smooth, shiny, manageable, and frizz-free without a lot of time and effort.

I have heard of Keratin treatments when I visit the salon. I LOVE straight hair, but always find that my hair breaks like no tomorrow when I use the flat iron too much. Since I have naturally wavy hair, straightness is just not in it's vocabulary...sigh!!

First thing I noticed was the Shampoo and Conditioner. I am all about trying out new Sulphate-free conditioners. I really really LOVE the Living Proof Line, but I usually like to alternate between different shampoos, because it's better for your hair. I am really interested in trying this, sooooo.. I got a couple of samples to try...wooot!!! The price is about $25 a bottle, Canadian funds. Keratin treatments are supposed to be amazing for your hair, so when I saw this in a shampoo, conditioner and even with oils, creams etc... I was like friggin excited!

I don't think it will make a huge difference in my hair, but I have already noticed a big difference by just using the Living Proof line, that I'm totally wondering if this Keratin Perfect stuff can be even better?? That would be amazing! From the Sephora site, it looks like the line got some good reveiws, so I will have to report after I try out my sample :)

On another note... I tried out a few different make up products when I did my walk through make over...lol.. Here are some of the stuff that I sampled in the store and LOVE!!!

NARS is my absolute favorite make up line and this duo is awesome! It even comes with a mini lip gloss. The blush is a shimmery pink (so you don't need much at all). It's called Anglelika. The duo is paired with my favorite bronzer, Laguna. The mini gloss is Angelika as well, and the color is gorgeous!!! I'm saving for this combo on my next Sephora run! I'm almost out of my Laguna bronzer, so this would be a perfect upcoming purchase!

This is Urban Decay's Limited 15 year anniversary eyeshadow collection. These colors are beyond amazing! I love that you have neutrals, poppy colors and also darks!! It's a perfect collection. Apparently these are brand new colors that UD has never had out before.

Here are the colors:
15 x 0.05 oz eye shadows in Deeper (deep shimmery golden brown), M.I.A. (soft shimmery dark brown), Ace (dark gunmetal shimmer), Blackout (darkest, most saturated black), Half Truth (shimmery smoky purple), Tainted (pale matte purple with golden shimmer), Junkshow (bright pink with fuchsia shift), Omen (shimmery metallic bright purple with blue shift), Evidence (deep metallic blue), Deep End (bright teal shimmer), Midnight Rodeo (medium metallic brown with silver and gold glitter), Midnight 15 (oyster pearl with silver glitter), Vanilla (shimmery white gold), Flow (soft peach shimmer), Chase (metallic bright bronze)

I have wanted this for a long time. I find it doesn't have enough coverage for me, BUT... Paired with my MAC Studio Fix powder, it's a beautiful finish!! Thumbs up for me :)

FAVORITE BLUSH!!!!!  Must buy this....lol

Too Faced Naked Eye Shadow Collection... These colors are beautiful and so natural looking. I love them all!!! If you want prettiness.. this is it people! Invest...

Lastly, I spritzed this Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray after all my make up was done. I wanted to see if my make up would hold through the rest of the day.. I was hesitant.. but.. It totally has! I would buy this in a heart beat. Although.. I'm really oily, so I had to apply a little more powder to my nose since I spritzed this. Still love it though.

Anyhow, that was my day today. I am doing a double between both jobs, so I'm totally pooped out and ready for bed.

Hope you all have a fantastic night. I shopped at Victoria's Secret PINK and bought a cute tee.. I will have to show you on my next OOTD. It's adorable paired with some cut off's and sandals.

Love ya!! :)

Mel