Review: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

If you've been following this blog for awhile, you've probably already know that I've been loving neutral eyeshadows lately, so there's no way I'll miss the chance to get a hold of this palette!

But to be honest, when I got this I wasn't sure if I would love this as much as I loved the Original Naked palette. However, when I swatched it and played with it, I was blown away! I just liked how it looked against my skin and it's confirmed! I love this as much as I love the Original Naked palette!

I liked how they change the packaging material from cardboard to tin, but I'm liking how it looks like a pencil case. But I still like the packaging of this than its predecessor. Another change I liked is the addition of a double side brush, a crease/blending brush on one side and a flat shadow brush on another. One change I didn't like is they included a mini Lip Junkie instead of a mini Primer Potion. I just didn't care for the Lip Junkie! It's so sheer it just looked like a clear gloss with a bith of shimmer on my lips.

As far as the quality of these shadows goes, Urban Decay still gives you fantastic quality! The eyeshadows are are pigmented and binds to the skin nicely. The only down side is that some of the eyeshadows will have glitter fallouts. But overall the quality is still above average. I hope they repeated the "Naked" or "Buck" shade instead of "Half Baked". As for the color selection, this palette features more cooler shades as Urban Decay calls it "griege" compared to the Original Naked palette. I love Snake Bite, Suspect, and Verve! Do check out the swatches below!

Do you still need this even if you have the Original Naked? Well, if you love neutral eyeshadows like I do, the answer is a big YES! You need this in your life! But if not you're a neutral eyeshadow junkie like I am, then I guess just having one of the naked palette would do. If you ask me whivk naked palette I prefer, sorry but I can't answer that because I both love them the same!

By the way, stay tuned for my valentine's day look tutorial featuring this palette!

New found love: Keihl's Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oill

For 2 years now, I haven't got my hair rebonded. I was supposed to get my hair rebonded again, but decided against it in the end. I wanted to embrace the natural form of my locks. My hair is naturally wavy. I love the waviness of my hair but along with it comes frizziness. I have been searching high and low for shampoo, conditioner, and leave on treatments that could really control and manage frizz but nothing I tried has succeeded in doing so. Not until, Keihl's Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil. I've been using this for 3 weeks now and up to now, I am still amazed by this product! It really manages frizz and makes my hair shiney and soft! I also love thia product for it's moiaturizing abilities! For the past 2 weeks, I have been using it on my face and body. I use 1 large drop for my hair both morning and night, and 3 small drops for my face! Since it absorbs quickly you wont feel greasy nor your hair will feel weighed down. When I started usibg this, my pores arent that enormous and my face isnt that oily anymore! I love it! This is definitely a 10 / 10 product!

Review: Wet n' Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow

Recently, Wet n' Wild cosmetics revamped the whole brand by ditching out some old products and bringing in new ones. One of the new products that Wet n' Wild brought in are Color Icon eyeshadows in palettes and singles. These eyeshadows, I must say, are fabulous! I have 3 palettes and 2 singles, and here let me show you.



Wet n' Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Palettes in Lust, Vanity, and Pride.


Swatch: Pride palette
Swatch: Lust palette (dupes for MAC eyeshadows in Yogurt, Plum, Shadowy Lady, Gesso and Beauty Marked)

Swatch: Vanity palette (dupes for MAC eywshadows in Brulee, Patina, Smut, Bronze)

These palettes comes with 3 matte eyeshadows and 3 shimmeey eyeshadows. You get 6 coordinating eyeshadows for just 499 pesos! (I think I'm sounding like an infomercial! Hahaha!)

Wet n' Wild Color Icon Singles in Brulee and Nutty

Swatch: Brulee and Nutty (dupes for MAC eyeshadows in Brulee and Smoke and Diamonds)

The single eyeshadows cost 199 pesos.

The texture of these eyeshows is perfect! These eyeshadows are creamy, soft, smooth, and barely any fallouts! The pigmentation is amazing as well! Proof? Look at the swatches above. All the swatches are just one swipe! Look how pigmented and vibrant the eyeshadows are!

I love love love these eyeahadows! These are perfect eyeshadows in my book! I can say that these can replace most of my highend brand eyeahadows. These are high quality eyeshadows in prices you can't beat! Heck the mattes are better than the matte eyeshadows by MAC!

I would have given the Wet n' Wild Color Icon eyeshadows a 10, if only they have larger color selections.

Verdict: 9.5/10

All I can say is I'm in love with these eyeshadows!

Review: MAC Cream Bronzer

This is a review of MAC Cream Bronzer!

MAC To the Beach Collection has just been released this week in the Philippines.

I want to review this item, so you might still have a chance to get this.

I personally think that this is one of the must buy in this collection.

I got mine about 2 - 3 weeks ago, and I've been testing it out atleast 5 days a week since I got it.

The packaging:

The MAC Cream Bronzer comes in a shiny lemon green clam shell packaging with a sea shell design printed on the clear plastic top.

The packaging is really pretty and cute!

It really fits the theme of the collection.

But I noticed that the material that was used for the packaging is a bit flimsy as compared to the standard black packaging of MAC.

Personally, I would like it more if they added a mirror.

The shade of the cream bronzer I have is Weekend.

It's a bronzy color with red undertones and really fine and subtle pink shimmers.

It looks really scary on the pot and unblended, but once completely blended, it gives a nice glow and warmth to the face.

Plus the shade it buildable!

(Completely blended in artificial light)

(Completely blended in natural light)

The texture of the cream bronzer is perfect!

Not too hard nor too soft.

You won't have any problem applying this either on a warm or cold environment.

You also don't need to warm this up with your body heat to completely blend it.

You can use brushes or your fingers to apply this.

I prefer using the MAC 130 brush with this product, since it deposits the perfect amount I need and still be able to blend it nicely.

It feels so smooth and velvety when applied.

Lasting power is great too!

I've used this with and without setting it with setting powder and powder bronzer, and frankly, I can't see the difference in terms of lasting power.

In my location right now, it's been really warm and humid.

I apply this 7am and when I go home by 6pm, it's still there!

I prefer this cream bronzer than any powder bronzer I have, since it really looks natural and doesn't look poweder nor it emphasize flaky skin like powder bronzers can.

It's a bit on the expensive size, but you get a fair amount for your money.

It will last you a long time, since you don't need a lot, unless you want to look like you have a fake tan or an oompalumpa.

Verdict:

9.5/10

I took out a half point due to the inferior material used in the packaging, but otherwise this is a Holy Grail material!

Battle of the HD Foundations Part 2: Revlon Photo Ready Foundation

This is a review of Revlon Photo Ready Liquid Foundation.

If I'm not mistaken, the Revlon Photo Ready Liquid Foundation is the first ever liquid foundation made by a drugstore brand that caters for "high definition" photography and film.

What Revlon says:

"Revlon PhotoReady™ Makeup - for poreless, airbrushed skin in any light. Photochromatic pigments bend and reflect light to erase every flaw. Complete, yet undetectable coverage. Soft, luminous finish."

I have this foundation for a few months now, but I only got to really test it out last May.

I bought mine at eBay for $8.00 per bottle - not including shipping.

Since I'm not sure what shade would work for me, I bought shades 04 Nude and 05 Natural Beige.

Before I went on my vacation, the closest shade and the one I've used is 04 Nude; 05 Natural Beige was just dark for me. I was an NC25 then. The shade 04 Nude is a bit off, so I wasn't really been using it. But after my vacation, my skin got a bit more tan and 05 Natural Beige was perfect, so I got around using it!

The Revlon Photo Ready Liquid Foundation comes with 12 shades, which in my option is not that great of a selection. Many would find difficulty finding their right shade.

Like for NC25 skin, 04 Nude would be great but it has a pink undertone so it might look off. I figured to get the perfect shade for NC25, you need to mix 03 Shell,which is too yellow and light for NC 25, and 05 Natural Beige.

I went in a Revlon counter too to study the shades, and I noticed that the odd numbers have yellow/golden undertones, while those even numbers have pink/red undertones.

The Revlon Photo Ready Liquid Foundation has a glass bottle with translucent black cap.

It also have a very efficient pump.

The pump is one of the best pump there is. You can really control how much product you dispense. You can pump out a really tiny tiny dot with minimal effort.

The amount of product you get per bottle is 1 fluid ounce or 30mL, which is what normally you'd get from liquid foundations.

You can see below that the foundation is liquidy / very fluid.

The consistency is not thick, nor too watery that it would easy drip down your hands.

It's also lightweight!

The Revlon Photo Ready Foundation is oil free and fragrance free, which are pros specially for those sensitive and/or oily skin.

This foundation gives a medium light coverage. One may still need a concealer to cover up hyperpigmentation.

It gives a bit of a dewy finish, but with the shimmers in the product it looks more dewy.

I noticed that the amount of shimmers in the each product varies.

In the ones I have, 04 Nude has less shimmers compared to 05 Natural Beige.

It also contain SPF 20, which can be both a pro and a con.

Pro, because of sun protection, and a con because it can give a slight whitish cast in flash photography. However, when set with powder the whitish cast isn't noticeable any more.

Another thing that can be a pro/con is the shimmer in this foundation.

Some may like the shimmer because it can add to the dewy finish of this foundation, but some may think that it's a bit garish.

Under normal florescent lighting, the shimmer isn't that too noticeable unless you really look super close. However, on direct/indirect sunlight or natural lighting the shimmers are very noticeable.

Here are the photos of my hand with Revlon Photo Ready Liquid Foundation.

The first 2 pictures are photographed with flash and the last one without flash.

You can enlarge the pictures to see the shimmers I'm referring to.

I've used different tools to apply this foundation with but I found that my fingers worked best with this foundation.

Due to the shimmers in this foundation, the flakiness, pores, and wrinkles may be accentuated, so a moisturizer and primer is a must when using this product.

This foundation wears incredibly well on me. It last for more than 8 hours even without retouching in humid hot weather!

At first, I thought that I would look more oily with this since it contains shimmers, but this product doesn't make me oily, and it does help control oil, so I'm just left with a nice glowy look in artificial lighting or glowy shimmery look in natural lighting. Either way, I don't look like a grease pan!

In my trial and error testing, the best result I got is when I use my Guerlain Light Diffusing Meteorites Primer, and Clinique Loose Setting Powder with it.

Verdict:

6.5/10

It's a decent foundation, but nothing that I would rush to repurchase anytime soon!

The packaging is nice, specially the pump.

The formula is not for everyone, and you need to use a primer and/or moisturizer prior to using this.

I also noticed that some people get more oily using this and some says that they feel their skin became a bit more dry upon using this.

That's all!

If you have any questions, just comment below!

Review: Revlon ColorBurst

This is a review of the latest lipstick line that Revlon launched.

I'm pertaining to the Revlon ColorBurst lipsticks!

After hearing and reading good things about this lipstick, I gave in and purchased myself 3 shades!

Here's my two cents...

The shades I got are:

(L to R: Soft Nude, Coral, and Baby Pink)

First let's talk about packaging:

At first, when you get it it comes sealed with a plastic wrap and a sticker.

That's a good point with me, since I've been noticing more and more brands are opting not to seal their products anymore. And everyone wants to be assured that the products you buy are fresh and unused.

When, I first saw these lippies online, I really hated the packaging, since I thought it would look a bit tacky. However, when I saw it personally, it isn't that bad after all.

The plastic used in the tubes is a bit on a lightweight and cheap feel, but actually it's durable.

The cap of one of the lipstick fell so hard and long, and no damage was done! Thank goodness!

You can see the name of the shade at the bottom of each lipstick, and the ingredients is printed at the protective sticker.

It also have a color indicator on top of the cap, and I'm quite impressed since the color indicator in the cap matches really well the shade of the lipstick.

The texture / glide / pigmentation:

These lipsticks is hands down one of the must try lip products from Revlon!

It's indeed better than most if not all the other drugstore lipsticks I've tried!

The texture is really smooth! Even the shades with shimmers.

The shimmers are so fine, there's no gritty feel in the lips when you apply it!

These lipsticks glides in really nicely, even if you have mildly chapped lips.

These are also not drying in the lips, it's actually a bit moisturizing.

But don't expect to really moisturize your lips like a lip balm per se.

If you like the feel of MAC lipsticks with Lustre and Glaze finishes, then you'd love this!

The texture and glide is so identical to MAC Lustre and Glaze finishes, that I really can't tell the difference!

Another plus is that even though these lipsticks feels like Lustres and Glazes from MAC,

the pigmentation is way way better!

You can get the exact color in the lipstick to your lips in just one swipe with medium to more intense colors, and just two swipes with light colors!

It also reminds me a bit of YSL Rouge Pur, which is also one hell of a nice lipstick!

Price:

One Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick cost about P500+ in the Philippines (about $10-12)

It's a bit expensive for a drugstore brand, but it's still cheaper than MAC lipsticks.

You get the same quality for a little less.

The price is pretty reasonable considering that these lipsticks are really at par or even better than some high end lipsticks! To tell you the truth, I like the feel of these more than my some Chanel Rouge Allure!

Verdict:

9/10!

The only gripe that I have with the ColorBurst line is the lack of great color selection.

Actually, I haven't have any luck finding a shade that I really like.

The shades, I feel, looks a bit dull and tired.

I suggest to pick one up if you like something in this line, since it's really a nice buy!

Side note: I'm really happy that drugstore cosmetic brands are really stepping up!

That means, we don't have to spend that much to get great and quality cosmetics!

I'm eyeing the Rimmel lipsticks the ones with purple metal tubes.

I might order some on ebay or other online shops, since some say that it's really similar to the ColorBurst, and it's not that expensive too! Only thing is, I need to order online, since we don't have rimmel here in the Philippines.

Has anybody tried out those Rimmel lipsticks?

Please comment below.

I nned feedback first before I would really put myself into ordering online.

Thanks!

Review: Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Masque

A while back, I was contacted by Spanaticz Phillipines.

I was asked if I would like to review their product, and of course, I said yes!

You know me, always wanting to discover and explore new beauty products.

I was really thrilled to find out that the product is a face mask.

Spanaticz sent me a press kit, which included a packet of

Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Masque.

One packet contains 20g or 0.7 oz of products, which is very generous amount.

One packet can be used for atleast 4 to 6 applications depending on how thick you apply.

The texture is like your typical mud mask.

It's very thick, but it dries down for a few minutes.

What I specially love with this particular mask is the scent.

I really smells like real chocolate!

It smells so good that I was tempted so bad to have a taste!

One tip I can give is to have chocolates in hand so you wouldn't be tempted to munch on the mask :))

The performance of this mask is superb for oily skin!

I felt my skin was balanced.

For a few days after the mask application, I noticed that I haven't been oiling up as much.

It also made my pores look smaller temporarily.

It exfoliates well too, since the flaky spots on my skin was gone after the application.

The mask is also a great addition to your skin detox system, since it really cleanse the skin.

You can really feel the cleanliness of the skin, and you can see it too!

Verdict:

9 / 10

I took a point out since, I prefer it to be in a squeeze tube than in a packet.

Performance wise, it's great!

Plus, it's affordable too!

I'm so impressed that I bought the other masks under the brand too!

I'll review those soon!

Battle of the HD Foundations: Part 1 Kryolan Micro Foundation Mattyfying Liquid

The battle of the HD foundation begins!

This segment will be of 5 parts.

I will be comparing the Kryolan Micro Foundation Mattifying Liquid, MakeUp Forever HD Foundation, Coastal Scents Liquid Foundation, and Revlon PhotoReady Foundation.

The first 4 parts will be individual review of each product and the last one will be a comparison.

I know many of us are still trying to find which foundation would be perfect for them, so I hope this may help find your perfect foundation!

Today is the era of HD media, and the HD cosmetics isn't far behind.

With so many products popping up that says they cater to HD media, it gets so confusing.

So I hope this little segment in my blog will help you decide which products to buy.

Today, I will review the Kryolan Micro Foundation Mattifying Liquid.

This part of the Micro Foundation line by Kryolan.

The Micro Foundation line was created to cater for the High Definition resolution of today's media. There are other products under the Micro Foundation line like cream foundations, airbrush foundations, mattifying liquid foundation, liquid foundation for dry skin, and liquid foundation for matured skin.

What I have is the Mattifying variant of the Micro Foundation  liquid foundation, perfect for my very oily skin.

The packaging of this particular product isn't as good looking as other foundations of its price range. I bought mine I think for about P2500, about $50 (not so sure, since I have this for quite sometime now). The bottle is made of cheap looking plastic like the ones in cheap baby toys, but one pro about this is that even if you drop this, the bottle won't break.

I like that this product contains a nice pump, which works wonderfully!

The pump will give you alot of control.

You can dispense as little or as much as you want.

The texture of the foundation is not liquidy at all.

It's more of a mousse consistency.

It's looks thick due to its consistency but not at all heavy.

It feels like you're not wearing any foundation at all when used.

This foundation is very blendable.

It looks very natural and doesn't look cake-y.

The coverage is medium buildable.

It goes on seamless, when blended to the skin.

I find that this foundation is heaven sent for those with large pores, wrinkles, or very textured skin, because this foundation really helps to make the skin looks really smooth and even.

This due to the foundation being silicone based.

When I use this foundation, I don't use primer anymore.

This foundation is gives a soft matte look, which I like because it looks so natural and it doesn't look flat.

Most mattifying foundation can accentuate dry patches/flakes in the skin, but this doesn't!

This foundation is great for oily skin too!

My skin is so oily, but this foundation keeps the shine out all day!

I was really amazed by the oil control properties of this product!

This foundation is water resistant too, and very long wearing.

I have this on when I played paint ball under the scorching heat and it didn't budge or move or shown some wear!

This is the first HD foundation I used so this definitely set my expectation on other HD foundations very high.

This foundation is a must try!

I really love this foundation!

Verdict:

9.5/10

The only con is the price,

but for me, every penny is worth it!

Product Review: Maybelline ColorSensational Moisture Extreme Lipcolor (Asia Exclusive)

This is a review of the Maybelline ColorSensational Moisture Extreme Lipcolor (CMEL).

This particular line of lipsticks is Asia exclusive.

I was very eager to try this lipstick when I first read about it in Maybelline Philippines Facebook page. 

People said that the formula is the same with the ColorSensational (CS) line in Europe and US, but I hate to break it to you beauties, the formula isn't the same.

I personally think that this is a completely different lipstick line than the one in US and Europe.

The most noticeable difference is the packaging. The CS line has a luxe Dior-esque packaging, but the CSMEL line has a similar packaging as the Moisture Extreme Lipsticks in the US and Europe. I first assumed that the CSMEL line is sort of a combination of the CS line and the Moisture Extreme line, due to to the name (ColorSensational Moisture Extreme Lipcolor) and the packaging.

The ColorSensational line in the US and Europe has a creamy, a bit rich formula but after a while of wear, the lipstick tends to dry the lips up. However, the Asia Exclusive line is not at all creamy but super moisturizing and doesn't dry out the lips. I think the formula is similar to the Moisture Extreme rather than to the ColorSensational. The only reason, I think, why ColorSensational was tagged into this range was because of the number of color selections and how the colors were divided into their color family. 

The formula also reminded of the Water Pure Shine (WPS) lipsticks, also Asia Exclusive. The only difference about this and the WPS is the pigmentation. The CSMEL is definitely much more pigmented than the WPS but the pigment of the lips can still show.

Comparing to MAC lipstick formulas, the CS feels amplified creme, cremesheen and frost, while the CSMEL is like the glaze, lustre, and slimshine formula, though the CSMEL is much more pigmented.

The CSMEL is like a mixture of gloss and lipstick, very much like the Slimshine but much more hard.

One more thing to note, the color range in the CSMEL is completely different from the CS line. People say that it's custom made for Asian skin. I personally like the color range in the CS line than in the CSMEL.

Another thing I like in CSMEL is that it doesn't have a chemically scent nor does the scent turn rancid quickly like the CS.

I also noticed that the pigmentation varies on the shades, I find that the darker shades are more pigmented than the lighter shades.

This lipstick transfers quite easily, and not that long lasting. It's just slightly more longwearing than a typical lipgloss.

The CSMEL is P299 (about $6) a pop, quite affordable for the quality.

I got three shades:

Cosy Tangerine, Summer Sunset, and Pink Bloom.

L to R: Cosy Tangerine, Summer Sunset, Pink Bloom.

Cosy Tangerine is a bright pinkish coral.

Summer Sunset is a true red (I like this red, really suits my skintone).

Pink Bloom is a frosty bright pink.

All shades has a bit of a glossy/shiny finish.

Verdict:

6/10

I would really like it if the packaging was similar to the CS. I'd rather pay a little bit more for a better packaging, since the CSMEL's packaging is a bit flimsy and not that appealing to look at.

While the formula and feel are quite nice for a drugstore lipstick, the color range is a bit blah.. IT doesn't appeal much to me and the shades are a bit redundant, since most of the shades are almost the same with the WPS shades. Plus the wear of this lipstick not great.

I might repurchase again if they launch new colors, but as of now, I don't think I'll repurchase.

Review: Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer / UPDATE

Hello, beauties!

Before I proceed to the review, I just want to remind everyone to join my giveaway sponsored by SkinMD Naturals!

I'm sorry I haven't blogged in awhile, since I was really busy with field work, thesis, and all that jazz... And lately, my family is going through a tough time, because my grand father had a heart attack and he's now in the ICU and he's still not conscious for several days... Please pray for my grand father's recovery...

========================================

This a review of the Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer.

You might remember from my last haul that I bought a Laura Mercier flawless face kit, and it contains a Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (Original Formula), and you might wonder why I still bought the oil free version...

Well, first of all the original formula while it did gives a sheer coverage that diminish the look of blemishes a bit, it is still not enough to neutralize the redness in my cheeks. The original formula tends to make my skin more oily through out the day, and I find that it slides off specially in humid conditions. Even with that, I would definitely still recommend it to drier skin types, since it's lightweight, have a decent sheer coverage for a tinted moisturizer, and though it's not oil free it didn't broke out.

After researching online, I found some reviews about the oil free version. People say that it gives a bit more coverage than the original version, and yes, I do agree on that! The original formula gives a sheer, light coverage, while this one gives a light-medium coverage. I really like that it's as lightweight as the original formula even with the added coverage. 

I also love the fact that it also adds moisture to the skin to a certain extent. I find that many tinted moisturizer doesn't add moisture, but is just like a really sheered out liquid foundation. My skin seems to really like it too, since I haven't broke out.

 I find that the oil free formula didn't do much in the oil control department. It didn't made me oilier, but it didn't control my oiliness either.

The oil free formula gives a REAL dewy finish like the original version, meaning the dewiness is due to the formula not because there were fine shimmer added in like other tinted moisturizers have...

I also notice that this is much more long wearing than that of the original formula. But maybe it's just because I'm oily skinned, and oil free formulas definitely last longer in my type of skin.

I must note that, both the oil free and original formulas are best applied using fingers, synthetic paddle foundation brush (like MAC 190), and flat top synthetic brush. If you use your natural brushes, the brush will most likely just eat up the product. I tried using the MAC 109 and 187, but I noticed, it didn't spread the product evenly. I personally like applying it with my paddle foundation brush and ELF Studio Powder Brush, since I really don't like staining my hands with foundation. But basically, it really depends on what tools you prefer.

I also like that it's in a squeeze tube, so you can really get all the product out and it's hygienic!

I bought this for P1850 (about $37) at Rustan's, and I think it's pricey for a tinted moisturizer, but it's the best I've tried...

Verdict:

I really like the LM Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer!

But because of it's price, and no oil control properties...

7/10

I would repurchase this if I do run out, but I'll still be in a search for a cheaper alternative...

I want try the CoverGirl and Olay soon and see if it may be dupes....

Tips:

For a longer wear, set it with powder.

I personally love using the Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder, because it still retains the dewiness.

I also suggest letting it sink in for atleast 2 minutes before setting it with powder, because if the face is too damp/moist, the tendency is the powder will look cakey and it will emphasize pores and fine lines...

======================================

BTW I ordered from Sigma Makeup, and Coastal Scents, including the HD Foundation and some brushes... I'll show you what I ordered once it arrives and expect a review!

BTW do you want tutorials, EOTD's, to see my nail polish/makeup collection or do you want me to review something?

Just comment below and I'll try my best to fulfill your requests!

Product Find/Rave/Review: Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

This is a review of the Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion.

Disclaimer: Though this was sent to me, expect that I will review the product honestly and unbiasedly. My opinion about the product was not influenced by anyone or any company for that matter or the fact that this sent to me for free. In respect with the company, I have no affiliation with Skin MD Natural. This was sent for me for review, and I was as given liberty to give my own opinion about the product, and I won't review a product unless if it was requested by a reader of my blog in sponsored products that I don't believe in.

Last year, December 17 to be exact, I was contacted by Mr. Carlo Verde, a PR Representative of Skin MD Natural, if I would like to try out the Shielding Lotion and review it in my blog. Since I'm allergic to products containing mineral oil, and I have a hard time finding body lotions/moisturizers which doesn't contain mineral oil that works, specially on my super dry elbows. So, I agreed. I received the PR Kit on January 4, 2010, and I have been testing it out ever since.

This is what the PR Kit looks like:

The Kit includes the following:

• 2 brochures of the Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion
• 2 sachets of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Original Formula
• 1 sachet of Skin MD Shielding Lotion + Sunscreen SPF15
• 1 bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion (120mL / 4oz)

What Skin MD Natural says:

" Skin MD Natural is a shielding lotion, a very special type of lotion helping the skin restore its integrity, enhance its protective functions so that the skin is able to heal naturally and regain its youthful appearance. Skin MD Natural works by bonding with cells of the skin's outermost layer to form what works as an invisible shield. This layer of protection prevents environmental irritants and pollutants from penetrating the skin, while sealing in the skin's own natural oils and moisture, helping resolve the dry skin condition.

Skin MD Natural uses only the finest natural ingredients, and is focused on urging the skin to be active, and to use its own moisture to effectively heal itself. It is not oily or sticky, doesn't sit on top of your skin leaving a greasy residue on everything you touch, it doesn't rub or wash off easily, is hypoallergenic, fragrance, colorant and paraben free and dermatology tested. "

I am a constant user of 70% ethyl alcohol ever since I can remember, so my hands are left dried out. Since I was a child I have really dry and dark elbows, and my elbows are really prone to peeling and flaking and until now it's still one of my biggest skin problem. I have tried so many lotions but the conditions of my hands and elbows didn't get any better. Plus, the fact that I have bad reactions to products with mineral oil didn't helped. 

I must say I'm really impressed with this product! 

I have really have no regret on saying yes to Mr. Carlo Verde's offer for me to try this product out!

The Shielding Lotion looks like your traditional lotion with its white semi-translucent formula.

But unlike most lotions in the market, this is fragrance free and derived from natural ingredients. It's also paraben free. What I really like about this product is that no other lotion that I have tried is as light weight and sinks to the skin as easily as this product does. This lotion is best of all non-greasy! I have used this for a bit more than a week and I can feel the difference already! At the first 3 to 4 days of using this, I need to reapply in my hands for every 4 hours but after that I only need to apply once in the morning and once before I go to bed. I also noticed that my hands are not as dry as  before, and my hands feels naturally softer and smoother. My elbows experience less flaking too! I'll do an update if the flaking/peeling problem completely gets resolved within the use of this product or if there would be no more improvement or what not. 

I also used this product in my face as a moisturizer. I really like it too, since it doesn't feel greasy and it sinks to the skin quickly. Actually, this product feels like the Laura Mercier mineral primer and the oil free primer. When I used this product, I didn't notice any change in the wear of makeup. I use this product as a moisturizer and I use this in replacement of my Laura Mercier Primer (original formula), since the LM Primer in orginal formula broke me out, when I use my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.

You can get yours at www.skinmdnatural.com

$18 for 4oz or 120mL.

The price is a bit expensive, but I personally think it's worth every penny!

I'll definitely purchase one soon!

Sis Nikki (Askmewhats), I think you'll love this product! 

My Verdict:

8.5/10 (Due to the price. There's always room for improvement!)

I'll update you guys 3 weeks from now about this product!

I'll also review the one with SPF15 soon!

Plus, look out for a giveaway sponsored by Skin MD Natural one of these days.

Product Find/Rave/Review: Avon MagiX Tinted Face Perfector

Before anything else, this is your last chance to enter my giveaway!

This is a review of the Avon MagiX Tinted Face Protector.

It's been a year since I first tried this product.

I've been meaning to review this product, but it's just now that I remembered hahaha ;)

Spoiler: I really like it! :)

What Avon says:

" On-the-go compact. Visibly minimizes pores witih patent-pending Optix Light-Diffusing Technology. Holds back shine for up to 10 hours. Reduces the look of fine lines...skin feels softer than ever. Shades adapt to your skin tone...like magic! Sheer Coverage. Natural matte  "

Packaging: Sleek black square compact and has a mirror. The compact can be opened into two compartments. The top compartment is where it product is, and the bottom is where the sponge provided is kept.

Texture: This product has a quite unique texture. It feels like it's a gel/cream formula but silicone based. I really like that it's lightweight, and goes on seamlessly. However, due to it's unique texture, there isn't a brush that works as well as a sponge when using this product.

Anther thing I like about this product that it provides a light coverage. It cancels out redness well and conceals blemishes nicely. It also diminish the look of pores and lines. Lately, I've been using it alternatively with my tinted moisturizer. Another thing I like is that this product is multipurpose. You can use it like tinted moisturizer or a foundation primer! Foundation goes on smoothly over this. The product also contains SPF 15, a nice added sun protection, but I still recommend using a separate sunscreen of atleast SPF 30. 

The product gives a nice slightly dewy finish, but not overly shiny!

A plus for me is that it's formated to keep up with oily skin! It keeps my oils at bay for about 4 to 5 hours.

This product, I must add, has a fresh aloe vera scent similar of that of SkinFood Aloe BB Cream.

Avon only offers few shades, so not everyone can find a match, but due to it's sheerness, it's very much forgivable.

Verdict: 8/10

I really likey!

For just about P400-500 from your local Avon lady, I suggest trying this nice multipurpose product!

Proof that I really like the product:

This is my second compact, which I'm almost done! I'll definitely repurchase!

The Hit List Best of 2009

How are you all doing all my blogger friends? How was your New Year? Before everything else, I want to greet everybody a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

and don't forget to enter my giveaway!

I'm writing to share to you the products that worked best for me for 2009.

I'm also writing this to help out those, who are starting out with make up and wanted to know what products I recommend. I'll also try my best to include more affordable options for the high end products I have on the list...

DISCLAIMER: What works on me may not work out for you.

I have oily combination and slightly sensitive skin. I react badly to products with mineral oil.

SKINCARE HIT LIST:

Hit Facial Cleanser: Clinique Liquid Soap for Oily Skin

Runner Up: Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub

Hit Toner: Clinique Clarifying Lotion/Toner #3

Runner Up: Ponds Anti-Acne Toner

Sekkisei Seikisho Toner

Hit Moisturizer: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

Runner Up: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Hit Eyes/Lips Makeup Remover: Lancome Bifacil

MAC Pro Eye Makeup Remover

The Face Shop Herb Clear Eyes & Lips Makeup Remover

Hit MultiPurpose Makeup Remover (Face, Eyes, Lips): Loreal Dermaq Expert Makeup Remover

Hit Facial Wipes: Kirkland Makeup Removing Wipes

Kandoo Baby Wipes

Hit Facial Mist: Shu Uemura Depsea Water Mist

Runner Up: Evian Mist

Hit Sunscreen: MAC Prep&Prime Face Potection Visage SPF50

Shu Uemura UV Armour SPF40

Hit Lipbalm: La Mer The Balm

Runner Up: Carmex in Squeeze Tube and Jar

MAKEUP HIT LIST:

BASE MAKEUP

Hit Primer: MAC Prep&Prime Face Protection Visage SPF50

MUFE All Mat

Clinique Pre Minimizing Instant Perfector

Runner Up: Avon MagiX Tinted Face Perfector

Hit Liquid Foundation (High End): Kryolan High Definition Mattifying Liquid Foundation

Shu Uemura Face Architect Fluid Foundation

Shiseido Sun Protection Foundation SPF40

Hit Liquid Foundation (Drugstore): Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation

Hit Cream Foundation (High End): Shu Uemura Nobara Foundation

Graftobian Glamour Creme High Definition Foundation

Hit Cream Foundation (Drugstore): Max Factor Miracle Touch Foundation

Hit Powder Foundation (High End): MUFE DUO MAT

Hit Powder Foundation (Drugstore): Maybelline Clear Smooth Extra Powder Foundation

Hit Pressed/Loose Setting Powder (High End): MAC MSF Natural

Clinique Loose Powder (01)

Hit Pressed/Loose Setting Powder: Maybelline Clear Smooth Pressed Powder

Hit UnderEyes Concealer: Desange Cernes Expert Eye Smoothing Concealer

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer

Hit Blemish Concealer: MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer

EYE MAKEUP

Hit E/S Primer: UDPP

Hit Eyeshadow (High End) : NARS E/S

Shu Uemura E/S

Runner Up: MAC E/S

Hit Eyeshadow (Drugstore) : Maybelline Eyestudio Palettes

Hit Pencil Eyeliner: Maybelline 2in1 Impact Shadow Eyeliner

Runner Up: Stila Kajal Eyeliner

Hit Liquid Eyeliner: Loreal SuperLiner

Hit Gel/Cream Eyeliner: MakeUp Masala Gel Eyeliner

Runner Up: MAC Fluidline

Hit Brow Makeup: Revlon Brow Fantasy

Hit Mascara: Maybelline VolumExpress Cat Eyes Mascara

MAC Plush Lash

Lumene Blueberry Curl

Runner Up: Fairy Drops Mascara

Hit Cream/Liquid Eyeshadow: P&J Eye Gloss

CHEEKS

Hit Blush: NARS Blushes (Mata Hari, Torrid)

Runner Up: MAC Blushes (Pink Swoon, Peaches, Blush Baby)

Countouring Powder: MAC MSF Natural in Deep

Runner Up: MAC Sculpt and Shape

LIPS

Hit Lip Liner: MAC Lip Liner in Subculture

Hit Lip Pimer: MAC Prep&Prime Lips

Hit Lipstick: YSL Rouge Volupte

Runner Up: Coffret D'Or Lipstick

Hit Lipgloss: Urban Decay Pocket Rocket

Chanel Glossimer (Gold Light)

MAC Dazzleglasses

Runner Up: MAC Cremesheen Glass

Stila Lipglaze

TOOLS:

Hit Liquid / Cream Foundation Brush: Shu Uemura 18 foundation brush

Runner Up: ELF Studio Powder Brush

NARS Botan Brush

Hit Concealer Brush: MAC 217

Hit Eyeshadow Brush: MAC 239

MAC 217

Hit Powder Brush: Suesh Powder brush

Hit Lip Brush: Suesh Lip Brush

Hit Blush Brush: MAC 165

MAC 109

Hit Eyeliner Brush: Smashbox Eyeliner brush (from the brush set with brushes of white synthetic fibers and lucite handles)

Hit Eyelash Curler: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Hit Palette: Koji Foundation Palette

Hit Makeup Tool: Glambox Airbrush System

REVIEW: Fairy Drops Mascara

This is a review of the Fairy Drops Mascara.

"  FAIRY DROPS Mascara’s brush is particularly designed. Lumpy brush ensures perfect contact with every lash for volume, curly and no clump eyelash look.

Water-proof formula works to resist water, sweat and sebum. Long-lasting wear is guaranteed.  "

I've been lemming for this mascara for ages! I've heard so many good stuff about this mascara, so I want to know first hand if it does live up to the hype.

The fact that this mascara was made in Japan, my expectations are higher.

I tried quite a number of Japanese mascara from Shiseido, Majolica Majorca, Kate, Fasio, Coffret D'Or, Imju Fiberwig, and others, and I must say I was never disappointed!

Japanese mascaras are definitely on the top tier of the mascara hierarchy.

Let's start with the packaging:

The Fairy Drops is definitely an eye-catcher with it's hot pink tube with aqua and white drawings. The tube is really cute, and it makes me wanna tote it along with me and show it to my friends! 

What makes the Fairy Drops mascara unique is its wand.

As you can see above, it's like 3 wands clumped together. The left most and the middle part of the wand is more of a spherical shape, while the one on the tip is more of an ovoidal shape.

The wand is made of regular bristles, unlike the Rimmel Sexy Curves which has a similar wand shape but has rubber bristles. 

The bristles in the wand are densely packed, one characteristic I like on mascaras. Due to its dense bristles, it separates the lashes like nobody's business. 

I really like the fact that the tip of the wand is more of an ovoid shape rather than spherical since you can get into the corner lashes very easily.

What I also love is that the wand helps in lifting and curling the lashes.

The Formula:

Like almost all Japanese mascara, the Fairy Drops has a moderately thick formula without being heavy. The formula is light that doesn't weigh down the lashes. The mascara really gives a nice length to the lashes, making it look long and wispy. However, it doesn't give much volume to the lashes. You can also build up the mascara without clumping. A major plus is the fact that it doesn't flake nor smudge even in hot and humid climate like here in the Philippines.

Like most other Japanese mascara, this is a bit on the difficult side on the removing part. However, it's not as stubborn to remove as the Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus to remove. Actually, it's fairly easy to remove when compared with the Majo Majo one! I'm a contact lens wearer and I commend this mascara for not irritating my eyes. Though, I need to note that you might feel a bit teary eyed for the first minute, but after that it's all good! The mascara doesn't have a scent too, which is great for those with sensitive eyes. My mom has very sensitive eyes, and other than the fact that the Fairy Drops mascara made her a bit teary eyed on the first few seconds of wear, it didn't irritate her eyes at all.

I got this mascara from sasa.com for $13.90 (P646.60) which is alright as compared to western drugstore mascaras.

Verdict:

8/10

This is a really good mascara, lightweight, doesn't smudge nor flake nor irritate the eyes.

It separates the lashes wonderfully, and really lengthens without the crunchy feels. However, one con is it doesn't add volume as much as I wanted it to. Another down side, is it's not available locally which is a huge bummer! I highly recommend this to those who have thick lashes but needs some length.

Product Find/Rave/Review: Maybelline 2in1 Impact Shadow Liner by Eyestudio

Last week,I was cruising around Watson's health and beauty section, when I spotted the Maybelline counter. I was attracted by the Eyestudio eyeshadow quads, since the packaging was quite pretty and luxurious as compared to the old quads, and the new quads reminded me of Kate and Visee eyeshadows. I was going to get the neutral quad with the really pretty rich chocolate brown color but it was out of stock. Mind you, many of the items were out of stock, so I was a bit disappointed. Then I saw the new Maybelline 2in1 Impact Shadow Liner by Eyestudio and swatched it. I was impressed at how beautiful the purple was, and after letting the liner set for a few seconds  rubbed it hard and to my surprise it didn't budge at all! The liner was so so so creamy, as creamy as the Stila Kajal Liner, and it didn't budge! I was so excited and amazed that I bought the black one too along with the purple and went home immediately to try it out! Let me tell you that this stuff is absolutely pigmented and super creamy! This glides on my lids like buttah! Glides on as wonderfully as Stila Kajal Liner. Eventhough this is as creamy as the Stila Kajal Liner, this isn't as soft which is a major plus in my book! Meaning you don't need to sharpen it more often as you do with the Stila Kajal Liner, more bang for your bucks! This stuff has a great staying power too! Smudge-free and flake free for both my upper and lower lashlines. This stuff stays in my waterline too! AMAZING!!! 

I have also tried this as an eyeshadow, and it works really well! It gives you about a minute to blend it and then it sets and it won't budge nor crease! I seriously love it! It's also an amazing base, better than my paintpots, since the shadows will really stick to the liner and the colors will just pop!

This will replace my Stila Kajal Liner as my HG liner! This stuff is way better than the Urban Decay 24/7, MAC Powerpoint, or even MUFE Aqua Eyes, since this stuff is the creamiest of the bunch and last as long as the MUFE Aqua Eyes in the lashlines and last longer in the waterliner, and it's the most pigment of the bunch! The only category where Stila wins is the pigmentation, the Stila is just a tad bit more pigmented, but the Maybelline one is right there with the Stila in pigmentation. You guys need to seriously get this stuff! What's better is that this stuff only cost P359 which is about $6-7! Really affordable!!!

1st row: Stila Kajal Liner

2nd and 3rd row: Maybelline 2in1 Impact Shadow Liner in black and dark purple, respectively.

1st column: Liners were vigorously rubbed wet for 3 minutes.

2nd column: Freshly applied liners

3rd column: Maybelline 2in1 Impact Liner in black

As you can see in the first column, the Maybelline one retained more pigment after being rubbed wet than that of the Stila Kajal Liner.

This eyeliner is 9.5 stars out of 10 since there's always room for improvement, though there's very little need for this to be improved. This is my perfect liner! Luveet!

BTW I went back earlier to Watson's to grab another one of of the black one! Since the stocks at the Maybelline counter was replenished, I was also able to get the Eyestudio quad I was eyeing along with other Maybelline stuff and Revlon items. I'll post my drugstore haul next time so watch out for it! I'm beginning to like drugstore makeup again, though there would still be stuffs/brands that I will continue to despise unless they put their act together and give us decent quality products!

I'm doing a project 5 pan starting today, so the drugstore haul might be my last haul for this year, but I might finish up 5 items sooner than I expected since I have several makeup I've hit pan and my Clinique 3 step is nearly finished- just 2 more weeks use. Let's just see if I will be able to shop one more time before the year finally comes to an end.

Stay tuned! More reviews coming!

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation Review

This is a review of one of MAC's latest addition in its foundation range.

I'm going to review the MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation.

This particular foundation has a concealer counterpart - Studio Sculpt Concealer.

I like the foundation, but I love the concealer, which I'll review soon!

The MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation has a mousse-y / aerated thick gel consistency.

This stuff doesn't give the lightest feel but doesn't give a heavy feel.

This foundation is concentrated with pigments that I only need a pea size, even when I need to cover up numerous blemishes. It also provides medium to a full coverage.

I don't even need concealer when I use this.

Even if it gives good coverage, this foundation gives a nice finish to the skin.

This can look cake-y if excessively used, but you barely can overuse this stuff.

I really like that even after long hours of wear, my face still looks fresh.

However, this stuff doesn't provide any oil control. I need to blot my face for just an hour of wear. Using primer that's meant for oil control is highly recommended.

People with drier skin may enjoy this, since its more of hydrating instead of mattifying.

This foundation also have a better transfer resistance than that of Studio Fix Fluid, but stiil there's still room to improve on under this category.

Doesn't settle on to the fine lines or the flaky ares in the skin.

I haven't tried its waterproof capacity yet- that's to follow.

My skin didn't react to this foundation, but I heard people gets bad reaction with the shea butter in this foundation.

I found that this applies smoothly, flawlessly, and seamlessly when I use my MAC 180 or ELF Studio Powder Brush. 

Due to it's formula containing SPF, it will give you a whitish cast when used in flash photography. But when used under normal lighting, it photography fairly well.

 I like that it's on a squeeze tube rather than the normal bottle packaging, since I can travel more easily with this and less tendency to break.

Verdict:

 I like this foundation, but not enough for me to love.

6.5/10

I would recommend this for people with normal or dry skin.

But if you have oily skin and don't mind blotting once in a while, then I say go ahead and grab one!