Review: MAC STUDIO FIX LIQUID FOUNDATION

Hi there! It's been a couple of days since my last post. Apologies again. LOL! Anyway, my review today is the latest liquid foundation that I'm using recently. From my favorite cosmetic line, MAC.

I got this last December, my mom-in-law bought it in Dubai. I'm pretty sure a lot of make up enthusiast has already tried using MAC foundations as well as their Studio Fix line of products.

PRO's:

- it's creamy so it gives good coverage

- stays long for up to 8 hours with minimal touch ups

- didn't break me out

- doesn't give an oily finish

- still good to use even on a tropical weather

CON's:

- price at MAC counters locally, Php 1750 (around US $43)

- might be messy since the cap that comes with it doesn't have an atomizer/ dispenser

OVERALL:

- I love the finish, coverage and lasting power. Definitely a must have for all make up enthusiast and make up artists!

'til then!

Weekend BEAUTY Loot

How are you lovely ladies? I hope you all started the week right! Well, for me, it's not actually a good start of the week 'cause I have colds and I need some rest for I feel kinda exhausted from last week's activities. 

Anyway, like what I mentioned from my last post, we went to see my mother-in-law who just arrived from Dubai last Friday. We got to her hotel in Makati on Saturday to see her and had lunch with my mom, dad and bro. Of course, hubby and his bro Tobby were also there, Yale was too shocked indeed when he saw his "lola" from his daddy's side. :)

Since my MIL is also very "kikay" on her own, she always bring a beauty loot for me every time she goes home or whenever she sends out a package for the family. She always put blouses, shirts and dresses on my loot, but I'm more concentrated now on the cosmetics part. LOL!

Here's the prettifying items included in my beauty loot:

MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC25

VICTORIA'S SECRET Simply Breathless eau de toilette

ESTEE LAUDER Travel Exclusive Make up kit

So there goes my beauty loot from mama Thess (hubby's mom). I also got blouses and a lot of sweets! I'm the only girl whom she gives a beauty loot since she has two sons (hubby and Tobby) and Yale, they're all guys so they're more on shirts, perfumes, rubber shoes, watches and gadgets. 

Will be putting these babies to road test this holiday and I'll make a review then.

Yale with mama Thess

Thanks! 

Appreciate, don't hate! :)

How to: AIRBRUSH Make Up without an airbrush

It's almost the end of the week loves! I bet you're all planning something for the weekend! Well, my mom-in-law arrives tonight from Dubai and were going to the metro again tomorrow at the hotel where she stays. So I might not be posting another article for about a day or two so we can have some time with the family. It's also her first time to see my son walking and talking. :)

Anyway, a lot of people noticed about the flawless make up I've had on the wedding that we attended to last Wednesday. Some thought that I've used an airbrush for the make up I did. Well, I don't have an airbrush to do that. All I have are brushes to start with. 

Here's a technique I've learned a couple of months ago and I was surprised when it turned out to be what it was supposed to be. LOL!

I've used my REVLON Photo Ready liquid foundation in Shell, MAC Fix+ and a stippling brush to do the trick.

Steps:

1. Spray some MAC Fix+ on your stippling brush to avoid drying of foundation and for smooth application.

(You can also spray water or any alternative vitamin water)

2. The white bristles should be the only part where your liquid foundation will go through. 

3. Put a generous amount of liquid foundation at the back of your hand and take them using your stippling brush.

4. Use the stippling method in applying the foundation on your face and neck.

5.  Immediately swirl the foundation on your face so it won't dry up.

6. Apply foundation as needed on your face and neck area.

7. After doing all the make up, set by using a loose or compact powder. I used MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder for my look.

This look was actually after 4 hours of applying the make up, see that there's a certain glow and the finish was great!

(Sorry for the candid shot my husband took!)

An affordable and easy way to achieve an airbrush look without spending too much for another tool. 

Have you tried this technique too?

xoxo

FOTD: WEDDING 12-12-12

Hi there again my pretty and gorgeous readers! I've had no posts for the last couple of days for our preparation for my long time friend Jhelyn's wedding. Yes, it's December 12th, 2012! And my baby boy is part of the entourage, he's actually the youngest member at 1 year and 7 months old on the 14th. :)

Anyway, here's the look I've made since I wore a matt gold chiffon gown yesterday.

What I've used:

THE FACE SHOP Lovely Me Ex Make up base

BENEFIT The POREfessional

MAC Fix+ (sprayed on stippling brush)

REVLON Photo Ready Liquid Foundation in Shell

 ELF Eyelid Primer

ELF Correcting Concealer

IN2IT Sheer Eye shadow duo in Earth

ACTIVE e/s in Beige

ACTIVE e/s in Gray

MAC Espresso

ELF Cream liner in Black

TONY MOLY Slim Mascara in Black

ETUDE HOUSE Color My Brows

ACTIVE Powder Blush in Peach

MAC Lipstick in Innocence

MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder (to set make up)

Hair done by my sister-in-law, thanks Myla!

with my little prince, the coin bearer Greyam Yale!

We had so much fun and we were very happy for our friend Jhelyn's wedding. I'm also glad that she made Yale carry their symbol of treasure, even though he's too young to be part of a wedding entourage. Hubby actually accompanied Yale in walking down the aisle and sat beside him too. The night was full of laughter and fun! Congrats again marsie and Pel! We love you both! Enjoy your honeymoon!

'til next! :)

My "MUSTS" for the Month

Hello there! Just right after creating a review earlier, I've realized that I have to manage my growing make up collection and should create a plan on how to maximize their usage. While I'm on a "relax" mode, meaning no make up gigs, events and stuff, I need to put up another monthly post in relation to my monthly favorites. So I'm composing my "MUSTS" for the Month - a collection of my make up items that I MUST use for the whole month. Take note that these items will not be limited to what I will be posting at the start of the month. I need to use these items so I can maximize their usage and also to compare with my other products. These items will appear on my "Monthly Favorite" posts at the end of each month, but of course there might be some additional items too! 

Anyway, take a look at the items I have chosen to be part of my "Musts" for the Month:

1. ELF Cream Eyeliner in black

2. REVLON Photo Ready liquid foundation in shell - I need to finish off this foundie

3. MAC Fix+  - must empty this bottle too!

4. BENEFIT Hello Flawless Powder Foundation in "I love me" ivory  - I need to hit the pan soon so I can remove other make up items inside the box and keep the box for future use.

5. ETUDE HOUSE Oh M' Eye Lash mascara in black

6. BENEFIT Lemon Aid and Boi-ing

7. BENEFIT The POREfessional

8. HERBENCH Paint box blusher

9. THE FACE SHOP Lovely Me Ex make up base 

10. MAC lipstick in Chatterbox

11. MAC lipstick in Innocence

So there, another reason why I have chosen a few things to use for the month is mainly because I don't want to open up my make up kit and mix all the items there whenever I need to prep up. Also, kids in the house tend to reach for my make up too! That will be a complete mess if they do. :)

'til next! 

My OCTOBER Favorites

Happy Halloween! I know everyone's busy in visiting their beloved ones in cemeteries nationwide. In our case, it will be difficult for us to leave 'cause hubby is working even on holidays. Also, my son doesn't have a nanny at the moment. :(

So before the month ends, I'll be leaving you with my monthly favorites, well for the month of October.

BENEFIT COSMETICS' How to Look the Best at Everything, THE FACE SHOP Lovely Me Ex Make up Base, ELF 24K Lengthening and Defining Mascara, ELF 24K Eye Pencil, ELF Eye Brow Kit

As you can see, Elf cosmetics has been a staple in my monthly favorites. Simply because they're very easy to maintain and very affordable. I've been using my Benefit Cosmetics a lot for this month and I made a promise not to buy a new face powder until I've used this up. :) 

MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder, MAC lipstick in Chatterbox, L'OREAL lipstick in Wine Maven, HERBENCH Painbox

My compact powder for everyday use (and the only powder that I can bring out) will always be a favorite! My theme for this month was SIMPLICITY, and it goes well with my chosen lipstick colors. :)

Thanks again and enjoy the long weekend! xoxo

Review: REVLON PHOTO READY LIQUID FOUNDATION

At last, I was able to create a review about my favorite foundation. I've been using this for about 2 years now and it still gives me the perfect look especially on photos. :)

Costs Php 950.00 at the Revlon counter in SM Dept Store (about US $23)

Swatch (Shell) 

When blended

So far, I'm satisfied with the coverage that it gives my face. But definitely I will be searching for other liquid foundations that stays longer. Revlon Photo Ready gives awesome photograph looks. So if you opt to look good on photos, this is a must for you. :)

Applied on my face, without other make ups or concealers

Thanks again! xoxo

Review: MAC PRO LONG WEAR FOUNDATION

One of the items from the haul this month is a Pro Long Wear Foundation. It gives up to 15 hours of coverage in any environmental condition. That means, you can wear it all day without touching up your foundation (or maybe adding up just a little bit of powder at times). Best to wear as part of a bridal make up. :)

NC25 shade

Swatch (without flash)

It's creamy but very lightweight when applied to the skin. It also controls oil to keep skin fresh. But I suggest to still apply loose powder after make up application and a primer before applying this to keep your make up smooth and fresh.

I will soon make a FOTD using this foundation so you can see the coverage on my face, and I'll try to let it stand for a whole day :)

Price at Rustan's (around $46)

So there loves, til next! xoxo

MAC HAUL For September

Today, I went shopping with hubby at Rustan's EDSA Shangri La Mall. Stocking up on Mac's, here are the items in the shopping bags.

6 Mac items, Yay!

Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation in NC25

Php 1950 (around $46)

Eye Shadow in Expensive Pink

Php 900 (around $21)

Eye Shadow in All that Glitters

Php 900 (around $21)

Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35

Php 1000 (around $24)

Pro Longwear Lipstick in Positively Dashing

Php 1100 (around $26)

More Mac products in the coming months! Will follow up on reviews for each product. :)

It's a splurge for Php 6950 but I think Mac products are absolutely worth the price for its quality.

Thanks again! xoxo

Review: HOW TO LOOK THE BEST AT EVERYTHING

Hi there again pretty ladies! Here is the review of my past Benefit purchase: How to Look the Best at Everything.

This Flawless Complexion Kit (FAIR) consists of: The POREfessional, Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow (believe in me ivory), Lemon Aid, Boi-ing (01) and Hello Flawless Powder (i love me ivory).

The POREfessional

The first time I tested it on my skin, one word: SMOOTH. The cream is very smooth and light, you can barely feel it on your skin.

PROs:
-foil sealed, ensured the freshness of the product
-very good (and nice) packaging
-slightly coloured but becomes transparent when blending
-helps smoothen the face making it perfect for make up
-works as a make up base/primer
-velvety finish

CONs:
-silicone content, so if you're allergic, better stay away from it
-very pricey...the deluxe tube costs Php 1,600.00 around $38 here in the Philippines

I like this product 'cause it really hides my pores and I like the smoothness when blended. I just hope Benefit can produce a smaller tube than the deluxe since it's very pricey.

Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow

swatch

The container says, "brightening make up". For me, it's a liquid foundation but not oil based. It feels so light when applied to the face, I even felt a cooling effect which is very refreshing.

With Oxygen Wow Hydrating Complex:
- helps boost cellular respiration for a "plumping up" effect
-helps protect against environmental stress
-contains vitamins C & E, minerals and peptides that brighten, hydrate and prevent signs of aging
-oil free, fragrance free
-SPF 25 PA+++ it protects from UVA and UVB rays

This is available in 9 shades, the one included on the Fair package is "Believe in me Ivory". Its texture is more liquidy compared to other liquid foundations, maybe because it's oil-free.

I'm pretty happy with this foundation and how it refreshes my skin. This retails at Php 1,900 for a 30 ml bottle (around $45).

Lemon Aid

 lemon aid swatch

This works like a concealer for our eyelids. At first, I never thought that I have to use a concealer on them since I always use a primer before applying make up. But what about the days when we don't need eye make ups? Here's the solution to our sometimes dull, tiny bit reds around the lids.

Lemon Aid is yellow based and will work on any skin type. It's creamy but dense enough to make a nice base for your eye make up. During the days that you don't need to put on eye make up, just dab a little bit amount on your eye lids and it will definitely make your eyes look fresher!

Lemon Aid costs Php 1,100.00, about $26

Boi-ing (01)

Boi-ing swatch

Most of us always try to hide our under eye circles. That's what Boi-ing concealer does. Just dab it on your under eyes and you can instantly hide those blemishes. For me, it also works as an eye brightener too!

Boi-ing costs Php 1,100.00 around $26

Hello Flawless Powder

 swatch

The shade included in the package I got was, "I love me Ivory". Some says that it is the best cover up they have ever tried. For me, it's just like a face powder and I'm still sticking on my Mac products when it comes to coverage. But for everyday use, I think this will be okay if you don't need too much cover up and only light make up.

The price is Php 1,900.00 around $45

Overall, the purchase was worth it (Php 1,600.00) since I can try all these products. Since Benefit Cosmetics are a bit too pricey, you may want to purchase their products by these packages rather than purchasing them on retail. Good thing they have these packages where we can try a number of their products without splurging too much.

'til my next post loves! xoxo