Hey everyone! How's your holiday so far? Mine's perfectly fine since I started feeling better after Christmas day. Anyway, I've been browsing through images I took for future posting in my blog and realized I missed doing this entry. I joined BDJ Box's 7-day challenge and made use of Pevonia Botanica Phyto-gel Cleanser included in my 2013 December-January box. Luckily, my entry won and BDJ sent over a full-sized bottle of the same cleanser from Pevonia Botanica.

I initially thought the prize was for pick-up at their office but BDJ was generous and considerate enough to send it right to my doorstep. 

Don't you just love a goody bag with silver bow on top? It's like experiencing Christmas all over again. 

Inside were a box containing the Pevonia Botanica Phyto-gel Cleanser plus a brochure featuring the different products of Pevonia Botanica. 

The bottle contains 150ml of the Phyto-gel cleanser. This will definitely last me a while since a pea size is enough to cleanse my face and neck. This is a clear cleanser and has a gel consistency as the name implies. It radiates a very subtle scent, spreads easily on your face and builds up a thin lather. This cleanser rinses off effortlessly leaving your skin feeling clean yet supple to touch. It didn't irritate my skin 

or cause unsightly break outs. 

After a month of religiously using this cleanser, my skin became noticeably clear of pimples even during my period. You may want to read my in-depth review that won me this full-sized bottle. Have you tried any product from Pevonia Botanica? Do share your thoughts on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day! 

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NYX: Nude on Nude Palette

Hey guys, this is just a quick entry of a product I can't wait to share with all of you. Remember how I've been lusting over Urban Decay Naked palettes for the longest time? Well, before the Naked 3 palette was released, the pioneer Naked palette has been on my mind since the day I learned how to apply eye shadow.

Image courtesy of Urban Decay

I've seen countless reviews on how amazing this palette is and I have always wanted one for myself but the hefty tag ($52) kept me from getting one. Good thing NYX came out with the Nude on Nude palette. 

It comes in a box which is double the thickness of an Iphone 5 and almost double the length. 

On the bottom of the box is an illustration of the shades included in the palette. The colors aren't named like that of Urban Decay's palettes but that's just fine.

The packaging is made of hard plastic which really appeals to me but I'm afraid this isn't sturdy enough and might break apart if I accidentally drop it. Regardless, I still love the rich brown casing and transparent windows on top of each shade.

Once opened, the palette reveals a slim mirror and 20 different shades of eye shadow.

The palette consists of neutral shades in matte, satin and metallic finishes. I'm loving the array of colors that you can mix and match to achieve different looks from a basic day time makeup to a gorgeous night time look. These are well pigmented shadows with great color pay-off especially when paired with a good primer. They're a bit powdery so you only need to dip your brush lightly to pick up your desired color otherwise you have to tap off the excess to prevent fall-outs. They last for a decent amount of time and still look vibrant towards the end of the day.

This palette also has a pull-out compartment on the bottom that houses 10 lip colors. These are mostly pink shades with a few reds and berries. They feel creamy and apply smoothly on your lips with sheer finish that you can layer for a bolder look. Half of them are shimmery and don't appeal to me much but the remaining lip colors are glossy and look very lovely. Notice that NYX included a double ended eye shadow applicator and lip brush that I don't actually use but are okay to have just in case I need to do touch-ups. 

 

Image courtesy of NYX

 

Overall, the NYX Nude on Nude palette is a great value for your money. You're getting 20 lovely shades of eye shadow and 10 lip colors for just $25 (roughly 1,100 Php). The colors may not be exact dupes of Urban Decay's Naked series but still it's a decent palette that you can start with if you're new to the makeup world. This can also be a good addition to your growing number of makeup collection without causing much dent on your budget. NYX products are widely available in the US but you can also get them locally from online sellers.

Have you tried the NYX Nude on Nude palette? Share your thoughts on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a beautiful weekend!

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Giving credit to whom it's due

Hey guys! How are you enjoying your holiday break so far? In my case, I'm loving the idea of getting enough rest after being sick for the past days. That's what I get by not updating my annual flu shots but all is still good. 

I was browsing the web when I chanced upon a website claiming to be the official subdistributor of authentic Tokyo Love Soap (TLS) in the Philippines. I was quite sad seeing that they sell different variants of TLS in a much more affordable price than my last purchase. With all the hype about this soap, it's quite inevitable for fake versions to surface eventually. This is why I didn't jump right in to make a purchase. Out of curiosity, I searched Instagram to see the price range of TLS in different stores and was shocked to see my own pictures used by three different sellers. 

  These are pictures I took and posted when I wrote an entry about the original TLS in August and the images are not even clear or spectacular. Still, I felt bad seeing them being used by other people without permission or credit. 

I felt the need to make this post to let you all know that I am not in any way connected with these online shops and warn everyone to be vigilant in purchasing from sellers who can't post actual pictures of products they claim to have on hand. They may be legitimate sellers but always keep in mind that the most reliable sellers are those that post the exact products they sell and not images lifted from different websites or provided by their suppliers.


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Dear Santa..

Dear Santa,

          Sorry for the short notice but this post is to let you know what I want this Christmas. Seems appropriate since we still have a few more hours before the big day comes. 

Image courtesy of Urban Decay

The Urban Decay Naked 3 palette has mesmerized me since its release this year. I'm not so much into eyeshadow palettes but seeing several great reviews about it and learning of its versatility lured me into wanting this. It retails for $52 at Ulta and I'm hoping it will soon be available in local online shops. 

Image courtesy of Beauty and Minerals

I've been eyeing these 3S pre-glued lashes since the first time I saw them in Sample Room. I'm loving the idea that they're ready to use straight from the box and you may do so more than once by reapplying the extra adhesive strip included in the set. These lashes come in different designs and can be purchased online from beautyandminerals.com for 250 Php per pair. 

Image courtesy of Maybelline

I'm not a regular mascara user but there are occassions that call for a more dramatic look which is why I always include a mascara in my stash. One mascara I've heard a lot of goods things about is the Maybelline the Falsies Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara which retails for 449 Php in all beauty counters of leading department stores nationwide. 

Image courtesy of NARS

NARS powder blush in orgasm is probably the best selling blush and the most talked about in the makeup world. This is why I've been wanting to try this blush and see for myself what all the hype is about. NARS is available in all branches of Rustan's 

for 1,450 Php. 

Image courtesy of MAC

I'm not a fan of red lips but how can I resist MAC's limited edition shades created by Rihanna? It's about time I own at least one red lipstick in a very pretty rose gold tube don't you think? These are sold for $16.50 a piece in MAC's official website in the US but I heard MAC counters sell them for 1,100 Php a pop. 

Image courtesy of Urban Decay

I wasn't used to wearing an eyeshadow primer until a good friend told me how it can make any brand of eyeshadow look vibrant and stay on longer. I've been using a drugstore primer from elf but I really want to see how this high end primer differs from a more affordable one. It retails for $20 at Ulta and can be bought in local online shops for 950 Php and up. 

Image courtesy of Shu Uemura

Remember the most loved Shu Uemura eyelash curler? I bought one about a year ago and just recently, She Uemura released another eyelash curler called the S Curler with a design that's so intruiging I want one for myself. Reviews say it can curl your lashes better than the classic curler and can reach even the shorter inner lashes. The S Curler is available in all Shu Uemura stores for 1,000 Php each.

Image courtesy of Meiko Cosmetics

I love any product that can give your skin a flawless finish which is why I've been wanting to try the Naturactor Cover Face Concealer. It's a Japanese brand known for its excellent coverage and retails for 750 Php in local online shops. This concealer is so amazing that others use it as a foundation.

Image courtesy of Happy Skin

Happy Skin is a recently launched cosmetics brand owned by Jacque Yuengtian-Gutierrez and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo. Their Second Skin or SS Creme is a silicone-free foundation that I would love to try because it appeals like a BB Cream to me. It retails for 1,199 Php in Rustan's, Beauty Bar and Plains & Prints.

Image courtesy of Happy Skin

I also want to have Happy Skin's Brush 'Em Off Girl Makeup Brush Set. Don't you just love the teal pouch that comes with the set?

Image courtesy of Happy Skin

The brushes have clear acrylic handles, silver ferrules and white bristles. 

Image courtesy of Happy Skin

The pouch zips open revealing several pockets for each brush on the left and an extra net-like pocket on the right to hold several other stuff. I love how you can stack the brushes neatly on one side and how you can clearly see the rest of your stuff on the other. 

That concludes my wish list Santa! I hope to try any of them really soon so I can review them for my beloved readers in my future posts. Thank you so much and have a Merry Christmas!

                

                                                                      Love,

                                                                    Jing

♥♥♥

REAL TECHNIQUES: Limited Edition Duo-Fiber Collection

Hey guys! If you read my previous posts, you'll notice that I already reviewed the Core Collection and Travel Essentials of Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman. Now I'm back to review the Limited Edition Duo-fiber Collection. 

My first and only duo-fiber brush is the powder/blush also known as the F15 brush from Sigma included in the Premium Travel Kit. It's my least used brush in the kit since I prefer using chunky and dense brushes when applying liquid-based makeup.

I have to admit being a bit disappointed that this set doesn't come with a panoramic case unlike the Core Collection and Travel Essentials. 

Although the brushes are securely packed in a thick foam-like holder, I would've loved this set even more if they included a brush holder. Maybe it's just me but I feel like coming up with a limited edition brush set without the case is quite incomplete. 

The duo-fiber face brush isn't as dense as the other large brushes of Real Techniques. Come to think of it, duo-fiber brushes are meant to be less dense than regular brushes because they're intended for lightweight application and blending. I find this really nice when using powders with shimmer like my Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Powder. It can pick up just the right amount of product and evenly distribute it on your face achieving a natural glow instead of a glittery finish. 

The duo-fiber contour brush is meant for precise contouring and sculpting but I mainly use it to apply my blush. I love how it makes my cheeks look lightly stained rather than flushed. Again, you will notice the bristles to be sparse yet it effectively diffuses and buffs your makeup. 

This duo-fiber eye brush is probably my most favorite in this set. I love how this brush can add that much needed umf after using it to apply highlight on your lid, crease and brow bone. You can also use it to blend your eye shadow. 

Luckily my two other brush sets offer additional slots to accommodate extra ones so I was able to put these brushes with them. 

Notice how they look nice with the other brush sets? Maybe that's why they didn't bother to include a case for the duo-fiber collection but still, having a limited edition case would've been great! Just saying. 

 

 

Overall these duo-fiber brushes are a good addition to my slowly growing number of tools. I love the soft bristles, the shiny white ferrules and of course the rubber handle. You can tell that these are of good quality after several times of deep cleaning them without literally shedding a strand which is actually a major turn-off with my Sigma F15 duo-fiber brush. The price ($19.99) is a bit higher than the other Real Techniques brush sets ($17.99) so this might be a concern for some of you but don't fret because having these may be a good addition to your makeup tools but not at all a must-have in my opinion especially when you already have duo-fiber brushes of your own.

 

 



Image courtesy of  Real Techniques

 

Now that I'm done reviewing all three brush sets from Real Techniques, I'm thinking of doing an entry to show you the brushes I use daily including those from the core collection, travel essentials and duo-fiber collection so do please check back in for that.

 

 

 

If you're interested in getting your own Real Techniques brushes, I invite you to check out my online shop Beauty Rx or my Instagram beauty_rx and you might just see something you'll like. Any questions? Please leave them on the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and have a happy holiday!

 

 

 

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REAL TECHNIQUES: Travel Essentials

Hey guys! This post is my 2nd in a series of reviews about Real Techniques brushes. I initially reviewed the Core Collection and now I'm back to give you my thoughts on the Travel Essentials. 

 

This set is housed in a transparent hard plastic so you can see the brushes right away without having to tear the box open. At the back you can find a description of each brush and how to use them. 

 

Like the Core Collection, this set also comes with a panoramic case that functions as a dual carrier and stand to keep your brushes organized whether at home or on the go. 

As the name implies, this brush is for applying your foundation but you may also use this to apply concealer. Although this brush is densely packed with soft bristles, I still prefer applying liquid-based makeup with either a flat top brush or a dome shaped one like the buffing brush included in the core collection.

The domed shadow brush is intended to smoothly apply your eye shadow or to give your eyes definition. It reminds me so much of my large fluff brush from Sigma, also known as the E50 brush but a little smaller. Although both brushes appear similar, I prefer using the Sigma E50 because it can pick up and pack more eye shadow. But hey, that's just me. Others may find this brush better than the E50 especially those
with smaller lids.

 

This multi-task brush is my most favorite tool in this kit because aside from the lovely pink ferrule, it's also the most versatile among the three. I love that the size is perfect for applying your face powder, not too large nor too small. Just pinch the bristles over the base near the ferrule and you can use it to apply your blush and bronzer.

 

Of course I love the extra slots to fit in two more brushes you may want

to bring with you.

 

Although adding big brushes may give you a hard time closing the panoramic case, still it locks into an inch thick carrier which is better than having your brushes mixed with other stuff in your bag or vanity kit making them more prone to contamination and early damage.

 

Overall, the Real Techniques Travel Essentials kit is my 2nd most favorite set in the collection. I think I can do away with other brushes and achieve a full look with just three tools in this kit. Like all the other Real Techniques brushes, these have soft and densely packed bristles with very minimal shedding. I love the dual purpose case with the extra elastic bands to accommodate more tools you may want to add. Need I mention the overall look of each brush? The matte metal ferrules and rubber handles are a delight to have and make these brushes very unique and eye-catching. This set, like the core collection, retails for $17.99 at Ulta which I think may be a bit steep for just a 3-piece brush set but the versatility and quality of these brushes are worth it.

 

 

Image courtesy of Real Techniques

 

Still haven't joined the Real Techniques band wagon? You really have to get at least a set to fall in love with every single one of them. If you ask me, the Travel Essentials is a good way to start. You may purchase one at a very affordable and competitive price from my online shop Beauty Rx or via Instagram beauty_rx. Any thoughts on Real Techniques? Do share them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful holiday!

 

 

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REAL TECHNIQUES: Core Collection

Hey guys! I've been drooling over Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman for the longest time but I can't seem to decide which one to get. Luckily, Real Techniques brushes were on sale at Ulta a few months ago so my fiance was able to spoil me with not just one but three brush sets.

The first set I'm reviewing for this post is probably Real Tecniques' best selling brushes, the Core Collection. 

This set is housed in a transparent plastic case so keeping the brushes in good shape while shipping won't be a problem. 

The brushes are securely placed in a black case that conveniently doubles as a stand. All you have to do is fold the case backwards, tighten the string found along the middle and you have an instant brush stand which you can use everyday or when you travel. 

I also love that this case has two more slots to accommodate extra brushes you may want to bring with you.

I use this pointed foundation brush to evenly apply BB Cream on my face. The bristles are so soft and dense with just the perfect size to reach the sides of your nose and under your eyes. 

The label says that the buffing brush is meant to be used for applying powder or mineral foundation but I think this is best used in applying cream or liquid based makeup. The bristles are densely packed that a few circular strokes can evenly distribute any chosen product all over your face. 

This contour brush is nothing I've never had or tried before which is why I really wanted to get the core collection in the first place. The tapered bristles allow you to apply your blush or highlight with precision.  

The detailer brush is probably my least favorite in the core collection. It can be used with your concealer to hide spots and imperfections or to apply your lipstick. I was hoping for an eyeshadow brush to be included in this set but I guess you can also work with this detailer brush when you have no other choice. 

Overall, I really like the core collection because each brush is multi-functional. I also love that they are designed very uniquely with longer ferrules so you can easily tell them apart from other brushes. With the exception of the detailer brush, each tool can steadily stand on its own to allow less contact on any surface hence less contamination. Little details like the extra brush holders, label etched on each brush as well as the matte gold metal and black rubber handle made me want the core collection even more. Although the price is quite steep for just a 4-piece brush set ($18), the quality and versatility of these brushes more than make up for the price. 

Image courtesy of Real Techniques

Want to own Real Techniques brushes? You may purchase them from my online shop Beauty Rx or visit my Instagram beauty_rx. Any thoughts on the core collection? Do share them on the comments section below. Please do check back in for more reviews on other Real Techniques brushes in my next posts. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!

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