Hey guys! With all the carols we hear and the Christmas decorations we see everyday, needless to say that the Holiday Season is officially in full swing. It's that time of year when we can finally have the excuse to splurge a little. Having said that, I come to you with a review on one of the items I've been dreaming of having, the MAC Lightful C Tinted Cream. 

MAC Lightful C is a product line designed to achieve brighter and more radiant skin. One of their best sellers is the Lightful C Tinted Cream, a color correcting cream which comes in a beautifully crafted, holographic 40 ml tube with a screw-on cap.

SKIN FOOD: Vita Water Foun BB SPF15 PA+

Hey guys! If you have been visiting my blog for some time now (thank you!!!), you'd know how crazy I am about BB Creams. Although I do enjoy being dolled up occasionally with full coverage makeup, I usually prefer (and can only manage) a simple everyday look. In my vocabulary, simple equates to BB Cream or tinted moisturizer in place of foundation. Come to think of it, I'm really not much of a foundation user myself because I never get the right shade. So imagine my excitement when I learned about a product that offers the coverage of foundation and the comfort of BB Cream in one bottle. Allow me to introduce to you an awesome innovation, the Skin Food Vita Water Foun BB SPF15 PA+ (Php 1,100+ / 45 gm).

Since the label is in Korean, I only managed to get information from their website. The Skin Food Vita Water Foun BB SPF15 PA+ contains Vita Complex Extract which helps you achieve moisturized and velvety skin. It comes in 3 shades: #0 Porcelain Light Beige, #1 Light Beige and #2 Natural Beige. I'm an NC 25-30 and from the description alone I would've gotten #2 Natural Beige but Skin Food's beauty adviser said #0 Porcelain Light Beige matches my skin tone perfectly so I took her word for it.

This product comes in a cute bottle with a pump dispenser which I love for ease of dispensing. The pump is protected by a snap-on transparent cap so you can bring this with you when you travel without the hassle of spilling the contents. 

Although it comes with a sponge applicator, I like putting this on with my finger tips in a patting motion. This product is unscented and has a creamy consistency. You may need to be quick when applying it on your face because it dries off fast. It instantly brightens your complexion and gives a matte finish that you can get away without a finishing powder. This foundation and BB Cream in one offers more coverage than a regular BB Cream but doesn't look cakey or feel heavy on your skin. It covered most of my minor blemishes but you may still need a concealer for more obvious marks. I love that it didn't irritate my skin or cause break outs. Staying power is quite decent and lasts for 6 hours after which I get a bit of shine on my T-zone. 

Overall, the Skin Food Vita Water Foun BB SPF15 PA+ is a great product to have in your stash. If you have combination to oily skin, this will definitely suit you. If you have normal or dry skin, you may need to moisturize your skin prior to application or simply use an after makeup mist to set it. Personally, I prefer a BB Cream that can give me a dewy finish like the Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream hence it's still on top of my long list of favorite BB Creams. Any lingering thoughts? Do share them on the comments section below. Thanks for the visit and have a great week ahead!

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Rediscovered Favorites

Hey guys! Have you ever had a bad case of dry lips? The kind that lipstick can't hide and lip balms can't soothe. Mine was just a couple of weeks ago and it was so bad I almost didn't want to attend an important event. I initially felt my upper lip roughen and it pretty much went downhill from there. Next thing I noticed, my lips were peeling and cracking painfully. I rummaged through my stuff trying to look for a lip balm and while I was at it, I found some things that I used a lot in the past but since new products came in, I totally forgot I still have them.

MAYBELLINE: Giveaway Winner

The winner of my recently concluded mini Maybelline giveaway is none other than Glenniedel Terania. Congratulations! Please email me your mailing address and contact details. To everyone else who joined, I'm truly grateful for your participation and support. Thank you and have a wonderful weekend! 

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MAYBELLINE: Make The Perfect First Impression

Hey guys! Can you tell I'm trying to be artistic with my cover image here? Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I got an unexpected package that I want to share with all of you.

Who wouldn't be excited to get a surprise gift from one of the country's leading cosmetics company? The sight of this paper bag from Maybelline alone made me want to dig in and see what's inside.

Included in the bag is this interactive wheel. The tool instructs you to choose which among the ladies presented in the pictures match the personality trait being asked within 8 seconds. 

After accomplishing the task, I realized how first impressions can definitely make or break an individual. Those first few seconds you spend with other people are indeed crucial to how they will continue to perceive you. This is why you should always make an effort to present yourself properly in public. I can totally relate to this because I get to see and meet new people everyday in my clinic. So I make sure to always look presentable in appropriate wardrobe with just the right makeup. While you're at it, flashing a smile at people around you wouldn't hurt. 

Let's face it, most of the time, if not always, first impressions are based on appearance. You need to look your best if you want yours to be perfect. Maybelline helps you achieve just that with their Clear Smooth BB Stick. Believe me when I tell you that this product is amazing. It glides on smoothly and a single stroke followed by blending with your fingertips or a flat brush will do the trick! I raved about this the first time I tried it in 2012. You may click here to see my in-depth review.

If a stick type BB Cream isn't your thing, don't despair! Maybelline also formulated an 8-in-1 Skin Transformer BB Cream and High Protection BB White. Lastly, while first impressions count, what happens beyond that is what really matters. At this point, just be yourself and everything else will follow. 

Now here's where the fun part begins. I'll be giving away all three products to a lucky reader who's willing to share tips on how to make a perfect first impression. To join, simply follow these instructions: 

1. Follow my blog via Bloglovin or Google Friend Connect. 

2. Share this giveaway to any of your social media accounts (eg. Facebook, twitter or Instagram). 

3. Answer the question "How do you make the perfect first impression?" and send it to my email docretch@gmail.com together with your name and a screenshot or link of your social media announcement.

This giveaway is open to all Philippine residents only and will run for the entire month of July 2014. Winners will be picked randomly on July 31, 2014 and announced on the same day. Thank you for reading and good luck!

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MAYBELLINE: Search for the next 8 BB Top Models

Hey guys! If you've been following my posts, you pretty much have an idea that I love trying out new products or different versions of a product especially when they involve the double B word. I've expressed my LOVE for BB creams since the day I started using them so imagine my excitement when I got invited to take part in Maybelline New York's blogger challenge in their search for next year's 8 BB Top Models. 

Image courtesy of Maybelline

Hold it ladies, I'm not joining as a contestant but as a blogger, I've been given the honor to spread the news and encourage my kikay followers ( including you ) to join and hopefully become one of the eight official faces of Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream for 2014. Wait! This gets even better, two lucky ladies will also receive modeling contracts worth 100,000 Php and 50,000 Php respectively from Ideal People Models. 

Image courtesy of Maybelline

You must be at least 15 years old with a valid facebook account and a fan of Maybelline Philippines on facebook. Those who are 15 to 17 years old may need to submit confirmation of parental consent. To enter, simply click here to link you to the contest application on Maybelline Philippines' facebook page. Register by choosing the tab PARTICIPATE and enter your personal information. 

 

 

Image courtesy of Maybelline

 

Name and email address are already prefilled based on the facebook account you're using so make sure to register using your personal facebook account. 

 

 

Image courtesy of Maybelline



Notice the slot asking if you have a blogger mentor? That's where I come in. Click YES and enter my name (Jing Baloy) as seen on the image above. If you choose me to be your mentor, I will exhaust all efforts to gather enough votes for you to qualify as one of the 30 most voted participants. This will increase your chances of becoming one of Maybelline's 8 BB Top Models and bag a modeling contract from Ideal People Models. 

Image courtesy of Maybelline

Upload two close shot photos, one full body shot and share your thoughts on why you deserve to be one of the 8 BB Top Models. 

 

Image courtesy of Maybelline

 

Let's join forces and tell everyone on social media to vote for you by clicking the GALLERY/VOTE tab.

Image courtesy of Maybelline

Not interested or qualified to join? You can still show your support by voting for all the ladies under my mentorship and help me get a chance to win 100 Maybelline New York BB products to share with all of you. I will post an update once I get participants to join under my guidance. Let's do this everyone! Online voting runs until December 2, 2013 and the 8 BB Top Models will be chosen from the final casting of the top 30 most voted candidates on the 9th of December. 

 

 

 

Before I end this post, I would like to thank Maybelline for inviting me to participate in this blogger challenge and for sending me a variety of BB products to try. I also want to thank Ms. Ana Bering of The SVEN Group for patiently responding to my queries about this challenge.

 

 

 

Most importanlty, I want to thank all of you for always visiting my blog and reading my posts. Please do extend your support by participating in this competition or voting for the ladies who will be under my mentorship. Kindly give me a nudge that you're interested to join and want me to be your mentor by using the comments section below or just send me an email via docretch@gmail.com. Again, thank you so much and best of luck to everyone! 

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SKIN79: Super+ Beblesh Balm

Hey guys! I've always been a BB Cream devotee since the day I found my skin's best match, the Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream. Even so, I still try out other brands to see how they fair with my current favorite. I've heard tons of good things about Skin79, particularly the hot pink variety which is why I finally bought one during the Beauty Fair 2013 held on October 4 and 5 at Il Terrazo, Tomas Morato, Q.C. 

This BB Cream claims to have three functions thus the tag "triple functions" on the label. It promises to whiten the skin, improve the appearance of wrinkles and protect the skin from harmful rays of the sun. 

The SKIN79 SUPER+ Beblesh Balm comes in a 40 gram flask type container with a pump and a tiny nozzle in front for a more hygienic way of dispensing the product. 

This BB Cream has a very subtle almost undetectable scent. It has a creamy texture that spreads easily and sets on your skin immediately after application giving you an instant glow. 

It doesn't give off a white cast and offers surprisingly minimal coverage. You may layer it a couple of times for better coverage but this is when you risk getting an obvious white cast. Above image shows you how it appears when swatched with a single layer (top) compared to adding another coat (bottom). I love that it gives you a naturally moisturized finish without looking shiny. It stays on for a decent amount of time (4 hours) without caking but it may look a little greasy by then. 

When compared to Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream and Skin79 Super+ BB orange variety, the hot pink version looks thicker in consistency but spreads more effortlessly. 

The shades are somewhat similar but Skin79 BB in Orange give off the brightest finish followed by Tony Moly and Skin 79 Hot Pink. All three give a dewy look with light to medium coverage. Oil control is best seen with Tony Moly followed by the hot pink and orange varieties of Skin79. Still, Tony Moly is most affordable at 748 Php/45ml tube compared to both varieties of Skin 79 at 1,000 Php/40gm flask. 

Overall, I think the hot pink variety doesn't really match my skin type. I guess it suits those who are blemish free since it only offers minimal coverage and layering doesn't make it look any better. I will continue using it everyday but I have to say I won't be repurchasing once it runs out. I do recommend it to those who don't need much concealing and are willing to shell out a little more. So have you tried Skin79? Do share your thoughts on the comments section below. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!

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SKIN79: Super Beblesh Balm

Hey guys! Don't you just love it when the sky is clear? I admit to having a love and hate relationship with the sun. I love a sunny day but I also hate the sun's harmful rays which is why I never leave home without my umbrella and sunblock. Thank heavens there are so many products in the market that offer protection from UV rays like BB Creams. 

I've tried different brands like Shu Uemura, Clinique, Dr. Jart, Neutrogena, Missha, Tony Moly, L'oreal, Garnier, Too Cool for School, Maybelline and Celeteque (wheh!) but the BB cream I've always wanted to try is Skin79 Hot Pink. I've read a lot of great reviews on Skin79 but because this brand is not widely available in Manila and there are so many fake versions being sold out there, I never got around to buying one.

Several months ago, I came across Suesh Cosmetics' website and saw that they're selling Skin79 BB creams in full and trial sizes. I've been to their Trinoma outlet countless times but trial sizes were always out of stock. Last week when I met a friend for coffee, I tried my luck for the nth time and dropped by their stall. When the sales rep said they have trial sizes of the Skin79 BB Plus (orange), I asked right away what makes it different from the Hot Pink variety. She said the only difference is the higher SPF. I really didn't need much convincing since I've been waiting too long to try it and besides, the tiny tube was only 150 Php so I finally bought one. 

The Skin79 Beblesh Balm trial size comes in a small orange tube with a twist off cap. 

The back of the tube shows that it has SPF 50+ PA+++ for protection against UV rays.

I actually like the squeeze type tube with a narrow nozzle to carefully dispense the product and prevent wastage. I also like carrying this around in my bag for quick touch ups.

The Skin79 Plus BB has a creamy texture and a very subtle scent that's almost undetectable. It spreads easily and the formula seems to melt immediately upon application. It gives you an instant pearly white finish which I guess is expected of products with high spf. Although it initially gives off a white cast, it blends eventually with your complexion giving you a healthy glow. It may appear a bit shiny but you may balance it off with a finishing powder. 

Image courtesy of lifelittletales

Remember, when using BB creams don't slather a generous amount in a single application. Instead, squeeze out a pea size, dab it around your face using your finger tips then spread either  in a swiping or patting motion. You can layer it if you think you need more coverage but be careful not to overdo it. Chances are you will achieve your desired look without the ghostly cast if you do it this way. You'll notice being oily after about 2 hours of use but a little finishing powder is all you need to control it. Staying power is quite disappointing with obvious fading after 4 hours. 

Now let's see how the Skin79 Plus BB fairs compared to my all time favorite BB creams, Tonly Moly Luminous Goddess Aura and Clinique Age Defying.

In terms of color and consistency, Skin79 is more similar to Tony Moly Goddess Aura, both having a subtle yellow undertone and creamy texture unlike Clinique which gives a rosy white hue and has a runny consistency. All three spread effortlessly with Clinique drying off the fastest followed by Skin79 and Tony Moly. As for the white cast, well I've come to realize that it actually depends on the user's complexion and the amount of product used. 

All three don't give out a ghostly cast when used sparingly but I have to mention that Skin79 seems to appear the fairest. It also appears as dewy as Tony Moly unlike Clinique which has a matte finish. All three offer light to medium coverage while oil control is best when using Clinique followed by Skin79 and Tony Moly. In terms of price, Tony Moly is the most affordable at 748 Php/45 ml tube followed by Skin79 which retails for 1,000+ Php/40 gm bottle and Clinique which is around 1,850 Php/40 ml tube. 

Image courtesy of Skin79

Overall, I really like the Skin79 Plus Beblesh Balm and I will definitely buy a full size bottle when the tube runs out. I do recommend it to those who want to try a really good BB cream. If you're on a tight budget, I suggest you go with the trial size and decide whether to get the full size later. You may buy the trial size at any Suesh outlet store or if you're from Q.C. and have time to spare on October 4 and 5, go to Il Terrazo, Tomas Morato, Q.C. and restock your beauty essentials at the Beauty Fair 2013 from 12NN to 9PM. Thank you so much for reading and have a beautiful day! 

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TONY MOLY: Luminous Aura BB Cream + CC Cream Limited Edition Set

Hey guys! I recently ran out of my ultimate favorite BB Cream, Tony Moly's Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream and since I haven't found another brand that's as good, I decided to repurchase my 3rd bottle. 

I was suppose to get the full size but when I saw this limited edition Luminous Aura BB & CC Special Set, I just couldn't let it go away and purchased it instead.

Both products are housed in a pretty cylindrical tube with a twist off cap. 

At the back you will see the date when the products were manufactured and these were made in June 2013. 

The set contains a 30 ml bottle of Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream which looks very compact compared to the full size that comes in a bulky 45 ml bottle. I love that it's small enough to fit in your kikay kit or bring with you to travel. Speaking of which, I will definitely travel with this tube on my next trip. 

The Luminous Pure Aura CC Cream in the set also contains 30 ml of the product while the full size comes in a 50 ml bottle with a pump.

The Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream has a nice soft texture which spreads effortlessly on your skin. It doesn't leave a grey or ghostly cast, instead it gives a luminous effect which makes your skin glow. It may appear a shade lighter than your skin tone but it eventually adapts to your complexion giving you a natural dewy finish. It offers medium coverage over skin imperfections but the formula is so buildable that a fuller coverage can be achieved. Layering this might be a little risky because you might end up looking really white, so use it sparingly and just add a bit of concealer for darker blemishes. You may get a little oily on your T-zone in the middle of the day but nothing that an oil blotter or finishing powder can't control. It stays on the entire day without caking and it's gentle enough to use everyday without irritating your skin. 

The Tony Moly Luminous Pure Aura CC Cream initially looks creamy white then transforms into a natural shade once you spread it on your skin. It doesn't leave a white cast but only offers light coverage over skin imperfections. It brightens up your face and has a dewy finish which may look a little greasy over time. Staying power isn't too impressive when used alone but stays longer and looks more natural when paired with a BB Cream. 

Both products look good on my skin but the BB Cream looks better on its own. It also spreads more easily and looks more natural than the CC Cream. Staying power is also longer with better oil control in the middle of the day. The BB Cream is also more affordable at 748 Php compared to the CC Cream which retails for 948 Php. If you're still torn between getting a BB or CC Cream, why not get both? I highly suggest you get this set to try both of them at the same time for just 948 Php. This limited edition set is available at all Tony Moly branches nationwide. Thanks for reading and have great week ahead!

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