Can you believe it's 2018 already? My last post for 2017 featured all my favorite skincare products for that year so if you haven't, please do check it out by clicking this link. I also mentioned that this time I'll be including more categories for my 2017 favorites so now I'm back with this long list of products that made it to the makeup category. If you're into makeup or just about to plunge into the cosmetics world then you're in for a treat.

I have to warn you though that I'm a makeup enthusiast who's into simple everyday makeup and my favorites are based on products I've used so far. If I mention a favorite concealer, it may not be the best among all the ones available in the market. I'm simply featuring the stuff I love to use based on the products I've already tried which may be limited compared to those who live and breathe makeup. With that out of the way, let's continue shall we?

ULTA: beauty haul

Every skincare and makeup junkie out there can understand how thrilled I was after finally stepping inside an ULTA store. I was in awe seeing the display of various brands and products that I literally gasped. There was just too much to see but I had to browse through them quickly since we had to leave for a lunch meeting with friends.  

CURRENT FAVORITES

Hey guys! How was your summer? I hope you enjoyed yours as much as I did mine. Anyway, I thought of doing a monthly post of my favorite products but I don't think I can really commit to that so I'll just make a "current favorites" entry probably every chance I get, hopefully every quarter. 

(L to R) Shiseido Ibuki Purifying Cleanser - Php 1,495 per 125 ml
Avene Thermal Spring Water - Php 900 per 150 ml
Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum - Php 5,650 per 30 ml

I have so many favorites but I narrowed them down to 3 items per category. So let's start with skin care. The Shiseido Ibuki Purifying Cleanser has been my go-to facial wash since I got it at 20% off a couple of months ago. I love how the fine granules feel so delicate on my skin yet very effective in cleansing my face. A little goes a long way so you only need a pea size and you're good to go.

Next is the Avene Thermal Spring Water and I cannot begin to describe how wonderful this product is. It sprays on like mist and feels so refreshing once it touches your skin. This product has been very helpful in hydrating and cooling my skin especially on hot days. I believe I got this at half the price from my last trip to Singapore but they're available in the local drug stores as well.

Last on skin care category is Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum, an absolute favorite of mine among all the White Lucent products of Shiseido. A very effective spot correcting concentrate that helps hasten recovery time from skin discolorations. It may be a little on the expensive side but it's worth every cent. 

(L to R) The Body Shop Organic Cotton Rounds - Php 150 per pack
UCB Refreshing Body Mist - Php 499 per 250 ml
Physiogel Intensive Cream - Php 575 per 50 ml

Now for other body care products, I am loving The Body Shop Organic Cotton Rounds so much that I've been reaching for them every single time. The textured side is best for removing makeup while the flat side is great for applying your toner. 

I ran out of GAP dream cologne and since they're not widely available, I decided to get the next best thing I found in SM North, United Colors of Benetton Refreshing Body Mist in Arousing Watermelon. It has a fresh fruity scent which lasts for about an hour or 2 after you spray it on. I love that it's priced reasonably and that you can choose from a dozen of floral and fruity scents.

Who could resist a product that offers intense hydration? I know I couldn't which is why I'm so thankful for the Physiogel Intensive Cream I got from  BDJ Box. I love that it doesn't feel too greasy and that the moisturizing effect lasts for several hours. I find myself using this often especially when my skin gets really dry around December and January. 

(L to R) Ben Nye Luxury Powder - Php 900 per 85 g
Max Factor Max Effect Lip Gloss - Php 400 per 13 ml
NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil - Php 300 per 0.25 g

As for makeup products, I currently adore Ben Nye Luxury Powder in Cameo. I do have the Banana shade but I've been enjoying how Cameo instantly brightens my under eye areas. I also use this to buffer some of my compact powders that appear darker than my natural color. 

The Max Factor Max Effect Lip Gloss is an amazing discovery for me. I got it for free from Miss Shen's 4th Anniversary Giveaway and I misjudged it thinking it's the same as Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss that can only give your lips a subtle tint with lots of shine but I was wrong. This Max Factor Max Effect Lip Gloss in #14 Rubyliscious is highly pigmented and gives just the right amount of shine. It may not be long lasting but I really don't mind reapplying it.

Next makeup favorite is the NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown. I raved about this before and I'm still raving about it now. I love that it's an eyebrow pencil and brush in one stick. The pencil is tapered hence no need for sharpening and the brush really comes in handy although you can still use other tools like a spoolie for blending. It glides on smoothly and stays on the entire day.

(L to R) Kerastase Elixir Ultimate - Php 2,260 per 125 ml
Paganini Untangler - Php 149
Goody Metal Clip - Php 299 per set of 3 clips

Now for hair care products, I've been obsessed with Kerastase Elixir Ultimate in the past days. I actually forgot I have it for a while and only got to see it last week when I was decluttering my closet. Anyway, this elixir smells heavenly and feels velvety to touch. It may feel a little greasy on first application but it eventually transforms into a silky finish without clumping your hair strands. 

This Paganini Hair Untangler has been my favorite since the day I bought it. You can use it on wet or dry strands and it untangles hair without hurting your scalp. The blunt bristles feel very relaxing and the big handle gives you a nice grip while combing. 

This hair clip from Goody is an all-time favorite. I discovered this small wonder years ago and they don't make one anymore which is really a downer considering how great this clip is. It comes in a set of 3 and has a small and medium size. This one in particular is small and is best used for smaller pony tails. It looks really simple and very classic. You lock it sideways and your hair is clipped neatly into place without tugging the strands. 

(L to R) Freshlook Dailies Illuminate in Rich Brown - Php 800 per box of 5 pairs
EO Sauflon Comfort Drops - Php 95 per 30 ml
Esprit Sunglasses - Php 7,000 

My eye care favorites include Dailies Freshlook Illuminate in Rich Brown. It comes in a box of 5 pairs and I was able to buy one box but a friend recently wanted to try them and found out you can't buy just one box anymore. They are now being sold as a set of 3 boxes. Anyway, I love that these make your eyes pop but in a natural way. They feel really soft, although I find these a little harder to remove than my regular extended lenses. Freshlook recommends this for one time use but I was able to try using them for 2 days. They were still soft and pretty much intact. On the 3rd day, they felt a little weird so I decided to discard them.

The EO Sauflon Comfort Drops has never left my retouch kit for the longest time. I love that it instantly moisturizes my contact lenses without the sting. It instantly refreshes your eyes and removes any residue. Best thing about this is the very affordable price of less than Php 100.

I was told by my Sociology teacher in college to protect my eyes from sun exposure all the time with shades that offer UV protection. I couldn't relate back then because I had prescription glasses and wearing shades wasn't a good idea. Fast forward to graduate school, after learning how to wear contact lenses, I started enjoying the perks of using sunglasses. My current favorite is this Esprit aviator-like glasses. It may look dark in the image but it's light brown under sunlight. I love how it effectively protects my eyes from the glaring rays of the sun especially in the summer. 

Myra e 400 IU - Php10+ per capsule

Another favorite of mine is the Myra e 400 IU supplement which I started using around 2 weeks ago. I noticed having less breakouts and better skin days since I started taking one capsule a day. I may need to use this continuously to see the long term effects but I guess it's been okay so far. 

So that's it! My current favorites from various brands. I do hope I can keep up with a monthly favorites entry to keep you more updated on what products I love. Do we have any favorite products in common? I'd love to know your thoughts so please share them on the comments section below. Thank you for reading and have an awesome week ahead!

♥♥♥

NYX: Powder Blush - Pinched

Hey guys! I recently posted about a good friend who opened her new online shop The Fab Panda and one of the items I bought was the NYX Powder Blush in Pinched.

It comes in a small and simple compact with a transparent cover so you get a glimpse of the shade from outside which is a good thing especially when you're shopping for makeup. Although the inclusion of a blush brush and built-in mirror would've been better for added convenience especially when traveling, I still like the overall packaging.

The blush is beautifully designed, has a very fine texture and feels velvety. It also applies smoothly on your face and can be blended easily for that natural looking radiance. It has good color payoff that you only need to dip your brush lightly to achieve a flushed finish.

It may look a little intimidating from the pan because of the bright peachy pink hue with gold sparkles but it blends quite well with your skin once applied. It instantly gives you a rosy glow without too much sparkle. They say it's a good dupe for the iconic NARS blush in orgasm but I couldn't really say so myself since I haven't tried NARS. It lasted more than 6 hours without retouching and I love how it seem to look more natural towards the end of the day when it fades a little. Good thing this blush didn't irritate my skin or cause pimple break outs. 

Overall, I really love this powder blush from NYX that I recommend it to those of you who want a good quality powder blush without the hefty tag. I got it for only 250 Php from The Fab Panda which is cheaper than those found in department stores. I will definitely buy other NYX powder blushes in the future. Any thoughts on NYX powder blush? Do share them on the comments section below. Thank you for reading and stay pretty! 

♥♥♥

ONLINE SHOPPING: The Fab Panda

Hey guys! A good friend of mine recently opened her new online store thefabpanda.com in time for the new year. Her stocks are directly bought from the US and are items she'd get for herself so expect them to be must-haves.

I immediately signed up for an account the moment I saw the NYX Blush in Pinched among the items being sold. They say that this is a dupe for the much coveted NARS Blush in Orgasm and since I haven't tried that either, getting this affordable blush from NYX seems a good way to start. Expect a full review on this soon.

In all honesty, I wasn't really getting another item because I'm trying to stick to a certain budget in buying makeup. Since I love hand sanitizers especially those from Bath and Body Works and I had to make a purchase of at least 300 Php to qualify for the shop's opening promo, I gave in and added a PocketBac hand gel in Fresh Picked Cherries. As expected, this hand gel smells refreshing with a hint of cherry scent. They feel sticky for a while but dries off immediately. 

Overall, I had a great shopping experience with The Fab Panda. Items were in excellent condition and delivered promptly. So for a stress-free online shopping experience, visit thefabpanda.com now and get a chance to win an amazing price once you purchase at least 300 Php worth of items. Thanks for reading and have a great week ahead!

♥♥♥

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!

♥♥♥

NYX: Jumbo Eye Pencil

 

 

Hey guys! If you read my previous post, you'd know that I recently visited NYX's first official boutique in Manila at The Annex, SM North and got myself a few items including the Jumbo Eye Pencil in bronze. This sleek pencil has garnered great reviews from bloggers and vloggers alike which is why I want to try it personally and see if it's really worth all the raves.

 

It looks like a jumbo pencil with a transparent cap that's not too sturdy because it's only been a few days since I bought it and you can already see cracks near the edge.

The pencil is clearly labeled with the particular shade, manufacturer and list of ingredients. I initially thought the base can be twisted to allow the rest of the product to show up but I was wrong. Just like a pencil, you have to sharpen it once blunted.

I love the tapered tip because it allows you to reach the corners of your eyelids with precision. It slides easily on your skin with minimal tugging and a single layer is enough to bring out a pop of color to your eyes.

Above image shows you that a single coat is enough to see how brilliant the color is. It can also be layered without looking flaky. Blending the color with the use of either your finger tips or blending brush still gives you a nice shade of bronze.

The formula feels waxy on application but it spreads quite easily. It gives a matte finish that you couldn't tell the difference from a powder based eye shadow. Staying power is pretty decent, lasting 6 to 8 hours even without a primer. I love that it's easy and quick to use making it a good choice for makeup newbies, during touch ups or when you're running late and have little time to prepare in the morning. It's reasonably priced at 300 Php but you can get it from online sellers for as low as 195 Php plus shipping. 

Overall, I am so impressed with this product that I recommend it to everyone who wants a fool proof, high quality eye shadow that's affordable and locally available. The NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil is indeed worth all the raves and I will be purchasing other shades soon. So, have you tried any of the jumbo eye pencils? Which shade is your favorite? Tell me all about it on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day

♥ ♥ ♥

NYX: Official Boutique Opens in Manila

 

Anyone who's interested in cosmetics is at least familiar with NYX. I for one have been wanting to own most of their products since I discovered their existence a couple of years ago but unfortunately during that time, they were only available in a few physical shops with limited choices.



Although NYX is widely sold in the internet nowadays, a fair amount of risk is still involved when shopping online for cosmetics. Authenticity tops the list followed by product quality, cost and most importantly, sample swatches seen online may not look the same in person. This is why my world was in suspended animation when I saw this..

 

 

Yes, it's finally here! NYX just opened its very first boutique in the country at the upper ground floor of The Annex SM North Edsa, Quezon City last Friday, July 5. I didn't know about it until this morning when I saw those three iconic letters just as we were headed back to the parking area. I stopped for a moment and all I could think of was to take pictures as if I needed them to prove I'm not dreaming.

The store has a huge area which is really great because I expect it to be always jam packed with customers once the word gets out that they're here. There were only three display shelves, one is located near the entrance and two are placed beside each other near the makeup area. A couple of tables displaying several other products can be found near the cashier in the middle of the store.

The first thing I asked the lovely Sales Assistants was their opening day and I literally gushed with excitement telling them how happy and amazed I was to finally be in a NYX boutique. They were both really nice and encouraged me to look around.

There were a lot of familiar products on display like the Love in Rio eye shadows, Nude on Nude palettes, round lipsticks, The Curve eyeliner, butter glosses and many more! I wanted so much to see everything I ended up circling the entire store more than thrice before finally getting a few stuff I've been itching to try.

If you're wondering why I have two bags, it's because I came back a few minutes after making my first purchase. I figured I wanted more so I got these..

I got the Jumbo Lip Pencil, Jumbo Eye Pencil and AUTO eyebrow pencil for 300 Php each then a Stick Blush for 390 Php. Okay, they seem over priced compared to online sellers but the main advantage is I got to try all of them before purchasing and they all look pretty amazing. I'll be posting a review in the next days so do check back in when you can.

Overall, I love that NYX finally opened a boutique in Manila and is just a mall visit away from us. Now we have the advantage of going through their stuff and trying them before we purchase. The prices are still reasonable but online sellers are still cheaper by a few pesos so if you're pretty sure of which shade of lipstick, eyebrow pencil, blush or eyeshadow you want, you may still buy them from reputable online stores. Otherwise, it's still best to see first what you intend to splurge on. 

How about you? Are you as excited as I am about having a NYX boutique in Manila? Tell me what you think on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

 ♥ ♥ ♥ 

NYX: Nude On Nude Natural Look Kit

Hey guys! I'm on a roll here because I have so many new things I want to share with all of you. I just got 3 new products from Ulta as gifts from my fiance (gotta love his taste) but I'll be reviewing them separately and I'll start off with NYX Nude On Nude Natural Look Kit.

I originally had my eyes on NYX Nude on Nude Palette but it wasn't available in Ulta so the sales rep suggested this, good thing my loving fiance took her word for it. 

I love that this kit is handy but packed with 2 layers of eye makeup and lip products.

The top layer houses nine different shades of eye shadow. Top 3 shades are matte finish while the other 6 have glitters with gold undertones. I tried making swatches but failed in several attempts so you just have to rely on my word that the eye shadow colors are so rich you only need to glide a brush lightly to pick up the right amount of pigment. The colors immediately show and they don't appear too glittery. They don't crease over time and may last you a day without retouching.

The second layer slides open revealing 2 lip products. These weren't labelled but one looks like mahogany red and the other is salmon pink. NYX also included sponge and brush applicators. The lip palette wasn't as great but are decent enough to wear everyday. Mahogany red reminds me of tinted lip balms because of the sheer finish and soft texture while salmon pink is just like your ordinary lip gloss that's not pigmented at all. The makeup tools aren't so bad but I think I'll be using my own set of tools and just reach for these when I need a retouch.

The Verdict? This palette has awesome written all over it. Despite the lip color palette and tools not being as great as the eye shadow palette, I still consider this an amazing kit. What's even better is you can bring this with you anytime to any occassion because the colors are so wearable and the kit is so handy it can fit your smallest purse. This kit also gives you your money's worth since it only retails for $12. The only dowside is they're not locally available but you may order from online sellers like digitaltraincase.com.  

I will be playing around with this kit for a while and try other palettes from NYX in the future. If you're just starting to ease your way into using cosmetics or you're not fond of wearing makeup at all, this is a perfect kit to start with. You will never go wrong with natural shades of makeup in any time of the day and season.

♥ ♥ ♥