Hey guys! When it comes to makeup tools, I usually stick to what works for me and not buy another brand until the one I'm currently using gets busted or lost. I've been using my Shu Uemura eyelash curler for 3 years before the silicone lash pad was split in two and since it came with a replacement pad, I'm looking forward to the next 3 years before I let it go. Don't get me wrong, I love to try different brands but I usually allocate my budget according to my immediate need. This is why I totally appreciate being given stuff I've lined up in my head to try next. A good friend recently travelled to Japan and gave me the Shiseido eyelash curler as a gift. 

What's in My Makeup Bag

Hey guys! I guess most of you will agree with me when I say that it's really interesting to know what other ladies keep in their makeup bags. I think these types of hauls are very honest and truly reliable.  Besides, no one would even bother keeping a product in their stash if it doesn't do wonders right? Come to think of it, I've had this blog running for almost four years now but I can't seem to remember ever doing a what's-in-my-makeup-bag post. Well, it's never too late to do one so read on and find out what I love bringing with me all day, everyday. 

SASA: Shu Uemura S Curler Dupe

Hey guys! I've been wanting to try Shu Uemura's S Curler for the longest time but the price has kept me from buying one. Good thing a friend who recently travelled to Hong Kong found me a dupe from Sasa. 

This post is just a quick review on this new tool, the KOJI Eyelash Curler which looks and functions pretty similar with the S Curler.  

This tool is housed in a hard plastic box and as you can see on the back it only retails for HK $49 or 300 Php.

If you're not familiar with the Shu Uemura S Curler, there's a really big possibility you'd mistake this tool for a tweazer. 

Above image shows that the S Curler dupe looks smaller compared to a regular eyelash curler. 

It may also look peculiar since the portion intended to curl your lashes is quite narrow but the innovative design allows you to curl hard to reach lashes like those on the inner corners of your eyes. The downside is it takes a while until you get your desired look since you have to go around each eye 3 times. 

See how it looks so tiny compared to the regular eyelash curler? I was also concerned about getting my eyes poked when I first tried this tool but I eventually got the hang of it. Best tip I can give you is to let the metal part rest on your eyelids then curl away. You also need to use this tool carefully because it tends to pluck some of your lashes.

This eyelash curler came with a spare rubber. You can see it only spans 1 centimeter so if you have wider eye lids you may need to go around your lashes more than several times. 

Here's a comparison shot to give you a better idea of the size.

Overall, I think this tool is quite promising. I love that the design allows you to curl hard to reach areas like the corners of the eye. It effectively curls your lashes once you get accustomed to the proper way of using it. Sadly, I can't highly recommend it to everyone especially busy ladies who want a speedy morning ritual. This tool might frustrate you when you're in a hurry because it takes a little more time to use. It's not at all a bad tool because you can still use it with your regular curler although using it alone is a totally different story. 

I can't say for sure if the Shu Uemura S Curler does a better job but I'll keep you posted once I get the chance to try it. So what are your thoughts? Do share them with me on the commnets section below. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

♥♥♥

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

♥♥♥

Small Wonders

Hey everyone! I've been trying to reconstruct my finances in the past few weeks and haven't been buying any beauty related products to give way to more important stuff. I rummaged through my stash and it really looked as if I saved for the rainy days. I still have several bottles, jars and tubes of cleansers, moisturizers, BB creams and body lotion enough to last me months. Now I don't have any excuse (darn it) to break my thrift mode. I've also accumulated quite a lot of trial sizes from various giveaways and beauty boxes that I plan on bringing with me when I reconquer the Lion City in August. 

Among the array of samples these are my most favorite and are likely to be consumed even before I get the chance to bring them with me on vacation. 

Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Cleansing Oil (50 ml) 

I got this with two other Shu Uemura products as part of the Summer Fresh Set from Taste Central. It originally retails for 2,800 PhP and was discounted by 70% at 840 PhP. There are no words to describe how I adore cleansing oils from Shu Uemura and this particular variant has proven itself worthy of such admiration. I love the pleasant scent and light weight formula. It gives a smooth feeling when massaged on your face and rinses off easily leaving your skin supple without a trace of oiliness. Most importantly, it effectively cleanses your skin free of makeup and dirt. A few drops is enough to cover your face so this trial size will probably last me a while. 

Clinique Turnaround Instant Facial Masque (15 ml)

I got this from last year's Clinique Bonus Time and I have to admit I didn't know how to use it then. I was still acquainting myself to the brand when I got it so I thought it was just a regular no-rinse face mask. Later on, I found out it is indeed a face mask but you need to leave it on and rinse off after five minutes. It also doubles as a facial scrub because it's packed with micro beads. I like how it makes my skin feel clean and smooth after each use. You will also notice specks of glitter on your skin which I really don't mind because they visibly brighten up my face. You may use this up to thrice a week but if you have sensitive skin, you might want to lessen frequency of use.

Shu Uemura Tsuya Skin Youthful Radiance Generator (7 ml)

This serum was included in the Summer Fresh Set from Taste Central. It has a distinct scent but I can't put my finger on it exactly. It's not at all unpleasant and it goes off after a few minutes of application. It has a runny consistency and a few drops is enough to cover your entire face. The serum applies easily and gets absorbed almost immediately. It feels light and smooth on your face and doesn't leave a greasy finish. I've used it several times at night and I always wake up to a well hydrated face in the morning. It didn't break me out or cause any type of skin reaction.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream (14 g)

This came free with purchase a year ago. I've actually consumed the original content and refilled it several times. It has the consistency of a lotion and it feels like it doesn't get absorbed quickly so you might want to wait a while if you want to top it with a primer or BB Cream. It looks a little shiny at first which is why I only use it at night. I love that it can instantly make your skin feel smooth and silky and it locks in moisture so you wake up to a well hydrated skin.

Clinique All About Eyes Rich (5 ml)

I also got this from Clinique Bonus Time last year and it has become an instant favorite. It effectively moisturizes your under eye areas without causing irritation. As for the whitening effect, I haven't noticed any significant changes after using it for more than a month but I will continue using it and see what happens.

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24 Day Cream (5 ml)

This cream came in my November BDJ Box last year. It has a pleasant scent, feels light on your skin and gets absorbed easily. I like that it leaves my skin moisturized without feeling and looking greasy. I would've liked it better if it came with a higher spf. 

So there you go, trial products you shouldn't ignore or toss aside. You may have collected some so don't just leave them lying around to spoil. Who knows, you might find something really good from sample sizes. Besides, great things can come from small packages. 

♥ ♥ ♥

SHU UEMURA: Revolutionary BB Perfector Set

Hey everyone! A few months back I saw new Shu Uemura products being offered via Taste Central and boy was I excited to see the magic word "BB" on one of them. I initially saw the offer a little late so they had no more stocks of the Revolutionary BB Perfector Set. Good thing I signed up for wait list so I got my own set when they restocked.

There's the familiar huge box which I guess is their standard package for any product they deliver.

Inside is the Shu Uemura Revolutionary BB Perfector Set carefully packed in bubble wrap and the product invoice with discount coupon in a nice envelope.

The set consists of the Stage Performer BB Perfector Skin Smoothing Beauty Cream and a Sheer Face Powder.

This Shu Uemura Stage Performer BB Perfector Skin Smoothing Beauty Cream (wheh!) comes in a 10 ml sample tube.

I'm not too crazy about the packaging though it's quite okay since it's in sample size, I'm still hoping the full size container isn't as crappy. The texture isn't too thick and can be applied easily on your face. I love that you don't need a special tool or applicator to achieve a flawless finish because the product spreads effortlessly and blends well with your skin. 

It has light to medium coverage so you may still need a concealer for darker blemishes. Staying power is quite impressive when used alone or under a setting powder because it lasts for 6 hours without caking. I noticed a bit of it coming off in the area where my eye glasses' nose pads rest on my nose bridge but other than that I have no major complaints. It only comes in one shade so I'm really lucky it matches my complexion. It also has a pleasant scent which becomes almost undetectable after application.

The set includes a sheer face powder housed in a container with a puff applicator. I love that it's small enough to fit in any pouch making it perfect to carry around. The powder has a very fine texture which reminds me so much of the Ben Nye Luxury Powder. It spreads easily and blends well with your skin. First time I used it on top of the Stage Performer BB Perfector Skin Smoothing Beauty Cream, it looked really good but I noticed caking under my eyes after about 3 hours. 

I wanted to see if which among the duo is more responsible for caking so I used them separately with other products. The cream lasted a good 6 hours with very minimal caking when used with the Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder while the Shu Uemura sheer face powder looked good with my Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream but had visible caking on the forehead and under eye areas after 3 hours. 

Overall, I think both products are worth trying but there are other brands that can offer the same or even better results with lesser cost. However, if you're really into trying out new stuff but lack the budget of getting the full size like me, you may get this sample set instead from Taste Central and decide later whether to get the full size. As for me, I won't be purchasing the full size but if given the opportunity to get at least one, I'd choose the Stage Performer BB Perfector Skin Smoothing Beauty Cream and use it with my Ben Nye instead of the Shu Uemura finishing powder.

This  discount coupon was also included with the package so those who would like to continue using the products may buy them at 10% off the regular price. Now that's a good deal! 

♥ ♥ ♥ 

TASTE CENTRAL: Good Taste Has Definitely Arrived

I've been a member of Deal Grocer since early 2011 but it was only a week ago when I learned of their official retail partner named Taste Central. Good thing I'm subscribed to Deal Grocer's email alerts because I  was able to get dibs on Taste Central's hottest promo.

Image courtesy of tastecentral.com

This is Shu Uemura's iconic Perfect Poreless Set consisting of (from L to R) the Porefinist Gentle Foaming Cleansing Water, Tsuya Youth Generator Essence and UV Under Base Poreraser Mousse. The set originally costs 2,500 PhP and it's really a steal for 750 PhP if you buy it from Taste Central so no wonder it was sold out immediately. I really didn't have my eye on this one but I'm getting a little tempted especially after realizing that the Porefinist Gentle Foaming Cleansing Water is Shu Uemura's newest cleanser that claims to remove all impurities to visibly tighten pores.

Image courtesy of tastecentral.com

Now this Skin Radiance Set is what I wanted to buy but was also out of stock. I wouldn't be surprised because the Whitefficient Brightening Cleansing Oil alone is a surefire hit. Also included are the Tsuya Youth Generator Essence and UV Under Base Whitefficient Mousse. They also marked the price down by a whopping 70%, from 2,500 PhP to 750 PhP. What I love about Taste Central is they give you an option to include items in a wait list so they can notify you when stocks become available. They actually restocked this the last time I checked so you might want to get your hands on them before they run out again. You may click here to connect to Taste Central.

Image courtesy of tastecentral.com

Luckily this Summer Fresh Set was available so I didn't think twice in ordering. It has the Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil, Tsuya Youth Generator Essence and UV Under Base Tsuya Youthful Radiance Mousse. This set is originally 2,800 PhP and was discounted by 70% at 840 PhP. Although it costs a little higher than the other sets, seeing the products included got me sold right away. I'll be posting a separate review on this set in one of my future entries.

Overall, this is probably the best skin care deal I've ever seen and availed. I love that nowadays we get to try high end skincare products without causing a dent on our budget thanks to excellent and tasteful online deals provided by Deal Grocer and Taste Central. Not a member yet? Click here to be one and start opening your horizons to exquisitely amazing deals.

 ♥ ♥ ♥

Wish Box

Hi everyone! I've been thinking of a year end special entry and I thought of doing Mykikaystuff 2012 Favorites by having a run down of my top products from different categories. But when beauty boxes emerged and became talk of the town since October of this year, I've been thinking what would it be like if I was to create my own beauty box. So I decided to do just that! Hold your horses, I'm not doing this for real. I just want you to know what products I would love to include in a beauty box if I were to make one.

Just a heads up, products I've assembled in this imaginary box may be a little over the top since most of them are my ultimate favorites. I call it Wish Box, very appropriate for it contains every product a girl like me would wish for.

This box originally contains a set of perfume and lotion from Gilly Hicks. I just positioned the bow to cover the label and made my own using the A+ Signature app from my Ipad.

Since this is just a make believe box, I went all out and included all the stuff I use on a regular basis and some that I think are worth mentioning. If you're subscribed to BDJ Box or Saladbox or have seen reviews on them, you would notice that none of the products in my Wish Box have been included in any of them.

This might also serve as a suggestion box so people behind these beauty boxes may have an idea on what other products we subscribers wish to recieve every month.

I assembled this Wish Box keeping in mind that I can include any product I like. So I reviewed my daily routine and chose the products as I would use them.

The Shu Uemura Whitefficient cleansing oil is a recent favorite and has become a mainstay in my daily routine. I got to try this via Sample Room and I've been hooked since then. It effectively removes all traces of makeup and accumulated dirt leaving your skin fully cleansed and feeling supple without being greasy.

Clinique mild liquid facial soap is one of my favorite facial cleansers because it truly matches my dry combination skin type. It adequately cleanses without drying your skin and leaves it feeling fresh and dirt free. 

The Floria Hydra Energy toner is one of the best products of Tony Moly. This watery gel type toner removes remaining dirt after cleansing your face. It doesn't dry your skin, instead it locks in moisture hence improving skin texture.

Clinique dramatically different moisturizing lotion maintains optimal moisture for dry and dry combination skin leaving it feeling soft and smooth. It doesn't cause any skin irritation or break outs. True to its name, this moisturizer dramatically improves your skin with continued use.

Celeteque DermoScience Brightening Eye Tuck plus Dark Circles Lightener instantly hydrates the skin around your eyes leaving them moisturized without looking puffy. It lightens your under eye giving it a brighter appearance. It's mild enough to use everyday and it promises to deliver results in 4 weeks. I actually got it free from Sample Room, you may click here for a detailed review.

Garnier Pure Active anti-imperfections roll-on is ideal for acne prone skin because it has antibacterial ingredients that can fight emerging and active pimples. It also has dual action formula that can eliminate blackheads and remove skin imperfections. I use this on emerging and active pimples because they dry faster and don't darken as much. 

Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream sits at the top of my list among the array of BB creams I've used. It glides smoothly on application and blends well with your complexion. It has a creamy texture that doesn't cake over time. It provides medium coverage and it leaves your skin with a bright dewy finish. Click here to see my previous review.

The Body Shop all-in-one face base has a fine texture that feels light and comfortable on your skin. This offers light to medium coverage and has a matte finish that looks natural without caking. It doesn't dry your skin or cause irritation and break outs. Click here to know more about this product.

Wet n' Wild Color Icon Knock on Wood is so pigmented that you only need a few strokes to achieve a rich display of color. It gives just the right amount of shimmer to give you a glowing finish. The colors are wearable on any occasion from a simple day look to a dramatic evening look.

Tony Moly Cat's Wink Mascara enhances the volume and length of your lashes with just a few strokes. It dries almost instantly and doesn't feel heavy on your lashes. It doesn't irritate the eyes and can be easily removed by a cleansing cloth.

Tony Moly Berry Berry magic lip tint is my ultimate favorite lip product. It visibly stains your lips giving it a healthy glow. It has decent staying power and touch-ups are quite unnecessary except after a meal or drink. I've been using this for 9 months now but the pot still looks full so this will definitely last long.

Kleenex oil blotter is an effective product that removes excess oil leaving your skin feeling fresh after each use. It doesn't irritate your skin and offers a quick fix in the middle of the day when it tends to get oily. 

Organix Moroccan Argan penetrating oil restores shine and softness as it strengthens your hair. It also provides you with perfectly moisturized and silky straight hair that looks great and smells divine.

Sally Hansen Maximum Growth nourishing nail color effectively reinforces soft, bitten, weaken or thin nails protecting them from further damage. It also visibly lengthens the nails faster in just one week. The natural color of this polish makes it wearable on any occasion. 

This concludes my Wish Box, a fantasy box containing all the stuff that I love and hope to be featured in beauty boxes soon. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did rounding up the products included in this box. 

What about you? Have you ever thought of making your own beauty box? Share your thoughts and let's all dream big together. After all, some dreams do come true. Spread the joy and have a happy holiday everyone!

♥ ♥ ♥