What I love about the BB Cream craze is that a lot of skin care companies have joined in and launched their own versions. One good thing about this is, as the new ones come out, they just keep getting better in terms of formulation, packaging, availability and retail price.

Just recently, I got the Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream with spf 15 in light to medium. I didn't use it immediately since I still have my Tony Moly luminous aura goddess BB cream and I just recently opened L'oreal white perfect BB cream. But a week ago, I gave in, finally tried it and I was in awe at how amazing this product is.

 

It comes in a 75ml squeeze type tube which I think is pretty generous for its tag ($11.99) and a little goes a long way so you can be sure it will last you months and you're getting your money's worth. It has a light creamy texture which spreads effortlessly on your skin. This product, by far, is the easiest to apply compared  to other BB creams I've tried. 

Garnier BB Cream immediately after application.

Garnier BB Cream after blending

I love the way it instantly moisturizes your skin and leaves it looking healthy, fresh and well hydrated. Most BB creams give you a matte finish while others give you just a natural look but Garnier leaves your skin with a soft, dewy finish. It offers light to medium coverage and has spf 15 so you might want to use this with a concealer for darker spots and a sunscreen with higher spf. 

For me, I think this is perfect for normal to combination skin but I'm not so sure it will benefit those with oily skin. I have combination skin and so far, my T-zone doesn't look greasy after a few hours of application. This formula doesn't cake or become greasy over time. Most importantly the shade light to medium goes well with my skin tone. The only problem I have with this product is availability in the local market. Garnier hasn't released this in Manila yet but I do hope they make this available soon.

Over all I highly recommend this product especially to newbies when it comes to BB creams. This is also available in medium to deep for those with morena or darker skin.

NOTES:

• All products mentioned in this entry are personal preferences and purchases and are not intended for any form of advertisement.

My Kikay Kit Essentials

I am the type of girl who doesn't mind carrying almost everything in my bag. I hate it when I can't find something I need and realize I left it at home. This holds true to my clinic accessories, reading and writing materials, gadgets and most importantly my touch up bag or kikay kit as most of us fondly call it. 

It's been my routine to bring all the stuff I use on my face in the morning. These things include  toner, moisturizer, powder, makeup palette, makeup brushes, lip balm, lipstick, oil blotter, mirror, tweezers, nail cutter, cotton and q-tips. Needless to say, that's quite more than a few pieces and though most of them are in travel sizes, they still take up much space in my bag. I never realized I could cut down on them until one day when I accidentally left my kit and all I had in my bag was a lip tint and a comb. My first reaction was how on earth will I go through the day without my touch up kit? But surprisingly, I did survive with just 2 among the array of things I bring everyday.

Though I still find myself stuffing my kit with things I could leave home without, I am happy to say that in the past days I am able to survive carrying only a small pouch containing just the essentials. So without editing out a single thing, I snatched my kikay kit from the bag I used yesterday to show you my never-leave-home-without beauty essentials.

This is a nice pouch I got as a freebie from Clinique Trinoma when I bought their eye serum and loose powder. It actually came with other free Clinique trial products like the turnaround concentrate and instant facial masque, superdefense moisturizer with SPF 25/PA+++ and high impact lipstick with SPF 15 in RSVPink.

Anyway, the size of this pouch is already an achievement for me because my previous kit is twice larger than this. This kikay kit holds all of the following essentials to get me through the day.

(1) Clinique derma white brightening loose powder in translucent glow (20 g) is the powder I prefer bringing because it's perfect for touch-ups. It comes with its own application brush and it does miracles by restoring your skin's radiant glow.

(2) Physicians Formula happy booster glow and mood boosting blush in rose (7 g) is the blush I use for touch ups during humid days because it livens up your complexion while keeping it oil free.

(3) Smashbox O-Glow intuitive cheek color (15ml) is my other go-to blusher especially during the cold season when my skin tends to look dry. This happens because low temperatures deplete the skin its natural lipid layer which keeps it from drying out. The gel based formula not only gives you a natural blush but it also helps moisturize your skin. Click here to see my previous review on this.

(4) The Body Shop brush on bronze (23 g) is my all time favorite bronzer. These are small meteorites intended for the entire face but I've been using this as an eye shadow and I love the way the color matches my dark eyelids. I never thought I'd find the right shade that best suits me until I got to try this.

(5) The Body Shop tweezers perform really well when it comes to grabbing even the shortest hair. The chiseled edges are also perfect for removing fine hair without any breakage. It comes in a small pouch so you won't have to worry about scratching the containers of other beauty products in your kikay kit.

(6) She Uemura eyelash curler is the only tool I love using for my short and sparse eyelashes. Click here for my separate review on this must have item. 

(7) Tony Moly magic blossom mascara is another favorite that I discovered just recently. It gives your lashes just the right length and volume without smudging and flaking over time. Click here for a full review.

(8) Vaseline lip therapy in cherry (10 g) is one of my recent favorites when it comes to preventing and treating dry, chapped lips. It's in a small squeeze type tube, has a soft texture that spreads smoothly on your lips and gives off a subtle cherry taste. 

(9) Tony Moly berryberry magic lip tint has totally raised the bar on quality lip products in the market. This affordable yet high performing brand has proven that not all products that work come with a hefty price. You may click here for a detailed review.

(10) Kleenex oil control film has replaced my old brand in the past years. This surprisingly affordable oil blotter leaves your face oil free and fresh after each use.

(11) Hello Kitty lip brush has proven to be an effective tool for me since I started using it with my Vaseline lip therapy. The soft bristles work well by spreading lip products evenly and easily. This came with other make up brushes in a cute set which I got as a gift. Please click here to read my review on this as part of the set.

(12) Goody compact mirror is truly a must have for every kit. As the name implies, this is a small compact containing a regular mirror and a magnifying mirror essential to all kikay kits.

There you have it, a list of the things I consider essentials in my kikay kit (plus a mini review on each). Though I still have more than a few things cramped in my bag, believe me, this is far better then what I used to stuff my kit with. How about you? What are your kikay kit essentials? 

NOTES:

• Products in this entry: 
• Clinique derma white brightening loose powder in translucent glow (20 g) from Clinique kiosk in Trinoma, Php2,100 ($49)
• Physicians Formula happy booster glow and mood boosting blush in rose (7 g) from Ulta, buy 1 take 1 promo, Php 515.57 ($11.99)
• Smashbox O-Glow intuitive cheek color (15ml) from Beauty Bar Trinoma, Php 1,350 ($31.39)
• The Body Shop brush on bronze (23 g) from The Body Shop in SM North Edsa, Php 900 ($21)
• The Body Shop tweezers from The Body Shop in SM North Edsa, Php 555 ($12.90)
• Shu Uemura eyelash curler from Shu Uemura kiosk in Trinoma, Php 1,090 ($25)
• Tony Moly magic blossom mascara from Tony Moly in SM North Edsa, Php 370 ($8.60)
• Vaseline lip therapy in cherry (10 g) from Landmark in Trinoma, Php 75 ($1.74)
• Tony Moly berryberry magic lip tint from Tony Moly in SM North Edsa, Php 198 ($4.60)
• Kleenex oil control film from Landmark in Trinoma, Php 99 ($2.30)
• Hello Kitty lip brush as part of a set from Sephora, Php1,075 ($25)
• Goody compact mirror from SM North Edsa, Php 99 ($2.30)
• Price of each product may have changed over time.
• All products mentioned in this entry are personal preferences and are in no way intended to be used for any type of advertisement.

Something New

I just want to tell you about this product I got as a gift from my cousin (Raquel/Bebeh) that I'm loving so much! Guardian body milk spray with sunflower and silk which comes in a 250ml spray bottle.

What the label says:

          Guardian body milk spray is enriched with sunflower oil, hydrolyzed silk extract and vitamin E. It is non-greasy while revitalizing and moisturizing skin with subtly scented unique sunflower aroma that invigorates and refreshes.

What I say:

          I have never seen anything like this before and after using it for the first time, it became an instant favorite. It also made me wonder why it took so long for a product like this to be released in the market. This was on sale when my cousin bought it from Guardian in Singapore. Guardian is a health and beauty store which resembles Watson's here in Manila.

It's no secret that milk has been used as a skin care product since Cleopatra's era and this is why several labels have developed different vehicles that promote milk as a main component. Bar soaps, body soaks and lotion are the most common milk based products available, but I have never encountered a body milk spray.

It gives off a clean, fresh scent, instantly hydrates your skin and keeps it moisturized without feeling greasy. Sure there are tons of others like this that give the same benefits but what made this particular product stand out from the the rest include ease of application and great value for your money.

Though this product doesn't offer sun protection, I still love it and I do recommend it to those who want to maintain a healthy skin in an affordable and effective way.

NOTES:

• You might want to use this as an alternative to body oil.
• If you use this during the day, don't forget to top it with a sunblock since this doesn't offer sun protection. I use Belo Essentials sunscreen lotion with spf 15 but as recommended you might want to use one that offers at least an spf 30.
• Products that work for me may not work in the same manner with others, it all boils down to individuality, finding the right product that best matches your skin.
• Products mentioned in this entry are all personal preferences and are in no way intended for advertisement.

Hello Kitty Brush Set

          No matter how old you get, there will always be a child within you. In my case, the child within me never fails to show up at the sight of Sanrio's most loved character, Hello Kitty. Though Hello Kitty's style and looks evolved in the past years, it still managed to maintain its charisma not only on little girls but big girls as well.

          In the past, Hello Kitty products are limited to stuffed toys, stationery and school accessories, but now, you wouldn't be surprised to find jewelries, cosmetics, apparels, gadgets, appliances, even food, bearing the famous Hello Kitty logo. 

        Of course, being an avid follower, I have accumulated a few HK stuff as well but none of them compares to what I got as a gift from my fiance. 

Seriously, what could be more adorable than this? I love it just the way it is, a 3D image of my favorite character in a shiny white pearl finish.

It actually took me a while to unbox this because I was still admiring the packaging. It was securely placed in a sturdy transparent box with its base snugly tucked into place. 

The texture is comparable to a perfectly applied nail polish and the head can be turned freely towards both directions. If you're an avid fan too, I know what you're probably thinking.. Could this get any better?.. YES!!!

Inside is a 5-piece brush set in travel size. The brush handles come in light blue and silver, not the typical pink color that you expect from Hello Kitty, but they look cute just the same. 

The set has one face brush, 3 eye brushes and a lip brush. I also love the way each brush is labeled with Hello Kitty on one side and their specific function on the opposite side.

This one's obviously a  face brush which can be used as a powder brush and blush brush. You can also use it for contouring or highlighting. The fibers are so densely packed that you wouldn't believe it's in travel size.

The eyeshadow brush has the right volume and thickness that can easily pick the color from your palette and effectively pack your lids with it in just a few strokes. This also doubles as a blending brush when used upright in a circular motion. 

This brush works well with blending but I find it more useful in applying a contrast highlight on your lid's crease line because of the bristles' tapered edge. I use this to accentuate the color on my lids.

I am not a fan of eye liners but for the sake of doing this review, I tried using this several times and I must say I am impressed with how soft this brush is. Judging by the way the angled brush looks like, I thought the bristles were stiff but they weren't. It did a precise job when used to apply color on the lower lash line.

This lip brush became an instant favorite because it really looks cute in its silver cap. The brush also looks stiff but is really very soft and glides on smoothly when used with lip balms. I also tried using this with lipstick and the color applies evenly with each stroke. What surprised me was the minimal color stain on the bristles which comes off entirely after cleaning with a cleansing towel.   

This product is almost too good to be true for an avid HK fan like me because aside from looking really cute, it also functions exceptionally well. All the brushes are densely packed with soft bristles that glide smoothly on your skin. If you're familiar with make up brushes from The Body Shop, these brushes feel almost exactly the same. This set is also good in terms of brush selection because you can have a complete look with this set alone. Although an extra face brush for applying blush would've made this set all the more complete, over all, I think this set DELIVERS great function with superior quality.

NOTES:

• All products mentioned in this blog are personal preferences and purchases and are in no way intended for advertisement.

Good to the last drop MOISTURIZERS

          I went through all my stuff and decided to throw away a few things I haven't used for a long time. This made me realize how many moisturizers, toners, lotion, makeup, facial wash, soap, shampoo, conditioner (the list goes on) I have that I haven't even opened. Moral lesson is never buy a product you don't need YET (good luck on that). Though I found products that were barely used, there were also some containers I found totally empty. So I decided to group them together and share my thoughts and personal reasons why they made it to my "good to the last drop" list.

CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE

          This moisturizer was given to me by a good friend (Honey) and since the day I opened this jar I never failed using it everyday. This is a gel like product that feels cool on your face. It doesn't feel heavy and it has a fresh scent. When I use this the night before, my skin feels so hydrated and smooth the next morning.

OLAY Regenerist Night Firming Cream

          I bought this ages ago and didn't have the heart to dispose the empty jar because it was too cute. Anyway, the content is actually as impressive. It has a thick consistency which reminds me of the texture of body butters. I can't really tell if it reduced fine lines on my face but since I started using this it somehow made my skin feel more supple.

OLAY Total Effects Serum

          Before the release of Olay's Regenerist line, this was my very first night moisturizer. It became my instant favorite because it really gives VISIBLE results. This product improved my skin's over all appearance. It instantly feels soft on your skin and it locks in just the right amount of moisture without the greasy feeling.

OLAY Regenerist Superstructure Cream (SPF 30)

          This was the very first Regenerist line I bought and though it's more expensive than the Total Effects line, I still gave it a try. Luckily it worked really good on me with just a single application every morning. Before I went crazy over BB Creams, this was my daytime moisturizer and sunblock. It helped improve my skin tone and protect my skin from UV rays.

GARNIER Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream

          I tried this after reading a guest blog on Miss Emily Eddington's site. Her sister did the review on Garnier's Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector which worked wonderfully on her making her brown spots disappear in just 4 days! Unfortunately, this isn't available locally so I asked Garnier Philippines through their FB page if they can suggest an alternative product and they recommended Garnier Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream. This actually worked well for me because it helped reduce my pimple marks in just a week. It didn't dry off my skin and there were no visible skin peeling even after daily use.

L'oreal Derma Genesis Intensive Night Cream

          This is hands down the best product from L'oreal that I got to try a few years ago. I really have to say I was impressed with the packaging which comes with a flask like body and pump dispenser. The consistency is somehow similar to a thick serum which can be applied smoothly on your face. This product instantly gives your skin a flawless finish which feels like putting on a make-up primer.

THE BODY SHOP Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion

          This is my go to moisturizer whenever I have pimple break outs. It doesn't dry your face, it offers just the right amount of moisture to keep it hydrated. I love the soothing effect that it gives and it doesn't sting when applied on inflamed pimples. The last time I used this was a year ago and it really helped clear my skin.

          I know you might be wondering how on earth do I put on all these moisturizers. Actually, I bought them separately and consumed each one before purchasing the others. I don't use different brands of the same product alternately so I'd know which ones work well with my face. But if you feel like trying out a newly launched product, you may switch instantly but remember to use it everyday for at least a week to see results. Also, it won't hurt if you do a little research before purchasing a product especially those that are quite expensive. Personal reviews or blogs (ehem, ehem) are actually more helpful instead of the package info or advertisements because you really get to hear from people who tried the product first hand.

NOTES:

• I will be posting other good to the last drop reviews on other products in the next days.
• All products mentioned in this blog are personal preferences and purchases and are in no way intended for advertisement.

TONY MOLY: Magic Blossom Mascara

          

I've never blogged about mascaras simply because I don't use one. Though my lashes really need help in terms of volume and length, I just don't think it's really necessary for my everyday look. Another reason is I have trouble using mascaras. 

I don't know if you went through the same phase as I did when you couldn't figure out what technique to use or how many strokes you need to get the best results and in the end it's a little frustrating not being able to do something so simple and basic for others. 

          I was so skeptical about the use of mascara for a long time that I thought I'd never get to own one. Finally, after I got the Shu Uemura eyelash curler, I considered giving it another try and started looking for an affordable mascara that I wouldn't mind giving away if it doesn't look good on me. Luckily I found Tony Moly Magic Blossom Mascara.

"Uniquely shaped brush"

"without mascara.."

"with Tony Moly Magic Blossom Mascara.."

What I LOVE about it:

• The first thing I noticed about this product was the unique shape of the mascara brush. The middle part has a smaller diameter than the edges so the hard to reach lashes in the inner and outer corners can be grasped easily.
• It doesn't irritate the eyes.
• It doesn't build up after several applications.
• It enhances the volume and length of your lashes naturally.
• It dries almost instantly and doesn't feel heavy on your lashes.
• Stays on for more than 8 hours and doesn't smudge or flake over time.
• It can be removed easily with a facial cleansing cloth or eye makeup remover.
• Affordable price.

What I don't LIKE:

• After one week of everyday use, I have no complaints about this product  at all.

Final Verdict:

          If you like adding just the right amount of volume and length to your lashes (like me) for a natural everyday look, you might find this product a must have. But if you're aiming for a more dramatic effect with noticeable lashes that appear much thicker and longer, this is not the right mascara for you. I won't be giving this away after all and will definitely repurchase it once consumed.

NOTES:

• All products mentioned in this blog are personal preferences and purchases and are in no way intended for advertisement.

L'OREAL: White Perfect BB Cream

          BB Creams have really taken the makeup industry by storm. Most cosmetic companies worldwide, both drugstore and high end, have released their own line of BB Creams. Others may not be so thrilled about choosing from a buffet of BB Creams in the market but I actually love and enjoy trying different brands. 

L-R: Missha, Neutrogena, Tony Moly, Shu Uemura, L'oreal, Garnier

          

          Having a lot of choices for me is a good thing because more choices mean more chances of finding the perfect match for my skin. Also, newly released BB Creams usually offer solutions to problems caused by or not addressed by those released earlier and thus can be considered as improved versions.

          Luckily I was able to find my skin's perfect match thanks to Tony Moly's Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream. But my search didn't end there, I still try out other brands as they release new BB Creams. Just recently I got L'oreal White Perfect BB Cream as a gift and I've been using this for more than a week now.

(R) Immediate Swatch

(L) few minutes after blending;

(R) 1 hour after application

What I LOVE about it:

• It comes in a 30 ml squeeze out tube which gives you full control of dispensing just the right amount of product. 
• The size is travel friendly so you can just put it in your makeup pouch. 
• A little amount actually goes a long way, just a pea size is enough to cover your entire face and neck. 
• It has a light creamy texture comparable to that of Tony Moly's Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream that spreads effortlessly.
• It instantly lightens your skin tone and immediately blends with your complexion without giving a gray undertone.
• It has medium coverage which can hide minor skin imperfections and discoloration but this might not be enough to conceal darker spots.
• It gives your skin a moisturized finish without looking greasy.
• It feels very light on your skin and it doesn't cake or crease over time.

What I don't like:

• Though it offers protection from both UVA and UVB, it only has SPF20. You might want to pair this with a primer that has higher SPF so you won't worry about having to reapply it during the day.
• This particular product is not locally available.

I recommend this product  to those of you who:

• want a moisturized and naturally dewy skin
• need medium coverage to hide skin imperfections.
• have less sun exposure and don't need a higher SPF.
• don't mind applying a primer with higher SPF.

RELATED POSTS:

• All About BB Creams
• Not Just Another BB Cream
• My Very First Makeup Primer
• Shu Uemura UV Under Base BB Mousse

NOTES:

• I'll be trying Garnier's BB Cream and will be doing a review on it next time.
• Since Aveeno and Olay (my 2 most favorite brands of moisturizers) haven't joined the band wagon of manufacturing their own BB Cream and they have tinted moisturizers instead, I was thinking of doing a comparison on them soon.
• All products mentioned in this blog are personal preferences and purchases and are in no way intended for advertisement.