Etude House Has Arrived!

The long wait is over! Etude House is finally in MNL! It opened yesterday.

from the outside




makeup!


haul!

romantic stand mirror, Php398
romantic beauty stand, P198
Peach Bloom Brush, Php478
French manicure tip guide, Php28
auto lipliner, Php98
matte eyeshadow in #2, P148
slanted eyeliner brush, P148

freebies:
eyelash curler
pink folder with their endorser

Can I just say wow?! I'm really impressed with their store. Interior wise, the store looks way different from the stores in other asian countries. It lacks that barbie house vibe if you know what I mean. But the prices are very affordable. They're even cheaper here than in Bangkok. Well, I can't say this for all the items. But the price of the bb cream in Bangkok is around Php1000+. But here, it's only about Php600+. Their lipsticks start at Php278 if I remember correctly.

I tried my best not to buy makeup because I already have so much. But I just gotta try at least one of their eyeshadows. Hehe. I passed on their lipsticks cos I really have a lot IMO. Maybe I'll buy next year. I opted for the lipliner instead since I don't have much of that. Their brushes are affordable, too! A stippling brush for less than Php500?!

I'll definitely go back and buy more of their items! That's a promise!

So, girls be sure to visit Etude House! It's located on the 1st floor of SM Megamall Mega A.

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Review: NYX Concealer in a Jar in Beige

Everyone of us is searching for our HG concealer. I've tried several brands - from drugstore to high end brands but I still haven't found my HG concealer. I regularly use MAC select cover-up concealer. It's not my HG concealer but it's the best among the concealers I've tried.

And since I'm on the search, I purchased NYX concealer in a Jar. I've heard many raves about it. And it's about time to see if it's HG potential.

NYX concealer in a Jar in Beige
Php300 at Digitaltraincase




shelf life of 12mos


swatch on my hand


left eye without concealer


left eye with concealer

Pros:
- creamy
- easy to blend
- a little goes a long way
- has a nice smell
- nice packaging
- affordable

Cons:
- cakes/creases easily
- packaging is made of plastic which can cause the concealer to dry up faster than it's supposedly shelf life


Tips:
- always use a clean concealer brush
- do not share this concealer with other as much as possible
- close the lid immediately

Verdict: 3 out of 5


So, is this my HG concealer now? No. The fact that it creases easily is a total turn off to me. I hate having to check my eyes every so often to see if it creases again. However, I really love that it blends so well it's like liquid. I'm using this now though because it only has a shelf life of 12mos and its packaging is the type that would make the concealer dry up. I want to make the most out of my Php300.

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Univers Kaizen Salon

Last night was our company's christmas party at SMX. I wanted to get my hair done but I had only an hour to have it done because the party was supposed to start at 6pm. We were advised to leave work at 4pm. I was thinking of getting my hair done at Bench Fix but there was no branch in MOA. Then I thought of Univers Kaizen Salon.

Who wouldn't be enticed with this salon?

color lab


Zen-like


lounge by the entrance

I originally wanted to curl my hair for the night. But I changed my mind the last minute since most of the ladies from my department curled their hair and wore dresses. So no to curls and dress.

Remember Angelica Panganiban on this year's PMPC Awards?

I so love the hair and makeup. I saved that photo in my phone and showed it to the hair stylist. There was a problem though. I had no photo of what the back of the hair looks like. Haha! The hair stylist, John, suggested a ribbon look for the back of my hair. He styled my hair for me to see it and decided from there if I liked it or what. When he showed it to me, I was like, "Wow, that's nice. I like it!"

drying my hair after shampoo

Apologies for the bad angle of the photos. The person who took those shots is really bad with photography aka as the boyfriend haha! I wasn't able to take photos of my hairdo right after it was done cos I was such in a hurry. Photo were taken 3-4hours after.

Oh yeh, the style of the back of my hair is Miriam Quiambao inspired. That was her hair style on Miss Universe 1998. Front of my hair was still Angelica Panganiban inspired.

The best part about this salon experience is that hair styling is only Php395! Cash comes in handy though cos credit cards are only accepted if your bill is Php1000 and up.

I asked for the pricelist but the receptionist told me that it's only available thru phone inquiry.

Univers Kaizen Salon is located at 2nd Floor South Wing Building of the SM Mall of Asia. You may contact them at 893-5007.


* photos of the salon are taken from StyleBible.ph
** photo of Angelica Panganiban is taken from pep.ph

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Love of Makeup's Giveaway

The items for this Christmas giveaway are:
(drum rolls)

.1. Too Faced - Glamour To Go 2 Pocket Palette
.2. Dior - DiorShow Mascara Black
.3. Fresh - Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15
.4. Missha - Pure Source Sheet Mask (3 sheets)
All together, almost a 75 dollar value.

Visit her site and join now!

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Dollface and Ellana Haul

88 earth color palette

Dollface dual-end brushes

Ellana premium blend mineral foundation in Cafe Mocha

Ellana premium blend mineral foundation in Toffee Mocha

Ellana moisturizing lip tint in Ladylove

Reviews to follow! Promise!

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NYX Lipstick in Perfect as Lipstick of the Week (Dec 7 - 13)

Hello ladies!
Sorry for being MIA lately. December is always a busy month for me. But I will really try to blog as much as I can.

I wasn't able to do a LotW last week because I decided to use Stila convertible color for two weeks straight. Moving on..

NYX lipstick in Perfect
bought at Php220


Perfect on my lips

I have alot of MLBB lipsticks but I've always thought that my Shu Uemura lipstick was the best MLBB lipstick for me. But not until I got a hold of this lipstick. The first time I tried this shade on my lips and looked at the mirror, all I said was "wow, this is perfect." No wonder this lipstick was named Perfect. I'm very sure the boyfriend will love this shade, too. He doesn't like Dolce Vita on me and that's one of my MLBB lipsticks haha! I decided to not put on any makeup when I took the photo so you guys could see how natural looking this lipstick is.

This is not a NYX round lipstick review. For that, click here.

Happy Monday everyone!

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What's in My Travel Makeup Kit?

Charm Travel Pro pouch

Charm slanted eyeliner brush

Charm eye shadow brush

Charm lip brush

Barenaturals concealer brush

Charm slanted blush brush

Barenaturals powder brush

The Face Shop false eyelashes in XLH

Stila sheer pressed powder in light

MAC studio fix foundation plus in NC30

Old Navy eyeliner duo

MAC select cover-up in NC30

MAC smokey eye palette

MAC fluidline in Blacktrack

ELF eyebrow kit

Stila convertible color in Petunia

Shu Uemura corrector in green

Shu Uemera lipstick in 940M

Fashion21 blush in #1

Olay regenerist lip balm

Nars lipstick in Dolce Vita

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DIY: Home Made Brush Cleaner

In case I still haven't emphasized it, I really love Ellana. IMO, they're the best selling mineral makeup here in Manila. They're available in malls and online, they have a wide range of shades to choose from, smooth transaction, photos of the shades are not taken from a high-end traditional makeup brand, and no problems with the products (I have to emphasize this because I had several mishaps with Ellana's rival mmu brand - wrong size of pouch, wrong brushes in a set and so on).

Over the weekend, I tried their Clean It Up brush cleaner at their counter. It does the job fast! It leaves your brush a really nice scent, too. It only comes in one size at 50ml and retails at Php150.

I didn't buy it tho. Haha!

That's because I still have alot of my home made brush cleaner. I've been using this home made brush cleaner for a year now and my brushes are still in good shape.

Here is the list of ingredients and tools for the home made brush cleaner:

1. sterilized water

2. ethyl alcohol (40%, 70%, or higher)

3. Johnson's baby shampoo or any baby shampoo

4. Creamsilk leave on conditioner

5. empty bottle with cover

6. beaker

7. stirrer

8. tablespoon

Instructions:

1. Fill the bottle with water up to 2/3 or 70% of the bottle.

2. Transfer the water from the bottle in the beaker.

3. Add 3 tablespoon of alcohol in the water.

4. Add 1 1/2tablespoon of baby shampoo.

5. Add 1 1/2 tablespoon of leave on conditioner.

6. Stir the mixture slowly to avoid it from foaming, creating bubbles or suds.

7. Transfer the mixture from the beaker to the empty bottle.

So, if you want to save money and maintain you brushes in good condition, make your own brush cleaner now :)

This is the brainchild of Koren. You can search his name and view his makeup videos in youtube.

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Minerales, Anyone?

Minerales booth at DavCon

I've come across this booth while I was going around a bazaar last weekend. Obviously. the brand is very new - Minerales. It claims to be of a higher quality than Monave. It's made in the USA. It's the first time I've heard of the brand. Their sampler size retails at Php180 and it's only 0.75 grams. Their mineral liquid foundation is about Php1600+. I'm really curious about this brand but what hindered me from buying samples was the price.

If you guys have tried this brand already, please give me a heads up!

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Makeup Meal

Who doesn't wanna have this for a meal?

* photo taken from Tumblr.

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Food Escapade at Solihiya

A friend of from Australia visited Manila and he wanted to eat Filipino food. I suggested a restaurant that I haven't eaten at so we could both be food critics for a day.

Solihiya, Greenbelt 5


free appetizer


ripe mango shake


pork sisig


steamed fish (?)

This restaurant ia okay. It's similar to most Filipino restaurants but what I love about Solihiya is the price. Food is not overpriced. Our bill was only Php800+ (less than 20USD). Not bad for two hungry people. However, the food was nothing extraordinary. I still prefer Sentro (if we're talking about Filipino restaurants) but Solihiya is still worth trying. The appetizers were not appetizing to me because I don't eat those. They have good ambiance and service though.

Happy Sunday!

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FOTD Gimme My Sambuca

Went to Distillery at Jupiter Street for a friend's birthday.

I was greeted by Sambuca (the drink).

I really wanted to take a photo of what I was wearing but there were no full body photos. I was in a rush so I wasn't able to take a photo of my dress before leaving the house. Oh well, maybe next time when I wear it again =)

Do you like Sambuca?
Enjoy your Saturday night ladies.

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FOTD using MAC Lipstick in Strayin'

Thank God It's Friday!
Fun night!
Because a friend asked the waiter to play "Tonight is Gon Be a Good Night"
No wonder they didn't play that song haha!

I wasn't in the mood to be fully made up so I decided to keep it simple and sport the new red which is Pink.

at Fuel Bar with my double Grey Goose on the rocks

on my face:
Stila hydrating primer
Ellana premium blend foundation in Almond Latte
Ellana concealer in Awake and Innocence
Ellana blush in Fulfillment

on my eyes:
Fashion 21 eyebrow duo
Stila eyeshadow in Chinois
Stila eyeshadow in Kitten
Stila sumdgepot in Black

on my lips:
Olay regenerist lip balm
MAC satin lipstick in Strayin'

Strayin' lipstick is part of MAC Hello Kitty Collection earlier this year.

Enjoy your Friday!

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Review: Nivea My Silhouette Slimming & Reshaping Gel-Cream

I'll let you in on a secret.

I eat as much as a man does. I hardly drink water. I live on sodas. But my body is still toned. And no, I don't go to the gym on a regular basis. Heck, I haven't gone for more than one year actually.

I've got no other thing to thank but this:

Nivea My Silhouette
Slimming & Reshaping Gel-Cream

From Nivea's website:

NIVEA research has developed the natural Bio-Slim Complex that combines the high-performance active ingredients White tea and Anise extract for a dual action of slimming & reshaping.

White tea slims down fat cells and prevents them from growing back
Anise extract activates skin’s cell-metabolism which leads to increased collagen production to tone and reshape the skin.
Proven results:

The regular use of NIVEA My Silhouette! leads to a reduction of up to 3 cm on targeted body parts such as thighs, hips, waist and belly.

First slimming results are measurable after already 4 weeks
The skin is noticeably better toned and more elastic.

I've been using this gel cream since May. I decide to use gel cream because it was summer then and I didn't like the sticky feeling of putting lotion on my body. Gel cream is not as sticky as lotion is. Today, I finally emptied this gel cream! My body frame is that of a normal Asian female. I'm not fat but I'm not thin either. I've always had problems with my waist, tummy, and hips - those areas. But when I started using this, I also started getting comments from people saying I lost weight. I actually forgot what the purpose of this gel cream is because putting it on ertain parts of my b9ody has been a routine. But when I had dinner with my friends last month, I received the same comment - that I lost weight. My other friend commented and said that it was because of this Nivea product that I was using. And there you have it.. the lightbulb in my head lit! This gel cream works!

Pros:
- effective
- visible results
- lasts up to six months
- affordable

Cons:
- weird scent for a few seconds


I'll definitely buy this again! No doubt!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

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Audrey Marathon

I love Audrey Hepburn! I also love the items that were inspired by her like the very famous and classy LV Speedy.

When I was on my way to the cinema, I chanced upon this dvd rack sale and look what I found:

These two box sets only cost Php750! That's less than 20USD. They're not bootlegs, don't worry. Can't wait to watch them when I get back to MNL!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

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Stila Convertible Color in Petunia as Lipstick of the Week (Nov 23 -29)

This LotW is quite different because the featured lipstick is not in a tube.

Remember your middle school days when your mom drops you to school and she applies her Rouge lipstick on her cheeks and lips? Didn't you find that weird? Say goodbye to your Rouge and meet my..

Stila Convertible Color in Petunia
Php845 at Rustan's Dept Store

I chose to use the convertible color this week because I'll be leaving in a few days to celebrate Thanksgiving Day and won't be back til next week. I don't want to bring a lot of makeup and I'm trying to make my makeup kit not as bulky as it usually is.

This is my second Stila Convertible Color. My first convertible color was Poppy. I bought Petunia because the SA was really insistent. When I got home and stared at the product again, my initial reaction was "it's too pink for me, oh noes!"

Petunia without flash


Petunia on my palm


Petunia on my lips and cheeks after 12 hours

What it says on the site:

Stila's ingenious lipstick and blush-in-one proves to be irresistible. As seen in In Style's Best Beauty Buys 2008! This versatile favorite brightens cheeks and lips with creamy, translucent color. Tap onto cheeks and press onto lips. The sheer tint adds an inherent glow to the cheeks while lips bloom with fresh, radiant color. Our two-in-one compact holds the key to easy, monochromatic makeup. A must-have in every stila girl's kit.

FYI: Shade petunia winner of the 2007 In Style BEST of BEAUTY BUYS.

ingredients: ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, lanolin oil, beeswax\cera alba\cire d’abeille, microcrystalline wax\cera microcristallina\cire microcristalline, octyldodecanol, phenyl trimethicone, ozokerite, caprylic/capric triglyceride, hydrogenated palm kernel glycerides, ethylhexyl palmitate, isononyl isononanoate, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, tocopheryl acetate, hydrogenated palm glycerides, bht, [+/- mica, titanium dioxide (ci 77891), iron oxides (ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499), bismuth oxychloride (ci 77163), blue 1 lake (ci 42090), carmine (ci 75470), manganese violet (ci 77742), red 7 lake (ci 15850), red 22 lake (ci 45380), red 28 lake (ci 45410), red 30 lake (ci 73360), red 33 lake (ci 17200), red 34 lake (ci 15880), ultramarines (ci 77007), yellow 5 lake (ci 19140), yellow 6 lake (ci 15985)]

Pros:
- multi-use (lips, cheeks, and eyes)
- comes in handy; not too big, not too small
- compact
- comes with a mirror
- nice packaging
- pigmented
- easy to apply
- stain on finger can be easily removed unlike most lip&cheek tints
- cheaper here in MNL (costs around 17USD only)
- color is buildable
- long lasting power

Cons:
- always sold out

Tips:
- use Stila brush #21 to apply on your cheeks (this brush really does wonders)
- do not share this with other people for hygienic purposes
- make sure your finger is clean before dabbing it into the convertible color


Once again, Stila didn't disappoint me on this product! I love everything about it! You can achieve the look you're going for by using the convertible color since it's buildable. I love the fact that it really gives you this fresh and just pinched cheeks. It looks really natural. If you're just staying indoors, this can last up to 12 hours on your cheeks. This is very handy, too. You can bring this anywhere and not worry about how much space it's gon take. The packaging is too cute and I give mad props for including a mirror in the compact. If you're feeling lazy to put on blush, you can use this too! This is perfect if you're going out of town or out of the country. You saved space and still look fab! I've tried lip & cheek tints from Bench, Becca, Benefit, and Origins and they all leave a dark stain on my finger which makes it look dirty or bruised at times. This is not the case with Stila convertible color.

I could go on endlessly talking about this product haha!

* first photo taken from Stila website.

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Review: Stila Sheer Pressed Powder

Makeup junkies all have their can't-live-without makeup products kept in their makeup kit. However, there are certain products that we miss that I think should have a place in our makeup kit.

I've always been impressed with foundations and pressed powders. This is the makeup product that I stock up on (second to eyeliner, of course) cos I use it alot. This year, I kind of stopped using them cos of my tan. So I ended up selling my MAC blot powder and other foundation.

As I was cleaning my makeup train case two weeks ago for a shoot, look what I found:

Stila Sheer Pressed Powder in Light
Php895 at Rustan's Dept Store


my beat up pressed powder


back


when opened


after 4hrs of wearing pressed powder

Stila's description of their sheer pressed powder:

Get shine under control with stila'a sheer pressed powder. The oil-control formula is finely milled for a smooth, flawless finish. Skin looks clean and polished, never cakey or heavy. Perfect for touchups anytime, anywhere.

ingredients: talc, polymethyl methacrylate, silica, zea mays (corn) starch, octyldodecyl lactate, isononyl isononanoate, pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, cetearyl ethylhexanoate, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, avena sativa (oat) kernel extract, caprylyl glycol, hexylene glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, dimethicone, zeolite, nylon-12, zinc stearate, bht, phenoxyethanol, sorbic acid, [+/- mica, titanium dioxide (ci 77891), iron oxides (ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499), ultramarines (ci 77007)]

Pros:
- compact / thin
- nice packaging
- comes with a sleek powder puff
- available here in MNL
- affordable price
- a little goes a long way
- works well despite its being sheer
- available in 4 shades
- stays on for a long time (about 5-6 hours)

In between:
- gives a matte look (this is a pro for me)

Cons:
- none!

Tips:
- you can use the puff that comes along with it or any face brush depending on what you prefer
- can be used alone or after putting foundation
- apply the powder on the oily parts of your face only. then blend it out

Verdict:
5 out of 5 stars


I really like this pressed powder for a lot of reasons. I can't believe I forgot I have this product! I think the last time I used this was last September. Anyway, I like this product because well, it's Stila. And honestly, the brand has never disappointed me. Second, this product is very affordable. It's less than Php1000 and gives the same effect as MAC blot powder (which retails at Php1200, btw). The packaging is unique and it's compact! You can put it in your pocket and it won't be bulky! I've had this pressed powder since November 2007 and although I've already hit the pan, there's still more left. I use this every morning before I go to work and every time I check my face in the mirror after lunch, my face is still not oily. Two thumbs up for the staying powder! It really does keep oil at bay!


Happy Monday everyone!

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Review: Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten

If you know Stila, then you definitely know their eyeshadow in Kitten!

Last September, I was able to get this best selling Stila eyeshadow during Stila's workshop at Rustans as a freebie. It also comes with a refillable compact. According to Desiree Tordesillas, one of Stila's VPs, this shade is versatile because you can change its effect by applying it dry or wet. Different makeup brands tried to dupe this shade but failed.

the very famous shimmering nude pink shade
Php695






applied dry


applied wet

Pros:
- versatile shade
- bigger pan than other e/s pans
- shade is available here in MNL
- e/s is sold cheaper here
- pigmented
- easy to blend
- does not crease

Cons:
- a bit chalky
- refillable compact sold separately



Tips:
- if you want a sheen effect, apply it dry (for daytime look)
- to make it shimmer, apply it wet (for night time look)
- use e/s in Chinois as e/s base

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Barbie Loves Stila Finally Hits MNL!

Ponytail Doll Set
Malibu Doll Set
Foxy Doll Set
Jewel Doll Set

retails at Php2,950

* images taken from Stila website.

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Are You Safe?

I had my third HPV shot this morning. My left arm is hurting until now.



But it's worth it.



Have you gotten your shot yet?

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