August 2015 Commenters of the Month

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August was a tough month. I wasn't able to blog as often as I wanted to.
But hey, still gotta hustle cos I still have a lot of products to feature on the blog!

Alrght, our August Commenters of the Month are:

Mhaan Delos Santos
and
Abegaill Villacruz


The first one to send me an e-mail will get Box A (goodies on the left). Kindly e-mail your full name, shipping address, and mobile number at hello@rarevanity.net with subject August Commenter of the Month.

Will post the prize for September's Commenter of the Month tomorrow!


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Spotted: Golden Rose Perfect Lasting Lipstick

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While waiting for Lawrence at SM Megamall, I loitered around SM Beauty Store to check the usual. I was also looking for the Jordana counter as I've heard that it's already available there. You see, Jordana is still not available at SM Makati so I was a bit excited what the brand has in store of us. 

Upon checking Jordana's counter, I noticed that they are sharing the counter with another brand - Golden Rose. Okay, this brand is entirely new to me. I have never heard of this brand before and I don't think I've seen it around it the beauty blogging world as of late.

Grabbed one lipstick to try out the brand.

Golden Rose Perfect Lasting Lipstick
Golden Rose Perfect Lasting Lipstick in 104

Moringa-O Herbal Shampoo and Conditioner with Argan Oil*

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I've been sporting short hair since May. I actually like it. No, I love it. I love it so much that I plan to maintain short hair until the end of this year.

You know when they say that short hair has less maintenance? Well, that ain't true for me. I've never been this OC about my hair like I am now. I've been having hair treatments on a monthly basis. I had keratin treatment which I regret because it limited me to using organic shampoo which made my hair have that oily heavy feeling after two months of using it. So, I went back to using shampoo containing SLS.

When Sample Room sent me this set, I stalled in using this to finish my organic shampoo and conditioner. I tried it once though because it seemed like my hair missed SLS. I liked how it felt on my hair. I started using this full time last July.

Moringa-O Herbal Shampoo and Conditioner with Argan Oil

Alright, what makes this unique is the fact that it has Argan Oil in it. I know a lot of people who are crazy obsessed with Argan Oil. I'm not one of them. Never joined the bandwagon. I wasn't expecting much with this hair care but one week after using this, I feel that my hair is healthier. It's not as straight as it was when I first had Keratin treatment. But I can live with the waves of my hair. Despite having Argan Oil, my hair never felt oily. It never got shinier but it doesn't look dry despite my dark ash blonde hair. I also noticed that it lessened my hair fall which is a total win for me!

Moringa-O Shampoo and Conditioner (200ml) retail for PhP180 each bottle and available at all leading department stores nationwide. You can try this for free by signing up at Sample Room. Just pay for shipping fee!


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#FoundMyTrueMatch L'Oreal Paris Event

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Yesterday, L'Oreal Paris launched their latest product - True Match Foundation. Okay, it's not really a new product. They have changed the packaging and improved the formula a bit.

#FoundMyTrueMatch L'Oreal Paris Event

There were 4 stations and in each station, there was someone that will demonstrate the product for you. I wasn't able to follow the stations accordingly because I got so overwhelmed with the new products!

My first stop was the Brow Station!

#FoundMyTrueMatch L'Oreal Paris Event

I'm not sure if L'Oreal had a brow duo before (or even abroad) but it's the first time I've seen this! Finally! They also release a retractable brow pencil with a shader and spoolie. Talk about 3-in-1 products!

#FoundMyTrueMatch L'Oreal Paris Event
The Brow Duo comes in two shades:
Light to Medium
Medium to Dark

#FoundMyTrueMatch L'Oreal Paris Event

And of course, a makeup primer to blur out imperfections! It has a sheer tint that adapts to your skin colour. That technology or chemistry or whatever it's called is amazing!

#FoundMyTrueMatch L'Oreal Paris Event

#FoundMyTrueMatch L'Oreal Paris Event

Then comes the concealer. The True Match concealer is not entirely a new product. However, this was included in the launch because the theme of the launch was to find your True Match (of your foundation) with that world's #1 foundation and how to achieve that flawless look!

I have the darkest shade of this crayon concealer that I use as a subtle contour. I decided to get W4-5 to hide my red spots or blemishes.

#FoundMyTrueMatch L'Oreal Paris Event
Atty Donna's hand for the swatches.

#FoundMyTrueMatch L'Oreal Paris Event

I went inside the Black Fleet to find my True Match. Prior to this event, I googled my shade and I was convinced that I'm W4 Natural Beige. However, Natural Beige is not available in this line (or in Asia, I forget). The warm tones recommended to me were in the G range. G for Golden. The shade that matched me perfectly is G2 Golden Porcelain!

#FoundMyTrueMatch L'Oreal Paris Event
Black Fleet parked outside Farmacy.

#FoundMyTrueMatch L'Oreal Paris Event
Beauty Bloggers who brunch.
With Char, Donna, Rowena, and Julia

#FoundMyTrueMatch L'Oreal Paris Event
with my forever Kachikahan friend, Donna

Roadtesting the products this weekend. Let me know which one you want me to review first!

The reformulated L'Oreal Paris True Match foundation officially hits stores this September!


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Beauty Budget Series: Wet & Wild Megalast Lipsticks

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Since I started destashing, I've been drawn to drugstore makeup. I was able to found a big paper bag containing brand new makeup items both drugstore and high end. I decided to use the drugstore makeup first.

Wet n Wild has been around for a while. This brand is nothing new to me as I remember getting at least one Wet n Wild item in the grocery back in high school. It was one of those brands that I was allowed to buy. Well, there wasn't really any restriction then when it comes to makeup. But at 99 cents per tube, I don't understand why you wouldn't grab a tube or two.

My First Wet n Wild matte lipstick was Think Pink. It was also from this range. L bought it for me at SM. It's PhP299 per tube. I liked it a lot but I think I lost it during one of my trips.

Wet & Wild Megalast Lipsticks

I accumulated 6 more tubes that I ended up losing even before I reviewed it. Then last year, I randomly went inside SM Megatrade Hall and saw one kiosk in the corner selling makeup.

Rekindled Makeup Affair: MeMeMe Cosmetics Flawless Cream Foundation

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I'm really sorry for the lack of posts. It's that time of the year again! We're packing up again and moving places! We're like this every August.

I've been destashing makeup and other beauty products since July because I have no space to stock them. I saw my then most coveted foundation which is the MeMeMe Flawless Cream Foundation. The ones you see on my photos are my second bottles.

MeMeMe Cosmetics Flawless Cream Foundation
MeMeMe Flawless Cream Foundation in Beige Blush and Honey Lush

See You at the BDJ Box Social: Global Glam

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**Get savvy with latest beauty trends and tools from all over the globe at the BDJ Box Social: Global Glam this September 13, 2015 at Glorietta 2 Activity Center!

With more than 15 booths, delight yourself with beauty products and services from Max Factor, Covergirl, Revlon, The Face Shop, Bioderma, K-Palette & Cure and many more!

Get a chance to win exciting prizes from our brand partners in our promos and raffle!**

I will be there that day and I can bring you guys along! All you have to do is comment below with your full name and email address! You have until August 27! I will choose 3!

See you there!

3 VIP Passes go to:
Celest Verzo
Paula Romana Alagao
Mary Madeleine Javiniar

**write-up from BDJ website


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Ellana Cucumber Melon Makeup Brush Cleaner

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What's another lazy thing to do aside from removing makeup? Cleaning brushes!

It used to be therapeutic for me. But when you're brushing at least 15 brushes in one seating, it's no joke. Your hands start to hurt. I sometimes feel a burning sensation already. I tried brush mats to clean  my brushes but I still went back to my old routine of twirling my brushes on my palm and squeeze the heck of an oil from the bristles.

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics comes to the rescue though by offering an instant brush cleaner. It's not really instant but you save more time because you don't need water and soap to clean your brush!

Ellana Cucumber Melon Makeup Brush Cleaner
My Ellana brush cleaner trying to escape from drowning from my brushes.

The Look of Love, Revlon, Love is On: A BDJ Elite Box Exclusive for August 2015*

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I recently backtracked my posts and checked my beauty arsenal to see what I can feature next in this blog. While it is true that I have a bajillion products to feature here (PR sample or not), I sometimes take my time on what I should feature earlier.

I honestly realised that I haven't featured Revlon for a while. Methinks they've been quiet for a few months.  Two Fridays ago, I was even checking their counter in SM Megamall to see if they have something new (or old) that I can feature. It was after my Image Branding training so I was in the mood to splurge on makeup. Guys, totoo talaga to

Then the Angel that is BDJ Box sent me their August subscription box which is also an Elite Box apparently. I had no idea! I don't know if this arrived last Friday or Saturday as I had a staycation at a hospital since Thursday night.

When I saw this today, I knew I had to do an unboxing post right away. Sorry, status migraine. Lemme deal with you tomorrow.

A BDJ Elite Box Exclusive for August 2015
I swear, BDJ, you can read my mine 95% of the time when it comes to your boxes!

Maybelline White SuperFresh x Rare Vanity Giveaway [CLOSED]

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Maybelline White SuperFresh x Rare Vanity Giveaway

Here's a Maybelline New York trivia for you: 1 powder of White SuperFresh is sold every 10 seconds! 👍👍 I was able to try White SuperFresh last January and it's been a part of my makeup kit ever since! I love that it keeps oil at bay making me look fresh from day til night! ☺️

Maybelline New York and I are giving you a chance to win a 1 year supply of White SuperFresh! You also get a Rebel Bouquet lipstick and The Falsies Mascara to complete your fresh look! Just strictly follow these simple steps and we might just choose you! 💋 

1. Regram/repost my photo legitimately using any regram app and do not delete my default message. 
2. Add your own testimonial on White SuperFresh by completing this sentence "I love how @maybellineph's White SuperFresh __________!"
3. Use these official hashtags on your post: #12hoursfresh and #SuperFreshxRareVanity
4. Follow @maybellineph and @raregem on Instagram. Make sure your account is set to public so I could view your entries through the hashtags.

This giveaway starts now and ends at midnight of August 19! There will be 3 winners. Good luck!

WINNERS WERE ANNOUNCED ON INSTAGRAM.


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Beauty Budget Series: B.T. LA lipstick in Antique

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B.T. LA lipstick in Antique

One lunch time, I went to SM Makati with my officemate to check out the ongoing promos. SAs informed us that there will be a month-long promo for August.

But of course, I ended up with items that are not on sale. Nudes really catch my attention so when I passed by B.T. LA, I walked away with a lipstick in tow.

Ask Me Mondays: Must-Try Lipsticks Below 250 Pesos

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With the recently concluded National Lipstick Day last July 29, today's question is an apt one! After all, there are still ongoing makeup promos that I've seen over the weekend. It's month long, too!

"Hi Ms. Gem. Anong lipsticks ang marerecommend nyo na less than 250 pesos. Kahit local brand. Nakita ko po kasi online na 5 dollars lang yung Colourpop Lippie Stix pero ang bentahan ay above 300 pesos tapos may shipping pa. Pumapatak pricey rin lalo ng gusto ko lang matry. TIA!" - Ana M.

Colourpop is indeed a steal considering the price until you find out it's not available locally. Converted plus tax and shipping, it could cost as much as a brand new Maybelline or L'Oreal lipstick and yet you get lesser grams.

For local brand of lipsticks, I'm recommending these ones because I've tried them already.

1. Ever Bilena Matte lipstick - this has got to be the best local brand of lipstick that I have tried that doesn't go beyond the PhP200 mark. My all time favorite shade in this line is Mauvey. I always get compliments whenever I'm wearing this shade (I like your lipstick today; Nice shade of lipstick, etc etc) and a lot are dumbfounded when I say it's from Ever Bilena. The shade on my lips looks expensive. I also like Skin and Dusk when I want a vampy shade. It's drying on the lips because it's matte but you cant take it. Doesn't bother me. Ever Bilena Matte lipstick retails for PhP165.

2. Fashion 21 All Day Matte lipstick - another matte lipstick that I love. I only have Bronze which is a nude lipstick with brown undertone. It's like the darker shade of EB Mauvey. Great for everyday lipstick! More expensive by PhP10 from EB matte lipstick, you gotta give it to Fashion 21 for having a better packaging.

3. B.T. LA lipstick - a recent find actually. I have the shade Antique. It's another nude shade that can be used everyday. The finish is creme and not matte but still has a decent pay-off. will be posting a review on this lipstick soon. It's another MLBB shade I'm digging right now.

4. Maybelline Color Show lipstick - I've already tried the moisturising Color Show lipsticks but last week, I found out that Color Show has a new finish - matte! At only PhP165 a pop, you'll definitely want to try this! If you're iffy to try local brand of lipsticks, then try this one from Maybelline! I purchased two shades that I intend to review soon!


On a side note, I was sorting my makeup and realised that I have way too much lipsticks - way more than what I thought I have. With that said, I hope you don't mind if I bombard you with lipsticks reviews!



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Maybelline x Rare Vanity Meet and Greet!

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Last July 25, I had a Meet and Greet at SM Makati in collaboration with Maybelline Philippines. There was a Dram Academy Workshop wherein we officially launched the latest products from Maybelline Dream's line which are the Dream Satin Skin liquid foundation and Dream Satin Skin Two Way Cake! These two products can definitely give you an airbrushed look without the use of airbrush!


It was a very fun afternoon! Chit chat with the ladies about makeup is always fun!

FS Cosmetics Luscious Lipstick in Primrose*

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I feel like including makeup in subscription boxes is tres tres indispensable. That's why receiving a lipstick from the latest BDJ Box got me excited - more so if the bullet is somewhat reminiscent of a Chanel lipstick.

FS Cosmetics Luscious Lipstick in Primrose
FS Cosmetics Luscious Lipstick in Primrose

I don't think I've tried an FS Cosmetics lipstick before and everyone seems excited about this, too. Ergo, I'm reviewing it already!

How I Achieved My "Flawless" Face

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I've been getting a lot of questions on what my skin care regimen is. Most of the time, I get compliments for having smooth and flawless skin. Of course, it's not always the case 24/7 because I'm human and I get zits every now and then.

Last June, I tried a new skin care product and I broke out on the second day of using it. I really didn't know what to do because I was already set in using that skin care product for the whole month. Also, I don't have an emergency kit for zits. I can't tell when I'm going to have one. I just usually wake up with an annoying and hurting bump somewhere on my face.

Instead of looking for a product to dry my zit, I switched back to the skin care products I used prior to the new skin care. And they're what I've been using until the last day of July.

What I dread the most about makeup is having to remove it. And trust me when I tell you that I'm very lazy when it comes to makeup removal. I have probably slept with makeup on 9 out of 10 times. Yes, that frequent. But since I'm getting old and so is my skin, I've told myself this year that I should start investing more on skin care rather than makeup. If you remember the Big Nivea Sale last May where all products were at 50% off, I bought a dozen of Nivea Facial Cleansing Wipes. It's foolproof, i can use it even when I'm already lying down ready to doze off. No more excuses on being lazy.

Every morning, I wash my face using Avene's Gentle Milk Cleanser. I even used it twice a day because I was trying to empty the bottle. It's so gentle on the face you don't even have to wash after you massaged it in your face. I also started using Safeguard's Derma Sense Facial Cleanser (acne prone skin). Used it for one week straight and it was okay. It's what I'm using now because I already emptied the Avene cleanser.

After cleansing, I spray Avene Thermal Spring Water on my face and on my back. Aftera few seconds, I apply Shiseido Ultimune on my face. I like to apply my moisturizer while my face is still damp with the Thermal Spring Water. I feel that my face absorbs it the moisturizer better. Once it's dry, I proceed with makeup application!

I use the same products at night. I also tried the Shiseido Bio-Essence something. The one with the gold packaging but I got lazy applying night cream. After cleansing, I use a facial mask and leave it on my face for 15-20 minutes. Then have a good night's sleep.

Here's a photo of my face. Taken on the last week of July.

But seriously guys, it seems like Avene has been my go-to product when I break out. Well, I hope this has been helpful. Goodluck!


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Ask Me Mondays: Best Online Shops in the Philippines

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A new but old series, ladies. This used to be Ask Me Anything. I just renamed it as 'Ask Me Mondays' because I intend to post the answer to your questions every Monday!


Today's question that I will be answering is from Cha C.

Hi Ms. Gem! Curious lang po ako where you buy your makeups that are not available here? Do you use an address in a different country or purchase from online shops here? Pwede ko pa malaman kung saan? I'd like to buy from them also para at least sigurado ako hindi bogus seller. More power to your blog and God Bless! - Cha C.

Feeling Baby with Shiseido Baby Powder

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Shiseido is one of those brands that I used to not pay attention to because of its price point. I kind of correlated this with Lancome and Clinique - brands that my mom were using as I was growing up. So, I thought I would only be able to use it when I become a mother.

Of course, now I know better. Thank to all the beauty enthusiasts I've met and to Sample Room and BDJ Box. They've opened my eyes to Shiseido goodness.

While browsing one of my favourite online shops, Digital Traincase, I saw a Shiseido product that retailed for about PhP400 (or was it PhP350)! I couldn't believe my eyes because Shiseido is on the pricier side!

Shiseido <Medicated> Baby Powder

And because it was on stock, I rushed to Ortigas on a Saturday night to get a hold of this! I must try this!

July 2015's Commenters of the Month and What's in Store for August's Commenters of the Month!

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And I'm doing it again! Two Commenters will be chosen for the month of August!