Look: The Evil Witch

I am inspired to create a wearable Halloween makeup look few days ago and here's the result! This makeup look is far from the scary, gruesome makeup looks for Halloween like my Walking Dead Makeup Look. This one is very wearable and can pass off as a nighttime or even party look.

I paired a deep plum lip color with  a moss green eye shadow that is slightly winged out. I also used a black eye pencil to fill in my brows instead of the usual brown pencil. Can you notice how I drew my eyes thinly? I just think witches have thin, pointed brows that's why. I love the lipstick that I used for this makeup look. It's a matte plum color that's currently in at the moment. I'm not familiar with the brand (Elaino #32), though. I just found it from my mom's stash. 

What I'm wearing is actually a Gryffindor robe. I got this from a thrift shop for only 20php. It's a knee-length robe that has a hood and Gryffindor's logo. Harry Potter fan, represent!

These are the products I used to create my makeup look:

Beauty Cosmetics Brushes
Fanny Serrano Two Way Cake in Organza
L'oreal Tru Match Powder
Ever Bilena Eye Pencil in Brown
ELF Mechanical Eyelash Curler
Allue Pretty Cheeks in Peach Pie
Sleek iDivine Storm Palette
Lash Glue + False Eyelashes
Elaino Lipstick #32

Exclusive BDJ Box Event

I felt so giddy and excited upon reading my email about the BDJ Box Event last week. I am truly honored and grateful to be invited to such event and get my hands on the BDJ Box! It's the first event I get to attend to as a blogger. 

It was held last October 24 at SLICE, Bonifacio High Street. My commute buddy for the day is Aya of CodenameAya. We were able to find SLICE easily even if we're both clueless about directions  all thanks to the accommodating security guards around the area. The event is exclusive to media and blogger friends only. 

We were served with Dips and Spreads for the appetizer, Seafood Puttanesca  for the main meal and the yummy Yema Cupcake for dessert! I would come back for the Yema Cupcake. It tastes so good!

After eating, Kat Dy, the Managing Director of the BDJ Box took charge in discussing what the BDJ Box is all about. The next thing I know, we were handed our own BDJ Box and I'm Beautiful Like Me Stickers!

Everyone was excited to open their boxes. I, however, chose to open mine at home. Read about my Unboxing Post!

The event also gave me a chance to meet fellow beauty bloggers! It's always nice to meet new people who have the same interests as you have. My buddies and chatmates for the day were Aya of CodenameAya, Melissa of ThePinkMargarita and Ayzee of Chilipina. I had a great time talking with these ladies!

With Tara Cabullo at rightmost side, the author of Chronicles of Vanity and the Editor of the BDJ Box.

With Ayzee and Gem of RareVanity.

With Melissa and Ayzee.

The four of us with Darlyn Ty, the President of Viviamo Inc. and the creator of the fabulous Belle de Jour Planners!

We were able to take home our own BDJ Box along with the 2013 BDJ planner!

I really had a great time at the BDJ Box Launch. Thank you so much and congratulations to the BDJ Team!

Find out what's inside the BDJ Box here.

Photo credits to:  Melissa Javier

Are you subscribed to any beauty box at the moment? What do you think of beauty boxes?

Visit BDJ Box now!

Collective Haul: ELF, Krave, Revlon, NYX, Beauty Cosmetics, Sleek and more

I've been putting this post a lot that's why my new beauty products accumulated and accumulated over the past weeks, even months! I've already shared with you majority of the items in the above picture. I'll put up links of reviews of the items that are already posted in my blog.

Here are the items I bought:

Myra E Facial Moisturizer - 75php
Allue Pretty Cheeks in Peach Pie - 75php used in 500 Peso Makeup Challenge
Ever Bilena Eye Pencil in Brown - 95php used in 500 Peso Makeup Challenge
Excel Paris Lip Cream in 510 - 35php used in 500 Peso Makeup Challenge. Review here
Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Earth - 165php review here
Marionnaud Flat Tweezer - 75php
Eyebrow Blade - 18php
Pink comb - 15php
HengFang Eyeliner - 40php
NYX Matte Lipstick in Tea Rose - 235php review here

Some accessories I bought from Quiapo and Bonchic (Baguio)

Necklaces - 150php each from Quiapo. OOTD here
Pink ring -35php  from Bonchic, Baguio City. OOTD here.

Here are the items that I got for free! (giveaway/gift)

ELF 100 Color Eyeshadow Palette I won from ELF PH Facebook Page. Read about it here.
Makeup by Toni travel-sized blending brush from Say Artillero's Giveaway
Natural Beauty Contour Brush
Just Nail Detailing Brush in 00
Max Factor Translucent Powder in 02
San-San Matte Liquid Foundation in 01
Revlon Customeyes in Blackened Brown
The Body Shop Hi-Shine Lip Treatment in Coral Spice
The Body Shop Eye Shadow in 32
Excel Paris Lip Cream in 502. Review here.
Krave Eyeshadow in Matte Mocha and Bubble Gum from Micmic's Corner. Review here.
Victoria's Secret Lipstick in Melt. Review here.
Clinique Lipstick in A Different Grape. I used for my Princess Jasmine Makeup Look

And for something very recent...

Beauty Cosmetics 12 PC Synthetic Brushes from Fabshopaholic -1250php Read about it here
Beauty Cosmetics Face Perfection Brushes from Beauty Cosmetics - 850php Review here
ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder - 250php from SM Department Store
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in San Paulo and Amsterdam from Chic Cosmetics Manila - 250php each
Sleek iDivine Storm Palette from Chic Cosmetics Manila - 650php
Excel Paris Lip Cream in 501 - 35php

Lesson learned: Never to put off haul posts again! The list is sooo long! My to review list goes on and on!

What do you think of the products I recently acquired? Please let me know about the products you want a review on. Drop down your comments below!

Have a great day!
God bless!

Love,
Iya

I Can Be Body Beautiful at Any Age with Wacoal

Having a beautiful body may be hard to achieve but maintaining a beautiful body may be even harder. Good thing there's Wacoal where women can be a body beautiful at any age. A beautiful body is not about the measurements. It's all about confidence! Wacoal says it better:

"At any age, a woman's body is constantly changing. But what matters is, her spirit cannot be stopped. What's important is how she exudes charm as she welcomes discoveries. What defines her is her boldness to stand out when the going gets tough. What counts is her confidence to surpass her limits to best shape her life. At any age, a woman knows what it takes to be beautiful inside and out." - Source

Wacoal understands how a woman's body is constantly changing by providing undergarments appropriate for every age. Women in their 20's (like me!) are fun-loving and experimental, says Wacoal. That is why it is highly important to consider what undergarments are perfect for every activity a woman in her 20's does.

I can be a body beautiful with Wacoal by considering the changes that happen with my body and choosing what undergarment is appropriate for my body.

My personal choice from Wacoal's (20's) Collection is a wired bandeau with detachable straps which has a resin bone at the wide side panel to support excess flesh. 

With this piece, I do not have the need to wear a tube whenever I wear V-neck, low neckline, tube or even sheer tops because it does the job to conceal what needs to be concealed! I will definitely feel secure with this piece. You know what I mean! :)

                                                                   http://www.wacoal.ph

 "At any age, a woman’s body is constantly changing. But what matters is, her spirit cannot be stopped. What’s important is how she exudes charm as she welcomes discoveries. What defines her is her boldness to stand out when the going gets tough. What counts is her confidence to surpass her limits to best shape her life. At any age, a woman knows what it takes to be beautiful inside and out. At any age, a woman knows what it takes to be beautiful inside and out."

At any age, a woman’s body is constantly changing.              But what matters is, her spirit cannot be stopped. What’s important is how she exudes charm as she welcomes discoveries. What defines her is her boldness to stand out when the going gets tough. What counts is her confidence to surpass her limits to best shape her life. At any age, a woman knows what it takes to be beautiful inside and out.

Review: Beauty Cosmetics Face Perfection Brushes

*Warning: Picture heavy post

I know you've been waiting for this review ever since I posted my Beauty Cosmetics Haul. Well, here it is! What's really intriguing about this particular brush set is it looks so much like Sigma Synthetic Kabuki Kit. Apart from the price, I couldn't really compare Beauty Cosmetics with Sigma because I do not have the latter. Sigma Synthetic Kabuki Kit costs approximately 2500php (56usd) while Beauty Cosmetics Face Perfection Brushes cost 850php (20usd).

Here is how Sigma Synthetic Kabuki Kit looks like. Photo taken from Sigma Website. Aesthetic wise, I think the color of the Beauty Cosmetics brush bristles are more expensive looking than Sigma's. 

The brushes came with a drawstring pouch with Beauty Cosmetics logo. Very handy for travel! Each brush came with a plastic sleeve. 

Density: I am amazed how all of the brushes are densely packed! The images above don't lie! The density of a brush must be looked whenever one is looking for a good quality brush. If a brush is not densely packed, the makeup application would be difficult. The softness of a brush would be of no good if it isn't densely packed. 

The brushes look so nice that I have to take multiple photos of them! I had difficulty choosing what photos to include in this post.

Bristles: They are made of synthetic bristles which are super soft! Synthetic brushes are great for applying powder, cream and liquid products on the face. As opposed to animal hair bristles, synthetic bristles do not absorb products. They transfer product very well unto the face and give a seamless finish. I didn't experience any shedding or bleeding during the first wash.

Handles: The handles of the brush have a shiny finish engraved with silver Beauty Cosmetics lettering. They are thicker than the handles of the 12 PC Synthetic Brushes. I think they really look sturdy and classy! The length of the brushes are no bigger than the tip of my middle finger up to the end of my palm. (Sorry no exact measurements!)

Let's now move on to the individual brushes. They have no name like Sigma so I'm gonna give them names!

BC Tapered Kabuki which looks like Sigma F86: Perfect for applying cream or liquid products onto the harder to reach areas of the face like the sides of the nose and the inner corners of the eyes.

BC Flat Top Kabuki which looks like the famous Sigma F80: Perfect for applying cream or liquid products onto the flat areas of the face like cheeks and forehead. I use this brush to set and buff my foundation.

Here's a side by side comparison with the flat top brush from the BC 12 PC Synthetic Brush Set. The flat top kabuki brush is smaller but denser!

Look how the smaller brush is denser than the bigger one. I prefer the flat top kabuki brush from the Face Perfection set than the flat top brush from 12 PC Synthetic set because it's more firm. I find the bigger flat top brush a bit flimsy.

BC Angled Kabuki which looks like Sigma F84. Perfect for applying bronzer and blush! I love love love this brush! Definitely my favorite. I'm a big contour fan that's why I love using this brush. Now I've found the perfect brush for contouring and applying brush.

In comparison with the angled brush from the 12 PC brush set, the brush is again, denser or more tightly packed.

Like the flat top brush, the angled brush both from the 12 PC brush set are a bit flimsy in my opinion. The brushes from the Face Perfection Set are definitely easier to use than the face brushes from the 12 PC brush set.

What I like:

• Affordable for 850php. Totally worth it! 
• Locally available. I had a smooth transaction with Ms. Rosenn, the owner of Beauty Cosmetics. I got my order the next day after I paid for them.
• The brushes are super soft and densely packed. 
• The travel-sized brushes can easily fit any makeup kit unlike full-sized brushes
• Thick handles provide a better grip
• No shedding or bleeding  
• Synthetic bristles = cruelty free
• Each brush performed its job well
• Sleek looking 

What I don't like:

          None at all! I love the brushes to bits!!

Rating:

10/10

Thumbs up to Beauty Cosmetics for coming up with quality face brushes for an affordable price. Grab yours now!

Where to get:

850php at Beauty Cosmetics or Fabshopaholic 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Makeup Collaboration

Here's a makeup collaboration for a cause! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I together with Janet of Journey on Beauty and Nonsense Stuff, Joyce of CandyLoveArt, Mitchie of Mitchiekyuti and Michelle of Micmic's Corner collaborated to raise awareness about breast cancer among the blogosphere.

We decided to incorporate the color pink in the makeup look for this collaboration.

I used a very light frosted pink for the inner 2/3 of my lids. For my outer v, I used a dark gray eyeshadow and blended it inwards. I also dabbed a white shimmery eyeshadow on the inner corner of my eyes. I made an extra long wing tip to elongate my eyes and used a white eyeliner on my waterline.

L-R: Careline Lipgloss in 102, Colour Collection in Tea Rose, Excel Paris Lip Cream in 101, 3 colors combined

I decided to be a little more creative on the lips. I used three different shades of pink lipsticks for an ombre effect! Pink is such a nice lip color! I'm into bright pinks lately.

Here is how the different shades look like when worn:

L-R: Careline Lipgloss in 102, Excel Paris Lip Cream in 101, Colour Collection in Tea Rose

Careline Lipgloss in 102 is a very loud baby pink which I find similar to Wet n Wild DollHouse Pink. The color is really nice for night outs. In my opinion, this color is not for everyday use because it doesn't look good without any eye makeup. I find Excel Paris in 101 similar to NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis Ababa. It's the perfect hot pink. Hot pink is my favorite among the three shades I used. The color would not look overwhelming even without eye makeup. Lastly, Colour Collection in Tea Rose is great for everyday use. It's a cool shade of pink with purple undertones. 

Products used: Fanny Serrano Two Way Cake in Organza, Pasha Concealer, Ever Bilena Eye Pencil in Brown, HengFang Liquid Eyeliner, ELF Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder, Maybelline Lash Stiletto, Careline Lipgloss in 101, Excel Paris Lip Cream in 101, Color Collection Lipstick in Tea Rose, ELF 100 Color Eyeshadow Palette, ELF Mechanical Lash Curler, Beauty Cosmetics Brushes

*Thanks to my sister who lent me the Careline Lipgloss & Color Collection Lipstick*

Organized by breast cancer charities, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual health campaign created to raise awareness about the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis treatment and cure. (Source: Wikipedia)

Prevention is better than cure! Read about breast self-examination here.

Spread the word!
God bless!

The BDJ Box

What is BDJ Box?

BDJ Box is a monthly beauty product subscription service created to help women in their quest for the best beauty products.

Last Wednesday, I got my very own BDJ Box from the exclusive BDJ Box Event. 

The BDJ Power Planner 2013, 5 I'm Beautiful Like Me stickers and press kit were also given to everyone who attended the event. The press kit includes a booklet and a CD  that features what BDJ Box is all about.

My first reaction upon receiving the box is..."ang bigat!" It was heavier than I perceived it to be. Same reaction goes to my fellow beauty bloggers. I didn't open the box until I get home to prolong my excitement. Haha! 

 A cute little note that resembles a post card greet me upon opening the box. It says that this month's BDJ Box has "everything you need to renew, revitalize and reenergize - to take care of yourself." Parisian Pretty is  the theme of the box. It aims to bring out one's inner Parisienne - chic, elegant and classy, and effortlessly beautiful always. 

The contents of the box are listed at the back of the card.

Here it is!It is covered in a parchment paper which intensified my excitement even more!

It's totally packed with a lot of products. Siksik na siksik! Kaya naman pala ang bigat!

Here's everything. It's a lot and definitely more than what I expected of.

L'oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Daily Repairing Treatment, 50 ML
Fights the 5 signs of damaged hair and makes hair stronger, smoother and shinier.

Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Active Multi-Action Scrub, 50 ML
Clears skin imperfections and prevents dirt from further building up.

Syoss Anti-Dandruff Control Shampoo and Conditioner, both 100 ML
The perfect tandem designed to fight dandruff from the first application.

L'oreal Revitalift Intensive Night Repair Essence, 5 ML
Stimulates your skin's natural lifters and revives your skin's firmness and elasticity
L'oreal Lucent Magique Skin Illuminating BB Cream SPF20, 5ML
Instantly brightens skin and evens out your skin colour with its lightweight formula

Yves Rocher Hydra Vegetal Hydrating Toner, 50 ML
Provides skin with a healthy glow while preparing to absorb moisture.

Calvin Klein Eternity Aqua, 1.2 ML
Crafted for the stylish and sophisticated woman, this modern scent is inspired by the ocean breeze

Garnier Skin Naturals Light  SPF17, 8 ML each (64 ML total)

Lastly, a brochure about some of L'oreal's products.

My thoughts:

The contents of the box definitely exceeded my expectations! I was expecting for products in sample sizes not 50-100ML products! The 480php subscription fee is totally worth it (I got mine for free). I have yet to find out the different prices of each product but I am confident that the products are worth 480php if not more than. 

The concept is well thought of as well. I appreciate the fact the people behind the BDJ Box came up with a theme. The products translated the theme, Parisian Pretty very well - looking best starts with "a healthy skin care routine, and with a hair care system for intense smoothness and shine, not to mention, a fantastic fragrance that lasts - for French Girls are never without a signature scent! I think every product will is a hit! No miss! 

I also like the flexible subscription options the product provides. Payment options can be postpaid or prepaid through different payment methods. They accept Gcash and bank deposits! So convenient! 1 month subscription is 480php which can be renewed monthly. Please visit their site for more details. (Link below!)

Every woman wants to look at their best. Indeed, it starts with a healthy skincare and hair care system. A fantastic fragrance is definitely a plus! But, the beauty products the market provides may be overwhelming to some. The overwhelming choices may be one of the reasons why a lot of girls skip skincare and hair care. 

Good thing there's BDJ Box now! BDJ Box is the answer for women who are in constant search for the beauty products!

Congratulations to the Beauty Ministry behind this wonderful product!

For more information visit BDJ Box.

Like the BDJ Box Community on Facebook for more updates. 

*Disclaimer: I got the product for free. I am not paid to make this post and my opinions are no way biased.