Review: Ever Bilena Lip Colour Xtreme Shine

While I was on a lookout for an affordable hot pink lipstick, I spotted this lipstick from Ever Bilena. Upon swatching and seeing that it only costs 75php, I instantly got it without hesitation.

Price and packaging: Given the 75php price, I couldn't complain with the cheap plastic packaging of the product. The clear lipstick cap is prone to scratches and seems brittle.

From top left: Bare lips, 1 swipe of lipstick, 3 swipes of lipstick

Pigmentation, finish, lasting power: Pigmentation is sheer but highly buildable. It actually looks like a lip tint when swiped only once. At least 3-4 swipes is needed to achieve that hot pink shade. As expected from a lipstick with satin/shiny finish, lasting power is just average. However, the lipstick leaves a nice tint on the lips after a meal. It does not fade out completely.

                            

Color: Fuchsia pink with blue/violet sheen. I think the blue/violet sheen to the color makes the lipstick really interesting to look at especially when it reflects light. If you are familiar with Pink Alarm from In2it, you may recognize a slight resemblance. In my opinion, the shade can suit both ladies with fair and morena skin.

When worn: Because the lipstick is sheer but highly buildable, it is perfect for day to night make up looks. Swipe once for a lip tint feel during the day and layer it on for bold pink lips during the night.

What I like:

• Cheap, very affordable
• Color is really nice! I find the blue /violet sheen it gives interesting.
• It doesn't fade out completely. It leaves a nice tint on the lips.
• Available locally

What I don't like:

• Packaging 

Where to buy:

          75php on Ever Bilena Counters located at Watsons/SM Department Stores.

Review: James Cooper Eyebrow Gel + Comparison with MAC Brow Set

I was born with thick and dark-haired brows which I find difficult to tame and match with my colored hair. All thanks to brow products which are readily available on our local malls and online shops. Eyebrow pencils, brow powders or even brow gels, name it, they have it! I've always been obsessed with nicely groomed and filled in brows like Noe's of Color is My Weapon. And of course, I want my brows to match my hair color. 

Guess what?! I finally found the perfect match for my trusty Ever Bilena Eye Pencil in Brown! Last weekend I am very ecstatic to find out that James Cooper recently released an eyebrow gel which is available in two shades: Frosted Brown and Dark Brown for only 299php each.

I got the Frosted Brown while my aunt got the Dark Brown.

I almost squealed upon swatching Frosted Brown from James Cooper makeup counter (SM North Edsa). It instantly reminded me of MAC's Brow Set in Girl Boy!! I only get to try my sister's, MAC is beyond my budget's reach at the moment.

The list of the ingredients used. James Cooper is made in France which is a sister company of Pinkie Swear, available on SM Department Stores and Watsons. The eyebrow gel is from their Jazzy Collections. James Cooper is famous among the blogosphere for its cream foundation which I want to try soon! The SA in the SM North Edsa branch  is very accommodating. She let me take pictures of their other products which have just been released along with their brow gels. (I'll make a separate post about that!)

Let's now move on to the review and comparison!

*Note: My James Cooper Eyebrow Gel is only four days old while my sister's MAC Brow Set is almost a year old already. I can only compare the products in terms of color payoff, consistency and staying power. How long will the product last is unanswerable at the moment. I asked my sister's opinions about both products because she's a long time user of brow gel.

Content, Price and Packaging: 

Left: James Cooper Eyebrow Gel in Frosted  Brown
Right: MAC Brow Set in Girl Boy

James Cooper is a lot cheaper for 299php compared to MAC which is sold for 700-900php locally.

Both has clear plastic packaging and black screw cap (JC has shiny finish, MAC has matte finish). MAC contains 8g while James Cooper has 7g of product. The label print, MAC Brow Set on the tube completely faded away after almost a year of usage. I hope JC's label print won't go off easily. 

Wand applicator and Consistency:

The wand applicator of JC is shorter, has a pointed tip, and the bristles are away from each other.

The consistency of the brow gel is thinner or more liquid than MAC's making it easier to apply and spread over the brow hair. 

MAC has a longer wand. The bristles are also closer to each other. Unlike JC's wand, MAC has a round tip making it difficult to apply product on the tail of the brows.

The consistency of the product is thicker and dries easily. The thick consistency of the product makes it difficult to spread evenly. A need to be extra fast in applying the product is also a must as it dries up easily!

Swatches:

Both appear shimmery. MAC is more golden than JC. JC appears to be bronze and darker when swatched.

Staying Power:

I exposed my arm swatches under running water and wipe it off with a tissue. MAC almost faded away instantly while JC remained intact.

I exposed my arm swatches for the second time under running water and rubbed it off vigorously. MAC completely went off. JC won't go off completely. I used a soap hoping it would completely go off but it still left a subtle stain on my arm.  I am very impressed with the strong staying power of James Cooper! 

When applied:

These are my younger sister's brows. She has darker and thicker brows so she's a better model for this comparison.

Her brow hairs on the left are already a bit thicker to start with that's why it appeared darker than the right. However, it's still obvious that James Cooper did a better job in tinting the brows. Her right brow looks so blonde, agree? 

When worn:

I love how the product can transform my black brows into a nice light brown shade that matches my hair color well.

Iza Calzado Makeup Look

What I like:

• Affordable for 299php compared to other brow gels 
• Locally available at SM Department Stores and Watsons
• Great staying power : Water proof and smudge proof
• Does a great job in tinting the brows
• Pointed tip of wand applicator makes application easier
• Consistency of the product is perfect
• A little goes a long way

What I don't like:

• None at all

Rating:

10/10

I've finally found the perfect product for my brows. The answer to my desire to have light-colored brows! To those who have dark-haired brows and who are in search for an affordable brow gel, this is it! Application is a breeze!

My elder sister, a long-time user of MAC Brow Set in Girl Boy, says that James Cooper Eyebrow Gel is a lot easier to use because of the consistency. Also, the results are better. She has the darkest and thickest pair of brows but JC is able to give her nicely colored brows!

Thumbs up to James Cooper! 

What's your favorite brow product? Have you tried any brow gels yet? Share your experiences and thoughts  below! I would love to hear them!  

Halloween Makeup Collaboration: Iza Calzado (Celebrity Inspired Theme)

Here's the final installment of my Halloween Makeup Collaboration with Jannie of Jannieology, Misha of The Touch of Yellow and Eyah of Eyahnism. Celebrity-Inspired makeup look is our final theme. Don't forget to check out my previous makeup looks for this makeup collaboration! (Animal theme: Black Bunny, Scary doll theme: Walking Dead)

My makeup is inspiration is the beautiful Iza Calazado. I chose a local female celebrity because I think it's a lot easier to achieve.

I'm loving her bronzed makeup look on the Rouge July 2012 issue. It's so simple yet very stunning!

In order to copy Iza's naturally deep-set eyes, I used a warm brown eye shadow on my crease. I used a white and light yellow eye shadow to highlight my brow bone and lids. I made my brows longer and a bit thicker to resemble Iza's makeup look. I also added a wingtip eyeliner and falsies. Pretty simple, right?

I used NYX SMLC in London and Laura Mercier Lip Gloss to achieve Iza's nude lips.

Echuserang froglet. Konting tangos pa ng ilong at ayos ng buhok hahaha.

For the cheeks, I just contoured and added a bronzer. Done!

More vanity...

Sorry for the messy hair. I am too lazy to recreate Iza's big curls.

Products used:

Fanny Serrano Two Way Cake in Organza
Max Factor Translucent Powder in 02
San-san Liquid Matte Foundation in 03
Ever Bilena Eye Pencil in Brown
James Cooper Eyebrow Gel in Frosted Brown
Dollface 88 Color Eyeshadow Palette
Sleek iDivine Storm Palette
ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder
NYX SMLC in London
Laura Mercier Lipgloss in Sparkle Glaze
Beauty Cosmetics 12 PC Synthetic Brushes
Beauty Cosmetics Face Perfection Brushes

What do you think of this makeup look? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Check out my collaborators posts as well!

Eyah as Lady Gaga

Jannie as Adele 

Mhisha as Nicki Minaj

God bless! 

Love, 

Iya

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

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!

Halloween Makeup Collaboration: Walking Dead (Scary Doll Theme)

Hey guys! This is the second theme of the Halloween Makeup Collaboration I participated in with Jannie of Jannieology, Eyah of Eyahnism and Mhisha of the Touch of Yellow. Our first theme was animals where I chose to be a black bunny. Read Halloween Makeup Collaboration: Black Bunny. Aren't makeup collabs fun?

Prior to the creation of this look, I watched several makeup tutorials on Youtube on how to create scary doll makeup looks. Makeup looks such as this is not really my expertise that is why I'm quite challenged at the same time excited to try out something new. Here is the outcome! I know, I still have to practice a lot. Look at my uneven brows! I covered my natural brows with concealer and foundation and drew higher brows.

I wanted to be a dead-looking doll hence the bloodshoot eyes, pale skin and heavily contoured cheeks. To make the look a little scarier and gruesome, I added blood! In case you are wondering how I made the blood, I just used a regular chocolate syrup and red food coloring. 

I had fun creating this look because it's like literally playing with makeup! I didn't have to be precise in makeup application. I just played with colors and used whatever I think would suit the look. 

Check out my collaborators posts as well!

Eyah as Scary Doll

Jannie as Creepy Eerie Baby Doll

Mhisha as Ventriloquist Doll

Did I scare you? Sorry for grossing you out! Let me hear your thoughts about this look!

Join my ongoing giveaway!

First Thank You Giveaway


God bless!

Review: Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Earth

School is finally over! This means, I'll have more time for blogging! I have a lot on my to post folder, this review is one of them. I'll finally be able to share these overdue posts now that I have time.

I have been looking for a good contouring powder that is affordable and this blusher from Ever Bilena caught my eye. I thought that its warm brown shade could pass off as a contouring powder. It has a black matte packaging with clear plastic top and EB's logo.

It comes with a mirror and flat blush brush which I don't bother using. It is soft but it sheds a lot.

Swatches:

It appears bronze when swatched. It gives a slight shimmer too. This blusher can be used as a contour powder for fair-skinned women but not for women with morena skin like me. It's still too light for me. The perfect contour shade is at least two shades darker than your skin tone.

 EB Cheek Blush in Earth's copper shade is shown when compared with DollFace contouring powder which has a true warm brown shade, perfect for contouring!

Also, DollFace contouring powder is matte while EB appears a little shimmery. Even if the product wouldn't pass off as a good contouring powder, it does a great job as a blusher/bronzer! Instant bronzed look! It compliments my morena skin well. The shimmer gives a nice glow on my cheeks as well.

What I like: 

• Pigmented. One swipe is enough to give you a bronzed look!
• Affordable for 165php. You'll get 4g of product.
• Packaging. I love the matte finish of the container. Doesn't look cheap at all. It has a mirror and brush too! The EB logo wears off easily though
• Lasting power. It stays on for 3-4 hours. Not bad.
• Didn't cause me any breakout.
• Availability. You can get one at Ever Bilena counters located at SM Department Stores, Landmark and Watsons

What I don't like:

• Packaging does not look sturdy. The clear plastic top looks easy to break.

Rating:

8/10

For those who prefer bronze blushers over pink ones, this product is for you. It is also very affordable for 165php for the amount of product you'll get. I think it compliments morena-skinned women well.

Where to get:

Ever Bilena counters at SM Department Stores, Landmark and Watsons for 165php

Look: Leopard Print Makeup

Hello guys! I'm happy to be blogging again! School kept me so busy. I couldn't find time to edit pictures and post anything here. Glad to be back! Here is a makeup look inspired by a friend (Hello, Camille Cabrera!). I saw her picture wearing a leopard print eye makeup through Instagram. I thought she used eye shadow stickers at first. I was surprised that she did it manually.

And so I was inspired to recreate her look. If I could draw leopard prints on my nails, maybe I could do it on my lids too! I finally tried my ELF 100-Piece Eye Shadow Palette I won from ELF's giveaway. I used a shimmery gray/silver eye shadow all over my lids up to my brow bone. I'm quite impressed with the color pay-off! I used my HengFang eye liner to draw random circles and dots. HengFang liquid eye liner is  a great product with an incredibly cheap price! Only 30-35php!

I used Nichido Waterproof eyeliner in black as lip color and topped it off with a black eye shadow to give it a matte effect. I patted a silver eye shadow on the center of my lips to give depth and shine to my lips.

I didn't apply any blush so the focus will be on the eyes and lips. I just contoured my cheeks and nose using Ever Bilena's blusher in Earth.

I totally enjoyed doing this makeup look especially using an eye liner to color my lips. I might do another version again! 

Have you tried any animal-print make up looks yet? What do you think about this look? I would love to hear your thoughts! :)

God bless!