My Daily Makeup Must-Haves

Makeup application can be quite overwhelming sometimes. There's just so much to apply - primer, concealer, liquid foundation, contour and highlighting powder, eyebrow pencil/powder, lipstick, lip liner, blush on, eye shadow and the list goes on. You may have a lot of makeup products in your stash but only a handful makes it to your daily must-have list.

As for me, I only have seven. Yes, seven! Quite a few compared to the first time I got hooked in makeup when I wanted to pile up everything on my face. :p As time went by, I learned to simplify my makeup routine. Less is more! Below are my current makeup must-haves which is dominated by Pixy. 

1) Foundation | Pixy UV Whitening Two Way Cake in Honey Beige - light to medium coverage, 3-4 hours staying power, perfectly matches my skin tone. Review here.

2) Eyebrows | IN2IT Eyebrow Powder - The best eyebrow product for me because it has three shades. You can go from light to dark. The product also doubles as a contour powder.

3) Eyebrows | Etude House Easy Brow Pencil in #2 - I'm already on my third pencil which is enough evidence that I really love this product. It's got the perfect light brown shade for me.

4) Eyeliner | Milani Eye Tech Extreme - Long lasting, pigmented, fine felt tip. It's the closest eyeliner I've got to the famous K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner for a fraction of the price. Availability is the only downside of this product. It's only available online. See my review & comparison here

5) Eyeliner | Pixy Eye Liner - I use this to line my lower lash line. It is pigmented and easy to apply but it fades and smudges after a few hours.

6) Blush-on | Pixy Blush-on in Carnation Bloom 06 - Peach/coral shade with micro shimmers. No need for highlighters!

7) Lipstick | Pixy Lasting Matte Lipstick in Pink Smoothie - Peachy pink shade with matte finish. It goes on creamy when applied but dries matte.

Swatches from left to right: Pixy foundation, Pixy blush-on, Etude House brow pencil, In2it brow powder (lightest shade), Milani eyeliner, Pixy eyeliner and Pixy lipstick 

Aaand here's how I look like using my daily makeup must-haves. I'm loving peach/coral shade lately because of the soft, girly look it creates. I'd probably stick to my must-haves for a while because they're great finds! Affordable products that deliver great quality. I hope Pixy becomes available on local stores soon. Pixy, an Indonesian makeup brand using Japanese technology & ingredients was first introduced by BDJ Box in the Philippines. Read more about it here. 

So, there goes my daily must haves! 

What are yours? Let me know by commenting down below. I would love to hear from you!

"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." - Philippians 2:13

Goodnight and God bless!

HAUL: hbc products

I am always grateful for weekends because I get to do my hobbies. Beauty blogging is one hobby I think I'll never get tired of. There's always something new to discover. And, speaking of something new, I've got a bunch of beauty products from hbc. 

During the National Makeover Day Preview, each blogger got to take home a box full of goodies from hbc.

Review: Pixy UV Whitening Two Way Cake

I'm too glad to be seated in front of my laptop, typing for a blog post. It has been quite a while since I last wrote a decent product review. Finding time for blogging has been difficult for the past few months. But, as they say, If there's a will, there's a way! 

Product Description: This lightweight powder refill is clinically tested not to trigger blackheads and is enriched with natural extracts and antibacterial kanzo, making it suitable for oily skin. Feel free to swap it inside the Perfect Fit Compact!  

I'll be sharing with you my current foundation - Pixy UV Whitening Two Way Cake in Perfect Matte. Pixy is an Indonesian makeup brand, by the way. This product has been a staple in my makeup kit ever since BDJ Box introduced it last April. (Check out my April BDJ Box.)  Shade, finish and coverage are my top three criteria in choosing foundation and Pixy Two Way Cake perfectly fits my criteria. Why? Read on!

Shade: Honey Beige borders medium to dark shade with yellow undertones, perfect for a morena like me. It matches my skin color really, really well which is probably why I love the product so much. Shade is such a critical factor in choosing the right foundation. Wearing a foundation shade lighter than my skin tone is a big no for me. 

Coverage: Since it is a lightweight foundation, coverage is only light to medium. It cannot provide complete coverage to dark spots and acne marks. It does minimize the appearance of blemishes though especially when wet application is used. The lightweight feel of the product is great for everyday use. I prefer using lightweight foundation during hot and lazy days. 

Finish, texture: As the product name suggests, it is Perfect Matte! It blends out smoothly and looks very natural when applied. it is like my second skin, no kidding. The texture is smooth and silky - very easy to blend. 

Formulation: The product has a Two Way Whitening formula from combination of Natural Whitening Powder, Vitamin C derivate and Sunscreen (SPF 15). It is also oil-free and non comedogenic. While I cannot attest to its whitening properties, my skin is doing fine with the formula - no breakouts nor allergic reaction. It has a soft, powdery scent which I find pleasant. 

Lasting power: Now the downside that comes with its being lightweight is the lasting power. It only lasts up to 3 hours on me using dry application and barely 5 hours in wet application. I don't mind touching up, however. I don't think this product is ideal for oily skin. 

Price & packaging: Only Php 145 for 12g of product. Affordable, isn't it? As for the packaging, I'm loving how compact it is (because it's only a refill). I can easily fit in my makeup kit. BUT I guess it's really meant to be transferred to the Perfect Fit Compact (full packaging) because it got broken after a week's use.



When applied: Left photo is my face sans makeup. Dark eye area, pimples and blemishes are very visible. Right photo is taken after application of the product. It did minimize the appearance of my pimples and blemishes but didn't totally conceal it. I love how it looks so natural on me.

What I like: 

• Shade. I'm saying it over again, it is a perfect match on me. I can highly recommend this product to morena ladies like me
• Affordable. I honestly think that the product is worth more than Php 149
• Finish, texture.

What I don't like:

• Lasting power 
• Powder easily got broken in a week

Where to buy:

You can get it at BDJShop

Overall Rating:

7/10

Have you tried Pixy products?

Unboxing May BDJ Box: Summer Radiance

I can't believe summer is already over. Days go by really fast! I didn't even had the chance to hit the beach. Have you?

Anyway, the May BDJ Box is full of beauty products that will give you radiance even if summer is already over. The box is tightly packed with so much products. It's heavier than the usual monthly boxes. So..shall we go check out what's inside?

Skincare: Godiva Lico White Whitening Lotion | Godiva Lico White Antiperspirant Deodorant | Dermal Sheet Mask | TooCoolForSchool Pumpkin Sleeping Pack

Haircare: Organix Hair Care Set

Others: Free Brassiere from Avon | 50% Off on Reshape Ultra or Caci Non-Surgical Face Lift from Dr. CRB | Revlon Colorstay Enamel in Buttercup & Rain Forest | Php 300 Add-ons for every mani and pedi from idonails | PAC Make Over Voucher | Php 100 Off from Bifesta | 50% Off from Lucido - L variants

I think I'll be able to use everything in the box. The sachet packs are very handy for trips. I am thrilled to try out the Hair Care Set from Organix! BDJ included enough packs for every variant. The coupons are really useful too - I want to have that free makeover from PAC.

A BDJ Box isn't complete without the stickers! I love how true the statement is - A Happy Woman is a Beautiful Woman!

I like everything in the May BDJ Box because of the usefulness of each product. As always, the entire value of the box is way more than the subscription fee of Php 580. The value of the box is around Php 2500+ excluding the coupons. That's how sulit your subscription fee is.

Get your dose of monthly beauty box surprise with BDJ Box!
July boxes are now open for subscription

Like BDJ Box on Facebook for updates
Visit the BDJ Box Website for more info

What do you think about the May BDJ Box?
Any product that you'd want a review about?

I would love to hear from you!

National Makeover Day by HBC: A Preview

The thought of makeovers always excites me. As a makeup enthusiast, I both love giving and having makeovers – new hair color and haircut, makeup, manicure and pedicure, name it! Getting makeovers is such an exciting way to welcome a beautiful change.

An intimate gathering with fellow beauty bloggers was held at Stacys BGC where HBC talked about the National Makeover Day. Yes, you’ve read that right. Let me tell you what happened during the event first before I go into the details of the National Makeover Day.

Delicious food was served before the program began. Fried chicken was my personal favorite!

Even the cupcakes match the white and pink theme of the event. How adorable!

 The event was organized and hosted by the ever jolly Kumi of LovingSunshine; Ms. Chi did a short welcome message while Drei who happens to be one of my best friends in college did a short presentation about The National Makeover Day. So proud of you, Drei!

L-R: Kumi, Drei, and Ms. Chi

After the short intro, we had a group discussion where we shared what Beautiful Change is all about for us. It was the most interesting part of the afternoon for me because I get to listen to the stories of fellow beauty bloggers. It is always wonderful to share insights with people who have the same passion as I have.

Photo by: HBC

The Beautiful Change that I experienced is about having the courage to wear bold red lipsticks. I used to be uncomfortable in wearing red lipsticks because I felt that it was too much. I felt that red lipsticks may only be worn in parties/special events. However, I am in the field of sales where I meet and talk to a lot of people everyday. I figured that I needed to look presentable and powerful especially when delivering sales presentation...and that's how I learned wearing red lipsticks. Wearing one gives me the extra confidence that I need.

Photo by: HBC

So, are you ready to say yes to a beautiful change?

The National Makeover Day will be on June 12, 2014 from 10:00 AM onwards at Trinoma Mall Activity Center and in all HBC outlets nationwide. Free services will be given - hair colouring & hair styling, facial and diamond peel, makeup makeovers, manicure, pedicure, foot spa and more! There will also be Personality Development Talks where practical makeover tips will be given. And oh, celebrity guests will be there to grace the event as well!

As usual, the day wouldn't pass without picture taking. More photos!

I think I'll see you more often, Drei!

Photo by HBC

Don't miss the chance to say yes to a Beautiful Change! 
National Makeover Day |June 12, 2014 | Trinoma Mall Activity Center

Like HBC on Facebook for updates :)

Haul: Colour Collection Makeup

I've been meaning to share this haul with you for so long but I really couldn't find time. Truly grateful for non-working holidays! Now, I'll stop babbling and go on with the haul. 

Most of the products are from Colour Collection, a local makeup line by Tupperware Brands. Find out more about the brand here. I've known the brand through my sister who is an avid user of their lipsticks. Now, I'll stop babbling and go on with the haul.

White Result Exfoliating Gel (Php599) - Product claims to whiten skin and increase the rate of cell renewal. Now that my pimples are starting to heal, I think this will come in handy for the nasty acne marks the pimples might leave.

Perfect Cover Dual Powder Foundation in Honey - Out of the bunch, this one has got to be my favorite. The shade is a perfect match to my morena skin. Also, it did not cause any breakouts. I've been avoiding makeup for several months now because of my acne problems. For ladies with acne prone skin, it is such a relief to find makeup products that would not cause acne build up.

Colour Intense Eyeshadow Trio in Terra Cotta - I think the colors are perfect for day to night makeup looks. What do you think?

Colour Intense Blush-On Duo - Reminds me of ELF's blush and contour powder. I find the product a bit too powdery. A single swipe of the brush sends the product all over the packaging.

Vitamin E Lipsticks (Php330 each) - Aaaah! Too giddy upon seeing four tubes of lipsticks from the brand. The quality of the lipsticks are superb in terms of pigmentation, staying power and formulation. Comparable to high end brands! Check out my product review on Kissmark. 

I got three shades, Red Wine (Satin), Kissmark (Matte) and Pinkish Nude (Satin). I got 2 tubes of Red Wine if you're wondering about the fourth shade.

Lip Therapy with Argan Oil - I am intrigued to experience the effect of Argan Oil on my lips. And oh, are you attracted with the its sophisticated packaging as much as I am?

Pop Shop Lipstick in Be my Baby - Hmm. I still haven't opened this one up to now. I'd probably give this one to my 3 year old inaanak, hehe. The size and design of this product makes it look like a toy! Cute!

Everything was sent by Sample Room as a prize for their Colour Collection Contest. Check out my entry here. Congratulations to the other winners as well! Thank you, Sample Room and Colour Collection! 

Visit Sample Room 

Visit Tupperware Brands Colour Collection

Have you tried anything from Colour Collection? What are your thoughts? Let me now by commenting down below. I would love to hear from you!

God bless!

Haul: Encara BB Cream, Glory of New York, BC Fragrances

As if attending Bing Castro's Meet and Greet is not enough awesomeness, take a look at these goodies I was able to bring home with! 20 days before the actual event, Bing held 20 days/20 winners giveaway wherein 20 participants get the chance to win each day by joining the game. I was one of the 20 lucky winners and I won lip products from Glory of New York. Aside from the 20/20 giveaway, there were still a lot of games during the meet and greet. It was raining beauty products that day. Now, let's go through each item quickly.

EnCara BB Cream 50g I've been looking forward to get my hands on with this product because of the great reviews I've read about it. EnCara BB cream is famous for its highly blendable shade with yellow undertones. Finally, a morena-friendly BB cream. Ha! :D

GNY Lipshine 30 ml I find this lip gloss quite interesting because unlike most glosses, this one is not entirely clear. It gives off a milky shade which difuses lip colors a bit.

BC Fragrance This one is inspired by DKNY's Fresh Blossom. Just timely because my current perfume is about to run out!

Iris/GNY Lip liners Hmm, something new to try out. I'm not a user of lip liners. I can't even remember of buying one. 

GNY/Iris Lipsticks Truly happy for these new lipsticks! I'm a lipstick person in case you do not know. (Majority of the reviews here in my blog are lipsticks)

I'll be posting product reviews soonest! Many thanks to Bing Castro and her generous sponsors! Check out Bing Castro's blog: theprojectawesome.net

Have a great night!
God bless!

Review: Colour Collection Vitamin E Lipstick in Kissmark

                       

If there's going to be only one makeup product that I could collect, I would go for lipsticks. I'm always on the lookout for good quality lipsticks that is why I grabbed the opportunity to get one of Colour Collection's Vitamin E Lipsticks the moment Sample Room introduced it to the public.

I've known Colour Collection through my sister as she has been an avid user of their lipsticks. Colour Collection is a local makeup line that Tupperware Brands carry. Checkout their website here.

Price & packaging: It is packaged in a shiny black plastic tube with gold accents. I love how it's simply and neatly packaged. For 4g of product, it costs 330php. I honestly think that it is a bit pricey at first. My lipsticks usually range from 200-280php only. It is available at Sample Room for 85 points. Get yours now! 

                           

Color, pigmentation: The shade that I got is Kissmark which has a matte finish. It was totally LOVE AT FIRST SWIPE! It is a bright, almost neon, Barbie pink lipstick that has blue undertones. Pink lipstick with blue undertones usually do not suit my morena skin tone  but this one is different. It did not give me a Nicki Minaj feel. One swipe is enough to get an opaque coverage. 

                                             

Formulation, lasting power: As most matte lipsticks are drying, this one is not. It glides smoothly on the lips. My lips which are prone to drying surprisingly did not experience any chapping or drying from this one after several days of use. I can skip lip balm application because of its moisturizing properties. Yay for Vitamin E! However, exfoliating your lips is still necessary as matte lipsticks tend to accentuate dry lips.Lasting power is up to 6 hours without eating.

                                 

Tune in, I'm a Barbie girl, in Barbie world. Life is plastic, it's fantastic!

Now for my FOTD, I went for a soft yet glamorous makeup look appropriate during daytime. I achieved this by pairing my pink lips with neutral colors for both my eyes and cheeks. 

                                     

 A closer look...

Face: Fashion 21 Two Way Cake with Milk Moisturizers in 03, Ever Bilena Blusher in Earth
Eyes & Brows: Sleek I-Divine Storm Palette, K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner, Fashion 21 Double Up Mascara, Etude House Easy Brow Pencil No. 2

                                             

To sum up my review,

What I like:

• Good quality. I could say that it is one of the best lipsticks I have ever tried.
• Superb pigmentation
• Formulation is amazing for a matte lipstick. Not drying at all!

What I don't like:

• Lipstick bullet is too soft, it easily melts when exposed in heat. 

Overall rating:

9.5/10

Now I know why my sister even signed up for Tupperware Brands to get discounts from Colour Collection. Their lipsticks are really of high quality. For 330php, you'll get more than what you pay for.

Where to get:

          Sample Room for 85 points (until stocks last)

          330php from Tupperware Brands dealers

Thanks to Sample Room for introducing Colour Collection Vitamin E lipsticks! Visit and join Sample Room now and get to try beauty samples for free!