BB Cream - Skin79 Super Plus Beblesh Balm

I finally got my hands on the Skin79 Super Plus Beblesh Balm (Hot Pink)!

I've been looking to try this product out ever since I saw the video Jen (of FrmHeadToToe) did on how she applies her BB cream. She featured the Skin79 Super Plus Beblesh Balm Gold. Unfortunately, you can't get this where I'm from so I had to resort to searching the net. I was really careful with the online stores I looked through because it is common knowledge that there are a lot of fake products being sold on eBay and on Multiply. I eventually found one I was comfortable purchasing from. My BB cream arrived two days after I put in the order.

I was really impressed with the packaging. The BB cream came in a cute little cylinder with a pump dispenser. I learned through the Skin79 North America website that the current packaging is new. It was slimmed down to be compact enough to carry around in a purse. The pump was also redesigned to provide better use. I mentioned that I appreciate pump dispensers in a previous post so this made my day.

I've been using this product for over a month now and I have to say that it does wonders for my skin. It takes care of the imperfections that would normally be the source of major insecurity. There were a few issues that I had to work around when I first tried it. After a few tries, they turned out to be non-issues. The most worrisome was that the BB cream came in only one color and that color had a grey undertone. I simply couldn't wrap my head around it. After a while, to my surprise, the color started to adapt to my own skin tone. I don't know if that makes any sense. It is, however, what happened. The grey tones which were so prominent when I first applied the product to my skin were hardly noticeable after I gave it time to set.

I am completely sold on the Skin79 Super Plus Beblesh Balm (Hot Pink). I gush about it so much that my mom, aunt and cousins are trying it out too. We all claim the same results: Pores disappear almost entirely; Dark spots and blemishes are completely covered; and Skin is kept oil-free but moisturized.

This product is little short of a miracle. I definitely recommend it.

Where to get Skin79 BB Creams

In the Philippines:
http://maehao.multiply.com

US and Canada:
http://skin79northamerica.com

'til next time,
Maite

MyGlam - My Glam Bag Arrived!

I am so excited! My best friend just e-mailed me the pictures of my Glam Bag! Ok, technically, the pictures are of her Glam Bag. Mine is still sealed. She told me half of the fun is in opening the package so she'll let do it myself when it gets to me.

I had to go to class before she could tell me what was in them in detail, but I'm sure there are several other blogs out there with the info. I just wanted to share the photos.

'til next time,
Maite

Eye Liner - IN2IT Waterproof Gel Liner

I'm not sure what possessed me to get the IN2IT Waterproof Gel Liner last Sunday. We were walking through the Beauty section of the SM City Department Store, like we do every Sunday, and everybody had something they wanted. Not wanting to be the odd one out, I looked through the make-up counters to see if there was anything that would call to me. This eye liner did.

I'm pretty sure I've seen a review of these IN2IT liners on Youtube but, gold fish that I am, I can't remember whose channel I saw it on. I'm not even sure what the review said, really. What really drew me in the end was the price tag: Php499.75 for two liners. At Php250 each, I thought they were worth a try.

The first thing I noticed when I took the pencils from the box was the design. Both liners had silver flowers engraved all over along with the brand name and the color. They were definitely designed to appeal to a younger audience. More mature women with more sophisticated tastes would probably not give this product a second look. I thought they were really pretty (And I'm not just saying that so to group myself with the former).

I noticed the colors next. Now, there were different color pairs at the IN2IT counter. I chose this particular combination, Very Black and Royal, because blue is my favorite color. The color looked beautiful from the tip of the liner, but I wanted to see what it would look like on me (I'm afraid that will have to wait another day).

The packaging had some pretty ambitious claims on the side. "Waterproof and super long wearing," "Ultra smooth formula" and "No bleeding no running" among others. Eager to see if any of the claims on the box proved true, I swatched the IN2IT Waterproof Gel Liners. True enough, they glided on. After 60 seconds (because the box also says the gel liners dry in 60 seconds), I tried rubbing the swatches and after that ran my hand under the faucet. The lines didn't budge. I have to say, for Php250, I was impressed.

The only thing that didn't prove true was the part about no bleeding. I put very black on my waterline the other day and it did bleed a little after a few hours. Nothing that couldn't be remedied in the ladies' room in between classes though.

Note: This picture was taken after I tried rubbing the swatches. They didn't budge at all.

So, what do I think of the IN2IT Waterproof Gel Liners? I think they're worth a lot more than what I paid for them. They're pretty and they don't hold too many empty promises. The way they stayed on after I rubbed (And I really put an effort into it!) was a small miracle in itself. I will definitely be getting this again. If only just the very black.

'til next time,
Maite

Concealer - Maybelline AngelFit Perfect Concealer

The Maybelline AngelFit Perfect Concealer was an impulse buy. I ran out of my old concealer and I needed another one badly. I was already at the Maybelline counter checking out the Magnum Volum' Express, so when the saleslady recommended the AngelFit Perfect Concealer, I decided to just add it to my cart.

My last concealer came in a stick. I have to confess that I didn't like it too much. I just waited until it ran out before getting a new one. The Maybelline AngelFit Perfect Concealer comes in liquid form with a sponge-tipped applicator. I was really happy with that.

What I didn't appreciate was the fact that it only came in two shades. The first being too light for me, the second too dark. I'm not sure if they actually only come in two shades or if those were the only two available at the department store I frequent. I got the lighter of the two.

I decided to get it anyway to brighten up the dark circles sleepless nights have left under my eyes.

I found the product quite runny even when I used the sponged-tipped applicator. It blended well enough when I put it to face though. It covered up my dark circles well enough too.

Will I get it again? Probably. That is, until I find something better. For now, it does its job. It's a liquid concealer so it's easier to work with and it's a shade or two lighter than my natural skin tone so it brightens up my eyes when I apply it to the under-eye area. I'm not exactly gushing over it though. And for Php429, I feel like I should be.

If you know a good concealer you think I should try, leave me a comment.

'til next time,
Maite

Make-up Look - Sexy Red Lips

I decided to do a quick post before I go off to class. This is the look I am wearing. I know it looks a bit much for class, but as it is Valentine's Day, and as I do have a date later tonight, I decided to pretty myself up.

I did a smokey eye in shades of brown and a bright red lip. When I started, I wasn't sure which direction I would take with this look. I was torn between girly and sweet and seductive and sexy. In the end, I went with sexy.

The products I used:

Face:
Skin79 Super Beblesh Balm (Hot Pink)
Maybelline AngelFit Concealer in 01 Light Beige
The Body Shop All In One Face Base in 03

Cheeks:
E.L.F. Bronzing Powder in Bronzed (From the E.L.F. Contour Kit)
Neutrogena Natural Radiance Bronzer in Sunkissed 30

Eyes:
E.L.F. Eyelid Primer in Sheer #91201
Ever Bilena Mousse Eyeshadow in Amber
Taupe from the Sleek I-Divine Palette in Au Naturel 601
Conker from the Sleek I-Divine Palette in Au Naturel 601
Mineral Earth from the Sleek I-Divine Palette in Au Naturel 601
The lightest shade from the Maybelline EyeStudio quad in GD-1 Autumn Spirit
IN2IT Waterproof Gel Liner in WG01 Very Black
Shu Uemura Lash Curler
Maybelline the Magnum Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara in Black
Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara

Brows:
Revlon Eyebrow Pencil in Brown
Ardell Brow Sculpting Gel

Lips:
Ulta Lipcolor in Moroccan Red
Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lipcolor in Forever Scarlet

I believe my professors will forgive the color. It is, afterall, Valentine's Day. No lawyer-teacher could be that heartless.

'til next time,
Maite

Maite's 23rd Birthday

For those of you who didn't know, I celebrated (or more accurately, did not celebrate) my 23rd birthday last Saturday. I woke earlier than usual and gussied up for class. I thought that since I wasn't going to be doing anything special for my birthday other than having dinner with the family, I should at least look nice.

I curled my hair with a flat iron. I then put the front sections in braids which I later connected at the back using an elastic band. The connecting braids made a crown atop my head. I didn't put on too much make up that day. A little blush, a little lip gloss and a lot of mascara was all I dared do since I still had to attend my Criminal Law class.

I'd barely reached the bottom stair of the flight that leads to our classroom when I ran into my friend Lel. She looked at me, said hello, then immediately ran back up the stairs. I guess that should have tipped me off. I was not prepared for what I faced the moment I walked into the room. My classmates had prepared a cake. I know that most people probably get surprised on their birthdays every year, but I am not one of those people. I was so touched by the gesture. They sang "Happy birthday" and had me blow out the candles. It was a lovely surprise.

The dedication reads, "From: Captain America and Friends."

My friend Mamet got me a box of chocolates.

I took them out to lunch after class. We pigged out on pizza, pasta, chicken and ice cream.

I had another nice surprise when I got home. My family ordered my favorite cake and had it decorated with blue icing (Because blue is my favorite color).

I felt so loved.

I was also allowed to invite a few friends so I had my boyfriend Mark, two of my best friends, Cecile and Melanie and their boyfriends Mel and Kirby over. For some reason I can't find the picture on my phone, but it's in there somewhere. I'll put it up when I do.

'til next time,
Maite

Edit:

I found the picture!

Top: Cecile, Melanie and Maite

Bottom: Mark, Mel and Kirby

Make-up Look - Soft Brown Smokey Eye

I wore this look to school this evening. I liked it so much that I decided to share it. It's a soft brown smokey eye matched with a peachy-pink lip. I thought this look would be perfect for Valentine's Day.

Products I used:

Face:
The Body Shop Moisture Foundation in 03
Maybelline AngelFit Concealer in 01 Light Beige
The Body Shop All In One Face Base in 03

Cheeks:
E.L.F. Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder in Blushed/Bronzed

Eyes:
Ever Bilena Mousse Eyeshadow in Amber
Bark from the Sleek I-Divine Palette in Au Naturel 601
Noir from the Sleek I-Divine Palette in Au Naturel 601
IN2IT Waterproof Gel Liner in WG01 Very Black
NYX Eye Pencil in 918 White Pearl
Shu Uemura Lash Curler
Maybelline the Magnum Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara in Black

Brows:
Revlon Eyebrow Pencil in Brown
Ardell Brow Sculpting Gel

Lips:
E.L.F. Lipstick in Voodoo
Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Creamsicle

Let me know what you think!

'til next time,
Maite

Eyeshadow - Ever Bilena Mousse Eyeshadow

I picked up the Ever Bilena Mousse Eyeshadows last Sunday while shopping with the family. I decided to get them after seeing Say Tioco Artillero's haul video on Youtube. The video was done with Judy of ItsJudyTime who pointed out that the mousse eyeshadows were very much like MAC paint pots. Having never tried any sort of cream shadow, I became curious. Their recommendation made it easy for me to choose.

There were a few colors on hand at the Ever Bilena counter at the SM City Department Store. My cousin Katrina and I made a bit of a mess while swatching them. There was a bright blue, a pretty lavender, a soft pink... In the end, I decided on a silvery shade called Opal, a bronze color called Amber and an apple green called Peridot.

Once I got home, I examined my finds. I loved that they come in little glass jars. For me at least, this makes storing them a lot easier. I keep them stored in a drawer along with other products I have that are packaged the same way. As it is, my vanity is kept is clutter-free.

As to the products themselves, I was really impressed. As the swatches in the photo below show, they are extremely pigmented. What the photo doesn't show is how long they stay on. I noted that the swatches on the back of my stayed on until I showered at the end of the day. This was not something I thought to look out for. I thought the advantage was worth mentioning.

Also, the Ever Bilena Mousse Eyeshadows go on smoothly when I apply them to my lids with my fingers (I find that they go on smoother when I use my fingers than when I use a brush). They blend easily too!

L-R: Peridot, Opal, Amber

Among the colors I took home, Amber is by far my favorite. I quickly realized that a little goes a long way. The warm bronze manages not to look severe despite the pigmentation of the eyeshadow. Opal is pretty too. The silvery-white can be used in a variety of make-up looks. Peridot, however, didn't make as much of an impression on me.

To sum it all up, I do like the Ever Bilena Mousse Eyeshadows. I like the packaging as well as the formula. They go on well, they blend easily and they last forever. I will probably be more careful in selecting which ones to get the next time around though.

The Ever Bilena Mousse Eyeshadows are sold Php125 a jar. They are available at all leading drugstores and department stores in the Philippines.

'til next time,
Maite

Mascara - Maybelline the Magnum Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara

As I mentioned a few posts back, the Maybelline the Magnum Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara was recommended to me by my dear cousins Katrina and Cheska. I picked it up last Sunday at the SM City Department Store during my post-exam happy time.

We were walking through the beauty section with my grandmother, my mother, and two of my aunts and decided to stop at the Maybelline counter to see if there was anything new. That's when Katrina brought the Magnum Volum' Express to my attention. They'd both gotten it the week before and apparently, both loved it.

In truth, I wasn't looking to get another mascara. I was perfectly content with another Maybelline product, the Pulse Perfection Waterproof Vibrating (Yes, it does actually vibrate) Mascara. In the end, curiosity won out and I got it anyway.

The mascara wand impressed me. It's curved; almost a "c" shape. The bristles are made of the same material as those on spool brushes. I find that I prefer this to rubber applicators with little rubber spikes arranged in rows. This little innovation allows me to coat those really short lashes in the inner corners of my eyes; the ones I would ordinarily not be able to get at with the Pulse Perfection's wand. I also find it easier to coat the lower lashes.

Now, I have really short lashes and they tend to stick out in every direction when I attempt to curl them. Furthermore, my bottom lashes are so sparse that they almost do not exist. In sum, I needed a mascara that would make my lashes look longer and thicker and ultimately, hold the curl. When I first applied the Maybelline the Magnum Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara to my lashes, I thought it didn't help one bit. They made my lashes look spidery and fake. I remedied that by running a brow brush through them. In the end, I liked how they turned out.

The clincher, for me, was the waterproof formula. I put it to the ultimate test this evening when, in a moment of weakness, I cried (and when I say cry, I mean bawled) over the dismal results of my exam on Obligations and Contracts. I rushed to ladies' room armed with a pack of facial tissues, ready to wipe away mascara streaks, only to find that they were not necessary. My mascara was still perfectly in place.

I've tried several waterproof mascaras in the past but found that they just weren't as waterproof as they claimed. A lot of the times, they would stick to my lids. They would also leave smudges on my lower lash line. This was particularly true during humid days. The Maybelline the Magnum Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara, on the other hand, did just what it said it would do. A fact that I am extremely grateful for. Thanks to the Magnum, I was able to walk out of the ladies' room tonight without looking like A racoon.

The verdict: The Maybelline the Magnum Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara is my new best friend. It doesn't clump and it doesn't smudge. It helps add length and volume to my lashes as well as hold the curl. I am completely sold on this mascara!

Will I get it again? Absolutely! It saved me from having to explain my state to all of the people I passed on the way to the parking lot.

The Maybelline the Magnum Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara is priced at PHP399. It is available at the Maybelline counter at all leading drugstores and department stores.

'til next time,
Maite