MASSIVE HAUL!!!! ***sneak peek***

Since I can't sleep yet, I decided to share to all of you what happened earlier today.. :D

2 parcels actually arrived!!! :D MASSIVE HAUL!!!
***though, I'm still waiting for one more parcel to arrive, before I will post a massive haul, but here's a sneak preview anyway!!! lol that's how excited I am!!!**

So, here's the first one....
This may look like too much, too expensive, but NO!!! hahaha!

from Bid From Zero yet again... ^_^ Yes!!! I am an addict with this page!!!
If you haven't read my confession/post about my addiction on this page, you better click HERE so you'll know what I am talking about.. lol ^_^


The second one is from MakeupStashByAvi.....

LOOK!!!
Model's Own!!! ***Yes we can ignore the NYX items.. lol kidding***
I am super excited to have receive this parcel...actually, I was expecting this to arrive not until tomorrow, but man was I ecstatic when a guy in red motorcycle stopped in front of our house!!!! hahaha!
BTW, i got these on sale!!! hahaha! <3 <3 <3


Thank you for your time, and I hope you enjoyed reading.
Watch out for my massive haul post, I will write more details about these items & how much I got them.. ^_^

'Til next time lovelies!!!

Smile always & Stay beautiful

xoxo

E.L.F. Studio: 11pc Brush Collection REVIEW

This post is long overdue!!! lol
Sorry, I have been so lazy editing photos & well, lazy to blog, I am blaming the super hot weather!!! urgh!

Anyway!!! ^_^

I am here again to blog about yet another Brush set.. :)
The e.l.f. Studio 11 piece brush collection!

Here we go!

ELF Studio line brushes are high quality anti-bacterial brushes. Made from synthetic haired Taklon, can be use wet or dry with powder, liquid or cream products.

ELF Studio 11 piece brush collection includes 6 Face brushes, 5 Eye brushes and a water-resistant case.
I believe this brush set is not available in ELF stalls in malls here in the Philippines. So glad I found BumbleShop who sells ELF products from US for a very low price, and she is selling this brush collection for Php1,280. Definitely a cheap price for a very good quality brushes!

As you can see from the photos above, that the case has 10 slots for the brushes, obviously, 2 brushes share a slot. Even with all the 11 brushes inside, the case still has room for some of my brushes, and is very light weight, really good for traveling. :)

Set includes:

Face Brushes

1. Complexion Brush
2. Powder Brush
3. Angled Foundation Brush
4. Blush Brush
5. Fan Brush
6. Concealer Brush

Eye Brushes

1. Eyeshadow "C" Brush
2. Contour Brush
3. Small Angled Brush
4. Small Precision Brush
5. Small Smudge Brush

• Complexion Brush

This brush is not dense enough for me. And so for me, this brush is limited for light powder application. Though I love this brush's softness just right for sweeping fall-outs and/or finishing or touch ups.

• Powder Brush - the most talked & raved about ELF brush. Dense, soft & versatile, this brush is a must-have & my favorite among the brushes in this collection. :) From applying foundation, to blush to contouring the face, this one really does it all!

Right before I have this collection, I already bought this individual brush at SM North Edsa for PHP249.75. And so I am so excited to have two of these functional/versatile brush!!! BUT, the sad thing is, the Powder Brush that came with this set SHEDS!!! I don't know why! I just said to myself, "Siguro sa una lang.." but man I was wrong! It continues to shed every time I use it! :(( Whatever! I still love this brush! I will just buy another one! haha! :P

• Angled Foundation Brush - this brush, aside from being angled, this brush is just like any other foundation brush. 

Very Soft & easy to use when applying primer and/or liquid foundation. But from all my foundation brushes, this one leaves streak marks the most.

• Blush Brush - this brush has a slightly tapered, round tip, very ideal for applying blush and contouring the cheeks.

This may not be dense enough for my liking but this one, does its job decently. Really soft bristles.

My only issue with this brush, is that when I first used it, I noticed some of the bristles at the tip are somehow glued together, but no biggie, everything is fine now. :)

• Fan Brush - this brush is, can I say, your average fan brush. Fan brushes are usually used to sweep fall outs, use to contour to add depths to ones face.

If this brush is a little denser, I might like it, but, no, its not dense at all, can't even sweep fall out with just one stroke.

• Concealer Brush

It has a rounded tip, dense & soft. This brush can also be used as an eyeshadow brush especially with cream based products. Because it is dense, it picks up & dispenses product easily.

• Eyeshadow "C" Brush - basically has a "C" shaped tip, hence the name, great for applying color on the entire lid area.

I like this brush because I can use it dry and/or wet & does a good job in picking up & dispensing products, may it be powder or cream based eyeshadow.

• Contour Brush - a tapered tip brush, used to contour the eye crease area.

They could have made this a little denser, though at itself because of the shape it really does a good job when used to apply products onto the crease.

• Small Angled Brush - used to apply product to line the eye area, or to fill in brows.

This one's a little thick if going to use to line the lash line. And so I just use this to fill in the brows. Nothing special here, just that it is soft & not scratchy.

• Small Precision Brush

I love small brushes like this.. :) I can find many ways to use this.
Sometimes, I use this to put on e/s on the lower lash line, inner corners and/or use to apply liquid, gel or cream liner. And this brush is also ideal for applying lip products. ^_^

• Small Smudge Brush - used to "smudge" products, such as eye liner.

I see this brush as the smaller version of the Precision brush. This has a more flat tip, shorter bristles & thinner yet dense enough to use as liner applicator. ^_^



PROS:

1. Really cheap.
2. Super soft, non-scratchy bristles.
3. Made from synthetic taklon, so its vegan friendly.
4. Really easy to wash.
5. Comes with a sturdy case, and very light weight, good for traveling.
6. In chic black with long handles, ideal for professional use.

CONS:

1. This set is not easily available here in the Philippines.
2. the Powder brush included sheds a bit.

VERDICT: 

I highly recommend this brush collection to makeup enthusiasts like me. It has all the essential brushes needed when traveling.

I am really happy I got this set. I often find myself reaching for these brushes. So, yeah. ^_^

That's it! I hope you enjoyed reading & I hope this post gave you some insight about this brushes.

Thank you all for your time. Godbless!!!

'Til next time lovelies! <3

Smile always & Stay beautiful

xoxo

MAKEOVER!!!

This is going to be my first documented makeover.. :D

This afternoon, Tita Celia, one of my favorite tita, & is also my teacher back in high school went here at our house. Then all of a sudden she asked me to give her a makeover, I was like, "Go Tita!" and without any hesitation, I brought all my makeups out and this is what I ended up doing...

sorry for the poor photo quality.. 

because I have no idea what kind of look to give her, I ended up doing an "everyday makeup look" & just styled her hair. ^_^
I really enjoyed doing Tita's makeup for she is really funny! :D she compliments me every time I put new products, which I don't usually get. :P and maybe because of excitement, I forgot to put mascara on her! lol
anyway, after the make over, I was really cracking up because she said she really love what I did to her & started modelling & posing! <3 <3 <3

So TARAY!!!

here's a photo of us after the makeover..big smiles!!! :D ^_^ ***sorry i have zero makeup on!!!***

Products used:

FACE:
E.L.F. Mineral Infused Face Primer
SanSan Matte Finish Liquid Foundation in number 03
Maybelline Clear Smooth Powder Foundation in Natural
KRAVE Correct & Conceal
KRAVE Oil Eliminator & Skin Hydrator
KRAVE Pretty Young Thin
Maybelline Mineral Power Blush in Original Rose
Neutrogena Shimmer Sheers All Over Color

EYES:
E.L.F. Eyelid Primer in Sheer
88pc Warm Palette from GetSophisticated OnlineShop
Nichido Mineral Kohl Pencil in Onyx
Fanny Serrano Eyebrow Powder

LIPS:
NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Natural
NYX Round Lipstick in Spellbound
NYX Round Lip Gloss in Natural


Thank you for your time.. ^_^ 'til my next post lovelies!!! <3

Smile always & Stay beautiful

xoxo

Bid. Mine. Online Addiction! *UPDATED*

***rants ahead...lol***

I have always been in search for good & cheap deals online. And so I am beyond ecstatic to have found Bid From Zero (Auction Page), where the owner auctions US authentic cosmetics for a starting bid of zero, yes you read that right! ZERO! And Increments varies from 20php to 100php depends on the kind of cosmetics & brand. :)

Believe me or not, they auction drugstore makeup like Maybelline, Revlon, L'oreal, etc...and brands that are not easily available here in the Philippines like Milani, EOS, etc.. to higher end makeups like, Urban Decay, Sephora, Mac.

And the page also have this so called "MINE auction", where the seller/auctioneer place a fixed price for a certain item, and if the price meets your standard, believe me prices are incredibly low, you only need to comment mine on the photo and voila, the item is yours!!!

I must admit, I have been obsessed with this page ever since, for I got a bunch of cosmetics for a very, very cheap price..and as follows are photos of some of the items I got.. :)

This is my latest purchase along with a freebie & prizes I won Ms. Raffaelyn, the owner, generously gave me..

I will mention some of the items and how much I got them... 

**note: item price varies and is not consistent because it is auctioned..

this item I got for only Php139

Styli-Style eyeliners, Php65 each

L'oreal Wear Infinite Enchanted Bouquet
Php180

lot of 5pcs BonBon lipbalm
Php140

see how cheap I got these items?? And may I say that these items are in very good condition!

following are some of my first purchases from Bid From Zero...

I wasn't able to take photos of all the items I got but you can see how obsessed I am with my purchases.. :D

So far, all items I got are 100% authentic. But there's something I want to be honest about, I got myself this Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara (see photo above, the red mascara beside the Milani products) smells funny when I opened it.. I don't know why..and so I do not use that one.

All in all, I am super happy I found Bid From Zero, my day isn't complete without browzing their page..oh! Auctions are everyday btw! :D

TIPS for future bidders: ***note: this is based from my experience..hehe..

1. I usually look and/or bid for the items that are new & sealed. (because there are times, in general, kahit bago & hindi pa gamit yung cosmetic, if not sealed, may tendency na hindi na maganda yung klase nung product, and so I only bid for items that are SEALED.)
2. BE PATIENT! --- huwag bid ng bid! *wink*

Thank you for your time reading! You might want to check out Bid From Zero maybe you will find something that interests you.. *wink*

'Til next time lovelies!

Smile always & Stay beautiful

xoxo

Lip products: organized

Last night, I decided to organize my lipsticks..
I have a quite few NYX Roundlipsticks which are very creamy & easily melted in high temp.
I used to store my lipsticks on my traincase, where they end up lying down, instead of standing up, if you know what I mean..
and so, I had this idea.


I saw this old shoe box lying around just accumulating dust, and so I decided to wrap it in a yellow duct tape to make the carton box more durable.. :)
And I also made a divider using a thin cardboard and also wrapping it with the same yellow duct tape..

This is what I got...
ended up putting all my lipsticks, glosses & balms.. :D

I am planning to wrap it also in a plastic cover later today & label the lid.. :D

I had so much fun making this DIY storage box, so maybe I would do another one for my makeup palettes.. :)

'til my next post lovelies! <3 <3 <3

Smile always & Stay beautiful

xoxo

Real Techniques Core Collection

I have been wanting to share this to all of you since March because I am really excited about this product.
Last March 17, 2012 I have decided to order another brush set from Makeup Stash by Avi this time, I really went for it and bought something more expensive. ;)

click here for my review on the other brush set purchase from Ms.Avi

I present to you my very first set of Real Techniques set, the Core Collection.. <3

As I have mentioned, this is, by then, the most expensive brushes I bought. I think I got this for Php1,400 shipping included, more or less. (haha! sorry, ulyanin na ako!)

So....now for the review... :D

• ABOUT THE LINE (Real Techniques)

Designed with pro makeup artist Samantha Chapman, Real Techniques brushes combine high-tech materials with innovative design to make creating a pixel-perfect look easier than ever:

• Taklon bristles are ultra plush and smoother than the hair you'll find in other brushes. Since taklon is synthetic, it's 100% cruelty-free. The soft fibers help create a flawless, high-definition finish in any type of light – from sunlight to harsh indoor lighting.
• The color-coded system corresponds to the key steps of makeup application so you can create a flawless base, enhanced eyes,and the perfect finish like a pro.
• Each brush head is hand-cut to the perfect shape, allowing for precise application from dense coverage to a soft, delicate finish.
• The collection is suitable for a wide range of products and every makeup need – from powders, creams, and liquids to mineral makeup, highlighter, and shimmer. 
• Brush names on the handles make for easy reference when creating your favorite look.

• ABOUT THE BRUSH

1. Ultra-plush taklon bristles for high-definition results.

2. Extended aluminum ferrules for light, easy use.

3. Brush names for quick reference.

4. Self-standing bases* for countertop display

5. Panoramic brush cases included with sets for travel or display.

*Most individually sold brushes are self-standing.

The Core Collection includes the following..

• BUFFING BRUSH

Box description: Ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation.

Buffing Brush

This brush has a flat top but a slightly rounded edges.
From its name "buffing", this brush is really great for blending and/or buffing products on the face.
This is dense enough to be used for powder, cream and liquid products.

I actually use it to blend/buff my concealer, then to apply powder foundation. :D


What I love about this brush?
Aside from its being so soft? It's versatility! This can actually use to apply light to heavy foundation, to blushes and even in contouring! :D


Here's a simple comparison to Marrionnaud's N30 Powder Brush..

• CONTOUR BRUSH

Box Description: delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish.

This brush is delicately tapered, that it has a perfectly shaped tip for  contouring certain area of the face, hence the name.. ^_^

Here's a simple comparison of this brush to Cerro Qreen Powder/Blush Brush.. click here for my Cerro Qreen review

What I love about this brush?


With this brush, I can now contour my face easily & way faster. Because of the brush shape, I can apply contouring powder/cream only on areas I desire..makes my everyday routine easier..seriously!!! :D I used to spend a lot, and I mean a lot on contouring because I want my face to be properly contoured, though not perfect at least decent..if you know what I mean.. ;)

• Pointed Foundation Brush

Box Description: use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage.

This brush is just like your typical foundation brush but a bit more tapered/pointed, but this is smaller than usual.


This is a little too tiny for my liking, it takes time to apply foundation whenever I use this. But I actually use this one to apply my face primer.

• Detailer Brush

Box description: precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or use with lipstick for long lasting shape and definition.

This brush may seem small but it does a lot of things!
At times, I use it to spot-conceal my blemishes, sometimes I use it as a lip brush and there are also times that I use it to apply e/s on my bottom lids.
This brush is very useful that is why I love having this brush all the time!

• Panoramic Case

Box description: dual carrier and stand keeps brushes organized on your counter or on the go.

This may look like a regular case, but it does more...

This one is so fine!!!
It doesn't only keep the brushes, and function as stand, but I also use this case every time I dry my brushes.
I just put the brush upside down, and voila, I can dry some of my brushes without worrying water to stay on the ferrule.
I just hope RealTechniques will think of selling separate cases like this, with a lot more brush compartments.. That would be awesome!!! <3




PROS:

1. All the brushes are super soft.
2. The handle, for me, is just the perfect size for application.
3. The buffing & contouring brush can actually stand on its own on a flat surface.
4. Easy to clean.

CONS:

1. This brush set night be a little too expensive for some.
2. The Pointed Foundation Brush can be really small & time consuming when used.
3. The case's compartments/brush slots is only made from garter which on the long run, might be a problem. (actually mine is already starting to tear.)
4. Brushes are a little bit hard to put on the slots especially large brushes.

VERDICT:
I am really really really happy & super satisfied with this brush set. This set might be a little expensive, but this one right here is a very good investment both for professional or personal use. :) If I my budget will allow, I will go and try out the other sets of Real Techniques!

I think that's it! :D

I hope you enjoyed reading & this post/review helped you in some ways.. <3
'Til next time lovelies!!!

Smile always & Stay beautiful
xoxo

March & April Haul (re-post)

I am re-posting this entry because the first one came out very weird. Click here for the original post
The spacing are super far! I don't know why! So if any of you had the hard time reading the other one, i hope this one will help.. :D <3 <3 <3


Enjoy Reading!!



I have been very busy that I haven't been able to post anything for like 2 months now. :(
Summer is almost over so I really did my best to finish at least one post.. :P hah!

So, here's a simple haul on some items I go, and I am super excited to share with you.. :D

1. MODELLAND by Tyra Banks (April 24, 2012)

Da-taaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!! :D
I finally got my copy! Thank you to my boyfriend, Harvey, for giving me this wonderful gift for my birthday! <3

I am currently reading this one of a kind novel. So far, I am loving it!

Hopefully I will have a better smize (smile with your eyes) after reading this! *wink*





2. Vampire Academy Series: Book 5: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead (March 30, 2012)

Argh! After a year of waiting for the Hardcover edition of this book & still no stocks from National Book Store, I finally settled for the tradepaper copy....after all it was on sale!!! ;)

Anyway! :D
I am really glad I gave in, 'coz now, I finally finished the Vampire Academy Series! Yay!!! <3

This series got me because of the author's unusual depiction of vampires..






3. Krave Minerale Cosmeceuticals loot (March 13, 2012)

I bought my first Krave products!!! <3

Oil Eliminator & Skin hydrator - primer/finishing veil

Correct&Conceal - mineral concealer

Pretty Young Thin - mineral bronzer/contouring powder

I must say, these products are impressive! I really love the Oil Eliminator&Skin Hydrator.. <3 <3 <3

and look, Ms.Kat of Krave even gave me a sample of their Detox&White mineral mud masque.. :D

4. Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman: CORE COLLECTION (March 20, 2012)

Oh! My! Gahd!!!!
I am super duper happy I got htis set!
ahhh!!! how soft the bristles & how dense these brushes!

These babies I ordered from MakeupStashByAvi via Facebook. :D









5. NYX Nail Girls Polish (April 30, 2012)

L-R:

236 Drop of Dew
114 Forever 1989
195 Bermuda Triangle
145 Moonwalk
113 Chocolate Taupe
242 Lapis








6. NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (April 30, 2012)

JEP Milk (white)
JEP Black Bean (black)


these creamy eye pencil/base is one of my favorite product of NYX.. :)

I got all my NYX products from NYX Cosmetics by Onlineshopping Zone.







7. Unbranded 3-way bag from Bumble Shop (March 30, 2012)

8. E.L.F. from Bumble Shop (March 30, 2012)

What more can I say??? Argh! Got myself these for my birthday!!! Early birthday present for myself!!! lol

9. also, Bea-Fe of BumbleShop gave me this gorgeous Elianto nail polish in DivineGold for FREE!!! <3

That's it for this haul. Until next time lovelies... ^_^

Smile always & Stay beautiful

xoxo