NYX Triple Shadows for Sexy Babe's Eyes Only: Review

This post is actually just going to be a simple swatch post. Today, I'm going to be swatching a trio shadow from the brand called NYX. This is actually a gift that was given to me by my friend, Lyle. (Thank you!) The thing is, I kept this in my drawer and it got pushed at the very back part of the compartment so I failed to use it for a long period of time. I doubt this product is still in the market but I thought of still pushing through with the swatch because I know there are still a few online shops that carry this type of trio eyeshadow from NYX.

K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Eyeliner (Liquid and Pencil): Review

Hi guys! Today, I'm pretty excited with the products I'm highlighting in this post. This product isn't actually something new to me but for some reason, I forgot to take nice shots of this particular product when I first got it for myself.

You may have seen this product in so many beauty blogs and I'm sure a lot of beauty vloggers have featured it too. If you're a fan of Asian makeup,  I'm sure you've heard of this product at least once. I'm talking about this Japanese brand eyeliner called K-Palette.

Visee Single Eyeshadow in SV006: Review

Hi guys! Today's post is just a simple swatch + mini review of a product that I had lying around my makeup drawer for months (maybe even for a year) without being touched. Of course, I didn't plan it that way. It just happened. :p

As mentioned in the post title, I will be talking about the Visee single eyeshadow in the shade SV006. I believe this is a Japanese brand as the packaging had Japanese writings in it. Correct me if I'm wrong, though... I got this from Jasmine as a prize for one of her youtube contests a while ago. It was kept at the very back of my makeup drawer so I hardly got to use it. Recently, after cleaning my makeup drawer, I took notice of it and now I'm finally making a review on it.

Shara Shara I Wanna Pencile Gel Liner (BR01: Dark Brown): Review

I'm not sure if you remember but previously, I shared an unboxing video of a Memebox that I got and today, I'll be reviewing one of the products included in the box. For your reference, I got the Memebox Global #15.

The particular product I'm talking about is the Shara Shara I Wanna Pencile Gel Liner in Dark Brown. When I opened the box, I saw the card description of the items included in the box. It says that you get one gel liner, either in black or dark brown. Honestly, I was praying to get the dark brown and thankfully, I did. :)

THEFACESHOP Backryuncho Wrinkle Stop Eye Cream: Review

If there's a product I always rave about, it's this. My skin care changes from time to time, but my favorite eye cream doesn't. I admit to have tried switching to different brands a couple of times before (twice last year) but I always find myself going back to this brand. No other eye cream has surpassed the satisfaction I have with this Wrinkle Stop Eye Cream from THEFACESHOP.

I've been using this product since 2011 from the original Abyssine variant. Now, the formulation has changed with its key ingredient changing from abyssine (as mentioned) to backryuncho extracts. Nevertheless, both performs as good as the other.

Olive Young Half False Eyelashes (Crisscross Type): Review

One thing that I actually forgot to consider when I was in Korea is how people there actually took care of themselves and cared how they looked. Not that I didn't bring makeup or anything, but whenever I'd go out, I'd see people withtheir barely there makeup and be amazed. Most Koreans have flawless skin! I find comparing myself to them most of the time and I'd lose confidence with my skin condition. So I got myself false lashes. You may be like, "What??!!". I know, I know. It may seem like my thoughts are incoherent but they are. Just read on.

It may seem like buying a pair of falsies has nothing to do with losing confidence on my current skin condition but the thing is, while I was in Korea, I couldn't do anything about my skin. One quick way (that I thought of) to at least increase my self confidence is by buying this pair of lashes. I thought, if I can't make my skin better during my trip, I'd rather just make my makeup look better.

Pond's Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream: Review

When I hit my 20s, I realized that using eye creams really are necessary. I don't even know why it took me a while before getting used to the idea of putting eye cream. I was a little too late. I already had few fine lines when I started but at least it's now become a habit and I like to think it prevents further signs of aging.

The truth is, my holy grail eye cream isn't always readily available and it sucks when it's out of stock. That's why I hoard back ups now. A few months ago, however, I forgot to buy a back up and when I finally  finished the whole tub, I still haven't had the chance to find a store that sells my favorite eye cream.

I couldn't leave my under eye area unattended so I setlled for this eye cream that's readily available in local stores, the Ponds Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream.

Clinique All About Eyes: Review

When should one start applying eye cream? In their 20s? 30s? That is the question. After reading through several articles, it is said and agreed upon by many different dermatologists that eye cream isn't necessary in the 20s unless you have dry skin. Otherwise, they just promote sun protection.

I am in my mid-20s and I've been using eye creams for about 5 years now. I also have oily skin. Does that mean I've been doing my routine wrong all this time? Not necessarily. Although experts say that most people don't need it in this period of time, there are still exceptions to the rule. In my case, I started noticing dryness under my eyes at the young age of 21. Dryness leads to fine lines. Who wants that? I know I don't. This pushed me to start with eye cream.

Sephora Sunset Palette: Review

One of my most abused beauty item this month would have to be my Sephora Sunset Palette, a product that I got almost a year ago. It is the only Sephora item in my collection and even though I had no intention of overusing it this month, I kind of did.

 The palette itself is contained in a transparent plastic box.

I always try to switch out makeup products as much as I can because I want every single item in my collection to be used as frequently as possible. But of course, time and time again, there would be several products that stand out in a certain time period. This month, it's this.

 Just like its name, the packaging is in sunset colors.

I mainly got this palette for my trip last year (December 2013) in Japan. While I was browsing through e-bay, I saw this product being sold at a very affordable price. I looked at the shades and without so much contemplation, I bought it. I thought it would be the perfect travel palette as it contains 14 beautiful wearable shades that can be used both for day and night. What's even better is that it includes a blush, a bronzer and a nice mirror, aside from 12 great eyeshadows.

I was really excited when I placed my order because I've never seen actual Sephora products in real life. I've heard of the brand a couple of times from different beauty gurus I was following so you can just imagine how excited I was at getting a hold of the product.

The palette comes in a handy packaging that is almost just the same size as my hand. It comprises of a combination of matte and shimmery eyeshadows, and of neutral and colored ones. There's also a (very) pigmented bronzer and a (not-so-pigmented) blusher.

For reference, each of the shade are labeled at the back of the palette so it's easy to say which is which.

But of course, it is never enough to just stare at their photos in the pan. An eyeshadow review must have swatches, right? I've swatched each and every single one of them just so you have a better grasp of how the product looks like when used.

 (L-R: Beige, Apricot, Deep Burgundy, Pale Pink, Wine, Violet)

 (L-R: White Gold, Bronze, Khaki, White Shimmer, Silver, Must Have No.6)

 (Blush and Bronzer)

I am very satisfied with this product. Almost all the shades are pigmented. True to my expectations, it is a good palette to bring with you when you travel.

This is a highly recommended product. If you're just starting out with makeup, I suggest you get this palette as it will have all the necessary colors to create a wide range of looks and it doesn't take much space as it's very compact.

Etude House Bling in the Sea Proof 10 Bling Eye Stick (#05 Bling Wave): Review

It's time for another Korean trend post/review. One of the popular trends in Korea nowadays is creating/highlighting one's aegyosal. If you didn't already know, aegyosal is the bag that forms under your eyes when you smile. They believe that highlighting this area makes one look youthful. A good product to make use for this, in my opinion, would be eyeshadow sticks like the Etude House Bling Bling Eye Stick I previously reviewed. But for a more subtle aegyosal definition, I like to use this Bling in the Sea Proof 10 Bling Eye Stick in #05 BL601 Bling Wave.

I've actually had this product with me for a year now. It was given to me as gift by a good friend of mine, (Ma'am) EJ. (Thank you!) She was my manager and one of the few people at work who also liked Korean cosmetics. You can only imagine my excitement when she handed me this product when I came back from my birthday leave last year. I don't really know why it took me so long to post a review on it.

Anyway, it's very much reminiscent of the Bling Bling Eye Stick I previously reviewed. With almost the same packaging (this one is slightly bigger), they both function as an eyeshadow stick. This one, however, is just a white stick with bits of bluish purple glitters in it. Also, I personally like this packaging better because it looks girlier with the pastel blue color.

One swipe

2-3 swipes

To be honest, I didn't know how to use it properly the first time I used it so noone noticed its presence on my lids. If you're gonna use it for your aegyosal, most people won't notice it unless you really pack it on, which I often do. It just leaves a nice shimmery touch on the bottom lids that makes people nearby notice and take a second look.

A better way to make use of the product is by layering it on top of a smudgeproof eyeliner. I prefer using liquid liners as gels and pencils stains and transfers to the the actual shadow stick. Since I always use it on top of a black eyeliner, the glitters stand out and becomes a lot more noticeable while still being wearable.

It could be because it's a cream form or maybe just because it's glittery, it is quite long wearing as I don't feel the need to reapply during the rest of the day. This is a good thing especially since I have oily lids and most products just tend to slide off my lids over time.

It's also very easy to use because it's in a stick form so you save a lot of time during the application process. So yes, no need for brushes! ^^

If you're looking for a nice, straight to the point, subtle eye makeup accent, then I definitely recommend this one from Etude House. For more information, you can like their Etude House Philippines' facebook page over here.

Kate Tokyo Eyebrow Mascara (BR-1): Review

So normally, I would start my blog by writing an introduction regarding the product I'll be reviewing but because today is a special day for one of my greatest friends, I would like to start this particular post differently. To be more precise, I'd start it by sending her wishes on her day of birth. Happy birthday Gel! I've known you practically my whole life and I just can't imagine life without your bubbly personality. I wish that you get everything that you wish for today and more. :)

So here's my review proper... One of my pet peeves includes ungroomed brows. Frankly speaking, I'm not super particular with this. One can have several stray brow strands from time to time and it totally wouldn't bother me at all. What I can't stand is bushy brows. For some reason, I don't understand why the windows to our souls must be framed by a thick presence of unnecessary hair. Thus, I try to make it a point that I clean up my brows from time to time and I make an appointment with waxing salons for a good threading session once a month.

 The applicator

Of course, having it cleaned and shaped is not enough when I go out. I have to redefine my brows just because I feel that my makeup isn't complete without it. Aside from filling it in with brow powder or a brow pencil, I also make it a point that I set my brows in place using a brow mascara.

 Darker shade for a change: BR-1

Up until last month, I've been fond of using light brown eyebrow mascaras. These days, however, I tend to go for a brow mascara that's a little bit darker. It's still lighter than my natural eyebrows, though. I use the one from Kate Tokyo.

 Here's a swatch for reference

If you didn't already know, Kate Tokyo is a Japanese brand. They offer a wide variety of cosmetics ranging from foundations, eye shadows, eyeliners, etc. The brand is already available in the Philippines in several Watsons branches. I got mine from SM Watsons Makati. Well, technically, I asked my sister to get it because she drops by Makati more often than me.

 On me: Kate Tokyo Eyebrow Mascara over THEFACESHOP Brow Powder Duo

Performance wise, I feel that this mascara isn't anything different from the previous ones I've tried. They help keep brow hair in place for the whole day and it coats the brows with a shade of brown. The only difference is that this is a little bit darker than the shades I've used before.

When I first got it, I didn't use it much because I significantly lightened my hair color and light brown brow mascaras matched my hair better. These days, however, I've been more into simple makeup with bold lips (hot pink) and I find that having brows that are a little bit darker would help define the brows and support strong lip colors.

Over all, I'm very satisfied with this product. It's a little bit pricier than the brow mascaras I've tried from other brands (PHP510) but it's not pricey to the point that it would burr holes in your pockets. If you've been meaning to try brow mascaras, especially from a Japanese brand, I would highly recommend that you try out Kate Tokyo. For more information, feel free to visit their facebook page.

Note: This is not sponsored. I bought this with my own money.

Loreal Infallible Eyeshadow (607 Blinged & Brilliant): Review

There simply are days when I just don't feel like wearing much make-up. Good for me if I have nothing special scheduled for the day. But sometimes, it's such a pain when there's a get together with friends whom you know will dress up for the occasion. The struggle is real as you're too lazy to do your face but your pride won't let you attend without preparing yourself. This particular product is perfect for that.

Loreal Infallible Eyshadow in Blinged and Brilliant is my trusty eyeshadow for situations similar to what was shared above. As you can see, it's a very neutral apricot shade that's perfect for everyday use. Frankly speaking, I have several eyeshadows in this shade because it's my go-to everyday lid color. But what sets this particular brand from the rest would have to be the finish.

Even though the color is very neutral, it has a nice sheen finish on it that's quite noticeable even at day time. But the thing is, it's not overpowering and I wouldn't really call it glittery. I guess it's a little frosty with fine sparkles that doesn't feel awkward to wear as an all over lid color.

I like to wear this alone with a nice winged liner for that effortless pretty effect. As I've said, whenever I don't feel like applying much makeup or if I'm pressed for time, I always reach out for this because it never fails to make a statement without taking up a lot of time and effort.

This is definitely a highly recommended product for neutral fanatics out there. I got this through jcam168 of ebay.ph for the price of PHP 129, which is not bad.

Have you tried other Infallible Eyeshadow shades? How was it?

Koji Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner: Review

Because today is a special day, I wanted to review a product that I really really like. When I found out that my brother was treating me to a trip to Japan, I swore to myself that I would get this particular product no matter what happens.

I've always seen this particular item being used by a lot of beauty gurus I'm subscribed to in youtube. It really seemed like a high performing product with so many raves and reviews. When I entered Donki in Akihabara, I was crossing my fingers in hope that Dolly Wink is available there. Thankfully, it was! The catch? There were several products that were in promotional packages. (To be honest, I'm not sure if they're promotional packages but it looked that way to me.) This very product is in one. It was packed with a mascara for the price of 1575 yen, which is a good deal. When I saw it, I immediately grabbed it.

I haven't used the mascara yet but I've been using the eyeliner for a couple of months now and so far, I've been loving it! I used this as a replacement for my lost K-Palette eyeliner (to be reviewed soon). It is, in my opinion, equally effective as the K-Palette but with the advantage of cute packaging. Oh, and did I mention this is produced by the famous model, Tsubasa Masuwaka (pictured in the set)?

If I'm not mistaken, Dolly Wink eyeliner usually come in pink packaging but since this is a part of a set, it's packaged differently. The outer cover is in red with gold writings and designs. Although pink is my favorite color, I personally like this design.

It's a pen type liquid eyeliner so you definitely have good control with the product. You can hold it the way you hold a regular pen which is advantageous when maneuvering the pen to create lines.

It also has a fine tip that helps you create defined lines, perfect for winging out your liner. It's very pigmented as one stroke delivers a very black line. It glides smoothly and I have no difficulty using this product. It doesn't smear and is not easily smudged. I'm not sure if it's waterproof but it stays put on my oily lids for the whole day.

 One stroke

This is my eyeliner of choice whenever I try to recreate K-Pop looks or just simply when I want some definition on my eyes. I would highly recommend this product to everyone out there. Lucky for my Filipino readers, Dolly Wink is already available here in the Philippines. Feel free to visit their facebook page and their online shop for more information.

Note: This is not sponsored.

THEFACESHOP Brow Powder Duo: Review

Back when I was in college, I didn't know much about makeup and the few things I put on my face are just powder and lip color. Occasionally, I would add in a blush or an even rarer addition of eyeliner. I almost have all the basics except for one important point-- EYEBROWS!!!

Admittedly, I didn't know the importance of having a well defined brows. For years, I didn't even care about trying to groom my brows. Imagine my surprise when I learned about the wonders of having well shaped and well defined brows, especially in photos. It came as a huge discovery that I made sure to put to heart.

 

If you didn't already know, my dear readers, our eyebrows frames our face. This is the very reason why beauty gurus aren't joking when they say your eyebrows complete your look. It can not only improve your everyday appearance, but can also transform your look depending on how you would shape your brows.

 This is the old packaging.

Personally, I just follow the natural shape of my brows. I don't shape my own brows as I have it done in Lay Bare (most of the time) and Benefit counters when I have extra cash. I like the straight and defined look but recently, especially in the Korean beauty community, thick, straight brows tend to be the trend as it can make you look youthful in an instant. But then again, no matter what brow preference you have, you still have to make sure your brows look polished before stepping out of the house. I swear, it makes all the difference.

A product that I like to use on a daily basis would have to be the THEFACESHOP Brow Powder Duo. I actually got this particular product over 2 years ago but I only started using it a little over a year ago.

It is called 'duo' because as you can see, it has two shades of brown. Usually, I just use the lighter brown shade but when I want more definition, I try to use the darker shade.

The swatches aren't extraordinary, in my opinion. However, I never felt the need to change my brow product because I am very much satisfied with the results this gives. The applicator proved to be useful to me for about 6 months but after buying a separate brow brush, I never touched the applicator it came with. Frankly speaking, I may have even lost it somewhere in my makeup stash.

 

This is a highly recommended product and thankfully, if you also live in the Philippines, there are a lot of THEFACESHOP stores in leading department stores nationwide. Oh, and before I forget, if you want to see how I use this particular product, you can watch my Nature Republic Botanical Eyebrow Mascara Review + Demo (How I Do My Brows) video which also showcased this particular item. Enjoy!