What's in my Make up bag?

Hi everyone! I just thought I'd share what's inside my kit. I don't really carry so much. Just a few basic things I use from day to day. My lip products and blush changes daily depending on what I feel like wearing. :)

My makeup bag! I got it from Sanrio Puroland when I visited Japan. So cute. :)


Currently what's inside

What's inside:

1.) Shiseido lash curler
2.) Ecotools brush
3.) Nars blush in Orgasm
4.) Sephora lip liner (Natural, I think)
5.) Nars lipgloss in Pillow Talk
6.) Urban Decay 24/7 pencil in Zero
7.) Lolita perfume sample
8.) Softlips cherry
9.) Mac Studio Fix NC40
10.) hair pins
11.) black rubbers

I always make sure I carry some hair pins and black rubbers with me. Because there are days when my hair just won't cooperate so I just tie it or something. :) So yeah, that's all. Hope you enjoyed!

Help! RE: Setting Powder

Hi everyone! I've just purchased a MUFE Face and Body Foundation in #32 (alabaster beige). I'm a MAC NC40 and if you would research over the internet MUFE Face & Body Foundation in #34 is what they would usually suggest for NC40s... I have tried #34 but I felt that it was too dark for me. So I got #32 and I think it's the perfect shade.

MUFE Face and Body Foundation has a dewy finish so I'm thinking of purchasing a setting powder. I actually tried setting it with my MAC Studio Fix and MAC Sheer Select but they were kind of cakey when I apply them.

So I was wondering if you guys could suggest a good setting powder that I could use. I would really prefer something that wouldn't cake and is invisible. I would really hate it if a setting powder would leave my face white (making me look like a ghost). So if you guys have any suggestions. Please do leave a comment. Thanks!

My Attempt: Smokey Concert Look

Okay, so I went to a concert last Saturday. It's a heavy metal concert so I thought I'd do a bit of a dark look. I have never worn a smokey look out of the house before so I was excited because it was my chance to wear one. So yep, I came up with this look. I think it's a bit neutral with a dark edgy feel to it. Simple and easy. =)

Sorry if the images are not that clear, I was using my cellphone as I was charging my digicam the time I finished my makeup. And I just completely forgot about taking a closer shot when I was out because of my excitement. lol.

How To

With a clean and moisturized face and eyes, I applied my Urban Decay Primer Potion on my lids to help make the eyeshadow last and give a better color payoff.

1.) Using my ELF eyeshadow brush, I applied NYX eyeshadow in Luster (neutral silvery taupe color) on about 3/4 of my lid starting from the inner corner.

2.) Using my ELF blending blush, I applied NYX eyeshadow in matte black and applied this on the outer corner of my lid, gently blending it in.

3.) Using my ELF Studio crease brush, I applied a more concentrated color of black on the outer corner to give more depth.

4.) I applied Heaven (matte cream color) from my Too Faced Neutral Palette as a highlight.

5.) I applied MAC fluidline in blacktrack on my upper and lower lashline instead of my regular everyday pencil eyeliner because this stays put longer and better.
6.) And for my lashes, I applied Covergirl Lashblast in Very Black on both my upper and lower lashes.

7.) I had neutral lips and I used Loreal's lip liner in neutral and topped it with Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush gloss in Slice of Heaven.

And the finished look

So there you go. I think it turned out well. And I also liked all the products I used, they stayed on pretty well for more than 8 hours plus all the sweat from the jumping and screaming during the show. lol. The concert was awesome! I had a great time!

So that's it. Thanks for reading! =)

MAC Studio Fix: From C3 to NC40

I went to Rustan's a few days ago and I went to get a new Studio Fix because I am already running out of it. What I already have is a C3 and it's actually my first Studio Fix, which I got from a Salon near my place. The bad thing is, you can't really swatch or try them because they don't have testers. So you just have to guess by looking at them. LOL. So yup, instead of getting it again from the Salon, I decided to go to Rustan's and ask the SA for a shade suitable for me. I told her, I just wanted something natural on my skin. I don't really like a product that would make my face look too white and make me look like a pantomime on photos. Gosh, it happened before when I used a Revlon 2 way foundation (the Revlon SA told me it was my shade but turned out it was too freaking light)! The horror!!! Anyway, so yeah. The MAC SA recommended me this shade NC40.. Actually, I think C3 looks okay and natural on me. But when the SA tried NC40 on my face, I thought it also looked nice and natural. So yeah, I decided to give NC40 a try.

I've swatched both C3 and NC40 for your reference if anyone is curious

C3 is lighter compared to NC40. And I think NC40 has a yellowish/brownish shade. I think it matches my skin color because it's almost unnoticeable on my skin when swatched. So yeah, I really think it's worth a try. Maybe this is the correct shade for me. I just tried it once and applied it on my face alone, the shade matched my neck even if I didn't apply anything on that part. So I think that's a good sign. I'm glad the SA suggested this shade for me and I'm glad I gave it a try. =)

The Eyeliner Experiment

So how good is an eyeshadow primer in helping your eyeliner from smearing?
I never really knew the answer until I tried it myself. I say (based on my experience), it does help more than setting my eyeliner pencil with a matching eyeshadow...

Just a little background:

• The skin around my eye area is normal (I think). But it tends to be a little oily in a hot weather and sometimes it tends to be a dry in a cold weather.
• I live in a hot and humid weather.
• No problem with eyeliner smudging on my upper lash line. But the smearing under my lower lash line, especially the ones on the outer corner is just CRAZY.
  

I am currently using Too Faced Shadow Insurance, my first and the only eyeshadow primer that i have ever used so I can't compare to other similar products. I decided to get this over Urban Decay Shadow Primer because I heard UDPP tends to make the skin a little too dry. My eye area does get dry sometimes so I would stay away from something that would make it drier.. One more reason why I chose TFSI is because of the packaging. TFSI is more hygienic and no problem with finishing the product because of the tube packaging. Just squeeze. While I heard a lot of people where having a problem with UDPP trying to get all the product from it because of how the bottle is shaped. A lot of left-overs inside so you're gonna have to cut the bottle to finish it all up. Although, I think now UDPP has released it with a new wand which I suppose would help you get more product from the bottle.

Anyway, on with the experiment. Here's how it went.

1.) The Revlon Colorstay w/o Too Faced Shadow Insurance experiment

Below is the BEFORE picture. I took it right after I have applied Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner Pencil on both my upper and lower lash line. No Too Faced Shadow Insurance was applied.

Approximately after 6 hours, here's the result. I did a couple of touch-ups throughout the day. No problem with the upper lash line. But see the lower lash line, especially the one on the outer corner. It bled and smudged. And it's gross. =( I wasn't able to do some touch-up before I took the picture so as you can see, the eyeliner's almost faded on my waterline.

2.) The Revlon Colorstay w/ Too Faced Shadow Insurance experiment

Using a tiny dot of Too Faced Shadow Insurance for both my lower lash line.

Below is the BEFORE picture. I applied TFSI under my lower lash line and used Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner Pencil on both my upper and lower lash line.

Approximately after 6 hours, here's the result. I did a couple of touch-ups throughout the day. No problem with the upper lash line. The lower lash line do not appear as gross as the first experiment. Although, you would notice there's a little bit of darkening on the lower lash line. There were also a bit of black specks which I accidentally removed before I got home (I just suddenly forgot about the whole experiment I'm doing). I don't know if that came from my eyeliner or my mascara, but I'm guessing it's the mascara. I did some touch up before I took the pic so you'll notice it's not as faded as the first experiment. And also, I noticed that sometimes the outer corner tends to get darker than the one below. I don't know, I guess it depends on how long you wear it and how hot/humid the weather is.

3.) The MAC Fluidline w/o Too Faced Shadow Insurance experiment

Below is the BEFORE picture. I used MAC Fluidline in blacktrack as my eyeliner without the use of Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

Approximately after 9 hours, here's the result. No touch ups was made throughout the day. It did fade, but you can still see it on my waterline which is good. Pencils don't stay that long. You will also notice a slight darkening on my lower line especially on the outer corner part. Almost unnoticeable.

4.) The MAC Fluidline w/ Too Faced Shadow Insurance experiment

Below is the BEFORE picture. I used MAC Fluidline in blacktrack as my eyeliner. I used Too Faced Shadow Insurance. A small dot of TFSI is enough for both lower lash line.

Approximately after 9 hours, , 's the result. No touch ups was made throughout the day. Can you even tell the difference from the BEFORE picture? Yes it might have faded a little bit but it didn't smudge, and there's no darkening. Maybe a little but I don't even notice it.

Note: I know a lot are saying that using MAC Fluidline on your waterline may not be safe. But I have tried it a couple of times and it didn't irritate my eyes or anything. So it's up to you guys if you would want to use it on your waterline or not. I'm also quite hesitant about it but I just tend to give in. Because it stays and it doesn't even budge... But I guess I'll probably be just using this occassionally like when I know I'd really be needing some staying power.

So that's all. Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed this post. I'm quite busy these days with a lot of things. =( Hopefully I could post more soon.

How to keep your eyeliner from smudging

Eyeliner is probably my favorite makeup product ever. My very first eyeliner was an Elizabeth Arden. It had been stored in my drawer for quite a while before I finally found myself wanting to use it. The first time I used it, I only applied it on my waterline. I didn't put any on my upper lash line. Because I didn't know that I had to. But I was already satisfied with the look, it already made a difference. And I knew my eyes looked better. Of course, time came when I found out that I also had to put some eyeliner on my upper lash line. So yeah, that made the look even better. It opened up and enhanced the look of my eyes even more. =)

Yes I loved it. But I had one major dilemma, it smudged like crazy! I had no problem with my upper lash line from smudging. But the outer corner of my lower lash line smudged on me like there's no tomorrow. It's so annoying! I tried other eyeliners. As far as I can remember I think I used one from The Face Shop and it still smudged a lot. Until I went on and googled (always remember that google is your friend) for reviews and found out about Revlon Colorstay. I got it, tried it and I did see an improvement. Although I must admit, it still smudged. But not as much as the other eyeliners I've tried. So one thing I could advice, look and research for a good smudge-proof eyeliner.

The thing is, no matter how smudge-proof or water resistant your eyeliner is, there's still a possibility for it to smudge especially if you live in a hot and humid weather. But if you don't want to give up like me and you want to keep on trying some ways to keep it from smudging, then maybe you might want to try some of these things I've learned and tried.

1.) Look for a good eyeliner - A good eyeliner doesn't have to be anything expensive. There are good cheap brands that carries good eyeliners. As much as possible, try not to purchase on impulse. Do a research about the product you want to try and read reviews. Ask people you know that might've tried them. And see what they think about it.

2.) Use an eyeshadow to set your eyeliner. Line your lash line with your favorite pencil eyeliner, then set it with a matching eyeshadow. This will help soak up the oils and somehow help prevent the smudging.

3.) Your powder or powder foundation is wonderful for blotting the oils on your eye area. So when you feel like you need to retouch, do so. Carefully blot around your eye area to help absorb the oils.

4.) Use a good eye primer like Too Faced Shadow Insurance or Urban Decay Primer Potion. I am using the one from Too Faced. I know it's real purpose is to avoid eyeshadow creasing, but I put it on my lower lash line focusing on the outer corner. And it works so well. It did help keep my eyeliner from melting. I can actually see a big difference. Although, it still does smudge a tinsy bit sometimes. I think I see a little darkness on the outer corner but not really anything crazy. That's around after 6-7 hours if I'm not mistaken. I guess it still depends on how long you wear your eyeliner.

5.) If all else fail, try using other types of eyeliners.

• Liquid eyeliner - Pick a good liquid eyeliner. They won't budge at all. But they're only meant to be used on the upper lash line. So if you're having problems with smudging on your upper lash line, try using a liquid liner.
• MAC Fluidline Gel Liner - LOVE! I would def suggest this one. I have used this a couple of times and I love it. It could be used on both upper and lower lash line. I even have it on my waterline. And yes, it doesn't melt. The color on my lower lash line fades a little at the end of the day, though. But still, it didn't smudge like a pencil eyeliner would. And I didn't even apply the Too Faced Shadow Insurance, how much better if I did?.. I did see a little bit of darkening on the outer lower corner of my lash line though, but it was not too visible. And that was after 6-7 hours I think (Gah I'm not sure). Anyway the only con is that it takes a little time to apply especially when you're new with this whole brush application method. And also, it's kind of a hassle to bring along your jar of gel liner and eyeliner brush for touch-ups.. But no matter what, MAC fluidline is current my fave!

Sorry bout the time length, I'm not quite sure. But I will note the # of hours next time and I will do an update... That's it for now, hope I helped! =)

New Purchase! Gifts! Haul! Happy Face =)

Yesterday was another happy day for me. My brother came home from visiting his girlfriend in Canada. So I was pretty excited because I asked him to buy me some stuff. Aside from the stuff I got, he and his gf gave me nice gifts. =)

My Clinique Supply! I love Clinique's skin care. It does not irritate me (so far). And it really does work for me. I especially love their 3-step-system.

The liquid facial soap and clarifying lotion I can set aside and try other brands from time to time but the moisturizer (in gel) is just the most important one for me. It's the only moisturizer that really is non-sticky plus it does not irritate me. I've tried other moisturizers from other brands like Olay, Murad, The Body Shop, VMV Hypoallergenics, etc and most if not all gave me tiny red bumps.

I already ran out of my Clinique 3-step-system. And I've been using a couple of sample moisturizers the past 2 weeks while I'm waitinitinr my new set to arrive. The last sample I used was the Oro Gold Moisturizer (will do a review about it later), sadly it didn't work for me so I am very happy to finally get my hands on my new Clinique set.

The stuff I repurchased from Clinique:

• Liquid Facial Soap Mild
• Clarifying Lotion #2
• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

The new stuff I'm going to try from Clinique:

• All about eyes
• Super rescue antioxidant night moisturizer
• turnaround concentrate visible skin renewer

I hope these new products will not irritate me. =) The stuff came with a free pink beach bag with a bamboo handle and a free lipstick in Raspberry Glace. The beach bag is nice, although I would prefer sample makeup and skin care over the bag =D

Here's a swatch of the Lipstick. It's a bright pretty purply pink rasberry color with shimmer.





My Mom also got the clarifying lotion, but sadly the bottle broke off. All the product inside spilled. Too bad. =( They were all inside my brother's luggage. It probably broke off in the airport as most luggages are not handled properly in there.

Aside from the Clinique stuff, I also got the Mac fluidline in blacktrack. I love eyeliners and I don't have any gel ones yet so I thought I'd get this one after reading good reviews about it.

I also got Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power Clear Scrub. I don't have any pimple as of the moment, but I do get a few whiteheads every once in a while. Hopefully this will help. I'm planning to use this just once or twice every week. As too much scrubbing could hurt our skin.

That's all I got from my brother's trip. But aside from my purchase, he and his girlfriend got me some nice gifts =)

Here's their belated birthday gift for me. The Vera Wang Rock Princess Perfume! Me loves it! Love the packaging and the scent. I think it suits my personality. Lol. I can't get over it. I keep looking at it and smelling it. =)


They also got me a couple of beauty stuff from Victoria's Secret.

• Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in Slice of Heaven
• Beauty Rush Luminous Shadow - I haven't opened this one yet. But when I shake it, I could hear a ball inside it. lol. Don't know what it's for. Probably an eyeshadow base or something. Does anyone know? I'd really love if anyone would tell me what it is. =)

Oh and there were a couple of samples but I got only 2 of them. Gave the others to my Mom and sisters. I got the Vera Wang Princes and Issey Miyake perfume samples.




That's all for now. Hopefully I could do reviews about these soon. =)