Shiseido: White Lucent Brightening Spot-Control Base UV

Here's Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Spot-Control Base UV. A brightening spot control, sunscreen and base in one tube!

I got this from SM Watson's during their promo sale about 3 months ago. I thought it was the best time to buy because let's face it, Shiseido products aren't the cheapest. Anyway, most items were on discount and this was on a 20% off deal. From the original price of PHP 1,998. I was able to purchase it for only about PHP 1,600. Good deal, isn't it?

How did it work for me? JUMP!

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Shiseido: Anessa Perfect Essence Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++

Hands down to Anessa Perfect Essence Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ (Shiseido). This is probably my favorite sunscreen of all time. I found this little baby on our way home from our trip to Japan. I was looking around the Duty Free area and saw this sunscreen. They come in three variants. The yellow one was for outdoor sports, the white one has pearl effect and this blue one is for everyday use. Well, that's what the SA told me. I asked her because I couldn't understand what's on the packaging cos it was all Japanese. I only got the small travel size one because I wasn't sure if it was gonna work for me. I have sensitive skin, and a lot of times I get red bumps from skin products. So I thought I'd try the small bottle first, cos it might irritate me. But now I regret! This sunscreen is just amazing. How I wish I can go back and get the big bottle and maybe even 3 more backups. lol.

I love the packaging, it won't spill if you carry it on your luggage. It's also very hygienic and you can control the amount of product coming out of its nozzle. You have to shake it first before you use it.

And here's the best part: it's lightweight, non-sticky, fragrance-free, and it did not irritate my skin! I love love love the texture, it's almost watery. And when I apply it on my face, it feels silky smooth and no white cast. It's like I didn't even apply sunscreen. My skin can breathe.

This is just the perfect sunscreen for me. I'd definitely repurchase! But sadly, it's not available locally... I wonder if I can find a sunscreen as good as this one. =(

Rating: Excellent Kitty!

Mini Collective Haul

Here are some beauty related things I got these past few days. I promised myself that I will try to ban myself from buying makeup for awhile. But then I noticed I've been hauling quite a lot of skin care products lately. =/

First one I got is Skin Food's Black Raspberry Youngyang Serum

Here are the other stuff I got: Laneige Multiberry Yogurt Peeling Gel (and samples of SPF 35 sunblock oil-free, multiberry yogurt repair pack, water bank essence_ex, snow bb cream spf 41), Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Spot-Control Base UV and Sally Hansen Double Duty.

I'm excited to try these!

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!

Japan Trip and Haul

Hi everyone! Here's a little peek on my Japan trip plus haul.

My trip to Japan is just awesome. I love the place, it's super clean and beautiful. I love the people, they are all very courteous. We joined a group tour and our schedule was tight. It was tiring but still fun. I just wish we had more time to shop. Before I share my mini Japan haul, I'd like to share a few photos with you guys from my trip. It's memorable and I'd love to visit Japan again!

This one's from Kyoto. The temples are just so beautiful.

Shin Sai Bashi-Suji, Osaka. Taking my opportunity to shop outside our hotel even if I'm dead tired.

This is me and my nephew somewhere in Universal Studios Osaka. We were so tired and the weather was freezing cold.

Fuji-ten ski resort. You can see Mt. Fuji on the background behind those trees.

We also went to DisneySea and Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo. Here's Hello Kitty!

Crazy Harajuku street on New Year's day! Unfortunately, I didn't see any Harajuku girls/boys that day. The place was too crowded.

And guess what, most (if not all) of the hotels we stayed are carrying Shiseido products on their toiletries. From Shampoo, body wash, to facial wash. Everything's Shiseido. Amazing isn't it?

And now for the haul, I didn't get to buy a lot. We were always in a hurry and we didn't have enough time to shop. It felt like we were in the Amazing Race or something... Anyway, I decided that I'm just going to include the makeup and skin care products I bought. I'd love to share some of the good fashion finds I got from Japan but most of them are in the laundry bin because I have already worn them. So yeah, here they are!

1.) Clinique clarifying lotion #2: My staple toner. I needed to restock because I was running out of it.
2.) Clinique long last glosswear SPF 15: I got three in Bonfire, Knockout Nude and Goldspun. The pack came in 5. I gave the other 2 to my sister.
3.) NYX Smokey Look Kit: A mini palette that contains 9 shadows and 2 lip glosses.
4.) Kate BB Makeup Base: Kate is a product of Kanebo. It is targeted for the younger market, I think. This has SPF as well but I forgot how much SPF. It was on the box but I threw it already. As far as I can remember, it was around 32 or 35.
5.) Kate Makeup Remover: Forgot to include this in the picture. But I bought this because there was this one time when we had to move from Osaka to Tokyo via bullet train and our luggage were shipped. Our stuff didn't arrive until the next day and I forgot to carry with me my makeup remover, lucky enough there was a store that had beauty stuff and got a hold of this.
6.) Shiseido Anessa Perfect Essence Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++: I was looking for this sunscreen, unfortunately I don't think they carry it in Japan. The SA recommended this to me. They came in three kinds. Waterproof (for heavy duty use I think / for sports or swimming), Pearlized one that gave a pearly effect on your face, and the one I got which is for everyday use.
7.) DHC peel off pack: I just though I needed to use some mask for my face. I never tried one before so I thought this would be a great try.
8.) DHC Eyelash Tonic: It's supposed to make your lashes thicker and stronger. I've been using this for weeks and it seems to be working! I seriously love it.

I wish I researched about DHC before I went to Japan so I know which items I should get. They seem to have a whole lot of amazing products but I don't understand what's written on their boxes. It's quite difficult to guess what they are for lol. But the SA's are nice enough to really try to explain what they are for. I also wish we had more time to shop so I can concentrate on my shopping. You know how difficult it is to shop when you know you're running out of time. lol.

So yeah. That's my haul from Japan. I will do more in depth reviews on these items once I have used them for a while. Have a great weekend everyone!

My Attempt: Burgundy Plum Smokey Eyes

This is my first attempt to do an eye-makeup that is not neutral. I don't know if this is good enough. But I am quite happy with the result. =) The camera must've washed out the colors a bit because it didn't came out as vibrant as it's supposed to be. *sigh* But it's kinda close. Anyway here it is. Sorry if it's quite messy, I forgot to brush off the fallouts before taking a picture as I was in a hurry.

How I applied the eye makeup

After applying Too Faced Shadow insurance (eye primer), I applied a cream eyeshadow on my lid.

1.) I applied NYX eyeshadow in Burgundy Pearl on about 3/4 of my lid (starting from the inner corner) using my ELF eyeshadow brush.

2.) Using my fluffy NYX crease brush, I applied the deep dark plum shade from Loreal's HIP Duo in Sculpted on the outer part of my lid gently belnding it inwards and on my crease.

3.) Using the same brush and shade, I slightly dabbed the brush over the Burgundy Pearl color that I have applied on Step 1. Just to make the shade darker, but still leaving a hint of bright burgundy under it.

4.) Using my ELF blending brush, I applied the rosey plum color of Loreal's Hip Duo in Sculpted on the upper part of my crease blending it over the deep dark plum color I applied on Step 2.

5.) And for the highlight, I used my ELF blending brush and applied the color Heaven (matte cream) from the Too Faced Neutral Natural Eyeshadow Palette.

I applied some Maybelline Smooth & Vivid Eyeliner in Black on my upper and lower lashline. Then I curled my lashes and applied VMV Hypoallergenics Ooh-la-lash mascara.

Here are the brushes I used. Except for the crease brush, please ignore it. I didn't use it. I made a mistake in the pic, and I'm just too lazy to take another shot. lol.

So that's it. I would be very glad to receive comments or suggestions. I am new with the whole eyeshadow thing and I would love to learn from you guys. Thank you =)

UPDATE: Shiseido Benefiance Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream

Ever since I noticed the web-like fine lines underneath my eyes, I've been so obsessed looking for the perfect eye cream. Before I had started using this product, I've been using other eye creams from The Face Shop and Pond's (which I'm going to make a review sometime soon). But I guess they don't seem to be working well enough for me.

So anyway, I had been using Shiseido Benefiance Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream for more than a month now. The cream is rich. I think it's too thick and it leaves a shiny film around my eyes. I'm not really so much of a "sticky product" fan, but for night time it's fine. So yeah, I use this at night and I use a different eye cream in the morning.

The first night I used it, I noticed in the morning that it diminished the look of fine lines underneath my eyes. I was so surprised and I actually couldn't believe it myself but I was so happy! =) The 2nd night I applied this, I noticed the next day that I had a red bump underneath my left eye. I panicked. The red bump didn't last that long, it immediately disappeared the next day.. So I still gave the eye cream another chance. I thought maybe I should put on just a little lesser so my eye area won't be over-moisturized. So that's what I did. And I didn't get the red bump again. Although, there are times when I end up putting a little more, I occasionally get a tiny bump under or above my eye. But they don't last long at all, the next day they're gone... But then again I noticed that my fine lines would reappear. I don't know why. Some days they're gone, some days they're back... As for my dark eye circles, I don't really think it did anything for that part. And I am not really sure if any eye cream would help get rid of it, I have asthma and my dermatologist told me that asthma and other allergies could cause dark circles. So yeah..

The product is quite pricey. It's around PHP 2,700+ (USD $ 57.00). I am not sure if I am going to repurchase. I would probably try other products first and keep looking for my perfect eye cream.

Any eye cream you have loved/hated?

LF: the perfect spot corrector

I am on the look for a good spot (sun spots, acne marks, etc) corrector. I have a few spots on my upper cheek and my nose area, which I'm guessing are sun spots or past acnes or maybe freckles. I'm not really sure, but I want to get rid of them so I could get a clearer skin.

I have used one from The Face Shop: White Tree Pure Vita Spot Corrector before but it only caused me tiny red bumps and whiteheads so I stopped using it.

I have a few products in mind but I am still not sure which to get:

1.) Clinique: Even Better Skin Tone Corrector

1.0 oz/30 ml $39.50

Clinique guiding dermatologist Dr. Orentreich says, "When skin is more even-toned, you look younger." So here's your second chance. To virtually undo the visible evidence of sun damage, dark patches, skin stresses, age spots, even the darkening that follows acne scarring. Gently create-for all ethnicities-brightness and clarity you thought long gone.

My thoughts: It's cheaper compared to the next products I'm going to mention but I am not sure if it's really effective. The reviews about this product were just okay. Not too high and not too low.

2.) Shisiedo: Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizer (Cream) Whitening Formula N
50 ml./1.7 fl. oz. $ 98.00

This advanced formula is a luxurious skin revitalizer that energizes and encourages a perfectly even complexion. For all skin types. Diminishes spots, freckles, uneven color and fine lines. Exclusive ingredients - HKC, Bio-EPO and Super Bio-Hyaluronic Acid - offer continuous hydration while inspiring luminosity.

My thoughts: The thing that I really like about this is that aside from diminishing spots, it also helps get rid of fine lines. I am in my 20's and I am also obsessed with anti-aging skin care products. So this one's really great if it really works as it claims, skin tone corrector plus anti-aging in one.

3.) Shiseido: Whitess W Intensive Skin Brightener

38 ml./1.4 oz. $ 130.00

A bright new future for your skin. This lightweight brightening essence minimizes imperfections caused by the sun. Promotes an even, translucent skin tone and a flawless complexion.
Diminishes appearance of dark spots and discoloration.
Improves skin's luminosity, texture and clarity after 2-3 months of continued use.

My thoughts: Sounds promising but I think it's too pricey! =( Plus the reviews were so-so... So I'm not really sure if it's worth it.

4.) Shiseido: White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Gel

40 ml./1.4oz $ 54.00

A moisturizer that improves microcirculation for a healthy glow and a revitalized, more even-toned complexion. Recommended for normal to oily skin. Specially developed with Shiseido-original Multi-Target Vitamin C and Spot Deacti-Complex, which effectively fade the appearance of dark spots, and leave skin looking radiantly translucent and flawless. Formulated with Asian plant extracts to improve moisture balance and smooth skin. Contains AE Complex, a highly effective absorption enhancer that maximizes the delivery of beneficial ingredients to skin. Changes from gel to fluid upon application, and provides a comfortable refreshed feeling.

My thoughts: I like the fact that it's gel (it's also available in cream), because I am really uncomfortable with sticky face products. But the reviews were so-so. Just around 3.5 on a scale of 5.

5.) Shiseido: White Lucent Concentrated Brightening Serum

30 ml. $ 120.00 50 ml. $ 165.00

A high-performance brightening treatment that intensively targets dark spots, freckles and dullness to give skin an extraordinary radiance and beautifully even skin tone.
Recommended for all skin types, particularly complexions with dark spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone.
Works to visibly diminish spots and freckles on skin's surface.
Retexturizes skin and protects against aggressive external factors.
Specially developed with Shiseido-original Multi-Target Vitamin C and Super Spot Deacti-Complex, a more potent form of Spot Deacti-Complex, which effectively fade the appearance of dark spots, and leave skin looking radiantly translucent and flawless.
Contains AE Complex, a highly effective absorption enhancer that maximizes the delivery of beneficial ingredients to skin.

My thoughts: Just like product #3, it sounds promising but for the price. *sigh* And I am pretty sure it's not just $120 from where I live. Prices here are much more higher.. I also checked the reviews and it got a low rating of 2.3 on a scale of 5. I don't even know if it's worth it.

Anyone who have tried any of the products I mentioned? What can you say about it?

Any product suggestion? =)

Fanny Serrano Curler Refill and Angled brush

I am using Shiseido's lash curler and I've asked the Shiseido SA before how much a rubber refill would cost. I think it's around PHP 500-600 (USD $ 10-12) for 2 pcs rubber per pack. Which is just expensive. I really don't need to buy a refill just yet, because I still have one extra. But today at Watson's, I was just looking around when the rubber refills for Fanny Serrano's lash curler caught my eyes. They looked almost the same (or that's what I thought just because they're black) as Shiseido's and I tried it on my lash curler if it would fit, and it did. I bought one pack for PHP 45 I think (USD $ 1). And tried to compare it with my Shiseido rubber when I got home.

So here's how it looks like. The one on top is the Fanny Serrano rubber refill and the one at the bottom is Shiseido's rubber refill. Just by looking at it, you can tell the difference. The Shiseido's slanted and the shape is more curved. And I think it's harder when I try to press it. I actually tried curling my lashes with the Shiseido Curler using the Fanny Serrano rubber. I don't know if I am just being biased but I noticed that it kind of gives me a harsh L shaped lashes instead of the curvy shape. But I think it's kind of okay. But I don't know. I'm not too happy about it. Anyone else tried replacing their Shiseido lash curler with a different brand of rubber refill?

And before I forget, I also got the Fanny Serrano angled brush. I tried using it once when I applied my EDM black eyeliner, it shed a bit but I think it's okay.

Shiseido: Eyelash Curler

Like I said on my first entry, I never really curled my lashes until I was like 20 (unless there's special occasion, I'd let the makeup artist do it). I bought my first lash curler from our local Watson's drugstore. I can't really remember how much but it was cheap.. I didn't really care much about it. It pinched my lid like crazy but I still didn't care. I just tried to avoid curling near the root of my lashes. And once in a while, an eyelash would fall. But still, I didn't care. Haha! Because I am chinky eyed, I thought it was just my eyes... But I don't know, just one day I guess I got tired of all the pinching and I thought I'd do a research on lash curlers. And I've read good reviews on both Shu Uemura and Shiseido lash curlers.. I then just decided to get the Shiseido one because I read it's designed for asian eyes and is perfect for the chinky ones. So yeah I got it. And the first time I tried it, good heavens. I really cannot believe it but there's no more pinching!!! It was perfect even if I curl my lashes at the very root.. And one more thing I liked about it is that it holds my curls even after I put mascara on. It's great! My old curler can't even maintain the curls after applying mascara! Sheesh...

This is definitely one of my HG. Love it!

UPDATE: Shiseido Benefiance Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream

Okay so I have applied the eye cream again last night. When I woke up this morning, I noticed I have this small red bump under my eye! :-s Okay I am not yet concluding that this came from the eye cream, I'm not really sure if it's a pimple or just an insect bite. *sigh*

I will still keep using the eye cream and see what happens, I hope not to get any bumps anymore. I hope that's just an insect bite.. *fingers crossed* I really want this cream to work. It seems to be working but if it's gonna cause me acne, I might just stop using it and give it to my mom.

Shiseido Benefiance Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream

So I have been obsessed about finding the right eye cream for me. Just a few days ago, I checked on the mirror and noticed some fine lines under my eyes! I freaked. I've been using eye creams but maybe they're not good enough. *sigh* So yeah, I worried and tried researching for a good eye cream.

I came across Shiseido Benefiance Revitalizing eye cream, but when I searched for it on their website, it wasn't there. I figured that they had already discontinued it and re-produced it with a new formulation called Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Anti-Wrinkle eye cream. I read good reviews about it. Some claimed it visibly reduced fine lines. Although some would say it's better for mature skin with deep wrinkles. I'm on my early 20's but I still thought I'd give it a try.. So yeah, I got the eye cream yesterday for PHP 2798+ (USD $59). It's pricey, I know. But for the sake of my eyes. It's better than be sorry later.

What I think about it? The cream is actually quite sticky so I use it at night only. I think it moisturizes really well... And the effect? I know it's too early to judge, I've been using it for 2 nights only. But it's really weird. I first used this cream last night, and this morning I noticed that some of the web-like lines underneath my eyes have been reduced. Okay please don't laugh at me. I actually do not want to believe it myself. Because I know I have just used it once! Maybe I was just hallucinating or something, but I kept checking all day and I really noticed the lines were reduced... But around late afternoon, I noticed the web-like lines were back. I don't know, maybe the cream has the effect of masking the lines for a while? Or maybe I really was just hallucinating.. Too early to judge! I know, I know.. I will just post an update about this cream in a month or so..