My Summer Essentials (2014)

While others love being under the Sun at the beach, I chose to stay indoors. I know it may look like I'm a major buzz kill but we all know that Summer here in the Philippines is insanely hot and I can't stand it at times. But with all my makeup gigs and other meetings, I can't just stay under a roof. I also need to go outside and of course, I also want to have fun and celebrate before classes start in June.

With the harmful Sun and the very hot and humid weather we have, I need my own weapons to protect my skin. Here are the skin care and makeup products that I've been using a lot this Summer 2014.

Skin Care Essentials

1. Burt's Bees Daisy White Facial Toner - This 99% natural toner helps remove traces of dirt and oil from your skin leaving you with a soft skin. Very mild on the skin as well and doesn't contain harmful chemicals that can react badly when exposed to the Sun. Available at all Beauty Bar stores.

2. Royale Beauty L-Gluta Power Whitening and Smoothening Cream - Perfect for Summer since it has UVA/UVB protection. It is also easily absorbed by the skin and not greasy even if you sweat. Plus, it also helps lighten the skin. Read my review here. Available at Queen B.

3. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock  SPF 50 - Well, I don't really use this all the time but this comes in handy when you go to the beach or if you're under the Sun a lot. It has SPF 50 and the higher the SPF, the thicker and the heavier the consistency. This one, although it has high SPF, it doesn't have the greasy and sticky texture unlike other sunblocks. Definitely a must-have. Available at all Watsons nationwide.

4. Royale Beauty L-Gluta Power Lightening Lotion - One of the best lotions ever! It contains UVA/UVB protection to prevent Sun damage. Consistency is a little thick and might take a few seconds and rubs before your skin can completely absorb it but it's not greasy or slippery. In addition to that, it also has an instant whitening effect and can whiten the skin with continuous use. Available at Queen B.

5. L'Opulent Femme Anti-Perspirant Deodorant - When it's hot, we sweat a lot! Haha! And we girls don't want sweaty armpits, of course! You might want to try this L'Opulent Femme Anti-Perspirant Deodorant. This is also under Royale. It doesn't make my underarms sweat! Dry feeling all day, I swear. Also available at Queen B.

Makeup Essentials

1. Ellana Minerals Loose Mineral Powder Foundation - During Summertime, you may want to avoid wearing a lot of makeup. Given the very hot weather, we tend to sweat a lot and if we apply layers and layers of makeup on our face, it might just cake plus it will give you a very irritating feeling. Very uncomfortable! This Summer, I just use my Ellana Minerals Loose Mineral Powder Foundation. It requires less makeup product since it's already a foundation and a setting powder in one plus coverage is really good, too. If I have dark spots and other imperfections, I use a little concealer then this powder foundation. Review soon! If you want to get your own, click this link to be redirected to their site and get 15% off your purchase. Also available in The Ramp Crossings at Trinoma, Cinderella SM Megamall, Cinderella, Glorietta, and Cinderella ATC.

2. Moonkini Flat Top Brush - One of my favorite Universal brushes! Perfect for applying foundation and powder. Also, it is short so it can fit inside your makeup kit and bring it with you anywhere you go! Only P150.00 from Pretty Angel Shoppe.

3. ELF Eyebrow Treat and Tame - Summer is a lazy season for me so I usually just use an eyebrow mascara to fill in my brows so it would be easier and more convenient. It also gives you a very natural look. Available at ELF counters nationwide.

4. Mistine Lip and Cheek Tints - Since I avoid using a lot of makeups during this hot season, I just stick with lip and cheek tints. I love the Mistine lip and cheek tints because they are pigmented and you have different shades to choose from. I have two --- one berry shade which gives a more natural finish and a red orange tint which I use whenever I want a louder color for my lips. Also, since it can be used for your lips and cheeks already, it saves space in your makeup kit. No need to bring a separate blush and lipstick! Available at The Mestiza Hub.

5. Mistine Big Eyes Mascara - I rarely wear eye makeup even if it's not Summer. I just do eye makeups on special occasions and when I want to but usually, I just curl my eyelashes and apply mascara. I stay away from eyeliners during Summer because it might just smudge. My current favorite mascara is the Mistine Big Eyes mascara because it can really lengthen my short and thin eyelashes. Also available at The Mestiza Hub.

So, yeah, that's it. Summer is not yet over so you can still give these products a try. Hope you can share you favorite Summer essentials, too! :)

Stay awesome and accomplish your mission!

Product Rave-iew: Avon Ideal Luminous Invisible Coverage Liquid Foundation

Hi everyone! Welcome to my first product review for the year 2014! Hehe!

Lately, I've been busy with school works, events, and I'm more focused in my YouTube channel. I missed writing products reviews and sharing here in my blog my makeup works so here I am! I want to share with you this product that I've been really loving. I've been using this particular foundation for months now and I just can't stop using it ever since I first tried it and found out how awesome it is! Ladies, meet my current favorite foundation, the Avon Ideal Luminous Invisible Coverage Liquid Foundation (whoa, that's a mouthful)!

Product name: Avon Ideal Luminous Invisible Coverage Liquid Foundation

Coverage: Medium

Shade: Nude

Price: P499.00

Please contact your favorite Avon ladies/suppliers to order. :)

This is the first foundation that I've tried from Avon and I just want to say that this makes me want to try more of their foundations! The Avon Ideal Luminous Invisible Coverage Liquid Foundation comes in a small squeezable bottle which contains 30g of the product. It has a small nozzle which I like because it avoids the product from spilling and you can control the amount of product you're going to use.

I'm sorry for the dirty nozzle. I've been using it a lot!

What made me fall in love with this product is its amazing coverage! This liquid foundation by Avon is a little thick in consistency but it's not heavy on the face. It blends and sets well on the skin like a BB cream which is just awesome because even though the texture is not that thick, it still provides amazing coverage. It can conceal dark circles, redness of the skin and other blemishes. However, it cannot fully conceal really dark spots and I guess, you need two layers to fully conceal dark circles but that's okay. The coverage is still commendable. It also gives a smooth and luminous finish. Every time I use this foundation, I get a lot of compliments and people always ask me what foundation I used because they said my skin looks really smooth and flawless. Hihi! Another plus factor is that the Avon Ideal Luminous Invisible Coverage Liquid Foundation has SPF 15/PA++. Oh, it has a mild floral scent which I actually like.

Here is my before-and-after photos to support my testimonial:

TA-DAH!!!

See how it was able to conceal the imperfections on my face? Amazing, isn't it? But the coverage isn't the only reason why I love this foundation. Longevity counts, too, you know and this foundation has great staying power as well. The coverage stays on for long hours without retouching at all. Here's my usual photo test:

I took a selfie around 4pm after doing my complete makeup and before I went to school today. Then around 7pm, I went back home and immediately took another selfie to compare. As you can see, coverage is still good and I got just a little bit oily on my t-zone and cheek area. Then I went to TriNoMa with my sister and our Mom without retouching nor even blotting my face because I really want to show you the foundation's quality. We shopped a little, dined in, and watched a movie. Bride For Rent starring Kim Chiu and Xian Lim is a really funny movie, by the way. Hehe! Anyway, we got home at around 12:30AM already. I did some things first and before I removed my makeup, I took another selfie. The foundation started to fade out under my eyes and between my nose and lips and my skin got oilier but the coverage is still not bad at all! It's still pretty good! Isn't it amazing? Isn't it surprising? (Sorry, I still have a Kim Chiu hangover from watching the movie)

I absolutely love the Avon Ideal Luminous Invisible Coverage Liquid Foundation! I'm already running out of it and I will 100% surely repurchase. The powder that I used in the photo test above by the way is Fashion 21 Two Way Cake with Milk Moisturizers. You might think that the powder helped in the foundation's longevity but I've used different powders already to set this foundation and I always get the same result. :)

Don't forget to like Avon Philippines on Facebook and follow them on Instagram, @avonph to be updated on their new products.

Stay awesome and accomplish your mission! :)

-ivsc-

My Top Products for 2013

Hi everyone! How's your New Year? Well, this is my first blog post for 2014 and I just want to share with you my favorite products for 2013. These are the product that I really love and been using a lot the past year. Here's a video about it (taglish).

1. Glory of New York Facial Cleansing

- A very mild facial cleanser that is probably the most fragrant skin care product I've ever tried! I love how it makes my skin soft and smooth after using.

2. Glory of New York Aloe E Moisturizing Lotion

- This is what I use on days when my skin feels really dry and dull. It's very moisturizing and it is actually recommended for people with dry skin but it won't make your skin oily even if you have oily or combination skin type.

3. Glory of New York Aloe Vera All Skin Gel

- This is very helpful in clearing up pimples especially people with oily skin. It treats my pimples within 2 days or even overnight. Even though it's a gel, it is moisturizing as well and really hydrates my skin. Can be used as a face primer, too.

4. Glory of New York Fairness and Glow Cream

- My favorite moisturizer of all time! I just love how it moisturizes my skin so well and how it brightens up and adds glow on my face. Click here to read my review about it.

5. Glory of New York Heal Cream

 - It is definitely a healing cream! Can be used to treat acne, pimples, wounds, burns, cuts, and other skin problems. It can moisturize dry and scaly skin, too. Read my review here.

6. Glory of New York Skin Enzyme

- THE BEST SKIN CARE PRODUCT EVER! It is an exfoliating gel that removes seated dirt on your skin and get rid of dead skin cells leaving you with almost like a newborn skin!

7. Glory of New York Translucent Powder

- My favorite setting powder to date! It's just the best! It avoid creasing on the eyes and seals in my makeup, helping it last throughout the day! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

8. Glory of New York Total Coverage Foundation

- I haven't tried all of the foundations out there especially the high end ones but I'm already okay with this! This is by far the best foundation that I've tried. It provides good quality, lasts for long hours, gives medium to full coverage which is perfect for weddings, TV, photo shoots and almost any occasion, actually! And even though it is a cream foundation, it doesn't cake and doesn't make my skin oil up.

8. Glory of New York Total Cover Up Concealer

- One of the best concealers I've tried. It does a good job in concealing imperfections on the face, including dark circles and dark spots.

9. Glory of New York Mineral Dual Powder

- I love the silky and smooth texture of this powder. It gives a flawless finish and stays on for long hours, too. Can be used  wet or dry.

10. Glory of New York Lipsticks

- Seriously, one of the best lipsticks in the market! It's not drying on the lips and the color payoff is just awesome. There are hundreds (literally) of shades available but I just picked out 4 of my favorite shades.

No. 635

No. 62

No. 708

No. 26

11. Avon Ideal Luminous Invisible Coverage Liquid Foundation

- Such a long name for a small product but I don't care! I love how it gives a very smooth finish and it stays on for long hours, too. It can conceal imperfections on the face and the coverage is really commendable. Definitely one of the best foundations that I've tried.

12. Ever Bilena Advance Whitening BB Cream

- One of the best local cosmetics in the Philippine market, at least for me! I love the texture and the finish and I always get compliments when I use this. Click here to watch my demo/review video about it.

13. K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner 1-Day Tattoo

- THE. BEST. LIQUID. EYELINER. EVER! For people with hooded lids like me, it's a little difficult to find an eyeliner that won't transfer on your lids. That's why I avoid felt tip liners, cream liners and pencil liners because they will just smudge on my eyes and will just transfer on my lids. Even some liquid eyeliners don't stay for long hours on my eyes and by the middle of the day, they will already start to fade... but this K-Palette eyeliner does not! It's really like a 1-day tattoo and I love that the intensity of the blackness of the liner stays 'til the end of the day!

www.beautylish.com

14. Favorite Mascara Recipe

Essence Get Big! Lashes Volume Curl mascara + Fashion 21 Double Up mascara

15. Maybelline The Magnum Volume Express Mascara

- Maybelline really has one of the best mascaras in the cosmetic industry!!! This is one of my favorites because it really thickens, lengthens and holds the curl of my eyelashes THE WHOLE DAY!

16. Fashion 21 Two Way Cake with Milk Moisturizers

- When it comes to local cosmetics, Fashion 21 is my favorite brand! One of the best powders that I've tried from the local brands is the Fashion 21 Two Way Cake with Milk Moisturizers. Most of the local powders are chalky and the quality is really poor that's why I was surprised with this one because it has a silky and smooth texture, provides good quality and stays on for long hours as well. Click here to read my review about it.

17. Fashion 21 Roll N' Dazzle in Pink Diamond

 - This is really a glitter eyeshadow but I love using it as my highlighter because it gives my face that subtle glow with just a hint of pink hue.

18. Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick in 95 Enjouee

- One of my all-time favorite lipsticks! The shade really compliments my skin and I think it makes me look fairer. A corally pink lipstick that is perfect for any occasion! :) Click here to read my review.

19. Makeup by Toni Abigail Series Makeup Brush Set

- This set contains 8 makeup brushes that is really all that you'll ever need in doing your makeup! The brushes are very soft and have superb quality. You can order from Ms. Joyce Sola of candyloveart. Click here.

20. Sigma E25 Blending Brush (travel size)

- The best blending brush I've ever used! It just makes blending so much easier and faster! Read my review here.

21. Artist Studio Makeup Brushes

- Finding affordable makeup brushes with awesome quality is now possible with these brushes from Artist Studio! The brushes are really soft, sturdy, and gives good application but the best part is that each brush is super affordable! The most expensive is the Artist Studio buffing brush and it only costs P139.75!

22. Gatsby Powdered Oil-Blotting Paper

- Since it's pre-powdered already, it really mattifies the skin and you don't have to retouch your face with your powder anymore.

23. MoringaO2 Malunggay Herbal Facial Toner

- I forgot to include this in the video! Grr! This is, by far, the best toner that I've tried! It's very mild and gentle on the skin and has great benefits, too. Click here to read more about it.

THAT'S ALL OF IT! Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions regarding these products through the comment box below. :) Can't wait to try and discover new awesome products this year!

Stay awesome and accomplish your mission! :)

-ivsc-

August 2013 Favorites!

Time for my monthly favorites!!!

1. Glory of New York Almond & Vitamin E Face Massage Oil

     - When I received this from Glory of New York, I thought it can only be used in massaging your face but when I talked to the owner of GNY, the one who formulated all the GNY products, I learned that this has many uses since it is infused with loads of nutrients. It can be used as a moisturizer for face and body, can be used to treat your scalp, etc. Right now, I'm using it as my makeup remover and I love it because aside from its nutrients and since it's an oil, it can thoroughly remove my makeup even the stubborn waterproof liners and mascara. Plus, it won't clog my pores and since it has Vitamin E in it, it can even condition my eyelashes! :) More about this amazing oil in a separate post.

2. Glory of New York Black Licorice Soap

     - This soap is one of GNY's newest products. I won't talk much about it because I'm saving it all for my review about it but I just want to share with you that this leaves the skin clean, soft and smooth without that dry feeling that most soaps do to our skin. :)

3. Glory of New York Dual Powder Foundation

     - This may not be the first time that you've heard about this powder from me but I just love it so much that I can't stop using it every time I do my makeup. I have tons of powders from other brands but I find myself always reaching for this when I do my makeup and my clients'. It just have an amazing coverage and can keep the oiliness at bay for hours. It gives you a matte finish without that flat look.

4. Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser

     - This may not be the best primer ever but it is the best drugstore primer! Definitely a must-have for frugal people because it's budget-friendly and works great. It can mattify the skin and help makeup last longer.

5. Essence Soft Touch Mousse Make-Up

     - The coverage of this mousse foundation from Essence is very light but I love its texture and consistency. I have oily-combination skin and I always have to set my foundation with powder to get rid of the shine and so that my face would not oil up that quickly but this foundation really has a matte finish. And when I say matte, it's really matte. I can skip powder with this foundation on but to be honest, I still apply powder on top most of the time because I'm Ms. Meticulous but I have already tried this without powder on and it's really awesome. Review soon! :)

6. Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil Foundation

     - My go-to foundation especially when I'm in a hurry! Since it's in a stick form, it's very convenient to apply and I can just use my fingers to blend it out. It's very affordable yet it provides good coverage and it can last for long hours, too. Read my review here.

7. ELF Eyebrow Treat and Tame

     - My brow and time saver!!! When it comes to doing my makeup, I usually spend most of my time in doing my brows but with this baby, I can just brush it through my eyebrows to fill in the sparse areas and then I'm good to go! Review of this product the soonest. I love this so much that's why it is the August product of the month. :)

8. Glory of New York Mascara

     - I used to hate this mascara because it's non-waterproof and since I have very oily lids, I always go for waterproof mascaras to avoid smudging and having that raccoon eyes. Then, I gave this another try and I don't know what happened but I started to love it. It lengthens and makes my lashes look healthy and full. Also, I learned from the owner of GNY that it can condition your eyelashes and help it grow longer! :) I just use a waterproof mascara to seal it every time I use it.

9. Fashion 21 Defining Eyeliner in Black

     - One of my favorite local eyeliners! It also has a good color payoff like the Nichido Mineral Kohl Pencil in Onyx and both are long-lasting but I like this better because you don't have to sharpen it anymore since it is retractable plus it's very affordable at only P100.00!

10. Wet N Wild Megalast Lipstick in Smokin' Hot Pink

     - I love Wet N Wild Megalast lipsticks but this is, by far, my favorite shade out of all the amazing colors they offer! I just love how it makes my lips look so smokin' hot and sexy! Hihi! :)

11. Sigma Beauty E25 Blending Brush

     - This brush just speeds up the blending process of an eye makeup! Read more about it in my review here! :)

12. Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Chocolate Sensation

     - A palette that is great for everyday, smokey eyes, and even for day-night transformation. The eyeshadows are pigmented and the texture is silky. More about this palette from Avon soon! :)

I hope you enjoyed reading about my last month's favorites! Can't wait for next month! Haha! :)

Stay awesome and accomplish your mission! :)

-ivsc-

Favorite Face Primer!!! Glory of New York First Base Foundation Primer | Review

To be honest, I don't really use primers every time I do my makeup. I just use them occasionally like when the weather is hot and when I need my makeup to last all day. You can find tons of primers out there from different cosmetic brands. Some really do work while some will just take a part of your bank account and can leave you dissatisfied.

So, here I am today sharing with you my favorite face primer to date! I got to say, I didn't have a good first impression with this one but now, I can't stop recommending it to my relatives and friends.

Product Name: Glory of New York First Base Foundation Primer

Price: Please visit Queen B. on Facebook for inquiries

Available at: Queen B. on Facebook

Paraben Free

This foundation primer is a must to provide a flawless finish to the face. Helps to seal and protect the skin's moisture balance. Leaves makeup looking fresh and color true all day.

APPLICATION:

Apply 1 or 2 drops on the face. Allow to absorb and dry before applying foundation.

INGREDIENTS:

Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Tridecyl, Trimellitate, Sphingolipid, Ceramide 3, Cholesterol

You know, one thing that I like about Glory of New York is the look of their products' packaging. They just look so elegant, classy, and expensive! The GNY First Base Foundation Primer is contained in a clear plastic bottle with a pump. It's the same packaging as their liquid foundations. It's great that it comes with a pump, however, it's pretty difficult to control the dispensing of product because a tiny amount of this primer goes a long way! One pump can dispense a lot of product! You can use that amount up to three applications already, I'm not exaggerating. So, every time I use this primer, I press the pump really slowly and ever so gently just to dispense the right amount of product that I need for my entire face.

I've mentioned above that I didn't have a good first impression with this primer. The first time that I tried this, I freaked out a little because I thought it was too oily. No, not oily but too greasy! I thought how can a product with a slimy texture like this help make my makeup last for long hours? I decided not to try it anymore but after telling my story about my first experience with it to my sister, she went ahead and used it to see for herself. Then all of a sudden, she was running towards me and with a very high-pitched tone, she exlaimed, "NATUTUYO SIYA! NATUTUYO SIYA!" ("It dries up! It dries up!"). I was surprised to see that her face looked completely matte after she applied the primer. It turns out, you have to really allow the primer to set on your face and you have to keep on rubbing it until it dries up and absorbed by your skin. Silly me, I didn't read and understand carefully the direction. I was really scared with its very oily texture. But yeah, it dries up completely matte.

After that incident, I decided to give it another go and I was dumbfounded. The Glory of New York First Base Foundation Primer gives you a very smooth canvass thus, making your makeup look more flawless. It dries up matte but will leave you with a moisturized smooth skin. The owner of GNY told me that this primer can also serve as your moisturizer so you have a 2-in-1 product. I tried to use it without applying any moisturizer and yes, it can definitely serve as a moisturizer as well. I didn't feel any dryness on my skin even after I put on my full makeup and I didn't get any dry patches on my skin. Nevertheless, I only did that once since I'm very particular when it comes to my skin care regimen. I can skip my toner but not my moisturizer. Hehe! But let me tell you, with or without a legit moisturizer, this primer works!

Okay, let's now move on to my usual review test. Of course, I took photo chronologically for review purposes.

PICTURE NO. 1: Let's begin with my bare face, oops, not totally bare. I already applied the GNY First Base Primer on my face in this photo.

PICTURE NO. 2: With GNY First Base Primer and Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil on top. The reason why I used the Fashion 21 stick concealer as foundation in this test is because I've already tested its longevity without using a primer. Now, I wanted to see if this primer could really help make my makeup last even longer. During the application of my foundation, I've already noticed a difference. The Fashion 21 Perfect Stick was easier to blend and it has a smoother finish. Also, the perfect stick can sometimes accentuate dry patches on my skin especially around my nose but with the GNY primer, everything is just smooth and flawless.

PICTURE NO. 3: With full makeup on

PICTURE NO. 4: After 4 hours. My t-zone got a little shiny but as you can see, my makeup still looked fresh! Isn't it awesome? For the record, I have oily-combination skin.

without flash

with flash

PICTURE NO. 5: After 6 hours, my t-zone got more oily but very slightly and my makeup was still intact! With a single sheet of oil blotting paper or a soft tissue, your makeup can look as good as new!

For comparisons, let me share with you two side-by-side before-and-after photos. Both after photos were taken after 6 hours (4PM-10PM).

These photos were taken during my Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil test. I did not use any primer here.

In this second photo, I did the same foundation routine (same foundation, same powder) except I applied Glory of New York First Base Foundation Primer prior foundation application.

I'm not sure if you can notice it but my makeup on the second before-and-after photo looked fresher than the first test without the primer even with the same 6-hour interval between the shots. My face got super oily earlier without the primer and my foundation faded out a little around my nose earlier than the time that I used the GNY First Base Foundation Primer. I hope you're getting what I'm saying! Haha!

Bottomline is, the GNY primer absolutely works! It just makes my makeup last longer and it makes blending of foundation and concealer easier because this primer gives you a smooth and flawless canvass so your makeup have something to hold on to.

I recommend the Glory of New York First Base Foundation Primer because of three things: it gives you a smoother canvass, it keeps your makeup intact longer and it can also serve as your moisturizer. Plus, this 30ml bottle can last you for a long time because like what I've said, a little amount goes a long way. Yeah, I know! Sounds cliche! >.< Anyway, you can get this primer and other Glory of New York products from Queen B.  on Facebook. Don't forget to visit their page and take advantage of their clearance sale! This primer is included! GO!

I'll leave you with these words, first impression never lasts! ;-)

Stay awesome and accomplish your mission! :)

-ivsc-