MAC Velvet Teddy

According to M.A.C, Velvet Teddy is a deep-tone beige. (I think this is one of MAC's few accurate lipstick color descriptions. Ha.) It is a neutral, deep beige so it's neither too warm nor too cool.

Although the finish is matte, it is non-drying. Just make sure to exfoliate the lips prior to application so it doesn't highlight cracks and flakies. And as expected of matte lipsticks, it is long-wearing.

one swipe

Velvet Teddy is a universally flattering shade. Fair ladies can get away with just this lipstick for a subtle or classic look and it won't make them look pale or ghostly. Medium or olive-skinned women may wear this with a smokey eye makeup and it can be very sexy. This can also be a great nude for those with deeper skin tones!

This is a versatile color that's perfect for any day or event. It is such a classic and elegant shade -- which is why I chose to wear it on my very special day, our wedding. I think it suited the occasion really well! Simple yet classy.

M.A.C Velvet Teddy will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Wearing Velvet Teddy on our Wedding Day.

Review Roundup: MAC Velvet Teddy

Pros:
non-drying

full coverage
long wearing

Cons:
(:

Overall:

5/5

Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Calypso

Hey guys! Here's another lipstick review. It's the Creamy Matte Lip Color in shade Calypso. Read reviews of Lip Color here and Rich Lip Color here.

Bobbi Brown describes Calypso as a pink coral.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Calypso - Outdoors, natural lighting

Indoor, natural lighting

Indeed, it is a hot pink with coral undertones.

I find its texture to be quite unforgiving on my lips, even with lip balm underneath. Ironic, because it's supposed to be a creamy matte. But it's not creamy at all. It is lightweight, but it tugs on my lips during application. It does, however, leave a pretty hot pink stain on my lips once it wears off -- while also leaving them dry.

I'd say the only thing I really like about this lipstick is the color. I'm a sucker for pretty watermelon pinks especially during summer. Even though they don't suit me. (I think.)

Pardon the ngarag face

Review Roundup: Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Calypso

Pros:
Long wearing
Lovely color!

Cons:
Drying

Overall:
3/5

Would I repurchase? No
Would I recommend? Maybe not

MAC MLBB Lipstick Comparison ~ Swatches

Hi everyone! This is a quick comparison swatch post on my current MAC my-lips-but-better lipstick shades! They are Kinda Sexy, Faux and Cosmo.

M.A.C says:

Kinda Sexy: Neutral pinky-rose (Matte finish)
Faux: Muted mauve-pink (Satin finish)
Cosmo: Pink coco (Amplified creme finish)

Here are the swatches:

Kinda Sexy, Faux, Cosmo

Kinda Sexy, Faux, Cosmo

Under direct clouded sunlight

MAC Please Me

Hi everyone! I'm quite giddy about today's post, which is my review on one of MAC's bestselling lipsticks of all time, Please Me. And no, I'm not excited for the reason that I finally got my hands on a cult favorite, but because of its color that is very unique to me. Really, it pleased me.

MAC Please Me - outdoors, natural lighting

Please Me is a matte lipstick that is described by MAC as a muted-rosy-tinted pink. I definitely see cool undertones in it so I personally describe it as a muted-raspberry pink.

Frankly, I was skeptical when I first got Please Me. Basing on the swatches online, I expected it to be warmer. Alas when I opened the box (this was mailed to me, purchased at MAC Trinoma) and ze eyes first saw the hints of berry in it, I was like, insert "oh." here with a disappointed happy face. imagine: (´・⌣ ・`)

I have strong yellow undertones, so I veer away from lip colors that has even the slightest cool tone to it. I guess I was traumatized by Bikini Pink from Bobbi Brown, a light blue-based pink recommended by the SA and my cousin who was there makeup shopping with me. I wasn't into lipsticks that time and didn't know the term "washing out" yet, but I knew I never looked good in it. Ugh. Nicki Minaj moments.

Anyway, when I swatched it on the back of my hand, the blue tones became less apparent.

And when I swiped it on my lips, it was just an "oh god" moment. I was pleasantly surprised by how good it looked and that it didn't wash me out. The blue tones were very, very minimal. It's a super pretty pink that makes you feel really feminine without being over-the-top barbie. Plus it's a bright color that's not too bold, something that's missing in my arsenal because I always tend to gravitate towards subtle pinks or MLBB's. I felt giddy after seeing myself on this and couldn't wait to go outside to do my errands. There was just so much excitement!

For a matte finish, this isn't drying at all. Apply lip balm beforehand and you're good to go. It had full coverage, and withstood my Infinitea milktea. Heheh. No retouch necessary, just had to press my lips together.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with this purchase, and Please Me really did please me!

Ciao!

Review Roundup: MAC Please Me

Pros:
non-drying

full coverage
long wearing

Cons:
(:

Overall:

5/5

Would I repurchase? YES YES YEEESSS! <3
Would I recommend? Yes

New MAC Lippies: Please Me and Faux

On my previous MAC Kinda Sexy post, I mentioned setting my eyes on more MAC lipsticks. Today I'll share with you guys my two new MAC lipstick purchases (YAAAYY!!!). They are Please Me and Faux.

Faux is described by MAC as a muted mauve-pink, which is quite spot on. It has a satin formulation. Please Me, on the other hand, is said to be a muted-rosy-tinted pink. I would personally describe it as a muted-raspberry pink. It is of matte formulation.

(L) Faux, Please Me (R)

I'll be posting the full review of Faux soon, while you can read Please Me's review here. :D These lipsticks are currently Php 1000 each here in the Philippines. I got these specifically at MAC Trinoma.

Ciao!

Feeling Sexy in MAC Kinda Sexy

Hiiiii theeeere! Feels great to be posting here, it's been a while, no? And it's been a VERY long while since my laptop got damaged, so when I went back to Manila, I couldn't post anything. I only had my smartphone with me and my Blogger app for android didn't really do -any- help with my posts. Haha anyway! I'm here at my home province again, probably for quite a looong time, or for good. I may be opening my own café soon (details on its way!!!) ehehe. Also, a lot has come up lately - really, really big news. Like, life-changing. Haha. Soooo my personal life kwentos later and beauty updates now. (:

Ladies, I have never owned a MAC lipstick before. I've owned a couple of MAC products here and there. But with lipsticks, I used to believe that theirs were too commercial. I think runway when I see their shades. I think crazy, loud colors. I've been to MAC counters and I've never been attracted to any of their shades. Also, I had this notion (influenced by the online community)  that their formulation wasn't great  for everyday use  (read: drying, hence unhealthy). And that was a deal breaker for me because I already have particularly dry lips to start with.

But anyway, fast forward to 2014. When I have already been lurking in Girltalk enough to realize that maybe, I have underestimated this brand's lipstick archive after all. Later I saw Solenn Heusaff's lipcolor on A & A Tonight and immediately fell in love with it. It was nude-ish, but could still look great even without the heavy eyes. It's sweet and innocent, yet sexy and sophisticated. I knew I had to have that color, though I never learned what its name or brand was.

Then I saw a swatch of Kinda Sexy online, and knew I have found the one. It wasn't available on our local counters though, so I had to preorder it. When the package came, I literally squealed in excitement. Amaaazeballs! It was exactly how I wanted it to be. The color on me was more than just nude... A nude that's full of color (oxymoron, yeah?). Pinky, peachy beige that made my lips look, errr, sexy? Hahaha. No kidding, I feel sexy when I wear this on. LOL.

A match made in heaven.

It's a matte formulation, but the great news is, it's non-drying. (yayay!) Provided you have to exfoliate and moisturize your lips prior to application. I have not worn this long enough to say it's that much long lasting, but I did have the chance of testing its mealproofness (LOL.) After some heavy afternoon snack at Hap Chan, there was only a little need for touchup.

My first MAC lipstick experience was overall so enjoyable that I can't wait for my next MAC lipstick purchase. I won't name my prospects yet but I'll introduce them once they're here. Heehee. <3

Online shopping at Nordstrom

These days I have really been into online shopping. It's my birthday month, so, you can guess the reason for that. There are a lot of secure websites for online shopping now, but sadly, not all of them offer international shipping still, cough Sephora cough. Enter Nordstrom - a US based site that carries countless brands under clothing, shoes, accessories, and my favorite of them all - beauty. Numerous luxury brands such as Christian Dior, Clarins, Yves Saint Laurent are available. However, few ones such as Estee Lauder, Mac, Clinique and Chanel are not available for international shipping, at least to my country. Boo!

Anyway, having spent a looooot of time browsing throught the internet, reading reviews and looking at swatches, (you can guess how hard it is to shop for makeup online) I found a couple of items to my liking.

The process. I fill my bag, then check out (the subtotal is displayed). I then proceed to the last page where I fill in required information for shipping and payment. The total is then shown (includes additional taxes and shipping). Their taxes and shipping fees can be quite steep, but I found this to be better than paying for the importation fee at my country's customs office. Having a very corrupt customs bureau, that was waaayy better! Anyways, submit order and it's done!

That same day, I received an email from Borderfree (Nordstrom) about them receiving my order. Then an order confirmation. Three days later, they emailed me saying that my order has already been shipped. They also gave me my package number so I can track my parcel whenever. (:

Four days later, and voila! My parcel has arrived. It was surprisingly fast. And it was a joy to open my box. Even though it's generally a pain for an impulsive and compulsive gal like me to do online shopping, the best part is still that feeling after having to wait for endless days and next thing you know, your package is in front of you. My mom said I was crazy. Hell yeah. Crazy happy kid here!

Thank you Nordstrom!

What's in the box:

Sunbum lip balm SPF 30 in Pomegranate

Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Tonkin

thebalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen

Christian Dior Diorblush in New Red

Overall it was a great shopping experience. Thank you Nordstrom! I just wish you'd let me order Estee Lauder, Chanel, Clinique and other brands next time. *weep* *grin*

HG Products For My Acne-Prone, Oily, Sensitive Skin

Hi everyone! I'm going to share my all-time favorite beauty purchases. These are staples in my kit. And although I don't wear that much makeup at the moment because I am prioritizing my acne treatment, these are still my go-to products whenever I have something going on. I have acne-prone, oily, sensitive asian skin so those of you who have the same skin conditions might want to check these out.

BB cream

Bobbi Brown.com

Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35

My go-to bb cream. Gives me that dewy, radiant glow. Provides a sheer to light coverage, that's very lightweight. This can hold up for a long time on my oily skin, and doesn't break me out. I also love that it has an SPF of 35. (:

See my full review here: Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35 | Review

Matte foundation

Make Up For Ever.com

MUFE Mat Velvet Plus

I just love this foundation. It has a wonderfully silky, velvety texture.Even though it has a matte finish, it doesn't dry my skin out. Neither does it accentuate my pores and dry patches. It provides a medium to full coverage. Best of all, doesn't break me out.

Powder foundation

Clinique.my

Clinique Perfectly Real Radiant Skin Compact

My favorite powder/foundation! When I first got this I practically used it everyday, that I feel the time I spent with this baby was too short. Seriously, I wouldn't trade this powder for any other out there. The texture is velvety smooth, never cakey or powdery. This gives me a good medium coverage, with a matte texture that isn't too 'dry' looking. Kind of, a bit of radiance still showing. Hence the name Perfectly Radiant, I guess. Acne and acne scars aren't totally covered but makes them really less noticeable. I wore this alone everyday until I ran out. (Currently waiting for my replenishment to arrive. Now I'm thinking I should've stocked up on my order!) I'm just in love with this. The SPF 29++ is also a bonus.
The only thing I ask from Clinique is, Please!!!!! Don't reformulate or discontinue this! I'm going to hate you if you do.

*I'll do a full review on this once my order has arrived. (:

Blemish concealer

Beautylish.con

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer

I'm really not a fan of MAC, I have a few products here and there, but I always have the feeling that their products aren't supposed to be worn everyday. Think stage or professional makeup. Then there's the Studio Finish concealer that I can wear almost everyday and never worry about my skin worsening. It conceals the blemishes or acne scars perfectly, and doesn't aggravate them. This is really perfect for spot concealing.

Color correcting concealer

Make Up For Ever.com

MUFE Camouflage Cream Pot in Green

Counteracts the redness of my angry pimples, and doesn't worsen them. Apply your favorite concealer on top, because wearing alone will only give the treated spot a greyish color.

Cream blush / cheek & tint

Bobbi Brown.com

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge

A creamy texture that's very blendable, and buildable. Looks very natural and stays on for a long period of time, like 8 hours. I love this for my cheeks and also ze lips.

Finishing/setting powder

Make Up For Ever.com

MUFE HD Microfinish powder

Need I say more? This helps keep my makeup in place, and my oilies at bay. You just need really little bit of this, so a jar will last a very long time.


What do you guys think? Share your own HG products! (:

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-hour Primer ~ Swatches + Review (Updated!)

Hurray for a huge ☑ on one of my wishlist items~ I just got my Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 in shades Light and Medium. ;) Having the two shades was sort of a mishap, well... onto the review!

Tarte says:

Indulge and nourish your skin with our BB tinted treatment 12-hour primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen which offers multiple skincare and makeup benefits in one eco-chic tube. This powerfully pure formula serves as your:

• healthy treatment
• 12-hour primer
• buildable coverage
• oil-free moisturizer
• pore minimizer
• skin brightener
• chemical-free sun protector 

Tarte cosmetics are formulated without: parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic fragrance. And they're cruelty-free. (:

Love the eco-chic tube!

This BB is available in four shades: Fair, Light, Medium and Tan. Not so many shades to choose from... Then again, this is a bb cream.

Light and Medium

As you can see, Light is a little light for me, while Medium is slightly too dark. Luckily I can mix those two to achieve my perfect shade. If I could just pick one though, I'd choose the latter.

Well blended

I am in love with this bb's texture. It's mousse-like silky. The texture is almost the same as MUFE Mat Velvet Plus'. It leaves a semi-matte to matte finish, while still looking natural. I was really, pleasantly surprised with its coverage. It provided an almost-medium with just one layer. I didn't have to use concealer on this one. Acne and acne scars were almost gone.

The first second I saw this on my face, I was pretty disappointed. It covered pretty well, but accentuated my pores and dry patches. I gave it a 3/5. Off I went to do grocery shopping, and when I came back, lo and behold. My face looked flawless! I was in front of the mirror, smiling. How crazy cool is that. So I figured that if you just wait a few minutes and let it set, it'll then you show you its real awesomeness.

Since I wasn't able to use this for long hours, I can only comment on the short time I wore this baby. Oil control was great. No traces of oil for the two hours I was out running down the aisles of the supermarket.

I also didn't breakout from this. I'm super glad.

**Update**

Okay, so I've worn this for a couple times now. Once I wore this from 3pm to 1am, and when I got back home... my gawd!!! My face still looked great! I only blotted my face (nose) with a blotting paper and at the end of the day there was minimal shine on my nose. I also didn't set the bb with any finishing powder or spray. Amazing. This is HG material. I looooove!

Review Summary: Tarte BB tinted treatment 12-hour primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Pros:

Oil-free

Great coverage

Controls oil

Doesn't cause breakouts

Cons:

The only con I can think of is Tarte cosmetics aren't available locally. Boohoo. But for the product itself, none. (:

Overall:

5/5

Would I repurchase? Yes
Would I recommend this? Yes