Department Store Discoveries: March

Sharing with you some of the things I recently got from either HBC or Watson's. I'm so excited! Who says beauty has to be expensive? Clearly, they haven't gone make-up shopping on a budget!

1. SanSan Concealer in Beige (around Php 105)

2. BYS Lipstick in Risky Business (Php 229) - I love how it's a cross between baby pink, nude, and salmon! My first lippie from BYS is Cherry Black. Will post a review soon!

3. ELF Eyelash Curler (Php 129) - comes with a free rubber thingy

 

 4. ELF Eyebrow Kit in Light (Php 249.75) - Can't wait to rave about this!

 

5. Essence Matte Bronzing Powder in 02 Sunny - Still on trial phase. It's quite difficult for me to find a decent contouring powder, but I hope this will do nicely. I might get the other one for blondes too.

So yeah, my wallet cried a little, but overall I'm happy I'm packed with a few essentials. I've been trying to save up since being in-between jobs means my last pay would be withheld. I might have to scrimp out on shopping next time. Wish me luck!

E.L.F. Eyelid Primer

They say every journey begins with a single step. In the world of makeup, one of the very first steps that can make or break your whole look, is the application of primer. Well, it's not so much of a crisis, but it can really enhance the colors of your makeup and improve its staying power. If you're like me who is not a big fan of retouching (other than blotting out oilies and re-applying lipstick every now and then), any primer would be your best friend.

This particular one is meant for the eyes. I usually apply this after I've let my face primer and BB cream set. Just a few small scoops and swipes on my eyes will do. I just blend it away with my fingers. Oh, it's from Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F.)

I'm a pretty big fan of E.L.F. ever since they arrived here in the Philippines a few years back. I love that their products are so affordable yet they're not ones to disappoint.

More the powers of this primer, or any other eyelid primer, is that it helps my eye makeup stay in place for a looong time. I've never really tried any other eye primer aside from this, so I won't really have much to go on in terms of comparison. Like I said, it also makes the colors of my eye shadow pop somehow. You'll see later on. 

It's available in three four shades: Champagne, Pearl, Golden, and Sheer. The one I'm using is Sheer. Check out E.L.F. page for the comparison between the different variants. Anyway, I got mine from Makeupholics for Php 100 (a little over $2) because the stocks in department stores seem to always run dry whenever I swing by to buy a piece.

The packaging:

The applicator wand:

More of the packaging:

Anyway, according to the E.L.F. website:

Preps your eyelid for smoother, longer-lasting and crease-proof eyeshadow. The ultra sheer nude color works to increase eye colour longevity. The lightweight liquid formula quickly absorbs into the skin for comfortable wear.

Ingredients include:

Cyclopentasiloxane, Octyl Palmitate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dimethicone, Kaolin, Triacontanyl PVP, Propylene Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Barium Sulfate , Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Mica (CI 77019)

Here are the swatches of the product. All photos are labeled accordingly for your convenience. :)

When I swiped my NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Lime:

Sorry if you can't tell much difference, must be the photo quality.
In real life, it really does help my eye shadow color deliver better.

Upon application of my E.L.F. Liquid Eye Liner:

Without primer: more than 3 swipes
With primer: one swipe (black), two swipes (brown)

What I like about it:

• Packaging has a sleek design
• Not messy to apply
• Glides smoothly
• Goes on sheer, duh (I don't know about the other shades though)
• Budget-friendly (Php 100)
• Extends eye shadow and eye liner durability
• Makes eye shadow colors pop
• Doesn't make my eye makeup crease
• Doesn't make my lids oily
• Helps make my eye shadow and liner stay where they are
• Doesn't irritate my lids
• Cruelty-free
• A small amount goes a long way

What I dislike about it:

• Limited availability, if this one's not in stock in your nearest department store, check with online sellers like Makeupholics
• Tends to clump, but it eventually separates when applied
• Blending is the key!

For now, I am quite happy with this primer. It's cheap and it delivers. What more can I ever ask for? I have yet to try other brands but I wouldn't mind buying this again. If you're looking for an eye primer that simply does its job pretty well, the E.L.F. Eyelid Primer is your best bet. :)

Love,

SGT <3

E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It's been a while since I last posted a review on anything. Here's one for every girl who's on a budget.

E.L.F. has been a welcomed presence in department and beauty store racks for quite a while. I've been an avid fan since I started college, as their products were not only practical and must-haves for every kikay kit, but are absolutely affordable too! That's something that I had to look for in cosmetics, because let's face it, I'm no kolehiyala with a trust fund, so I need to keep my spending on the down low, but that doesn't mean that I have to look losyang and haggard while I'm at it. Enter E.L.F.

Back then, there were only a few stores that carried this line. I usually visit their kiosk in Robinsons Galleria (department store). I'm glad to know that it's everywhere now! Not only that, E.L.F. now has an interactive social media mechanism, check out their Facebook page and Twitter accounts. They post beauty tips, makeup ideas, and new releases that you don't want to miss.

Okay, so about this eyeliner, I've always had qualms about using liquid eyeliners since I was well and happy with my gel kind from Maybelline. Plus, I didn't like how many LE's are way too messy to apply. I always thought that it took an expert hand to create the perfect wing or a nice little flick.

Let's get to it.

The product says:

• It's a smudge-proof liquid liner
• Has a fine tip applicator that creates easily defined and precise lines
• Has long wear and luminous color
• Has a safe and gentle formula
• Instantly beautiful, healthy looking eyes designed, formulated, and tested by our professional teamof makeup artists
• Cruelty-free (meaning it's not tested on animals)
• E.L.F. supports charities
• For best results, use with the E.L.F. Regular and Waterproof Mascara Duo

Directions for Use

• Begin at the inner corner of the eye, along the lash line, and work outwards.
• Position applicator tip close to the lash roots and in a gentle, fluid movement, brush color along the natural curve of your lash line.

Naturally, this is not the only technique you can use or the only liner style you can do with the product. Look up Youtube tutorials and articles online for helpful tips on liquid eyeliner application and different styles you can work with to amp up the creativity. Experiment with different tricks and styles to find ones that will best suit your eye shape and the occasion you will wear the look for.

What I like about it:

• Very affordable (retails for Php 129.75 in stores, but online shops sell this for less)
• The packaging is simple and straight-to-the-point, but it's pretty secure and doesn't spill
• Easy application, doesn't require expertise, although practice will definitely help you make that even and perfect wing and flick. ;)
• Doesn't clump but not too runny
• Dries pretty fast on the lid
• Not messy
• Widely available
• Pigmented, but requires a swipe more or two to get a solid line, especially with the brown kind. 
• No traceable scent
• Not irritating on my eyelids.
• Cruelty-free!
• Not glossy, not shimmery, not liquid-y when applied.
• Comes in many colors (they also have these with glitters, not sure if we have it here in the Philippines, but as far as I've seen, they have it in Ash (gray), Black, and in Coffee.

What I dislike about it:

• On many occasions, these are out of stock in Galleria.
• The brown needs more than two swipes to make the color really pop. The black one does the job just fine. (or maybe I'm still used to the thick consistency and solid lines of the gel eyeliner I've been using)
• Can't be used on the inner lash line (for tight-lining). You're gonna need a separate pencil liner for this.

I got the brown one from Robinsons Galleria and the black from Makeupholics. The latter cost Php 100, save the shipping fee.

Liquid Eyeliner in Coffee

The applicator tip is fine enough to help you create sleek lines.

Here are the swatches. For the sake of comparison, the first two on the left side were applied thrice and more, without the use of the E.L.F. Eyelid Primer (which I will review soon). The two on the right, however, was only one swipe (black) and two swipes (brown), with the eyelid primer beneath it.

If you're looking for an easy-breezy liquid eyeliner that's not too heavy on the budget but delivers well, this is your guy. I hate it when liquid eyeliner messes up my eye makeup, like when it takes a while to dry and when I accidentally open my eyes at the wrong time, it transfers onto my crease or on the upper part of the lid (blame my small eyes). This one doesn't do that. It only took me two or three applications to get the technique right and to get comfortable with the application, and after that, I'm all good. It's much quicker to swipe on and go than pencils and gel liners, in my humble opinion. Still, for dramatic eyes and for much more opaque color, I'd still go for gels.

I'd love to try the metallic ones if I can find it in stores here or if I can come across a seller that has them, or better yet, if you send one over, I'd be more than willing to oblige. :3 Hehe. ;)

Love,

SGT <3

Last of June Buys

As much as I hate "hauls", I really want to share with you what I got last month. Aside from the previous posts and featured stuff there, there's one more I haven't had the time to babble about.

I know you think I'm a loose shopaholic, but I'm really not. Honestly. Truth is, I have very high self-restraint. I rarely buy stuff, unless I really, really need it!

Anyway, I've been on the hunt for an affordable blending eye brush and thankfully, I came across one on Multiply. This one's from E.L.F. and I got it from Skin Food Preorder for a measly Php 100 (~$2.50). I wanna thank the shop owner for the smooth transaction! Another trusted seller right there. If you're a fan of Korean cosmetics, make sure to check out their Facebook page as well. Go HERE.

I'll post a review about this brush soon. I only started using it and I'm loving it so far! It helps me achieve a more sleek and professional eye makeup look every time. :)

I also love that I got a freebie! I will post the card that came with it so you guys can inquire and whatnot. The package came with a hand sanitizer from Bath and Body Works in grape scent. I haven't used up my other one in grape as well. I prefer using alcohol for sanitation, but hey, it's free. I'll get around to using it soon, I promise! :P

There's another post coming right up! Stay tuned! ;)

Love,

SGT <3

FOTD: Pink Eye

Many beauty bloggers post their "face of the day" looks. Maybe it's time I start posting mine as well. Haha! As if you're all interested in how I do my makeup. :P

Wore this makeup look to my friend Paola's despedida dinner in Marikina. I had to do a lot of walking and commuting that day, so I had to make sure that my makeup won't run and go all over the place. :))

I call this look Pink Eye (not the gross disease, okay? HAHA!) because I applied just a wash of pink with golden tones on my lids and topped it with brown liquid eyeliner for a presentable and not-that-dramatic over-all look. I also took my new Human Nature colored lip balm in Island Kiss for a spin. I think my search for an orange-tinted lippie is over! I'll post a review on this very soon. ;)

Base:

- Etude House BB Magic Cream

- Ever Bilena Mousse Matte Foundation in Walnut

- Myra Daily Sun Protect

Eyes:

- E.L.F. Eyelid Primer

- Ellana Minerals Concealer in Smile

- Ellana Minerals Concealer in Awake

- Ellana Minerals Translucent Loose Powder in Espresso con Panna

- 17 Nude Palette

- E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner in Brown

- Maybelline VolumExpress Mascara

- Etude House Oh M'Eye Mascara for Volume and Length

- The Face Shop Brow Duo

- NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Lime

- Etude House Bling Bling Eye Stick in Butterfly Star

Cheeks:

- Maybelline Pure Minerals Blush in Pink

Face:

- Maybelline Clear Smooth Shine-free Pressed Powder

Lips:

- Human Nature Tinted Lip Balm in Island Kiss

- Careline Extra Shine Lipgloss in 02

What do you think about this look? Would you like me to post more "face of the day" looks from now on? :P

Love,

SGT <3

Weekend Warriors: Pink Sisters + Mile Hi Diner

Every weekend my mom and I try to unwind. She's been very stressed at work, so whenever we get the chance, we make gala. This Sunday's choice of destination: nearby Tagaytay City. It's roughly a 30-minute drive from our house, so getting there isn't much of a hassle. Plus, we really like hearing mass at the Pink Sisters Chapel. The mass there is so solemn and the place is just downright comforting. Afterwards, we headed to our new-found fave breakfast place, the Mile Hi Diner on the opposite side of Tagaytay. They also serve full meals and appetizers for lunch, dinner, and happy hour. :)

Check out what happened here. Warning: Photo-heavy post up ahead. ;)

I love their 50's-inspired interiors!

My mommy! :)

Some of their selections of wine.

The female restroom. Guess who's posted on the male side?

Saloon-style restrooms  a la Wild, Wild West!

...it's Zorro!

Some souvenirs and items you can take home.

The view from our table. Woops. Stupid menu's blocking the way. :))

Effervescent. :)

Managed to squeeze in some vanity shots too.

I was playing around with my camera's features and settings. Check out the end-products:

Selective color: Red
Pretty neat, eh? ;)

Selective color: Yellow
That's my mango shake. <3

I had this watch since I was a kid!

Arm candy. :)
I'm not dead, okay? I just used the selective coloring option. ;)

Chipped nails = NO-NO! Not a pretty sight. :-/

Overlooking the view outside.

Our usuals. :) Above: mine, Below: Mommy's

The food is very good! (hey, that rhymes!) LOL. For about Php 150 (around $4), you will get a full meal with rice, a viand, and a side of tomatoes and a leaf of fresh Tagaytay lettuce! The mango shake costs Php 70 (less than $2). We walked out of Mile Hi Diner with full tummies and uplifted spirits, for sure! :)

Do we look an awful lot like each other?

Awkward leg alert! :)) I'm not the best poser in the world, I know! 

Striped top: from Greenhills

Black cover-up: Penshoppe
Belt: Genevieve Gozum

Pants: Terranova

Sandals: from Liliw

First two bracelets: from Landmark

Last three bangles: from Quiapo

Took some more vanity shots while waiting for mom in the car, as she purchases fruits for our table. :)

No foundation day today! Just used the following:

• Etude House BB Magic Cream,
• E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner in Brown
• Careline lip gloss in 02
• Ellana Minerals Concealer in Smile and Awake
• Ellana Minerals Finishing Powder in Espresso con Panna
• Ever Bilena Pro Liner (for my eyebrows)
• Maybelline VolumExpress Mascara
• Etude House Oh M'Eye Lash Volume and Length Mascara
• Etude House Bling Bling Stick in Shooting Star

Hope your weekend went extremely well! I know mine did! Heard some very good news about a possible career here in the Philippines. I might not have to leave after all! ;)

It's true what they say, when one door closes, another door opens. In my case, about ten bigger ones opened up in place of that one I've been waiting on for 8 months. T____T We'll see how things will go. I don't want to jinx it! >_< Wish me luck! :)

Love,

SGT <3