Best Eyeshadow Primer: NARS Pro-Prime Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base...

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion has been my go-to eyeshadow primer for years, until it just stopped working on me.  I think after they have changed their packaging from the sexy tube to the easy-squeeze tube, the formulation has been changed as well.  I'm not sure if they really did but one day, I just found myself having a hard time blending my eyeshadow and I can already see creasing after a few hours on my lids.  

I've tried different eyeshadow primers and though I've found a number that also works, I can say that to date, the one from NARS is the BOMB.

NARS Pro-Prime Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base

I like that it comes in this lightweight, white tube with a black cap. It looks so clean…BUT, it's actually a dirt magnet! Hahahaa!  After just a few uses, the white part of the tube is already full of makeup marks.  Oh well, it's just me.  

^_^ 

This is just my second tube.  Actually, it's my first because the first one was actually my Mom's.  I think another con for this kind of packaging is that you won't know how much product is left. So I won't know how long a tube would last. But I've been using this everyday since June and it doesn't look like it's gonna be finished soon.  Also it will be hard to get the last bits of the product unless you'd cut it open, which I did before with my UDPP.  

The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Collection...

Hi my loves!  How's the weekend treating you so far? In my part of the world, it's the last day of our weekend so it means it's back to work by tomorrow!  I've been working for 5 months here already but honestly, I still sometimes forget that work week starts on a Sunday here instead of a Monday.  Personally, I'd still prefer Sunday to be a rest day.  
^_^

Anyhoo, for today let me tell you about some stuff from The Body Shop that I am currently addicted with. It's the Wild Argan Oil collection that was released I think about a month ago.  The products in the collection are enriched with Community Fair Trade Wild Argan Oil from Morocco. I first came across this collection when I was looking for the anti-dandruff shampoo that the husband asked me to get for him.  I'll be talking about that as well soon, because finally after a long time of searching and trying out anti-dandruff products, the husband finally found something that actually works! 

Okay, going back to the Wild Argan Oil collection (tee-hee!) When I first saw this on-display, my interest was piqued but because I was on a no-buy mode, I decided to go directly to the counter to pay for the shampoo. But then one of their SAs asked me if I wanted to check out their new collection. I initially said "No, thank you" but she was just too persistent. Hahaha!  I gave in and I was ushered to the display where this rather huge collection of the Wild Argan Oil is located.  I said huge because the collection has the following:

Bubbling Bath, Body Lotion, Radiant Oil for Hair and Body, Shower Gel, Miracle Solid Oil for Hair and Body, Body Butter, Miracle Solid Oil for Lips, Rough Scrub and Massage Soap

The SA made me try the Radiant Oil for Hair and Body and I think this is the star product of the collection because she was just too giddy about it! She applied some to my hair and to my arms.  My first impression was it smells so good!  I just couldn't stop smelling my skin after.  It was absorbed quickly on my skin making it look a bit shiny, looking and feeling moisturised but not in any way oily. As for my hair, she applied it only on the tips but just the same, it didn't make it look oily at all.  She wanted to show me the rest of the items in the collection but I was in a hurry so I politely declined.  But geesh, can I just say that she really has good convincing powers because though I already said that I won't be buying the oil that day, she still managed to talk me into it. Hahaha!  I still have a bottle of body oil at home and I figured I need to finish it first before buying another one. Now, I am just glad she convinced me because I've been using the Radiant Oil every night after shower since I got it!  I am totally in love with the product.  Addicted, actually. It's light, it gets absorbed easily and this baby actually replaced my usual body lotion at night.  It smells great too!  

Why I will never eat again at Mugg and Bean...

A few weeks ago, after having my hair done at Hairworks Abu Dhabi, me and my officemate decided to grab ourselves a late dinner.    We saw Mugg and Bean on the same floor where Hairworks is and after telling me how good their food is I can't actually wait for my salon session to be over. LoL!

After the salon, we went directly to Mugg and Bean.  We asked the server what time they close and she said 10pm. It was around 9:40pm that time and so I asked her if it's okay. She said "Yes" so we got ourselves seated and checked their menu.  

I find their plates a bit small for a restaurant which serves comfort food but what the heck, I don't mind really as long as the food is really good.  I can always refill my plate anyways, right!?

^_^

Revlon Nail Parfumerie: Swatches + Review...

I first saw these scented nail polishes from Revlon when I was in the Philippines last summer and I was like, "What's up with scented nail polishes?"   I didn't really bother checking them out so I don't have an idea if they are priced higher than the usual nail polish. If I did and found out that they are pricier, then maybe I'd be disappointed.  And will probably ask, "Why pay more for such nail polish with a scent that will go away in a few hours?"  Maybe I'd even say it's a total non-sense.

Then months ago, I was given a chance to check them out and it totally changed my opinion. I got to look at them closely and 'twas not really their scents that made me realize they are worth trying out, but their colours and their staying power.  I've tried one shade and it did stay chip-free for days! I think it took 5 days before it started to chip and remained presentable for a few more days before I finally realized I need a polish change.  The scent is of course something worth mentioning too. It smells like a usual nail polish when you sniff on it from the bottle but once it dries on your nails, the scent is revealed. And what's even more amazing is that even with a top coat, the scent is still there! I don't find the scent overpowering and you can only really smell it if you have your hands near your face. The staying power of the scent? 2-3 days.  Not bad, huh!?  

Weeks ago, I received a gift from our friends in Revlon ME and Havas PR (Thanks so much!) and included in the package are 7 shades of their scented nail polishes.  Weee, it really got me so excited!  They also sent me other nail polishes but I'll talk about them in a separate post.  Tee-hee!

Check them out:

African Tea Rose - China Flower - Ginger Melon - Live Basil - Orange Blossom - Surf Spray

Hopeful, Or Just Plain Stubborn?

When people tell me, "Wala lang kadala-dala!" (You just don't learn!) I keep my mouth shut. Why? Because they are right.  

Yes, there are things in my life that I keep on doing despite them ending up differently from my expectations. Why? Maybe because I don't give up on hoping that someday, somehow, they will end up exactly the way I want them to be.  Who knows, maybe it's not me who'll get enough of failing but instead, it will be those things which will end up getting tired of failing just to disappoint me.  Same case with people.  

Or maybe, sadyang matigas lang talaga ang ulo ko (I am just too stubborn).

^_^

Anyway, I am just talking about my DIY haircolor gone wrong (kala nyo kung ano na ano!?) AGAIN! Again, because I've been committing this booh-booh for a number of times already.  I once tried DIY haircolor and from having a reddish brown hair (with some highlights), I ended up with black. Not really black but still way darker than my usual.

Read my post about it here.

Though some actually loved how it turned out (most especially Mr. X who prefers me with black hair), still a lot of people said that a lighter haircolor suits me better. And I personally agree. So what did I do? I ended up in the salon weeks after for a full base color plus highlights and some 2-3 hair treatments just to make sure my hair won't end up so dry.  

You probably know already that I used to have really long, curly hair until I decided to have it cut to a very short 'do last summer. I had it coloured too with some highlights. Four months  (and some ridiculously expensive trims) after, the color has grown out too.  I first thought of having the color done when I go home to December (yeah baby, I am coming home for the holidays WOOHOOO!) but I don't think I can wait that long. Ang arte ko lang, di ba!? But since hair services here in the UAE are so darn expensive, I thought of doing it myself again.   A box of haircolor costs 50AED or less. Compare that to what…a 350Dhs full-head color!? Pano pa pag may highlights!?  No way, jose!

Product Review: Happy Skin Eye Am Here To Stay Gel Pencil Eyeliner...

If you don't wear eyeshadows, the next best thing to bring life to your eyes are eyeliners.  There's a lot of eyeliners available but I'm sure you'd agree that it's hard to find one which you can depend on: an eyeliner that won't budge, smudge or make you end up looking like a panda.

I've already tried a lot of eyeliners in the past and though I still prefer the liquid ones (for my lash lines), here's my new favorite when it comes to gel eyeliners in pencil form:

Happy Skin Eye Am Here To Stay 24H Gel Pencil Eyeliner

(Php 499)

Shades: Peppermint, Perfect Black and Chic Brown

I was able to get two of the three shades available during the Happy Skin Summer Collection launch and I must admit, among all the items that I got, these eyeliners made me excited the most. I really wish I've discovered the greatness of eyeliners earlier, like way back in college.  Now, it's one of the staples in my makeup kit.

Aside from being smudge-proof and waterproof, these liners are also infused with Argan Oil which makes it glide smoothly on the skin without drying it.  That's what I love with Happy Skin products, their products have special ingredients which makes skin happy and therefore making it more beautiful.

The August Glambox: Beauty First Aid Box...

Did you get last month's Glambox called the Beauty First Aid Box?  If you did, what do you think about it? Are you satisfied or do you think you were not able to get your money's worth?  

For those who weren't able to subscribe for last month's box, let me show you what's inside:

The Glambox Beauty First Aid Box

FA Floral Protect Poppy & Bluebell

(AED10.95/150ml, AED13.95/200ml)

I am not a fan of deodorant sprays because I feel like I am wasting a lot of product when I use it, but its soft and fresh floral scent makes me want to reach out for it after I shower in the morning. It's a great pick me-upper! The scent does not last for too long though, but it's okay.  It does its job of keeping me dry all day and when worn with white fabric, this doesn't leave a stain.  And since it's alcohol-free, your underarms won't get darker too!

Derma-Eco Cleansing Gel

(AED49/150ml)

It's natural, organic, perfume-free and has no parabens, making it a gentle alternative of removing your makeup.  It has glycerin and aloe vera too so you won't get that tight feeling on your face after using it. But just like any other cleansers, I use this after I do my first step in facial cleansing which is removing my makeup first with either Ponds or a cleansing oil followed by wet wipes.  I double, or sometimes triple cleanse because I just feel like I need to since I'm wearing layers of makeup.

FOTD: Warm Purples...

One thing i love about my workplace here is I don't get stared at when they see me with full makeup on.  Nor hear comments like, "Where's the party?" It's not because all the women wear makeup at work, because I still see a lot of girls in the office who don't wear makeup.  My fellow kabayans from another department don't wear makeup, but they don't make snide remarks, make me feel I'm so different or out of place.  I guess the people I work with now are more open-minded and they respect one's individuality. And those people (at least most of them) I used to work with  before?  Well, inggit lang sila. If not, well, I seriously can't think of another reason why they are like that. Or hmm, maybe they just hate it because I'm not a natural beauty like what they think or claim to be.  Maybe that's just it. So okay, unlike them, I'll try to respect whatever it is they think of themselves. 

^_^

I haven't posted an FOTD here for a while, so I'll have one now.  And maybe, more in the upcoming posts. And hopefully, a tutorial soon. (Yeah, right!)

Eyes:

K-Palette Real Lasting 2Way Brow Liner

In2It Brow Powder

MAC Brow Set in Girl Boy

NARS Pro-Prime Eyeshadow Base

MUFE Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow (used as eyeliner) + K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner 

Viseart Matte Eyeshadow palette (for the red brown, warm beige and black)

Beauty Pro Bridal Palette for the purple

Happy Skin Gel Eyeliner pencil for the waterline

Lancome Hypnose Star Waterproof Mascara

Face:

Shiseido Pore Refining Primer

L'oreal Infallible Stay Fresh Foundation in Golden Sand

MAC Select Cover-Up concealer in NW20

Maybelline Stay Fit Concealer #20

Sephora 8HR Mattifying Pressed Powder #20

Shiseido Camellia Compact

Lips:

MAC Marquise D'

My face is acting up again.  I have a bump each cheek. Hopefully this is just a purging stage because I've been using Clarisonic more often now.  Or maybe, the monthly visitor is on its way. Whatever it is, I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will just be temporary and that my skin will continue to recover.  If you don't know yet, my skin went thru a nightmare after my last facial sometime in June.  I  had cystic acne all over and my skin was itching like crazy. My skin started to clear up after more than a month, thanks to some skincare products I've used that never fails me whenever I use them.  I'll talk about these products soon so stay tuned!

So, out of curiosity, how do you deal with people who give out snide remarks when they see you or other women wearing makeup?

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Product Review: Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover (The Makeup Eraser)...

For today, I have another review for you, but first let me tell you how my weekend was. Usually it's all about house chores,  sometimes a movie/dinner date with the hubby and well, a whole lot of cooking.  Speaking of cooking, I haven't cooked in two weeks!  I miss my cooking.  I'm not saying I am a good cook but so far, those who have tried it says I'm good. So I guess, I am good? Hahaha!  Anyways, going back to my weekend: I got drunk! Homayghad, I can't remember the last time I got so drunk. Hubby and I went to the building next to ours to celebrate a friend's birthday over lunch.  It was just for lunch and hubby and I both thought it'll just be quick. But boy oh boy, we were so wrong.  After lunch, the girls were able to talk me into drinking and come late afternoon, I was already intoxicated.  We had cans of beer and a bottle of Tequila! It got me all so happy and I think I was laughing my head off the whole time. The hubby let me drink to my heart's content and even took care of me when I started throwing up right after we got home.  He made sure I drink a lot of water and cans of sports drink so I don't get dehydrated.  He even volunteered to whip up some early breakfast (around 4am) because I think he might have heard my tummy grumbling after throwing up everything I've eaten that day.  I woke up before lunch the next day and to my surprise, there was no hangover. So the secret to not getting a hangover is water. But then again, I think I'll hold off on drinking for now. The actual drinking is enjoyable but the aftermath, no fun.

Anyway, going back to my review.  I know I've reviewed a lot of makeup removers in the past, specifically eye makeup removers, but these has got to be one of my essentials since I wear eye makeup most of the time. Five times a week, to be exact!  And most of the stuff I'm wearing are waterproof. I love the good 'ole Ponds cold cream but for the eyes, I need something that will do the job in half the time. 

SEPHORA Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

(The Makeup Eraser)

I got this at the same time I got my Clarisonic at Sephora in Abu Dhabi Mall. My Happy Skin makeup remover is almost finished and so I figured it's time to try a new one. I got this for AED37 and me thinks it's priced just fine.  

According to Sephora:

It is a waterproof eye makeup remover suitable for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes.  

It has a lash-strengthening complex rich in flavonoids and olive wood extracts

It has HydroSenn+ that helps in moisturizing the eye area 

It has Cornflower extract to soften and soothe skin and Pro-Vitamin B5 to support natural cell renewal and for moisturization

It has no Parabens, Sulfate and Phthalates

Bobbi Brown Surf & Sand Collection for Summer 2014...

I asked a colleague when will Summer end in the UAE and he said, "Never." (laughs)  UAE will have a lot of sun throughout the year but the temperature will start going down around late October. Ohh, I can't wait! I already had too much sun and ugh, humidity! Migawd, we were just out earlier for our team lunch and I almost died when we had to walk from the office building up to the parking lot. I wished I've brought an umbrella but thinking about it now makes me realize how my colleagues would make fun of me if I took it out. I remember one of them asking me before how come Pinoys use an umbrella even if it's not raining. (laughs) I think for them, or at least for most of them, umbrella is only for the rain. 

Anyways, good thing there's another reason to enjoy the remaining days of summer.  By mid-next week, Bobbi Brown's summer collection called Surf & Sand will be out in stores here in the UAE. Again, it's late (we are almost always behind collections, argh!) but like what they say, it's better late than never!  

Bobbi Brown Surf & Sand Collection

Oozing hot Kate Upton for Bobbi Brown Surf & Sand Summer 2014 Makeup Collection

The -BER months are here!

photo credit

Homaygad, it's September 1st!  And this means, Christmas is just around the corner! I know it's still months away but this day marks the beginning of the Christmas countdown, most especially for Pinoys.  If I'm in Pinas, I'd be hearing Christmas carols being played already. And perhaps, see Christmas decors being sold in stores.  Geesh, how I miss those things. 

Except for Christmas and New Year, there's a lot of other celebrations to look forward to during -BER months: our wedding anniversary this September (still no idea what to get the hubby or what to do on the day itself), my lola's, aunt's and uncles' birthdays on September and October, our BF-GF anniversary on November (yes, we still celebrate it! Kesoooo!) and my sister's birthday on December.  Shempre, there are also reunions and a lot of get-togethers during the holidays. Hay, if only I'd be able to go home for the coming holidays.  Yes, there will be celebrations with friends here too, but nothing can beat Christmas and NY celebration in Pinas. I'm pretty sure my fellow kabayans would agree with me on that. 

As with everything, it's always better to start early. So that means, we need to start preparing for our Christmas wish list. Err, I mean our gift list! Too bad I can no longer use the "But I'm unemployed" excuse for this year. Hahaha!  So for my godchildren, ninang will make bawi this year. If last year, I only sent you virtual hugs, this year there will be lots of virtual kisses as well!  

^_^

How about you, what are the things you are excited about these -BER months? 

By the way, if you want to keep track of the number of days left before Christmas, check out this link.  You might want to set it as your homepage, so you'd get some sort of panic attack whenever you see it. 

Hahaha! Just kidding!

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