Monday, October 31, 2011

MAC Brush Cleanser Review

I had a problem regarding what to use to clean my make-up brushes. First, I tried Cetaphil but it seems to be too gentle. Next, I tired my facial wash. It was effective, too effective that it felt too strong for the brushes. So, I had to research on what to use to clean my brushes. 

MAC Brush Cleanser seems effective in doing the job, according to the videos and blogs that I've been reading. It's easy to use, dries up fast and takes out most of the make up in the brushes.

I inquired in the MAC store how much it is and I actually got surprised that it's affordable at PHP680. I say affordable because it's just a few pesos more expensive than in the States. 





 
 

 Everyone says that to save the product, it's best to buy a small spray bottle and spray the product on the brushes instead of pouring it into a small pan or directly on the brush. I bought one in Rockwell at PHP40 and transferred the product in the bottle.

Here are the brushes that need some cleaning!

Spray  the product with the brush cleanser and then...
Swipe the brush on a cloth or tissue paper back and forth so the make up on all sides of the brushes would transfer to the cloth. Do this until there is no more residue on the cloth/tissue paper.
Lastly, let the brushes dry. I do it overnight just to be sure but it does dry up quickly. 

My rating is 4/5 because it takes more than 3 repetitions before the make up is completely gone from the brushes. 

What do you think? I saw another brush cleanser in Shu Ueumura and it's so expensive at twice the price!! Haha. Just sharing!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The Balm is The Bomb

Out of the blue, I decided to visit Beauty Bar over at Rockwell to check out their new stuff, escpecially The Balm. I've read that their concealer is good but I wanted to check out other products too.

Since I just bought my Bobbi Brown Corrector, I didn't buy the correct but instead, I bought a blush, translucent powder and face primer.


First, I want to talk about the primer.



It's sealed which is good so I'm sure it's still unopened. I was just shocked at first because it became watery compared to their swatch at the store. But after a few squeezes, the good texture came out and never again did I see the watery substance. It probably settled.

Anyway, it's a clear substance which is so buttery and so soft that this is actually not just recommended to be placed before make up but also by itself as it makes your skin look softer and healthy. When I'm in the office and no meetings for the day, I usually just wear this and powder and I'm set for the whole day. Not bad.

Next is the blush/eyeshadow in CabanaBoy.





This blush/eyeshadow is usually darker or "more roasted" than my usual blushes. It also has almost unnoticeable gold sparkles which I actually like. You won't see it even if you looked but on the pan, you'll see it. It gives a healthy glow without looking too fake. It's also quite affordable compared to other brands like Chanel, MAC or Bobbi Brown. Winner, right? It also lasts long which is a major plus.

Last but not the least, my favorite of all three is the translucent powder.




This translucent powder seriously has no color even though you put more than usual when it's extremely humid and hot outside. I was actually shocked to see that it lasts almost the whole day or if it's really humid, you only need to re-apply once and that's it. Not kidding at all. It's also packed in a very economical way and still with a mirror which is good because I don't want to carry around a big ass compact. MAC's translucent powder packs only 6.3g while this has 7.08g. And this is so much more affordable. Love love love it! The only down side is it doesn't have a brush so I need to bring one with me.

The only thing with The Balm is they don't have much product just a few, even in their website. Oh well. I'm actually thinking about stocking up on the translucent powder because it's my everyday go-to powder. I know im over exaggerating but seriously, you should check out Beauty Bar and check it out yourself.

Have you experienced The Balm yet?

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Satchel Stories

So many people are into satchels nowadays. But with its steep price? Not everyone can afford it that's why some stores are re-creating it and making it into generic ones. Personally, I love it. The look is the same, it has a different hardware (which is a bit more practical), material is softer and more user friendly (lol) and of course, the price is much much friendlier (at only PHP1,500).

Here are some photos of the bag:


Got it from Invitation House - Basement @ Greenbelt 5




I love the fact that it's magnet type and not buckle type!


Okay, the real color is more like this and not the other pale photos - camera tricks. Haha!



Mind sharing your satchel? :)

BaByliss iCurl Review

Don't you just hate the very tedious lengths you have to go to just to make your hair perfect every single day? And when you try to curl your hair, you have to straighten the upper part first?

Well, when I returned my Rowenta Curler, I was on the lookout for a curler. I found my big barrel BaByliss Curler but I was so intrigued with what I saw at SM Makati during their sale a few months ago.





 

Ta-dah! Something that will straighten and curl your hair in one stroke. How cool is that? Lemme show you!

1. Comb your hair. Me, I use my ever reliable Goody paddle brush.


2. Start from the roots by ironing it straight.
3. Then, when you reach the middle of the length of your hair (or wherever you want to curl it), twist the iron and slowly pull it down. 
4. Release and see that it's already curled. Do this to every section of your hair until you get desired curl and volume.







Don't you just love hair with lots and lots of volume? I do! This is definitely a main stay in my girly bag. No doubt.