REVIEW Forever 21 Love & Beauty Baked Shadow

Color: Black, Gray     
Shimmer: Pink & Gold
Applicator: Double sided sponge
Travel-friendly
Price : P 280

I was buying gifts with my mom for Christmas in F21 when I saw this:) I immediately thought of buying it because I wanted to try my hand at eye shadows and the packaging looks nice.

Black & gold Shimmer (Dry)
Eyeliner-maybelline

Pros:

• Budget Friendly :)
• nice packaging (Gift idea :D )
• Travel friendly and has its own applicator
• Gives a soft smokey look (no primer / not foiled)
• Versatile (you can achieve different looks with this palette)
• Silky and blend-able
• can be removed using petroleum jelly

Foiled/wet & Dry Swatches

Cons:

• Not very pigmented. (You have to put a lot of layers/use primer/apply with damp brush (foiled) to get darker shade )
• Applicator doesn't really quite work well for me. I think it's better to use a brush or a longer sponge tip applicator
• Not long lasting (foiled lasts longer)

Overall:
Well, I don't have much to say about eye shadows but I guess this is good for starters who want to experiment. I think I'll try out other products as I'm looking for more pigmented/ vibrant colors. Maybe I'll try out E.L.F. next time :)

REVIEW: Ever Bilena Lip & Cheek Tint

Being on a tight budget shouldn't keep anyone from looking nice :)

Color: Blush - Reddish pink

Net Wt.: 9mL

Price: P65.00

Everybody wants to look nice, but if you're a student on a tight budget, splurging on make-up is not a very good idea. Good thing there are very affordable cosmetics out in the market! All we have to do is make sure that cheap make-up that we buy is of good quality (if not the best) and would not give us allergies.

Pros:

• Long lasting. (Unless you wash you face or keep rubbing the blush off)
• Very Affordable
• Gives you a natural blush, not too overpowering (but don’t put too much on!)
• I love the stain it gives great color on my lips (see Cons)
• Doesn't give me break outs (my skin is not really that sensitive)

Cons

• Not very hygienic because of the packaging

Although there is another one which is bigger (20mL) and comes in a tube and is more hygienic, however the plastic is thin and easily get damaged like what I experienced. I was horrified by all the red goo and stains inside my make up kit  because the tube got punctured, I guess it got squeezed hard because I just stash my make up in my back pack and most of the time I bring heavy things and my make up kit gets squished.

• You have to apply more product (compared to  The Body Shop’s Lip and cheek stain)
• Bitter taste (Uckkkk!)
• I don’t really use it on my lips due to its bitter taste and it doesn't last long.
• Not really red, more of pink, so if you’re expecting it to be red you’d be disappointed.

Overall: 8/10

Aside from the bitter taste,not very hygienic packaging and not being able to use it on my lips. I have nothing else against this lip and cheek tint, this is indeed a steal! I would definitely recommend it for those on a tight budget J

REVIEW: Maybelline Magnum Volum' Express

Specs:
Color: Black
Wand: Curved
Water-proof
Price: P399

Since my birthday is near I decided to buy myself a tube of new mascara, apparently I wasn't able to save because I had to pay for school stuff but I just knew I had to buy one so I went to Maybelline and looked for one.(Impulse buying!!)

I saw Magnum Volum' Express, it was really cheap and I wanted to try Maybelline after hearing a lot of good reviews from my friends.


After 3 weeks of using Magnum here's my verdict :)

Design/Form: 8.5/10

• Brush Shape: Curved

Curved shape of the bristle makes it a lot easier for me apply mascara and the contour of this type of wand lifts and curls lashes better than any other straight wands I've tried.

• Densely packed bristles

Bristles that are densely packed are good for holding more material to make your lashes look fuller.

• Bristle type: Standard Brush Hair

Performance 7/10

Pros:

Oh lala.. long lashes!

• This mascra gives a lengthening effect which is nice especially for people with very short lashes
• Water proof even after stressful and emotional days at school, I'm sure I won't look like a mess with panda eyes. :)
• It's definitely long staying doesn't smudge.
• Holds my curl well. Unlike other mascara with straight wands, this one has a curved wand and this type of design is easier to use because it fits the contour of my eyes
• Very affordable and would be a good buy for people on a tight budget

No mascara vs With Mascara

Cons:

• The product claims that it gives Volume but it's sad  to say that it's NOT very volumizing.  ( I know what volume should look like after trying several other brands and this ain't volumizing)
• Doesn't give much drama to the eyes
• Little Clumps: If you apply lots of coats it tends to have clumps so when applying you have to wiggle really well and use lash comb or your finger to loosen and remove it.
• It can make lashes look wiry and stiff so I have to use lash comb or my finger to loosen it.
• Applying can be messy especially with curled lashes. I still haven't figured out how to deal with this so I just keep cotton buds and petroleum jelly at hand.

Overall: 7.75/10

I've been in a Love-Hate relationship with this mascara. Sometimes I think I won't buy another tube but as days pass by and as I get used to it I'm actually reconsidering since it's cheap and could give me good results depending on how I use it. Basically it's good for everyday use. (not much drama)

You guys could give it a try just make sure you start from the base of your lash, WIGGLE WELL as you apply, use LASH COMB or your fingers to loosen it and COTTON BUDS with make-up remover/petroleum jelly just in case you mess it up :)

*contact lens - Gretta gray

REVIEW: San San Eyebrow Pencil 03

"My Emergency Eyebrow Pencil"

Specs:
Color : Dark Brown
Price: P55.00

Since  Etude ran out of their retractable eyebrow pencil refills, i had to find a temporary replacement. I couldn't go out with bald, unkempt brows, that would be a major no no!
As I was walking at SM I saw this HBC store and tried my luck in finding a cheap alternative to Etude.








Pros:

• Price: very affordable (P55)
• Color: Five Stars for Color!
• I love the shade of this eyebrow pencil. It matched my hair color beautifully and didn't look harsh on my face, it's actually subtle and natural which is the look you would really want to achieve.
• Consistency: It has a creamy sort of waxy consistency that glides easily and blends well.
• Wear: long-lasting, it stays put even after a long sweaty day (as long as you don't rub it off).
• Others:
•  It comes with it's own sharpener
• Easy to remove with petroleum jelly/ make-up remover/ soap & water

pardon my drawing skills :p

Cons:

• Sharpener cap was brittle and the blade was a bit dull. After about a month use the cap crumbled as I was sharpening the pencil.
• No spoolie (a must!!!)
• Tip easily breaks, I noticed that the tip kind of melts. Maybe you have to store it in a cool place

Broken Eye-brow pencil :(

• You have to religiously sharpen every after use since it dulls fast.
• Not for on the go people since you need to sharpen it and the tip sometimes break, which becomes much of a hassle
• The use of this pencil requires a bit more dexterity especially when the tip starts to dull
• If you're a beginner I'd suggest you get a retractable one with a shaped tip like Etude Drawing Eye Brow, it's easier to use than this one.

Overall: 7/10

I'm pretty happy with this eyebrow pencil. It did meet my immediate needs it's cheap, long-lasting (as long as you don't rub it off), subtle, perfect for my hair color. However, i really got annoyed when the tip started breaking and the cap started crumbling.

It's a good emergency eyebrow pencil, but I'd still go back to my trusty ol' Etude Drawing Eyebrow Pencil.

If you'd like to experiment and is looking for the perfect eyebrow pencil, maybe you should give this one a try. Just make sure you have a good eyebrow pencil sharpener :)

Contact Lens: Gretta Gray

REVIEW: Hortaleza Hair Color: Light Havana

Feeling adventurous? Want to revamp your look? why not try to dye your hair?

A colleague of mine introduced me to the line of  Hortaleza hair dye last year and since then I always go back to Hortaleza. (Especially when I don't have much to spend :p ) 

Products:
Hair Dye- Light Havana 8.5 – P105/60ml tube

12% Oxidizing Lotion – P30/60ml bottle

Total: P 135

Hair Dye-Light Havana 8.5

Chemicals that can cause allergies: Ammonia, phenylenediamine, resorcinol, aminophenol

Consistency: Cream

Smell: strong (not for people with sensitive noses and could last up to a week)

Size: 60ml

Others:

Hair dye brush – P19

Clips – P26

Mixing bowl – P22

Teasing comb- P25

Over gloves – P48.50

Total: 323.50 (w/ dye & oxidizing lotion)

Hortaleza Light Havana is a really cheap product but VERY risky DIY activity. (It would be best to have someone color your hair if you're doing this for the first time or just follow instructions and you'll be fine)

It's quite easy to use, what I found difficult was applying color evenly because it’s hard to put even coats especially on the back part and my hair having been dried out by the product doesn’t help.

Packaging: 4/10

The packaging is not very eye catching, looks plain and generic. Although I should say, it has a vibe of only for professional use which would make first time buyers hesitate. Maybe the original target market were parlors and not DIY type of individuals.

Instructions are printed on the inner surface of the box and instructions are very brief and straight to the point. Not very DIY user-friendly.

Instructions!

Color: 7/10

As expected the color I wanted  was not achieved simply because I hadn’t bleached my hair as I did before, but nonetheless I still like the color, though I prefer my previous bleached hair.

This might be a safe choice for people who wants to deviate from dark brown, black, red. and would want to try something a little bit different that would soften the features.

 According to the salesman who sold me this dye, it's one of the best sellers in their line. I woudn't wonder why because other darker shades that they have gives only subtle color change (since asian hair is black and thick and really difficult to lighten)

Highlights were due to my previous hair color

Soft color

Lasting effect

It does last long and doesn't fade to the point that my roots are about 3 inches long and the color is still there, although not as vibrant as before. 

Cons: 

My hair felt REALLY REALLY DRY during the process and I had to soak my hair with hair spa product. A week after, my hair hasn't recovered from the harsh chemicals. A month later it still feels dry.

The dye doesn’t really smell nice and stings my eyes due to ammonia. This is not for people with sensitive noses

Overall: 7/10

One of my favorite after having tried other brands, mainly because of the vibrant color and for it’s price. It’s actually a good buy, not to mention that you can actually get your desired shade by using bleach (I tried this before and really loved the result).

I’m not sure if I’d recommend this product because it dries up hair  and you need to use bleach to achieve a lighter color, but if you’re on a tight budget, want to revamp your look and feeling adventurous then you might want to try this one out J

Update: 1 month after I dyed my hair it still feels dry. I tried using a combi of Dove nourishing oil shampoo, schwarzkopf extra care conditioner and cream silk vitamin treatment and somehow my hair is starting to recover. 

*Eyebrow pencil: San san 03 Dark brown

Review: Tough Mama 2 in 1 Hair Curler

Having a bad hair day? The right flat iron might just be the solution to your problems :)

Specs:

• 100% Aluminum Sheet
• Nano ceramic coating
• 26 mm Diameter
• Temperature control 120-200C
• AC 220-240 V 50/60HZ 45W
• For all hair types
• PTC heater with fast heat up
• Super straight styles, never sticks to the hair
• Color: pink/white
• Price: P 775 (Handyman)

I just bought this not so popular iron/curler from handyman and thought that it was a steal since it’s relatively cheap and it seems like a good brand. However, after doing some research, it made me think if I made the right decision to purchase this product instead of the pure ceramic one. I guess I got attracted to the nano-ceramic word, but after some reading I found out that that word is just a big word for a so-so flat iron.

Anyway, let’s give this product the benefit of the doubt and let’s look at it closely

Packaging 7/10

Decent package, nothing special about the box but it doesn’t spell cheap and from the packaging it actually looks reliable. (if you’ve seen flat irons being sold in cheap looking plastic you’d know what I mean)

The box contains the 2 in 1 curler and a simple manual with the do’s and don’ts as well as instructions on how to use the product.

Design 7/10

Pros:

• 2 in 1 curler/iron
• Light weight
• Adjustable temperature
• Conversion buttons
• Built in stand

What’s good about this product is that at a cheap price you get an iron with a curler. No need to bring two separate bulky hair tools during days when you need to travel and need to look good.

It also has a temperature display as well as temperature adjustment buttons which would allow you to set the temperature that would work for specific hair types. (My previous flat iron didn’t have temperature display)

It has conversion buttons on the sides, you press the button to switch from curler to flat iron or vice versa.

What I also noticed is that it has a tiny built in stand so it doesn't roll off when you put it down and even though the handle is plastic, it doesn't heat up.

Cons:

It looks like a typical iron/curler and not travel size. There’s nothing really special about the shape or color of this iron/curler and when you hold it in your hands the plastic handle doesn't seem very durable.

Material 7/10

Not the best material out in the market and let’s face it, this flat iron/curler could only last maybe up to a few years before it would start to damage my hair. Well that’s what you get for P 775.

The thing about 100% aluminum sheet covered with nano ceramic is that the ceramic coating would eventually flake off. I just hope this iron/curler would prove me wrong and would work perfectly for at least 3 years. (Or maybe that’s just too much to ask)

Performance: 9/10

It heats up fast, no need to really wait for it to warm up. This is a plus point especially for the ladies who are always on the go. I also noticed that once you turn on this iron/curler it automatically goes to 200C so you have to adjust to the desired temp after turning it on.

It does it’s job well in straightening my hair as well as curling, however,some of my strands gets caught in the iron which could damage my hair. (maybe I'm just not yet used to this product)

Overall: 8/10Well i think it's pretty much too early to judge this product but as of the moment I'm happy with my 2 in 1 iron/curler :) I still think that it's a steal :)

Behind the scene: Hair color: Hortaleza Light Havana/ Lip Color: Avon: Simply pretty Cinnamon Red

Review: The Face Shop Luxury Eyelash Curler (Gold)

aliexpress.com

The Face Shop Luxury Eyelash Curler

Specs:

Color: Gold

Price: P205

Material: Steel body, silicone pads

The package contains (2) extra silicone pad refills

I'm really happy to have received this as a Christmas gift last year . Since then it has been part of my daily routine to curl my lashes so that I’d have fresh looking eyes despite horrible sleepless nights due to schoolwork.

Design/form : 8/10

Pros:

• Very posh and luxurious feel about it since it’s gold. It doesn't look a bit cheap and  looks really expensive for its price
• Easy grip- doesn't hurt my fingers since there's enough space :)
• Durable silicone pads- I’ve never changed the silicone pad since I first used it because the pad maintains its smooth and rounded shape. It is indeed durable unlike other drugstore curlers that only has a sponge like pad which easily deforms

Cons:

the gold color seems to fade overtime

Performance: 8/10

Some claim that this curler could be comparable to Shu Uemura, Shiseido, Fanny serrano, etc... 

Compared to regular drugstore eyelash curlers I say this one does a wonderful job in curling my lashes without crimping it. (if you use the tool correctly)

It has a wide opening, the frame width perfectly fits the shape of my eyes and the front curve fits my eyelids well.

It opens wide enough to grab hold of my lashes but sometimes there would be stray lashes that i have to curl again. :(

.

Overall: 9/10

I’ve been using this lash curler since December 2012 and I know it’s done a lot of hard work to keep my lashes pretty and curled but not once did it fail me. (well... ok.. there are some love-hate moments, but that's mostly my fingers' fault)

It's definitely a good investment piece and a great gift item as well.

I’m so in love with this curler J I couldn't believe it that at a very affordable price of P 205 you can have a nice eyelash curler like this.

Why don't you try it :) who knows this might be the perfect curler for you :)

Review: Gretta Gray / Sparkle Angel Gray / Geo Angel Gray

 

Specs:

Diameter: 14.6mm

Shelf Life: 1 year

Color: 2 tone

Power: Yes

I bought these lenses last Feb 2013. I found it hard to search for reviews on Gretta gray lens but later on I found out that Gretta Gray is just another name for Sparkle Angel Gray and that’s how I was able to make up my mind and buy a pair.

Now here’s a short review based on my 3 months use of Gretta gray/sparkle angel gray

No Lens

Natural Light

With Flash

Appearance 3.5/5 

Pros:

The lens gives you a doll eyed look and makes your eyes pop.  It also makes your eyes look big and wide awake. The two tone color of this lens kind of blends with natural eye depending on lighting and the black outer rim makes the eyes look big.

Although these lenses wouldn't make you look as pretty as models using the lens, it would definitely make you look interesting and would definitely prettify those peepers.

A really nice tactic to get your eye candy to notice you J

Cons:

The lens would look natural depending on lighting. In a normal eye, the pupils constrict when light hits it, however if you’re wearing these lenses your pupil would appear dilated (which is unnatural) and if a person would look closely they would surely detect the margins of the inner rim of the lens.

Sometimes in  super close up pictures with flash, your lens would look really unnatural so it would be best if you’d know which lighting goes well with your lens or better yet don’t take super close up pictures with flash

No Flash

With Flash

Enlargement: 5/5

In my opinion even though 14.5 isn't the biggest lens out in the market, I think it served it’s purpose in making the eyes look big in a very natural way.

Comfort: 4/5

I've tried wearing these lenses from 6 am-12 midnight. They don’t itch or irritate my eyes that much. However, my eyes does feel dry after wearing my lens for more than 8 hrs.Basically you just have to follow instructions and make sure your hands are clean when putting on and removing your lenses to lessen the risk of discomfort or worse eye infection.

Overall: 8/10

I like these lenses, people are often complementing my eyes because they look "beautiful" (according to them) but not so fake. I couldn't help but agree, these lenses does wonders in enhancing the everyday girl next door look:) I just hope they would come in 3-tone color to make them look more natural J

No Lens

With lens

Generally I’d recommend them, since they also have stocks for people who needs graded lenses and they’re really affordable 

Just make sure you buy from a trusted seller and don’t forget to clean your hands and case to prevent eye infection

I hope you found this post enlightening :)