I was unable to attend the event, but the team behind the launch of Charriol Paris’ latest young lady fragrance, Show-Off, were kind enough to send me my press package.  I’m honestly not particularly fond of the name and the hyphen in the middle is peeving me to pieces, but the fragrance is not at all what I expected and it’s way better than I thought it would be.  If you lean towards clean, non-complex scents like Cool Water Woman or Victoria’s Secret Bombshell (like me for instance) this scent isn’t far away from the youthful, clean, kissable scent stories those fragrances tell.  What struck me about this is that Show-Off reminds me in a really good way of something I already own.

CHARRIOL Paris Show-Off, Fragrance Creators: Michel Almairac & Sidonie Lancesseur

TOP: The fragrance opens with fresh blackcurrant and bergamot enveloped in the delicate and elegant caress of peach. MIDDLE:  At its core are elegant floral essences of Violet absolute and lotus blossom with the subtle blush of rose petals.  BASE: Amber, musk and cedar leave a deeper sensual note at the end.

The scent has the soft creamy warmth of musk but is fragrant with blackcurrants.  The woodsy notes from the cedar I discovered are what Show-Off and my body lotion have in common, and the light peach notes from Show-off give a bit of brightness to its sophistication.  Read more to get the full post and see what lotion it is I’m comparing Charriol Show-off to.

The first impression I got from Charriol Show-Off was that it smells in the first few seconds quite similar to Cool Water Women but after carries a sensual warmth like YSL Parisienne.  It is even more similar to a small travel size lotion I own by Bath & Body Works, the Aromatherapy Sleep scent in Night Time Tea…a range which was released late last year for a limited season and even included Slatkin and Co. Wallflower Plugin Refills and home candles .  If only the range were more readily available I would have gotten a candle in addition to the small lotion I have.  What’s hilarious about this whole comparison is Night Time Tea’s packaging also comes in the same periwinkle lavender shade that Charriol Show-Off comes in.  See??!  And well, so does YSL Parisienne for that matter.

“Soft and soothing Cedarwood and Orange Essential Oils help calm and comfort like tea before bedtime.” - Bath and Body Works.  The scent of B&BW Aromatherapy Sleep in Night Time Tea has a bit more depth and complexity than Charriol’s Show-Off but it is so similar that I like layering Show-Off over the lotion when I want to smell great.

In comparison to Show-Off the lotion is warmer, creamier but the subtle, understated, woodsy notes from cedar put both fragrances in the same circle.  Please note neither Show-Off nor Night Time Tea are SHARP scents, they’re both tender fragrances, but Night Time Tea is softer and Show-Off is just slightly brighter.  I only have a teensy weensy bottle of Night Time Tea so I save using it for special occasions so you can imagine how excited I was that I now have a bottle of perfume that smells so much like it.  I’m not sure if the Night Time Tea range will return perhaps this fall in the U.S., but I think something similar in Bath & Body Works’ current Aromatherapy Sleep line is Sensual – Blackcurrant Vanilla.  Charriol Show-Off Eau de Toilette is currently available in local department stores for Php5250 for 100ml and Php2950 for 30ml.  The Bath and Body Works Sleep Night Time Tea range was I think a limited edition range and is currently discontinued, but am still hoping for a seasonal chance that it might return.

A big announcement is here to be made! Like, right now!  Were any of you seeking a chance to break into the beauty biz?  One of these next few days might be your big day!  Between May 14-20, follow the mechanics of the contest ASAP and get the chance to win a 3-month beauty internship courtesy of Benefit Cosmetics PH and Fashion Intern PH!  It started 2 days ago, hence this early post so if you want it get your big beauty butt moving over to Benefit Cosmetics at Greenbelt 5…but sit and read this contest primer with all the deets just for 5 minutes before doing so.

HOW TO JOIN:

1. Like  Fashion Intern PH and Benefit on Facebook.
2. Follow Fashion Intern PH and Benefit on Twitter.
3. Visit Benefit Cosmetics in Greenbelt 5 to create your instructional make-up video using Benefit products. (Recording and make-up on us!)
4. Book your store visit to record your entry here. If you’re in the area, walk-ins are allowed too!
5. Submission of entries is from May 14-20, 2012, 1-3pm at Benefit in Greenbelt 5.
6. Video should not be more than 3 minutes.

It all sounds very exciting especially for fresh grads still enjoying the summer heat!  If I didn’t have my own makeup career going and weren’t such an old lady already I’d actually grab the opportunity and join this contest!  Here are the terms and conditions and the prizes at stake.

PRIZES AT STAKE:

• 6 interns will be selected for pre-finals to:

1. Spend a 3-week immersion at Benefit (includes make-up training, sales and marketing, event planning).
2. To walk the runway in the launch of the new lip gloss collection, Box ‘O Powder (see photo above) on June.

• 2 interns will be selected and get a 3-month internship and freebies from Benefit.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

1. Applicants should be at least 18 years old and above
2. Fashion Intern PH and Benefit have the right to use and publish all submitted materials (sample, texts and photographs) under the companies’ discretion to promote the program, publicize the activities of Fashion Intern PH and Benefit, and etc.
3. Contest is from May 14, 2012- May 20, 2012.
4. Pre-finalists will be selected on May 21, 2012.

Do you have what it takes? Enter the contest now!

For inquiries, email info(at)fashionintern(dot)ph

The western beauty blogosphere has gone ballistic over the recent news of the Urban Decay Build Your Own Palette which I mentioned awhile back.  This took hold especially since a select handful of bloggers including Refinery29‘s articulate chief beauty editor, Megan, raved and swooned over the system and newly refined UD eyeshadow shades with their beautiful, dainty hands.  The way Megan introduced the palette with refined, relaxed flair kind of made me revisit my strange fascination with composed stewardesses demonstrating the use of the on-board life jacket…I always have to watch and I don’t know why, LOL!  The customize your own palette concept is practical, sensible, not unheard of (with MAC depotting etc) and the fact that you can build a transient collection of eyeshadow shades without having them all on hand all the time is quite appealing.  The fact that you can switch up the contents of your palette with ease is the ultimate thrill because of the freedom to chase down shades you want to slide into the system as your preference evolves.  Three days ago now I came across a product by a different brand, ArtDeco, that not only made me shriek on the spot while scaring the saleslady at Beauty Bar but it also made me discover a collection of some of the best single eyeshadows I’ve ever tried or touched…in my entire life.

The shades I chose for my ArtDeco Magnum palette are obviously very inspired by the first and second UD Naked palettes and by Megan’s UD build your own palette, but I made sure that these colors looked great on my skin first.

The local buzz is out that ArtDeco, the internationally beloved mid-range German cosmetics brand, has arrived in Manila and made its home in Beauty Bar.  I was not at the ArtDeco launch, but in a way was glad that it left me the freedom to choose what I wanted when I went over to Beauty Bar to check out what was available.  ArtDeco ALMOST made me wish I hadn’t asked my aunt to get the Naked2 palette, just almost.  The Beauty Box Magnum system is that impressive.  Like the Urban Decay Build Your Own palette you choose the eyeshadow shades you want and put it into a travel-happy system.  What’s so wonderful with ArtDeco though is their BeautyBox Magnum system comes in mirrored 2-pan (Php295), 4-pan (Php500+), and 12-pan (Php650) magnetic empty  palette options.  I chose the latter to see if I could pitch it for comparison vs. both Naked palettes and the Build Your Own system by Urban Decay.  Read more to see swatches and the full post.

I must’ve spent almost an hour or at least 45 minutes at the counter trying to decide which shades I’d first choose for my 12 slot palette. I tried pathetically channeling the “Urban Decay” build-your-own private blogger gathering I’d watched on YouTube in selecting and shamelessly swatching the ArtDeco shades whilst the torment on the saleslady’s face slowly became more obvious LOL. “Is she gonna MAKE UP her mind or what?!!” HAHAHAHA.

To begin the palette, I chose 7 Art Deco eyeshadow shades, At Php350.00 per single eyeshadow you get an amount that’s easier to consume (for a more lightweight, portable palette) compared to a US$18.00 (approx. Php800.00) price tag for a single Urban Decay or MAC eyeshadow.  Price in proportion to amount makes ArtDeco single eyeshadows practically the same local value as a MAC eyeshadow because these meek,single ArtDeco pans contain 0.8 grams of product for Php350.00 and MAC round eyeshadow pans contain 1.5 grams of product (double) for Php700-800, that’s just about equal value.  The pans come ALREADY MAGNETIC with shade numbers on the sides of the pans so you don’t get confused when you want to cover them again with the clear lids.

They’re not only good in cosmetic quality, the single pans holding the product are all magnetic and they come with replaceable clear lids you can slide back on that indicate the shade number.  Now onto the texture and shades.  The colors are rich, not overly buttery or crumbly, they feel better than Urban Decay eyeshadows and certain MAC eyeshadows, they remind me of the silky, finely milled quality of Estee Lauder and Elizabeth Arden eyeshadows, PLUS  they have nearly next to no fallout in comparison to beautiful but dusty  INGLOT and STILA (which I have tried).  I have no idea how that is even wonderfully possible, well, leave it to the Germans to think it all up.

Just look at that beautiful glitter shade with richness of pigment and this deep black that came with 2 quick swirls of a finger.

ArtDeco Shades with MAC eyeshadow comparisons.  With a point-and-shoot camera it’s still challenging to capture the exact tint of the shades.  Just note that in real life these shades are just a subtle bit warmer and the first and last shades are slightly pinker.  LEFT TO RIGHT: #212 (like MAC Naked Lunch or Jest but less pink), #530 (like MAC Soft Brown), #503 (like MAC Carbon, rich matte black that becomes creamy liner when wet), #16 (like MAC Satin Taupe/MAC Style Snob eyeshadow), #96 (between MAC Cranberry and MAC Beauty Marked), #316 (like MAC Swan Lake, old shade), #345 (like MAC Quarry but lighter with glitter)

The 12-pan custom ArtDeco Magnum palette itself costs Php650.00 and each single eyeshadow costs Php350.00, I spent Php3100 for the palette and 7 shades.  In comparison the NAKED palettes are costing about Php3200-Php3500 locally from certain stockists and are double the size.  As you can see on the box the Art Deco single blushers also come magnetized and take up a 3-slot space on the palette so you might want to check their blushes out as well…I’m only restraining myself from doing so.  The only thing that excites me more about the Urban Decay Build Your Own Palette in contrast to this ArtDeco Magnum system is that Urban decay have a lot more “young” shades, some new duochromes, and more bright colors plus I like the fiddly, clamshell pop-out eyeshadow housing.  ArtDeco on the other hand in both design and shade selection plus overall size would appeal to a more sophisticated and mature market (*whistles nonchalantly with hands in pockets).  Beauty Bar have an ongoing promo now though for credit card holders, 0% interest on 3 mos installment for purchases over Php3000.00.  For my first ArtDeco purchase I availed of that exact offer.  The strong selling point however on this whole “Magnum System” that got me was the exquisite quality of ArtDeco’s single eyeshadows.  If the ArtDeco eyeshadows weren’t as exquisite as they were when I touched them I would have just walked away because the system as a whole is still pretty steep in economic value, but I just need to close this by restating my big claim.  So far, ArtDeco definitely has the best mid-range budget eyeshadow formula I’ve ever tried in my entire life.  Head on over to the ArtDeco counters at BeautyBar, touch the testers, and tell me whether you agree or not.  And yes, now I know, I owe you guys not one but two eyeshadow posts now both for this and the Naked2 palette, please be patient I’ll definitely put them up, though this one might come first!

So I’ve run out of my lovely Bioderma Micellar H20 Cleansing solution, and am now onto consuming something also nice in its own way that works similarly, but this is available locally, is made of mostly natural ingredients and is much more affordable.  This is Watsons Pure Beauty Perfect Cleansing Water.  There’s not much to demonstrate but I’ve got pops of praise for this product.  It takes makeup off really quickly, cleanses my face thoroughly and gently before rinsing, and I get no allergic reaction from it.  I tried the tester of the actual Pure Beauty Cleansing Oil but couldn’t stand it for some reason…I didn’t like the scent combined with the greasiness, to me this cleansing water is better.

It is alcohol-free and contains extracts of common lavender, bergamot, peppermint, German chamomile, and rosemary, plus has a mild, tender scent.  I like the small detail of the pump locking clasp they included, it’s very helpful for preventing a mess if the bottle is in transit.

 There’s a subtle oily slip from the Xylitol (also contained in Bioderma) and Betaine which are added moisturizers.  The extracts present in the solution I think kind of help remove makeup faster and hydrate the skin but what’s very amazing is the fluid really behaves like water in the bottle, just like Bioderma.  It doesn’t make my face feel heavy and greasy like a cleansing oil and I just rinse once with water afterwards.  I noticed a few common ingredients on both Bioderma and this which physically confirms their similar properties.  The only BIG catch (hence the BIG price gap)  is it’s not eye-safe like Bioderma because it’s scented, so you can’t bring it directly into your eyes to remove mascara and eyeliner from the waterline, but there’s no need to fear about super-duper extreme eye irritation if you get a bit of it in accidentally because this is an alcohol-free formula.  I do use it as far as around and on my eyelids and underneath the eyes just short of both the upper and lower lashline.   It takes makeup bases and thick eyeshadow off sooo easily even if you’re using waterproof foundation topped with powder, setting spray and all that jazz.  I think that based on the way this behaves this best explains it.  If a cleansing oil and cleansing water had a baby this would be it.  Watsons Perfect Cleansing Water is available at select Watsons’ beauty halls in local department stores for the SRP of Php119.00.

It’s actually funny because it was mom who emailed me the details about this campaign.  Say a few loving thank you words to your mom via this promo and get a chance to win a trip to the London Olympics this year!  I saw the global TVC but I hadn’t heard about the P&G London Olympic promo till she did.  Basically all you have to do is go to Facebook.com/thankyoumomPH    and allow the app to get your FB info then give a short message to your mom (up to 200 characters) and upload a photo or video.  Once you do, it will look like this.

I can’t find the exact page right now with the terms and conditions but I remember correctly while reading through it it said that of course it is encouraged that you already have a “Shengen” Visa in the event of winning this London Olympic promo, but if you don’t P&G grants that they will try their best (but don’t promise in case there are difficulties or delays) to acquire one for you in the event that you win and don’t have one.

Later on your entry will join the many entries that scroll on the Thank You Mom PH App page like so.

I think it’s a wonderful gesture to get all this love and gratitude on one page for all the moms who’ve been such bastions of love, strength, and hope in our lives.  Even just the fact that you were brought into this world or raised up by them is something to warmly and generously thank your mother for.  Go to this link to get started Facebook.com/thankyoumomPH If you haven’t watched the P&G Thank You Mom spot watch this video.

This product surprised me because I changed the way I applied it on myself (the shade in this first photo, “Buff”, isn’t my shade, it’s the extra fairer color I bought).  I’ve had a bottle of this lovely shimmer-free, demi-matte Revlon ColorStay foundation for a long time already in my Pro kit.  I had Sand Beige (my shade) standing as the fairest shade in my stash before and have used it for a print ad and wedding already and on both occasions got asked by clients what foundation I was using.  I am absolutely LIKING THIS A LOT right now, I keep touching my face.  It’s a long-wearing, touchable, foundation with the same demi-matte finish as my favorite Shiseido Sun Protection Foundation.  Its consistency is also similar to L’oreal True Match Foundation but without the luminous particles.

Left: Old Bottle Right: New Bottle

Yesterday I picked up two bottles since I saw they’d “renewed” the formula to 24-hr longevity, impressive but remains to be seen, and I needed a fairer shade like “Buff” in my kit.  The only major letdown locally with this range is the feeble number of shades, I think there are 6 and they’re all from medium (my shade) to fair skin shades only, plus only 2 or 3 out of those 6 are yellow toned, the rest are beige or pinkish, I’m sure the complete range abroad has way more shades.  I purchased Buff (an oriental appropriate alabaster shade) and Sand Beige (a yellow medium-fair shade) in the new formula.  I raved a whole lot just awhile back about my carry on Shiseido Sun Protection Foundation which is PERFECT for summer because of its high SPF30 mark it looks wonderful for photos with no flash and just short of satisfactory for evening shots with flash.  By the way, on the Revlon ColorStay Foundation, Pro Makeup Artist, Pixiwoo sister Nicola, declared this as her favorite non-dewy, long-wearing drugstore foundation and so did Nikkie of nikkietutorials on YouTube.  Read more to get the full post with the application.

The only thing I don’t like about the new label is it’s harder to read compared to the old one because of the all white lettering.

I was hoping to find a more affordable alternative to my Shiseido Sun Protection Foundation with the same finish but with low SPF which would reduce “flashback” at cameras.  Revlon ColorStay has an SPF mark of 6, which is a bit of a laugh I should say coz I’m like thinking why not 10, but nevertheless I’m glad it’s that low and negligible because it would be a dream to use for shoots.  This is the Combination/Oily Skin variant.  Locally I don’t think we carry the other variants for different skin types (Normal, Normal to Dry) I think we only generally carry the Oily/Combo, because hay, it’s usually like that here in the Philippines.  We don’t get it all, however I’m glad this Combination/Oily variant works really well for me and helps keep shine at bay.

It comes in a pump-less glass bottle.  That may be a turn off for a lot of you, but for makeup artists it makes total consumption, mixing, and clean up a whole lot easier.  You just have to be careful with it that you don’t get too much out, I suggest scooping in with a cotton bud.  The top screws on tight anyway.  The texture is not as thick as Revlon PhotoReady but not as runny as Shiseido Sun Protection foundation.

My mistake before was that I used my hands or was it a foundation brush to apply this foundation on myself…and with this same shade Sand Beige that time I looked too pale!  I thought I had chosen the wrong color.  Apparently the best way to apply this is with my favorite new method, a stippling or buffing brush dipped in a little bit first then buffing in with circular motions then adding layers if you want more coverage.  Sand Beige did turn out to be the perfect color for me because it oxidizes only a fraction and looks like this with my buffing application technique.  I didn’t set with powder in any of the photos you see here.

Just look at that lovely, soft demi-matte finish!  To tell you the truth this is how touchable I think it really is.  Tell me if I look like I’m wearing foundation at all in this photo.

I’m skeptical of the Revlon ColorStay 24-hour claim but from the way I can contort my face ad mash it up and not get any noticeable creasing or transfer (in this heat, I was unnoticeably sweating in the photo) I’m sure this foundation would last you 8-12 hours MINIMUM.  I’ve used Revlon ColorStay on a bride friend of mine at a humid beach wedding setting and it lasted her well till the evening reception with powder touch ups. The color match Sand Beige is less pink than my shade SP40 with Shiseido SunPro Foundation making this a better match for me but the bottle itself is glass and isn’t a travel-friendly size unlike the dinky Shiseido Sun Pro Bottle.  Revlon ColorStay 24-Hour Foundation is available at PCX for Php895.00 and wherever Revlon counters are present in local department stores nationwide.

Getting started is always I believe nearly half the battle in trying to set a good habit in place.  Physical fitness is the subject I’ve been most avoiding on the blog simply because I could never get started properly and be a sweating good example to you all.  I’m a bit tight financially at the moment so a paid workout program in a swanky all setup gym is just not yet in the budget range.   There was a time when I was more mobile physically, especially when I went on Living Asia Channel tours throughout the country as a writer, you can see how confident I was once upon a time in this photo taken by a fellow writer four years ago when I used to jump and flip all over the place especially at the beach.  Hello, thunder thighs.  I know for a fact that no matter how much I workout my thighs will always have some level of heft, I’m special that way.

If I could afford it, I’d go and do Barre (check out Rockwell and inside the Spa at BGC Fort) which is a stretching combination of ballet and pilates.  Pole dancing looked physically promising and it actually excited me (the actual workout) but honestly speaking straight from the heart my moral compass will never point me in that direction because of what the workout implicates too openly (no offense meant to those who pole dance, I’m a Christian, it’s really what I stand for personally).  Well, I’ve found a home video workout that isn’t new, it’s from 2008, but it works great for me and my mother so far and we happen to be a pair of NEARLY the worst couch potatoes around.  Now, we’re mashed couch potatoes.

HOW I FEEL 5 DAYS INTO IT: What I can say is the first two days made my body hurt but the tormenting strenuous parts of the routine were quite bearable.  I just finished the 5th day today early this morning and my muscles no longer hurt and my unused joints (shoulders/hips/knees) have ceased with the infrequent “snapping”, “cracking”, or “popping” sounds they were making before due to proper stretching and rotation, I’m quite excited to head towards the finish line of Level 1 and want to push myself further.

If she looks very familiar that’s because Jillian Michaels is THE original Biggest Loser coach for the acclaimed reality show.  My ultimate goal for myself was not to lose weight, in fact I believe “30 DAY SHRED” is actually a hardsell title for what is actually an awesome combo cardio-strength workout that’s been reduced to a window of a 20-minute everyday session at a new difficulty level every 10 days.  This is how simple it is and I love that you don’t need  A TON OF PROPS to get rolling with this workout.  All you need are a pair of light dumbells 1-3 lbs (mine are 3 pounds each) a workout mat, thick rug, or any mat you’re comfy lying down on, and 20 minutes  a day for 30 days STRAIGHT.  A laptop would be handy to play the workout DVD anywhere in the house where you feel comfortable to workout.  Anyone can make 20 minutes for a bit of exercise, you don’t find it, you make it.  The workout is simple, it consists of 3 videos of 3 intensity levels.  You do the first video workout for 10 days, on the eleventh day you begin the Level 2 video, and on the 21st day you begin the Level 3 video.  It’s that simple, then I believe you can continue with the Level 3 video as a regular workout routine once you complete the cycle.    For your benefit, I discovered the Level 1 Video was made available on YouTube, I don’t know how much longer it will be on there so best to check this out now while you’re interested, watch this, give it a go and show yourself how easy this 30-Day Shred workout really is…at the start.

I’ve reviewed this lipstick range before, but the Make Up For Ever PH team invited me to check out the new family members of the Rouge Artist lipstick clan, the Rouge Artist Natural range.  Er…it’s kinda “palpak” (or fail) in a sense because…I didn’t come away from the event with one of the Rouge Artist Naturals because I swapped my peachy Rouge Artist Natural from my press kit (I really didn’t prefer the shade) with another blogger who had a Rouge Artist Intense lipstick.  Before I continue the tale,  here are a few photos from the event.

My friend happened to have a plum purple Rouge Artist Intense lipstick (opaque pigment), which was still quite lovely, but not a Rouge Artist Natural (I liked the color so much I didn’t care), so how can I show you guys the new Natural finish? LOL!  Anyway, the gist there was I swapped because we were not allowed to choose our shade and I absolutely didn’t prefer the shade I got in my kit (due to limited stock on some colors I guess).  We discussed the varying finishes as part of the Rouge Artist range and tested out some colors on models who were present.

So I came from the MUFE event with two Rouge Artist INTENSE lipsticks, #12 a satin finish plum  purple which I got from Liz and #17 a nude base gold which I just totally fell head over heels for the first time I tried it.

On the left you see #17 which looks a bit brassy on the arm and #12 which is a deep plum pink that looks completely purple on the lipstick bullet.  I purchased #17 during the blogger bash because of the option to wear the goldey beige quite sheer like this with a thin layer…(and it looked great over my very rosy lips)

…or more full on and gilded for parties like this.  It reminded me so much of a Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited lipstick that I used up all the way till the bullet disappeared.  I still haven’t found that lipstick again to repurchase, but this #17 Rouge Artist intense one comes pretty close.

Rouge Artist #12 is a pretty plum pink that will look exceedingly lovely as well as a more suitable pink for darker skintones.  On fairer skin like mine it passes as a berry shade that isn’t too dark for summer.  On extremely fair, oriental pale skin, it will certainly look purple and jump off the platform visually.  Rouge Artist lipsticks are Made in France and are of excellent pigment and quality.  You have just the right amount of soft smear drag across the lips that isn’t drying but is still long lasting.  The professional scent of these lipsticks quickly reminded me of the days I spent in Singapore training for makeup with the Make Up For Ever academy, they kind of have a MAC-ish non-fragrant sort of scent…it smells good but isn’t distracting.

I bought my Rouge Artist Intense #17 lipstick for Php1,250 and #12 is considered a complimentary press sample.  Make Up For Ever PH outlets are at BGC Fort HighStreet here and at Shangrila Plaza Mall.  You can also find information and like them at Make Up For Ever PH’s Facebook Page.

This is a bit anti-climactic dontcha’ think?  It ought to have been one of my first posts perhaps, but then again…over time I’ve collected some really interesting makeup items that work since I’m a makeup professional (folio here) and part-time beauty blogger.  A few of my blogger friends can’t seem to keep their hands off my stash when I’m around for an event and of course it evolves frequently.  Here, however, is my current collection.  There’s one item I took out coz I don’t really use it.  I’ll make a quick mention later.

I use one of Muji’s clear “kikay” kits.  A lot of you must be going “Dapat ba Muji…e ang dami dami diyan na mura” oh yes I’ve had lots of those cheaper versions, the ones with zippers that tear straight off the opening after a few uses and burst or crack open at the seams and creases.  Even some from beabi didn’t work well for me.

“No more” I said, a few months back, I got this medium size, fat clear case from Muji for about Php400 that embraces all without bursting prematurely and is stitched all around with fabric.  So, here are the contents.

Generally from top to bottom, CONTENTS (Reviewed items in bold, complimentary with *) FACE: 1. Shiseido Sun Protection Foundation*, 2. Benefit Hello Flawless OxyWow Foundation*, 3. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural MED, 4. Ellana Perfect Blend Powder foundation Hazelnut Latte, 5. The BALM’S Bahama Mama bronzer/contour compact, 6. UD Primer Potion, 7. The BALM’s Time Balm for Spots, 8. MAC Studio Finish Concealer NC35, 9. Nichido Mineral Concealing Pencil, 10. ECOtools Retractable Travel Face Brush, (whats missing here for blush is my Tarte Amazonian Clay one “Dollface”*, it’s in the pocket of another bag, but it should’ve been here) LIPS: 11. Colour Collection Eye Lip and Cheek tint*, 12. The Body Shop Born Lippy Strawberry balm, 13. ZEN Organics Strawberry Lip Butter, 14. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, 14. Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream Stick*, 15. NARS Pure Matte lipstick in “Bangkok”, 16. MUFE Rouge Artist Intense lipstick Mat5, 17. MUFE Rouge Artist Intense lipstick #17 (lol, pun unintended)*, 18. Revlon Lip Butter in “Sugar Plum”, 19. Jordana Matte Lipstick in “Taupe”, EYES: 20. Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara, 21. Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Mascara*, 22. Maybelline Hypercurl Volum Express Mascara, 23. Color Collection Triple Effect Mascara*, 24. Anastasia LASH GENIUS Waterproofing formula, 25. MAC automatic brow pencil in Brunette, 26. MUFE Aqua Eyes Liquid Liner, 27. K-Palette 1-Day Tatto Liquid Pen liner, 28. Stila Smudgestick in “Damsel”, 29. MUFE Aqua Eyes waterproof eye pencil, black, 30. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

I’m pretty surprise at how many of these items I’ve already reviewed and that the kit contains exactly 30 items.  Of course as a follow up to this a few posts ahead I will narrow down the kit to my TOP 10 essentials.  The item I removed was the flesh colored Stila Eye pencil in topaz…it was too melty for our country, too soft.   Am more excited because I have a lot of catching up to do, I have lots of goodies to review for you guys in the next few days, sorry I’ve been busy.  I’ll make it up to you.  Stay tuned for the MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist launch and review of the lipsticks I came away with from that event

…hang on to your butts, clutch your pigtails, close your eyes…at the same time… *drumroll.  The winner of a new set of Real Techniques brushes plus a Php500 voucher from House of Flair is…

Congratulations to ELINOR SEMIRA aka @mhoie1325 on Twitter!  Please DM me at @blessmybag or email me your shipping details to probinsiyana(at)gmail(dot)com and I shall forward it to Suyen of House of Flair, she will be sending out your Real Techniques brushes as promptly as possible.

Thank you everyone for joining this lovely giveaway and showing support for the House of Flair venture which is such a lovely business.  I’m so happy a pre-ordering service like them exists. I feel less detached from everything available in the U.S. now.  Of course when one giveaway ends, another begins on this blog so keep your eyes peeled for the next one, ladies!  Oh and if you haven’t followed @houseofflair on Twitter, even if you didn’t make it to this giveaway please do and spread the love .