This brand, Make Up Store, reminds me a lot of…INGLOT or even the in-house selection of Sephora for some reason and they’re now available here at the 2nd level of Podium mall in Ortigas.  It’s the whole shebang put together, pro quality products, minimalist packaging, great pigment and tons and tons of shades to choose from for a mid-range price.   The Make Up Store’s products aren’t cheap but they won’t break the bank either.  It’s a reliable brand to begin a pro kit with if you’re considering a makeup career or course but can’t afford having a buffet of MAC or Make Up For Ever products at your disposal.  I recall being in one of the Make Up Store’s huge boutiques in Singapore over a year and a half ago and I was overwhelmed.  I nearly walked out with a color corrector/concealer but I was saving my pocket money for something else in Duty Free that time.

MAKE UP STORE Cybershadow in “Golden” Php899.00 and sheer lipstick in “CRISP” for Php 1049.00, MAKE UP STORE PODIUM- (02) 654 5533

The textures and pigment of the products they sent me are good, the eyeshadow is a satin with a hint of a duochrome effect (a peachy coral with gold or a rose gold) the lipstick is a sheer but pigmented high shine finish which applies looking different from the lipstick bullet as you’ll see in awhile.

The packaging is lovely and feels sturdier than MAC cosmetic packaging.  You have the brand name embossed or pressed on both.  My only minor complaint is the eyeshadow has quite a bit of fallout pigment when you use a brush, but it performs similarly anyway to Urban Decay eyeshadow shades which also have quite a bit of fallout.  Read more to see me try these products on.

The MAKE UP STORE single Cybershadow in “Golden” is a very pretty rose gold shade with a hint of a peach undertone.  What I love is the satiny sheen it has, there isn’t a sparkly fleck of shimmer anywhere but it’s luminous enough to highlight the inner corner.

Brow Product: K-Palette 1-Day Tattoo Eyebrow Duo, Mascara: L’Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions mascara (U.S.)

The thing I was blown away by was the fact that you don’t necessarily need a 2nd shade if you want to highlight.  The color Golden has a lot of dimension in spite of it’s subtle satin finish.  Now onto the lipstick which was a surprise for me.  I’m sure the lipstick range of the MAKE UP STORE comes in different finishes, this one is a sheer berry that looks awfully different from the bullet when applied on the lips.  It’s slightly deeper in real life than here in the photo.  It’s really a sheer berry, the reason also why it’s looking slightly milky is I applied concealer over my lips first because I wanted to see its true tint without my lips’ natural color interfering.  The middle photo is closest to the shade in real life.

What’s obvious right away is the pretty high shine finish that isn’t too greasy and is very soft on the lips.  It’s also very pretty when blotted out.

Again product cost for Cybershadow in “Golden” Php899.00 and the sheer lipstick in “CRISP”  is Php 1049.00.  The MAKE UP STORE team had to be patient with me when it came to putting up this post, thanks, ladies.  You may have noticed my life’s been a bit topsy-turvy the last week and a half between driving lessons, preparing stuff for my brother’s school transfer and my own multiple visa application (whoops…I haven’t mentioned where I’m going have I) which is why I’ve kind of been lagging in blogging.  Rest assured that as soon as all these things in my life are set in place…my driver’s license, visa approval etc. things should get back to normal around here and be way less boring (espcially, since I’m flying out somewhere God willing, YES, more on that, soon) !  I also have something very important to announce…clue…it has to do with a whole bunch of you meeting me in person .  Follow the MAKE UP STORE Philippines Facebook page here to stay in the know and get updates from them!

Products sent in by brand to the blog for review

A non-drying matte lipstick is a prize find but for me there’s also a balance to be had when it comes to matte lipstick.  To me, matte lipsticks needn’t be completely FLAT looking, you’re allowed to disagree with me.  That’s just a personal preference because I don’t want high shine because of my massive lips but at the same time I don’t want my lips to look like a flat vector graphic pasted on my face.  I’ve found my dream matte lipstick formula by T. LeClerc, available at Rustan’s for Php795…complete value for money but I’m really sad there are only 4 or 5 shades available locally, they remind me of the IZGO lipstick I blogged about ages ago (as in like 2 years ago).   It’s great that they’ve got this sort of red, 03 Rouge Secret, a beautiful brick red that has a very slight, almost unnoticeable pink undertone.  It’s very wearable, I wore it at a friend’s wedding and because I loved the color so much I made sure I retouched at the reception (even though I was recovering from a small gaping lip wound), though I didn’t have to pack on a lot to retouch.  You better believe it, red lips have not vanished from the trend reports and hello, love month isn’t over yet.

The texture of this T.Le Clerc lipstick is like that of a MAC lipstick like Ruby Woo but creamier and more velvety, easier to bring across the lips.  Also in comparison to a NARS Pure Matte lipstick I own this is way more comfortable to wear.  You can also safely eat with this lipstick without it going everywhere…a light retouch may be required if the food is a bit greasy.  French brand T.Le Clerc has a strong following and one of my former bosses, Tinette O. Puyat, salon owner and hairdresser is extremely fond of their powder bases, too.  One of my wedding clients, Maita, wore this brand of lipstick as maid of honor at another wedding I did, but her shade was like a slightly brighter cherry red and seeing how it lasted on her is what made me go on the hunt for it.  A lovely matching lipliner for the T.LeClerc lipstick shade 03 Rouge Secret, and I mean a real exact match, is NICHIDO’s lip pencil in Coral Rust which is what I used to line and color my lips in midway first to help with longevity.  The NICHIDO lipliners have the same texture as NYX slim lipliners which are also a favorite of mine but these local ones only cost between Php100-Php200.

There’s a 90s revival ongoing and it’s bleeding through almost every style magazine feature I’ve noticed so far.  Every so often people will reminisce about what was nearly 2 decades ago and crave a reinterpreted throwback.  In my teens bell bottoms and elephant pants plus everything 70s when it came to music was the “in” thing in high-school.  Mod beauty for the 90s was earthy, brick red lips which were big on TV stars (remember Monica and Rachel in FRIENDS?), movies like Reality Bites, Empire Records, Pulp Fiction (more ox blood red than brick though), and even Clueless (check Brittany Murphy’s lips).   Here’s an inspiration photo from Reality Bites which also shows a similar sort of red on the lovely Winona Ryder.

The T.LeClerc lipstick, I reiterate, is Php795 from Rustan’s (got mine at Rustan’s Grand Mall) and for the lovely slim size and packaging I have to say it’s a real find, a similar one by MAC would be Russian Red but that isn’t as matte.  T.LeClerc also has a bright coral pink that’s kind of like Chanel’s Rouge Allure velvet Exuberante and also a slightly more beige pink is also available.  Have you also been bit by the 90s revival you see everywhere and if so have you been incorporating it into your wardrobe or makeup looks?

Today’s post is over at the Sample Room Blog!    There I lightly discuss tips on being believably fresh and photogenic during the daytime without overdoing it.  It’s a great stream of tips for people who want to practice looking fresh during the day without putting on too much.

Makeup by Julia for a lighting workshop…

I also make mention of the actual products I used for the look done on myself there (not this one on the model because this is a studio look).  Click on this image or here to proceed to the article .

I’m beaming with delight and it’s all thanks to Shiseido Philippines and blogger friend, Sophie Uy.  I’ve got something special  that I’m about to sort of embark on as well as a makeup item to give you lovely readers today, but before we get to that nationwide giveaway prize, be still your beating heart…patience is a virtue, we’ve got to start at the beginning.  I’ve got a full 7 days to take two wonderful skincare items out for a “road spin”.  Something by Shiseido suddenly got us bloggers “arrested” just the other day at the Shiseido Pop-Up Beauty Lounge at SM Makati, which will by the way be there until March 31st for purchases, facials, and free consultations.  It’s amazing how one mention of revered cosmetics brand, Shiseido, drew quite a huge bunch of us Filipina beauty bloggers together…and on a weekday, too.  To be honest, my mother and I are quite a couple of Shiseido fan-girls I tell you.  The first main product the bloggers were introduced to, The White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum, coupled with a brightening mask, is designed to nourish skin, help radiance resurface, and help lighten or eliminate unwanted spots brought about by small clusters of hardened melanin beneath the surface of the skin.

1. SHISEIDO White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum – crushes melanin,

2. SHISEIDO White Lucent Brightening Mask – ejects melanin

Getting ready here for my skincare treatment, this was shot in the middle of having my own makeup removed by a Shiseido lady.  Here I am side by side with Sophie Uy of Beautynomics who has already been using the White Lucent serum several days ahead of me, she’s naturally a shade or two fairer than me.

On that day we were being presented with Shiseido’s White Lucent Intensive spot targeting serum and the partnering brightening mask.  The serum is a targeted treatment containing their proprietary “Melano crush” to cause spots to, in theory break apart into finer particles or disintegrate.  Our White Lucent 7-day skincare challenge involves the twice daily use of the White Lucent serum  coupled with the intermittent use of the brightening mask on top of it every few days.  Click “Read more” to continue to my experience at the Shiseido Pop-up lounge and get to the Rafflecopter widget at the end for my single Shiseido giveaway.

The serum itself is a translucent milky consistency that is pleasantly scented, but the scent isn’t too overpowering and neither did it cause me to break out in any way minutes later.  I love the quality of a skincare item that’s potent but does not irritate sensitive skin.  It says a lot about the high level of ingredient processing done for Shiseido.

2-pumps for each facial application, morning and evening.

We were corralled into the Shiseido Pop-Up Beauty Lounge approximately pair by pair (Noah’s Ark? lol) to experience both the serum and brightening mask followed by a delicately applied layer of Shiseido Spring collection makeup directly over the skincare.  Upon the Shiseido attendant’s application of the serum on my skin I immediately noticed absolutely no irritation or itching.  After letting the serum settle for a few minutes she applied the brightening mask over the top, stretching it over the contours of my face.  Boo.

It was the White Lucent brightening mask that sort of made me feel “something happening” on my face.  The function of the serum with its “Melano Crush” ingredient is to crush the melanin and the brightening mask supposedly “ejects” the crush melanin afterwards.  There was a tingly sensation that was neither a sting nor an itch, so that was pretty interesting for me.  To actually feel something actively transpiring across the surface of your face with no pain or itch is new for me.  After the facial treatment, which you don’t rinse off, even with makeup on my skin felt supple and smooth, my facial pores seemed smaller which is probably why my skin felt so smooth.  So technically yesterday was actually sort of like Day 1.  I was supplied with 2 more brightening masks for my 1 week White Lucent challenge. The point of the whole 7-day challenge beginning today is to witness the disappearance or lightening of these pigmentation spots and tiny blemish scars.   I have more of them on the left side of my face than on my right.

The dark spots at the beginning of our challenge are still very visible so this is a proper “before” sort of photo.  We can check for the contrast in the results after Day 7.  Check back with the conclusive post in a week to see the benefits of my White Lucent skincare challenge.  Remember, the Shiseido Pop-Up Beauty Lounge will be there at SM Makati until March 31.  As part and parcel of this skincare trial I will sort of need your help, lovely readers, but those who help, in my opinion, should be at least given the chance to be duly rewarded.  So the way you can “help” is actually by joining this Shiseido giveaway, isn’t that a COOL way to help?  Giveaway open nationwide only.

HOW TO JOIN MY SHISEIDO SPRING 2013 GIVEAWAY

This giveaway is open nationwide until Feb.28 12am (GMT +8).  All you need do is follow the mandatory steps and exact instructions via the Rafflecopter widget below.  You’ll notice that the first required option is to “Tweet about the giveaway”, please remember DO NOT CHANGE THE DEFAULT TWEET provided for that option because I already included the proper hashtag there #ShiseidoWhiteLucent.  Here is my exclusive Shiseido giveaway prize up for grabs for one blessed reader/follower.

From the soon to be released Spring collection I will be giving away this super-duper pretty Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio in the colorway RD711.  Use the Rafflecopter widget below this photo which will give you 5 mandatory actions to complete in order to be officially entered into the giveaway, no actions provided for additional points.

Hey, Beauties!  I’d preferably put up a Valentine Giveaway on the 1st of February to mark the month of love, but since there’s a major wedding the following week and I’m a bridesmaid I just really had to get this up sooner.  This, Ladies, gets the gussy going starting with skincare at least a night or two before VDay which also explains why I’m making the draw on February 10.  No sulking allowed even if you haven’t got a fella, bring on the pamper and polish because you’ve got to look your best!

The winner gets to take home ALL these prizes. It’s a fine mix of skincare, makeup, and haircare this time with brands like Laneige, Lush, Nivea, Benefit Cosmetics, K-Palette and more!  I’m so happy that I’m able to share these prizes with you just before Valentine’s Day!  In order to facilitate this giveaway I’ll be using an embedded Rafflecopter widget like the last time to make it fair for everyone.  Click read more to get to the list and close-up photos of these prizes and enter the giveaway by using the Rafflecopter widget at the end of this blog post .

1.) Two K-Palette 1Day Tattoo 2way Eyebrow pens, 2.) Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara

3.) Shiseido Benefiance Duo – Wrinkle Resist Day Cream & BalancingSoftener, 4.) L’Occitane Extra Gentle Milk Soap, 5.) Nivea Essential Care Lip Balm, 6.) LUSH Solid Shampoo “Jumping Juniper” (Oil-Control)

7.) Yves Rocher Hydra Vegetal Skincare Trio: Cleansing Milk, Toner, Moisturizer 8.) Ahava – Dead Sea Skincare Trio Sampler: Mud Mask, Hand Cream, Facial Moisturizer

9.) Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional Primer 7.5ml sample, 10.) ProStyle Fuwarie Hair Styling Mist, 11.) Artistry Powder Foundation Compact (made in Japan)

12.) Laneige Water Sleeping Pack Holiday Duo Set: 2 Water Sleeping Pack, Multiberry, 1 Yogurt Repair Moisturizer, 1 Multiberry Yogurt Peeling Gel, 1 Water Bank Essence

Aren’t the prizes for this Valentine’s Giveaway simply “the bomb”? I actually don’t want to give away that Laneige set but Mom got me a pot of Water Sleeping Pack when she was in Korea and I haven’t finished it yet, it’s far from being consumed completely but it’s an awesome product. So it’s only fair that one of you wins this set coz I’ve got too much moisturizer. You have to agree, I must admit I’m beaming with pride when it comes to this one!  To join this giveaway please make use of the Rafflecopter giveaway below and follow the instructions.  There are 3 mandatory steps (make sure you really do them then click the +1 buttons on first 3 steps, Rafflecopter tells me) and a few more steps if you want additional raffle giveaway points.  Excited to see who wins   Thanks for wanting to join!