The Best of 2016: Beauty Tools

Good makeup is either from good products or good tools. I like having both. So besides having a banging foundation, wouldn't it all go to waste if your brush just leaves it streaky? So here are my top beauty tools for 2016. Some life changing and some just remain as old reliables.

The Skin Care Regimen

The weather's been crap and a lighting has just been a short of friendly to take any decent photos. Well, better late than never. Something scheduled for 2016 showed up in 2017. But my skin care routine has always been very slowly evolving and it's quite hard to talk about products when they require such long periods of testing. But I'm quite satisfied with the routine and most of those in my arsenal so I'm a happy camper. Alright, don't think I use all of these at once, even though as much as I'd like to be that girl who has only one of everything, I like to switch things up. And masks will not be included in this post so if would like to see the masks, please go to the Face Mask Collective post.

The Best of 2016: Makeup

It's almost a farewell to 2016 but for everyone who'll miss this year especially, don't worry, you'll say more hellos in your lifetime than goodbyes. 

I've finally found some time from all the holiday rush to finally take decent photos and I'm currently writing this at the speed of light. Sometimes a "hello" is soon followed by "I love you" don't you think? And here are the makeup picks that made it to the love list this year!

Additions to the Arsenal #7

It's been a while and it's been a quiet couple of weeks here. I've just hadn't the time to take photos recently. It's been frankly a very busy time which has been taxing on so many levels and aspects which I'll address in a post sometime. But I've recently  acquired a few things yet again which I promise to review in time since I'll need to get writing more and more in my free time.

The Zalora 12.12 #OnlineFever Sale + A Chance to win A P35,000 Shopping Spree

Alright, I have a love hate relationship with Zalora, meaning I love it but I hate that I don't have the limitless wallet but here's a little heads up for all those sisters out there that have some last minute but not really Xmas shopping. 

Exciting news! ZALORA, Asia’s leading online fashion destination is thrilled to bring you its annual Online Fever sale starting on December 12, 2016. Poised as the biggest online shopping event of the year, Online Fever is a 4-day event which runs from Monday, December 12 through Thursday, December 15. During this time, shoppers are exposed to massive steals and deals on international brands such as Ray-Ban, Herschel, Cotton On and Esprit as well as your favorite local brands such as CLN and Penshoppe. 

Think bundle deals, surprise flash sales and prices slashed by as much as 70% off on ZALORA’s huge selection of clothing, top rated beauty products as well as fashionable sportswear and accessories. For those looking to tick items off their Christmas lists, 12.12 might just be the perfect time to nab the most amazing deals and score major savings on their holiday shopping.

And here's that chance to win that Shopping Spree. It's a Scratch and Win Game that you'll need to share and might win a coupon or that Shopping Spree so just give it a try, Spoiler Alert: I didn't get it.

The Face Uniform

If the title looks familiar, I was inspired in to writing up this post after reading this. And I guess it's time for a little show and tell with my current "Face Uniform". Basically all the reliable products I can't make my daily look without at the moment but I do switch out from time to time, particularly the foundation and lipstick. Fair warning to avid readers, you're about to see some of these for the 145624th time.

The Face Mask Collective

Been a bit of a slow month coming up with this post. And now we're coming up to December and kiss its face with all its bankrupting glory. And I see it's finally time to write up my skin care routine again. Why I only do it once a year? Because skincare is definitely a routine set in stone for me unless I add new products, basically same routine just different products, not nearly as interesting as piling on 3 bronzers in one sitting or say, blue lipstick. But I digress, and here is my current collection of face masks. 

Additions to the Arsenal #6

It's sale season and I regret nothing, or so I tell myself. But I finally got my hands on a few things I've been eyeing on for less the label price. 

The Current Lip Wardrobe

As the title says. on the lips at the moment. This is pretty much what I've been slathering on my lips for the past few weeks and are the current residents of my makeup bag. So let's do some re-introductions and swatches.

Face Base Collection

So it's almost the end of the year and I think I've done almost every major round up so far except for Foundation/CC Cream/BB cream and such and such. Well it's safe to assume that this collection won't be updating any time soon since I'm pretty satisfied and this will last quite long i.e. a couple of years

Pink Sugar Honey I'm Good Eyebrow Kit in Perfect Taupe

Scoff it off but brows might be considered a priority. In the beauty sphere luscious defined brows can be seen on Instagram warranting cringes and praises alike. But since most of us (at least me) are no Brooke Shields or Cara D., there are tools. Like the newest brow kit from Pink sugar.

Price: P399

Description: A compact eyebrow quad for everyday brow grooming. Features one wax and three powders; expertly shapes, defines, and fills even the sparsest brows; colors can be used solo or blended together for customization; comes with two mini brow brushes for precision control

Another Affair with Zoeva: Luxury Rose Golden Set II

It's been another long time coming but I've checked another piece off my wishlist after a year. I bought the first Rose Golden Luxury set in January. I've been putting this off for so long because I was having second thoughts. But after a moment of realization I decided to get it. So much for self-control. 

Description:

Live your fairytale and master any makeup look with the Rose Golden Luxury Set, a collection of eight handcrafted, essential makeup brushes in an ultra-feminine design, including a chic rose-golden clutch.

Availability: Sephora

October Favorites

It's been an eventful October to say the least. And as you can see with the lack of posts that I've been busy. It's been an eye opening fact to how hard some bloggers work to deliver quality posts, vlogs, and videos when they're also very busy with life and problems. Especially because they don't really have fixed work hours. But luckily I've squeezed some strength out of me to write up a few favorites this month.

Life Update #2

A once in a blue moon life update has appeared. Not that there's anything that's of note but you might be seeing fewer beauty posts since I've been very into clothes lately. I think I'm trying to figure out my personal style which is honestly a lot of black, navy, white, stripes and denim. I like comfort and I'm currently working out the pieces in my wardrobe so I think most of my purchases will be more on clothes and the occasional beauty purchase. I'm also noticing a few things like my skin slowly getting less oily and becoming more normal. It has become quite a shock and I'm contemplating whether to buy a ton of moisturizing treatments and masks.

And here's a little ramble on body image. I'm not thin but I don't think I'm plus size as well. I'm an in between. And as I'm getting clothes more often now it is extremely frustrating how the Philippines carries a very narrow sizing system and someone of my size (I'm a US 10) is considered XL or L and no other or very few options are offered out there. Even for feet, I've been disappointed by high end brands and mid level brands carrying 9 as the largest size. 3 out of my 5 friends have size 10 feet. Oh the agony for bigger sizes. A fashion designer friend told me that demand is the problem, low demand for these sizes means low production. Hmmm that translates to me as how does one know it has a low demand when one doesn't even make them? Or do we treat plus size women as invisible?

End of ramble. And hopefully look forward for more style and beauty posts in the future.

Project Pan #1

A bit late to start a new series on the blog but then again better late than never. But this is a little ditty on things I've managed to hit pan on or use up in a nonspecific amount of time. Some proving that they've given me a bang for the buck I've spent or may have been a very short love affair. And will be including products here that I'm chucking out if they're being a bit funky on the smell or texture. Nothing lasts forever, including that radiance primer.

Makeup Melange #12 Radiant Bronzed Skin and Peachy Red Lips

Here's a little sporadic Makeup Melange coming right at you.  This time it's a bronzed complexion but with a lot of glow and a very peachy lip that just gives a flirty summery vibe, because we all know that summer is perpetual in the Philippines.

Etude House Double Lasting Foundation in Tan Review

Etude House has had several attempts at improving their base products from innovative primers to reinventing their BB creams, I've paid attention a few times in the past and some I've liked and some not as much but by golly I think they've finally hit the nail on this one. So listen up High coverage loving, oily-skinned people. Etude House has finally made a base that has got you covered.

Price: P1078

September Favorites

Now that September is over a certain song from a certain band comes to mind. But besides that, a favorites post is due once again.

Missha All Around Safe Block Sebum Zero Sun SPF50+/PA+++

Sunscreen, an essential if you don't want to prematurely age or get skin cancer. But I honestly find in irritating to buy one since I'm very picky with their consistencies and how they'll affect my makeup on top and how my skin will react with all its glorious oiliness to them. So I'm constantly jumping around looking for something that'll meet my needs.

Price: P360-P500 Online

The SAEM Cover Perfection Tip Concealer Review

Korean beauty has begun to take over my life again thanks to YouTube and this was a purchase born from their influence. And The Saem is apparently very famous for their concealer formulas, so can it hold up to its claims?

Price: P230-P350 online

Description:

1. Topical area coverage concealer for freckles, blemishes and dark circles.

2. Easy adjusting, convenient tip type concealer.

3. Perfectly fitted to the spots thinly and lightly.

4. Giving brightness and radiance to the skin by covering pores, freckles, blemishes and dark circles.