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

Colourette Colourstick in Georgia

I must have impeccable timing to put up this review when this specific shade is currently sold out at the moment. But that's how the cookie crumbles.

Price: P499

Description: If the crown fits, she must be wearing Georgia —a mocha-flavoured Colourstick in cordovan chicness from Colourette's Limited Edition Chocolat Collection.

Happy Skin Face the World Air Serum Foundation

It's my second foundation purchase in two years. I rarely buy foundations now since I have quite a few in rotation but thanks to product expiration dates I can do a bit of foundation shopping. Both my long time reliable favorites, the Estee Lauder Double Wear and Makeup Forever HD Foundation (Old version) are now nearly going past their use by date and are now less than half empty. I'm currently patting myself on the back for these accomplishments. So as it is I was in the market for new formulas, consistencies and this was Happy Skin's release for my curiosity.  

Price: P1299

Happy Skin Glam Squad Contour & Color Review

Back from a little blogging break from causes brought to you by lack of a good internet connection. And today's product review is one of the latest offerings from Happy Skin and their Glam Squad collection with a collaboration from the makeup artists of local celebrities. So I guess I'm ready for my closeup.

Price: P1399

Description:

The Happy Skin Glam Squad Contour & Color is a marriage of two professional must-haves that chisel and color the face: an easy-to-blend taupe contour and a warm rosy-coral blush with a satin finish. Both long-lasting yet pigmented, it gives you the perfect celebrity-like sculpted face and fresh glow to bring out your features.

Availability: Buy here or at Happy Skin Counters Nationwide

Content: 3.5g contour + 3g blush

Pink Sugar Honey I'm Good Eyebrow Gel in Blonde

Filling in my brows have been life changing. And I say that with no exaggeration. I feel so ready for the day with filled in arches. And I'm not one to turn a blind eye to a good quality brow product. 

Description:

A richly-tinted multi-purpose gel for perfect brow definition

Sets, defines, fills, and shades brows; conditions strands with coconut oil and aloe vera; tinted formulas complement natural or color-treated hair; leaves a natural, fuller look
Price: P349

Content: 8g

Happy Skin Work It, Girl! Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippie Duo

I think I'm down with that disease every beauty obsessed girl has been infected with for the past couple of years. I call it The MLBB Browny Pinky Mauvey Lipstick Syndrome. We are convinced that we have found the "one" until a new incarnation unveils itself and we are in love once again. And I can proudly say that I think 4 lipsticks in my possession might look similar but have subtle differences in the amount of brown, pink or mauve. And yet the search still goes on and with much glee Happy Skin has released more offerings.

Price: P1099 When bought as a duo, P599 individually

Availability: Happy Skin Stores and www.happyskincosmetics.com

Description:

Beauty Bar collaborates with the country's favorite skin-caring makeup brand, Happy Skin, to empower women with working girl-friendly beauty tools. With Happy Skin X Beauty Bar, make beauty work for you! This Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippie is sure to help you make that lip-smackin' statement.

Swipe on a powerful espresso color and kick butt with Wonder Woman.

Show the world you're Slaying It! with a commanding terracotta brown hue.

Highly pigmented and moisture-packed, these lippies glide on irresistibly smooth and leave behind a rich, creamy pout that's way tempting to kiss. Let your lips say it all and work it, girl!

Gorgeous Mauvey Pink Lip Choices from Pink Sugar: XOXO and Queen Bee

And just when I thought I was content with my current Lip collection, there always seems to be some new release which gives me a case of  the straying eye. In this case it's the new offerings from Pink Sugar, a bunch of new MLBB nudes and pinks to pique your interest. Two that caught my attention are these very pretty dusty pinky mauvey slightly browny pinks, and let me add that cannot get any more longer as a description.

The Lip Collection

It's been ages since the last post so I suppose I'll have to make up for that with a more heavy composition. And I can say with confidence that this was the most time consuming roundup but certainly the least boring. And I think that as a makeup enthusiast, lipsticks are definitely that beauty product that you can really say that "Before I knew it I had 20." It seems that every few months or weeks that the number balloons.

So I have about 25 lipsticks but not all are in active rotation, sadly. And I think I have a couple here that are nearing their limit at 2 years old. But besides that, I'm pretty happy with my collection, they're like a family. And I sadly ran out of the Etude House Lip liners, a short-lived romance but nothing a visit to Etude House can change. No lip balms here as I only have one, as listed in my Skincare Routine 2015 post, I only have the Nivea Lip Butter in raspberry. So without further ado, meet the family!

Colourette Colourstick in Bethany

So after a certain lipstick just made me rave like a mad dog recently, I knew I had to get more shades. And if you know me, it'll definitely be on the borderline of MLBB.

Price: P549 on Zalora, P499 with dealers

Snoe It’s Oat K! It’s Alright! Quenching Masque Review

Interestingly enough I haven't seen any reviews for this around.  So if you were curious about this, it's your lucky day!

Price: 499

Availability: Snoe Website and ZALORA

It’s Oat-K It’s Alright restores the skin’s natural moisture balance to aid in healing minor skin irritations. It will hydrate, tone, whiten and soften the most sensitive skin.

The Bronze and Contour Roundup

I have a round face, and I'd like to believe I look youthful with chubby cheeks and all, but after dozens of photos with my face coming full circle (pun intended), I have ventured to the land of the bronzed and contoured. And I don't want to look back.

Instagram Envy: Colourette Colourstick In Sahara Review

If you've heard about the Instagram star @Lilymaymac, then you've probably come across her endorsement for Colourette Cosmetics, mainly, their lipstick line. And her most rocked shade was Sahara.

Price: P499 with distributors, P549 on ZALORA

Snoe Slim Shade Me Face Sculpting Cake in Peanut

This is probably that one product that has been sitting in my mental wishlist for over a year which I keep checking every time I pass by the booth but always hesitated to actually purchase. And it really should've been picked up earlier.

Price: P799

Description:

Want great bone structure? Slim Shade Me Face Sculpting Cake lets you create them instantly, easily and over time– permanently! This powder is especially tinted and formulated to enhance natural bone structure, sculpt contours into the face and correct your face shape so you can look like you were born with great cheekbones or the perfect nose, anytime!

Loving Local Beauty Brands and Investing in Every Product

What is with people and imported brands? What is wrong with loving local brands? Does it really differ or do Filipinos really think that locally made products just cannot compete or are inferior to the foreign counterparts?

If you have been a loyal reader from way back when my blog was named The Secret Beauty Geek, I have basically founded the blog with the intention on reviewing Asian brands, specifically, Korean brands which I do love even now. Eventually I ventured to Western brands, Japanese brands and since last year, local brands.

After much thought and becoming less devil may cry with money, especially now that I'm earning and paying for everything with my hard earned cash, I have really come to a point where every purchase is becoming an investment rather than an impulse. Calculating everything in my head from expiration date to longevity of usefulness. Let's face it, beauty products aren't exactly essential. So I'd like to get a bang for my buck. So right now it's not so glamorous to be pre-ordering for US or UK branded products. Though I think I may be investing in something of that sort soon. Knowing that it is a hassle to get out of work and deposit money in the bank, it really is just a pain. I'm just looking for things that I can easily find in local boutiques and malls where I don't think I'll panic when I run out of. So there came my transition to local products.

Some might argue that they are kind of pricey when compared to more wallet friendly imported brands, but from what I've tested, they are well worth the price. Truly. They have come so far and are just under our noses. So why look outside the country when we can look from within?

With the appearance of good quality home grown brands in the market now, they're honestly giving foreign brands a run for their money. Happy Skin, Snoe, Carmen Claire, Pink Sugar are all considerably young brands which will have much much ahead of them in the long-run, But I'd willingly invest in their products knowing that I'm supporting the economy and there'll be a variation of supply in the market.

I'm not saying I'll be fully switching to local, there are brands out there which I believe are truly worth the investment but I'm also saying that what you're looking for might just be nearby.

Contour Hack: Carmen Claire Shine Patrol Powder in Tan

I don't think I talk about how much I love contouring, which has been most surprising. In just two years I have completely changed my whole makeup routine with the inclusion of more cheek and eye makeup. Well a baby can be born in 9 months, so I'm thinking it's actually long time to change my routine.

Price P290 from P410

Description:

Cheekbones for days! This summer, brush up on your contouring and bronzing skills with Shine Patrol in Tan. It's the perfect shimmerless shade to pull off that golden goddess look.

Keep oil at bay and shine in check.

The ultra-smooth formula absorbs excess oil without looking cakey or flat, while adding just a touch of sheer color. It's talc and paraben free too, so chances of a breakout are minimal. Phew!

Available in 4 shades, from lightest to darkest:

• Porcelain
• Medium-Light
• Medium
• Tan

Availability: http://www.carmenclaire.com/

I think I have been flooding your newsfeeds with Carmen Claire Products. Sorry for that, I did have a small haul from them a few weeks ago, if you follow me on instagram (@Cosmetricia) I did post about them coming in pretty little pouches.

I came across a comment form another blog stating that she had given up on contouring powders and started using darker shades of face powder since it looked like skin. So I decided to try the Carmen Claire Shine Patrol powder in Tan because it was on sale, I trust the brand and I was really itching to get one of their lipsticks.

It's stated in their website that Tan is the equivalent to MAC NC 40-42 and that the powder did not guarantee heavy coverage since it was really a pressed oil control powder after all. However true to its' description, it promises sheer color. But I assure you the pigment is strong to be used as a bronzer/contour powder.

It's not so finely milled like butter but it is a cut above other powder foundation textures. But it's amazing that it does not cake at all no matter how heavy I layer on my skin. I am overjoyed that is truly matte on skin and hypoallergenic as it is talc and paraben free too!

It was easily picked up by my Carmen Claire blush brush which I apply on my cheekbones, sides of my forehead and sides of my nose for a sculpted look.

Keep in mind I am around NC 20-25 so the pigment might appear very strong on me.

Cheekbones for days indeed! It's a lovely warm toned. so slightly reddish shade that compliments more yellowy toned skin tones. It could be a bronzer or a contour powder depending on your skin tone. Just remember that proper blending is a necessity most especially since this is a oil control powder which means it adheres to skin steadfastly. Only a light touch is needed for fairer skins but could be buildable if your skin tone is a step or two darker. I think this would be marvelous for darker skin tones as a bronzer to add a healthy sun kissed glow as it would not be too harsh.

I think this photographs so beautifully too, might be worth checking out if you're not into looking like a ghost in your holiday photos! But has this replaced my other bronzers and contour powders? Hmm... I really like this and reach for it a lot but I also enjoy the great definition more grey and cool toned contour powders I have offer, but I must say this is great for fair skins as it mimics more of a summer loving bronze rather than a Kardashian sculpt.

Overall I am quite happy with this purchase as it is a great bronzer/contour powder that did not disappoint at such a steal at the moment. Might even be giving this as a gift for a friend!

Thanks for reading and the countdown starts to Christmas!

In2it Oil Control & Oil Free 2-way Foundation

I really do intense research on the products I want to buy, unless I'm caught by the occasional impulse. But everyone should keep in mind that Betty's cure is Martha's poison. Not everything is guaranteed to work for you as it worked for others. Luckily this worked out. Well, I might add.

Price: P499 for refill

Description: Go for that glowing finish with this Oil Control & Oil Free 2-way Foundation Refill from IN2IT.

• Contains silica and Vitamin E 
• Contains 85% natural ingredients 
• SPF 25 
• Ultra soft two-way foundation 
• No fragrance 

Availability: Watson's Department Store or Any local beauty department

Content: 11g

I love hitting pan on products and when my trusty Estee Lauder Double wear Powder foundation hit nearly full pan and smashed in to a thousand pieces I knew I was on the hunt for a solid oil control powder foundation. And after thorough research on one of my favorite blogs Project Vanity, she revealed one of her most favorite oil control powders was this. This In2it powder which can easily be found in the Watson's beauty department.

Reading from Liz's, from Project Vanity, she can't use this powder everyday since she'd break out and being the vigilant beauty shopper that I was, I only bought the refill, which is quite affordable on it's own. As I stopped bringing compact powders with me some time ago.

I got the second to the lightest shade in the mostly yellow based shade range. OCR 02 Warm beige is excellent for NC 20-25 girls out there. But I have to say, this powder is excellent for its' price! Not only is it so smooth and finely milled, it truly controls oil, I wore it with no primer underneath and it kept oil at bay for a good 7 hours! It has no irritating scents as well! Great news for sensitive noses out there. The coverage is medium but remember, that's nothing a little concealer can's fix.

I am very happy with this powder at the moment and I'd recommend it to anybody (with caution to their skin, if sensitive) who needs a good and reliable oil control powder foundation. With the quality it presents and at this price range, it is a steal, because it surely bested pricier powder foundations. 

Used here with concealer only under my eyes 

Soffia Beauty Opulence Blending Brush

Price: P950 (Regular) Currently (P665)

Description: The SOFFIA Opulence Perfect Skin Foundation Brush can create a flawless complexion in more ways than one – use this to apply liquid foundation or BB Cream and obtain doll-like, immaculately poreless and flawless complexion. Use this for powder foundation and obtain full, unnoticeable coverage. Use this to contour your features. This brush does it all.

Availability: https://beautymnl.com/ and http://www.beautyandminerals.com/collections/soffia-beauty-makeup-brushes

"Expertly designed to address your every makeup need, Soffia Beauty’s brushes are crafted with rare, world-class Lush Opulence bristles that glide silky-smooth over your skin. The bristles are made with one of two materials–first, the softest, most luxurious grade of synthetic hair, or second, top-of-the-line goat hair. Each Soffia brush is put together with meticulous Japanese techniques and held to the highest standards, so you can be sure that you’re getting fine quality tools."

A beauty junkie knows how hard and expensive it is to come across good quality and reliable products especially brushes. They can easily take you for a small fortune a pop, however it stays with you for years and years when properly taken care of. Creams, shadows and powders might expire, but a good makeup brush will be with you through all those empty and expired bottles and tubs. Charlotte Tilbury said if you're going to invest in something, invest in brushes since they can change your whole application method and make your drugstore makeup rival and even emulate luxury makeup brands.

I've been on the look out for a good blending brush without breaking the bank, I'm aware of the famous MAC 217 but there aren't any MAC stores in my area so that wasn't an option. But when I heard of SOFFIA a year back, which is the luxury line of Charm Brushes, I was curious and wanted to get my hands on one of their brushes, specifically this brush because of the glowing reviews. 

So when I saw that it was on sale on Beautymnl back when they had 20% off on the first purchase, I begged my friend to get me this brush as a gift! And I was not disappointed. From the box it came in, it literally spelled out luxury, it looked like it came from a jewelry store!

And the brush looked so fancy with its gold and black tones. The ferrule was sturdy and the hairs were clearly of high quality with a strange mix of synthetic and natural hair. I was in love with the sight of it sitting with the rest of my brushes on my vanity. I reached for it most often now since it stands out so much. 

The hairs are so densely and evenly packed to assure proper blending.  It doesn't fare too well on picking up pigment, which can be done by any flat eyeshadow brush. But blending is, by the name alone, its purpose. It can blend tough eye shadows from my Tartletette eyeshadow palette like a dream. It can save you when you pack on too much pigment for your own good. To be honest I feel like such a pro when I use this. 

It really does glide smoothly on skin. It doesn't irritate, scratch or tug at the eyelids. And love how it feels just right for blending darker shadows in my crease. And reading from other blogs, this is also amazing for contouring the nose.

And since their on sale right now, I'd recommend picking this baby up.

Eyeshadows applied and blended in with the SOFFIA Opulence blending brush

Pink Sugar Sweet Cheeks HD Cheek Color in Summer Nights

Price: P499

Description: Delicate powder formula enhances, highlights, and/or contours the face; nourishes skin with aloe vera and vitamins A, C, and E; leaves complexion radiant and glowing; comes in a mirrored compact with a pony-hair brush applicator

Content: 6g

There's a new local beauty brand in town, and if you've read form other blogs, it's been quite a hit. Thinking it wouldn't come to my city for a while, I didn't mind, until I saw the counter at my nearby SM mall. So after much research and assessing what my kit lacked. I came down  with the thought that I needed a peach blush, a nice matte peach blush, since my kit consisted of more pinks and berry tones.

First of all, I must say I am very impressed with the quality of this brand, to be this affordable and still be able to deliver quality. The packaging is sleek but sturdy, but I must confess I don't use the brush as I prefer my blush brush from Carmen Claire. But the blush itself is quality. Smooth and blendable powder and solid pigment. The skin care benefits I should say is a bonus. 

 Summer nights is a true warm peach shade which suits yellowy and warm toned skins to bring a natural glow. It's not patchy and has very refined powder. Truly a matte and no trace of shimmer.

Bare Cheeks

 Pale pale cheeks with no highlighter and contour on the picture above.

Summer Nights when worn

I know I should've packed on more pigment but I just wanted to show you how subtle it gives a warmth to skin. It almost contours as well. I've always thought that peach gives a more natural flush than pink at times. It's more like an "almost tan".

It can literally feign "healthy" with just a couple of sweeps since it is quite pigmented. But if you do go overboard it will make you look "baked" rather than clowny though.

Overall this might just be the thing for you if you were never really fond of the usual pinks and mauves around town. For this price and this quality, it's totally worth it, especially with the other rocking shades they have to offer.

Happy Skin Eye Need a Miracle Corrector

I have literally been needing a miracle since I started working. I found that my normal concealer just was not up to the challenge of all-nighters. But I found support in this corrector, which at first I thought was unnecessary for me before, but now, my routine can't live without it.

Price: P799

Content: 10ml

Description:

Fatigue under the eyes, scars, age spots, freckles, varicose & spider veins, bruises, and birthmarks. There are some blemishes you can conceal, but some imperfections are for life... Unless you hide them with a corrector, the secret tool that neutralizes bluish undertones and makes our little flaws disappear! This hydrating corrective make-up provides ultimate covering power but gives the finish and feel of lightweight make-up. It has a rich, buildable formula that miraculously melts into the skin. Its salmon hue corrects and covers all types of skin imperfections from minor flaws to major discolorations.

This corrector is specially formulated with Japanese tea extract that moisturizes and fights puffiness. It's also infused with Hyaluronic Acid, a miracle ingredient that increases hydration, instantly smoothening surface imperfections. Its self-adjusting shade provides undetectable coverage across all skin tones.

This corrector comes in a light orange-y peach shade, though it is light, it's honestly not light enough for my skin tone, I find that it is a touch too dark for my under eye circles, in a sense it does not have a brightening effect, hence I would not wear it alone, but with with a brightening concealer. My under eyes are not bluish but it does have a dark browny tone. Which I find the corrector comes in handy for. Happy Skin has a tendency of making one for all skin tone products, which can be a fail at times for more specifically contrasted skin tones, either too light or too dark skin tones, I find that they might suit medium skin tones more. This corrector I find is more suited to medium skintones that can fully appreciate it's corrective appeal. 

But I quite like the formula of this as it's moisturizing, thin and blendable. Ideal for the undereye area. I'm not so sure for other flaws on the face, but I prefer this only on my under eye area. 

No under eye concealer

With Corrector, unblended

With corrector, blended

With a concealer on top of corrector, unblended

Close up of only corrector under eyes

With Concealer on top of corrector, blended

Overall, a nice product, more affordable than the Bobbi Brown corrector or Erase Paste but does its job well. Still on the hunt for a more solid corrector that's affordable though.