Etude House Dear My Blooming Lips in PK 001

And so the search for the replacement HG pink lipstick continues. This is from Etude House, from the Dear My Blooming Lips line. Shade PK 001

Love this cute heart embossed on the lipstick itself

lip swatch

What I Like:

Cute packaging! It almost looks like a toy

I love the color, it's a creamy Barbie-pink

Great color pay-off

Very moisturizing

Decent staying power (5 hours, without eating)

What I don't Like:

Nothing :)

How I Wore:

Wore it with a bare face (courtesy of Etude House Precious Minerals All Day Strong BB Cream #1) and light brows (Etude House Color My Brows in #2)

Would I repurchase?

Yes!

Where to Get: 

Etude House stores, for Php 378

Moroccan Argan Oil (Barenaturals) review

One of the trends in beauty and skin care today is going organic. A quick survey of the options now available to us show an increase in products that stamped with the words "green", "paraben and preservative-free", "organic", or "all-natural". This is a good thing of course, as doctors and researchers are currently studying the effects of long-time exposure to parabens (a very common ingredient in bath and beauty products which is suspected to be cancer-causing) on our health.

I was looking for a night-time moisturizer replacement (my Olay night cream, after 5 months of use, made my skin oily and my pores larger) and I came across this Iloilo-based online store, Love Thouskin HerShop, which carries organic brands Only Skin and Barenaturals. 

She sells a variety of oils and serums but I went for the Moroccan Argan oil because a lot of celebs have been raving about it lately and I wanted to see if it really lived up to the hype.

Argan oil, which is sourced form Morocco, is also known as liquid gold. It's a rare oil made from the nuts of the Argan tree, which grows only in- you guessed, it- Morocco. It contains a lot of stuff that's good for your skin, such as vitamin E, fatty acids, squalene, and phytosterols. So all that goodness makes argan oil quite the multi-tasker, and some of its uses include:

for the Face

• Moisturizes dry, dull skin
• Regulates oily skin
• Maintains skin elasticity, prevents stretchmarks, reduces appearance of scars
• Softens skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces skin redness and irritation

Hair

• Moisturizes and nourishes hair
• Prevents breakage
• Prevents frizz

Hands and Nails

• Softens skin and cuticles
• Strengthens brittle nails

Body

• Great for the skin in general
• Can also be used as a (pricey, haha) massage oil to relieve rheumatism and arthritis pains

So I ordered it, got it the next day, and I've road tested it for a full month, so that I can more or less get a feel of what it has to offer. So what did I like about it?

• It does a great job of keeping my face moisturized
• My pores didn't look as large as they did when I was using heavy creams
• 90% of my blackheads cleared up
• My face looked a lot smoother, cleaner and brighter
• For day, I use 1 drop of oil mixed with my BB cream. I love that it doesn't make my face oily
• I didn't get any break outs
• I also tried using it on my hair, it became really soft and shiny. It doesn't weigh hair down
• Great remedy for dry hands as well
• It's an unscented, lightweight oil
• Doesn't leave an oily film/residue on skin and it absorbs quickly

What I Don't Like:

None!

How To Use:

A drop of oil goes a long way, no need to slather on a lot to get the desired effects. Work 2-3 drops of oil onto face, hair, or hands. You can also mix in a bit of oil into your favorite beauty products (face cream, lotions, conditioners)

P.S. When buying, make sure it says 100% Moroccan argan oil. Make sure it's cosmetic grade and not culinary grade (for cooking). Look for ones placed in dark-colored packaging, as this protects the oil from sun damage.

Where to Get:

I got my Bare Naturals Moroccan argan oil 100 ml (Php 800) from Love Thouskin Hershop, which is great if you're from Iloilo since you'll be able to save on the shipping costs. You might also want to check out the Bare Naturals site. 

Have you tried argan oil before? How did you like it? Drop me a line! :)

Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream review

I have a confession to make- I am a BB cream virgin. You'd think that because I pretty much like everything that you can put on the face, I'd have jumped on the BB cream band wagon and tried several brands of the stuff. But no.

I never really thought of using BB creams because I'd stockpiled a year's worth of face sunblock cream, and I didn't see the need of adding yet another step to my morning beauty regimen.

But a few days ago, I was shopping at Etude House and I was given a sample of their BB Cream. Needless to say, I was sold! It was a lot like liquid foundation, but better. Aside from being just make up, some BB creams (Blemish Balm cream) work as skin care as well. It has SPF, moisturizers, and other active ingredients depending on the type you get.

The best way to convince someone like me to try something out was to give a sample, and this time it really worked. I decided to buy my 1st ever BB cream (not from Etude House, because I didn't want to splurge just yet haha) from Maybelline.

Product Description:

8-in-1 BB Cream. Miracle skin perfector. This all-in-one product is a moisturizer, sun block, and foundation. It contains 8 healthy minerals for 8 healthy skin results, giving you flawless skin in an instant. Moisturizes like skin care. Oil-free formula keeps skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. Protects like sun block. SPF26/PA+++ protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

Covers like a foundation. Hides flaws and imperfections without feeling heavy on the skin. Dermatologist tested. Suitable for sensitive skin. 8 healthy minerals: Copper, zinc, magnesium, sodium titanium, and 2 iron oxides. 

8 healthy skin results: 51% more smoothness, 33% more radiance, 18% more hydration, 13% improved clarity, 12% less dark spots, 15% less redness, 5% pore size reduction, 24% better appearance.

Results:

        

        

Last 2 photos, with BB cream: skin looks smoother and skin tone has been evened out. The scar on the upper left side of my lip has been covered pretty well

What I Like:

• Easy to spread
• Evens out skin tone, made it look smoother and brighter, like I just had a good night's sleep (which I never get)
• Reduced the appearance of 2 fresh scars I had on my face
• Covered up my black heads and other minor discolorations
• Great for everyday use
• Didn't cause break outs
• This comes in 1 shade only, but it blended into my skin just fine
• No white/grayish cast
• Comes in a small tube, convenient for travelling

What I Don't Like:

•  I tried using it without powder, and my face oiled up in like 15 minutes (this was in hot weather). And when I did set it with powder, I still had to constantly retouch every 2 hours.
• It only offers medium coverage and it wasn't pigmented enough to totally cover up my undereye circles. So for girls who prefer heavy coverage, this might not live up to your expectations
• You'd think that because it's a lot cheaper than other BB creams, you'd get more bang for your buck. But the truth is the tube is so small (18 ml) that if you do the math, it just ends up costing the same as other brands

Would I repurchase?

Not yet. This is my first BB cream, so after this one I'm probably going to try out other brands.

Where to Get:

Maybelline counters, Watsons. It's priced at Php 249, but I got mine for Php 224 because it's currently on sale in Watsons :)

What's your favorite BB cream? What brands could you suggest? :)

The Kikay Chronicles 1st Blog Giveaway

Hi girlies! I'm finally back after having a super busy week... I just created a facebook fanpage for my blog, please do check it out on the sidebar :) I created one so I could post quick updates and random stuff that aren't exactly worthy of a blogpost.

If you've already liked my facebook fanpage, I'm sure you've seen my teaser for my very 1st ever blog giveaway. First of all, I'm doing this to thank all the girls who read/follow/comment on my posts, and for everyone who sent me messages asking for advice or just to give me feedback on my blog. I know I don't have  a cult following of Michelle Phan-proportions but still, I'd like to show my love and gratitude to everyone! And also of course, I'd also like to share some of my favorite beauty products to you.

I'm giving away 2 sets of prizes to 2 lucky winners. The mechanics are simple and super doable! :)

• Open to Philippine residents only 
• You must either like The Kikay Chronicle's fan page or follow my blog here with Google friend connect (on the sidebar)
• Share my blog or a specific post on your facebook wall (or if you have one, on your blog). You may also share the facebook fanpage. Each share/repost on your wall earns 1 entry.
• Once you've done all steps above, email me at francinealessandravito@yahoo.com in this format:

SUBJECT: TKC blog giveaway

CONTENT: samples of what you may write: 

• Shared your blog's link 2x
• Shared your blog post "Loreal Base Magique review"
• Talked about your giveaway on my blog
• Shared your fanpage

Also include your full name and shipping address.

You may send in your entries until June 9, 2012. Winners will be announced on June 12. 

P.S.

Winners will be drawn through random.org. I'll be showing screenshots of the process.

I'll be checking the likes/shares to see if it corresponds with the entry sent.

Prizes up for grabs are:

Prize A:

• Maybelline The Colossal Volum Express mascara 
• Maybelline Colorsensational Pink Diamonds lipstick
• Etude House PK003 nail polish

Prize B:

Maybelline Expert Eyes Soft Khol Eye Pencil in Black
Maybelline Colorsensational lipstick in Galactic Mauve
Etude House Nail polish in BR301

Go go go! Contest starts now :)

Etude House Baby Volume false eyelashes

False eyelashes are a great way to add definition and drama to your look if you don't want to be bothered with applying (and removing) mascara and eyeshadows. This may sound a bit weird, but I consider these as a lazy day makeup quick fix! You could rock them with the least amount of product on your eyes. Most of the time I just use eyeliner with it, no shadows at all. Falsies are also great for girls who want to achieve doll-like lashes but don't want to commit to eyelash extensions.

There are a variety of false eyelash options out there, and it's entirely up to you to choose one that will go with the look you're going for. 

I recently picked up Etude House's Baby Volume false eyelashes and I'm super loving it! It looks really natural and real and not fake at all. It's not heavy, you won't even feel like it's there. And although the lashes look a bit "frail", the quality is good, there hasn't been any fallouts and I've used it 6 times already and the lashline still hasn't been ruined. 

It also comes with its own glue, which has good adhesive power and I like that it can easily be removed with oil-based makeup remover (some eyelash glues are so stubborn that they stick on your eyelashes for days! It looks gross and interferes with eyesight)

There isn't anything I don't like about this, and I would be repurchasing as soon as this pair gets ruined. Check them out (and a variety of other styles as well) at Etude House stores, for Php 128. I admit they probably cost more that the usual falsies we're accustomed to, but these are so worth it!

L'oreal Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer

Last December, L'oreal had a sale on ALL of their products (25% discount) and I thought it would be the best time to try out their newest face primer, the L'oreal Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer. 


So essentially, what a primer does for you is that it preps skin for make up application. It's supposed to reduce/mask the appearance of large pores and fine lines so your make up looks totally flawless. It pretty much serves the same purpose as a paint primer, smoothing out any rough surface na hindi keri ng liha before laying on the paint.


I've been using this for a few months already and I can't really bring myself to say that I love this. I like it, but it isn't exactly Holy Grail material. I think there are other better options out there.

Product Claims:

Smoothness you can touch, transformation you can see, even up close!

New Base Magique Transforming Smoothing Primer instantly smoothes pores and creates an even surface, so that you get a more flawless make-up result that lasts.

The silky, lightweight formula glides onto skin and minimises the look of pores and fine lines to transform your skin surface.

What I Like:

• Keeps oilies away
• Can make a bad foundation formula last all day
• Also improves staying power of anything else you put on your face
• Doesn't cake under makeup
• Makes skin look like it's glowing from within
• Didn't break me out

What I don't like:

• Unhygienic packaging (wish this came in a tube!)
• Doesn't cover up and reduce the appearance of fine lines and large pores that well :|
• A bit difficult to spread, you have to warm up the product first with your fingertips before applying, because if you don't it ends up looking patchy.
• It made foundation application a bit difficult too (especially if the formulation dries up fast) so you have to be really quick when blending it out
• This is not the best product if you're always in a hurry or you don't have the patience to figure out the best way to apply it

Would I repurchase?
Maybe not. As soon as I finish this jar, I'm trying out a different brand. 


Where to get:
At L'oreal counters at Watsons or department stores, Php 945 for a 15 ml jar (but since I got mine on sale, it was only around Php 700+)


Have you tried out this primer already? What can you say about it? :)

Mila Kunis-inspired brown smokey eyes

This make up look is inspired by another one of my girl crushes, ze uber-hot and gorgeous Mila Kunis! I loved her as Jackie in that 70's show, and she's great in the silver screen as well, in Black Swan and Friends with Benefits.

Mila has really gorgeous eyes and in most of her make up looks, this is the feature that she plays up. This particular look is inspired by a Cosmo magazine cover she has done last February 2011.

This is a brown smokey eye with mattes and slight shimmers; the entire lid is light-colored and shading/contouring was done only on the outer V and crease.

For my interpretation of this look, I used:

Flesh-toned eyeshadow (matte)

Pale peach shadow (shimmer)

Brown eyeshadow (shimmer)

Dark brown eyeshadow (matte)

ELF liquid liner in black

Etude House Baby Volume false eyelashes

Estee Lauder Magnascopic mascara

Etude House Drawing Eyebrow Pencil in Brown

1. Put concealer all over eye area as base, then apply the peach-colored shadow on lids only (upper lashline to crease)

2. I used an ultra fine liner brush to create a "cat's eye" outline on the outer V with the brown eyeshadow. Shade the crease area also to create depth.

3. Fill in the outer V outline with the dark brown color. Blend as you go along. Don't apply any dark shadows onto the lids

4. At this point, eyes should look a little like this. Don't forget to highlight the browbone with the peach shadow as well :)

5. Fill in and define brows, line upper lashline with black liquid liner, and apply black pencil liner onto the waterline. With the fine liner brush, apply brown eyeshadow onto lower lashline

6. Apply false eyelashes, and mascara onto lower lashes.

 

That's it! Brown smokey eyes are so versatile, it can go from day to night and shades like these are easy to find (try Elf's eyeshadow quad in Butternut for this look). This would work on a variety of eye shapes too, from deep set to chinita eyes.

I know I don't look like Mila, pero na achieve din ba yung eyes? What other looks would you like to see? :)

Elf Studio Correcting Concealer Review

Lack of sleep is something that's not good for everybody. I'm not an eyebag person, but I get something much worse when I don't get enough sleep- dark circles. I look like a zombie with hollowed out eyes, the picture of Stress Drilon herself. 

My secret weapons and best friends to looking alive and awake after pulling an all-nighter are undereye creams, gels, and concealers. I was checking out the Elf counter and I saw this and decided to get one. I liked that it was a color correcting palette with 4 shades in a nice, sleek packaging that already comes with a tiny mirror and a brush.

But I guess the adage do not judge a book by its cover applies to make up as well, because although I love the way it looks, the product itself was disappointing!

What I like:

• Packaging
• I like the color-correcting concept, too bad it failed to deliver
• I found the green most useful of the 4 because it did manage to neutralize redness, but be sure to top it off with a different brand of concealer if you want maximum results
• I made use of the other 3 shades as highlighters or eyeshadow bases

What I don't like:

• Poor concealing job
• Sheer, waxy consistency
• Creases under the eyes

Would I repurchase? 

No

Where to Get?

If in case you do want to try this out (who knows, it might work better on you. Just ask the sales assistant if you could try a sample), get this for Php 249 at Elf counters at Watsons or department stores

Hot and Sunny Sunday: Young, Wild and Free shoot (for Binkydoodles) + Face of the Day

Last Sunday, my friend/fellow blogger/former schoolmate had a shoot for her online store's latest collection. Miss Binky actually designs the clothes and accessories for Binky Doodles, and all the clothes are fierce and fab just like the designer herself! Miss Bianca styled and conceptualized this Coachella-inspired shoot, and I did the hair and make up. Modeled by Grace and Belle and shot on location in Tigbauan and Guimbal. It was scorching hot but we managed to do the shots outdoors. I really had a great time working on this shoot, and I'm glad I was able to meet new people (Miss Bianca's friends are super nice).

I wasn't able to take photos of my own because I left my camera's battery (nag Moron 5 mode) so I have no before/after and behind the scenes shots :(

For their looks, I did matte smokey eyes, vibrant lips, and just some light contouring.

For the hair, I just used hair spray, placed the plastic and rubber curlers, set it again with hairspray and uncurled it after an hour. Sprayed some more hairspray afterwards to hold the curls.

As for my face of the day, I kept it very simple since I knew we would be shooting outdoors. Ayoko mag melt yung fez ko!

 

Face:

 Celeteque Matte Moisturizer with SPF 30

Myra E Face Powder

Dream Girl Duo Blush

Lips:

Etude House Auto Liner (the flesh toned one)

 Avon Colorbliss Lipstick in Pure Plum

P.S. Miss Bianca gave me this necklace from her collection as a little "souvenir". I'm addicted to necklaces so I wore it as soon as she gave it to me! Many thanks to Miss Binky! Please do visit her Multiply store here --> Binkydoodles or her Facebook fanpage to see the entire collection- it's filled with lots of summery, vibrant prints, floaty fabrics, and one-of-a-kind pieces and accessories!

and don't forget to check out her style blog as well :)