PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: AVON IDEAL SHADE PRESSED POWDER IN MEDIUM

Here's an initial review on AVON IDEAL SHADE PRESSED POWDER IN MEDIUM

PRICE: 365PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: AVON LADY (DIRECT SELLING)

OTHER LOCATIONS: AVON OUTLETS IN MALLS; AVON LADIES

THE VERDICT:

This face powder is given to me as a gift by my aunt for my 22nd birthday. And this came just in time because my Sephora powder is almost finished.

The Ideal Shade Powder Promise.

Let's now review the product.

Powder case is quite big, so expect it to require a good amount of space in your bag. But it's lightweight, so you don't have to worry that it might be too heavy. The packaging is quite classy, If I am going to compare it with the past packaging designs of Avon.

It comes with a puff, which I seldom use because I like applying my powder with a brush so that the powder is distributed evenly and will look more natural when blended.

Medium is a tan shade with a slight rose undertone. It is the darkest among the 3 shades offered by the brand. I thought that it might be a shade lighter than my skin tone. But since this fits almost any skin tone, this might just do the trick.

The powder is semi- chalky, yet it applies effortlessly with little fall out. It has no scent, and it leaves no trace of color, if applied lightly. But if you build it up, a hint of color may show on your skin.

As you can see, the shade matched the skin tone of my neck even if the shade seemed a bit light for my skin tone. The light reflexive and tone- adjusting properties of this powder did the trick.

Staying power is impressive. It did not cake nor streak during the day. And it also kept my face matte for 3 hours maximum. I love that it's at par with MAC and Sephora's staying power. But if you're looking for coverage, this one might not be your best bet. This powder is formulated to suit almost any dark skin tone so one trick to give that effect is to make the formulation semi- translucent.

Another important thing, I did not break- out nor experienced any allergic reaction to this product.

I'm impressed and I see myself buying this again. To be honest, Sephora's quite costly with the pre- ordering cost and all. And I use up my face powder in 1- 2 month's time so this proves to be a good alternative. :)

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: AVON IDEAL SHADE PRESSED POWDER IN MEDIUM

Here's an initial review on AVON IDEAL SHADE PRESSED POWDER IN MEDIUM

PRICE: 365PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: AVON LADY (DIRECT SELLING)

OTHER LOCATIONS: AVON OUTLETS IN MALLS; AVON LADIES

THE VERDICT:

This face powder is given to me as a gift by my aunt for my 22nd birthday. And this came just in time because my Sephora powder is almost finished.

The Ideal Shade Powder Promise.

Let's now review the product.

Powder case is quite big, so expect it to require a good amount of space in your bag. But it's lightweight, so you don't have to worry that it might be too heavy. The packaging is quite classy, If I am going to compare it with the past packaging designs of Avon.

It comes with a puff, which I seldom use because I like applying my powder with a brush so that the powder is distributed evenly and will look more natural when blended.

Medium is a tan shade with a slight rose undertone. It is the darkest among the 3 shades offered by the brand. I thought that it might be a shade lighter than my skin tone. But since this fits almost any skin tone, this might just do the trick.

The powder is semi- chalky, yet it applies effortlessly with little fall out. It has no scent, and it leaves no trace of color, if applied lightly. But if you build it up, a hint of color may show on your skin.

As you can see, the shade matched the skin tone of my neck even if the shade seemed a bit light for my skin tone. The light reflexive and tone- adjusting properties of this powder did the trick.

Staying power is impressive. It did not cake nor streak during the day. And it also kept my face matte for 3 hours maximum. I love that it's at par with MAC and Sephora's staying power. But if you're looking for coverage, this one might not be your best bet. This powder is formulated to suit almost any dark skin tone so one trick to give that effect is to make the formulation semi- translucent.

Another important thing, I did not break- out nor experienced any allergic reaction to this product.

I'm impressed and I see myself buying this again. To be honest, Sephora's quite costly with the pre- ordering cost and all. And I use up my face powder in 1- 2 month's time so this proves to be a good alternative. :)

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: AVON'S 24K LIPSTICK IN 24K PINK

Here's my initial review on AVON 24K LIPSTICK

PRICE: 450- 490PHP (?)

PLACE BOUGHT: FROM OUR AVON LADY

OTHER LOCATIONS: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AVON LADY OR VISIT ANY AVON BRANCHES IN MALLS NATIONWIDE

The newest innovation by Avon. Mesmerizing lipsticks infused with gold to make your lips catch light, therefore making it look luscious and red- carpet worthy. It's an all- day wear lipstick that has moisturizing agents that keep your lips from flaking or drying.

THE VERDICT:

I got this as a gift from my yaya during Christmas. It's her thank you gift because I always give her some of my old clothes, books, bags and shoes. She's such a darling. She gave me the 24k pink shade because she said pink always looks good on me. :D

Swatch

This is the shade 24k Pink on my lips. This lipstick pays- off as an uber frosted color. The lipstick itself is generously infused with gold flecks so expect the gold fever on your lips. Surprisingly, even if the gold flecks are quite evident in the lipstick itself, it's still creamy and it doesn't feel like you're wearing body scrub on your lips.

The thing I hate about Frost variants is how it makes your teeth look garish. But to my amazement, 24k pink doesn't make it look too garish and yellowish at all, as I expected because it's uber frosted! It has light floral scent and the gold tube is quite exquisite.

It really catches light and the lipstick color really goes well with the gold color so your lips will really look stunning. It will stand out, but not in a bad way. 24k Pink is good for daywear. It's not bad for nighttime as well.

The 24k line boasts of colors that can go from casual to formal. For a pretty cheap price, this lipstick does deliver amazing results. So if you're a frosted lipstick fan, then may I suggest you contact your Avon Lady and grab one of these gems now. :D

SPEND VS. SAVE: FACE PRIMERS

For this edition of Spend Vs. Save, let's look at FACE PRIMERS

I have two face primers in my stash:

PHILOSOPHY'S NEVER LET THEM SEE YOU SHINE OIL AND SHINE VELVET TOUCH PRIMER- 1300PHP

AVON SIMPLY PRETTY FRESH RADIANCE MAKE- UP BASE- 150PHP

Philosophy's primer is a gel- type primer that feels and smells like a moisturizer. It's eucalyptus-ish scented and goes on to a matte finish when blended evenly. It promises to reduce oil up to 55%.

Avon's face primer is a cream- based primer that gives a pinkish glow to the skin. It promises to keep make- up radiant the whole day.

Avon's primer gives a lovely pink tone on your skin, making you look healthier. The pink shimmers also give an illuminating effect so your skin will look healthy. It controls oil but around an hour or two only. Philosophy is good because it delivers by battling oil for around 4 hours and the best part, you can reapply it on top of your make- up without caking. With avon, you can't do that. 

CONSISTENCIES (L- R): PHILOSOPHY AND AVON

I APPLIED TWO SWIPES OF MY NARS POWDER BLUSH IN ORGASM USING THE TWO PRIMERS

Check the blush with Avon's primer

- Color is less vibrant and pay- off is so- so

Check the blush with Philosophy's primer

- Color is stronger and more vibrant

My final verdict, if your skin is normal, you might want to try the avon primer because it keeps you healthy by giving you a pinkish glow. Honestly, it just gives a lovely pink tone on your skin, but it doesn't really make the colors vibrant. It controls oil for around 1- 2 hours so for normal skinned gals, you are lucky enough to save because this could work for you. If you're face is combination to oily, you can try the philosophy face primer because for four hours, it keeps your skin semi- oily and you can also put this on top of your make- up.

SO FOR THIS EDITION, I SUGGEST YOU:

SPEND OR SAVE, DEPENDING ON YOUR SKIN TYPE

PRODUCT REVIEW: AVON SIMPLY PRETTY FRESH RADIANCE MAKE- UP BASE PINK GLOW

I just recently purchased Avon Simply Pretty Fresh Radiance Make- Up Base Pink Glow. So here's an initial review.

This costs 150php. You can order it through your local Avon ladies. It's medium sized tube with a cream colored base inside. But once you spread it on your skin, it starts to give off a hint of pink color with tiny pink glimmers.

This promised to keep oil at bay for hours and to make make- up last longer on your skin.

With a girl who sweats profusely and with an oily t- zone area, here's how it effected on my face.

THE VERDICT:

At first application, you could see a hint of pink glow on your face because the pink glow will help give you a rosy glow. It is unscented, and it feels lightweight. It also dries easily, which is a good thing. In all fairness to this product, it really makes the colors pop, especially the blush.

After 2 hours, my face starts to sweat and I wiped my nose and I have felt that there's already oil. Then I had to run to another building which means Sweat- Time for me. I wiped my face and I could already feel that my face has turned into an oil mine. 

Swatch

Check out the pinkish glow

As compared to Philosophy's Never Let Them See You Shine oil and shine control primer, which keeps oil at bay for around 4 hours, this Simply Pretty face base is almost at par with Philosophy's (around 50%). It's a good buy for those who have combination skin and for those with normal skin because it just helps your make- up colors pop out and it roughly keeps you oil- free for two hours so that's kinda' good for a 150 bucks primer. But if your face is an oil mine, I suggest you find a primer that will really keep you shine free for more than 2 hours at least. Primers will usually last for 4 hours and it doesn't really keep you literally shine free for 4 hours because our pores literally produces oil and sweat so the best the primers could do is to keep it half as oily. 

If your work doesn't require running around and most of the time you'll stay indoors, this primer will do you justice. I'm not sure though if you can apply it over make- up as opposed to Philosophy's primer, which is a winning characteristic for me.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: AVON SUPERSHOCK MASCARA

My tube of AVON SUPERSHOCK MASCARA has arrived in the afternoon courtesy of my tita.

It comes in a nice box and out comes a fat tube with a plump lash wand, really gi- normous! The bristles are made of quality plastic that imitate the usual mascara bristles. The wands are evenly arranged so as to provide maximum coverage. I think the logic behind the big wand is for it to absorb more mascara and the big wand is designed to cover every lash, making every application thicker.

Sorry, the pictures are not in order for the application process. So here's the result after three applications. NOTE THAT I HAVE LONG BUT SPARSE LASHES SO THIS PRODUCT MAY HAVE DIFFERENT EFFECT ON OTHERS. BUT IF YOUR PROBLEM IS VOLUME, THIS SHOULD DO THE TRICK:

SECOND APPLICATION: After a minute, I applied the second coating. My lashes became thicker as compared to the first application. I apologize for the "tutchang na pilik- mata." :)

FIRST APPLICATION: As you can see, a bit of volume was added instantly. It's a concentration of beeswax and wax. The formula instantly holds on to your lashes once applied.

THIRD APPLICATION: There you go, lush looking lashes. As you can see, my everyday look is amped up by the lush lashes. Notice on my right eye, the lashes were relatively long also

FACE: MAC STUDIO FIX POWDER PLUS FOUNDATION NC42

BLUSH: MAC MATTE POWDER BLUSH IN DESERT ROSE

EYEBROWS: EVER BILENA PENCIL EYELINER IN BLACK

AFTER DRYING THE MASCARA, I CURLED IT WITH MY SHU UEMURA EYELASH CURLER. MY LONG BUT SPARSE LASHES BECAME LUSH THEREFORE, ADDING DRAMA TO MY EVERYDAY LOOK

THE VERDICT: IT'S GOOD BUT IT'S NOT REALLY A POTION FOR MY LASHES. IT'S ALMOST AT PAR WITH THE ASTONISHING LENGTHS MASCARA OF AVON. THE DOWN SIDE OF THIS PRODUCT IS, YOU CAN'T USE IT ON YOUR LOWER LASHES SINCE THE LASH WAND IS TOO BIG. WELL YOU COULD, BUT THAT WOULD REQUIRE EXTRA CAREFUL EFFORT SO YOU WON'T RUIN YOUR MAKE- UP. I WOULD BUY THIS AGAIN, DEFINITELY. BUT IF I HAD TONS OF MONEY, I'LL GO BACK TO LANCOME FLEXTENCILS AGAIN. BUT THIS SHOULD DO THE TRICK. AS LONG AS IT ADDS VOLUME AND LENGTH TO MY LASHES! IT'S ALSO A FACTOR THAT THIS MASCARA IS NEW AND IT'S STILL KINDA GUNKY AND WET. MASCARAS ARE BETTER WHEN THEY'RE AT THEIR SEMI- DRYING PHASE WHERE IT BECOMES EASIER TO APPLY AND PER APPLICATION BECOMES EFFECTIVE AND EFFECTIVE SINCE IT HOLDS ON FASTER TO YOUR LASHES AS COMPARED TO THE FIRST TIME YOU USED IT. IT MINIMIZES APPLICATION AND SAVES YOU TIME. I SUGGEST YOU TRY THIS IF YOU NEED VOLUME. AND YEAH, IT DOESN'T SMUDGE SO THAT'S ONE GOOD THING ABOUT THIS MASCARA. :)

THE SWATCH ISSUE

THE TITLE SAYS IT ALL. IT FEATURES ALL THE STUFF IN MY MAKE- UP STASH. I'M A MORENA AND MY SHADE BORDERS FROM NC40-NC42. I HOPE THIS SWATCHING ISSUE WOULD HELP YOU GAUGE IF SOME OF MY STUFF THAT YOU'RE PLANNING TO BUY FITS YOUR COLOR. ENJOY! :)

THE EYESHADOW SWATCHES

MAC PIGMENT (L-R): DARK NIGHT, NAKED, BLUE BROWN AND GOLDEN LEMON

MAC EYESHADOW SINGLE IN GLAMOUR CHECK (BESIDE GOLDEN LEMON)

ELIANTO PALETTE OF 20 (L-R): BLACK, SNOW, SILVER, DARK BROWN, GOLDEN YELLOW, NAVY BLUE, DARK VIOLET, BRONZE, STEEL GRAY, LILAC, FOREST GREEN, ORANGE, KIWI, PURPLE, SKY BLUE, PEARL

THE FOUNDATION SWATCHES

KRYOLAN SUPRA COLOR PALETTE 6'S (L-R): BLACK, 9W, 8W, 6W, 4W, 2W

MAC STUDIOTECH FOUNDATION IN NC45 (BESIDE 2W)

LIPGLOSS SWATCHES

(L-R): LANCOME JUICY POT, WET 'N WILD MEGAGLOSS IN CANDY APPLE, MAC LUSTREGLASS IN BEAUX, THE FACE SHOP SUPER SHINE LIPGLOSS

(BOTTTOM): AVON GLAZEWEAR LIQUID LIPCOLOR IN BERRY WINE

LIPSTICK SWATCHES

(FIRST ROW): MAC LIPSTICKS IN MARRAKESH, DIVA, PROFUSION, MALT

(SECOND ROW): MAC LIPSTICKS IN TWIG, RUSSIAN RED, MAKE UP FOR EVER LACQUERED LIPSTICK IN 203, DIOR ADDICT LIPSTICK IN ROSE SCENARIO

(THIRD ROW): THE FACE SHOP COLOR CARE LIPSTICK IN 301

UPCOMING PRODUCT: AVON SUPERSHOCK MASCARA

Mascara will always be a product that will always be so dear to me. I love how it dramatically enlivens my eyes by instantly adding life to my long but sparse lashes (I'm thinking of buying Mikaela's lash grower serum). I'm always in the search for good mascaras. So far, Lancome and Maybelline is to beat. Since I love cheap thrills, this has led me again to discovering AVON SUPERSHOCK MASCARA. It claims that out of 10, it scales on a 12. I've read that it has a ginormica- like lash wand and is great for adding a whip of volume to your lashes. I got this for 189php only in the May issue of Avon but when June hits the calendar, this goes back to its original price of 499php. Well, let's see if it's worth the 500 bucks! I'll review this when I get my hands on it. :)

TOP 5 LIPSTICKS

LIPSTICKS MAKE YOU LOOK FLAT GORGEOUS IN AN INSTANT AND IS THE NUMBER ONE MAKE- UP PRODUCT IN THE WORLD. THESE TUBES OF HAPPINESS THAT OVERFLOW WITH COLOR INSTANTLY GIVES A DULL FACE A BRIGHT POP OF COLOR. I'M NO LIPSTICK WEARER BUT I LOVE LIPPIES BECAUSE I LIKE HOW IT GIVES CHARACTER TO MY LIPS. I ALSO LOVE WEARING LIPPIES WHEN I'M GOING TO A SPECIAL OCCASSION.

1. MAC- it's what made mac famous. Their lipsticks are highly- pigmented and lasts long in terms of coverage. They also have a buffet of colors so you have tons to choose from
2. THE FACE SHOP- their lippies have great quality at a cheap price. Try their color care lippies for that moisturizing and lavender scented lippies. 301 is a great alternative for the russian red or ruby woo of MAC.
3. DIOR- exquisite packaging, great smell and the color pay- offs are great. The addict line boosts of their metallic lippies that don't look cheap that's why I love their addict line
4. MAKE UP FOR EVER- Highly- pigmented, lasts long. Great smelling too! Their lippies have good- color pay- offs especially the lacquered types. The packaging looks very sophisticated too. A little goes a long way
5.AVON- If you're on for a bargain, Avon lippies are your best bets. they have tons of colors and are moisturizing as well. Make- up artist Ricci Chan swears by Avon as the brand who has the most gorgeous pink- red lippies ever.

TOP 5 MASCARAS

I eat mascara (that's a hyperbole). I love it so much that I always have money to spare to purchase mascara. As a tribute to this instant beautifier that keeps me looking fresh and pretty (:D), i have nominated my top 5 favorite mascara brands.

1. GREAT LASH BY MAYBELLINE- Gives you long and thick lashes that look GREAT. It's uber waterproof and may take time to remove but this has been my steady companion during theatre shows that keeps my eyes from looking like a raccoon therefore, sparing me time from touch- ups and cleaning.
2. LANCOME DIFFICILS/EXTENCILS- Lush lashes. that's what it'll give you. Kinda' pricey but gives you a very visible volumizing effect. I love this product so much because it makes my sparse lashes thicken in a matter of seconds. And above everything else, it looks so natural.
3. AVON ASTONISHING LENGTHS MASCARA- Due to the recession, i went out to search for the cheap but good mascara and I found Avon. Gives you longer and lush lashes and dries fast. It's a better alternative for the now unavailable Great Lash. It's waterproof but washable so for those who'd rather sleep than to remove your lashes with baby oil, this is your best bet.
4. L'OREAL DOUBLE EXTENSION MASCARA- One of the pioneers of the ceramide (white) mascaras. It's a double- edged beauty weapon with the ceramide mascara to give fibers to make your mascaras look thicker, and the finisher, the black mascara to coat the white one. Gives you absolute volume and dramatic eyes.
5. CLINIQUE- Their little mascara tube gives your lashes that instant oomph by adding volume and length. But the sad part is, I don't think it's available locally.

EOTD: DRAMATIC EYES

THE DRAMATIC EYES

Black and brown are the staple colors in creating a dramatic look for the eyes. I personally love these eyeshadow colors because I love how it enhances my eyes. Smoky eye make- up is a reinvention of the vintage 20’s look and I’m such a lover of the era. Not sure what to wear on your next occasion? Then maybe these dramatic eyes will give you tons of ideas.

WHAT I USED TO CREATE THE DRAMATIC EYES LOOK

- Elianto Golden Yellow eyeshadow

- Elianto Black eyeshadow

- Elianto Steel Gray eyeshadow

- The Body Shop black eyeshadow

- MAC Pigment in Dark Night

- MAC eyeshadow in Glamour Check!

FACE: MAC Studio fix powder plus foundation in NC42; MAC Sculpt and Shape powder in Warm light/Definitive

LIPS: MAC satin lipstick in Malt and MAC Lustreglass in Beaux

EYEBROWS: Ever Bilena pencil eyeliner in black

LASHES: Avon Astonishing Lengths Mascara

To balance the overall look, I just used a nude lipstick then applied gloss on top of it. I used a peach colored blush to give the cheeks a hint of glow so as not to clash with the eye make- up. contoured my cheeks using a brown blush to draw the attention to my eyes. This look could give you tons of possibilities! From a red gown, to a high- waisted black skirt and a white tank top, to a brown or golden colored dress and a whole lot more! Now don’t forget your chandelier earrings and you’re off to stun everyone in your occasion!

MEET KARL: MY MAKE- UP KIT

EVERYONE, MEET KARL. MY TRUSTY MAKE- UP STASH FROM MARKWINS. BOUGHT THIS FROM BEAUTY BAR AT A CLEANING SALE FOR 1500PHP. SO I DECIDED TO ADOPT ONE OF THE 15 PCS. IT HAS A KEY TO LOCK IN YOUR BABIES AND IT'S SUPER STURDY. THE CASE IS MADE OF ALUMINUM METAL.

SO WHAT'S INSIDE KARL?

MAC:

Mac amplified creme lipstick in profusion

Mac satin lipstick in malt and twig

Mac matte lipstick in diva and marrakesh

Mac studio fix foundation in nc40 and nc42

Mac mineralize skinfinish natural in deep dark

Mac studio tech foundation in nc45

Mac Matte blush in Raizin and desert rose

Mac sculpt and shape powder in warm light/definitive

Mac lustreglass in beaux

Mac eyeshadow in glamour check!

Mac pigments (3 pots)

DIOR:

Dior addict lipstick in rose scenario

THE FACE SHOP:

The face shop super shine lipgloss

The face shop greatist liquid eyeliner (black)

The face shop color care lipstick in 301

MAKE UP FOR EVER:

MFE Lacquered lipstick in 203

KRYOLAN PROFESSIONAL:

Kryolan supracolor palette 6's (w shade)

Kryolan translucent powder in tl4

MAYBELLINE:

Maybelline great lash mascara black

Volum express (black and brown)

THE BODY SHOP:

The body shop brilliance powder

SHU UEMURA:

Shu Uemura eyelash curler

ELIANTO:

Elianto eyeshadow palette of 20

Elianto foundation brush

SUESH:

Suesh 16-pc. professional brush set

LANCOME:

Juicy gloss pot

KIEHL'S:

Kiehl's tinted lipbalm

EVER BILENA:

Pencil eyeliner (black and brown)

SALLY HANSEN:

Air brush stocking

MISCELLANEOUS:

Constance carrol lip volume treatment

Wet 'n wild lipgloss in candy apple

Bobbi brown eye pencil sharpener

False eyelashes from singapore

PAC loose eyeshadow in gold

SOON TO BE BABIES:

Mac matte lipstick in cyber

Mac satin lipstick in honeymoon

Mac matte lipstick in russian red

Mac pro lipstick in show orchid

Mac eyeshadow in carbon and chrome yellow

Nars blush in orgasm

Kryolan tv paint stick

Kryolan eyeshadow base

2 more mac lipglasses or lustreglasses

:)