HOW TO SPOT MAKE-UP KNOCK OFFS

HOLD THAT BID!!!

So, are you so thrilled to get your hands on a ton of MAC/NARS/LANCOME/ETC. items just because they're uubbeerr cheap? Think again, you might be crying your heart out if these packages land on your hands and you realize that you've wasted money because you have been fooled. You hard- earned moolah has been extracted from you. Lured into thinking that you have bought AUTHENTIC products, that some will claim as FACTORY BOUGHT that's why they're uber cheap or LIMITED EDITION items that's why they look a bit odder than the usual. 

Let us bear in mind that opportunists will try everything to make profit. If you're no expert in spotting fake items, then chances are you might fall in the trap of these people. So here's a lesson on HOW TO SPOT KNOCK- OFFS.

HOW TO SPOT MAC KNOCKOFFS

HOW TO SPOT FAKE PIGMENTS

You should really keep an eye on this one. The fake ones are almost 98% the same with the original MAC pigments so check if the cap is shiny and if the pigments look kinda loose in the jar. 

It is advisable to buy pigments from the MAC store and trusted direct sellers so as not to be victimized by fake pigments. 

THESE ARE FAKE

- MAC pigments are quite pricey and if they're priced below $5, it's probably fake

- Direct sellers usually wholesale these fake pigments

INAYKUPO, WALANG GANITO ANG MAC!

HOW TO SPOT FAKE BRUSHES

MAC brushes are not sold in a set. They are sold individually, unless they offer limited edition sets. And they only come in a black handle with a silver ferrule. The handles are usually matte black, with silver inscriptions of the MAC logo on the wooden handle. The MAC inscription also fades easily during a succession of washes.

THIS IS FAKE

- THIS IS A FAKE MAC SET

- HANDLES AND FERRULES ARE BLACK 

HOW TO SPOT FAKE EYESHADOWS

MAC eyeshadows are repackaged and you could already see that the shade names are printed at the upper right corner of the box flap. The sticker with the shade and other information at the back of the eyeshadow was already rotated to the left.

Usually, MAC eyeshadow label in front of the plastic glass cover that enables you to see the shade has a softer MAC inscription on it with a softer black font color.

Lastly, the case of the eyeshadows are in matte black, and the fake ones are in a shiny black casing.

*ONE IMPORTANT THING, MAC EYESHADOWS DON'T HAVE A SPONGE TIP APPLICATOR IN A CASE COMPARTMENT WITH THE EYESHADOW CASE. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING LIKE THIS, THEN MOST PROBABLY, IT IS FAKE.

THESE ARE FAKE

Dyuskuday, fake na fake ito!

- HAS A COMPARTMENT FOR A MINI SPONGE TIP EYESHADOW APPLICATOR

- CASING IS SHINY

HOW TO SPOT FAKE BLUSHES

MAC blushes come in pots, and the colors usually range from different shade variations of brown and pink only. They also have no brushes included and they don't have a brush compartment, like the fake MAC eyeshadow. 

The characteristics of an authentic MAC eyeshadow can also be used to describe an authentic mac blush.

THESE ARE FAKE

- PACKAGING IS SHINY

- IT PROBABLY HAS A BRUSH COMPARTMENT

- MAC HAS NO UBER ORANGE SHADES LIKE ONE OF THE COLORS IN THE PHOTO AND SOME PINKS ARE NOT EVEN IN THE OFFICIAL SITE OF MAC

Dyuskupo fake na fake ito.

HOW TO SPOT FAKE LIPSTICKS

MAC lipsticks come in a bullet- shaped black tube with silver glimmers, with a matte silver tube that protects and holds the lipstick. It has a MAC inscription on the outer casing, which is in a silver- colored matte font. The inscription in the silver tube is in a black- colored matte font.

Brand new MAC lipsticks come in a small black box with white- colored matte inscriptions on it. The lipsticks have a slanted and pointed tip. MAC lipsticks have a signature vanilla scent and the satin, matte, amplified creme and lustre variants usually look the same on the tube. The difference is seen once you apply it on your lips. Frost variants have glimmer and a metallic shine but not glazed and uber frosted like the fake picture below.

THESE ARE FAKE

HELLO KITTY LIPSTICKS HAVE AROUND 4-5 LIPSTICK COLORS ONLY. THIS HELLO KITTY LINE IS ABSOLUTELY FAKE, AND ARE PRICED AT AROUND 100PHP (PESO EQUIVALENT) EA.

- ROUND TUBE

- SHINY PACKAGING

- UBER FROSTED AND GLAZED LIPSTICK COLORS

HOW TO SPOT FAKE NARS PRODUCTS

HOW TO SPOT FAKE NARS BLUSHES

Nars blushes come in square- sized packages and they include a protective film that shields the powder with the Nars logo. They don't have brush compartments and they also don't include brushes in the case when purchased.

THIS IS FAKE

- NARS BLUSHES DON'T HAVE A NARS ENGRAVING ON THE POWDER. CHECK THE MIRROR OF THE POWDER AND SPOT FOR THE NARS ENGRAVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE POWDER.

THIS IS AN AUTHENTIC NARS BLUSH

Before hitting that bid button on any online shopping site, make sure you take into consideration these things:

- DO A THOROUGH CHECKING OF THE PRODUCT

- IF THE PRICES ARE TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, CHANCES ARE, THE ITEMS ARE FAKE

- MAKE SURE YOU PURCHASE ITEMS FROM AN OFFICIAL SITE OR A TRUSTED DIRECT SELLER

- DO BACKGROUND CHECKS OF THE SELLERS IF YOU'RE GONNA PURCHASE FROM SITES LIKE EBAY, SELLING FORUMS OR IOFFER.

- KEEP IN MIND THE THINGS LISTED HERE

- MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHEN YOUR INSTINCTS TELL YOU OTHERWISE, IT'S BETTER TO TRUST IT. BUT IF THE ITEM KEEPS ON BOTHERING YOU, DO MORE CHECKING THEN IF YOU'RE SATISFIED WITH THE RESULTS, THEN IT'S THE TIME TO PURCHASE.

SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY AND STEER CLEAR FROM ALL THE HASSLE! DON'T BUY KNOCK- OFFS. AUTHENTIC PRODUCTS ARE PRICED IN A WAY FOR A REASON. AND IT'S ALSO HAZARDOUS BECAUSE WE DON'T KNOW THE CHEMICALS THESE OPPORTUNISTS USED TO CREATE THEIR "AUTHENTIC" PRODUCTS!

FAREWELL TO AN ICON OF DEMOCRACY

NANGUNGULILA..

kami para sa isang ina

NAGPAPASALAMAT..

kami para sa pagbabalik mo sa mga Pilipino ng dangal at ng Demokrasya

NAGPUPUGAY..

para sa adhikain ninyo ni Ninoy

"The Filipino is worth dying for."

PRESIDENTE CORAZON AQUINO

MARAMING SALAMAT

PAALAM.

WHAT'S IN MY BAG?

So what's in my bag? As in my everyday bag. I'm a person who gets bored easily so you'd find tons of stuff in my bag to keep me sane and awake. I always bring two bags everyday. One for my laptop, and the other one is my bag. 

Ready? Then let's take a peek inside my crazy bag. :D

Bag is from Charles and Keith. Lovely ain't it? I just hate the fact that it doesn't have a zipper closure. The thing that closes this baby are two magnet locks, that snap off easily if your bag is a bit loaded.

THE DWELLERS:

- BOBBI BROWN MAKE- UP AND TOILETTRIES KIT

- TENEUS NOTEBOOK (THE BIG WHITE ONE) FOR ACTING NOTES AND JOURNALS

- ANTONIO MIRO NOTEBOOK (SMALL ONE WITH COLORFUL BLOCKS) FOR JOTTING DOWN SOME STUFF

- A PACK OF TISSUES

- MESSY BESSY INSECT REPELLANT

- LANVIN ECLAT D' ARPEGE PERFUME

A BOOK

- MY 9 PC. STAEDTLER PEN SET (I LOVE WRITING DOWN STUFF IN MY NOTES)

- A PRAYER BOOK FR ST. ANTHONY

- A TRAVEL BOTTLE OF LOTION (AS OF THE MOMENT, IT'S IN A JAR BRANDED AS CANUS GOAT'S MILK PRODUCTS)

- A SMALL POUCH THAT SHELTERS MY IPOD NANO AND TWO USB MEMORY KEYS

WALLET

- VITAMIN C (THE SHINY SILVER FOIL BETWEEN THE WALLET AND PRAYER BOOK)

NOT IN THE PICTURE:

MY ROSARY BRACELET

CANDIES OR CHEWING GUM

A BOTTLE OF ALCOHOL

SO, WHAT'S INSIDE YOUR BAG LADIES???

:D

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MESSY BESSY ALL- NATURAL INSECT REPELLANT

Here's an initial review on MESSY BESSY ALL- NATURAL INSECT REPELLANT.

PLACE BOUGHT: 

ACT 632 2ND FL., GREENBELT 5, GREENBELT, MAKATI CITY

PRICE: 

120PHP

WEBSITE: 

http://www.messybessy.com

This all- natural insect repellant spray is made of all- natural ingredients such as coconut palm oil- derived emulsifiers, sugarcane alcohol and eucalyptus. Apart from these, there's nothing else so this earth- friendly product is chemical- free so we are sure that the processing of this product did not harm the earth in any way. It's active ingredient, the Andiroba Oil is pressed from the nuts of the Carapa tree, which aids in keeping mosquitoes at bay.

THE VERDICT:

I really hate it when mosquitoes feast on me because I develop nasty reddish bumps (pantal) on my skin that are so visible, which makes me seem as if I have a skin disease of some sort. Worst part is, the bumps vanish in around 2- 3 days, and god, they're so itchy. I would love to slather on some insect repellant lotion to shoo these blood- suckers away but I really don't like the consistency and feel of Off lotion, the most trusted brand for insect repellants. It's in lotion form, and it's really gunky and it disappears into the skin with lots of rubbing, which means extra effort on my part. I don't like how it leaves a sticky and oily feel on my skin, and I hate how the scent of off lotion overpowers my perfume. Another thing that I really hate, whenever a part of my body with off lotion touches my lips, I could taste the nasty tounge- stinging taste of the lotion! It's so terrible, it feels like I tasted poison! Off may have developed a spray lotion but the nasty taste, which I really hate is still in the formula so I was never a fan of insect repellants though I really want to keep mosquitoes away forever!

I had the chance to visit act 632 because I love their store interior and the stuff they're selling. Old world, old school, vintage, art nouveau, and anything and everything classic and sophisticated is sold there! I'd probably be back for the clothes and for the lamps for my room.

Within the bath and body rack, I saw this MESSY BESSY line. I thought for a moment that they sell perfumes, body lotions and shampoos, but turns out that they sell products for the home such as dishwashing liquids, hand washes, diaper box deodorizers, linen sprays, insect repellants, detergents, and a whole lot more. I thought it was internationally- made but to my surprise, this item is Proudly Filipino made. Surprisingly, it also seemed like an imported brand when I saw this on the rack so I could tell that this could be as competitive as those all- natural products made in the USA. 

Why is it a better choice to buy locally- made products such as this? 

Because locally- made products didn't cost tons of oil to ship to our country so we have contributed in our own little way to the lessening of the decline of our Fossil Fuels, which will prove to be a disaster when it continues to worsen in the near future.

I did a test- run of this product. It comes in a milky white liquid form when you spray it on your skin. Best part, it is absorbed quickly by the skin so you don't have to worry about wiping your hands off of the lotion excess. It has a Eucalyptus scent, which is very relaxing and invigorating.

The best part is, it didn't have the nasty taste like off, which makes this product a winner for me.

I also find it a good characteristic that the scent evaporates in a matter of minutes so it doesn't create a conflict with the perfume or lotion you're currently wearing. And it also doesn't feel oily nor gunky once it settles on your skin.

For almost 2 hours, I have kept those blood- suckers at bay, which goes to show that this baby can withstand me for hours. A little spray goes a looong way (just as stated in the bottle). All you have to do is to spread the stuff on your skin.

I'd definitely repurchase this item again. And oh, before I forget, Messy Bessy has a big refill jug of the insect repellant sold in act 632 as well so you can recycle the travel bottle you bought. What a great idea to lessen our environmental foot prints!

For those all- natural and organic products fans out there, this is a must- check item.

 ;D

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: HENRI CALAYAG SIGNATURE BRUSH SET

Here's an in- depth review of the HENRI CALAYAG BRUSH SET.

PLACE BOUGHT: 

HENRI CALAYAG SALON, GREENBELT RESIDENCES, MAKATI CITY (BESIDE NEW WORLD HOTEL)

OTHER LOCATION/S: 

RELIGIOSO BOUTIQUE, GREENBELT 5 MALL, GREENBELT, MAKATI CITY

PRICE: 

1995PHP

It's the signature brush set by Henri Calayag. It comes in a lightweight and semi- shiny black pouch. Inside, there's a small compartment for a few cosmetic items and there are 9 travel- size brushes for the face and eyes. It's one thing I love about this set. It's so light so you wouldn't have to worry about adding weight to your bag. It's also sleek so it could fit almost anywhere in your bag, without consuming too much space.

BRUSH NUMBERS AND DESCRIPTION (LOCATED AT THE BACK OF THE FLAP)

002- EYEBROW BRUSH

003- LIP BRUSH

004- EYELINER/ LIPLINER BRUSH DUO

005- PENCIL POINT BRUSH

006- EYESHADOW BRUSH

007- CONCEALER BRUSH

008- FOUNDATION BRUSH

009 POWDER BRUSH

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

*001- BENT LINER BRUSH

*PURCHASED SEPARATELY

HENRI CALAYAG SIGNATURE BRUSH 9 PC. BRUSH SET

FACE BRUSHES (TOP TO BOTTOM):

CONCEALER BRUSH, POWDER BRUSH, FOUNDATION BRUSH

EYE BRUSHES (TOP TO BOTTOM):

BLENDER BRUSH, SLANTED EYEBROW BRUSH, CONCEALER BRUSH

OTHER BRUSHES (TOP TO BOTTOM):

DOUBLE- ENDED BRUSH (LIP/ EYE LINER BRUSH), BENT EYE LINER BRUSH, PENCIL POINT BRUSH

I was able to purchase the bent liner brush along with the set. Maybe the reason why it can be purchased separately is because it can be sold individually, without having to buy the whole set. The double- ended brush (lipliner and eyeliner brush) is convenient but honestly, I don't see the need for it. I'd rather have a blush brush thankyouverymuch!

It has a wooden handle, with the Henri Calayag logo, brush number (for identification purposes) and the brush ferrule is metal that's painted black. The brush handle doesn't feel heavy at all, which makes this a perfect brush set that you can bring in your bag everyday for a flawless make- up application.

The handles are just right to the grip, which is important in giving you a good grasp of the brush so you'll be able to execute your make- up application with ease.

The hair is made of synthetic fiber, much like the Ellana brush set. The quality of the synthetic bristles are very good because it's almost like real animal hair. It's uber soft and not scratchy at all. One thing that I don't like is that, per brush is not packed with hair that much so some might find the brush size quite thin or small for blending and dispensing. But don't worry, the excellent texture of the hair will help you do blending with ease.

I did the tug test for the brushes to check if the hair is secured nicely in every ferrule. I'm very happy to know that I wasn't able to tug a single hair, which means every hair is secured tightly inside the ferrule.

Closer look at the bigger brushes

Check that the bristles were able to pick up a good amount of powder. Dispensing is relatively good, though it might take time for you to dispense powder on your face because of the thin brush head.

THE VERDICT:

Honestly, the reason why I bought this is because I was in dire need of a travel brush because my Suesh brush set is too big and heavy for everyday. A travel brush set is really on my list but I end up spending the alloted budget on something else. I had the money now so I decided to invest on a set. Honestly, I find this too expensive for a brush set. I could've gone for a Charm Travel set, which is a tad bit cheaper than this Henri Calayag set. But to be fair with this product, it looks really exquisite and quite sophisticated for a travel brush set. That would somehow be a valid reason to shell out 1995php for this brush set. Another thing, I don't see the need for the double- ended brush since it already has a separate eye and lip liner brush. I wish they replace it with a blush brush, which is a common bummer for travel brush sets, they all don't have blush brushes. 

Some might assume that Henri Calayag's brush set is a travel brush set. No, this is not a travel brush set. This is a regular- sized brush set of the Henri Calayag line, which are only in travel- sized proportions. Since I already have a Suesh 16 pc. professional brush set, which is too big and long for everyday, I decided to get small brushes for everyday. 

Lastly, there are too many make- up brushes. I could do with a 5 pc. brush set. A powder brush, blush brush, lipliner brush, eyeshadow brush and an eyeliner brush. Suesh offers a travel brush set at 900php, which made me realize now that I should've gone for it. But Henri Calayag is a good buy. If you just want to buy a brush set for your make- up collection, that aren't too big, this will do you good. But gaaaad, I still find it too expensive. But if you're looking for a travel- sized brush set, I suggest you try Suesh or Charm.

I'M BACK!+A SUNDAY SUMMARY+LBC RANT

Hi guys! Finally, I'm back to my normal academic life and blogging. Honestly, doing theatre will sometimes take away your social life because you do nothing but rehearse, study, eat, and rest. There's hardly time for bumming around because every single day matters. Apart from that, you go to school during the day, and rehearsals run every night so you really can't spend the night doing stuff for tomorrow, especially assignments. Sometimes, I take my studies for granted because of rehearsals.

 Although I still do my academic tasks, I am aware that all were mediocre, because I know I can still do best. But right now, I am sooo happy because I finally have all the time in the world to rest, relax and catch up with my studies because my play is finally over. By the time the next production comes, I'm very prepared and refreshed by then. :)

Our play ended yesterday with a 7pm show then we had a light salu- salo as our cast party before our mentor moves on to his next play and then leaves for the States because he teaches in the Notre Dame university.

Today, I woke up around lunch time because I went home at around 5am. After having lunch, I finally had the chance to get a foot spa and pedicure. My feet felt so refreshed and clean after 2 mos. of not getting a pedicure nor cutting my nails! (It's needed for the play) :D I went to the Henri Calayag salon in Greenbelt Residences to get my foot pampering session. I love the nice ambiance of the salon and the best part is, they offer free wifi. I also bought the Henri Calayag's brush set as one my hauls for this week (I'll review this in the next few posts).

I just have a mild rant about LBC. I was due to ship some items today but unfortunately, there are only a few shipping boutiques located in the glorietta area. I have to travel all the way to glorietta 3 from Greenbelt, which is quite a walk, to ship my stuff. Air21 is located in the ground floor of Rustans and LBC in the basement of Glorietta 3.

I was too tired to cross all the way to Rustans so I settled to ship via LBC. Besides, I have to travel all the way back to Greenbelt for the 6:30 P.M. mass. I shipped two packages bound for Valenzuela City and Las Pinas City. And guess what? my bill is at a whopping 275php. I was so shocked with the price because I thought it would only cost around 70php, like air21 since I'm shipping to NCR destinations only. I asked the clerk guy "BAKIT ANG MAHAL?" Clerk guy replied "YUN NA PO ANG STANDARD RATE EH. ITO PO YUNG BREAK DOWN NG RATES." He then handed me my receipts. I saw that I had to pay for the package insurance, vat, loading fee and tons of fees so the valenzuela package costed 145php and the Las Pinas package costed 130php. I only asked for 70php shipping fee from my two buyers so I had to add around 70php for ea. package. I wouldn't mind paying for a 10php extra charge but 140php is waaay too much. 

I thought LBC  lowered their prices because 3 years ago, I shipped an item from Makati to Pasay and was so shocked to know that the delivery costed me 120php. After having experienced paying an exorbitant amount, I vowed to avoid shipping via LBC as much as possible. But I had no choice today but to ship via LBC. And my golly, they haven't changed.

Oh well, lesson learned. If you want to spend, you really have to exert extra effort in looking for the cheapest choice. I went up the first fl. of Glorietta 3 and stared at the mall entrance and saw the rear entrance of Rustans, where an air21 branch is located. I could've saved 140php if I crossed the street. That can still afford me a grande Iced White Chocolate Mocha w/ non- fat milk from Starbucks!

Btw, my mom, big bro and I ate in La Maison in Greenbelt 5 after hearing mass. It is a fine dining restaurant at the second fl. of gb5. We sat near the window and was glad because we're having a good view of the greenbelt area. We're very famished so we ordered quite a lot. 

After having dinner in greenbelt, we went to ACT 632 (also in gb5) to check the store out. I was so curious about the Messy Bessy home line and got curious with the Messy Bessy Insect Repellant (which will be reviewed in the next few posts). Next, we headed to The Fort High Street because I was going to buy MUFE eyeshadows in #92 and #168. Unluckily, both colors are out of stock but I was glad because the kind and cheerful SA who attended to my aid is so kind to reserve to me the colors I wanted, which will arrive at around the 3rd week of august. 

Btw, they have this limited edition set called THE BEST OF MAKE- UP FOREVER which includes travel sized samples of their HD Primer, Sens'eyes eye make- up remover and regular sizes of the HD Finishing Powder, Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Black and Smoky Lash Mascara in Black. The set costs 3500php and you'll get a 500php discount (forgot the conditions). You have to check it out because I was on the verge of buying the set because I'll be able to try MUFE's best- sellers and they all look so cute in the package! My mom was on the verge of buying the mini mufe make- up train case at 3500php which includes an HD Primer, mini HD Finishing Powder and another freebie which I forgot if you buy the train case. I just told myself, I have to save my money for the eyeshadows and good thing, my mom was able to control herself from buying the train case as well. 

After that, we had coffee in Seattle's Best and went home, only to find out that my favorite guinea pig, Vincent, died. :'(. Rest in peace my sweet piggy.

So there goes my day. How was your Sunday? What were your hauls, adventures and trips? :)

RESTAURANT HOPPING: LA MAISON

My mom, big bro and I ate in La Maison in Greenbelt 5 after hearing mass. It is a fine dining restaurant at the second fl. of gb5. We sat near the window and was glad because we're having a good view of the greenbelt area. We're very famished so we ordered quite a lot. Here's a list of what we ordered:

MOM:

APPLE AND TUNA SALAD

BIG BRO:

FILET MIGNON 250GMS WITH LA MAISON RICE

OYSTER PLATE

ICED TEA

MOI:

FILET MIGNON 250GMS WITH MIXED VEGETABLES

WILD SHITAKE MUSHROOM SOUP

THE VERDICT:

I love steak and was glad because I was able to enjoy my steak meal. It was juicy, yummy and easy to chew. The vegetables were also good and I love the fried potato shoestrings that served as a base for the slab of meat. The only thing that didn't seem right were my asparagus sticks. In the menu, it stated that it will come with bacon strips but when my order came, It was only plain asparagus that served as a garnish atop the steak. But it didn't bother me that much since I'm on a diet and bacon is not part of my diet. If there's one thing worth trying here, it's the Wild Shitake Mushroom Soup. It's cream- based, has a dash of cayenne and topped with croutons. The serving is quite big so one bowl can serve 1- 2 persons. I love that it's loaded with shitake mushrooms! (self- confessed fungi lover :D) 

Place- wise, I like the overall lighting and design of the place. Not too bright, not too dark. The interior is classic, dominated with warm colors such as white, black, brown and dark red. I also appreciate ambiance music but I really hate it when the song that's currently playing has lyrics, which I think is not kinda' right for a fine dining resto. I'd rather have classical or instrumental of popular oldies but goodies songs playing in the background. Worst part is, it's pop- ish and the song is like a christian song of some sort. And another bummer, the volume is kinda' loud. 

Price range: 180- 1500php

I have to admit that this is really and expensive restaurant (and it's a fine dining resto). I'd like to conclude that it's a must- try, but not something to rave about. I wouldn't mind not being able to eat here for 2- 3 mos. Their food is really good, but not stellar. I could settle for Burgoo, which is a cheaper place for steak and grilled food. But hey, if they lower their prices, why not? :D

ARE YOU READY TO GET HUNGRY? THEN SCROLL DOWN.... :P

FREE GARLIC BREAD! :D

WILD SHITAKE SOUP (MUST- TRY)

ICED TEA! :P

APPLE AND TUNA SALAD

OYSTER PLATE

MY STEAK MEAL! :D

OOHH...CAN'T WAIT TO FINISH EVERYTHING! :D

TTFN! (TATA FOR NOW!)

- TIGGER