Monthly Favorites | February 2017

Can you believe that it's already the 3rd month of the year? Man, and I thought 2016 was fast. It has been awhile since I've done a favorites and it's because I was going through products left and right and testing out almost everything that I could get my hands on. Now that I've gathered some products that I'm pretty sure I'll be repurchasing and will be using religiously, I'll be showing it to you guys just incase you're interested as well.

Just a little disclaimer, some of the products that I have here are some of what I've mentioned before along with some other items that I used for awhile. I'm just going to include the items that I loved and used religiously last February. Also, I am in no way sponsored by any brands mentioned in this post.

• BENCH / paintbox Brow Lasting Eyebrow Mascara

PHP 89 (Original Price PHP 139) from BENCH/ at SM Megamall 

I bought this eyebrow mascara last January while I was going to buy my favorite mascara from the same line. I haven't used this since last February because I was still trying to empty out my previous eyebrow mascara that I have used for as long as I can remember. I got this on sale, which was PHP 50 off from its regular price. I didn't have any expectations on this product since it was kind of cheap and I think that it would be worth the try. After using this eyebrow mascara for the first time, I instantly fell inlove with it. The color didn't look tacky, it helped my eyebrows look a little more full and it definitely stayed on my brows for awhile. 

• BENCH / paintbox Gel Shine Nail Polish in Warm Clay

PHP 69 from BENCH/ at SM Megamall

I remember that I posted somewhere raving about Bench paintbox nail polishes saying that they make really good quality polishes. Seriously, they could be comparable to the high end, well-known brands that most of us probably couldn't afford to buy. I first tried out the champagne shade of the Gel shine line from this brand and loved it. Champagne became my go-to nail polish so, I decided to try out this new shade. The thing that I like about this nail polish is that, the color payoff doesn't look harsh, it isn't too vibrant and it isn't too bright. I'm not sure how else to describe the color other than it looks like a "frosted" or "muted" or it's like when you use the VSCO app and press the "Fade" option. Other than the color, it does look like a Gel nail polish rather than a normal polish. This nail polish even beats the lasting power of a normal polish as well. 

• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in London

PHP 390 from NYX at SM Megamall

These soft matte lip creams from NYX has always been a favorite of mine (it was one of the products that I've reviewed first on this blog). I think the thing that I love about these is that, there's a huge color or shade selection that you'll definitely find something that would suit your interest or what you see as something that would look good on you. For more of my review of this product, click here.  

Anyway, London is the shade I have been obsessively wearing almost every other day when I have to go out of the house. It is that simple nude type of shade that isn't too natural looking, isn't too pale or grayish, it has a hint of orange into it that I think suits my skin color and the look that I was going for. 

• Cathy Doll Aloe Vera & Snail Serum Soothing Gel

PHP 199 from Robinsons Department Store at Robinsons Antipolo

Of course, you will see some products of the brand that I'm currently obsessing on which is Cathy Doll. You could see some of my other picks from this brand right here.  

This Serum has been a life saver for the past month. I was going through a dry skin phase in some parts of my face. This is one of the moisturizers that doesn't break me out and the stickiness of it only lasts a few minutes until it sets into my skin and makes it feel smoother and of course, moisturized.

• Cathy Doll Eyelash Curler

PHP 179 from Robinsons Department Store at Robinsons Antipolo

Okay, I get it, eyelash curlers are so easy to find almost everywhere. But here is my take on it, I have bought eyelash curlers that are cheaper than this one and I always witness some of my eyelashes falling out after trying to curl it using the curler. Now, I'm pretty sure that I wasn't pressing too hard nor was I pulling on my lashes. I just don't know why. I decided to buy this eyelash curler because I lost the extra one that I had (I always have to have something extra for whatever reason because it bothers me if I don't, yeap, idk too). I love that whenever I use this, I don't experience any of my eyelashes falling out and I don't have to press on my lashes over and over again using this curler because once is enough for my lashes to curl. I also noticed that my lashes lasts longer throughout the day / night even without the use of a mascara. If you're wondering, I tried to curl my lashes before I went to bed and I woke up with my lashes looking like how I did them the night before. 

• Dear Darling Tint 05

PHP 99 from 2358 at Sta. Lucia

I bought this around October last year at the 2358 store and have been using it ever since. To see more of what I got around that time, click here. Last month however, I was just obsessed with it that it actually became a necessity whenever I do my makeup, whether it'll be a full face of makeup or just a natural simple look. 

What makes me love this product so much is that it's easy to apply on my cheeks and lips, it blends easily and doesn't leave those lines on your cheeks where you first placed them before spreading it out. The color isn't that pigmented which is fine for me because it means I wouldn't have to worry about putting way too much and could build my way into a color that I'm comfortable in. For the lips, I have experienced some lip tints just sinking into the lines of my lips or some dry parts of my lips which just looks horrible. This however doesn't make my lips look dry and the color doesn't fade easily, which is what most of us would want in a lip and cheek tint. I almost emptied this one out so for sure I'll be buying another one to two when I pass by Sta. Lucia again.

• Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

PHP 249 from Robinsons Department Store at Robinsons Antipolo

Micellar water has made its way into the beauty community recently and it just makes every beauty junkie want to get their hands on it. It made everybody curious on how "water" could easily remove makeup, especially eye and lip makeup easier than a makeup wipe. Well, to be honest with you, idk the scientific explanation for it. I only know that when I tried this, it just removed all of my makeup quickly and easily. I could say that this ain't cheap though, but at the same time you wouldn't really need to use a whole lot whenever you remove a day's makeup. I think its just a good option to have if you are just tired of trying to wipe that eye makeup off and having to purchase a separate one than your makeup wipes that would do the job. 

Disclosure: I am in no way sponsored by any of the brands / companies mentioned in this post. All opinions / statements made are based off of my own experience towards the products.

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Monthly Favorites | October 2016

This month has been an emotional roller coaster ride for me that it felt like this month just flew by but not in a good way. I kinda wish I did more of my time but hey, I'm glad I realized that and its time to actually do something productive.

With all the stress and events happening, I clung to just limited items this month that I know would not let me down especially when I have little to no time to actually pay much attention to how I look or what I need, basically what I would call my "go-to kit".

• Unicorn Powerbank

This cute little thing has been my best friend for the past couple of months. I purchased this back in June and I had no problems with using it. It's easy to carry around which is useful especially at times when I'm out of the house.

• Dear Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream

This has been sent to me awhile ago, going to be a year now in just a few months. I've been loving using this for when I just need to head somewhere that won't exactly need that "made up" look. It looks like it's my skin but better. I'm just obsessed with using it. I also made a review about this product so if you want to check that out, click here.

• Sleek Matte Me Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream in Birthday Suit

If you're a beauty junkie like me, you would know that this liquid lipstick is definitely a must-have. Everybody says that the quality is amazing and it's perfect for an everyday lipstick which I could definitely say is true.

• Daiso 5 in 1 Beauty Care Massager

If you've read about my 6 Daiso favorites, then you would know that this is one of them! I use this mainly for when I need to massage my face and for cleansing my face. It just makes it a whole lot easier and makes my skin feel amazing.

• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in London

This is one of my most natural looking liquid lipstick that I use almost on a daily basis. Though it doesn't last very long especially when I eat, it's easy to reapply and gives that smooth finish to your lips. If you want to read about my review for the other colors that I got, click here.

• Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick in Mauvey

My 3rd favorite lipstick that I've been wearing for months now is this Ever Bilena lipstick. I feel that it just suits every look I want to have. It's pink but not too pink. Really simple that suits whether your going for a day at work or a fun night out.

• Innocence by: Kathleen Tessaro 

This has become one of my favorite books of all time. Maybe because I could relate to some of the events that has happened in the story. Basically, it's about a girl named Evie who has this dream of becoming an actress so, she leaves her hometown to go to London to study drama. Evie experienced a new way of life, learning a lot of things she hasn't experienced before. Then, life just happened and everything for Evie changed. She became a mother who is teaching night time drama classes. Her old friend died but haunts her with the past she tried to forget. With that, everything was about to change again.

That's pretty much my favorites for this month. Let me know what else would you guys recommend me to try or if you tried out any of the products that I mentioned and what were your experiences with it? Leave a comment below and I'll respond when I can.

What were your favorites this month?

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Best Of 2015 || Beauty Products

So instead of me doing a monthly favorites this month, I thought that I would do my best or mostly used products for this whole year and I really picked out the ones that I think everybody else should try out.

• Stila all day liquid lipstick in Patina

I have been wearing this shade whenever I see myself wear a plain tee or just anything ordinary since it does make a bold statement even if I had minimal to no makeup on. Click here for the price and review. 

• Stila all day waterprood liquid eyeliner

This would have to be my all time favorite eyeliner because of how opaque the product is and how easy it is for me to play around with how I put it around my eye. Click here for the price and review. 

• LOL (lots of love) bronzing powder

A very subtle bronzer that is good for an everyday wear. It stays in tact for awhile and easily buildable if you want more of an effect to your look. Click here for the price and review.

• NYX soft matte lip cream in Abu Dhabi

A super simple shade that is quite similar to the natural lip color. I like to call this my "when in doubt" product because of how natural the finish is to the lip and it's matte. Click here for the price and review.

• Benefit roller lash

Works as a eye curler + mascara. Most beneficial for those who are on-the-go. Read more about that here.

• Lush daddy-o Purple shampoo

Used this ever since I started bleaching my hair to avoid having brassiness and it worked like a charm. The scent is not too strong but very subtle to the nose and it lasts the whole day on my hair.

• Chic "Gypsetter" from the boho chic! collection

A periwinkle blue nail polish. Super cute that for me is perfect for all occassions. 

• Silky girl moisture rich lipstick in Sensual

If you are looking for a cheap but good quality lipstick, then this collection is for you. More details here.

• Chromastix Hair chalk intense

I used this last Halloween and loved it! If I wanted a temporary hue to my hair, I'll definitely reach for this because of how amazing it looks. And, it's pretty cheap too. More about this here.

• Nichido Tru Lashes Eyelash Adhesive

It may look small but it definitely does it's job. I admit that I don't often wear fake eyelashes and when I do, I find myself struggling at the middle of the day to keep it in my eye due to bad quality glue. This however helped my lashes to stay intact throughout the day. 

• Real Natura Organics Soft Matte Lip Gem in Caramel Glaze

A nude lipstick that is perfect for an everyday wear plus, the brand promotes all organic (cruelty-free babes!). Check out more of this here.

• Mac Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy

I have been hunting this lipstick down for the whole year and finally got it this month. I love it! I finally get why it's always sold out because of how amazing the quality and lasting power is. I will be posting a more elaborate review on this in January so stay tuned for that.

• Rucy's Vanity Mascara in Black

I mentioned above that Roller lash from Benefit is indeed one of the top mascaras this year for me but due to it's fast expiration (mascaras tend to only last for 2-3 months max) and it's price, it did break my heart to stop using it. This mascara however is really cheap and does almost exactly the same job as the roller lash. The packaging is very sleek and professional and the wand prevents the mascara from plumping. To know more, click here.

• Virgin Coconut Oil

I just started using VCO on myself this year and all I could say is, why haven't I used this sooner? It's a miracle product all on it's own due to having so much benefits just by using it everyday or when you need it. The brand actually doesn't matter since they are all made from the same ingredients and they are natural. A little spoiler, I will be posting a "why I love virgin coconut oil" here on my blog around January so keep an eye out for that one. 

What were your favorites this year?

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Disclosure: I am in no way sponsored by any of the brands I've mentioned. All statements were based on my own experience. 

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What's In My Makeup Bag?

Although I may have a huge wish list on the makeup that I wanna try, I have a set from my collection that I used quite often. It does change from time to time when I wanna change up my look but these have always been a must for my everyday makeup.

So I use Benefit's Stay Flawless 15-hour Primer all over the places that need prepping and then I take my Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation in the color "I'm so money honey" and put it all over my face. Next I use Benefit's Fake Up Concealer in the shade 02 Medium to hide my dark spots, blemishes or under my eyes. I set them using my Benefit's Hello Flawless powder in the shade "I'm cute as a bunny honey".

Before I start doing all of the over makeup, I put on my Classic Cherry Chapstick so that my lips would be moisturized enough when it's time to put lipstick. And then I fill in my eyebrows using my Drawing Eye Brow in the color #2 from Etude House. Doing my eyebrows takes up most of my time and when I'm satisfied, I apply my Color My brows in the color #2 from Etude House to set and also lighten the color of my brows to match my hair color. Next is I will be using my BYS Eyeliner Pencil in the color 31 Sky Blue for my water line just to bring out my natural dark brown eyes color. Lastly for the eyes I use my Roller Lash By: Benefit and yes, I don't need to use an eyelash curler 1 is because my mascara does the job of lifting it up and I don't really like carrying an eyelash curler. So I do love this mascara alot.

Lastly, I have 2 lipsticks in my makeup bag that I carry everyday, and they are the Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in the color Abu Dhabi and Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in 03 Patina. I use them both depending on what color I feel like rocking that day. So I apply which one that I would like and done! Most of these guys are travel size so I don't really have a problem carrying this little kit wherever I go and is pretty much a life saver when I have to go to some event unexpected.

So those are all the products that are on my makeup bag and do tell me, Are any of these products are in your makeup bag too? Or what are some things that are in your makeup bag? I'm really thinking of changing or building a new makeup bag so do leave some suggestions below!

Thanks for reading! Until the next blog.

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Current Wish List 2015

Alright, So I have been window shopping quite a lot these days and I tried to narrow down all the products into 5 of my most wanted at the moment. I always have these wish lists on my phone so whenever I visit a beauty store I could look at my phone and see what product I wanted. That way, I won't get overwhelmed and buying stuff that I don't really need. So here is my wish list! Take note I am posting the price of it in dollar and Philippine peso.

1. ORLY Matte Top Coat.($10) Here, this costs P449.75 which is $9.96.I am inlove with matte anything and I had my flormar matte polishes but they only release so few colors and I already have 3 of them. So when I saw this I was so tempted to get it but when I went to the mall I totally spaced and forgot that I needed this in my life. Well I guess I know what I'm gonna get the next time I head out.

2. Benefit Porefessional ($31) Here it costs P1,700 which is $37.64. I have heard good reviews about this product and almost everyone has it. I'm actually a bit confused on which to get.. the smashbox photo finish pore minimizing primer ($39) or this one. But since I think that this one is a bit more cheaper then I guess I would give this one a try first.

3. Benefit Hoola Bronzer ($28) Here in the Philippines it costs P1,600 which is $35.43. Okay, so I am probably the only person who has not tried this product out yet. Again, so many people have been using this and little old me keeps buying other products rather than this one and this has been on my wish list for so long so I now I'm pretty sure I really do need it. 

4. No Drought Dry Shampoo by: Lush ($13.95) Here it costs P575 which is $12.73. I am a fan of 2nd - 3rd day hair but have never applied or used any dry shampoo in my life. When I asked some of my friends on what brand should I try, they recommended me to get this one. They say that it doesn't leave some white stuff on your hair and it smells okay. I now probably know that this is really an awesome product by the fact that whenever I keep visiting the lush store near me, it is always sold out. So if I ever see this I will get it with no questions asked.

5. NYX Micro Brow Pencil ($10 or P451.60). They say that this product could be a dupe for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($21 or P948.35) which is not actually unattainable in my current country but it seems to be everybody's favorite eyebrow pencil. So when I heard that NYX released a product that is quite similar to this, I just know I had to get it because I always end up with the crappiest eyebrow pencils ever. But sadly, this product hasn't been released in the Philippines yet too. So I am still waiting and very excited about it. 

So tell me, what is on your wish list? Do we have some of the same stuff or have you guys tried these out already? Leave a comment below if you did or if you wanna suggest me some other products as well. 

Until the next blog!

♥Joyce

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Review: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

Aloha lovely, I am here again to review 2 of my NYX soft matte lip cream colors on how do they look, feel and does it apply well on my lips. Anyway, before I bought these two I actually went online to read reviews about them. The ones that have tried this have split in half so let's see which side I'm gonna be on.

The colors that I currently have as of today are "Istanbul" and "Abu Dhabi". I actually purchased Istanbul first because before that, I purchased a Matte lipstick from NYX also. It was in the color Butter Beurre. Although, I liked that one, my mother told me I should go lighter next time since she thinks I'm too young to experiment with those darker colors. So I took her advice and when I tried the Istanbul, at first I was abit skeptical about it since it looked abit too strong so I told the saleslady that was assisting me that I'll be back and see how it is while I'm going about. I actually love how it looked throughout the day and decided to purchase it when I came back. I purchased the Abu Dhabi next when I visited their shop because I wanted the nude look and I never really tried that color on me on any other brands too.

Item Description: Neither lipstick nor lip gloss, this matte lip cream is a new kind of lip color that goes on silky smooth and sets to a matte finish. Soft matte lip cream is surprisingly durable and, unlike some matte lipstick formulas, also moisturizing.

Price: I lost the receipt but I think that the price is P390 and I bought mine at SM Megamall.

What I think of this product?:

I love the colors. You might think that the Istanbul color may be abit too strong but when you want to wear minimal makeup but still stand out, then this color is great. For Abu Dhabi, I like this one too but I guess its not really the color I was looking for. It looked great when I was testing it, but after a few days of wearing this, I wanted something abit more lighter or "nude-r". 

Swatching it on my hands, you could see that with only 1 stroke of each, the color is very opaque / pigmented and I do only need to apply 1 coating on my lips. 

Abu Dhabi

Istanbul

About the texture of it, this is what I'm not a fan of actually, since it does dry out my lips (especially visible on the Istanbul color) and leave out some lines on the lips too. What I did do is apply a little more lip balm before I apply this, and be sure that the lipbalm I use is colorless because I did try my cherry chapstick before this and the color wasn't that good. 

Using the Abu Dhabi color.

For how long does it stay, or how fast it comes off, when I eat, it does fade a little bit but the color is still there. But of course, having dry lips it does leave patches. If I wanted to reapply, then I would have to clean up my lips first and do the lip balm first step. But if I was just walking around, doing some grocery shopping or shopping in general, its pretty good. It lasts quite long with just the color fading abit.

Will I repurchase? Honestly, I think I just wanna finish these two off and try some other products. I don't think matte is for me until I get my lips hydrated or get it "un-chapped". I think this will be good for those who don't have chapped lips and who loves matte finish.

Using the Istanbul color.

That's all for this review guys and hope that this has helped you for your insights on this product.

Do +1 or comment about your experience and what color you tried out or suggest me products that you think is the same but may be better. 

Thanks for the read, until the next blog 

♥

Joyce

Ps: I'm sorry, my camera just doesn't do justice for the colors. 

Wanna see the products I emptied out this month? Click HERE

Or do you wanna know a little skin care, a.k.a. mask that I use and reviewed about? Click HERE

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