Have you noticed the changes here? Yahoo! Oh yes, I finally have decided to revamp le space. No, I did not do it on my own as I don't have the talent for it. But I thank God for friends who have awesome talents! Thank you, Deann! Everything is not yet final so please bear with the undergoing revisions once in a while. A whole new MakeUpLove will be launched soon and I hope you are as excited as I am. :)

Let us jump in to the star of this post, shall we?

I know I am not alone on the hunt of a lip product that has the hydrating and moisturizing properties of a lip balm but has the pigmentation of the lipstick. For the longest time, I rely on the trick of applying a balm under a lipstick. It does the work, no doubt. But once the balm wears off and the lipstick starts to dry, the chapping and the peeling of the lips will again commence. Applying the balm on top of the lipstick somehow works but I hate how it alters the color and changes the finish of the lipstick.

Etude House Sugar Tint Balm, as its name implies, marries the properties of a lip balm and a lipstick. So does this product work?
 

Back to work, Monday! Well, not for me as I have these days off from work. Perks of a teacher! Woohoo! But I will be back to burning my a** at work sooner than I can imagine so I must be productive, blogging-wise, on my days off.

Today, I will be sharing with you the newest products from some brands. When I was temporarily out of the blogging world, I was still lucky enough to be sent some products from review and feature. My heart is filled with gratitude! Thank you! Most of these items are already in the roll of the products I am currently using and loving so expect a review soon.

Every month, Etude House Philippines has a set of new releases and product features. For April 2015, the products are one's best bet for summer. There is no need to worry for these products will sure make you look fab on your vacation photos while protecting you from the harmful rays of the sun.


The Sugar Tint Balm (Php348.00) gives color to the lips without the heavy and drying feel of lipstick. The combination of tint and balm moisturizes and softens the lips while giving it a dose of summer vibe.

Sunprise (Php478.00 - Php678.00) is a sunscreen with SPF 50+ packed with anti-aging and antioxidants.

And the product I am most excited about has arrived in our shores! I came across Etude House's video on Beauty Shot face Blur (Php898.00) a few months ago and that made me want to try it. Face Blur claims to be a primer with 3-in-1 effects similar to camera apps -- smoothing, pore-hiding and tone up.


Have you heard of Leaders Cosmetics? Well, I haven't until I received these facial masks a few weeks ago. Leaders makes Korea's best-selling dermatologically-tested masks. I am pretty sure that Korean brands make good, if not the best, facial masks and I cannot be any happier to know that the top-brand of facial masks is already in the Philippines. Here are some of Leaders' best-sellers:

A teatree-based mask which contains organic birch, olive, and hazelnut extracts. The combination of these ingredients heal and soothe damaged skin. The birch extract also exfoliates the skin, while the olive oil extract locks in moisture. The Teatree Relaxing Skin Renewal Mask is recommended for irritated and sensitive skin due to acne.

The ever-changing Philippine weather can really take a toll on the skin, making it dry and tired. Grab an Aloe Soothing Skin Renewal Mask! This soothing mask contains organic aloe leaf extract known for its skin tightening and soothing effects. It also contains cactus extract which supplies lost moisture in the skin.

Mela-Tox Skin Clinic Mask (Php 148.00)

If your skin looks dull and uneven due to stress and environmental factors, then the Mela-Tox Skin Clinic Mask is for you. This special mask contains functional whitening ingredients which brightens and evens out your skin tone. The mask also moisturizes and removes blemishes, leaving your skin more radiant and youthful.

AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask (Php 148.00)

Acne is a common skin care problem, usually accompanied by excessive sebum production, large pores, irritation, and skin redness. The AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask is a good solution to these skin care problems. This mask soothes irritated skin and, at the same time, reduces blemishes and scars.

As part of Maybelline's 100th year, the brand brought back one of their most popular and well-loved mascaras -- the Great Lash Mascara! Achieve fuller lashes with just a few swipe of this mascara. Maybelline makes the best affordable mascara and for sure, the Great Lash is no exception. This is not famous around the world for nothing.


I got this from Sample Room!

The Burt's Bees Radiance Skincare line is no longer new in the market but it is in my skincare stash so it is here. I am so in love with the Burt's Bees Daisy White that I craved in trying out more skincare products from the brand. I am all hopes that this would help in bringing out the radiance in my skin!


You can now purchase your Burt's Bees must-haves online! Just sign up for an account at www.burtsbees.com.ph and start shopping for your favorites without going out of your house!

 

Sample Room never fails to introduce, to me at least, new products in the market. In the recently concluded Sample Room's BBQ Cookout Party Atlas Towels, Nekkid and SAC People were just some of the brands that sponsored the event.

Do you need a towel that dries quick, absorbs water well, and is lightweight? Then Atlas Towels has the answer! It is not an ordinary towel for it is made of revolutionary microfiber material that dries quick, absorbs well and is compact and lightweight! It comes in two sizes: Bath (40cm x 80cm) and Sports (60cm x 120cm).

 

If you are into skincare made from natural ingredients, then you will sure love Nekkid. Nekkid is the brainchild of Sabs of The Makeup Maven, a fellow beauty blogger and a skincare enthusiast. All products of Nekkid are paraben and additive-free making everything safe to use.

SAC People believes that even the smallest habits can create the biggest change to make the world a better place. SAC People creates designer bags that come in variety of shapes and colors, and can carry up to 20kg. Eco-bag need not to look shabby for SAC People bag can do the job in a stylish way. Oh, all bags conveniently fold up to fit our everyday bags!

These are just some of the products I just received. Is there anything that you are most interested about? Comment below for your review requests or anything! :)

I use a facial mask at least once a week and whenever I do, my boyfriend will ask me with all curiosity, "What is that for?" I always try to give him answers he would immediately grasp but apparently, he doesn't seem to get the point of using one. Admit it, there are facial masks that are total waste of money. Good thing, I have a good set of those that really work! 

One of the brand I trust when it comes to facial mask is Etude House. Recently, I got to try their Skin Note Pore Tightening Hydrogel Mask, oh boy, I fell in love. 

Want to know why the Etude House Skin Note Pore Tightening Hydrogel Mask is a hit on my list? Read more!

Not all products I try, use and love make it here on MakeUpLove. As much as I want to share to people the things I like or don't like in a product, I sometimes get too excited on using it that I forget to take pictures before using it. But there are also times that I opt not to take pictures and squeeze my brain juices on a review because the product is, well, blah. Buuuuut, if the product is worth raving, I will try my best to create a post about it or just simply share it to others thru Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or plain conversations.

That is the story of this February and March 2014 Favorites post. Most of these products didn't get their spotlight here on he blog but they made it to my hit list. I'll try to give you the bits on why these products were (still are, actually) well-loved by me for the past 2 months.

Neutrogena Body Oil

This is my already my nth bottle and it is a shame not to rave about it here on my blog. This is the holy grail of my dry skin! This body oil gives my skin moisture that lasts whole day! It smells divine too which lasts for long hours as well. I love it and I don't think the time will come that I will stop loving it. 

Sakura Hand and Nail Cream and Sakura Foot and Heel Lotion

It wasn't an easy connection in between me and this Sakura creams. At first I found them not to be enough for my needs. But after some tries and after learning how they work, love came. I like the foot and heel lotion better than the hand and nail cream just because I haven't found a product in the market that would give love to my feet aside from it.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer + Complete UV Waterlight Lotion SPF 50

Sunblocks are the best anti-aging creams. For the past months, this is my go-to sunblock. It is lightweight and non-greasy. This, I think, is one of the reasons why I look younger than my age. I claim it!

Girl Stuff Nail Polishes in Pretty in Pink and Judy

If I am to describe myself using colors, it would be pink and blue. For the past weeks, I have been interchanging these two colors for my digits. I love that Girl Stuff polishes are free from the Big 3 (Formaldehyde, Toluene, and Dibutylphtalate) and don't make the nails dull and yellow. They dry quick when applied and last about 3-5 days without chipping.

Etude House Easy Brow Pencil

I use about 3-4 products to create my heavily-defined brows and this pencil is what I use to outline the shape of my brows. It is so pigmented that it draws in just one stroke. It stays for long hours too. And to top it all, it is just Php128.00. 

Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm in Rosy Red

This has been my go-to lip product for the past month. It moisturizes my lips like a lip balm and gives color like a lipstick.  Read my review on it HERE.

Pixi Natural Brow Duo

I am totally digging this eyebrow product because of the brow gel end. It tames and keeps my brows in place perfectly. I just wish it is more pigmented that it would color the brow hairs but still, I love it. The brow pencil is okay but not too special. Should I make a review on it?

Colour Collection Ultimate Wear Lipsticks

I am yet to post my review on these lipsticks but as a prelude, here I am raving about it especially the shade Queen Bee. These lipsticks give opaque color in one swipe, stay on for long hours, don't dry the lips and leave a nice stain on the lips. Please stay tuned on the review and the swatches of the shades I have. 

K-Palette Zero Kuma Cover Concealer

I don't know anyone who doesn't love this concealer. Enough said. Read my review on it HERE.

So what are your favorite products for the months of February and March? :)

On times that I don't have much time to do my makeup, I always put the thought "Keep it simple but powerful" in mind. No need to pile up products onto your face for your look to be remarkable. Just focus on one part, make sure that it is powerful enough to leave a statement.

I love eyebrows and 75% of the time, I put the focus of my look on my defined brows. So yeah, in this look, I relied on the edge of the defined brows can give and kept everything toned down.

PRODUCTS USED:

Face

Etude House CC Cream in Glow

K-Palette Zero Kuma Concealer

Maybelline Clear Smooth All-in-One Shine Free Cake Powder

Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink

Eyes

Etude House Easy Brow Pencil in 2 (used to outline the brows)

Pixi Natural Brow Duo (used to fill and set the brows)

Iris Eyeshadow Palette in 601

Avon Super Extend Extreme Mascara

Lips

Artdeco High Couture Lipstick in 265 Cream Spring Fever

I still had eyeshadows on but not dramatic. I just wanted to give my eyes some definition.

Still I wish I could spend more time to play with makeup. I miss doing different kind of looks. But since I am still swimming in pile of work, I think I have to make do of the thought "Keep it simple but powerful".

Ciao for now, loves! :) The greatest week for all of us!

I just realized that I haven't done any favorites posts in the past wherein I talk about the products and things that made to my hit list for the month. With my work taking too much of my time, not all products that I get to try and use make it here on MakeUpLove. Not because those products are not worth sharing but because I don't have time to take and edit photos. Through this monthly favorites posts, I could share with you the products that work on me and tidbits why I like them!

So without further adieu, here are my favorites for the month of January!

If you would notice, skincare products take more than half of my favorites this month. Let us just say that I have seen the difference of putting more time on taking care of my skin as prevention. Don't get me wrong, though, I am and will still be using makeup.

ZA Cosmetics Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream

 This facial cream deserves a separate post! I love it, super! It helps my skin recover from extreme dryness. It hydrates very well and makes my skin look healthy and firm.

Kiko Cosmetics Stop the Blemish Blemish Treatment

I am lucky to not have pimples often. I hate it when I see a zit starting to grow so I make sure to immediate stop it from blossoming. I love this blemish treatment because it works in just 24 hours. Bye, pimples!

Nutox Oxyfusion Skin Refining Toner and Moisture Emulsion

 I love this tandem so much that I will make a separate post just to review them. The spray-type toner works well in prepping the skin. The moisture emulsion is good keeping my skin moisturized throughout the day. It also has sun protection with its SPF 25.

Calchews

Who wouldn't love a vitamin that taste like a caramel candy? Calchews are available at Sample Room!

This has saved my lips from drying and chapping. Oh, the balm that I have is named after me too!  

Purederm Make-up Cleansing Tissues

The picture above is a different variant, sorry. This, I think, is my favorite makeup cleansing wipes. Read my review HERE.

Beyond Care Skin Moisturizing Body Lotion | Gluta-C Intense Whitening Body Lotion

The coldness of the past days made my skin extremely dry so I have to resort to using a good body moisturizer. The firs thing that made me like Beyond Care Skin Moisturizing Body Lotion is its scent. I love it! It is good in making my skin feel soft and moisturized. But the softness it gives last for about 6 hours only which is fine since I don't mind reapplying lotion throughout the day.

The Gluta-C Intense Whitening Body Lotion has been a long-time favorite. Though I am not really after its whitening claims, I love how it protects my skin from the harmful rays of the sun while making it feel smooth and moisturized.

Moringa-O Malunggay Herbal Soap

I have ditched my usual body soap because of this herbal soap. I love that it cleans my skin without making it feel dry. And I love how it smells too!

Etude House (Correct & Care) CC Cream

I just posted my review on this. Read HERE the reasons why I love the EH CC cream. 

Beauty UK Posh Palette in Masquerade from MakeUpHolics

For days I don't know what kind of makeup look to wear, I rely on neutrals. I love how this palette has beautiful neutral eyeshadow shades in mixture of matte, shimmer and satin finishes. They are very pigmented too. This palette, together with 2 other Posh Palettes, is available on MakeUpHolics for only Php550.00.

When I was on my way home last night, I was silently mapping out the things I would do when my feet reach our doorsteps. Print teaching materials, draft posts, edit pictures and make visual aids were just some of it. Most of tasks I need to do by this day involves the use of my laptop. It was well-organized in mind but a horrifying thing happened. When I was all ready to work, my laptop decided to not cooperate. It doesn't want to boot and it stays on the blue/black screen of death. I don't know what to do. I want to cry. I know I need a new laptop but I still don't have budget for it. Huhu! Now, I am using and will be using E's laptop until I get a new one (which will not be soon) or my old one decides to work again (which is way too impossible). Oh well, nothing will happen it I would bury myself in sadness, right? I should get my butt working! Cheer up, Jes!

The CC creams craze started early last year and for some reasons, it was just last year when I joined the bandwagon. I got the Etude House CC Cream in Glow when I attended the Etude Playhouse Princess Academy while the Silky was gifted to me by my cousin's girlfriend. Hi, Grace! With all honesty, I don't know how CC creams work so I needed to research further before actually trying and using one. Never did I know that I have postponed my love story with CC creams when I did that. Good thing, it is not yet too late.

For this review, I will be focusing more on Etude House CC (Correct & Care) Cream in Glow since it was the one I used when these photos were taken.

This will be quick for I am swimming in a pool of workload and school stuff! I just want to share with you the colors on my nail that reminds me that Christmas is just a few weeks away!

Don't you love how sparkly and bright it is? It screams Christmas and I love it! :) I seldom sport glitter nails because I find too hard to remove but the season makes me want to incorporate sparkles and bold colors into my system so there I started with my nails.

The Etude House Bling in the Sea nail polish is the perfect glitter nail polish for me. It my-nails-but-better color with tons of pink and gold glitters and sparkles in different shapes and sizes. It is super easy to apply and dries in about 3 minutes.

Since I wanted to add some more kick into my nails, I did french tips with The Face Shop nail polish in GR506. It's teal color definitely put my nails on a different level. It gives an opaque finish in just one swipe and is touch-dry in just about a minute.  I got mine from A Style Me Pretty for less than Php100! :)

No one is too old to be treated like a princess. That is one of Etude House's goals why they brought Etude Playhouse Princess Academy as a gift to their loyal customers.

The event was held last July 27 and 28, 2013 at SM North The Block Atrium. Honestly, I was planning to skip this event just because it was too far from where I live. Good thing, I had a family affair to attend to at the same day and at the same place so I was able to sneak a few minutes just to make it to the Playhouse.

This cutie-patootie car caught my attention. It was pink and so girly, something I would really want to own. And don't forget those flirty lashes. It's so me!

I brought my cousin, who's here for a vacation, with me. She loves everything, especially the cotton candy and the sweet treats from Tour Les Jour.

There were tons of activities inside where attendees could get prizes. The line was so long in every game, hence, I wasn't able to play. I needed to go back to our family event. I saw the other girls enjoying the games and getting awesome prizes. I feel envious until now, actually.

On the first day, there was a talk about modeling and posing for pictures. I spent the longest time on listening to the talk. I learned a lot from it and I can't wait to apply everything on my next fashion posts. Chos!

I enjoyed every minute I has inside the Etude Playhouse Princess Academy! I can't wait to attend the next playhouse and I'll make sure I participate in all activities!

My dear little one really felt like a princess! I hope she'll be here again on the next Etude House Playhouse event.

I'll be sharing you the newest offerings of Etude House soon! :)

Happy rainy Monday, everyone! You are a princess! :)

Happiest Monday, loves! 

Today is the start of a new school year for me! Though I am no longer a student, the start of the class is totally exciting for me. By the time this is posted, I am at school meeting the precious little ones I'll spend the entire school year with! I love being a teacher! :)

I can still remember how simple I was when I was a college student. I seldom wore makeup. If ever I did, it  just consisted of a lip tint and a blush. Browsing through old pictures made me realize I didn't look that presentable. I didn't even try to hide those undereye circles brought by all-nighter nor defined my sparse eyebrows. If only I knew half of the makeup tricks I know now, I would have looked a thousand times better. Too late to regret on those so let me share to you some makeup products that will sure help you in looking extra good in school.

Just to make things clear, I do not recommend wearing too much makeup in school. I know you don't want all eyes to be on you! We are aiming for a polished look and nothing more than that. :)

BB cream -- BB creams are perfect for school because it moisturizes the skin, gives sun protection and covers minor skin discolorations and blemishes. Just a dab a little more product on the undereye area to conceal the fruit of your sleepless nights! I recommend Purederm 3 in 1 Beauty Magic BB Cream because it gives the right amount of moisture, protection and coverage in a price suitable to the budget of a student.

Pressed powder/Powder foundation -- A little dust of powder on to the face helps keep the oil at bay! If you're lucky enough to have good skin, you can skip BB cream and just go with any pressed powder. It gives the coverage while making the skin looks fresh and matte. Maybelline Clear Smooth All In One Shine Free Cake Powder keeps the skin looking oil-free that lasts for a good 3-4 hours. It is available in a travel-friendly size that is very budget-friendly for only Php 99.00.

Eyebrow pencil/powder/pen -- You can totally skip this, of course, but a little eyebrow definition won't hurt. Well, if I am to be a student again (actually, I will soon) this product is a must-have. In case you want to define the pair that frames your face, make sure you'll be using a foolproof eyebrow product. Retouching is not an option in school since there is only a limited time to do that so stay with a product that lasts the entire day. K-Palette Lasting 2-Way Eyebrow is not the cheapest in the market but I swear by its staying power. It gives a natural-looking brows that stays on for hours!

Tinted lip balm -- Bold lip colors are too striking for school so stay away from those lipsticks. A tinted lip balm will help in treating the dryness of the lips while giving the right amount of tint on it. Etude House Sweet Recipe Candy Stick in Seedless Strawberry Candy is perfect for everyday use. It gives a pink tint on the lips that lasts for about 5 hours. It is pretty good in keeping the lips smooth and supple too. Can I just add that it's too cute to tote around?

Blush -- A little flush on the cheeks will make you look fresh and light. I said little, so use a color that looks natural. Etude House Sweet Recipe All Over Color in RD301 Raspberry Mousse Cake gives a very natural flush in a few dots. It stays on pretty well on the cheeks too despite the humid temperature.

Facial mist -- Totally optional but I suggest to keep one in your bag. A few sprays will hydrate the skin and make it look fresh and awaken. This will also keep you awake on those boring classes. Hehe! Celeteque Hydrolyzed Moisturizing Mist gives the skin the dose of moisture it needs in a just a few sprays. It is very affordable too!

Here is a look you can sport everyday in school. Excuse the brows, though. I know you know how much I want to have that definition. 

The products mentioned above are just my recommendations. Feel free to use any products you want that can give the same results. 

Again, you don't need that much to look good. Use makeup as a tool to make you look extra beautiful and not as a shield that covers the real you. After all, what matters in school is your performance. The way you look is just a cream on the top. :)

Do/Did you wear makeup in school? Share some of your school makeup must-haves!

Happy Monday! Since we are already on the start of a new school year, I decided to do a makeup look that can be worn on a school day...NOT. This look is totally not appropriate for school unless you want all eyes to be on you. Well, all eyes were on me when I wore this out one random day of errands. 

As I was doing my makeup one day, I decided to go all the way with colors. I love how the different shades of green add a hint of fun to my makeup that day. I got a lot of what-is-wrong-with-you kind of stares from people but I didn't care that much since I was pretty sure that they were looking at me just because my makeup was way too beautiful though unusual. Confidence at its finest! Haha!

It looks weird but it looks fun, right? Please say yes! If you want to know how easy it is to do, keep reading! :)

Here is a sample of the look I do every.single.day, except on days I have extra time to put on more colors on my face. The defined eyebrows will always be there, what differs is the color I put on my lips. For this look, I tried achieving ombre lips but the camera didn't give justice to the color I used. And since I had extra minutes to spare that time, I managed to apply a bb cream all-over my face and a concealer on my undereye circles.

It is super simple, I tell you, but the glam it gives is way too awesome. I like putting my hair up to accentuate my features (Hi, cheekboones and jawlines!) and to put this simple look forward. 

This look pairs up with any outfit too. May it be a summer dress or an evening gown, this look will not fail you. No need to change makeup looks in case you have a party to attend at night. Just line your  eyes with your blackest eyeliner and apply a generous amount of mascara, and you're good to be the night's queen.

PRODUCTS USED:

Face

K-Palette Zero Tema BB Cream in Natural Beige

K-Palette Zero Kuma Cover Concealer in 01

Eyes

Etude House Easy Brow Pencil in 2

Pinkies Collection Eyebrow Cake in EBC-02

Lips

NYX Lipliner Pencil in 834 Pruner (outer)

Colour Collection Lipliner in Rose (inner)

Etude House Sweet Recipe Candy Stick in Seedless Strawberry Candy (used on top)

I hope I didn't bore you with my simple everyday look. Please bear with me as I need more time to try out the products I am currently using before I give my thoughts about it. Oh, I have also some makeup looks and tutorials lined up. Please stay tuned! :)

I want to see you everyday look! Please post the link or the picture on the comment section below! :)

I have used a couple of lip balms in the past but though I liked the one from Maybelline, I didn't find myself repurchasing. But I think the story will be different with the Etude House Sweet Recipe Candy Stick. For over a month now, I am using and totally loving it!

Out of the 3 shades available, I got the Seedless Strawberry Candy. It is strawberry and it is pink so expect a pink tint on your lips. 

Just like the other products in the Sweet Recipe collection, the Candy Stick comes in a dessert inspired packaging. A candy cane to be exact with the curved part being the cap of the balm. The entire tube is about 4 inches tall and the retractable end takes an inch of that. The product inside is about 1.5 inch, just about the same size of other lip balms.

The pink tint doesn't show on my not-so-fair skin so I didn't bother to take photos of the swatch I did. Good think my lips are not that dark and this balm gives my lips a bright pink tint.

What I LIKE:

What I DON'T LIKE:

• The tube I got doesn't retract the product all the way down. I have to push the balm down to make sure it won't get damaged by the cap.

Hello, ombre!