Marionnaud Make-up Brushes

I first caught a glimpse of these brushes when I was in Cebu, Philippines for a Summer get-away. My beloved and I were strolling around SM City when we decided to get inside Watson's Store to purchase for some toiletries. I was busy looking at stuffs around that when the brushes displayed caught my eyesight, I hurriedly went to the area and felt like I've received a gift I had been truly wishing for ages. Yes, this is exactly what I felt. No exaggeration whatsoever. I've been planning to purchase make-up brushes since time immemorial but to  no luck. I've been looking on websites and shops but they're either too expensive or they just didn't suit my taste and needs. I'm just so glad that I and this Marionnaud brushes crossed path. I fell in love with it instantly that I bought the angled blush brush and the foundation brush right there and then. The angled blush brush is less than 200 pesos while the foundation brush is a lot cheaper. At first, I thought these might be brushes that are sold in Marionnaud store that sells high end make-up brands and other fashion stuffs but the prices of the brushes made me think otherwise. Nonetheless, I still bought it since I believe that they're still of good quality at an inexpensive price. I can't wait to try them out so I asked beloved that we go home even if it was still early just so I can road test my new purchases. By the way, the bristles are all synthetic.
                                           
                                         Here's a photo of the N32 Angled Blush Brush:

 I've been using this brush for a few months now and I can say that I'm so in love with it. I bring this with me often anywhere I go. It can give a good contour of the cheeks without making too much effort. It's very easy to use and manipulate. The whole look of the brush looks pretty expensive. Exactly what I've wanted for my brushes. Cheap yet expensive looking. By the way, I've washed this brush a couple of times already but I can't believe it still looks the same the first time I bought it. No stray strand anywhere and all the bristles are still intact. Very durable then I can say.This is my favorite brush from the bunch.

Now, let me talk about the foundation brush. Actually, I was kind of disappointed with it. I had a good expectation at first but it failed to impress me. I had a hard time blending my foundation with it and it takes a little extra time and effort to finish prepping up the face. Not advisable for women who are always in a hurry. Plus, the foundation product settles into the bristles that even if I've washed it a couple of times already, there are still remnants and white streaks of the products that I've used. The bristles are really stiff. Sadly, I've stopped using this brush since then. 
                                           
                                    Here's a photo of Marionnaud's N33 Foundation Brush:

A closer look of the synthetic bristles.

Upon returning back home, I had a chance to visit Watson's Store again so I didn't pass up the opportunity to buy more Marionnaud brushes. This time, I purchased the N35 Eyeshadow Brush at 69 php ($1.50) and the N38 Eyeliner brush with spoolie for 59 php (around $1.25).

                                                          The N35 Eyeshadow Brush

Personally speaking,  I like this brush because at a rather cheap price it can do what is expected of an eyeshadow brush to do. I use this for blending eyeshadows and can actually get good blending results with it. The bristles are not too weak nor too soft either. Just the right quality. Again, this is another personal favorite.

                              The N38 Slanted Eyeline and Eyebrows Double Side Brush

Now we have the the N38 Slanted Eyeleine and Eyebrows Brush. I must say that this brush is another personal favorite and really useful for me. I like the eyeliner brush tip so much but I don't usually use it to outline my eyes since I'm using felt-tip and liquid liners . Instead, I prefer using it to contour and give emphasis to my eyebrows. I am loving how it can give a definite and precise shape to your eyebrows. I then use the spoolie to comb stray hairs. Again, this brush is a winner.

As you can see, there are noticeable stray bristles already, as I use and wash this brush often. But, I still get good results when contouring my eyebrows and sometimes using it as an eyeliner brush. The brush is not stiff nor hard. It is soft and I can say that it'll never irritate your eyelids.

So there you go ladies.... I can say that I'm loving the Marionnaud brushes so much and I can see myself using them for quite a time until I found another good brand to replace it. By the way, there are a lot more Marionnaud brushes out there and I might as well purchase them. I saw that they have a large powder brush, concealer brush, a retractable brush that you can carry anywhere because it fits the pocket just right and a felt-tip shaped eyeshadow brush perfect for contouring the eye lid and crease. I can't wait to visit Watson's again and get them. That's all for now ladies. I hope this blog helped you in any way or another. Remember, what is good and suitable for me may not be the same with you and vice-versa. Good Day Everyone. Until next post! =)

My Captures on a rather Boring Day

Two days ago, I just stayed at home and did nothing the whole day. I felt that boredom was already sinking in so later that day, I found a good way to amuse myself. I got out of my bed, stretched my lazy muscles a  little, fished my camera outta my bag and started snapping macro photos of everything that I thought worthy of my cam's memory space. At first, I just took photos of stuffs that caught my interest inside the house but then I suddenly realized that I had to go out, explore the neighborhood and find more good subjects. Here are the macro shots I took that boring afternoon. Enjoy viewing guys! =)

 

Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Instant Skin Perfecting Cream (BB Cream)

BB Cream (Blemish Balm) have been mushrooming rapidly in the cosmetics industry all over the world that even my country, the Philippines, was not spared of the craze that almost all Filipina ladies are going gaga over it. Originally, this product was first introduced and marketed in Germany primarily intended as an after treatment management for patients who underwent post-laser surgeries. Many have seen the benefits and was then popular in Asia specifically in South Korea. Later on, it was also embraced by all parts of Europe and America.

Maybelline's BB cream was the first BB cream I've road tested.  I got this from Watson's store in SM for 249 php, almost 4-5 US dollars if converted. Upon having a glimpse of it at the shelf section, I was attracted with it's packaging (I'm sorry I wasn't able to take a photo of it because I stashed it out since I was pretty much excited use the product immediately.) It was neat and well-packed.  I got intrigued and read on to the product claims. It promised to brighten up the skin, evens skin tone, moisturizes, covers imperfections, protects it against sun rays and has a sun protection factor of 26/PA plus. This BB cream is a moisturizer, sunblock, make-up primer, and even a foundation merged into one product. 

I've used this for 4 days and I guess I'm ready to give a feedback or review on it even in a short span of usage time. 


THE GOOD:
            It has a light consistency and blends well on my skin. This comes in one shade only but I'm lucky that it matched with my skintone well. It doesn't feel heavy nor greasy on the face. The product is easily absorbed by the skin. The price is kinda cheap as compared to other BB creams in the market. It comes in a nice tube, one little press can give you a good amount of the product. You just have to blend it well on your face. When I was using this, I skipped my sunblock since the BB cream has SPF already but a lot lower as compared to the sunblock I'm frequently using. It created a beautiful finish on my skin and made it looked bright and vibrant. I topped it with my mineral foundation and mineral powder finish. The effect: I had a dewy, bright and natural look.


THE BAD:
          First off is the shade available. It is universal (light) so women who have caramel-colored skin (especially Asians) would not appreciate this product. It would make them look ghostly or ashen, plus it wouldn't match their neck skin color. I hope Maybelline can innovate and do something to address this issue. Second, in my personal opinion, this product is not meant for women who have combination/acne prone/oily skin. When I used it, it was pretty ok for a few hours but after a while, it made my face looked too oily that you can cook a fried egg on it. No exaggeration here. *sigh*. I had to take out my blotting paper to refreshen up my face. This is what I did almost all of the time when I was using the product and it pissed me off. Third, it gave me a bad break-out on my 4th day of usage. I developed zits on my cheek and chin area. I wouldn't mind if it were just tiny bumps but mine was big and cystic. It must have been the too much oil production. So if you have dry to normal skin then this product is for you. 


FINAL THOUGHTS:
             I definitely like the thought that Maybelline created such product innovation that can compete in the market but they should have done better research and thorough road-testing before they've decided to launch this product. It would be better to add more shades and specifically create a BB cream to match all skin types just like what other brands did. This product is definitely not for me so I would not repurchase. I hate that it gave me break-outs and made my skin really oily. The product had just been sitting on my traincase for a few weeks now, I dare not touch it again. Now, I'm finding a new and suitable owner for it.
            Thus, my search for an ultimate BB cream in the market continues! You might say that I too have joined in the craze... yes of course! If it would make my skin great, why not take the pretty good chance? =) I know it's just out there waiting to be discovered. By the way, I had been thinking of purchasing a BB cream that of ETUDE HOUSE since I have seen one branch of it here in our local mall. I can't wait to buy and see if it will exceed my expectations. This might turn out be my HG BB cream. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Good day everyone. =)

♥ A Special Birthday Message For My Dad ♥

Yeah yeah, I know this is off topic but I wouldn't miss my Dad's birthday for the world. Ever. So here I am, allotting a space for him in my blog. That's how special he is to me. Yey!  =) So bear with me guys.

Today, August 22, 2010 is my Dad's 61st Birthday. We may not be together to celebrate another year and another journey of his life, but I am always with him in mind and spirit. I know you're gonna be reading this blog tonight Dad (hello there young man!) so I might as well compose you a birthday message here since I failed to send you a birthday letter or anything of that sort through snail mail. (Yay, my bad!). Don't feel bad Dad, at least I was being honest. =) 

Well, where do I start? Dad is extremely a cool man and every conversation we have over the phone is just pure heavenly fun. He's hilarious and possesses great sense of humor. I wonder why he didn't pass for a comedian? Maybe he will be.. in his future life that is. Kidding Dad. =) He has always been supportive of me and my sister's needs. He shares his high-tech gadgets to us, and even at his age, he still enjoys playing PSP's and play stations like a kid. How cool is that?! He's smart and very eloquent. I can say that I got my good genes from him. Thanks Dad. And oh, he can drink one bottle of wine in just one sitting without even getting drunk. Now, can we call that a talent or what? 


If we are just together, I would definitely give him presents for his birthday to show how much I appreciate the love and care he has shown us, his daughters over the years. Here are the list of gifts that I'll be buying for his birthday:


1. A fishing rod - My dad enjoys fishing as a hobby so I know for a fact that he'll be thrilled to receive a new one. Here are some photos oh him in one of his fishing adventures.

Here's Dad enjoying his wait for a big catch!

Dad just caught a 5 pounder channel catfish. Aint that amazing?

 2. A 2 Terrabyte Solid State Hard Drive - Dad is fond of taking random photos and downloading movies too so a hard drive with a super big storage capacity to keep his treasures is a sure must-have for him.
3. A new pair of tennis shoes (Nike or Reebok)  - He is a tennis shoes addict so adding a new pair to his vast collection will definitely give him another thrill.
4. An expensive bottle of wine that he haven't tried out yet - As I've told you a while ago, my Dad enjoys wine drinking so much. Buying him an expensive wine new to his tastebuds will surely send his spirits to Cloud Nine.
5. A laptop/netbook - Yeah, I know this is quite expensive and I'd be shelling out too much money out of my pocket but this gift will complete everything that has been listed above. Dad enjoys browsing the net during his free time so again this is a must-have for him. This is portable and very easy to carry, so he can bring this gadget with him where ever he wishes to go.


So there you go...the 5 presents that I'll be buying for Dad if we are not just  separated thousand of miles apart. Don't worry Dad, I'll make it up to you next time around. I promise that the gifts will be more grander and impressive. Uhuh, maybe next time. =)

Dad, I really wished you a very happy birthday. I hope you enjoy your big day to the fullest. You only get to celebrate it once in a calendar, so make it a BLAST! I love you so much Dad. Thank you for everything. And I mean...EVERYTHING.

Last year, Dad celebrated his birthday with Mom on a cruise ship. They had a hearty dinner and after which danced together with the other couples. Below are some photos of my parents when Dad celebrated his 60th birthday.

This is my Mom. Isn't she a beauty?

Mom waiting in line for their ride.

Enjoy guys! I love you both so much. XOXOXOXOXO!

L'OREAL Bare Naturale Powdered Mineral Foundation - My HG Mineral Makeup! ♥♥♥

A lot of people had been ranting about mineral make-ups, its advantages over other make-up formulations, plus the good and long term effects and benefits on the skin. A few years back, if my memory can still serve me right, one local TV channel in the country featured a documentary about MMU's since it was getting so popular in the cosmetics industry. That documentary heightened the public's curiosity even the more. Both young and old were beginning to rave about this mineral make-up thingy. There are actually a lot of mineral make-up brands and types in the market today, ranging from blushers, foundations, bronzers, lipsticks to eye-shadows, so one just gotta choose which is best for their skin types and not to mention their budgets. Mineral make-ups are said to be quite heavy on the pocket so not all can purchase. As what I've read, they're made of all natural, finely minerals from earth, no preservatives, chemicals or dyes which were previously seen in other traditional cosmetics. Of course, we can't do away that there are many product brands out there that are mineral enriched, claiming to be pure mineral make up. But beware people, this still may have fillers such as talc & other ingredients so better check the labels & ask thorough questions before buying.  

Knowing all these about MMU's seems pretty great right? Well, who shouldn't? Not only are we using cosmetics that are safe and friendly to the environment but it also give favorable benefits to our skin. Now, I might as well advise everybody to shift to using mineral make-ups. Ditch the old stuffs, welcome the new one. 

This is exactly what I did 8 months ago. I had been using cosmetics not mineral based before but I can say that using them were not too bad either. They did make me look neat and beautiful. That is what's important aint it? But after reading good feedbacks about mineral make-ups, I've been converted. 

Now, I will be talking about the mineral make-up that I've been frequently using. Love love love!! ♥ Hmmm. I'm getting so thrilled and excited to share it to you already. =) It's a product from L'OREAL Paris and goes with the name: Bare Naturale Powdered Mineral Foundation. I guess you're pretty much familiar with the product already since this had been overly advertized both in prints and TV ads for a few years now. 

I got mine from an online shop for a good price so I consider myself lucky. The shade that I had been using is Nude Beige #460. I'm glad that it matched and blended on my skin tone perfectly. The coverage is pretty much buildable. You can opt from a light to medium to heavy coverage with this product. The finish is subtle and dewy. What I just don't like about the product is their packaging and the kabuki brush that comes with it. The brush is stiff and rough on the face so I use my own kabuki brush when applying. Still, those flaws didn't matter much to me since I always get very good compliments from friends, colleagues and family members every time I wear this foundation. Of course, it made me more flattered and I can't help thinking of myself as a beautiful creature eventhough I consider myself plain-faced looking. =) Yey, now that's the magic make-up can bring. 

I am very much satisfied with this product that I can see myself using more of this in the long years to come. Not only did it made my face less oily, it also made my face glow and smooth to touch. I'm loving how the product stays on my face for a few hours, I don't even need touch-ups in the middle of the day. Overall, I can rate the product with a score of 4/5. How about you guys? What mineral products are you using? Post away so we can share more ideas and thoughts about this wonderful make-up innovation. Good day everyone!

*The Magic of Cyleina Organic Tomato Soap*

This is my first entry in this blog so I'm really excited how this will turn out. =) Just two weeks ago, I came across a site (I actually can't remember what so I can't give you the link) that talked about how good and effective this product is. It claims to get rid of pimples and acne, counters the aging effect on the skin plus giving the cheeks a rosy glow. It's organic so it doesn't contain harmful chemical or ingredients commonly found in other kind of soaps. Curiosity got the better of me so I started looking up the internet for resellers on my area. I found a few and texted the numbers posted but sadly none of them replied. I continued searching the net and I was glad to be able to find one. I made the purchase, decided to buy 3 bars of it at 65 php each. Not too expensive for a 120 grams soap. The seller and I had a good business transaction and just 4 days ago, my soaps arrived. I had the package addressed to my beloved's workplace since I'll be coming over to visit him for a week. I got too excited with using it that the moment beloved handed me my soaps, I opened it hurriedly, went to the sink area and washed my face with it. I have been using it for four days straight now, mornings and evenings, so I guess I'm pretty ready to make my own review of it. 


What the product claims: 

• counters effect of aging on skin
• dries pimple fast
• counters oily skin by absorbing surplus oil
• gently exfoliates the skin
• tightens the pores  
• gives the cheek a rosy glow
• prevents pimple and acne formation

 I know you can't wait to hear my verdict so I won't be agonizing you too long anymore. Here it is, ladies and gents:

1. I still haven't noticed how it counters facial aging since I have just been using it for four days. I might give good feedback about this when I've used it for a much longer time period. I'll keep you posted though.
2. Yes, it does dry pimples so fast! I have a few tiny pimple bumps near the side of my nose prior to using this soap but they're all gone now. No more traces of a bump or anything. 
3. I have a combination/oily skin so I guess I'm really prone to break-outs. You can consider me lucky though since I don't break-out that much as compared to the others who have the same skin type as mine. A few zits here and there especially if I'm stressed and my time of the month. I only have problems with my T-zone though since it's where my face produces much oil but the tomato soap did wonders on my skin. I noticed that my face isn't oily anymore especially that on my T-zone area. Now, I am ready and excited to say goodbye to my blotting papers. Yehey! 
4. The tomato soap did indeed have a gentle exfoliating effect on my face. Last night, I noticed that my face was peeling mildly specifically near the chin area. It wasn't painful or anything of that sort, so no worries! 
5. My gosh, the tightening effect that it claims to have is sooo true! After washing, I noticed that my face feels really really tight, it's as if I'm having a face lift done. Pores became smaller too.
6. I can't say much about the rosy glow effect on my cheeks yet since I wear blush-on often. I might try going out with no blusher on so I can see if they're true with what they're claiming. Again, I'll update you.
7. Lastly, this is the effect that I'm loving the most: No more acne or pimple breakout or even a single tiny bump for me for 4 days now. Aint that great? =)

 Downside: You think I'm all praises for it huh? Of course, there's a downside too but I only can think of two. Oh boy, I hate to say this but it definitely stung my face every time I wash especially if you leave the lather for a full 3-5 minutes. It might be the AHA (alphahydroxy acid), one of the chemicals seen in tomatoes that dries and kills a pimple fast. Another thing is that, it can make the face overly dry so have your moisturizers at bay. No problem, I can do away with these downsides, all for the name and sake of BEAUTY. =) yey!

Overall, I can say that I'm loving this product and it'll sure stay in my beauty regimen for quite a while. I am leaving the country soon so I might find myself hording for this soap so I can take some of it with me. This is truly a wonderful soap and I can't wait to share some of it to my dear sister and beloved. I'm sure it'll do wonders to their skin too just like what it did in mine....in just 4 short days. 

Here are the photos of the soap that I took: I'm sorry they aren't well-taken. I failed to apply my photography skills on them since I was in a hurry to post away.

Thank you for reading my post everyone. Keep following me. =) Till next entry.

About Blot of Elegance

This blog will dwell more about the latest in fashion trends, fashion must-haves (shoes, accessories, and dresses to name a few), my fashion finds may it be cheap or extravagant, cosmetics that I think are worthy to be blogged about, product reviews especially on the different cosmetics and gadgets that I've tried using, beauty treatments and advices, a little on make-up tips, maybe just the basics since I am still on the learning process and just about anything under the sun such as life experiences, travels and random happenings. And oh, I have a thing for photography too, so I might as well upload simple yet elegant photos. This is my first blog site so I'm pretty much excited to write and share to you everything that has been and is going on in this crazy head of mine. So bear with me people. =) See yah around!