Come and Have a Slice of (Virtual) Cake!

My Makeup Blog turns 2 today!

Hooray!

Thank you, everybody for a wonderful year of fabulous blogging! Since the first birthday, My Makeup Blog has grown beyond my imagination. I get to know many new people and become good friends with some old acquaintances (I ain't say you're old, I just meant we've known each other for a very long time :]) As always, I enjoy reading and replying your comments, emails, and tweets.


The second year of My Makeup Blog was very interesting to me, as I get to know many wonderful publicists who introduced me to new products I would have otherwise missed. I would like to thank all of them for their consideration, kindness, time, energy, and patience to me and my blog. The fact that My Makeup Blog is worthy of your attention is something I treasure very much.

Last but not least, My Makeup Blog's staff writers increased by 100% since Mr. Belly joined the team as the Editor-at-Large. He enjoys his fan base very much and hope his popularity will get him some free cat food from Oprah and Ellen DeGeneres soon.

Note: My Makeup Blog's time line
The humble beginning: the first blog entry of my all-time favorite lipstick, Clinique Black Honey. Also, a look at moi with really short hair :)
The first birthday: did a Gisele hair look and didn't celebrate much. The first year was the hardest, y'all!

Now, why don't we slice that virtual birthday cake open and have a slice?

Picture source: I downloaded this picture a long time ago and did not take note of the source. If you are an author, please let me know and I will credit you. I really love this picture and hope to have an awesome birthday cake like this one day!

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Good Find: Revlon Luxurious Color Perl Eyeshadow in Black Galaxy

Hi everybody,

Lately, I've been surprised at how good drugstore makeup has become. Because of that, I haven't purchased any department store makeup for a long time. Well, that and the fact that I have an Etsy store that sells mineral makeup.

I was very excited when Gucci Westman, the former International Artistic Director of Lancome, moved to Revlon. During her reign at Lancome, Ms. Westman took Lancome to a new height with new formulas and interesting collections (remember that Thakoon for Lancome collection, anyone?) When she became the Global Artistic Director of Revlon, she brought in a lot of new things.

Before, Revlon was kind of boring: this brand has some seriously good products but lacks variety and creativity. At some point, I thought Revlon became a brand for senior citizens only.

And then came a big revamp. Revlon came out with three different formulas for their single eye shadows in the Luxurious Color line: perl (pearl), matte, and satin. Each will cost you around $4-5 at the drugstore. I got Black Galaxy for 99 cents when Walgreens had a discount and I got a coupon.

Revlon Luxurious Color Perle eyeshadow in Black Galaxy

See how glittery it is?

The first time I saw it, Black Galaxy jumped out and grabbed me by the hand. "Buy me, buy me!" it said. But at the time, it was not on sale and I had no coupons. When the right time came, I immediately bought it and that was the best 99 cents plus tax I've ever spent on an eyeshadow.

This eyeshadow is big and pigmented. The packaging is minimalistic yet professional and chic. Black Galaxy basically is a black eyeshadow with dark blue shimmers. I really didn't need another black eyeliner but I bought it anyways. At home, I swatched and Black Galaxy reminded me of MAC Flashtrack eyeshadow. So I did an impromptu comparison:

(Top, L-R): MAC Deep Blue Green pigment, MAC Flashtrack eyeshadow; (Bottom): Revlon Black Galaxy

Skin swatch (L-R): Deep Blue Green, Flashtrack, and Black Galaxy

The closest match to Black Galaxy is MAC Deep Blue Green pigment, which is a LE item from the Hello Kitty collection last year. Flashtrack is greener and not as pigmented. I needed to swipe 3 times for Flashtrack to show at the same intensity as Deep Blue Green and Black Galaxy.

• The pros: pigmented, very soft and blendable, finely milled, shimmery, nice packaging
• The cons: kind of see through while being pigmented, crease even with a good base

While this is an excellent product with high pigmentation and good blendability, it is kind of sheer. It's kind of like wearing a voile or a lace shirt that can see your skin (or your bra) underneath. I used it with MAC Bare Canvas paint pot or Art Deco eyeshadow primer and found it creasing after an hour or two. If I curled my lashes after applying makeup, the part of my eyes that had Black Galaxy would slide off. Regardless, this is still a very good eyeshadow in its price bracket.

Have you tried the new Revlon Luxurious Color eye shadows yet? What do you think?

Disclaimer: I bought this product during a sale at Walgreens.

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Bonus Time at Formula D Minerals

Hi everyone,

Formula D Minerals eye shadows

It's Bonus Time at Formula D Minerals! From now until July 14th, for each purchase $10 or above before shipping and handling, you are going to receive a bonus eyeshadow of your choice. It's a sweet deal, everyone, and please take advantage of it.

Please specify the color you want in the comment section when you check out. If you choose not to pay with credit card or paypal, please clear it with me first. Your order may be delayed if you choose to pay with check, though.

The swatches of all the colors from Formula D Minerals are here. Happy shopping and thank you in advance for your patronage.

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Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Chubby Eye Stick: Get It!

Hi guys,

Happy Monday! I guess I'm kind of late to report about the on-going Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale. This year, I have what I need in the underwear department so I didn't go to the sale for that. However, I crashed the sale for these Beauty Rush chubby eye sticks:

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Chubby Eye Sticks

(Top-bottom): Glampagne, Green Gleam, Pink Flash, and Bronzilliant

Wanna know what I think about these chubby sticks? Wanna see the swatch? Jump!

During one of my trips to Victoria's Secret, I noticed these chubby sticks were not on display. It was close to the Semi-Annual Sale, which means these guys were candidates for the sale. Two weeks later, I came back to VS and saw a whole bunch of them in the 75% off bin. Yes, now you can get them for $1.75 each!

VS has a habit of nixing really good products from the line-up and replace them with crappy ones. To be honest, I did not really notice these chubby sticks until one time I swatched them while waiting in line. They are amazing! The consistency is similar to that of MAC Shadestick but some of them are more shimmery. Glampagne is the grittiest of the four I bought and too quite an effort to remove. However, these chubby sticks last on and on and on, even in the heat and humidity of the Floridian summer.

Skin swatch (L-R): Bronzilliant, Green Gleam, Glampagne, and Pink Flash

These chubby sticks can be used as base, eyeshadow, and chubby eyeliner. You already saw me using Bronzilliant in this FOTD as a secondary base. It made Hazel Brown stay put and look more vibrant. I say you should go to VS and buy them. I'll probably go to another VS to get the purple and blue one. They ran out of the blue chubby stick in the VS near my place.

Note: it's not a shadestick so you can't swivel the end to get more product to rise up. Instead, get a big pencil sharpener and sharpen it when the material starts to dwindle closer to the base.

Disclaimer: I bought the above products from Victoria's Secret semi-annual sale

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Belly at Large: Raccoon on a Tree!

Hello humans,

Remember the movie "Snake on a Plane"? Well, I have something even better:

Look, it's a pine tree!

But look closer. See something yet?

I see a tail

A raccoon's tail!

That, my dahlin', is the raccoon that contaminated my food and caused me some stomach discomfort a while ago. Dang raccoon! Oops, the mamarazzi told me not to say bad words. Sorry!

This raccoon, I shall call him Rocco from now on, is an attention seeker. He climbed the pine tree, aka my scratch pad, and rested his butt down on that branch. Half of the neighborhood plus the mailman came to watch him. My other mama was scared because Rocco was right in front of her place. She definitely didn't want him to drop down on her.

The humans plotted a way to take Rocco down in vain. This raccoon climbed very high up on the pine tree. In the skin searing heat of the South, the humans plotted and plotted, waited and waited. Then, either Rocco became tired or the branch was not that comfortable, he left.

While the mamarazzi says "When pigs fly", I say "When raccoons climb on a tree", as in "When raccoons climb on a tree that I will eat this disgusting cat food." Now, thanks to Rocco, I have to eat whatever cat food the mamarazzi gave me. And it ain't that bad. She upgraded me to Meow Mix seafood medley.

Friday Movie Preview: The Sorcerer's Apprentice



Pray tell, Disney, who did Nicholas Cage's weave? Did you guys hire the same person who did Britney's hair? It's real bad, dude, real bad. Not only I disprove, Rocco the raccoon also say nay. And you should know Rocco and I don't see eye to eye on a lot of things, the first being he eats my food.

Come on, Disney, this is the guy who made "National Treasures" into an international franchise. I think he deserves better weave, don't you? I'm sure this movie is going to be swell but the weave...yuck! Disney, you should consult Tyra on all weave-related subjects from now on.

I'm outta here, it's been a rough day!

Love, peace, and tuna fish,
Mr. Belly

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A Look Worth Doing Twice

Hi everybody,

Last weekend, I cried my eyeballs out. You see, I made a huge mistake of watching "The Time Traveler's Wife", thinking it was a light-hearted chick flick. No ma'am, it anything but a chick flick that you can watch and forget. This movie is actually very thought provoking. Also, it's a tear jerker.

While watching the movie, I could not get my head out of the fact that Rachel McAdams's makeup is really awesome in that movie. She wore mostly neutrals for both her clothes and makeup, yet she looked so fabulous.

DVD cover of "The Time Traveler's Wife" (Source)

And I wanted to copy her look on the DVD cover so bad! Let's see how I did:

My first attempt. Romantic or dramatic?

Stuff I used:
Eyes: MAC Bare Canvas paint pot (not shown), Aura Science Hazel Brown eyeshadow, MAC Amber Lights e/s, Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush chubby eye stick in Bronzilliant, Essence long lasting Espresso eyeliner, MAC 217 and 219 brushes.
Face: The Ultimate Powder, Formula D foundation, Pupa Luminys baked blush #04, MAC NW20 concealer and concealer brush.
Lips: Deborah lipstick #800, MAC Sock Hop lip gloss, Wet n Wild lip liner #666, lip liner brush.

Quick note: Aura Science is a discontinued makeup line from Victoria's Secret. Hazel Brown is a dark chocolate brown eyeshadow with a hint of green. Since you can't get this color anymore, please replace it with MAC Espresso.

This is my first attempt to copy Clare's look (Clare is the time traveler's wife for those who haven't read the book/watched the movie.) It is a very clean look with lots of dark brown eyeliner and eyeshadow around the eye with a hint of peach above the crease. Rachel McAdams also has deep set eyes, which makes things a bit easier for me to figure this look out.

My first attempt is obviously too dramatic. It would be a better look for the night. I chose Amber Lights as the complement color and it works, albeit turning the brown eyeshadow green if I'm not too careful.

A quick rundown:

• MAC Bare Canvas as a primer, Bronzilliant on the eyelid as a secondary primer, Hazel Brown over Bronzilliant with the sponge applicator, Amber Lights on the crease with MAC 219 pencil brush and blend with 217 blending brush.
• Lower lash line: Bronzilliant and Hazel Brown
• Line the eyes all over with Essence long lasting eyeliner in Espresso
• Mascara-ed with Rimmel London Flash Volume Lash.

The whole face, shininess courtesy of the scorchy Floridian temperature!
Lips and cheeks: you already know what I used :)

An attempt to look dreamy

While this is a good look, it's not a copy of Clare's look. However, it's worth documenting for future preferences. I think it's a good look for the night. How about you?

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Z Mei Skincare System: The Moisturizers

Hi everybody,

First of all, please don't forget to enter my giveaway with Hairtag. It's a Twitter giveaway, which is super easy to do. Click here if you haven't entered it yet.

Now, let us continue with part 2 of the Z Mei Skincare System review. This time around, we are going to talk about the moisturizers. There are 3 of them: replenishing daily moisturizer, regenerating night treatment, and correcting eye serum

Replenishing Daily Moisturizer, 2 oz ($44.95)

The one thing I learned about Z Mei's facial moisturizer is not to apply it on dry skin. The Replenishing Daily Moisturizer and the Regenerating Night Treatment are thick. In order to dilute them, I spray the facial toner on my clean face before applying the cream. That way, I make sure not to use too much products.



The Replenishing Daily Moisturizer is soothing and highly moisturizing. It contains moisturizing ingredients such as squalane from olive, shea butter, glycerin, and sunflower seed oil. It does contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxides, which are physical sunblocks. However, the percentage of these chemicals are unknown, thus the SPF value is not correctly determined. (Z Mei claims this day creme to contain SPF 10).

To me, this day creme is a bit too oily. However, it does not cause me any breakouts or skin discomforts, probably due to a conglomerate of skin calming herbs, amino acids, vitamins, aloe vera gel, and soy proteins.

A pet-peeve: the jar

While this creme is excellent, the packaging can be improved. The container is a simple plastic jar with a cap. With a product that contains anti-oxidants, soon enough they will be oxidized due to exposure to air. I wish it would be contained in a bottle with a pump to minimize air exposure.

INGREDIENTS: Aqua (Purified Deionized Water), Squalane (Olive), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glycerin (Veg.), Glucosamine HCl, Algae Extract, Yeast Extract, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Lecithin*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen (Job’s Tears) Seed Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Paeonia Albiflora (White Peony) Root Extract*, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis (Dong Quai) Root Extract*, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract*, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower Extract*, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract*, Sophora Flavescens (Shrubby Sophora) Root Extract*, Coptis Chinensis (Chinese Goldenthread) Root Extract*, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Chinese Licorice) Root Extract*, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)*, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C)*, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)*, Tocotrienols (Vitamin E)*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosteryl Isostearate, Linoleic Acid (Vitamin F), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterol, Phospholipids, Glyceryl Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium PCA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Magnesium Aspartate, Glycine, Alanine, Creatine, Zinc PCA, (Oat) Beta-Glucan, Panthenol, Soy Amino Acids, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Root Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang-Ylang) Flower Extract , *Z Meizome Proprietary Complex.

Regenerating Night Treatment, 2 oz ($54.95)

The Regenerating Night Treatment is my most favorite product. It is a very thick creme and for a person who used La Mer before, this creme is even thicker. You can invert the jar and nothing would slide out. I use about a pea size of product every night and it moisturizes my face throughout the night.

This product is an excellent moisturizer with squalane, macademia oil, shea butter, glycerin, hyaluronic acid (in the form of sodium hyaluronnate) and sunflower seed oil. Like the Replenishing Daily Moisturizer, this product needs the toner to smoothen out. It also contains a mixture of herbs, anti-oxidants, amino acids, soy protein, and aloe vera gel. It smells earthy and absorbs fast to my skin. I truly feel very comfortable when I go to sleep because in the morning, I know there's no new inflammation coming out.

INGREDIENTS: Aqua (Purified Deionized Water), Squalane (Olive), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glycerin (Veg.), Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glucosamine HCl, Algae Extract, Yeast Extract, Lecithin*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen (Job’s Tears) Seed Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Paeonia Albiflora (White Peony) Root Extract*, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis (Dong Quai) Root Extract*, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract*, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower Extract*, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract*, Sophora Flavescens (Shrubby Sophora) Root Extract*, Coptis Chinensis (Chinese Goldenthread) Root Extract*, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Chinese Licorice) Root Extract*, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)*, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C)*, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)*, Tocotrienols (Vitamin E)*, Phytosteryl Isostearate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium PCA, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Magnesium Aspartate, Glycine, Alanine, Creatine, Soy Amino Acids, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, (Oat) Beta-Glucan, Zinc PCA, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Root Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang-Ylang) Flower Extract, *Z Meizome Proprietary Complex.

Correcting Eye Serum, 0.5oz ($59.95)

The Correcting Eye Serum is the most expensive product in the Z Mei Skincare line. At $60 a pop, I expected it to be a kind of wonder. However, I was greeted with a strong tire burning smell of dimethicone. After a month of using this eye serum, there was absolutely no improvements in skin texture around my eyes as well as those raccoon-ey dark circles.

However, I did not want to waste it and used it as a face primer. It actually works, albeit a bit sliding.

I also noticed the skin around my orbs did not sprout any skin tags, which is an interesting thing as my skin strongly dislikes dimethicone.

INGREDIENTS: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Isododecane, Tocopheryl Linoleate (Vit. E), Tocotrienol (Vit. E), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vit. C), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Linoleic Acid (Vit. F), Panthenyl Acetate (Vit. B), Glycine Soja Sterol, Phospholipids, Retinoxytrimethylsilane, Squalane (Veg.), Bisabolol.

6-piece carry on set ($10.95 or free if you order the set)

This carry on set contains 5 empty containers for you to decant your products to take with you when you travel. It's a nice set that comes free when you order the whole skincare set.

Combined, this whole set could have cost more than $200 USD. However, Z Mei gives you options to buy the whole set as is or pick and choose 6 products for $99.95. I think that is a sweet deal because you'll get each product at less than $17 USD. And did I say they're huge?

And now, the most important question: Does it work?

After a month of constant using, I have to say it was worth for me to take a risk on Z Mei. The first week, I had some break outs in weird places: I got 2 big pimples, one on the left, the other on the right cheek. They looked like mirror images of each other. I almost gave up using it but I already promised a 3-week commitment so I pushed forward. Week 2, my skin started clearing up, which means the funky zits of week one were the signs of my skin's purging. Week 3 and beyond: my skin is clear. Now, I don't even have a zit. Even if I do, it is small and painless.

The true test came around the time I had my last period. Usually, my face would look like a battle field around this time of the month. However, to my astonishment, I didn't have a single zit! Hallelujah!

I'm sure this set is going to last me for a long time. I will definitely repurchase if my skin is still clear. To think about it, this kit really works and the products are huge. I would not purchase the eye creme but replace it with an extra face scrub.

And now, a disclaimer for FTC et. al.: the products reviewed in this entry were furnished by a publicist from Z Mei. The experience is my own and it may be different from yours, since skincare is an intimate experience. My commitment is to you, my readers, and therefore, my opinions are honest to the best of my capability. For more information regarding My Makeup Blog's disclosure policy, click here.

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Z Mei Skincare System: Cleanser, Toner, and Scrub

Hi everybody,

I'm back! For days now, the heat has been pummeling my neck of the woods and all I want to do is to fill up a cooler with ice and sleep in it. Usually, around this time of the year, my skin would go crazy. All the efforts to restore my skin to its pristine condition since I was born are wasted. The heat and humidity are perfect for zits to sprout. I dreaded for it. Yet, this time around I'm happy to report that my skin is still clear and smooth.

And you're wondering why?

Because of these guys:

Z Mei Skincare system

About a month ago, a publicist for Z Mei contacted me and asked me if I wanted to receive some of the skincare products to review. After some deliberation and trips to Mount Google, I decided to take a risk and agreed to try out the skincare products from this new brand. Z Mei is a skincare and body care line with products formulated by Dr. Janet Zand, a well-known herbologist, naturopath, and acupuncturist. What got me to try this skincare line is her commitment to create "a skin therapy system that treats the skin's needs without disturbing the skin's delicate natural balance."

My acne-prone sensitive skin is difficult to deal with and when that time of the month rolls around, no amount of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can stop the zit beast. Maybe homeopathy is something I should look into.

Want to know what I think about Z Mei? Jump!

First of all, this is part one of my reviews of Z Mei Skincare. There are six products in this line: cleanser, toner, scrub, day cream, night cream, and eye cream. Reviewing all of them in one sitting is more than exhaustive. It's suicidal! Therefore, I decide to cut into two parts. Today, I am going to review the products than cleanse and tone. Tomorrow, we are going to talk about stuff that can moisturize the face. Deal?

Ok, let's move on. I need to put this forward about the sizes of these products: they're HUGE! If you don't believe me, look:

Purifying Facial Cleanser, 8 fl. oz (29.95)

This product is a liquid to foaming cleanser that you can pump out and wash your face. Usually, I remove my makeup with a makeup remover towelette first. Therefore, I have no idea if it's a good product to remove makeup. However, it is gentle and smells delicious. The smell is like hot chocolate with a touch of sugar cane. I have to brace myself, otherwise I would eat the foam. It does not make your skin feel dry or overly oily. In fact, after washing, my face always feels clean and moist.

INGREDIENTS: Aqua (Purified Deionized Water), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Lecithin*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen (Job’s Tears) Seed Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Paeonia Albiflora (White Peony) Root Extract*, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis (Dong Quai) Root Extract*, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract*, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower Extract*, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract*, Sophora Flavescens (Shrubby Sophora) Root Extract*, Coptis Chinensis (Chinese Goldenthread) Root Extract*, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Chinese Licorice) Root Extract*, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)*, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C)*, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)*, Tocotrienols (Vitamin E)*, Sodium PCA, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprylate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Diglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Soy Amino Acids, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Glycerin (Veg.), Saccharide Hydrolysate, Magnesium Aspartate, Glycine, Alanine, Creatine, Sodium Phytate, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Root Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract,

Balancing Toner, 8 fl. oz ($27.95)

This is my favorite product. After washing my face, I spray the Balancing Toner all over it without getting it into my eyes. This toner should be named "Calm the H^*k Down" because it manages to calm my skin down even when I feel irritation crawling all over it.

The smell is herbal and reminds me of Chinese medicine my mom made me drink when I was young. It's not unpleasant but it's not your frou-frou flowery and fruity smelling toner either.

The balancing toner is a multi-use product: I use it to dilute my face moisturizers because they are very thick. While that is the toner's sole purpose, I also use it to spray on my kabuki brush before using it to apply my mineral foundation. To rehydrate my face on a hot day, this balancing toner works, too.

A word of caution: don't you ever lick it, ever! If it lands on your lips, wipe it out with a wash cloth or something. This thing tastes disgusting!

INGREDIENTS: Aqua (Purified Deionized Water), Glycerin (Veg.), Sodium PCA, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen (Job’s Tears) Seed Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Paeonia Albiflora (White Peony) Root Extract*, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis (Dong Quai) Root Extract*, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract*, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower Extract*, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract*, Sophora Flavescens (Shrubby Sophora) Root Extract*, Coptis Chinensis (Chinese Goldenthread) Root Extract*, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Chinese Licorice) Root Extract*, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)*, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C)*, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)*, Tocotrienols (Vitamin E)*, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Magnesium Aspartate, Glycine, Alanine, Creatine, Witch Hazel, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprylate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Diglycerin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, (Oat) Beta-Glucan, Sodium Phytate, Panthenol, Soy Amino Acids, Zinc PCA, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Root Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang-Ylang) Flower Extract, *Z Meizome Proprietary Complex.,

Exfoliating Scrub, 2 oz ($29.95)

The last item to clean your face is the Exfoliating Scrub. It serves as a dual-functioning item: you can use it as a face scrub or a face mask. My stingy self really want to take advantage of this scrub to its full potential and use it as a mask. Twice a week, I apply this scrub to my face and let it sit for 20 minutes. The kaolin clay in this scrub will harden and help remove the impurities. After it's dried out, I splash my face with water to soften the mask and scrub it on my skin to further remove dead skin cells.

This scrub is not so harsh, although it took me a while to get used to the scrubbing particles. After washing, my face feels moist and clean. It even glows sometimes.

A word of caution: if you use the cleanser, don't use the scrub immediately afterward. The scrub by itself is a cleanser and does not need to be preceded with another cleanser. Even with my oil slick skin, it manages to remove the oil and cleanse my skin.

INGREDIENTS: Aqua (Purified Deionized Water), Kaolin (China Clay), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Jojoba Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Bentonite, Titanium Dioxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Lecithin*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen (Job’s Tears) Seed Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Paeonia Albiflora (White Peony) Root Extract*, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis (Dong Quai) Root Extract*, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract*, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower Extract*, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract*, Sophora Flavescens (Shrubby Sophora) Root Extract*, Coptis Chinensis (Chinese Goldenthread) Root Extract*, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Chinese Licorice) Root Extract*, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)*, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C)*, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)*, Tocotrienols (Vitamin E)*, Glycerin (Veg.), Squalane (Olive), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprylate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Diglycerin, Sodium PCA, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glucosamine HCl, Algae Extract, Yeast Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Magnesium Aspartate, Glycine, Alanine, Creatine, Linoleic Acid (Vitamin F), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterol, Phospholipids, Zinc PCA, Menthol, Sodium Phytate, Soy Amino Acids, (Oat) Beta-Glucan, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal) Root Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Fruit Extract, *Z Meizome Proprietary Complex.

This concludes part one of my review on Z Mei Skincare system. Please come back tomorrow for part two and my conclusion about this skincare line.

Disclaimer for FTC et. al.: the products reviewed in today's post were furnished by a publicist from Z Mei. Skincare is a personal experience. While these products work for me, they may or may not work for you. Please take this as my own experience with Z Mei and I commit to give you my most honest opinions. For more information regarding My Makeup Blog's disclosure policy, click here.

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Belly at Large: the Naughty Corner

Hello boys and girls,

'Sup? I don't know why but I've been so grumpy lately. And my attitude cost me dearly. Before I said something, please don't blame it on the mamarazzi. Blame it on the scorching weather outside that makes it impossible to stay cool. I am up to a vacation at the Arctic. Ok, Antarctica would be fine, too. Anywhere but this Sunshine State, this scorching weather, and this oil spill.

Definitely not in a good mood

You see, I have my schedule: two hours sleeping here, an hour napping there, a couple of hours doing security detail around the hood, fifteen minute pondering about what to write for my column and make the mamarazzi write it. Sush, you didn't hear the last part, ok? I totally gave her the idea, she's just my ghost writer.

 But you get the idea, right? It's hard out there for a cat. About two nights ago, I came to pitch the idea and she played with me. The mamarazzi watched this documentation on TV about obese dogs and cats and now she put me on a string jump catch training event. Hopefully I'll be ready for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

And then Whatshisface came out and petted me. I kinda have a love-hate relationship with Whatshisface. He's cute and cuddly and all but I want the mamarazzi all for myself. And I had to come up with something fast before Whatshisface started his global domination agenda all over again. You know he did it before with President Roosevelt and all.

So the mamarazzi petted me with one hand and held Whatshisface in another.

"Put him down," I said.

She ignored my command but kept on rubbing my head. I repeated the command. Human can be so dense sometimes. She didn't listen. So I clawed her.

She yelped, "Belly, why did you do that?"

"I didn't do anything. Keep on rubbing my head, woman!" I said.

She presumed her task but didn't put Whatshisface away. So I clawed her again. It was not exactly a full-throttle claw, more of a warning but this time, she had it.

"You are a naughty kitty. Why did you do that again?" she said. Then she uttered the most dreadful phrase, "Go to the naughty corner now!"

Uh oh! Someone watched too many episodes of "Super Nanny"! I went to the naughty corner before and it was bad, really really bad. Believe me, kids and kittens, you don't want to sit there. It's like Dart Vader-slash-Voldermort bad, not Michael Jackson "Bad".

Naughty corner kitten

Me sitting in the naughty corner glowering. Guess who sat on top mocking me? That's Whatshisface!

Remember what happened the last time, I immediately apologized. I nudged my head into her scratched arm, hoping she would pet me. She did, it works all the time.

In retrospect, I shouldn't have scratched the mamarazzi. Whatshisface cannot be compared to me. I shouldn't let jealousy clouding my judgment. I love the mamarazzi too much for that.

But the bear has to go. One way or another, I will make it happen. I'll get rid of him and make a step closer to global domination. Cats FTW!

Love, peace, and tuna fish,
Mr. Belly

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First Twitter Giveaway with Hairtag

Hi everybody,

Another day, another giveaway. This time around, the kind folks at Hairtag are going to sponsor two of their awesome products to one lucky reader. If you haven't read my review on Hairtag yet, click here. This is a Twitter competition so it's super easy and opens to U.S and Canadian residents.

The prize: a package with 2 pieces of basic hairtag and a package of the Bling Bling silver bow hairtag. They are handy velcro-like items to help you keep the hair away from your face when you wash your face or apply makeup.

Basic Hairtag

Bling Bling silver bow Hairtag

 Jump to learn how to enter this contest!




How to enter:

1. Be a follower of My Makeup Blog on Twitter (@MyMakeupBlog): you only need to do this once. If you are already a follower, you are good to go.
2. Retweet this message: Follow and RT @MyMakeupBlog for a chance to win Hairtags http://bit.ly/a1g2gr #Hairtag
3. Leave me a message in the comment section of this blog's entry with your Twitter user account and a viable email address: just in case you are a winner, I have a way to contact you without sending a pigeon.

 The contest will run from now until Sunday, June 27th, 2010 at 12pm EST (GMT+5). It is opened to U.S and Canadian residents. Winner will be chosen randomly. If you win, please reply with your mailing address within 24 hours. Otherwise, a replacement winner will be chosen.

Good luck, everybody!

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Smoke Out FOTD

Hello everybody,

The weather has been so hot and humid lately. I feel like melting all the time. However, it does not stop me from doing a smokey eyes look. I blame my friend M for it. She showed up in one of our writing workshops with a Wet n Wild black eye and body liner stick and a black lipstick. They were from last Halloween's collection and Publix put them on sale for a quarter each. By the time I got there to search for them, only the stick was available. Nevertheless, it was a good purchase and it reminds me of MAC greasepaint stick a lot.

Smoke Out FOTD. It's smoke-licious!

What I used:

• Art Deco eyeshadow primer
• Rimmel London Glam'Eyes in Midnight Jewel
• WnW Fantasy Makers Enchanting Body Wand (or MAC greasepaint stick in Slick Black)
• Everyday Minerals blush in Wet Sand
• Rimmel Max Volume Flash mascara
• L'Oreal HiP eyeliners in Black Shock and Gold Charge
• Urban Decay XXX Shine gloss in Quickie
• Korres face primer (not shown)
• Formula D Minerals foundation
• L'Oreal True Match concealer in C4-5

Eyes

• Apply ArtDeco eyeshadow primer on your eyelids, blend well with finger
• Apply Body Fantasy Enchanting Body Wand in black on your eyelid, blend it with ELF eyeshadow brush
• On the area that has the black body wand, apply Midnight Jewel with the same ELF eyeshadow brush. Then blend it out to the crease without applying any extra eyeshadow, using EcoTools crease brush
• Highlight with Wet Sand, using EcoTools highlight brush
• Line your eyes with L'Oreal HiP Black Shock on the upper lash line and Gold Charge on the lower lash line
• Curl your eyelashes and apply 2 coats of Rimmel London Flash Volume Lash

Closed eye

Semi-close eye, you can see the gold eyeliner here

Face

• Apply Korres face primer to your face
• Use ELF Studio powder brush, apply mineral foundation.
• Set the foundation with The Ultimate Powder
• Under eye concealer: apply L'Oreal True Match concealer with a concealer brush (I used a foundation brush instead, please don't ask me why!), then set it with The Ultimate Powder using Swirled Cosmetics kabuki brush
• Blush: apply Dandelion blush to your cheeks, using a blush brush

Lips

• Apply Urban Decay XXXShine lipgloss in Quickie to your lips and voila, you're done!

A quick word about the Korres primer

Before: my freshly applied makeup face

After: about 6 hours later, with a bow :)

The Korres face primer I used is this one. I got a sample from Sephora, now opened inside a JCPenney in my hood. I was impressed at the list of ingredients and the fact that it doesn't have silicone or dimethicone (my face's archenemy.) While it does not give me any zits, the holding power is not that superior. You can see how greasy my face look after some time. It would probably work in the wintertime. But for the extreme Southern summer heat and humidity, this primer does not hold up so well.

Also, please don't buy that concealer! It's evil! It enhanced the uneven texture underneath my eyes like I've never seen before. Just promise me you won't buy it, ok?

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