Spa and Wellness

My Makeup Blog Poll

Hi ladies, This is the first time ever that I have 2 posts within the same day. As we're reaching toward the end of my 2nd month here, I would like to know my audience a bit better. I know some of you who've been reading my blog also comment while most of you don't. Also, to benefit you, I would like to take time to know what you want to see more from me as well as this blog. Please <a href="http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/353688" style="font-weight: bold;">click here</a> to take the survey. It comprises 10 questions and will not take you more than 5 minutes. The poll will run from today until the end of this month. I really need all of your comments and suggestions and I am truly appreciate your time to fill in the survey. This survey will be totally anonymous and I am the only person who is going to read your replies. Thank you very much for your help! Love, Dao P.S: If you like my blog, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyMakeupBlog" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">subscribe to my feed.</a> Thanks a lot!

My Makeup Blog Poll

Hi ladies, This is the first time ever that I have 2 posts within the same day. As we're reaching toward the end of my 2nd month here, I...

3:11 AM

Brushes on a Budget: The Eye Collection

As much as I want to own all brushes that MAC has ever made, my budget does not allow me. However, I really do not enjoy the idea of using the sponge tip applicators to apply eye shadows either so I had to find brushes that are budget-friendly and have high quality as well. And found them I did, not only one but a whole bunch of them. Today I shall present to you my brushes on a budget for eye makeup. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJ_cTMehdYBKnXVHnkUWaPruyv8oINneqME1BBpgZDAhQfZB5G7NODBu_PDUdPZ6OaCUJaWq1mS0YgLmwL9ESwITUeBiRibDSVnFUKsG7JvobNVf-BGrK1lc8Nab6dPLdNXVA0Vf40io/s1600-h/Eye+brush+5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233383332288172226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJ_cTMehdYBKnXVHnkUWaPruyv8oINneqME1BBpgZDAhQfZB5G7NODBu_PDUdPZ6OaCUJaWq1mS0YgLmwL9ESwITUeBiRibDSVnFUKsG7JvobNVf-BGrK1lc8Nab6dPLdNXVA0Vf40io/s400/Eye+brush+5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>A glimpse at my eye brushes, almost all of them I think <div style="text-align: left;">When I was a kid, my mom used to take me to painting lessons. From age 3 to 10, I was actively painting about 2, 3 pictures per month in watercolor. By the time I was 11-12, the group dissipated due to lack of budget and I stopped painting all together. And that happened after I got some awards so it was sad to let go and from that experience, I knew how to hold brushes properly and also developed my mad skillz! Also from watercolor painting, my love for brushes also developed. Most of the people in my class had a huge brush collection anyways and it was a pain for my mom to wash them for me after class. When it came to makeup, I also collected brushes like mad and of course some of the brushes that I use for makeup are paint brushes. And believe it or not, they feel really natural in my hand. I guess it's true that you never un-learn some certain things. The four brushes I'm mentioning today are the ones I use most frequently and all of them are less than $5 USD. Two of them can be found at Michael's arts and crafts store, the other two can be purchased at the House of Target (very chic place, you know!) Brush #1: Loew-Cornell 270 Maxine's Mop 3/8 inch <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PRjGayrP740rxj-k95fa46rcdmtQXtBqFnGt2_Q-4koU2wBQp16KorrFYm_qkWVh_26OqM-IavAcPOvu6CWg35XN9hFcqkZurcbz88XBRytSggRgxDoP11X5CJoEXbgwTmPLrMdJn2k/s1600-h/Eye+brush+3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233383336101586994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PRjGayrP740rxj-k95fa46rcdmtQXtBqFnGt2_Q-4koU2wBQp16KorrFYm_qkWVh_26OqM-IavAcPOvu6CWg35XN9hFcqkZurcbz88XBRytSggRgxDoP11X5CJoEXbgwTmPLrMdJn2k/s400/Eye+brush+3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>L-C Maxine's Mop 3/8 in compared to MAC 239 There's a typo in the picture, it's "3/8", not "3/4" <div style="text-align: left;">This brush looks, feels, and performs exactly the same way as MAC 239 for a fraction of the cost! Scary but true. When I saw it at Michael's I was like, "Hey, you look familiar!" and picked it up. Lucky me, Michael's had a brush sale on the day I purchased but at a full price, it's about $3.99 USD. This brush has natural hair bristle and stiff so it packs on color very well. However, it is not a blending brush so please do not try to blend your eye shadows with it. Also, the white hair is nifty because you can see how dirty the brush get. Cleaning this brush is not a problem and drying is very fast. I also use this same brush to foil although I need to look for a synthetic brush already. Loew-Cornell (L-C) brushes are the Cadillac of paint brushes. Back in the day when I was painting, my brushes were made in China and were very sturdy. I think that's how paint brushes are: they need to stand the abuse of paint, friction, pressure, water, oil, mixing medium, etc. L-C brushes are made in Sri Lanka and they are very well-made brushes. Paula Dorf, the famous makeup artist, used paint brushes when she started as she could not find good makeup brushes to use. That speaks volume about the quality of paint/artist brushes. If they're good enough for Paula Dorf, they're good enough for us /end of rant/. Brush #2: Loew-Cornell 270 Maxine's Mop 1/4 inch <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfozHciMrNf7P3XbSG5PcB6qQzOKejwYTpw4M42HQE7MguIgtxOpTER3CU3ZCD15h6BCot1cUXRkCrKXQJwAVhCx0qiW1rxpmihYZ4i8MetA3Vo5iT5cJiEEyb2V38vN5EbkdW1nvb7k/s1600-h/Eye+brush+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233383337300789410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfozHciMrNf7P3XbSG5PcB6qQzOKejwYTpw4M42HQE7MguIgtxOpTER3CU3ZCD15h6BCot1cUXRkCrKXQJwAVhCx0qiW1rxpmihYZ4i8MetA3Vo5iT5cJiEEyb2V38vN5EbkdW1nvb7k/s400/Eye+brush+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Sorry I didn't wash my brush well enough The bristles are white, not muddy like mine </div>When I bought this brush at Michael's a little bit after the 3/8 Maxine's mop, all I wanted was a small detail brush. This brush is small enough to reach to the corners of my eyes yet sharp enough to make that outer-v. It's also a good brush to use for the smokey eyes look. The 1/4 Maxine's mop quickly became my favorite brush and it kicked my MAC 219 to the corner. I experience less eyeshadow fall out when I use this brush than when using MAC 219. It's about 70 cents cheaper than the 3/8 Maxine's mop, so it's around $3.29 USD. With their low prices, I can stock a lot of L-C brushes to use if I want to. And for ladies who are also makeup artists (ahem *Jaimie*), you can get a lot of these brushes so you don't have to clean up between clients. Also, Michael's now have coupons that you can print out to use at their website. So make sure to check it out before buying, them coupons may save you a few dollars. Brush #3: Sonia Kashuk Blending Brush <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdw4cGskkGaB-NjRF6hYcu1dZuZtTevQdfPpmvkWVybm6v2hb82-ddxCdYAq_rj6xf5_a7IJgbBSLGDgs6ZvLdWynMFvdLBftBeROCql4hWIdYL2oEvngaB3ns0VyU-Rxq5U6zs43kVs/s1600-h/Eye+brush+4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233383942557957698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdw4cGskkGaB-NjRF6hYcu1dZuZtTevQdfPpmvkWVybm6v2hb82-ddxCdYAq_rj6xf5_a7IJgbBSLGDgs6ZvLdWynMFvdLBftBeROCql4hWIdYL2oEvngaB3ns0VyU-Rxq5U6zs43kVs/s400/Eye+brush+4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> Let's go to The House of Target, shall we? When I was an undergrad, Target was my makeup and fashion mecca. It's like GAP but cheaper and has makeup! Makeup artist Sonia Kashuk brought high quality professional makeup and tools to Target and her brushes are awesome and affordable. She has two lines of brushes: the white handle Sonia Kashuk ones and the black lacquered handle brushes called Kashuk Tools. Although most brushes from Kashuk Tools are available in the cheaper white handle line, the quality are almost the same in my opinion. Being a cheapophile, the one who loves cheap prices, I went ahead with the white handle blending brush. This brush is around $3.99-4.99 USD and blends your eye shadows very well. In fact, it's one of the brushes that changed how I did my makeup forever. If you ever wonder how your makeup never looks like those in the magazine, it's because (a) they photoshop everything in the mag, (b) a pro-makeup artist did the makeup, and (c) you need a good blending brush. Upon acquiring this brush, I started to learn how to contour and my days of blending the crap out of my eye shadows also started (and I'm serious about the blending part!) You only look right after you start the blending/contouring part. Before that, everything are in harsh lines and you do not want that! "Remember to blend, blend, blend" is my mantra these days. Brush #4: Sonia Kashuk Angle Eyeshadow Brush <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlspE1TIHoyciC-vLLPZmTaOSPSkbjM-dvmT-hsRtwfeYugiwU6cK9XQWuASelX46Kaf2dzk0SNihR3ZAnVRFj0MrU3f24hKWUFz37HHxRVEyyyQqLxjhKtAxu5DxUySKt6w21Gnmc_A/s1600-h/Eye+brush1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233383936074005330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlspE1TIHoyciC-vLLPZmTaOSPSkbjM-dvmT-hsRtwfeYugiwU6cK9XQWuASelX46Kaf2dzk0SNihR3ZAnVRFj0MrU3f24hKWUFz37HHxRVEyyyQqLxjhKtAxu5DxUySKt6w21Gnmc_A/s400/Eye+brush1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>SK angle brush vs. MAC 266 <div style="text-align: left;">This one time when I was at a MAC counter, one middle-age man asked for an angle brush. I almost said, "Man, do you know where Target is? They have something similar but cheaper!" However, it seemed like he had money to afford a full-size 266 and I did not want to butt in out of the fear of being beaten up by the MAC makeup artists there. One of me vs. 3-4 of them, no way! Anyways, this Sonia Kashuk brush is one of the oldest makeup brushes I've had. It's about 6 years old and still doing fine since I care for it very well. You can notice how old it is based on the color of the handle: this one is grey, not white. I bought it before the expensive Kashuk Tools brushes came out. Currently, it's about the same price as the blending brush. If you try to compare it with MAC 266, I'm sorry to tell you this brush is not the same. MAC 266 is a synthetic fibre brush while SK angle brush is full of natural hair bristles. Also, the brush is much fuller hence it's not suitable for cream eyeliners. However, it's a perfect brush to make that sharp v, apply dark eye shadows close to the lashes, apply brow color, and smudge your eyeliner. And it's also affordable to boost. For the price of a movie ticket and a popcorn, you can get 4 wonderful eye makeup brushes to use for years to come. Most of my brushes are old and I care for them very well so they last me a long time. Yours can be the same as well with a little bit of TLC. That's it for my brushes on a budget lecture y'all. Now for the fun of it, say "Brushes on a budget" really fast 10 times. Take care and be gorgeous, Your Makeup Blogger P.S: Cult of Cherry is out today. Go ahead, grab your brushes and have some fun! Shipping is also free at MAC cosmetics website. </div></div></div></div></div></div>

Brushes on a Budget: The Eye Collection

As much as I want to own all brushes that MAC has ever made, my budget does not allow me. However, I really do not enjoy the idea of using t...

2:55 AM

Waiting for Cult of Cherry to Come!

I'm anxious, y'all! For MAC's Cult of Cherry to come in store. On one side, this collection is oozing with awesomeness. However, on the other side, I have a lot of neutral eye shadows already! I don't know ladies, when excitement is mixed with confusion, I feel kind of strange. So what a girl gotta do to get over it? Have a FOTD, of course! See, the way I deal with things is different than others. While other people can run around in circle, stalk the MAC counter, or whip out their cards to make an order at MAC.com, I just simply decided to play with my makeup. Save me some time (to run around in circle), money (to buy the collection online), and gas (to drive to the mall to pester the poor SA's). This time 'round, the <s>weapon of choice</s> makeup of choice is Silk Naturals, 100% straight SN, from concentrated! <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5n9qF7M-oXf262aZ8tWk0Z8U8iBKvtgxjtyw5WI9KQYoTmw0fL8a1TyyV2eEGpJFen07R9xTMWVFoCEwaGhIjnhlLCtAjjEHFnfWdrn7Ikxrhr7rRez9H6pMJcI6n4dQ7p-vmZ7sjgr0/s1600-h/SN+Pink%2BBrown+022.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233377304158200514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5n9qF7M-oXf262aZ8tWk0Z8U8iBKvtgxjtyw5WI9KQYoTmw0fL8a1TyyV2eEGpJFen07R9xTMWVFoCEwaGhIjnhlLCtAjjEHFnfWdrn7Ikxrhr7rRez9H6pMJcI6n4dQ7p-vmZ7sjgr0/s400/SN+Pink%2BBrown+022.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>My "I'm an author" pose I swear when this picture came out, my first thought was "It's gonna be in the back jacket of my book one day", if I ever wrote a book, of course! <div style="text-align: left;">What I did: Eyes: <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKq8-4E60vHO6xy3iFX4VXSRMQ2UP0Eu1TLQe8HQg_F0y-56jC6PFJvS30XyYnwtIhjPdM2EvMzolgvzhgCKa-A9viYEpe0JW8bkcFL8bGBNm04opi74Z6_Jl4wFRSWOdyePS__WPBQrc/s1600-h/SN+Pink%2BBrown+005.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233377313656537506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKq8-4E60vHO6xy3iFX4VXSRMQ2UP0Eu1TLQe8HQg_F0y-56jC6PFJvS30XyYnwtIhjPdM2EvMzolgvzhgCKa-A9viYEpe0JW8bkcFL8bGBNm04opi74Z6_Jl4wFRSWOdyePS__WPBQrc/s400/SN+Pink%2BBrown+005.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>A quick schematic of the look, and I think I like Bargain Pink and Boom <div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Dolce (a doppelganger of MAC Sweet Sienna pigment) on the eyelid, applied wet with a MAC 239 brush</li><li>Wait for Dolce to dry, then apply Bargain Pink (dupe of MAC Expensive Pink, clever!) to the crease, using a contour brush such as MAC 217</li><li>Apply Boom (dupe of MAC Shroom e/s) to underneath the eyebrow using the same blending brush.</li></ul> Cheeks: <ul><li>Apply Climax sheer blush to the apple of the cheeks</li><li>Apply Cupid mineral glow over Climax for an extra zing</li></ul>Lips: apply Birthday Suit to lips and voila, done! Note: except for Birthday Suit, all the other colors are clones from MAC (except Climax is a clone of NARS Orgasm). I did not intent to buy clone colors or anything, it's just that these colors are really gorgeous. If you really want to try mineral eye shadows, give SN a try. I've never been disappointed in any of their products at all. </div></div></div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYCuFGiPbz6_8Ww0q6675cKF86H_iYlo2hbRAfIFl3OvABA8EJIVZDR0j8Rw8t0aWLYoDIbqoi5TQWGzfVP80RCrjIoeFNUBbJh_ZrCqbJSUrUJfTleidJ5ZpodZeoN1EJV9dzrTrIis/s1600-h/SN+Pink%2BBrown+020.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233377308607280210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYCuFGiPbz6_8Ww0q6675cKF86H_iYlo2hbRAfIFl3OvABA8EJIVZDR0j8Rw8t0aWLYoDIbqoi5TQWGzfVP80RCrjIoeFNUBbJh_ZrCqbJSUrUJfTleidJ5ZpodZeoN1EJV9dzrTrIis/s400/SN+Pink%2BBrown+020.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>My "You need to eat more food!" Facial Expression <div style="text-align: left;">One of my friends said that's how I look when I force people to eat more. Only if I could scare the kids with that expression, ha! On a related note, I finally master the art of foiling eye shadows. If you want to know, give me a hola at the comment box and I'll try to make one for you. Take care ladies and have fun! Your Makeup Blogger P.S: The look is very soft and light, hence work appropriate. Although I do not know how close SN eyeshadow clones are to the real deal, you can use MAC products to re-create this look as well. </div></div>

Waiting for Cult of Cherry to Come!

I'm anxious, y'all! For MAC's Cult of Cherry to come in store. On one side, this collection is oozing with awesomeness. However,...

2:28 AM

Avon Eight in One Eye Palette: Nice and Nifty

I remember when I reviewed Sephora Beauty Fever palette, a reader said she loves the eye shadows-only palette. I had to search high and low (in my stash) to find one that I consider a good eye color palette that does not break the bank (Hello, Lancome!). And lucky me, I found one: Avon eight in one eye palette in Water colors. Since when Avon became hip I do not know, all I know is this brand is associate with grandmas et al. However, recently Avon executives decided to take a lot of pages from MAC and improved the quality of their products without increasing the price. I think MAC should learn from Avon the later part. This palette is housed in a sleek and shiny black case so it looks very chic and professional, which is miles away from the Avon that I remember. It has eight eyeshadow colors and Avon has three different palettes: Neutral tones (for neural lovers), Paradise greens (for green lovers), and Water colors (for the rest of us!) I picked Water colors because it has a little bit of everything: a highlighting color, two browns, a purple, two blues, and two dark colors. At $12 USD a pop, this stuff is a steal. However, when Avon has a sale, an eight in one palette can go down to 6-7 dollars! <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6B0_yd7u63xR8mcJJIrsVfvPppTlvD3NhQLA2lvusJGXx_vOL4RdbGBXzh7iO__TT-Rzf6nZcWai1tjZdEQFHxiMK5n16x6FySzJ3BH5MGM7LCvBnJkgNJPmcJiMZsEV8aGfZDTm-XU/s1600-h/Avon+8-in-1.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233370280808790994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6B0_yd7u63xR8mcJJIrsVfvPppTlvD3NhQLA2lvusJGXx_vOL4RdbGBXzh7iO__TT-Rzf6nZcWai1tjZdEQFHxiMK5n16x6FySzJ3BH5MGM7LCvBnJkgNJPmcJiMZsEV8aGfZDTm-XU/s400/Avon+8-in-1.gif" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 256px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 256px;" /></a>Avon eight in one palettes (clockwise, L-R): Water colors, Paradise greens, Neutral tones Image courtesy of Amazon.com <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgFgf4v5gn56kGqDNPG3HicDMeLXkRuZJzK1Oua7rZ8i_UgEqCBvBke70tQ36KTEshz9rMas_d7enbu82zpMZBva6mCchR6X4JWQSmuprhjZ_9QemirMv3Vtg3vdGNZAqrzrU1dBcuEo/s1600-h/Avon+Smokey+Blue+004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233369920064233506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgFgf4v5gn56kGqDNPG3HicDMeLXkRuZJzK1Oua7rZ8i_UgEqCBvBke70tQ36KTEshz9rMas_d7enbu82zpMZBva6mCchR6X4JWQSmuprhjZ_9QemirMv3Vtg3vdGNZAqrzrU1dBcuEo/s400/Avon+Smokey+Blue+004.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Water colors palette: it's a bit smaller than your checkbook The case is so shiny you can see the reflection of my fingers and camera! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Y0ANPPhFQx0l-azM02DYFcCB60wBLeHdAHIaCeSxSvmHhW7BurpQY17ypO1HWJK857B5cl2W5Akeb8BtRkZqMNXMhsmj17nsRgGzanOe9dHmwcjk7E-N-25DT7hN_Bk8gIYk33WImzk/s1600-h/Avon+Smokey+Blue+005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233369931715559106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Y0ANPPhFQx0l-azM02DYFcCB60wBLeHdAHIaCeSxSvmHhW7BurpQY17ypO1HWJK857B5cl2W5Akeb8BtRkZqMNXMhsmj17nsRgGzanOe9dHmwcjk7E-N-25DT7hN_Bk8gIYk33WImzk/s400/Avon+Smokey+Blue+005.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Open up to reveal the colors, 2 double-ended sponge applicators (aka your enemies!) and a mirror <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHf_O_34SJ168iNIKFyT6mSUXVqLZMfAjCFtmPicXGZBJ3yJGD0hUjayhDq_rYbPHAMvy2Oj8O7JzsTAM3xHzFOdj6VWXl8-1xU2jTk4YTakuFMfjzFtz43aCBEZtKsH0r5OF1wZM_qk/s1600-h/Avon+Smokey+Blue+006.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233370050252144434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHf_O_34SJ168iNIKFyT6mSUXVqLZMfAjCFtmPicXGZBJ3yJGD0hUjayhDq_rYbPHAMvy2Oj8O7JzsTAM3xHzFOdj6VWXl8-1xU2jTk4YTakuFMfjzFtz43aCBEZtKsH0r5OF1wZM_qk/s400/Avon+Smokey+Blue+006.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The swatch on my skin with the corresponded colors in the palette <div style="text-align: left;">So how does this palette perform compared to others? First of all, please do not compare Avon with MAC, regardless how well Avon is doing. You can't expect the same quality you get from a $12 USD palette of eight colors with a $14.50 USD eyeshadow color, can you? However, the eyeshadows are well-pigmented and I swiped 2, 3 times per swatch to get the intensity shown in the last picture. Not shabby at all. The other thing is Avon eyeshadows are more powdery so they are easier to blend. I think the texture and pigmentation is quite similar to Clinique eyeshadows back in the day.Also, these colors are not really shimmering but not really matte either, they're somewhere in between. Hence, they're quite appropriate for the work place. I enjoy the eight in one palette very much and highly suggest it to anyone who wants to master the art of blending. You can get it at <a href="http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.asp?src_page=product_list.asp&level1_id=300&level2_id=301&pdept_id=312&dept_id=390&pf_id=31250">Avon website</a>, through a representative, or at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Avon-8-in-1-Eye-Palette/dp/B000QSA5WY">Amazon.com</a>. I think Amazon has everything on their website, however, the sales are more abundant at Avon.com My rating: A-. What? You still think it's MAC quality, don't you? That's it for today ladies! Take care and be gorgeous, ok? Your Makeup Blogger </div></div>

Avon Eight in One Eye Palette: Nice and Nifty

I remember when I reviewed Sephora Beauty Fever palette, a reader said she loves the eye shadows-only palette. I had to search high and low ...

3:14 AM

Hollywood Heat FOTD with Face Chart

Hello ladies, How are you all doing today? I'm doing fine, considering this is my last week of freedom before school starts again. If everything goes well this semester, I may graduate soon so wish me luck y'all! Remember my review on <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/pumping-up-heat-with-lorac-hollywood.html">LORAC Hollywood Heat kit</a>? As much fun as I have with that kit, I did not have a FOTD yet. So it's time to show the world how awesome this kit performs on me. The problem of the Hollywood Heat kit is the eye shadows did not show their colors well in the pictures although in real life they are really glamorous. Whenever I use the eyeshadows, they kind of take me back to the days when I was in California. This collection does have the West Coast vibe in it in my opinion. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKGJGMGrKfUjrJcwcMF3kp_2FTgZ78DE4bTl9TZDKazLEXE-gx7OlR8MvSHHf-dzxeQLfn_YZ0jJJzcoKkUUm2FuQ43M_37G6etPmuAYUpYUTFWoIdGzaL9ZVKkzhmpMH5GA35jSKCj4/s1600-h/mineral-HH+012.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233357401251515074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKGJGMGrKfUjrJcwcMF3kp_2FTgZ78DE4bTl9TZDKazLEXE-gx7OlR8MvSHHf-dzxeQLfn_YZ0jJJzcoKkUUm2FuQ43M_37G6etPmuAYUpYUTFWoIdGzaL9ZVKkzhmpMH5GA35jSKCj4/s400/mineral-HH+012.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The FOTD using Hollywood Heat</div> I thought it was a good idea to do a face chart but the problem is I do not have a template. However, she who has mad skillz can draw a face, right? Kind of, because I drew half a face just to show. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWn1ns8C0cFYG-aDGwA9FcZqRX3vjVPeWYvASNhrRBo825jOJikFKBpDvTBYia2j-W89CPvozdS2dU-87mXzTSxsG65IQFEd-IzCsUO-RY7lCczUYc3JUEZdM5l0YoDeJOuhTTrFd_Ri8/s1600-h/sn+fotd+021.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233357411941084226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWn1ns8C0cFYG-aDGwA9FcZqRX3vjVPeWYvASNhrRBo825jOJikFKBpDvTBYia2j-W89CPvozdS2dU-87mXzTSxsG65IQFEd-IzCsUO-RY7lCczUYc3JUEZdM5l0YoDeJOuhTTrFd_Ri8/s400/sn+fotd+021.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The half-face chart, drawn by moi <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqrd4DZnRChLQJ4QgiGAgVfbk8RTeqTo0PIeC3cSOOm61OYwvfWU0a50kAldE0v-ZQ-kM4peOK9ZfHEoX23jDZ3bOecAWgnM1WP7IlwXE3t3AszTBHpguqZ7qxIH6LE0qFkqkjQ9w1xE/s1600-h/sn+fotd+022.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233357413555954706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqrd4DZnRChLQJ4QgiGAgVfbk8RTeqTo0PIeC3cSOOm61OYwvfWU0a50kAldE0v-ZQ-kM4peOK9ZfHEoX23jDZ3bOecAWgnM1WP7IlwXE3t3AszTBHpguqZ7qxIH6LE0qFkqkjQ9w1xE/s400/sn+fotd+022.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Detail on the eyes, I did not know how to draw lashes (boo!) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tbD_My6yj0wNqQBCMft-PQkXiWJ26n-W9wCpF-PtJGNoIl4DXfY7DqgRnQF_GzIrz3hbMsE8R0QbI_omJqt3-_2t1RKegscgQeF29TkblZpNC63f-pDrpVVnZukyp5eDajws9I3gP3I/s1600-h/sn+fotd+095.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234155001586082802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tbD_My6yj0wNqQBCMft-PQkXiWJ26n-W9wCpF-PtJGNoIl4DXfY7DqgRnQF_GzIrz3hbMsE8R0QbI_omJqt3-_2t1RKegscgQeF29TkblZpNC63f-pDrpVVnZukyp5eDajws9I3gP3I/s400/sn+fotd+095.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The eye, up close and personal <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xaRTYWmj-n0MFAz84AxyXdBEsDIQRTIII5xiYWvUn85uD30U60bfo5gAk7g7d_QcWIIUK7FXyAsAbiMYQfwfCKxmrSVpdQSk3dXjI7o7tlM_rL67AUWPL4irjXutgMESkfsG3DV83vo/s1600-h/sn+fotd+096.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234155006799288834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xaRTYWmj-n0MFAz84AxyXdBEsDIQRTIII5xiYWvUn85uD30U60bfo5gAk7g7d_QcWIIUK7FXyAsAbiMYQfwfCKxmrSVpdQSk3dXjI7o7tlM_rL67AUWPL4irjXutgMESkfsG3DV83vo/s400/sn+fotd+096.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Closed eye In case you're wondering, the red dot was a zit (double boo!) </div>On the eyes, I... <ul><li>applied the lighter color all over the eyelid using a MAC 239 brush</li><li>applied the darker color on the outer-v and contour the crap out of it using a blending brush (I'm serious about "the crap" part, because that's how I apply my eyeshadows!)</li><li>applied the lightest color underneath the brow bone</li><li>line my eyes with MAC Teddy eye kolh, a lovely brown eye liner or liquid eyeliner like I did in the close ups</li><li>apply 2 coats of mascara and done!</li></ul>On the cheeks: <ul><li>applied Hot blush to the apple of my cheeks, this color is very pigmented so go lightly</li><li>contour my face with Spicy and blend the two colors well.</li></ul>On my lips: Tropical mocktail lip gloss This kit does give me that glow so for those who are sleep-deprived, please run to Sephora and get one of this before it's sold out! I think I'll use it more during the school year as well since the colors are neutral but fun to use. Also, blending with LORAC eyeshadows is extremely fun as they glide like silk! That's all for today. I hope you're having a productive week ahead. Take care, Your Makeup Blogger P.S: My review on the Hollywood Heat kit is <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/pumping-up-heat-with-lorac-hollywood.html">here</a>. Read all about it!

Hollywood Heat FOTD with Face Chart

Hello ladies, How are you all doing today? I'm doing fine, considering this is my last week of freedom before school starts again. If ev...

3:12 AM

I Was Nominated for the "Kreativ Blogger" Award!

Hi Ladies, Yesterday I woke up as the happiest blogger on Earth! <a href="http://estellarina.blogspot.com/">Estellar</a>, a fellow blogger and my blog reader, nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger Award. Thank you Estellar for this, I am very moved as this is my first award I've ever received in the blogsphere. Hopefully more will come after this. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_888lITXcOhMbYjhi2JQCM1uYE9YStKhfM2Ph2sopmQ7iKiOUcyrXQIB52HsuaLMx6aNGY08Sa3MzGusdFh9nZPNtv_kF5zaubUQ28gfXmHqcDY1t9O6KRBzv0JN9fF_xvX9Sviq3Hw/s1600-h/kreativbloggeraward.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234743440788381362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_888lITXcOhMbYjhi2JQCM1uYE9YStKhfM2Ph2sopmQ7iKiOUcyrXQIB52HsuaLMx6aNGY08Sa3MzGusdFh9nZPNtv_kF5zaubUQ28gfXmHqcDY1t9O6KRBzv0JN9fF_xvX9Sviq3Hw/s400/kreativbloggeraward.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a> Here's my acceptance speech (just for kicks, hehe): <blockquote>When I was little, I used to love writing and wanted to be a novelist when I grew up. However, I went into a totally different direction and do fine with it. But somehow my passion for writing does not die down totally and with my lust on makeup, I decided to open this blog as a gateway to unleash my creativity and to meet new friends. Receiving this award means a lot to me and I will do my best to keep up with what I've been doing. Thank you Estellar for nominating me and I humbly accept it.</blockquote>The award requires me to nominate 5 other bloggers and here are my nominees (in no particular order): <ol><li>Karen from <a href="http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/">Makeup and Beauty Blog</a>: she's the sweetest beauty blogger whose blog I've been <s>stalking</s> following for a while now. Karen does not mind answering my sometimes silly questions and her cat Tabs is really cute.</li><li>The Muse from <a href="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/">Musings of a Muse</a>: the Muse cracks me up all the time with her witty comments on makeup products. Who knows beauty blogging can be so fun?</li><li>Jaimie from <a href="http://www.justkissnmakeup.com/">Just Kiss 'N Makeup</a>: Jaimie is a very talented makeup artist and her blog is informative. She's also a reader here and she is very nice. If you live around her area and need your makeup done, make sure you go to her, ok?</li><li>Stephie from <a href="http://stephienese.blogspot.com/">Stephienese</a>: her blog probably is the first beauty blog I've ever read. Make sure you check out her YouTube channel, she has the best tutorials on the web. And she's so nice, too!</li><li>Alienman from <a href="http://goldfishcake.com/">Gold Fish Cake</a>: I did not remember how I found her website out but she is a very funny person. She does not do a lot of makeup tutorials anymore and just moved to a new blog.</li></ol>If I could, I would have nominated all of y'all, however, the rule limits to 5 nominees only. So nominees, start your engine and see the rules below: <div style="text-align: center;"> Rules of the award: to receive this award, 1. The winner may put the logo on her blog. 2. Put a link to the person you got the award from. 3. Nominate 5 blogs. 4. Put links to the blogs. 5. Leave a message for your nominees. </div> Also, All Women Stalk quoted me on their <a href="http://allwomenstalk.com/best-lipstick-top-10/">"Best Lipstick-Top 10"</a> post. Thank you Helen for letting me know. I was quoted on the Clinique Almost Lipstick (their #8). Please go and take a look at the list. Again, my big "thank you" goes to everyone who have been supporting me through my short beauty blogging time here. This means a lot to me and I hope you will continue following me. Take care and love you all, Your Makeup Blogger

I Was Nominated for the "Kreativ Blogger" Award!

Hi Ladies, Yesterday I woke up as the happiest blogger on Earth! Estellar , a fellow blogger and my blog reader, nominated me for the Kreati...

2:54 AM

Home-made Facial Masques from Milk

As we all know, I am addicted to facial masques (or masks depending on what side of the pond you reside!) Although the real benefit of masque is still on debate, giving yourself a masque is a very relaxing way to take care of yourself and your skin. Beside using Queen Helene mint julep masque, I sometimes whisk up some home-made facial masks myself just for kicks. Believe it or not, you probably have the ingredients at home that are ready to use. Introducing to the world the secret ingredient: MILK! Yes, milk to be used as facial masques! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZF2i_j6Xm0dHobqWBGVFLBfSil1LypIjGKWsmSlImYzBQseQr8crGdT2-nKAVdBSqhgH_t4JtO01ehFk1HIh4a3PgFsUBOgVMJAw31nDXS1E_YPE092IpKnvuk7adfJeo9qS2LFqZHg0/s1600-h/milk_325.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231477891270822770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZF2i_j6Xm0dHobqWBGVFLBfSil1LypIjGKWsmSlImYzBQseQr8crGdT2-nKAVdBSqhgH_t4JtO01ehFk1HIh4a3PgFsUBOgVMJAw31nDXS1E_YPE092IpKnvuk7adfJeo9qS2LFqZHg0/s400/milk_325.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 357px;" /></a> Believe it or not, this masque saved me during my last flair-up when Auntie Flo came for a visit. During that time, not only I became sensitive and moody, my face also behaved in a very naughty way. All of the sudden, everything became harsh and my favorite face scrub felt like sand paper on my face. The inspiration came when I had milk for breakfast and a little bit of it stayed at the bottom of the glass. Being stingy, I went to get a cotton pad to absorb the milk and put it on my face! The cold milk felt very soothing upon contact to my skin so I kept on applying layer after layer. Finally, after about 5 layers, the milk had a good thickness on my skin and started to dry up. I just let it stay for about 15-20 minutes while pounding my fingers away on the computer keyboard. After that, I just washed off the milk with warm water and voila, my face felt and looked better. One of milk's ingredients that gives benefit to your skin is lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). AHA is a group of carboxylic acid with hydroxy (-OH) group on the adjacent carbon with glycolic acid (from sugar cane), lactic acid (from milk), malic acid (apples and pears), citric acid (lemons and oranges), and tartaric acid (from grapes). The function of AHAs is to exfoliate dead skin cells on your face. Perhaps AHAs is better known as glycolic peels at the dermatologist office. If you use milk as a face masque, the concentration of lactic acid is smaller and irritation is less. However, I do not recommend using milk masque everyday. If you're still reading at this point and thinking where am I leading you, the next part is about how to do <s>it</s> them. Yes, I'm going to provide more than 1 masks for y'all because I love you and because you're still reading. Facial masque #1: Pure milk masque Use anything but skim milk, believe me when I say "no skim milk". The extra fat will give you some moisture while the lactic acid gently exfoliate your skin. Also, it's better to keep the milk chilled so you'll feel more soothing and relaxed. You will need: about 1/4 cup of milk and some couple of cotton pads/balls. Direction: dip the cotton pad in the milk, then apply all over your face. Repeat 4-5 times until you feel some strong, sticky sensation on your face. Keep for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Facial masque #2: Milk and Sugar masque This is a super-power version of the first masque as raw or brown sugar is added. I love to use the raw sugar packs that I got courtesy of Starbucks in this masque. However, if you want a finer version, brown sugar can be substitute. No pure white crystallize sugar please, as the glycolic acid is stripped down during the production of white sugar. What you need: about 1/4 cup of milk, a pack of Starbucks raw sugar or 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, some cotton pads/balls. Direction: mix milk and sugar together, do not worry if the sugar does not dissolve. Apply the liquid on your face and lay down, this mask is quite drippy. If you want a scrubbing masque at the end, apply all the sugar crystals to your face as well. Rinse with warm water after 10-15 minutes and watch your face glow. Notice: this masque is quite tasty so refrain yourself from drinking it! Also, as AHAs are irritating to your skin, do not use it on broken wounds and acnes. However, it's quite good to use as a face peel though, just don't use it too often (once a week is good enough!) Facial masque #3: Oatmeal and yogurt masque This is the all-star facial masque as oatmeal is a moisturizer and skin comforter while the AHA in yogurt acts as an exfoliator. This masque is very comforting to use and I sometimes reach for it just because of this particular reason. Direction is provided by <a href="http://www.smartskincare.com/tips/skinrecipe_revital_20050923.html">Smart Skincare</a>: Ingredients: 2 tbsp. plain yogurt; 1 tbsp. oatmeal; 1 tbsp honey How to prepare: Simply mix ingredients together to form a paste. To avoid clumps, you may grind oatmeal into a powder (using a coffee grinder, for instance) before mixing it with other ingredients. How to use: Wash your face. Massage face with the paste in a circular motion. Keep on for a minute or two then rinse off. That's it, ladies! Milk, regardless how you slice it and dice it, is an awesome ingredient for your skin. While applying it on your face, feel free to give yourself a cup of milk as well. My father always said, "When you apply it inside and outside, it will meet somewhere in the middle and you will look very good!". So get yourself some milk to have gorgeous skin and strong bones as well. TGI Friday! If you decide not to go out tonight, just crack open that bottle of milk and pamper yourself. After all, Cleopatra was known to bathe in milk and I'm just sayin' :) Take care and have a nice weekend, Your Makeup Blogger.

Home-made Facial Masques from Milk

As we all know, I am addicted to facial masques (or masks depending on what side of the pond you reside!) Although the real benefit of masqu...

3:10 AM