Red Lips: MAC Russian Red and NYX Perfect Red

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Oh red lipsticks, how I love thee. I'm not exactly sure why it's my go-to color. Is it because Marilyn Monroe, one of my favorite icons, made this her signature lip color? Maybe its the way I feel whenever I wear one: confident, strong, and sexy.

Red lipsticks come in different hues, formulas, and packaging. It's not true that red lipsticks are exclusively for fair-skinned women. There are a bunch of different kinds, both drugstore and high-end, that will suit you. All you have to do is try them all until you find your red lipstick.

I decided to choose red lipsticks from different price brackets to emphasize that you don't have to shell out tons of your hard-earned cash to wear and achieve the sultry red lips.

From the high-end part of the spectrum: MAC Russian Red

MAC Russian Red

On the other part of the spectrum: NYX Perfect Red

NYX Perfect Red

MAC Russian Red and NYX Perfect Red

MAC Russian Red and NYX Perfect Red

MAC Russian Red and NYX Perfect Red

MAC Russian Red is matte, blue red, vampy, and super pigmented. It's long-wearing and leaves a good stain on my lips after 4-5 hours since application. Its matte, but not as awfully-drying as Ruby Woo.

NYX Perfect Red is from their Matte lipstick line. So far, this is my favorite among NYX's lip product lines. The shades are awesome. Formula and longevity are way better than that of their round lipsticks. Its a tad brighter than Russian Red.

Now let's compare them :)

As you can see, on the tube, there is an obvious difference with their shades.

Russian Red is darker than Perfect Red.

MAC Russian Red and NYX Perfect Red

MAC Russian Red and NYX Perfect Red

But once swatched on my skin, you really can't tell which is which.

Perfect Red is almost a dupe for Russian Red!

(L-R) Russian Red, Perfect Red, Ruby Woo

(photos of lip swatches to follow)

I'm really happy with these red lipsticks. Don't get me wrong, I love all my red lipsticks. These are my favorites because I love their finish, pigmentation, and longevity. 

To sum it all up, you don't have to be intimidated with red lipsticks. It's just that, there's no such thing as a universal red lipstick that would compliment everyone, but that doesn't mean you won't find something that will suit you. I found these babies because I kept an open mind in trying every single red lipstick I encountered. If I found mine, how hard would it be to find yours? :)

MAC Russian Red, MAC Counters
1000php

NYX Matte Perfect Red, Pretty Goddess
350php

Have you found your red lipstick? What is it? I would love to hear from you. :)



FTC: I purchased these products with my own money. I 'm not getting paid for this post. I'm not affiliated with the brands mentioned. Photos above are owned/taken by yours truly.

Snack Of The Day: NYFD and Caprice

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I know, I know. I’m not a healthy eater. I stuff my face with almost anything, and most of them are really bad for me. I know I shouldn’t blame it on my lifestyle and environment (Eastwood City and a shifting schedule), but I really can’t help it. Sue me.

My kind of snack when I’m REALLY hungry and/or stressed is the usual burger + fries + cola.

On my worst days, I add a sundae. Today was one of those days.

 

NYFD New York Hot Dog and Fries + Caprice’s Vanilla Magic

NYFD New York hot Dog Sandwich with Fries and Cheese Dip 99php

Fortunately, a burger wasn’t accessible so I chose a “healthier” option: hot dog sandwich.

Yes, I still had the fries but it was a rather tiny serving than my usual.

For drinks, I skipped the cola and chose a chocolate drink topped with vanilla ice cream. 

Vanilla Magic 100php

Mango Fruit Tea with Nata 75php (+10php for additional nata)

 I'm now officially a fan of Caprice. they have awesome selection of milk teas and fruit teas.
My favoite is the mango-flavored fruit tea.

What's your snack of the day? :)

MAC Impassioned - Review, Swatches, Photos

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Impassioned - adjective; filled with or showing great emotion. 

For beauty and makeup lovers (especially MAC fanatics like moi), Impassioned is simply one of the best summery pink lipsticks one could own.

MAC Impassioned 

MAC Impassioned

MAC Impassioned

       MAC Impassioned is an amplified cream lipstick: creamy, opaque, and pigmented.

         The shade is refreshing and will instantly brighten up your face.

MAC Impassioned

MAC Impassioned swatch

Although there are no specific rules on wearing this shade (at least for me), I would recommend a simple, neutral eye makeup for this one. A shade like this deserves to be the highlight of your face.

MAC Impassioned lip swatch

I personally don't wear a lipliner for this shade because I haven't found a perfect match for it (suggestions are welcome!).

PROS: long-wearing, awesome formula (yay for moisturized lips), opaque, great shade :)
CONS: Pricey. But if you ask me, its worth every peso ;) Oh, and its not available in all MAC counters. :(

VERDICT: 5 CHILIS!


MAC Impassioned, MAC Counters
1000php


FTC: I paid for this product with my own money. I am not getting paid to make this review. I am not affiliated with the said brand. Photos above are taken/owned by yours truly.

Chinese New Year 2012 - My Binondo Day

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Kong hee huat chai! Kung hei fat choi! These greetings were all over Chinatown. The hustle and bustle of people trying to take home as much luck as they could with different trinkets, fruits, ornaments, and tikoy.


It was a typical Chinese New Year weekend in Chinatown in Binondo, Manila.

I've always wanted to explore the area, but I was always apprehensive because I speak/understand minimal Chinese. With several Chinese languages used here (Mandarin? Cantonese? Fookien?), I'm doomed. I asked a friend to accompany me, being he's Chinese and a graduate of Hope Christian High School, I'm pretty sure he'll be a great help in navigating the place. We met up in SM Manila and rode a jeepney going to Sta. Cruz. I showed him the list of where I wanted to go... and so the trip began.

First (and my favorite, too) stop: Wai Ying Fast Food

The branch in front of Hope Christian High School

Wanton Mami/Bihon 100php

 This is so filling! Great for sharing :)

Curry Beef Brisket Rice 120php

 A must-try for all the rice lovers :)

Ham Soi Kok 60php

I think this is a spin-off of Empanada(?)

Buchi 60php

My favorite Chinese dessert!

Second stop: Binondo Church

I hope getting married on New Year's eve will brig them luck and joy :)

I'm at awe with this artwork. Come on, a hand-painted artwork on a ceiling? A CEILING!

Third stop: Temple in Masangkay

I will definitely come back to this temple. The keeper is sooo nice :)

Chinatown at it's finest: (photos by Rexter Andrew Urquiola)

Chinese New Year 2012

Chinese Dragon

Incense Burning

We also dropped by Polland to buy some hopias as pasalubong, but I wasn't able to take photos. It was the branch that doesn't have a security guard, and I'm just too scared to take out my phone. :(

All in all, I had fun exploring Chinatown. It was tiring, yes, but I wouldn't mind doing it again. It's actually nice to immerse myself in Chinese culture (though that was just a slice of it, really).

TIPS: If you're planning to do a photowalk, its best you do it as a big group. You don't want muggers messing with your gadgets.
Wear comfy clothes and shoes 'cause you will walk (you will have to, no kidding).
Restaurants are usually jampacked during lunchtime, so if you don't want the hassle of waiting for a table, eat early or after lunchtime.

Lastly, keep an open mind. Appreciate, enjoy, and have fun! :)


What is your Chinatown experience? I would love to hear them. :)

Dupe Alert: NYX Amsterdam for MAC Eden Rouge

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We all want to be (and should be) a smart shopper, especially nowadays that money (or work, for some people) is hard to come by. We should determine (or differentiate) our "wants" and "needs", and prioritize the latter. Probably that's one of the motivations why people are always on the lookout for cheaper alternatives or dupes for the things that they want, especially with makeup.

For my first dupe alert: NYX Amsterdam for MAC Eden Rouge :)

(L-R) NYX Amsterdam, MAC Eden Rouge

Its really hard to tell which contains more product because NYX didn't specify theirs in the packaging.

(L-R) NYX Amsterdam, MAC Eden Rouge

Amsterdam is a part of NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cream line. I believe this is a permanent line, since they didn't say its a limited edition or seasonal line. I don't even think NYX does that.

(L-R) NYX Amsterdam, MAC Eden Rouge

NYX Amsterdam is a cream lipstick that goes on smoothly and dries out matte.

It tastes good and has a longer stay-on power compared to their round lipsticks.

Now, let's compare Eden Rouge's swatch and Amsterdam's swatch :)

(L-R) NYX Amsterdam, MAC Eden Rouge

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream when worn

MAC Eden Rouge when worn

As you can see, they are pretty close in shade, if not identical.
(Apologies for the different lighting :[ )

The intensity of their hue is also the same. They're both bright blue red.

You almost cannot tell which is which, until Amsterdam goes matte.

What's the deal?

Longevity: MAC, being known for their superb formula, obviously wins by 2-3 hours. But to be fair, Amsterdam has also a decent longevity in wear, probably 2-3 hours.

Opacity: For me, Amsterdam is more opaque, probably because its more matte than Eden Rouge and because it's a lip cream.

Packaging: For people who have issues with wands and "double dipping", I'm pretty sure you'll have issues with Amsterdam. For me, Eden Rouge bags this because it's packaging is sleeker and more sophisticated.

Price: Given that MAC is a high-end makeup brand, NYX is a more practical option.

VERDICT: If you're the type who doesn't mind dropping a thousand for a tube of high-quality lipstick, MAC Eden Rouge is for you. You're paying for what you're getting: long-wearing, high quality product in a sleek packaging. Downside? It's a limited ed shade.

On the other hand, if you're practical, doesn't mind working with a wand, and loves matte lips, NYX Amsterdam is for you. Plus, its not a limited ed shade so you won't have trouble getting them. I believe NYX is one of those drugstore brands who can compete with high-end brands, without the sky-high prices.

So, which one would you buy?

MAC Eden Rouge, MAC Counters

1000php

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam, Pretty Goddess

300php

FYI: Pretty Goddess sells a lot of awesome makeup that are not available here in the Philippines. Check out her Facebook page!

Click here for my full review on MAC Eden Rouge :)



FTC: I paid for these products with my own money. I'm not getting paid to make this review. I'm not affiliated with the said brands. Photos above are owned/taken by yours truly. :)

Review: Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette

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"What is your best physical asset?" I often stumble upon this question in surveys, back when Friendster was such a hit in the Philippines (about 10? 12? 14 years ago?). My answer then is still my answer today: my eyes.

I embrace and celebrate my Chinese roots, and I'm happy to be a chinita. :)

About a year and a half ago, I was absolutely obsessed with eyeshadow palettes. I tried several drugstore brands, but they always leave my eyes watery or burning. Then I discovered MAC and Urban Decay, and they were (and still are) perfect. But considering I can't spend my entire paycheck on those babies, I had to find an affordable (yet of the same level of quality) alternative.


I think I've found it. :)

Introducing, the well-loved Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette! 

The palette contains a good amount of product, compared to other drugstore palettes.
The colors are fabulous. Anyone can wear these shades and can go from day to night.

As you can see on these swatches, each shade is highly pigmented, especially the darker shades. 

My favorite is the neutral-colored side. 

They're just so easy to wear and i don't have to worry if it'll compliment my look for the day. :)

Swatches (no flash)

Swatches (with flash)

All in all, I highly recommend this palette. Its a must-have! Unfortunately, our local stores here in the Philippines don't carry them just yet. :( I always ask the lady behind the WNW counter when will they carry this palette, and they still can't give me a definite date. :(

PROS: pigmented, long-wearing, shades are flattering for everyone, good amount of product, and affordable.

CONS: About the product itself, NONE. It's the availability that really sucks. :(

VERDICT: 5 out of 5 CHILIS!

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Palette, EBAY

500php (shipping excluded)


FTC: I paid for this palette with my own money. I'm not getting paid to make this review. I'm not affiliated with the said brand. These photos were taken by yours truly.

Cello's Doughnuts And Dips - Oreo and Cheese

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Who loves desserts?! ME!!! I'm pretty sure my friends will answer in chorus, too. (Yes, girls! I'm talking about you! <3) Anyway, my kind of dessert is not the sweetest, most chocolatey kind. I appreciate subtle sweetness combined with other taste (Green Tea Ice Cream, please??)

For weeks now, I've been craving for doughnuts. I got to taste this awesome Cheese Doughnuts brought by an officemate, and it just hits all the right notes! So I just had to get my big butt to SM North EDSA's Sky Garen and grab these delish babies!

Hey y'all, it's Cello's Cheese Doughnut, paired with an equally famous flavor, the Oreo Doughnut. <3

So far, these are my ultimate favorite doughnuts. But I'm still open to suggestions.
Anyone?? :)

Their Chocolate Doughnut is also a best seller, FYI :)

Oreo and Cheese Doughnut, Cello's Doughnuts and Dips in Sky Garden

35php each

Girl In The Pink Scarf

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The best and cheapest way to update your wardrobe is by jazzing it up with accessories. Earrings, bangles, lariats, headpieces, chokers - and the list goes on and on.

My current favorite? Scarves! Being the cheapskate that I am with "trendy" or "seasonal" items, my go-to havens are thrift shops and the good-old department stores :)

If there's such a thing as the scarf that symbolizes or signifies who I am, this has got to be it.

Pink, teal animal (cheetah? leopard?) print, black mini plaid print. OH YEAH! That sounds like moi. :)

Oh, and again, it matches my lips. :3

Scarf, 189.75php Landmark

Other stuff:

Lipstick - MAC's Girl About Town

Teal tank top - Dorothy Perkins

Black v-neck shirt - Forever 21

Necklace - a gift from mom :)

First Pair Of DC Kicks!

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I'm not exactly a fan of sneakers. If you know me personally, you should know that I'm more of a boots kind of girl. I'll spend thousands on a great pair of boots, regardless if it's leather, suede, cloth, or plastic(rain boots, anyone?).

As much as I love boots, wearing one everyday in this Manila weather is like putting my feet inside an oven. So finally, I HAD to get a pair of sneakers.

My first pair was from Gola. It lasted me for almost 2 years, but after wading the flood of typhoon Ondoy (and other floods that came), it had to retire. My 2nd pair is from Converse. I've had it for a few months, and after wearing it almost everyday, it's starting to disintegrate.

And so the search for a new pair began, and luckily I found a pair I "aesthetically" like! :)

World, meet my first kicks from DC :)

Fresh pair of DC shoes for women!


The color combination won me over instantly (PINK, black, white, lime green, and PINK!!!). I also love the fact that it has a faux croc material. Talk about subtle sophistication! :)

DC Sneakers


All in all, I am in love with my new sneaks. And for 1,770php? I say that's a great deal!

1770php, Shoe Salon Trinoma

Even matches my lips! ;)

MAC Eden Rouge - Review, Swatches. Photos

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MAC Eden Rouge is a part of MAC's Posh Paradise Collection that was released last year. The said collection carried lipsticks in a new formula - the "mattene" a.k.a semi-mat. It's as opaque and as long-lasting as their matte formula, with the creaminess of the amplified creme formula. I'll say mattene is the baby if ever matte and amplified creme ever hook up.

MAC Eden Rouge

Red lipsticks are my go-to items whenever I'm too lazy or in a hurry.

I love the drama and how it makes me look "put-together" without too much makeup.

MAC Eden Rouge

Eden Rouge is brighter than Russian Red. The shade is closer to Ruby Woo.

Unfortunately, this color is limited edition. :(

MAC Eden Rouge

Swatch

MAC Eden Rouge lip swatch

PROS: Matte but not drying, longevity is fairly good(about 4-6 hours), the sleek packaging is easier to carry around

CONS: a limited edition shade, dupeable

VERDICT: 4 out of 5 CHILIS! This is a great lipstick to add to your collection (especially if you're a huge fan of MAC). The shade and finish are great, but if you're in a budget, I think you can settle for the drugstore dupe.

Click HERE to see the drugstore dupe I discovered for MAC Eden Rouge! :)


FTC: I paid for this product with my own money. I'm not affiliated with MAC. I'm not getting paid for this review.
These photos are taken by yours truly.

SRP: 1,000php MAC Counters