Virginia Olsen Minerals - Fantasy Collection and Sophia Eyelash Enhancer

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I was in college when the craze for mineral makeup boomed.

I was easily attracted to this kind of makeup because it offers natural and effective coverage without the harsh chemicals some products have. My interest with mineral makeup was rekindled when I discovered Virginia Olsen Minerals. 

I was fortunate enough to be invited to their bloggers launch this month. The said event was held to introduce their holiday collection, Fantasy, and their buzzed-about eyelash enhancer, Sophia.

The Fantasy Collection, a limited edition, is composed of 7 fabulous shades. These are all shimmery and in gorgeous shades. I personally call this the fairy-like edition. ;)

actual packaging of the shadows

samples

From the TOP: Stardust, Tinkerbell, Kryptonite, Moonlight Star, Fairydust, Crescent Moon and Lovers Moon.

From the TOP: Stardust, Tinkerbell, Kryptonite, Moonlight Star, Fairydust, Crescent Moon and Lovers Moon.

I'm so sorry for the less-than-high-quality photos. >_< 

They certainly don't give justice on how gorgeous these shadows are. 

I was at awe each time I swatch a shadow. Not all colors would appear the same way it looked on the jar!

Tinkerbell was the most surprising. At the jar it looked like a neutral peachy color but when swatched, its a lovely lavender / purple shade! 

It was only then that I realized that mineral shadows are better applied with fingers, or with a primer.

A damp brush would also make a huge difference for the colors to really pop.

My ultimate favorite shade is the Fairydust (given that I'm a sucker for neutrals), but I also love Crescent Moon. These shades are perfect for every occasion, it all depends on how you combine them and how you'll wear them. 

wearing foundation in Shady Lady and Hide-A-Pore in Light

For someone with a "huge pore" problem, I was definitely impressed on how their mineral foundation and Hide-A-Pore (used as a finishing veil) dramatically reduced my pores' visibility.

I will post a more in-depth review about them soon. ;)

Their brushes are also one of the best brushes I've used! Very soft synthetic brushes and would do the job even with non-mineral makeup. :) I personally love their on-the-go kabuki brush!

Now who among your girls are boggled on how you can have a fuller, darker and longer lashes?

Here is Sophia Eyelash Enhancer by Virginia Olsen to the rescue!

For more details about this product, visit Ana Victorino's review about it: http://anavictorino.tumblr.com/post/36346927885/review

Here is how you can get the Sophia Eyelash Enhancer at a fraction of the cost!

HAPPY GIRL! :)

Lucky Girls! :)

Calling all makeup newbies!

 Virginia Olsen will have their 1-day Basic Mineral Makeup Workshop with Michelle Dy this December!

Check out the details below. :)

Follow and Like Virginia Olsen!

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Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface - Review, Photos, Swatches

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Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface is my most favorite shade from Tarte's Amazonian Clay Blushes. The shade looks so natural on me! It's a rosy pink blush that gives me the healthy flush of color on my face. I know most people would say this is a summer blush, but this is the shade I wear almost everyday.

It's long wearing, color payoff is good, matte and doesn't irritate my skin.

Just so you know, Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes are formulated without mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate and synthetic fragrance.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface

swatch without flash

swatch with flash

PROS: long wearing, matte, doesn't have parabens, gives that natural rosy flush, didn't irritate my skin, good color payoff

CONS: doesn't come with a brush, pricey, not available locally

VERDICT: 

 I will repurchase when I don't find something better.

Where To Buy:
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface

Online, P1300-P1400

Engage to Change with SM Eco Bag 2012 - The Launch

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Going green is no longer just a trend, but is now turning into a lifestyle.
Nobody has an excuse - everyone can contribute in helping our environment by using sustainable products.
One way of helping Mother Earth is using reusable bags instead of plastic bags.
A particular reusable bag caught everyone's attention (actually, it has been on the market for 4 years already but only became more apparent when Quezon City regulated the use of plastic), the SM Eco Bag.

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The SM Eco Bag is one of the major initiatives of the Program on the Environment, an advocacy of SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the SM Supermalls.

The project aims to promote sustainable shopping habits by creating awareness and encouraging SM customers to utilize reusable bags. As a responsible mall developer, SM aims to foster stronger ties with the community by educating them about various environmental issues. The project also supports various local governments by adhering to numerous ordinances that promote the prudent use of plastics. Even beyond advocating reusable bags, SM fosters more mindful practices by utilizing biodegradable plastics. At present, 3.2 million bags are out in circulation all over the country.

The eco bag project began in 2009, with the first bag being designed by National Artist, Mr Manny Baldemor. This edition revolved around the theme “Creating awareness on environmental concerns”.

A year after, a new set of bags were designed, with the theme “Encouraging Action.” These designs had the big, statement words that correspond to the 4 different elements of nature: Renew (Earth), Flow (Water), Breathe (Air) and Spark (Fire).

Then, in 2011, the 3^rd set of SM’s Eco Bags was launched. It was inspired by the UN International Year of the Forest, and worked around the theme of “I Am Involved”. This was seen as a progressive development,  allowing SM to become  a stronger and more integral part of the community through its active promotion of fostering awareness.

Now on its 4^th year, seeing the potential of engaging the future leaders of the country in a more participative stance, SM turned the bag design into a competition for High School and College students. With the theme “Engage to Change”, the campaign now became a nationwide search for new designs. The widespread participation brought to total, more than 600 entries. However, most importantly, the competition provided a more concrete avenue for SM, as an integral part of society, to do its share in engaging the youth and community in caring for the environment.

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In the said competition, 4 winners were chosen, 1 from each region: Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. They received P25,000 and the new iPad as recognition for their outstanding creativity and individual contribution for the worthy cause. Likewise, the schools that the students represent also received P25, 000 from SM, in support for their individual environmental projects.

Awarding ceremonies was held last November 12, 2012, (Monday) at the 2^nd floor of The Block at SM City North Edsa. The event unveiled the new designs, plus, recognized and honored the students who participated and won the competition.

The Winners

winner from Luzon

winner from Visayas

winner from Mindanao

winner from Metro Manila

My personal favorite is the set from Metro Manila. I love the idea of incorporating our national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, to the design. It makes the idea not just going green but also nationalistic and purely Pinoy.

Other photos taken during the event :)

Like their page for more news and updates!

SM Supermalls Eco Bag 

Harness the Glow of the Holidays with Clarity

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It is that time of the year when nights begin to grow longer while the cold awakens the festive spirit. It is the season of bright lights ushered in by the so-called ber months. And while people are overwhelmed with kindness, it is only natural to let that inner glow break out and shine.

Premium body and facial care provider Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center presents that chance to not only feel good but look good as well. With its SkinCheQ beauty package, Clarity lets people in on a deal that offers beauty inside and out.

 

As the Christmas season arrives, gatherings and get-togethers come left and right and it is only fitting that one looks his or her best at every occasion. SkinCheQ offers that unique opportunity with a set of beauty treatments that reflect the festive mood of the season.

Clarity is offering SkinCheQ as a gift for those who are wellness enthusiasts. For only Php 15,000, a client can enjoy a complete pampering, which includes one ReFirme session, two Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments, and three Intense Diamond Peel (IDP) sessions. The package also throws in a free overnight stay for two at any of Clarity’s partner hotel or resort, which results in saving a lot of serious money.

 

With the ReFirme session, Clarity offers a non-invasive skin treatment that peps up a more youthful, toned, and lifted skin minus the long downtime or recovery. Aside from its skin-tightening benefits, the procedure also helps minimize pores and reduce the chance of getting unsightly breakouts and pimples.

 

The IPL treatment, on the other hand, offers a convenient way to remove age spots, freckles, broken veins, and large pores – all without the ouch! The IDP session meanwhile gently and effectively exfoliates the skin through steady stream of fine crystals that whisk away dead skin cells leaving a smooth, fresh, and rejuvenated skin.

 

Done by board-certified doctors and highly qualified aestheticians, Clarity clients are guaranteed value for every penny with quality service while the offering of a short and relaxing getaway simply further sweetens the deal. A SkinCheQ holder can enjoy an overnight relaxation with the free accommodation for two that comes with the beauty package. Clients can choose from any of Clarity’s partner hotels, which include The Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, Hotel H2O, and the Midas Hotel in the heart of the metro; resort destinations like the Club Balai Isabel or The Farm at San Benito in Batangas and the Nurture Spa in Tagaytay are also choices for the free accommodation.

 

Free Skin Analysis is available for Clarity Shangri-la clients while a mere Php 400 more entitles SkinCheQ holders to an expert consultation with a resident Clarity dermatologist. Available until December 2012 and valid until 2013, the package also enables clients to reach out and share the benefits of the deal by offering the various service certificates and accommodations as gifts to friends, family members or loved ones.

 

It is easy to get lost in the merriment of the yuletide season. Before jumping headlong into the Christmas rush, make sure things are set straight starting with a rejuvenated body and mind. Spend time and resources wisely by investing in your own. With Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center’s SkinCheQ, beauty and wellness are just a call or a clinic visit away.

 

Visit Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center at the 5^th Level Wellness Zone, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, EDSA corner Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City. For more information, contact Clarity through telephone number (02) 638 1294 or through Customer Service Hotline (02) 751 4929. You can also visit www.clarity.com.ph for more details.

MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study - Review, Photos, Swatches

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MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study is the first ever paint pot that I've used. Paint Pots are described as creamy versions of eye shadows, which makes them a lot more long wearing. Some of the matte paint pots (Soft Ochre and Painterly) are used as primers or eye shadow bases, while paint pots with shimmer are usually used by itself (or with a shadow, however you want to wear them). 

Bare Study is a pearly beige cream base/shadow. Its perfect if you're the no-fuss kind of girl because it can be used by itself (or with a shadow). It easily brightens up your eyes and I believe it flatters all skin tones. There are debates about this and Rubenesque (a peachy salmon-like paint pot), but I really can't compare them since I don't have Rubenesque. This exceeded my expectations with regard to longevity. Considering that this is a shimmery shade, it stays without creasing for hours. If you have extremely oily lids, wearing a nude primer would make this even more long wearing. It also doesn't irritate my eyes so yeah, good job MAC!

I wear this as a base, then use Naked from Urban Decay Naked Paltte on the outer V, a Tony Moly matte cream shadow on my browbone and a winged liner using Majolica Majorca (my typical everyday look).

I also prefer using my fingers when applying this.

MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study

swatch with flash

swatch without flash

PROS: a versatile shade, long wearing, doesn't irritate my eyes, can be worn by itself or as a base

CONS: I'm not sure if this is locally available since we got this in HK. A little pricey.

VERDICT: 

 I will repurchase when I don't find something better.


Where To Buy:
MAC Bare Study
Online (or try MAC Counters here), P1000-P1100

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed - Review, Photos, Swatches

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Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed is one of the most versatile blushes I've used. It looks like a bronzer on the pan, but since it has red undetones, it serves as a warm blush and bronzer in one. What I like mose about it is that I can wear it with any lipstick and eye makeup. Its long wearing, pigmented, matte (hooray!) and it doesn't irritate my skin.

Just so you know, Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes are formulated without mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate and synthetic fragrance.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed

swatch with flash

swatch without flash

PROS: blush and bronzer in one, long wearing, great for oily skin, no shimmer, a little product goes a long way, sturdy casing

CONS: a fabulous reader said it might be available at Beauty Bar, but upon checking Beauty Bar's website they don't have it yet so I'm not sure. Pricey, doesn't come with a brush or applicator

VERDICT: 

 I will repurchase when I don't find something better.

Where To Buy:
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed

Online, P1300-P1400