Spotlight | BeautyCornerPH Mixing Palette.

Earlier this week, I received a surprise package from my friend Smile - the one-woman-army behind Updated Trends and Beauty Corner PH. Inside the package was a bunch of goodies - a Mixing Palette, the famous BCL 24-hour Browlash EX from Japan, Sleek Makeup's Flick It Eyeliner, plus Smile's handwritten note for me.

Don't you just love getting handwritten notes? In this day and age of Viber, Kakao Talk, and LINE, a cute stationery with a friend's penmanship is such a refreshing sight.

Thank you, Smile! :)

I'll do a separate review of the Browlash and the eyeliner, but for now, the spotlight is on the Mixing Palette.

A must-have for makeup artists!

An up and coming product from Beauty Corner PH, the Mixing Palette is a must-have, and should be a staple tool for every professional makeup artist. Made with acrylic, this mixing palette offers a hard, durable and easy to clean work surface where you can do some serious mixing, mashing, and blending of makeup products right before applying.

Mixing, blending, swatching.

Whether you're a professional or freelance makeup artist, or simply someone who likes experimenting with makeup on other people's faces, then this tool is for you. Not only does this palette make it more convenient to mix shades of lipsticks or foundations, it also makes the process more hygienic as you avoid constant dipping into your makeup and cosmetics.

My mixing palette and Seunghyun, my Samsung Note2.

The ring on the top-left corner allows easy grip on the palette. And mind you, this product is no bigger than a Samsung Note2.

This Acrylic Mixing Palette sells for Php 480 each, while the Mixing Palette with Stainless Steel Spatula sells for Php 650.

For orders and product inquiries, you may contact Smile via email (amberlights.laguna@gmail.com) or mobile (09162675881). And don't forget to like The Updated Trends on Facebook, too! :)

Nailed It! | MUA Nail Constellation.

Remember that bottle of MUA Nail Constellation that came with my MUA Lip Boom purchase from Updated Trends? I finally had the chance to use them two Saturdays ago, during my Mum's '50 and Fabulous' birthday party.

Caviar nails!

This is my first attempt at doing caviar nails, so pardon me if what I did looks amateurish. It's the same reason why I chose to wear them on just two nails for each hand. I didn't want the product to go to waste lest I do something wrong while applying it.

Starry, starry nails. :)

Here's a description of the product as seen on the MUA website.
MUA’s amazing NEW Nail Constellation is inspired by the patterns formed into stars in the earth's night sky is a 3-dimensional extravagant nail art system you can create easily from home that leave your nails looking ‘wow!’.

These Constellation beads have a beautiful shine to them in five amazing space theme colours. They are easy to use and with them you can create many different designs. Supplied in a funnel for easy application with a re-sealable top! Using the Funnel application simply bed the constellation beads onto to a thick coat of your favourite MUA nail polish in a line design or just placed randomly.

Lovely colors, sleek bottle.

The new range comes in five variants: Pisces, Gemini, Libra, Leo, and Scorpio. I'm not sure where the other seven zodiac signs are; perhaps they'll be released as a separate collection in the future. Mine is Scorpio, as you can see. It's a combination of yellow, green, and purple beads - the most colorful combination and the prettiest in the collection, in my humble opinion.

Scorpio!

Anyhow, here's an instructional video uploaded on the MUA Cosmetics YouTube channel. It shows the step by step procedure on how to use the MUA Nail Constellation.

Just so you know, I used the Sassy Colors Iced Mocha as my base coat. It's the same color on my nails without the Nail Constellation. I applied a top coat, too, and (contrary to that comment on YouTube) it didn't ruin the effect on mine. If anything, adding a top coat made the beads adhere better and last longer on my nails. I wore them for about a week - quite surprising actually, since I did grueling housework during that period of time (ergo, handwashed the laundry and washed the dishes).

Next time, I'll just pour the beads in a bowl or a container of some sort and dip my nails into it. That way, no beads will go to waste and it'll save me time from putting back the unused beads inside the tiny jar.

MUA Nail Constellation is available at Php 300 per bottle at The Updated Trends. They'll be participating at the upcoming Super Sale Bazaar, happening on March 1-3 at the World Trade Center, so I suggest you take this chance to check out the MUA Nail Constellation and other MUA products at their stall. :)

Spotlight | Face of Australia Gentle Makeup Remover.

I'm a huge fan of waterproof mascara. They stay on your lashes for hours, can withstand tears, sweat, or perhaps even rain, and prevent you from getting raccoon eyes. My only gripe about the waterproof kind is that they can be very difficult (if not impossible) to remove, especially if you're just using soap and water. For the most stubborn mascara, you have to have a makeup remover that can get rid of all that gunk on your face.

One such product is the Gentle Makeup Remover by Face of Australia. It's a dual phase cleanser that works its magic once you shake it. It's a must that you shake it, as it wouldn't work otherwise.

The presentation may be a bit bland, but this baby works like a charm.

It contains cornflower extract, an ingredient well-known and popularly used for its antioxidant properties and  whitening effects. Its pH is compatible with our tears, which makes it safe and suitable for all skin types - including sensitive ones like mine.

Check the label! :)

Best of all, this product is oil-free and paraben-free. And they don't test on animals, too. Yay, for this cruelty-free brand!

Tear-compatible, sensitive formula.

Now take a look at its dual phase formula. Here's how the product looks like before you shake it.

The liquid has two phases, haha!

Shake, shake, shake until both phases have combined. 

Let's volt in!

Apply the liquid in a cotton pad. You won't need much for this product to work. Four or five drops would be just enough. Afterwards, wipe gently over the face beginning with closed eyes. Make sure not to rub makeup into the the eye area.

Pardon how gross this looks like.

And here's a tip - if you love wearing falsies, you will love how this Gentle Makeup Remover gets rid of the lash glue on your lids in a breeze!

The back of the cotton pad has even more eeewness factor, haha!

What I love:

- Gentle formulation.

- Great for sensitive skin, and all skin types.

- Fragrance-free.

- Non-greasy.

- Non-drying.

- Removes makeup really well - even the most stubborn, waterproof mascara! 

- Affordable price

What you might not like:

- Not available at physical stores here in the Philippines. 

BUT you can purchase them online via The Updated Trends for only Php425!

Thank you Ms. Smile for giving me the chance to try this genius of a product! :)

Pucker Up! | MUA Lip Boom in OMG and Cheeky.

Last week, I did some much-needed spring cleaning with my train case. I segregated the old and nearly expired makeup from those that are still in good condition but I no longer use or grew tired of using. The latter I gave away to some of my mommy friends at school, while the former went straight to the garbage can.

And with most of my old and unused makeup gone, I now have room for new ones! Simply put, my spring cleaning was an excuse to satisfy my lust for makeup and buy myself new ones (lol) - lip products, in particular. You know how much of a sucker I am when it comes to lippies. I can never get enough of them and can never have too much of them. Haha!

Case in point, my latest haul from Updated Trends, which included two MUA Lip Booms. I was smitten just by looking at this photo, and was on the verge of purchasing all the colors.

Photo credit: Updated Trends

Created with English R&B artist Alexnadra Burke, the MUA Lip Boom is a lipstick and highlighting gloss that gives a dramatic illusion of volume to your lips, making them look fuller and more curvaceous.

Back flap.

Versatility is a key feature for the Lip Boom as they can be worn four different ways:

1. Lipstick alone for a matte look.

2. Lipstick with highlighter applied just to the centre of your lips to create a full volume illusion. 

3. Lipstick with highlighter all over for a super-glossy look. 

4. Highlighter alone for a sheer pearl finish.

Now prior to this I've had no previous experience whatsoever with MUA Lip Booms, let alone any MUA product. So I had to restrain myself a bit and settled with just two colors, the ones that attracted me the most - OMG and Cheeky.

Top: Cheeky / Bottom: OMG.

I've been on the hunt for a nice coral lipstick since the year started, and coming across OMG, I felt like my prayer has been answered.

MUA Lip Boom in OMG.

OMG Lipstick and Lip Gloss.

OMG is a pretty shade of coral, with a hint of pink to it. It has a very creamy texture, and gives a velvet matte finish. I like how it doesn't feel dry when worn, and how it does not settle on the lines in my lips. Color payoff is great, and staying power is pretty good, too. The color fades a bit after you eat - just a wee bit that needs very little retouching (or none at all) afterwards.

Bottom view.

As for the lip gloss, it comes in a matching color with tiny specks of gold glitter in it. Tiny enough that they go unnoticed when worn. Like the lipstick, the lip gloss has a distinct, sweet smell that reminds me a lot of toffee candy. It may smell overly sweet for some, but personally I like it. I also like how the gloss isn't sticky and feels light on the lips.

Swatches. Lipstick on the left, lip gloss on the right.

As for Cheeky, it's a cool toned, pale shade of pink. Think bubblegum pink ala Nicki Minaj.
It has the same creamy texture and matte finish as OMG, and the color payoff and staying power is just as remarkable. Cheeky, however, is a tad easier to apply as it glides more smoothly on the lips. Well, on my lips, at least.

MUA Lip Boom in Cheeky.

To be honest, I wasn't sure if I would love this color in actual. I even had doubts if the lipstick will suit me as I was paying for it via the Multiply Shopping Cart. But hey, the color's pretty in the picture so it could be just as pretty in real life, I thought. And just in case it doesn't, at least I didn't pay too much of a price for something I might not like. The Lip Booms sell for Php 280 each - pretty affordable since you're getting two lip products for the price of one.

Cheeky Lipstick and Lip Gloss.

And as it turns out, Cheeky is just to my liking. In fact, I love it even more than OMG, haha!

Bottom view.

But I couldn't say the same for the lip gloss, though. Sure, it smells just as nice, and has the same lightweight, non-sticky feel as the OMG lip gloss, but Cheeky's is just packed with way too much shining shimmering splendid! The glitters are chunkier and more distinct than OMG's - like there's more glitter than gloss in that small bottle.

Swatches. Lipstick on the left, lip gloss on the right.

Here's how the products look like on my lips.

OMG Lipstick.

OMG Lip Gloss.

Cheeky Lipstick.

Cheeky Lip Gloss.

What I love:

- Sleek packaging.

- Affordable price.

- You get two products for the price of one.

- Velvet matte finish ala Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet lippies.

- Doesn't feel dry on the lips.

- Great color payoff, good staying power.

- Smells yummy!

What you might not like:

- Goodness gracious, all that glitter!!!

And now for the Face of the Day... No, make that Faces of the Day, haha!

Products used (for both looks):

FACE: Benefit Erase Paste in Medium, Nature Republic By Flower BB Cream in Natural Beige.

EYES: elf Liquid Eyeliner in Black, Fairy Drops Volume Burst Mascara in Black, 

Ever Bilena Original Eye Brow Pencil in Brown.
CHEEKS: Tony Moly Lip and Cheek Tint in Cherry Pink.

LIPS: MUA Lip Bloom in OMG (left), MUA Lip Bloom in Cheeky (right).

MUA Lip Boom and other Makeup Academy products are available at Updated Trends. Shop via their Multiply page, like them on Facebook, and get the latest product updates on Twitter!

And if you've tried these lippies before, let me know what you think and which colors you love! :)

Sleek MakeUp PH turns One!

September 2011 marked the arrival of Sleek MakeUp, a famous UK brand of cosmetics and beauty products, here in the country. This milestone also paved the way for the creation of  Sleek MakeUp PH - the official Philippine fanpage of Sleek Makeup.

A year has passed since then, and time sure flies when you're having fun!
As a way of saying 'thank you', Sleek MakeUp PH is sharing a special discount code with their loyal and ever-supportive clients. This discount code entitles you to a 15% discount for every Php1000 worth of Sleek MakeUp PH items bought at The Updated Trends - the official distributor of Sleek MakeUp here in the Philippines.

Use the product code 'SLEEK1YEAR' when you place your orders at The Updated Trends' Multiply site. Remember, this discount applies to Sleek MakeUp purchases only.

As if that's not enough, Php 3000 worth of Sleek Makeup products will also be given away!
To join, simply:
1) Like the Sleek Makeup PH Facebook page.
2) Like The Updated Trends' Facebook page.
3) Share/tag the said pages on your Facebook wall. 
4) Make sure the post is visible to all, for easier validation of entries.

For instance,

Isn't that easy breezy? Now mouse over to your Facebook and join the giveaway now!
Promo ends on September 30. Open to Philippine residents only. :)

Sneak Peek | My Konjac Sponge.

Weather was warm and sunny over the weekend, and it was business as usual for most establishments here in Laguna, including courier and delivery services. Even our mailbox had been bustling since last Friday, with a steady flow of deliveries - utility bills, credit card bills (spare me, please), PhilPost claim stubs, and best of all, products from my favorite brands and generous sponsors.

I received quite a few items over the weekend, but this package from Updated Trends really got me stoked.

Plant not included, lol.

If you can remember, Updated Trends is the Philippines' exclusive distributor of Sleek Makeup. The latest addition to the store's product line is this brand - My Konjac Sponge.

Konjac, the plant from which these sponges are made, thrives in tropical and warm subtropical countries such as India, China, Japan, and Korea. Konjac is well-known in these countries as a food ingredient, as well as its various health-giving properties.

In Japanese cuisine, Konjac (also known as konnyaku) can usually be found in dishes like oden and sukiyaki. While in China, Konjac is usually consumed in jelly or tofu-form. In Korea, it has become quite popular as an exfoliant and a face massage accessory, as in the case of My Konjac Sponge.

With five variants to choose from, my Konjac Sponge can be used even on the most sensitive skin. Babies included!

Moon Korean Ocher, Php 365.

The Moon Korean Ocher (in orange) is tailor-made for ultra-sensitive skin as it contains nothing but natural plant fiber. No chemicals, no coloring, no additives. 

Water Drop Bamboo Charcoal, Php 365.

The Water Drop Bamboo Charcoal (in gray) is best for oily and troubled skin. Enriched by charcoal extracted from homegrown bamboos in Korea, this sponge is effective in eliminating blackheads and unclogging pores

Moon Original, Php 345.

Originally designed for babies, the Moon Original sponge is also suitable for adults, particularly those with normal skin. It is super soft, pH balanced, and free from additives.

These sponges are manufactured in one of my favorite tourist destinations - Jeju Island, Korea. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jeju Island is home to the majestic Jeju Volcano, and to one of the cleanest and purest water in the world.

And just as My Konjac Sponge is gentle on skin, it's gentle to the environment, too. These sponges come from naturally sustainable and biodegradable ingredients, and are made by hand in a sterile and safe environment. They are also tested to the highest standards and have UK and EU certification for hygiene and purity.

I'll be posting more about each of these sponges in the days to come. Bath time is sure gonna be fun with these new buddies!

In the meantime, you can check out My Konjac Sponge's official website or place orders via Updated Trends on Multiply or Facebook.

Many thanks to Ms. Smile  for these babies, and to My Konjac Sponge, who never fails to greet me on Twitter. :)

Spotlight | Sleek MakeUp PH!

In my last FOTD post, I hinted about an upcoming Sleek MakeUp giveaway. If you got that hint right and had been waiting for an official announcement, then your wait is almost over.

Because come May 1, the Sleek Makeup giveaway is officially going live! This is in participation to Makobi Scribe's Mother's Day Gift Ideas event, which will run from May 1st until the 18th. With at least 240 bloggers signed-up, this event is bound to be the biggest and most exciting Mother's Day Giveaway Hop ever!

I am thrilled and very, very honored to have Sleek MakeUp PH as my sponsor for this event.
Sleek MakeUp PH is the official and authorized distributor of Sleek MakeUp in the Philippines. Originally an online store, they've expanded their business and now have physical outlets at The Ramp (Crossings Department Store, Quezon Ave.) and at Circles & Dots (Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City).

I hear they'll also be opening an outlet soon at The Ramp, Shangri-la Mall branch. Fellow makeup junkies, that means more options plus easier access to all our favorite Sleeks!

Now for the Mother's Day Gift Ideas event, here's what I'll be giving away.

One (1) Dip-it Eyeliner in Indigo Blue.

A long-lasting and highly pigmented liquid eyeliner with a felt-tip applicator.

One  (1) Wonderlast Lip Color in Pink Parakeet.

A combination of a highly pigmented long-lasting colour and a moisturising clear gloss with non-sticky, glossy properties. 

One (1) Blush in Flamingo.

A highly pigmented blusher to brighten and define cheekbones. The silky-fine formulation provides long lasting blusher which helps to create a subtle but radiant cheek area. 

One winner gets all three products! :)

 Sounds wonderful? I'll make things even more exciting by opening this giveaway worldwide! So mark your calendars, and I'll see you all back here on May 1st. :)

Visit Sleek MakeUp PH at the following branches:

The Ramp (Crossings Department Store, Quezon Ave.)
Circles & Dots (Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City)

and via their online stores

https://www.facebook.com/SleekMakeupPH
http://updatedtrends.multiply.com
http://digitaltraincase.multiply.com

 *This is the first among the four giveaways that I'll be having this May. Watch out for the other sponsor spotlights and event teasers that I'll be posting in the coming days!

Sharing with Blue Monday! :)