Blushing Sneakerhead – by Mariah Christhel: Makeup

You may be ready to start dipping your makeup brushes into a sea of colors this year, but before you dive into deep end, here's a guide to makeup essentials for beginners that will help you get your toes wet in the ever growing world of beauty. I've listed down my top three must haves to help you understand everything there is to know about makeup.
Disclaimer: I am no professional makeup artist, these are just my opinions on the matter at hand. Also, credits to the owner of some of the photos I used on this blog post.

Makeup Essentials for Beginners (selfie)

1. LONG-LASTING FOUNDATION
Starting with the base, a long-lasting foundation helps you create a makeup look that will stay on throughout the day — no more cake-y makeup and no more touch ups!
The L'Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation is currently one of my favorites for this category. It provides medium to full (buildable) coverage and it stays on all day long with its lightweight, breathable texture. It is also waterproof, transfer-resistant (once it sets) and sweat resistant!

Makeup Essentials for Beginners (Long lasting foundation)

2. MULTI-TASKING FACE MAKEUP
Palettes and multi-tasking face makeup usually save precious space in our makeup bags. And fortunately for us, there are many beauty products out there that we can utilize on the face and on our eyes as well. So whether you're in a tight budget or just starting out in the world of makeup, here are my current top picks for everyone:
The Detail Makeover 4-in-1 palette contains 2 contour shades, 1 bronzer, 1 highlighter and 2 blushes. Of all the face palettes I tried, this by far is my fave! The highlighter is just beaming and you can mix the other shades for contouring, bronzing or putting blush on. You can also use them as eyeshadow, it's that versatile!
The Essence Hey Cheeks palette contains 1 highlighter, 3 blushes and 2 bronzers. If you're into peachy makeup, I would definitely recommend this palette. The highlighter reminds me of the best selling Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in champagne pop and the blushes are perfect for creating dewy looks.
Lastly, the 3CE Take a Layer Multi Pot — the 3CE Take a Layer Multi Pot, as the name entails, is a multi pot that you can use on your eyes, cheeks and lips. If you're looking for a makeup that will last throughout the day, this definitely a must! This is also perfect on creating monochromatic looks.

Makeup Essentials for Beginners (multi tasking face palettes)

Makeup Essentials for Beginners (multi tasking face palette)

Makeup Essentials for Beginners (multi tasking face makeup)

3. LIPSTICK SETS
Rather than sticking with just one lipstick that you never finish, I recommend on getting yourself lipstick sets for variety. There are plenty of options out there, and if you're someone who's currently into gloss like me, I suggest getting your hands on the Marc Jacobs lip duo.
The Marc Jacobs Lip Duo can be used for both day and night looks, interchangeably and at the same time! I carry these on my bag all the time.

Makeup Essentials for Beginners (lippie)

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Makeup trends come and go, but some makeup products are timeless. We all have our own staples we've fallen in love with over and over again. What's mine? Well, it's no secret I love blushes. And for me, the best one I have tried up to date is the 3 Concept Eyes Take A Layer Multi Pot.

3CE Take A Layer Multi Pot in #cabbage rose Review

3CE Take A Layer Multi Pot Swatch Review

3 Concept Eyes (3CE) Take A Layer Multi Pot is a 3-in-1 makeup product for the lips, cheeks and eyes. It has a cream to powder formula and finishes matte on the skin. There are currently seven shades available, all flattering to different skin tones.

PRODUCT DETAIL:

The 3CE Take A Layer Multi Pot contains shea butter that makes this product easy to blend and to softly care for the lips. It is highly pigmented, enabling it to deliver rich and clear color payoff.

PACKAGING:

The product comes in a small box with minimal design upon purchase (Tip: You can tell whether a 3CE makeup is fake or not through scanning it using apps like "hidden tag"). The product itself, on the other hand, comes in a gold-plated compact with mirror. It displays the model's face wearing the shade of the product (as seen on the multi pot I got #cabbage rose, a deep rose shade). The product contains 4.2g.

3CE Take A Layer Multi Pot in #cabbage rose on fair skin Review

MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS:

I've been using the 3CE Take A Layer Multi Pot on my cheeks practically everyday and I love how natural-looking it is. I also love how it stays on throughout the day considering that I commute a lot, I have combination to oily skin and the Philippine weather.

On the lips, I use it sometimes. It is pigmented, blends easily and does not dry out the lips. Although, reapplication is necessary.

And on the eyes, it really gives that pop of color and just makes your eyes look alive. It does not crease but if you have oily lids, putting powder on top is a must!

PROS:
It has a matte finish.

It really is highly pigmented, one dab goes a long way!

It does not dry out the lips and stays on in a decent amount of time (3-4 hours), although reapplication is really necessary after eating.

It lasts all day on the cheeks, even on oily/combination skin and/or hot weather (6-8 hours).

It is not patchy on the eyes.

It is the best product for girls on-the-go since it is compact and it already is three products in one.

CONS:

It has a mild vanilla scent (which I hate! I hate sweet scents! But the scent disappears in a while so it's okay).

It is pricey, but you can look for cheaper options. You can check out shops in Shopee like "rrkoreanshop1" that sells affordable Korean makeuo products. The 3CE Take A Layer Multi Pot in #cabbage rose only costs around 829 pesos at their shop.

So, how about you girl? What is your best makeup product?

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First Shopping Experience at Sephora Philippines

I am just a girl, in her twenties, still exploring her options for skincare and makeup. And in this modern time, a lot has changed in the beauty community. Besides relying on physical stores like before, we now have the option to utilize online shopping. Another popular store I had my eyes on for the longest of time is Sephora. The brand name itself is quite intimidating at first, I know. So on today's blog, I'm going to share with you my experience plus tips for shopping at Sephora on your first time.

Shopping Review by ayacheei ft. Sephora Philippines

Sephora is a beauty-retail store founded in France in the 1970's. It is not only the leading chain of perfume and cosmetics store in France, but also very popular worldwide. And in 2016, it is finally brought here in the Philippines! With over a hundred beauty brands, Sephora is certainly a girl's dreamland.

The Sephora website is very easy to navigate. As you can see on their homepage, there are ten categories. It is also further sorted out in sub-categories namely Best Selling, Newest, Top Rated and according to price. You can easily find what your looking for whether the best selling skincare products or the least expensive makeup.

How can I make a purchase?

-You need to have an account first. Sign-up, then log-in to https://www.sephora.ph.

-To add items in your cart, click on "Add to Cart" for the item you want to purchase.

-To review the items on your cart, click the "cart logo" located at the top right of the page. You can also review the items in your cart.

-If you have an applicable "promo code", enter it and click on "APPLY". The updated total price will be shown down below.

-For first time shopper like myself, you can download the Sephora app (android or apple store) and use the code "ONLINE10". This code may only be used once so think wisely on using it.

-Fill in all necessary details for your shipping details, then click on "Proceed to Purchase" to choose the mode of payment.

What payment options do I have?

-Credit Card

-Paypal

-COD is now available nationwide! Applicable on purchases of value 10,000 pesos and below.

-Dragonpay (Online Banking, Cash Over the Counter,etc.)

How much is shipping?

-Shipping fee is 330 pesos for orders below 999 pesos.

-Shipping fee is free, for orders above 999 pesos.

**You may track your order/s via http://www.aramex.com.

How long do I have to wait for my order/s to arrive?

-Expect your order delivered in 5-10 business days, since it will be shipped from Singapore. Saturdays, Sundays and Singaporean Public Holidays not included.

As for my shopping experience itself, it was quite easy and short. I placed my order last September 6 and my package arrived on September 14 (after six business days). There was no hassle whatsoever and it arrived safely. In the Sephora app, you can also see quickly the status of your order, so you don't have to worry about anything, since you can check everything in a snap. Their customer service is also very responsive, so if you have any questions you can ask them freely.

Benefit Cosmetics Philippines Soft & Natural Brows Kit

I chose to order the Soft & Natural Brows Kit by Benefit Cosmetics, since I find this kit very worth the price - you have two full-size brow products and one travel-size brow product. The kit also contains instructions on how to achieve the perfect brows.

Storewide, Sephora offers different kinds of deals and bundles, which is really worth the price. And if you do not want to splurge on a certain product you haven't tried yet your whole life, you can also purchase travel size products, that is way cheaper than the original size.

Another tip for you girls is to spend 999 pesos and above, since other great deals are offered by that price. You will be able to avail free shipping, as well as basic or deluxe samples. In my experience, I got the chance to get the Pixi Rose Flash Balm for free.

If you want more information about Sephora, you can follow their social media sites: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or their website Sephora. You may also contact them at contact.ph@sephoradigital.com. Happy shopping!!!

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Kris Aquino x Ever Bilena Makeup Look (Kris Matte Brow Liner and Brow Mascara in Beyond Brown and Kris Matte Mattic Lipstick in Life)

Local makeup brand Ever Bilena, in collaboration with the "Queen of All Media" Kris Aquino, recently launched their first makeup collection, the Kris Aquino Life Kit! Its the first installment of her makeup collections to come, that includes two brow liners paired with brow mascaras and two matte lipsticks.

Kris Aquino x Ever Bilena Makeup Look (Kris Matte Brow Liner and Brow Mascara and Kris Matte Mattic Lipstick)

The packaging of her makeup collection is just these simple black boxes with a touch of Kris Aquino herself, her name on it and a bunch of hearts.

Here's what you need to know about the eyebrow product of her collection, the Kris Matte Brow Liner and Brow Mascara. I got mine in the shade Beyond Brown. It is a dark brow liner and mascara in one. This eyebrow product is also available in the shade Happy Taupe (light brown). It retails for 275 pesos.

Kris Matte Brow Liner and Brow Mascara in Beyond Brown Swatch

PROS:

It is a very convenient product since it is a 2-in-1 product.

The brow liner end is retractable, so there's no need to sharpen it. It also has an almost tear drop-shape, which makes it easy for application.

The brow mascara end has a small wand, which for me is perfect for putting the brow mascara on. It is also ideal for makeup beginners since the wand is very easy to manipulate.

CONS:

The shade of the brow liner and the brow mascara are not identical in color (I'm not sure if it's supposed to be like that, and if it's the same with taupe).

The brow liner is a bit waxy. It does not glide on the skin smoothly during application.

Another product on her collection, is the Kris Matte Mattic Lipstick. I got mine in the shade Life. It is a pink matte lippie in a crayon-like form. This lippie is also available in the shade Love (red). It retails for 245 pesos.

Kris Matte Mattic Lipstick in Life (Pink) Swatch

Kris Matte Mattic Lipstick in Life (Pink) Lip Swatch

PROS:
I love the packaging! a retractable, chubby stick.
The lippie shade range is so Kris Aquino, so if you're a fan of hers' you'll surely love this collection. The pink one (Life) is perfect for a sweet, girl-next-door look while the red one is perfect for a glam, sexy look. But you can also use these lippies on an everyday basis since they are very versatile.
The lippies are also moisturizing and very pigmented.
CONS:
Even though you can use this lippies for an everyday look, I wish they would release nude shades anytime soon (I'm a sucker for nude lippies).

The Kris Aquino Life Kit products are currently available on drugstores and SM Beauty sections nationwide. You can also purchase the Kris Matte Brow Liner and Mascara and Kris Matte Mattic Lipstick on BeautyMNL. Grab yours now!

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Makeup Tutorial by ayacheei ft. The Hangover Drunk Blush Makeup Look

Hi guys! It's been a while. On today's blog, I'll be showing you an easy way of recreating the "drunk blush" makeup look or as I like to call it, the "hangover" makeup look. This look was popularized by Japanese makeup artist Igari Shinobu and had been showcased by various artists like Nadine Lustre and Andrea Brillantes.

The "hangover" makeup look mainly focuses on the blush—applying the right amount of blush under the eyes and over the nose, creating a continuous redness. This way, you'll be able to mimic one's flushed skin via drinking alcohol or a weather too cold. I think this look is appropriate in today's time since Christmas is fast approaching. It is also an easy look to recreate! And I'll be sharing three steps on how to do the "hangover" makeup look. It has been my current go-to makeup because it is that easy to create, especially on the morning rush when all you need is that pop of color. I'm not going to babble anymore, here are the three easy steps on creating the "hangover" makeup look.

1. CHEEK TINT

First, start with a cheek tint. I am using the SkinGenie Lip and Cheek stain in the shade "Tulip Red".

Dab the cheek tint starting from your nose to cheeks, forming a horizontal C shape. Blend using your fingers. Build up the color by adding more tint as desired, and just keep blending.

2. POWDER BLUSH

Now, for the powder blush. I am using the Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher in the shade #6 Grapefruit Jelly.

Apply the layer of the powder blush over the liquid tint (on the cheeks and slightly over the nose). This method is done in order to enhance and prolong the color of the blush.

3. HIGHLIGHTER

Next, you'll need a highlighter. I am using the Detail Makeover Contour&Blush Effects 4-in-1 Palette (Highlighter).

For that "natural glow" look, add the highlighter on your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose. A little goes a long way!

Lastly, do your normal makeup routine and the look is done! An easy way on recreating the "hangover" makeup look.

PRODUCTS USED:

Quick FX No Shine Mattifier

Maybelline Dream Satin Skin Foundation in the shade 01

The SAEM Cover Perfection Tip Concealer Brightener

SkinGenie Lip and Cheek Stain in the shade Tulip Red

Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher in the shade #6 Grapefruit Jelly

Detail Makeover Contour&Blush Effects 4-in-1 -Highlighter

Benefit Browvo! Conditioning Primer

Maybelline Fashion Brow 3D Brow & Nose Palette in the shade Dark Brown

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline The PowderMattes in the shade Barely There

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Althea Korea's Beauty Life Guard Box (Unboxing and Review)

Althea Korea is the no.1 digital destination for all things K-Beauty, shopping, lifestyle and trends — it has been one of my current favorite online stores because their website is easy to navigate, not to mention their reliable service and "quality" authentic Korean products. And this summer (in some countries), Althea Korea curated a box designed for the hot weather, the Althea Beauty "Life Guard" Box (Thank you again, Althea). But don't you worry your pretty little mind! Even though the weather is dreary in some countries, or is constantly changing, like in the Philippines, I still recommend this box for you. All products that come with the box are waterproof. Yes, waterproof! So come rain or shine, these products will definitely still work in your favor. But before we tackle on that further, here's a quick rundown on the Althea Box.

ALTHEA BOX
The Althea Box is a beauty box consisting of full-sized K-Beauty products, which depends on the theme in a month. New boxes are always added, but are available for a limited time and quantity only.

ALTHEA BOX #26 BEAUTY LIFE GUARD BOX
The "Life Guard" Box is a beauty box designed by Althea for this summer time. It has 5 full-sized "waterproof" makeup products, sold for only 1100 pesos instead of 5050 pesos, which is pretty awesome by the way. I believe one of the products inside the box, the Tony Moly O!Oi BCDation cushion, costs around 1300 pesos — it means you'll save up to 200 pesos while having these other awesome products. Cool right? Also, the products inside the box are designed to keep you fresh and matte all day... and they do!

INSIDE THE BEAUTY "LIFE GUARD" BOX
01 Tony Moly O!Oi BCDATION Waterproof Cushion (23 Warm Beige)
The Tony Moly O!Oi BCDation Waterproof Cushion is a trendy cushion with a waterproof formula. It keeps your coverage on, with its waterproof face base and sebum controlling powder.

Althea Korea Tony Moly BCDation OiOi Waterproof Cushion (23 Warm Beige)

REVIEW/ FIRST IMPRESSION
The secondary packaging is a small box with banana patterns in it, together with the brands' name and product description. Its main packaging is a round compact cushion, that also has banana patterns in it. I find the packaging a bit cheap because it is very light and made out of plastic. The BCDation cushion comes with a mirror, a cushion puff and the BCDation (BB+CC+foundation).
Seeing the cushion first hand, I initially thought the shade of the BCDation cushion was shades darker compared to my skin tone. But upon using it, I noticed it was clearly closer to my skin tone than I thought of. I have fair skin, so if you have the same skin color, I recommend this product for you. It is very light and is only available in two shades, the other one being the lighter. I love this product so much and this has been my go-to these past few weeks because it looks natural while having intense coverage at the same time. It also feels light on the skin and lasts throughout the day, due to its sebum control. I can definitely see why the Tony Moly O!Oi BCDation Cushion costs that much.

02 Milky Dress Barbie Make Mascara
The Milky Dress Barbie Make Mascara is a long-lasting wearing mascara that curls, volumes, and elongates the lashes.

REVIEW/ FIRST IMPRESSION
The secondary packaging is a simple, long box that reminds me a lot of Barbie. It is quite dainty and girly. Its main packaging, on the other hand, is a classy and luxurious metallic-rose gold tube with a slightly curved mascara.
I am obsessed with this mascara because it keeps my lashes curled up all day. I have thick, long lashes and my main concern has always been finding a mascara that will keep my lashes up all day. And this mascara does! The Milky Dress Barbie Make Mascara also volumizes and elongates my lashes, that proves every claim of this product is true.

03 VDL Expert Color Primer for Eyes (Serenity)
The VDL Expert Color Primer for Eyes (serenity) corrects any redness for a flawless canvass. It is long-lasting with stay fix system, that locks the eye shadows without needing to apply excess product or pressure.

REVIEW/ FIRST IMPRESSION
The secondary packaging is a cool box with a holographic design. Its main packaging, on the other hand, is a classic glass tube that comes with an applicator for easy application.
I rarely use eye shadow especially in my everyday, but I got to test this product out while attending an event and on a single weekend. Let me tell you girl, omg. The eye shadow that I applied after the VDL Expert Color Eye Primer was just poppin'! It also kept my eye shadow in tact all day. It did not crease whatsoever and it kept its "poppin" color. If you use eye shadow often, I definitely recommend you to get this product.

04 Wangskin Lip Tattoo Tint Pack (Pink)
The Wangskin Lip Tattoo Tint Pack keeps your lips looking juicy and tinted all day.

Althea Korea Wangskin Lip Tattoo Tint Pack

REVIEW/ FIRST IMPRESSION
The secondary packaging is a black and pink box, with bits of information about the product. Its main packaging is just similar to the secondary packaging. The difference, of course, is that it comes in a squeeze tube made for easier application of the product onto the lips.
Upon opening the cap of the Wangskin Lip Tattoo Tint Pack, it smelled a lot like glue. It was actually weird because after applying it on my lips, it did not felt like glue whatsoever. The product claims it is moisturizing but my lips did not feel moisturized (although it did not felt dry either). Normally, after applying the product on the lips, you have to wait for 15-20 minutes or longer to peel it off and achieve vibrant-colored lips. But since I prefer nude, light colored lips, I left it for only 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, I achieved what I wanted. I got light colored pink lips. My experience peeling off the product on my lips was easy because it wasn't dry at the time. But if you have really dry lips, I'm not sure how this product will work for you. Throughout the day of testing the product on my lips, I noticed it was smudge-proof and waterproof. I cannot say it was oil-proof, in my case. The inner rim of my lips lost its color after I ate a heavy meal at dinner. Not sure if it was because I only applied it for 10 minutes, or it is really not oil-proof (comment down below if you have any experiences on using this lip tattoo or other lip tattoos).

05 Holika Holika Face Conditioner Long-Lasting Makeup Fixer
The Holika Holika Face Conditioner Long-Lasting Makeup Fixer keeps your makeup looking flawless all day. It sets the makeup in place with a long wearing formula and can be used as both priming spray and setting one.

Althea Korea Holika Holika Face Conditioner Long-Lasting Makeup Fixer

REVIEW/ FIRST IMPRESSION
The secondary packaging is a simple box with the brand name and product description. Its main packaging is also similar, a spritz-on spray with the brand name and product description.
Upon spraying the product, you will immediately smell the rose water. I am very much in love with this product because not only does it smell good, the Holika Holika Face Conditioner Long-Lasting Makeup Fixer kept my makeup on all day. It is also hydrating and good to the skin, just like rose water.

Dirty Peach Makeup (Waterproof Edition) ft. Althea Korea's Beauty Life Guard Box

Here is the look I created during that one weekend using products from the "Life Guard" Box, a dirty peach makeup look (waterproof edition). I just love the makeup and how it stayed on throughout the day.

Overall, I really am a fan of the box. For only 1100 pesos, you can get these much product from it. The Althea Beauty "Life Guard" Box was designed for the warm weather, but I think it is pretty much flexible to rainy ones. Get your own box now at Althea Korea! You can also subscribe to their website for new box releases and be updated on awesome deals.

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