Chanel Myriade Lèvres Scintillantes

 

My lips can't get enough of the Chanel Lèvres Scintillantes in Myriade.  To date, it's the prettiest gloss in my collection.

Myriade is a beautiful reddish pink gloss with gold and blue flecks.  There's enough color that you can use this on its own.  It's so gorgeous, I'm in love!

The formula is thicker than usual but not sticky and I think that's what makes this stay longer on the lips.  If you rub your lips really hard, it'll feel grainy but otherwise, it's hardly noticeable.  I like that this has no flavor - some taste like chemicals or worse, bubblegum.  This just has nothing.  Very nice.

 

 

It looks perfect when paired with Chanel Rouge Allure in Emotive for a fun but sophisticated look!

 

Personal Beauty Class At Make-up Designory Manila

students wrapping up at the end of the day

Make-up Designory is one of the most prestigious makeup schools in the US and has now hit our shores.  It is located at PurBeauty in Serendra, so it's right smack in the middle of Metro Manila.

I spent all of Sunday morning and afternoon at Make-up Designory Manila attending the Personal Makeup Class.  As the course title implies, the aim is to teach students how to effectively apply makeup on themselves. 

I took similar classes at Center for Aesthetic Studies and Shu Uemura Learning Atelier but I still continue to check out other school because each have different styles of applying makeup and I learn something new each time.  It's always a fun experience.

Basically, we learned how to apply foundation properly, define the eyebrows, and create a day and evening look.   The main difference from the other courses I took was that this was a whole-day class whereas the rest were just half-day.

Our instructor was Myr Lim, a graduate of Makeup Designory in the US.  It was a small class of around 10 people - at first I was worried that not all the students would be given enough attention since our instructor had no assistant.  I'm happy to report that that was not the case. She is a great instructor who was able to provide us with ample attention and individual feedback.  I left the classroom without any questions and confident about what I learned.  To be honest, among all the classes I've attended, this was the best.

One thing I loved was that Myr probed about our skin condition to find the best product for us.  In my case, there are times when my foundation turns orange because I'm acidic.  So she tested three shades on me and we waited to see which color fit best.  I always knew that was the case but never had the patience to wait when testing for foundation.  After she did that, I realized that yeah, it was pretty important.

After completing my day look, my eternal problem of concealer settling into the lines under my eyes happened.  Even after I set it with loose powder.  At first, Myr said it could be that I put too much product.  After lunch, the same thing happened again.  She then asked if I wear eyeglasses and if I get watery eyes.  Apparently, in cases like that, the best thing I can do is to retouch by dabbing it with a sponge and setting it with some powder again.  I'm finally accepting that there's not much I can do about that so I just have to live with it - but at least now I know!  I've been killing myself trying to figure out what was wrong all this time.

At the start of the day, when students were arriving, someone walked in with a traincase on wheels.  And I thought to myself "woah, stroller!"  As it turns out, the girl thought she joined an advanced class and was perplexed when the outline was discussed since she already knew the basics.  I almost felt sorry for her.  Almost.  I was a bit annoyed because while Myr was demonstrating and explaining, she was chatting away with her seatmates a little too loud.

i went wild over an eyeshadow name. can you guess which one? haha!

We had the chance to try out MUD products and I was blown away... that I ended up taking home a cream foundation and one of their eye colors.  I'm going to review that some time, so watch out for it.  But just to give you an idea... Love!

Santa Muerte Earrings

click for a closer view

Voodoogirl would not be Voodoogirl without her skulls.

These were given to me by my friend Baby J, who is possibly the country's Santa Muerte expert.  The earrings are part of a set which includes a beautiful statue and prayer book (in Spanish).

I love wearing them when I'm feeling daring but forced to wear "normal" clothing.

"Is that a skeleton on your earring?"

"Why yes, it's Santa Muerte!"

Lunch at Lusso

I was looking for a nice place to take Voodoomommy and Voodoodaddy to lunch last Sunday.  Trish suggested Lusso in Greenbelt 5.  She said that the Foie Gras Burger is a must-try.  Dee-lish!  But I couldn't finish all of it - the pattie was just too darn thick.  The bread used, whatever it was, was pretty good.

 

Lobster Bisque was all right.  Just like others I've tried in the past.

I enjoyed the Luxe Mac and Cheese.  It had tiny crunchy bits of potatoes that gave it an extra ooomph.

With everything I had, there was no room for dessert.  But everyone was happy!

Sue Devitt Muscat Mini Lip Gloss

I found this last year and was excited given my love for berry colored and super dark lipstick shades with hints of purple.  I wondered if this would make me a fan of Sue Devitt.

  

This was described as a shimmering blackberry shade which can be worn alone or with their lipstick line.  There wasn't a tester available, so I took the plunge.

What a mistake.  First, the color was very unflattering.  It gives off an "I just ate five grape lollipops" effect, except that grape lollipops are fun.  This wasn't.  The tube is comparable to MAC's lipglass.  Except that MAC's formula is really thick, that a small amount is enough.  That is not the case with Sue Devitt's Mini Lip Gloss.  I had a difficult time getting the color to look even on my lips... it was a challenge.

The glitters were cute though...

Obviously I'm not a fan.  Very disappointed with everything about this - the texture, color and most especially, the price.  It goes for $18 in their website - not worth it, in my opinion, for such a tiny amount of product that does not perform well.

The only way I can see this product working out is if it's applied on top of black lipstick.  That way, the color doesn't show and it provides shine.

Four Eyes

 

I was stuck wearing eyeglasses for almost four months because the optical shop in my area ran out of stock of the prescription contact lenses I use.

It wasn't so bad because I really love the frames I bought early this year.

I used to avoid wearing glasses outside of the house and because the lenses are pretty heavy, even if its already ultra-thin.  But the funky design has changed my mind and now I enjoy wearing glasses!

Ziaja Phytoaktiv Eye Cream

Ziaja is a small Polish company that makes natural skincare products.  I've used other products from their Phytoaktiv line on and off for a few years, depending on my skin condition.  That lead me to try out this line's Eye Cream.

I started using this last December and I still have about two or three weeks worth of product left in the tube.  So after using this product day and night for a few months, here are my observations:

The Phytoaktiv Eye Cream has a light, creamy consistency that is easily absorbed into the skin.  All that's needed is a very small amount - a teensy weensy dot and that's enough for both eyes.

It was very mild on my skin and did not cause any allergic reaction, which is a relief.  But make sure you don't get the product in your eye because that's another story.

I'd say this is a decent product to have if you want to provide moisture to your undereye area.  Because it was good at moisturizing, I noticed that the outer corners of my undereye lightened.  I think the inner corners are in really bad shape so I may need something else to address that concern.  

One thing to note is that it's not made to reduce any fine lines.  So don't expect that and say boo when it doesn't happen.

Overall, I'm happy with this product as it was very gentle on my eyes and effective.  When Ziaja says that their Phytoaktiv line is made for delicate skin, they mean every word of it.

Anne Klein Juliet Double Drop Earrings

I received these as a birthday present.  So pretty, yes?  I'm loving that the style is worn gold, and not shiny shimmery.

Planning to wear my hair up so that the earrings stand out :)

Chanel Emotive Rouge Allure

Do you ever feel bad about using a product because it's so pretty and it should just be saved for special days?  I have a tendency to do that which is why I have a lot of unused products hiding in my traincase.

I have no regrets finally using my Chanel Rouge Allure in Emotive.

Emotive feels like heaven on the lips.  There's no need to put a lip balm or conditioner because the formula is  ultra moisturizing and goes on smooth like a dream.  My lips did not dry out the whole day (and night) and I only had to reapply after eating or drinking twice.  The first time I ate, the lipstick was a little (just a little bit) faded but still intact. Amazing stuff!

 

One layer of this color provides a semi-sheer berry stain.  Add another layer and its a sophisitcated red.  My mother hates red lipsticks but agreed this was pretty, not skanky.  It's the kind of red that's perfect not just for special occasions but for everyday use as well.

And so, my love affair with Chanel begins.

Subtle Plum

Another look I wear to work featuring Sugarpill's Poison Plum!

Products used:

Sugarpill Poison Plum

The Body Shop Shimmer Waves  Peach

Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil ME Black 01

Lancome Virtuose Precious Cells

I love to play with colors but I'm not a makeup artist.  I'm still in the process of learning how to use eyeshadow.  So any feedback, ideas and suggestions are appreciated!  Keep it constructive please :)

Thanks!

The Body Shop Rainforest Hair Care Review & Giveaway

*Giveaway closed

I'm slowly transitioning to green products - stuff that's good for the environment and good for me.  When The Body Shop announced their Rainforest Hair Care line, I was excited.

This line has products that address various hair care needs: 

• Shine is for normal to dry hair
• Moisture works to treat dry and damaged hair
• Balance is used for those with oily hair
• Radiance helps color-treated hair  

I chose Shine since I don't really have a lot of hair issues except that it tends to get poufy when I'm stressed.

The products do not contain any colorants, parabens, sulphates or silicones.  Most of the products out there have these present and it's difficult to avoid these completely.  I mean, just read the label of every item you use.  So I'll take the alternative that lessens my exposure to these chemicals.

Because it does not contain a lot of chemicals found in other products, the formula is easily biodegradable - that means that the formula breaks down faster.  It also means that the products do not work and feel the same as others.  The formula of the shampoo was watery.  The conditioner felt less slippery.  I found that I needed to use a little bit more than usual.  

Since there are no sulphates in this formula, don't expect it to lather as much.  The Body Shop recommends that you mix the product with a little water using your hands, before applying it to your hair.  I didn't really understand why until I tried it - the method made it easier for me to work the products into my hair.

Even if it was a different experience, I found that it did the job in terms of making my hair clean.  I was worried that the conditioner did not work because my hair did not feel slippery but to my surprise, it was easier to comb.  Plus, my hair did not feel weighed down.  The products have a clean, somewhat herbal smell that I liked.

All in all, I like this product enough that I would purchase it again.  It takes some getting used to, but it's all good.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Want to try this product?  I'm giving away a Rainforest Shine Travel Set which includes 2 sets of travel sized (60 ml) shampoo and conditioner.  There's also a lovely apple green comb that's part of this set - it's made of 100% recycled material.

the box

 

 inside

Here's how to enter:

1.  Leave a comment below, please include your email add.  Only one comment is allowed per person.  If you don't want your email add published, you can send it to me here - please include your follower name & email add.  And you'll still have to leave a comment on this page.

2.  Get an additional entry by letting people know via Twitter.  You can do this once a week.  Each tweet equals one entry.  Make sure to include @stepfordwitch so that I can track your entry.

Giveaway closes on June 3 and the winner will be announced on June 4.  Good luck! :)

Magic

Here's one of the looks I wear to work (I have a corporate job) using Sugarpill eyeshadows.

Products used:

Sugarpill Buttercupcake

Sugarpill Bulletproof

NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil Celebrate

The Body Shop Shimmer Waves Peach

Red Earth Twin Line Duo Effect (Gold/Bronze)

Red Earth Twin Line Duo Effect (Silver/Charcoal)

Lancome Virtuose Precious Cells

I named this look after one of my minions, Magic, because the colors remind me of her eyes.

 

photo credit: Preppyboy

Sugarpill Addicted to Pretty Pressed Eyeshadows

When I was a child, I loved painting and drawing.  Nevermind how dirty my hands got from all the paint and oil pastel.  All those bright colors brought me to a happy place.  Which is why I've had a makeup crush on  Sugarpill for about a year now.

With all the stuff I wanted to purchase, it would be quite costly to have it sent via my regular courier.  If I had it shipped directly here, well... let's just say I don't trust customs when it comes to stuff like these.  So when Preppyboy had to go on a business trip early this year, I seized the opportunity and went on a shopping spree.  I got my haul in March so this is waaaaaaaaay overdue!

Burning Heart Palette

 Cold Heart Palette

Addicted to Pretty Pressed Eyeshadows

Some eye candy, huh?  Addicted to Pretty's colors are not for the faint of heart but these are exactly what I've been looking for.  They are a bit on the powdery side but a little tapping of the brush does the trick.  Surprisingly, there wasn't a lot of fall out when I applied it to my lids.

The quality is excellent - the colors are CRAZY pigmented (check out the swatches below), they are very easy to blend and there's no need to use any eye primer.  However, I did have a difficult time removing it, especially Poison Plum and Love +.  It left a stain on my eyelids which stayed there overnight - that didn't bother me at all but I thought it was worth mentioning

The pans are wide (bigger than MAC's eyeshadow) so these will definitely last me a long time.

left to right: Love+, Flamepoint, Buttercupcake, Poison Plum, Afterparty, Tako, Bullerproof, Dollipop, Midori

I was able to wear Poison Plum on its own (with black eyeliner), and Buttercupcake with Bulletproof to work.  So these colors aren't just for photoshoots or other special projects.  They are actually wearable - it's just a matter of being subtle if you're in a corporate setting.  I wish I was in a creative field so I could get away with using these colors to its full potential.

Usually, I don't pay much attention to packaging but it's impossible not to notice with Sugarpill.  Here are Addicted to Pretty labels at the back of each product and the Chromalust list of ingredients at the bottom of the box:

It's not just the makeup I love... The cat mascot is soooooo adorable.  Amy (the devious mastermind) pays attention to details.  I'm talking about the packaging, the free sample, the free stickers, the cards, the personalized note on the invoice (check out the haul picture at the top of this post), even the box used for shipping is so cute... so cute that I don't have the heart to throw it away!

Customer service was superb.  I forgot to include 1 item after checkout.  So I ordered it again within a few minutes.  Amy was able to get everything together so that I only got charged for shipping once.  Thank you so much, Amy!

An added bonus:  Sugarpill is cruelty-free.  And all Chromalust products, Bulletproof and Tako are Vegan.  How awesome is that?

I feel like a giddy little girl everytime I bring these out of my traincase.  With all these vibrant colors, you can do practically any look.  Sugarpill encourages me to just play with colors and it makes makeup fun... and that's how it should be!

More Addicted to Pretty pictures to oogle:

I also have three Chromalust Loose Eyeshadows but I'll save that for next time :)

NARS Celebrate Soft Touch Shadow Pencil

When I saw the Spring 2011 makeup collections from various brands, I thought they were all pretty.   The one that i wanted most... like really, really wanted was NARS Celebrate Soft Touch Shadow Pencil and it was only because of the color.

And so, I got this for myself last March as a reward for finding a new apartment in record speed.

Let's talk about the price because it always bothers me why we have to pay a premium to get cosmetics considering we live in a third world country.  There are a lot of crappy things already as is...  why can't I have my makeup priced just like the rest of the world?!  This product retails for $24 in the US.  Here, it's approximately $35.  Highway robbery.

I should probably look for someone who can purchase stuff for me in the US since most of the products there costs less anyway.  I tried purchasing items online but most stores only accept credit cards if your billing address is in the US.  Major bummer.

Anyway, back to topic... I was hoping this would be more green than yellow because NARS advertised this as "parrot green" and parrots usually do have bright green colors.  This looks more like love bird yellow.  Seriously.

I wasn't quite sure how to properly use this pencil. After all, it's too fat to be an eyeliner.  The sales person from NARS said it would work best as a base for powdered eyeshadow.  That's fine by me since I do own a lot of greens.

In terms of texture, I was pleased because it glided on like a dream - extremely smooth and blendable.  The color payoff is decent enough, it was semi-opaque.

There are a lot of reviews out there saying this pencil is a dud because it creases within minutes.  I decided to test it out myself.  So I applied this to my bare lid, went to the kitchen to prepare my lunch then eat.  After that, I took this picture:

Yup, it creased.  And to think I had my air conditioner turned on.  Can you imagine how fast this would have melted had I stepped outside in the summer heat?  Scary.

A few more swatches for you to check out...

no flash

with flash

Overall, I was disappointed because NARS usually comes up with great make up.  This one looked promising but did not deliver.