Tuesday, June 18, 2013

How beauty wrecked my wallet

I can splurge on shoes, clothes and bags. But when it comes to beauty products, I'm a cheapskate. I've never been to any expensive beauty shopping. The most that I spent is Php 1,000 ($ 25) for a complete set of powder foundation from Maybelline, eye shadow palette from IN2IT, powder blush from Etude House and eyebrow pencil from Tony Moly or The Face Shop. After spending for these items, I will go home feeling broke and pathetic. Haha My Nanay once told me that if I can splurge for an expensive bag, why can't I save and spend for something that will make me beautiful ...  which I later learned was a treadmill she wants me to purchase for both of us.haha

My problem with beauty products is that I rarely experience any item that survived the entire day and made a strong impact in enhancing my everyday look. Hence, I've become averse in spending for any beauty product. Since they don't conform with my expectations, I'd rather devote my money and resources to other things that can make me happy. I'd rather go to Lacoste or Yosi Samra to purchase a new pair of flats I've been secretly coveting.

Last Friday, I decided to breakfree from my cheapskate attitude. My first attempt to purchase a really expensive piece finally happened. 

So what's the product that caused this blog post?


I've been hearing and reading a lot of positive reviews about MAC cosmetics. Beauty bloggers, my student M who owns a trunk of make up collections, and some sales ladies from the cosmetic section, whom I've eavesdropped, are mentioning praises and positive reviews about MAC. It appeared to me that MAC was like the Louis Vuitton and Hermes among beauty products.

After so much encounters, I decided to wreck part of my freelance earning to finally experience this elite product.




I planned to purchase a shade from MAC's Studio Fix Foundation. I was never good in choosing the right shade for my skin tone so I sought the assistance of the sales personnel / makeup artist. I told her that I wanted a darker shade since my skin is dark. She tried two shades and we finally landed on NC42.

The very evident trait of MAC's Studio Fix Foundation is the coverage it gave to my skin. The foundation didn't feel thick, heavy and chalky. It easily evened out my skin tone and the finish was different from my everyday Maybelline powder foundation. I also noticed that even though I overdo the application, the powder foundation worked like magic. It evenly settled to my skin.

While I love MAC's perfect coverage, one thing I failed to notice is the darker coverage it gave me. The powder tends to become a shade darker when applied to my skin. This becomes very evident when I'm applying the foundation during daytime. In effect, I looked like I didn't have any foundation at all. My skin appeared natural, which some would prefer. In my case, since I have darker skin I would have preferred a shade lighter than my skin tone.

In terms of longevity, I can say that MAC lives up to its claim. If my skin will not be too oily, the powder finish tends to last longer than my Maybelline powder foundation. The most that the product can serve is around 4 hours within the confines of my working space. I guess, not bad at all?

The only thing I dislike about the product is obviously, the hefty price! I purchased only the refill for Php 2,100!!! If I included the mirror compact, the entire piece will cost Php 2,750 (around $ 68). Whoa! It can almost wreck my half-month teaching salary.

Now, the final question is,

Will I repurchase the product?

Yes. If only I have spare money to accommodate such expensive purchase. I would love to consider MAC Studio Fix as my everyday powder foundation if not only because of its price tag. In addition to this, I would probably seek a lighter shade on my next purchase.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Reviewed! Myra Vitawhite Whitening Face Lotion

Back in my early 20s, I was contented with my facial wash, face powder, eye shadow and a pat of pink blush-on. I was oriented that all females should undergo the ritual of cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Obviously, I only comply with cleansing. Aside from the fact that compliance with these three steps meant additional expenditures, I was not the best person to carry out a routine.

Fast forward now, I'm beginning to notice how much I abused my skin. The sleepless nights when I was still finishing my masteral studies, late night movie and Korean drama series marathon, worries  from my office job and teaching, quarter life crisis and my everyday exposure from commuting in Manila; all these contributed to my skin's advanced aging.

When I crossed my mid 20s, this is when my trips to Watsons became frequent. I was always in search for beauty products that can preserve or at least delay my aging skin. This is when I started to comply with three key steps of skin care. Though admittedly, I have to say that I'm skipping toning. I can only go as much as cleansing and moisturizing.

I've been experimenting with different moisturizers lately. I used to be loyal with Celeteque's water based moisturizer, not until I discovered Human Nature's Moisturizing Night Cream. After my trip to Palawan, I was bothered with my worst sunburns and darkest skin. I searched for beauty creams that can lighten my skin. Good thing, Kaith blogged about her favorite moisturizers. I followed her recommendation. In effect, this post made it ;)

I've been using Myra Vitawhite Whitening Face Lotion for a month. Let me share my own review here.


Positive Points

1. It's cheap! You can purchase it for less than Php 100 (around $2).

2. The small tube goes a long way. I'm using the same tube for a month.

3. It can be used as a base for makeup. Surprisingly, I think the product prolongs the life of my foundation, blush and eye shadow.

4. It doesn't feel thick and heavy on the face.

5. It also doesn't make the face too white after application. It easily blends with any skin tone.

6. It dries fast as compared to other cream moisturizers.

7. It has sunscreen protection.

8. It really moisturizes the skin. After using my facial wash, I sometimes experience having dry and flaky skin. This usually happens when I lack sleep and after prolonged exposure with the office's aircondition. The instances when I have dry skin are being addressed by Myra Vitawhite.

Negative Points

1. It claims to whiten skin. It didn't really whiten my skin. It only helped in restoring my original skin tone.

2. It may not fit those with oily skin, which includes me. I have to ensure that my skin is completely dry and clean before I apply it. Otherwise, my oily skin would magnet all the dust and dirt around.

Overall, I would recommend Myra Vitawhite Whitening Face Lotion as your regular day cream. It's cheap but performs the real function of a moisturizer.

How about you? What cheap but effective brand of moisturizer do you use?

PS This is NOT a sponsored post. 

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Beautiful Sunday # 60 - Happy Father's Day


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

ABC of me (The Alphabet Meme)

Tagged by Peachy of She is also an Architect

Attached or single?
Shy single, hahaha

Bestfriends
T from the workplace, Anne and Ana from my High School days



Cake or pie?
Screaming CAKE! I particularly love Banapple's Banoffee (Wait, is this a cake? Haha), Conti's Mango Bravo, Sans Rival from Cafe Lidia 
Recently, my addiction extends to Nutella Cupcakes from Sophie's Mom, Oreo Cupcake of  J's Cupcake and Milk Chocolate from Frostings  

Day of Choice
Friday and weekends
Friday because it signals the last working day and I can finally break free from my dull office uniform
Weekends because I can spend time with my family, mall dates with Anne and practice my favorite hobby zzzzzzz

Favorite Colors
Forever BLUE!
Half of the things I own are all in color blue, though my blog design doesn't reflect haha

Gummy Bears or Worms?
Gummy Bears!!!
I love bears and I used to dream of having an extensive bear collection


Hometown
Marikina but most of the time I stay in Manila because of work

Indulgencesss
Flat shoes, Clothes, Books and Food!!!
January or July?
January because it signals the start of another year. I'm refreshed from a long holiday break and looking forward to another year.

Kids?
none

Life isn't complete without
my family and friends

Marriage Date
Coming? Unknown!!! bwahahaha  

Number of brothers and sisters
1 special brother who never fails to inspire me

Orange or apple
Orange

Phobias
Snakes

Quote
To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did

Reasons to smile
work accomplished, Family, friends

Season of choice
Spring and I hope to experience it in another country. Hopefully in South Korea or Japan
source
Tag 5 people


Unknown fact about me
It used to be that all of my clothes are in color blue. When I started working I gradually bought some pieces in beige, black, white, still neutral and safe colors

I'm trying to convince myself that I'm moving away from blue. In fact, my button down blouses can prove that I already gave up my love for blue haha 


Vegetable
String beans, lettuce, cabbage

Worst Habitsss
Stress shopping, stress eating, sleeping for more than 10 hours  

Xray or ultrasound
Xray? Haven't gone into ultrasound yet

Your favorite food?
A loooot! Usually, cakes, potato dishes, pasta, pizza

Zodiac Sign
Saggitarius

Thanks Peachy for tagging me!

"Waiting On" Wednesday : Hollow City

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine.
 The party spotlights upcoming releases that book lovers are eagerly anticipating.

For my share, here's the book I've been waiting for!
Print Screened from EW.com

I blogged the first book here. The previous story was left "open ended" that made me feel that something is probably on the way. True enough, Ransom Riggs wrote a sequel set to be released next year.

Here's a preview of The Hollow City from Goodreads

This second novel begins in 1940, right after the first book ended. Having escaped Miss Peregrine’s island by the skin of their teeth, Jacob and his new friends flee to London, the peculiar capital of the world. There, they encounter a dangerous madman named Caul, who also happens to be Miss Peregrine’s brother. Caul has discovered a way to rob Peculiars of their abilities and steal them for himself—and it will take all of Jacob’s efforts to save his friends from certain extinction.

Complete with dozens of newly discovered (and thoroughly creepy) vintage photographs, this new adventure will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.