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Sunday, March 31, 2013

Review: Guerlain Ecrin 4 Couleurs- Les Bois De Rose 04








Product Claims/Description>>>


Create, have fun and dare to wear colour as an accessory. Specially designed to be used together, GUERLAIN colours can be mixed, matched and blended with no fear of mistakes. Each colour is unique. To fully embellish it, GUERLAIN created each tone individually to give it just the right texture that reveals it without detracting from its beauty. Actually, each harmony of Ecrin 4 Couleurs is composed of an interplay of different ans specially selected textures: - IRIDESCENT: tiny pearly particles that release luminous colour with an iridiscent finish. - MATTE: an extra-matt, ultra-soft finish for ultimate comfort. - VELVET SATIN: perfect glide for a velvety result that feels soft and delicate. - ALCANTAR'EYES: a metallic finish with 
unbelievable softness.


Pros

  • Luxurious packaging (Sturdy gold plated case w/ large mirror;the black velvet pouch protects the case from scratch and finger print)
  • Great lasting power, doesn't easily crease
  • Easy to wear; shades are versatile
  • Shades can be stand alone.
  • Great pigmentation
  • 4 different textures in a palette
  • The applicator absolutely works well

Cons

  • The textures of each shades are almost similar to each other, would've been nice if they included a matte shade
  • The rose shade can be tricky to use (reddish eye shadow could make you look tired)
  • Price





Store/Damage>>>

Guerlain Counter,Shangrila (Php 2,998)


The BamShell Thoughts>>>


I honestly like this better than my other Guerlain palette (review: Les Noirs 09) simply because it's more unique and I've never had these shades in my collection. My favorite among the pan is the satin taupe on the right, this easily give my eyes a soft depth, while the dark plum is my least favorite because I found out that it has the poorest lasting power and could give some fall out. Here's a look created by Lei. Hope you guys like it =)











Review: Human Nature 100% Moisturizing Night Cream

 



Ingredients>>>

water, isostearyl hydroxystearate,dicapryl ether, caprylic,glyceryl stearate, glycerin, avocado seed oil, sunflower seed oil, stearyl alcohol, aloe vera leaf juice, natto gum, tapioca starch, coconut oil-palm, xanthan gum, fragrance, anise seed. (no harmful checmicals, no parabens, mineral oil or other toxic substances)

Product Claims/Description>>>

Helps stimulate the regeneration of your skin and infuses it with maximum moisture while you sleep.
Catch up on beauty sleep as out night moisturizing cream works its magic overnight. Plant collagen infuses skin with maximum moisture as skin-essential  vitamins and minerals help stimulate the regeneration of cells. Wake up with a refreshed, healthy glow!





Pros

  • Feels light on skin yet very moisturizing
  • Easily absorbs by the skin so it doesn't leave a sticky/greasy feel
  • 1 pump is already sufficient for the whole face, so a little goes a long way
  • Makes the skin really soft,  supple and glowy
  • Didn't break me out
  • Nice packaging, the pump works well
  • Absolutely affordable
Cons
  • I'm not a fan of the scent
Store/Damage>>>

Landmark Dept. Store Php149.75 
(1.7 fl.oz./50ml)




















The BamShell Thoughts>>>

If you're looking for an affordable basic moisturizing night cream, you might wanna give this a try. I don't use this everynight though (it's my mom who uses this stuff), only when I feel like my skin needs an extra boost. I wake up with a pretty oily face with this thing on, but it sure does give that very soft feel and a nice glow. 



Wednesday, March 27, 2013

FOTD #2: Using Urban Decay Anniversary Palette

Hi everyone! Here's another round of look I've created using my favorite palette. It's simple, classy and versatile. "Shimmery Neutrals".

  1. Prep my lids with UDPP
  2. Applied Midnight 15 on the inner half of lids
  3. Applied Midnight Rodeo starting from the outer half of my lids,blending with Midnight 15
  4. To deepen and define the outer half, I applied Blackout and blended a bit
  5. And finally for highlight ,I used Vanilla for inner corners of my eyes and brow bone












Love,
Lei 

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Review: Bifesta Cleansing Lotion







 Ingredients>>>



Product Claim/ Description>>>

Its cleansing agent effectively absorbs impurities, allowing the easy removal of dead skin cells  Its moisturizing and toning properties make skin soft and smooth.

  • Melts and removes oil in makeup
  • Improves skin tone and texture and masks imperfections
  • Moisturizes dry and sensitive skin
  • Hypoallergenic




Application>>>










Pros

  • Instantly removes my makeup
  • Very gentle, doesn't sting nor gives a tingling sensation
  • No need to rinse
  • A makeup remover and a skincare in one product
  • Very refreshing; gives my skin a nice glow
  • Didn't break me out
  • Fragrance free
  • Doesn't leave any sticky residue
  • The packaging is simple and dispenses a good amount of liquid
Cons
  • Doesn't really remove waterproof make up (mascaras/eyeliner/long wear foundation)









Store/Damage>>>

Watsons     (300ml/Php419)
Robinsons  (300ml/Php395)
























The BamShell Thoughts>>>

I've been working night shift for several years now, so it's normal for me to be always "puyat". Everyday when I get home from work, my mom would normally scold me each time I wash my face before bed, because she believes that it could affect my eyesight. True or not, just to please my mom, I've stopped washing my face after shift and so my hunt for a good makeup remover began.  

I use an eye&lip makeup remover for my eyeliner and mascara, and an all over makeup remover for the rest of my face, followed by my cleansing toner,eye cream, then slap on some serum or moisturizer.

I got curious about bifesta the first time I saw it, yet I didn't buy it coz I thought it was pretty pricey for something I'm not familiar with. So when I got home, I tried to check if I'd find a review, but there's too little information and the website was written in Japanese. 

2 days after, I headed back to Robinson's and finally decided to grab one. When I got home, I immediately tested the product and to my surprise...... It was love at first try =)

I'm currently loving the moist variant, though, I've tried the brightening one too, but I still stick with "moist". I'm on my 4th bottle now and still loving it.. Definitely my HG!


Review: Guerlain Ecrin 4 Couleurs - Le Noirs 09










Product Description>>>

Create, have fun and dare to wear colour as an accessory. Specially designed to be used together, GUERLAIN colours can be mixed, matched and blended with no fear of mistakes. Each colour is unique. To fully embellish it, GUERLAIN created each tone individually to give it just the right texture that reveals it without detracting from its beauty. Actually, each harmony of Ecrin 4 Couleurs is composed of an interplay of different ans specially selected textures: - IRIDESCENT: tiny pearly particles that release luminous colour with an iridiscent finish. - MATTE: an extra-matt, ultra-soft finish for ultimate comfort. - VELVET SATIN: perfect glide for a velvety result that feels soft and delicate. - ALCANTAR'EYES: a metallic finish with 
unbelievable softness.



Pros

  • Luxurious packaging (sturdy gold plated case w/ large mirror;the black velvet pouch protects the case from scratch and finger print)
  • Great lasting power, doesn't easily crease
  • Easy to wear; shades are versatile
  • The matte black shade is great for tight lining using push liner brush
  • 4 different textures in a palette
  • The applicator absolutely works well
Cons
  • Shades are easily dupable, nothin' exceptional about the colors
  • Price



Store/Damage>>>
Tangs Orchard (SG)/SGD 78.00)/Php2,998 Rustan's)









Swatches: L-Matte Black/Top-Metallic Silver w/ very light hint of peach/Bottom-Pearl charcoal black w/ silver micro/Satin-Medium Gray

Swatched on my sister's arm (NC40)




The BamShell Thoughts>>>

Along with my everyday naked palette, this is one of my everyday palette because of the matte black that I use with push liner brush. The peachy silver shade is what I use for the inner corners of my eyes; but it's definitely not something I would use for my brow bone as it comes up a little it too strong or shimmery for my liking. I guess I've been too safe in choosing this palette thinking that it'll easy for me to wear and later realized that I would've just gotten the same shades in Wet n Wild Palette in greed. 
Is it worth the price? Honestly, no. But if you're someone who loves luxurious packaging or just simply love the brand, then maybe you'd say it's worth it.



Here's my sister Lei, wearing Guerlain 09 Les Noirs


Sunday, March 17, 2013

FOTD #1: Using Urban Decay Anniversary Palette

Hi everyone! I just wanna share the look I've created for today using Urban Decay's anniversary palette. This is great for night outs or if you want something sexy with a nice pop of color


  1. I prep my lids with elf primer
  2. Applied "blackout" slightly passing the crease
  3. I then applied the lovely turquoise "deep end" on my lids in patting motion to pack the color
  4. with a small slanted brush loaded with deep end, I just drew a wing along where the blackout is.
  5. Then I used "vanilla" for highlighting my brow bone and tear ducts











Face: 
Foundation- The face shop Phytogenic
Blush/Contour- Smashbox Bronzed light in sunkissed matte
Lips- Shu Uemura Rouge unlimited lipstick in Parisienne Pink




Love,

"Lei"

Review: GT Carrot Soap




Ingredients>>>

Refine Cocos Nucifera Oil (coconut oil), Sodium hydroxide, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot Extract), Coccodiethylamine, Sodium Silicate, Fragrance, CI 11920.

Product Claims>>>

Has beta carotene that is good for the skin. Reduces the signs of aging promoting a healthy, white, and young looking skin. Helps to remove skin blemishes like pimples, acne and black heads. Made in the Philippines.


Pros

  • Not as drying as other whitening soaps I've tried.
  • Safe for face, didn't break me out or irritated my skin
  • Lathers very well
  • Has a fresh orangey scent
  • Affordable
  • You will notice some micro peel after a week
Cons
  • Melts easily
Store/Damage>>>


The BamShell Thoughts>>>

I've already lost count on how many whitening soaps I've used for the past 15 years of my life (yes, I started with CY gabriel at 14 yrs old) and I still get giddy on trying the new ones in the market. Carrot soap is not something new to me, I've already tried the one from cyleina and shulammite; both delivered good results. 

Honestly, I find carrot soap somewhat similar to kojic soap, in terms of color, scent, both melts easily, produces mircropeel and most of the time, they have the same results. The difference though, carrot soap is more gentle especially for face , softer, no tingling sensation and definitely less drying than Kojic, however, in terms of skin whitening, I'd say Kojic whitens faster than carrot soap.

It's actually "Lei" my sister discovered GT carrot soap as this is one of the most raved in GirlTalk. We've been using this for about a month now so I can't really say anything about its anti aging claims, but I can say that  I'm liking it so far since I try to stay away from drying whitening soaps at the moment. Overall, if you have sensitive skin but would like to use a whitening soap that's affordable, this is definitely worth a try.

Tip

  • If you find your soap melts easily, cut it into squares and use a wooden soap dish.


Saturday, March 16, 2013

Review: Queen Helene- Mint Julep Masque

Ingredients>>>

Water, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Zinc Oxid, Propylene Glycol, Sulfur, Chromium Oxide Greens (CI#77288), Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben.


Product Description>>>

Mint Julep Masque is the original natural home treatment developed by a dermatologist that helps dry up acne pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink  enlarged pores.

Mint Julep Masque is refreshing facial treatment that helps relax tired muscles and ease tension lines on the face and neck.

Application>>>

Cleanse face and neck thoroughly. Apply Mint Julep generously and allow to dry for about 15 minutes. Remove with warm water and a wash cloth.
























Pros

  • Dries up my pimples pretty fast, even the ones that are just about to surface.
  • Smells fresh and minty 
  • affordable,a tube will last you forever
  • Skin feels fresh and squeaky clean after wash
  • Good for oily skin
  • Didn't break me out, no redness
  • Locally available (healthy options)
Cons
  • You might feel a little discomfort when it starts to dry
  • May not be suitable if you have dry skin
  • Takes a little effort to wash off
  • It's often out of stock at healthy options

Store/Damage>>>

Healthy Options (MOA, Trinoma)
Php 350.00 (8oz.)


The BamShell Thoughts>>>

This stuff is quite popular that it has been a cult favorite and definitely an HG for my sister and mom. This is not a miracle worker that zap your zits and blackheads overnight, but it's a great basic treatment preventing it from getting worse. As I've mentioned above, this could be quite drying so feel free to apply only to areas where you need it.

I only use this stuff once a week or when needed, so what I do is wash my face with a gentle facial scrub, pat dry and apply a thin layer of this masque on my face. I let it sit for an hour and wash it off with a lukewarm water and towel, then I slap on some good moisturizer right after.

Tips
  • This stuff is a pain to remove, so soak a towel into a lukewarm water, press it against skin and gently massage, repeat as needed.
  • Make sure to give the tube a good squeeze and shake before using, as the water gets separated from the clay especially when it's already halfway
  • Apply a thicker layer on blemishes and a thin layer onto the rest of the face
  • Do not apply near the eye area, as this stuff hardens and might irritate the sensitive thin skin around the eye area.
  • The masque works better if you exfoliate first, it allows the product to penetrate even better
  • Your guy might like this stuff, too, it would keep his oilies at bay for several hours and would make skin firmer and fresher.
  • The product applies smoother when the skin is still moist (right after wash)

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Review: Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray





Ingredients>>>


Water, SD-Alcohol 39-C, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Isononyl Isononanoate Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Sodium Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate PVP, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Dimethicone PEG-7 Phosphate, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Glycereth-5 Lactate, Methyl Methacrylate Cross Polymer, Aloe 
Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Fragrance.




Product Claims/Description>>>

A technologically advanced and hypoallergenic makeup setting spray that's suited for all skin types and keeps your makeup in place for up to 16 hours. 
In an exclusive partnership with SKINDINAVIA, Urban Decay developed All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray for customers who need their makeup to last. As the final step to your makeup routine, this weightless, super-fine mist is formulated with Urban Decay's patent-pending Temperature Control Technology, which lowers the temperature of your makeup to hold foundation, eye shadow, blush, and concealer in place. Makeup looks picture-perfect all day long through wind, heat, and cold. All Nighter works expertly on all skin types and prevents loss of color, melting, sliding, caking, cracking, excess shininess, fading blush, eye shadow, and lip color disappearance. It's also formulated to resist moisture, so you can fearlessly sweat, cry, or get your Jacuzzi on—you're guaranteed makeup that always looks just-applied, without ever feeling sticky or tight. Backed by years of science, it's unlike any other product available and keeps you looking flawless with just a couple sprays over your makeup. 


Application>>>

After applying your makeup, give this stuff a shake and hold the bottle 8-10 inches away and mist face 2-4x. 


Pros

  • Definitely makes my makeup last longer
  • Eliminates powdery finish
  • No weird scent
  • Fine mist spray
  • Didn't break me out or irritated my skin (I've sensitive combination skin)
  • Comfortable. Doesn't make my face feel tight or heavy
  • Sets and dries  pretty fast
  • Protects my make up from oxidizing
Cons
  • Doesn't really keep my oilies at bay
  • Not locally available (check ebay & multiply)
  • Price

Store/Damage>>>

Takashimaya, Sephora (SG)
SGD 48.00/4oz (approx Php 2,000) /online sellers sell this around Php1,800-2,100




The BamShell Thoughts>>>

I couldn't say a specific wear time of this product as it still depends on the foundation I'm using underneath, but yes it definitely prolongs my makeup. There was one time, though, when I had this on my face for almost 24hrs with Revlon color stay foundation and my make up really stayed in place. There were some fading along my t-zones and my pores looked more visible than they really are but overall it's a good setting spray. 

I've been using this spray for about 6 months now and I'm not even half way (I usually spray 2-4 times) since I really don't use it every day, only when I know I'd be out longer than the usual. I also use this when my makeup looks too powdery, however a simple water in a bottle can fix it just the same. 
Would I repurchase? No. It's expensive and I'd rather try other setting sprays such as from kryolan and Makeupforever.