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Review: Palladio Natural Rice oil-absorbing Rice Powder (Nude & Natural)

Product Claims and Ingredients>>>

An old and traditional concept that is world renowned and a basic staple for the professional make up artist. It absorbs excess oil, thus maintaining proper pH level on the skin’s mantle.

left; Natural, right; Nude

Swatches>>> 

Both appear almost invisible when blended. As you can see in the photos that 'Natural" appears a lot darker, but when applied, they almost look the same, I'd say that Natural is just a tiny bit darker and has more warm beigey undertone, while "Nude" is yellowish and more cool toned.

Top; Nude
Bottom: Natural

Pros 

• Definitely keeps my makeup in place for hours and prevents it from caking
• Doesn't break me out
• No strong fragrance
• Feels silky soft and light on skin
• Doesn't give you a white cast 
• Doesn't give you a mask or too powdery like finish
• Doesn't oxidize
• Absolutely great for setting concealer!
• Very affordable for the amount of product that you get
• The thin sponge works well (through dabbing motion)

Cons

• I'd prefer a twist off cap than this, coz the cap comes off easily I just always make sure to seal it when I travel.
• Could be messy when opened and powder is all over, you can see on the photo above
• Always out of stock

Store/Damage>>>

Available at Beauty Bar/ Php325 (17g)

The BamShell Thoughts>>>

Another HG of mine. Me and my sister has been using this for years now and we're very happy with it. When it comes to finishing powders, I don't like spending much as well as on mascaras because I finish them pretty quickly, and having said that, I used to buy nichido mascara and fashion 21 powder when I was still studying. I still like fashion 21 loose powder up to now, but for a 120 peso difference, and you get something way better, I go with palladio rice powder. 

I highly recommend this powder, works great for oily to combo skinned individual. I use round top kabuki brush , or a big fluffy brush. Apply on top of your powder foundation or just simply on top of your liquid or cream fondie and your makeup would last longer.

Matte Bronzers: Smashbox Bronze Lights (Suntan Matte) VS Sephora Bronzing Powder (Moyen Medium 2)

Hi everyone! I just wanna share with you 2 of my favorite bronzers, both are matte (but not flat matte) as I find it more natural and versatile than the shimmery ones. I have quite chubby cheeks to start of, so each time I do my make up it is really important to contour my cheeks, temples and just around my jaw line, giving me that instant dimension and slimmer face.

Now here's a quick review and comparison of the 2 matte bronzers:

	Texture	Pigmentation	Longevity	Fragrance	Weight	Price	Packaging
Smashbox	soft, semi creamy and easy to blend	medium	5-8 hrs	Fragrance free	8.5g	Php 1k	Twist-off cap, Sturdy clear plastic so you can easily see the shade
Sephora	Slightly powdery, dry texture, blendable too but not as soft as smashbox	slightly more pigmented than smashbox	8-12 hrs	Light vanilla scent	9g	SGD30/ Roughly more than Php1k	Minimalist design,Standard sephora compact w/ Mirror

>>Swatches

If you look at them closely from the pan, smashbox is darker, but when applied, sephora is darker and has more pigmentation . As you can see, sephora has a very slight orange tone and leans on the warm side, whereas smashbox doesn't have gold or orange tone, (perfect for NC20-30) leans on the cool side.

Top: Sephora
Botto: Smashbox

Top: Sephora
Bottom: Smashbox

The BamShell Thoughts>>>

I think it's a common dilemma finding a perfect bronzer that would flatter the complexion and sculpt the face, because it's either you get something that's too orange, muddy looking or too fake. I've already tried several bronzers and to ended up getting a shade that's too orangey for my yellowish complexion, or worse, those that oxidizes so bad; that's why I was so happy when I found my HG bronzers. Overall, I really like both bronzers, but if I had to choose one, I'd probably go with smashbox. =)

Review: Biore Makeup Remover- for eyes & lip

Ingredients>>>

Product Claim>>>

Pros

• The only makeup remover I've tried that doesn't sting at all.
• Very gentle
• Not too oily, no heavy feel
• You don't need a lot, the cotton doesn't need to be wet, just moist and it'll work just fine
• Doesn't cloud my eyes 
• Didn't give me milia (Ziaja.... Ehem!)
• Fragrance free
• Removes waterproof mascaras and eyeliner effortlessly, like you raelly don't even need to rub your eyes.

Cons

• Not locally available (boo!)

This is how it looks like when shaken, then it goes back to it's original state very quickly

Store/Damage>>>

Watsons, Guardian and supermarket/15-17.00 SGD (Roughly Php 600)

TheBamShell Thoughts>>>

I've already tried quite a few eye-makeup removers and this stuff is definitely my HG at the moment. I've been using Biore' for more than half a year now and hasn't failed me no matter what mascara or eye makeup I use.

 I have a very sensitive eyes and like what I've said this is the only formula that doesn't sting or cloud my eyes, or should I say, this is the perfect formula I've been looking for. I just wish I can find something similar that's available locally 'coz it really sucks that I always have to hoard several bottles when I go abroad and it adds weight to my luggage. 

Review: Shu Uemura Glow On Blush - P (pearl) Soft Peach 530

Ingredients>>>

Product Claims>>>

Enhance and glow. boundless blush colors to enhance the cheeks or overall natural glow of the face. long lasting and great blendability. can be used wet to intensify the color payoff.

Pros

• This shade looks very stunning on fair/ light skinned individual- illuminates your face
• Absolutely gives your cheeks a perfect fresh glow, not chunky shimmers
• Great for heavy handed ladies- as the blush seems impossible to over-do coz it's not heavily pigmented
• Versatile- could be use as a soft highlighter
• Lasts all day
• Minimalist yet sleek packaging
• Would last you forever- it's like heavily pressed in the pan (dunno if that makes sense..)

Cons

• None

Swatches>>>

I know this photo doesn't give enough justice on showing how pretty it is,  as the color is soooo light, it's hard to catch on photo.

Store/Damage>>>

Shu Uemura Trinoma/around php1500/4g (I don't remember exactly, also available in refill)

The BamShell Thoughts>>>

I'm so used to working with  Nars and MAC blushies that are mostly pigmented, so when I tried Shu's Glow on, I thought I bought a nearly expired blush (lol) coz' the texture feels pretty hard and needed more swipes than I'd normally do. I started using it alone and went crazy piling, swiping it over and over as I couldn't seem to make the color show up on my cheeks, but since I was gonna be late for work, I left the house looking paler than the usual. When I got into the office, a co-league of mine complimented me and said "you look well rested, seems like you had a good sleep"- really? =)  

After my lunch, another co-league of mine said "why aren't you wearing much makeup today? you look fresh, though". - I don't remember if I took that as a compliment ( lol) or not, so you mean I look wasted with much makeup on?? hahaha!  - Then I checked my self in the washroom and noticed that I don't really look pale like I thought. My cheeks looks naturally glowing with a very light flush and that's how my heart fell for this blushie. I also love to combo this blush with my matte bronzers, After I contour and lightly use a matte bronzer as my blush, I then top it up with this glow on blush and Voila! au naturel soft glowy cheeks. 

Review: Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation- Cream Ivory

>>>Ingredients

>>>Product Claims

(LM Website)An innovative full coverage foundation that makes the skin look luminous and rich. By combining a special collection of silk tea extracts and treated mica. Laura has created a luxurious formula that leaves skin hydrated and protected with a radiant, timeless glow.

(Sephora Website)A rich, long-wear foundation that gives skin a professional, full-coverage finish.

Pros

• Travel friendly packaging-Mess free,  love the squeeze tube type and dispenses a good amount of product
• Has a very soft moussey texture that makes the product so easy to blend
• Light weight- feels very comfortable on skin
• A little goes a long way
• Nice luminous finish- no shimmer, not dewy nor matte.
• Covers my pores well and doesn't settle on some fine lines
• Didn't break me out

Cons

• Would've been better if there's spf- but at least it looks good on photos
• Definitely not a full coverage foundation- I'd say it only has a light to medium coverage
• It cakes when I try to build it up
• Doesn't last all day- Not marketed primarily as a long wear foundation, but it's not as long lasting as I expected it to be
• It oxidizes- good thing that the shade I got appeared to be too light on me coz' oxidizes pretty bad and appears 2-3 shades darker after 4-6 hours of wear.
• Poor color/shade selection
• PRICE

Swatches>>>

L-R Nars sheer glow-Punjab, Bourjois healthy mix serum foundation-Vanilla, LM Silk creme- Cream Ivory

(Ref NC25-30) Bottom- Top; Nars sheer glow-Punjab, Bourjois healthy mix serum foundation-Vanilla, LM Silk creme- Cream Ivory

Store/Damage>>>

Sephora Ion/SGD68 (35ml)/around Php1700 at Rustan's

The BamShell Thoughts>>>

I decided to purchase this foundation because of the good reviews I've read but ended up a bit disappointed of its longevity and coverage. It is indeed a good foundation but just didn't work for me and expected a little too much because of the hefty price tag (considering that the packaging is quite simple made of plastic and thin carton).

I currently use LM alternately with Nars sheer glow(though marketed as sheer, this provides more coverage & better longevity) for my everyday makeup at work, since I don't feel the need of wearing a  full coverage foundation and spf coz' I work night shift. I'd normally blend and buff this product using a flat top kabuki or the traditional flat foundation brush if I want to maximize its coverage. 

I've an oily combo skin and as I've mentioned this darkens on me, but it's alright since the shade I got I believe is the lightest in range so it kinda' adjust well with my skin tone. I wouldn't recommend this for oily skinned individuals because it has poor oil control that I have to blot several times a day. (considering I work in a full air conditioned office)

The best thing about this foundation, though, is the natural glowy finish, the blendability and how light weight it feels. Overall, this is a good everyday foundation if you want a natural look that feels comfortable.  

Review: Human Nature - Hydrating Creamy Wash

Ingredients>>>



Product Claims>>>

A hydrating facial wash that is free from harmful chemicals and infused with Moringa extract that contains anti aging properties.




Pros

• Great for dry to very dry skin
• Fragrance free
• Skin feels soft and supple after wash
• Very gentle; good for sensitive skin
• Affordable

Cons

• The packaging is annoying, should've put in a pump bottle, or a squeezable tube at least
• Doesn't remove makeup residue
• 
  

Store/Damage>>>

Landmark Trinoma/Php 199.75 (200ml)

The BamShell Thoughts>>>

Me and my sister loves human nature stuff, and so we bought this for our mom to try and she liked it. I've tried this facial wash a couple of times and I thought it's a bit similar with one of my HG facial wash physiogel cleanser, just a lot more moisturizing. If you have an oily skin, this may give you a greasy feel after but would be great before bedtime as you can skip your moisturizer. Overall, if you have dry and sensitive skin, this is a good and budget friendly product to try.

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.