Erase and Rewind

How do I erase and rewind?

Well, aside from a quick staycation with the family, don't get me wrong, I do have "me-time" din naman!  And usually, "me-time" pertains to me spending 1 full day driving myself to my favorite "beautifying" places, kahit na opposite directions pa sila!  That's how worth the visit they are!

First stop:  NAILS

As much as I know how to do my own nails, I crave for that manicure pedicure session with a side trip of short-yet-sweet massages between cuticle care.  I usually do not go to any nail salons because I got hurt so many times with nail artists with heavy hands!  (If you can relate, pa-share naman your experiences here!)

I've had once where 8 out of 10 of my toes were bleeding from a super "robotic" nail technician who didn't seem to hear my complaints and screams!  I was too young back then so I just kept my mouth shut and bear the pain!

Obviously, I've matured (bakit ang haba ng kwento ko?  LOL), so I make sure to pick a place where they do not only take care of your nails, I have high requirements for staffs too!  They should be friendly, but also knew when to give you that much needed "quiet time".  

That's me with the friendly staffs of Nailaholics, Glorietta Branch.  Since I'm always in a rush, I always go for manicure and pedicure session with a quick polish application.

Of course, if you have more time than I do, feel free to try their other services like Foot Spa, Hand and Foot Paraffin and so much more!  They have packages for you to choose.

Then, there's brows!  I have my brows fixed at Benefit Brow Bar at least once a month.  Obviously, my schedule depends on where I will be so I actually rounded up all branches of Benefit Brow Bars and truthfully, I can't seem to pick a favorite as I get 101% good service from all the Brow Artists!  Holler to all the Benefit Brow Artists who has done my brows (ang dami nila!)  They are all super friendly, professional and really good!

Always ask them to shape and teach you how to do your brows after Brow Wax session.  I like how my brows changes PER brow artist, I get a good look on how my face changes on different brow styles and shapes!

SiliSponge Review

Silisponge or Silicone Sponge has been making rounds the internet for quite some time.  As much as I am a Beauty Blogger who is in-the-know on everything new.  I am actually not that into the idea of using a silicone product in applying makeup!  Just the thought of the texture (breast implant?) gave me the idea on how uncomfortable it is to use.

BUT, thankfully, I have angels out there!  Holler to Kara for sending me one because she wanted us to test it together!  The known brand is called Molly Cosmetics from Hong Kong but I'm unsure if this is the same one from the brand.  Judging by the look on photos online, it doesn't look any different and I doubt the original or a fake would make any difference, they are made with nothing but Silicone with an outer shell called TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane).  

I actually used this so many times to finally write this post!  So are you excited to know if this "fad" is worth to try?

Of course I won't tell the answer now, so don't hold your breath!  I want you to read the whole article...pretty please? :D

A lot of fellow Beauty Bloggers worldwide compare the Silisponge like that of a silicone boob insert --- well, I do not know as I never use those, alam niyo na...don't need it!  #NOTBlessed !!!! hahaha  

Back to the Silisponge, I own several Beauty Blenders, so I will give my final say at the end of this post if this is indeed BETTER than Beauty Blenders or regular sponges.

The Silisponge has a non-porous surface which the product boasts to let you use half the amount of foundation as it won't soak any of it.  When it comes to cleaning?  It is extremely easy to clean you only need soap and water or at times, I just wipe it off with a makeup cleaner.

Maybelline #PowderYourPout Powder Mattes Lipsticks Launch

How does it feel to stand beside our country's up and coming model signed on to Wilhelmina Models (One of the biggest global modelling agencies)?  Surprisingly awesome!  In just a quick photo-op, I get to chitchat a bit with this girl and learned how down-to-earth she is!

She whispered: "So what does Maybelline PH Squad gets?".  "An exclusive preview of Maybelline's newest products to be launched before it hits the market." I softly responded.  And she exclaimed: "WOW!  That is so cool!"  

Seriously Kelsey!  Your job is way "cooler" but you made me feel like I have a better job than hers!  That's how crazy simple this gorgeous girl was!  No wonder Maybelline handpicked her to be their latest endorser and I can understand why.

She is a type of model who struggles to balance her schedule between University studies and work and stays true to herself and manage the embrace the life she has chosen --- no complaints!

I love this girl!



Aside from launching Maybelline's newest endorser, it was also the day I get to try the first ever lightweight matte lipstick called Maybelline Powder Mattes.  Wore one during the shoot and indeed, it felt lightweight, like I'm not wearing any lipstick at all!

As you all know, matte lipsticks are in since the start of Beauty Blogging, I remembered swatching the first matte lipstick that made my lips look like the most expensive crocodile-skin to inserting "Eureka Moments" post on matte lipsticks that can actually work for my parched lips!  

Until today, I am still on the lookout, like what my Beauty Blogger friend Phoebe would say: "Nikki, if you say it isn't drying, we know it will be good!"  She knew my quest for the best non-drying lipsticks and I'm definitely putting the new Maybelline Powder Mattes to test.

Found A Super Natural Blush in Essence Satin Touch

If there's ONE blush that I have to keep-safe even if it expires, surprisingly, I have an answer.  It would be the Mineraux Skin Perfecting Minerals Beach Tan Bronzer.  Oh, I blogged about that bronzer/blush 2009 and it has been what?  8 Years?

True enough, if you open my make up dresser, you'll see this tiny pot of Bronzer until this very day.  There is just ONE big reason why I kept it until this day and probably longer.  Okay, there's 2!

1. It really looks good on me and I feel great wearing it.

2. This was the blush I wore the day before my mom went through her surgery which turned out to be really bad (related post: How to deal with Depression and my personal story), she complimented how nice the color of my cheeks was and I clearly remembered how I did not mention it was because of the blush and accepted the compliment like I was a natural Goddess!  *hahaha*

During one of Bhagi's Shopping Event, I chanced upon an Essence Cosmetics counter and took ONE look at this particular blush, didn't do any swatching, and just knew the shade is right (and very similar to the Mineraux Beach Tan Bronzer that I like which isn't around anymore by the way), I picked this last piece and knew I made the right decision when I saw this photo.

Okay, it isn't exactly the same, the Mineraux one has better sheen while this particular blush leans more to the demi-matte finish, I still find this the closest blush that I would love and keep close to my heart.

Essence Satin Touch Blush in 20 Satin Love

Php149.00 (approx $3.30)

Be Your Own Make Up Artist With Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip

Before 2016 ended, I had a quick get-together with Make Up For Ever Philippines team and learned they have something exciting to offer comes 2017.  The Make Up For Ever Artist Acrylip Lip Paints!

These are liquid lipsticks that are non-sticky, non-drying and have a soft to glossy finish. No matter how non-drying a lip product is, no matter what other Beauty Bloggers say, it always turns out differently on me because of my extreme dry-lipped situation.  So for you, I tested 2 of the shades.

Left: Shade 201 Fuchsia Pink

Right: Shade 400 Iconic Red

Packaged in a squeeze-type tube, it comes with 7ml of product.  It comes with a sponge tip applicator wherein you need to squeeze the product out.  As much as I like the cute applicator, I like to use a separate lip brush in application for hygiene purpose and of course, a more precise application since both colors are extremely bright and heavily pigmented.

Swatch

Shade 201 Fuchsia Pink is almost a neon pink with cool undertone.  I usually do not look good and look well on cool undertone bright pink lipsticks so I don't even dare wear this alone!  Medium to darker complexion girls may give this a try!  It'll look great on you!

Shade 400 Iconic Red is a bright medium red shade.  It is indeed very bright with a subtle hint of warm orange upon application.