Rare Beauty Luminous Powder Blush in Hope

 Real talk.

I thought celebrities who are coming out with their own makeup and skincare line are making it out there due to the fact that they are ahm… CELEBRITIES!  How many percentage are people happy with the products they put out?

Well the pecentage gets higher!  I remembered buying Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty expecting to bash her but ended up loving it!

When Selena Gomez launced Rare Beauty, I have been meaning to try her Luminous Powder Blush because they just look too good on videos and photos!  

Now, I get it, it works even for non-celebrities!  

Rare Beauty Luminous Powder Blush

Shade: HOPE

Price: Php1,800 Available: Sephora Philippines Website

Rare Beauty Says —-

An easy-to-use hybrid of two award-winning bestsellers: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter.

Unexpectedly smooth and incredibly weightless, this airy blush goes on seamlessly for a pinch-perfect flush that seems to radiate from within.

Highly pigmented base is packed with brilliant pearls for natural-looking dimension. No flaking, caking, or fall out.

Easy to blend, build color, or diffuse for a softer effect—without ever looking chalky or ashy.

Transfer-proof, smudge-proof, water-resistant formula keeps you blushing all day.

Hand-polished, so each powder is as unique as you are. 

Smashbox Halo Sheer to Stay Color Tint in Terracotta Review

 

How do I love Smashbox?

In so many ways!  My first brush set ever was a WHITE synthetic brush haired Smashbox and it serves me pretty well it is still looking fab and wonderful even today. 

When I got my own Smahbox Halo Sheer to Stay Color Tint from my Sephora Haul.  I immediately tested it and will share a quick review as a dry-skinned gal.

Smashbox says —-

A primer-infused cream cheek and lip tint that gives you a flush of blendable and buildable matte color for a fresh, blurred look.

What it does:

This creamy multi-tasking formula puts sheer-to-medium coverage at your fingertips. Its powder-like matte finish refracts light to help create a blurred, soft-focus look. The lasting colour tint is also infused with a rich Primer Oil Complex for comfortable wear.

 

I personally felt scared to use a matte type of tint as I may end up with a big blob of unblended spot.  I have dry cheeks so. Most matte tints tend look uneven on me. 

After using this product for more than a month, I can say this is a great summer companion.  

Terracotta is a bright warm orange shade that looks bright on tube but quite natural once blended.  This may look bright if you have really fair complexion and would appear really pretty on users with medium to darker complexion.

Though pigmented, it blends into the skin upon application naturally giving a nice natural glow.  

On lips, it looked a bit brighter than that on cheeks so I prefer using this on cheeks rather than lips.  

Though I must say, color aside, the consistency of the product on cheeks and lips are both comfortable and it doesn’t sit on my lip lines!  Which is a super YES considering most matte lip products tend to dry out my already dry lips.

Cheek Color - Check.

Real No Makeup vs.No Makeup Makeup

 

How in the world did I manage to skip a WHOLE month of not Blogging?
September was one of the craziest month!  Aside from being extremely busy with my son's schedule,  Work was crazy (good crazy!).  Been busy working on an important project for a brand as a PR Consultant and my... let me say this for once and cringe after... "INFLUENCER" life is quite busy as well!  *laughs*

I have been attending events in between driving my son to and from school.  It was crazy I tell you, with Manila traffic and all.  I am quite amazed how I can still sit here and type about my September with a cup of iced coffee on one hand! 

Today, I will tackle about the NO Makeup Makeup Look versus REAL No Makeup Look.

Real no makeup look is self explanatory.  You wake up in the morning, wash your face and look at yourself in the mirror, that is your real beauty.  Very Beautiful for sure! But on days you want to enhance your look.  What is the look of no makeup with makeup you say?

STILL YOU but super enhanced version - Filtered with NATURL FILTER!

Check out a visual example!

No Makeup Look Products used:
@makeupforever Hydra Booster Step 1, Aqua Resist Smoky Shadow, Aqua Liner Pencil
@tartecosmetics Shape Tape Radiance Concealer and Sculpt Tape @sephoraph
@maccosmeticsph Mineralize Skin Finish Powder
@kpalette_ph 1Day Tattoo Nuance Eyebrow Mascara Dark Greige
@cathydollphils Skinny eyebrow Pencil in Coffee Brown
@narsissist Air Matte Mousse in Orgasm
@kaneboglobalph Lister Color Foundation Powder
@silkygirl.ph SilkyLips Multivitamin Lip Balm
@kissmephilippines Curl Keep Mascara Base and Long Up Mascara Super Waterproof
@nipponph Pro Blend Sponge

Some of my favorite star products in this particular look!

The Kiss Me Curl Keep Mascara, the Radiant Concealer from Tarte and their Sculpt Tape plus this Kanebo Luster Color Foundation in PINK is amazeballs!

Nudestix Trendy Blush Mini Kit review

 

I love Blush Sticks! 
I like them for their easy wear and how it is easy to travel with less hassle!  Just imagine, applying blush without a brush?

You can do that anytime anywere!

I got these Nudestix Blush Mini Kit via Sephora.  

Nudestix Trendy Blush Kit (Holiday Limited Edition)

Php1,900

Available HERE

Housed ina  cute black thin can that you can house all 3 sticks.  Each stick is approximately 3 inches in length.  You get a thick jumbo crayon-like color that made me use these on eyes, cheeks and lips just for fun - and for the sake of review.

Here are the 3 shades at a glance.

Swatch below for you to see the shade difference!  Left to right: Rosy Posy, Picante and Moodie Blu

Sephora 9.9 Recos

 

Don't we all love SALE?
Or ako lang?  

I remembered way back I started Blogging, I would shop at Ebay for international brands that aren't available locally.  Unfortunately --- because Ebay - I can't guarantee if I get a genuine product or not.  I was lucky naman most of the time but I already get priced higher because they aren't official sellers.  

Those were also the years I was salivating over Sephora stores in the US or in countries who has this store.  That's why when I visited the US, I was hoarding like crazy at the store and ended up with a huge Credit Card bill --- I wish I can get hold of Sales but I can't travel all the way to US just for sales!

Thankfully, I discovered SEPHORA PH (NOT a sponsored content by the way!)  Makeup and Skincare heaven-sent for me because I get to shop and add to cart items I like and get to buy them on SALE too!

Sharing the good news that Sephora 9.9 sale is here!  And if like me, you get overwhelmed with the huge array of beauty products available.  You can take a peek at my Haul and maybe copy a few?  I don't mind!  Sharing is caring!

Watch my haul here from IG Reel.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

Also, take note on the following schedules ---

Pre party (Sept 6-8 2022)
15% off selected brands - Briogeo, Tarte, Supergoop, Ole Henriksen, Anastasia Beverly Hills

Main Campaign (Sept 9-11 2022)
15% off sitewide, no minimum spend

Power hour:
Sept 9 8pm-12am (Selfie Ring with 5k min. spend)
Sept 11 8pm-12am (5 Deluxe samples with 4k min. spend)

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

  

Hourglass Ambient Lightning Edit - Universe Palette Review

 

We all love some glow!  It is visible when you look into my skincare products nowadays and my style of base makeup!  I always make sure the finish makes my skin looks healthy, glowing and young-looking!  

Last year, I got the sought after palette from Hourglass called the Ambient Lightning Edit - Universe palette (From Hourglass Holiday 2020!) .  It is a huge palette that contains 5 versatile and multi-tasking shades!

Don't worry, although this palette itself is limited edition, you can find most of the shades in other packaging!

• Ambient Lighting Infinity Powder (left most) – finishing powder

• Vibrant Heat Strobe Blush (center top)
• Luminous Rose Blush (center bottom)
• Glistening Bronze Light Bronzer (right top)
• Supernatural Strobe Light Strobe Powder (right bottom)

You don't have to worry about getting confused with the shade usage or names!  It's all printed clearly at the back!  But for me, this palette is so easy-to-use you don't need to think!  I just find myself swirling from 1 pan to another!  

Ikoo Home Detangling Brush Review

 

For someone who loves to take care of her hair for many years!  I have heard using the right hair tools like comb and brushes would make a difference to the final look of your hair.

I used to be a hairstylist, a professional hairstylist!  I own a lot of combs, brushes and detangler God know how much I spent on those!  But never have I felt a brush could be THIS effective on FIRST USE!

I was in denial and even had to show this brush to my husband and he was amazed as well!  

IKOO Home Detangling Brush
Php1,640.00
Shade: Oyster
Available at SEPHORA Philippines

Description from Sephora PH - 

What it is:

A hair detangling brush that is ergonomically designed with a central finger grip.

What it does:

This brush leaves you with shiny, healthier-looking hair. Proprietary Ergonomic Design with finger grip allows for extra control and painless detangling designed to perfectly fit in your palm Two-Tiered Bristle Architecture detangles and tames frizz from roots to ends Scalp Massage boosts circulation to promote a healthy scalp and healthier hair.

AMW says :
The brush is indeed created in a sense that it felt like a mold made specifically for your hands!  The cute curve is perfect and easy to hold even if the brush does not have an extra long handle. 

The Ikoo Home Detangling Brush comes with a lot of nice metallic shades.  I got the basic silver shade called Oyster.  It felt like a mirror and I can almost see my reflection!  The brush is housed in a cute rectangular container like that for the shades!  I find myself not using the box because I use the brush so often I don't want to keep opening and closing the box!

Becca Cosmetics Light Shifter Finishing Veil Review

 

I wear powder as base makeup more than anything else!  That said, I have hit the pan on a LOT of powdered foundation even during pandemic.  I like it that my skin feels fresh and less oily (on T-Zone) especially since I do a lot of household chores and have to go on Zoom meetings in between the day.

I recently discovered Becca Cosmetics Light Shifter Finishing Veil and I super love it!  Just take a look at this photo!  I look glowing even if my skin really isn’t!  

Becca Light Shifter FInishing Veil comes in a gorgeous silver compact with a mirror but unfortunately, without a powder puff so you have to apply this using your own puff or brush.  I prefer to use the latter as the effect is more natural. I am unsure about the shade options but I think it only comes in ONE shade as VEIL usually are very light in coverage and the effect is almost unseen.  On pan, the colr is more of a pale yellow (good for warm undertone).  But I believe cool undertone users can still use this like I said previously, the effect is very light working like a translucent powder.

If you are aiming for higher coverage base, this won’t make the cut, I almost do not see any coverage but what I see is the disappearance of excess OIL and a bit of BLURRING.  My skin looks more flawless and I like the “light shiting” powers —- look the subtle glow without the need for extra highlighting powder.

I am unsure if BECCA Cosmetics are still widely available.  Maybe you can check this out on 3rd party retailers but so far, catch them if you can!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

Do you prefer heavy coverage base makeup?

Or light and natural finish like this one from Becca?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Sparkly Eyes Makeup Look

 

A quick make up look and I added a tip on how to clean up those fallouts.  After years of being a Bridal Makeup Artist, I mastered the art of “cleaning” because in the eyes of Professional Photographers and Videographers, the skin of their subject must be 99.9% perfect.  

You know why I said so?  I have been called so many times by photograhers and videographers to “clean up” the face of their subject - it could be a smudged eyeliner, lipstick or falling eyeshadow!

So here, I am sharing a quick tip on how to prevent dirty-looking eyes.

Yes, you are free to zoom in my photo because I cleaned up well! :D *proud*

I used my newest eyeshadow palette Natasha Denona Palette which I got from Sephora.

Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Matte Lip Creams Review

 

I have read a lot of good reviews about Rare Beauty and I really can’t tell if they got famous just because it was by Selena Gomez.  I mean she is BIG and most cosmetis brands spearheaded by big stars get all the buzz.

It was assumptous of me, but you can’t blame me.  Thankfully, RARE Beauty products are available at Sephora Philippines so I was able to get my hands on them without having to go to the post office - I used to get excited to do so but with the pandemic, I’d rather stay home.

Thankfully, found the bestselling shade of the Lip Souffle Matte Lip Cream in a Duo Kit.  A full size of Courage and sample size of the shade Ambition.  

Known as wearable nude lips that goes with everything, I usually don’t go well with Nude lipsticks made by Western brands but these 2 shades are turning out to be my favorite nude for the year 2022.

Shade: COURAGE

Courage is a gorgeous Nude Mauve that appears like my lips but way better!

SHADE: AMBITION

Things to Buy At Sephora Black Friday Sale

 

SHOPPING TIPS for Sephora Shoppers and addict like ME!

- 20% off with minimum spend of Php3,500.
- 15% off with no minimum spend.
- Beauty Pass Exclusive: Receive a Sephora Collection Large Shine On Tote Bag with min. spend ₱2,200 on the brand. Gift will be automatically added to cart.

Now is the time! 
Leave a COMMENT if you are liking what you see! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

NEW! Too Faced Better Than Sex Doll Lashes Mascara

 

Ah, Sephora Philippines recently sent me their newest Mascara available on their website from Too Faced.

Too Faced Cosmetics has been around for so many years and as much as I have great experience with their makeup products —- easpecially their eyeshadows.  I haven’t tried a single mascara from the brand so this was perfect timing!

One thing I checked, this mascara is ophthalmologist-tested, which is good as I have very sensitive eyes ! SO I made sure I was clear on that department before I further test this product.  I have used this mascara for a total of 7 times for 7 days!  And here’s what I have to say!

Sephora PH website description:

What it is:

A mascara that stretches your lashes to dramatic lengths and defies gravity with 24-hour curl.

What it does:

This mascara was created to stretch and lift lashes to their sexy limits. The slim brush was designed to help maximize the length and curl of straight lashes as it hugs the natural curvature of the lash line, reaching to the roots of lashes to deliver dramatic volume while helping separate lashes with fanned bristles. This non-smudging, warm water washable formula gives you weightless volume and long, lush lashes so amazing, they’re… BETTER THAN SEX!

My first-try was a good experirence because I like how the tube was heavy enough for me to have a nice “grip”.  Overall, the packaging and the look earn a good thumbs up from me, well considering the price, at least they made it look really good and expensive!

On to the wand, I like the curve side of the brush making it easier for me to reach the bottom part of my lashes which I hardly ever do.

On first layer, I can easily see the lenghtening, it may not look obvious on photos but in person, I can see my lashes increased in length and it darkened my lashes at some point.  Not WOW type of volume but good enough to see the effect.

Bear in mind that I have super thin, sparse lashes so this is the best before and after photo I took.  I can imagine girls having thick and full lashes to fully enjoy the benefits of using this mascara.

What I noticed from this mascara is the nice formulation - non-clumping no matter how many layers I applied!  I was surprised how it can curl up my lashes as well even without using an eyelash curler.  The formulation is lightweight and my lashes stayed lifted the whole day!  

Good news is, no smudging even if I worked out and cooked on a steamy kitchen!

Better Than Sex…STEAMY..what a nice combo!  *laugh*

KVD Beauty XO High Shine Lip Gloss Review

 

Kat Von D, I have heard about this brand for the longest time but I never get to try or test them because of international shipping (I stay away from going to postal offices for pick ups!)  

With Sephora online store and delivery straight-to-the-doorstep, I am so happy I get to try KVD Beauty (yes, new name after being sold!)

According to Sephora:

What it is: An ultra-smooth vegan lip gloss that gives lips the perfect kiss of color. 
Formulation Type: Lip Gloss
Ingredient Callouts: Free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan. It is also vegan and cruelty-free.
What Else You Need to Know: This ultra-smooth vegan lip gloss has the same creamy, comfortable, cushiony feel and decadent scent everyone obsesses over. The versatile, not-quite-sheer shades were also created to flatter a wide range of skin tones.

AMW says —

I love the packaging of this lip gloss!  It looks very Kat Von D-ish and I love how unique it looks at my dresser table!  I like the clear packaging where I get to know the shade without opening the tube each time.

It comes with a nice applicator making it easy to define and apply on lips without dragging too much!  KVD Beauty XO High Shine Lip Gloss lives up to the name, it is high shine and my lips look healthy and hydrated. Best of all?  Non-sticky formulation and extremely lightweight.

Does it stay long?  No, it transfers on mugs or cups and it transfer on masks too!  It has a heavy scent which I usually dislike but it goes away after 10-15 minutes.  

The positive thing I like about XO High Shine is how it is high shine yet it is pigmented enough to cover my original lip color!  

AMW Wears Lolita Flora

A nice medium brown shade 

AMW Wears Petunia

A light coral shade