Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder

 

The Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder

I was lucky when I found this online shop that sells Ben Nye products in reasonable prices! I bought mine from Beautyholic Manila which sells cosmetic brands like Mac, Make Up For Ever, Urban Decay and more. The small bottle container costs Php600, which is quite cheap as compared to others.


When it comes of trying a new brand, I judge it first based on how positive the consumer's testimonials are before I actually purchase (practical way since most stores here has 'No return policy'). 

Its all because of Kim Kardashian's controversial photo on twitter, showing her makeup contouring trick, that made me try this product!

 As you can see, everything is so clever from highlighting to blending. Look how flawlessly it turned out! I've made some research of what products did Kim's Make up artis used and I found  that its Ben Nye banana luxury powder.

Kim Kardashian's Contouring Trick

 

My thoughts

 Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder

Its a neutral powder with a hint of cream-yellow color, it really provides a superior matte and subtle finish, and I love how the matteness incredibly holds up in long hours. I must say, this is very suitable for my oily-combination skin type. 

I also tried this over Revlon Photoready in Nude (used a flat top kabuki brush for an even application) and BB creams from The Face Shop. And it looks better over a liquid foundation specially when its in lighter shade.  

It neutralizes uneven skin tone and once it settles, it really blends well and gives the illusion of super fine skin. 

Moreover, I also love to use this when taking flash photography because of its matte finish powder and my skin appears very neat and well defined in photos. The only problem I had was I needed some touch ups every 4-5 hrs since I have an exaggerated oily T-zones.

For me, I would say this powder as an 'OK' product since there's nothing to be 'WOW' for. Though its good for flash photography, I'm not really that impressed with the endurance since it tends to be greasy after long hours of wearing it.  I would say this is perfect for touch ups and/or after finishing spray.

XOXO,

Victoria

March Favorites 2013!

Hi guys! Another month has just passed and we're now on the fourth month of the year! Its April! Which means summer has officially started, time to get ready for your favorite bikinis, enjoy the sun and have that beautiful sun kissed skin. Apparently, its scorching hot in Manila, the temperature ranges more or less 34°C. Yes that HOT! It can literally burn your skin for few minutes exposure, so putting on sunblock before you go is a must! Anyway, lets get into my favorite products last March!

1. Pinkies Collection, (Blusher B-01). Tangerine and Corals were one of my ultimate favorite palettes once weather started to warm up. Very fresh looking and versatile. No wonder that as I passed by NARS counter I fell inlove right away with their blush named Taj Mahal. Unfortunately, I was on tight budget and we all know that Nars is really expensive so when I looked for a drugstore dupe, I saw this perfectly matte finished orangey-coral blush from Pinkies Collections. Bought this from SM Dept Store for only 149Php, very cheap and I love this once it settles on my cheek. I paired it with NYX matte lip cream in Antwerp or Ever Bilena Matte in Hot Summer.

2. Eyeshadow Quad from Daiso Japan. My aunt gave me this quad palette when she went home last year from Japan. This has been stuck in my drawer for a year and so I told myself that I really need to get rid off my extreme makeup hoarding and its time to use those products that will expire soon. I only use the gold-bronzy color and the matte dark brown since its the most pigmented, the others were too glittery which I don't really like.

3. Formula 10.0.6, Pores Be Pure Skin Clarifying Mud Mask. Aside from Korean Masks which I super love, I also use this twice a week. Really cleans my pores and truly soften my skin after. My only concern was the tingling sensation I felt when I waited for it to dry, I thought I was having an allergic reaction but I read from various reviews that its pretty normal since it deeply penetrate to clean your pores. Other than that, I highly recommend this product because it really works well.

4. Apologies! I incorrectly labelled the items! :)

5. Kanebo, Kate Real Create Eyes (BR-2). Mostly neutrals, it consists of 1 creamy textured eyeshadow base and 4 Satin finish. Its small and perfect for travelling.

6. Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder. The setting powder that has been raved by beauty gurus. This powder gives a matte finish, it perfectly blends for Asian skintone so you'll gonna love this! I also love how it stays for very long hours. I wore this last week and pretty amazed that it lasts all day, without touch ups.

7. Benefit Benetint, rose-tinted lip and cheek tint. As I mentioned in my previous blogs lip and cheek stain will never be out in my purse. I always have it with me everywhere I go. This lip and cheek tint is one of my favorite, very pigmented and so easy to blend out. It stains very quickly and leaves a very natural look.

8. NYX Lip Matte Cream (Antwerp). Pink-Coral matte lip cream.

9. Wet n' Wild Megablast Nail Polish (Sugar Coat). The neutral nail polish that doesn't clash on every particular clothes I wear, its so clean looking every time I have this on my nails. The color is like a dust white with a hint of pink.

10. Ever Bilenna Matte (Hot Summer) Bright orange matte lipstick. This one kinda reminds me of Mac Morange but this one is matte and has a yellow undertone, while Mac Morage has more of a red undertone. This EB Matte Hot Summer is the perfect drugstore dupe for MAC Morange. Bought this form Watsons for 155Php, very affordable.

11. MAX Factor Mastertouch Under eye concealer (Fair 360) Concealer that I'm currently using right now and I'm loving it!

12. Ever Bilena Ever Original (Brown) Light brown eyebrow pencil. Bought from SM Dept Store for only 95Php

First Makeup and Styling Job!

First week of March, I was asked by my sister's friend Karen to do her makeup for her graduation ball. It was funny that after posting FOTD's and my makeup collections... finally! someone has the gut to trust and offered me my first MUA job. To be honest, I was a bit hesitant as I only have few knowledge about makeup and styling. But I guess, it was the same ground where pros gone through  before they were truly become an expert. The feeling of being a beginner makes it more fun and exciting. That moment, all I know was the basics like classic day look or neutrals, the safe side that I haven't done to apply to somebody elses face, no other than to myself. I still accepted the offer knowing that its a great challenge. Perhaps, I could stretch my creativity and alleviate my confidence through exposing myself in dealing with different people. On top of that, I'm doing what I truly love. Its my greatest dream to be involve in fashion, styling or in makeup industry. And now, I'm on my first step.  I promised myself to never get tired to find inspiration because its the only reason why it keeps me going. 

My client picked her eyes to standout. She wanted it edgy yet could still match her sexy turquoise fitted dress. I came out with this idea of smokey eye look, classic buns for the hair and light pink lips. Light pink lips to bring out the fun girly feeling and focus more on her eyes, the eyes were strong enough so light on lips to make it balance.

Push yourself to come out of your comfort zone 

Try new things

Follow your heart

 &

Have fun! 

XOXO

Maybelline The Magnum Volume Express

 Bought from Watsons, SM Dept Store

Price: Php399 (Not sure)

I just wanna share my thoughts about this Maybelline The Magnum Volume Express Mascara. I'm a huge fan of Maybelline Mascaras ever since I discovered them, but not on this one. The only reason I bought this in a first place was because of what it claims. I have thin long lashes and what I only want is just to add up a little volume for a dramatic look. I must say, I wasn't really happy about the result because of its consistency. Its true that it really lengthens and gives volume to lashes. However, the consistency is so thick and creamy that eventually clumps and flaking. I know mascara only last for about 3 months but it was totally unforgivable that, as I opened and used it for the first time, the formula was so thick and really dries up so fast. The product came out too much on the wand brush that you need to wipe it off with a tissue just to lessen the product before application. And once you applied it, the formula tends to settle on the tip of your lashes that it looks like really unclean. 

Makeup by Victoria Din: Classic Chic Look

My sister Karen on her 'Classic Chic' look! Hair and Makeup by: Victoria Din

Hello lovelies! 

As you may know, apart from doing my personal makeup, I'm beginning to practice my makeup skills on other faces. I'm not gonna lie! I have shakey hands and It worries me every time I'm applying liquid eyeliners or curling someone's lashes. I just don't to want to mess up that's why I practice and practice and practice! I decided to do my sister's make up. She wanted to keep it casual yet so chic so the first thing that came to my mind was neutrals and pink lips! I personally love this look because its wearable, very feminine and classic!

Here's the products that I used to achieve this look

 Face: 

Revlon PhotoReady Liquid Foundation in 004 Nude

Revlon PhotoReady  Two Way Powder Foundation in Shell Coquillage

Eyes:  

Eye Primer - E.L.F. - Studio Line Eye Primer Liner Sealer

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk 604

NYX Nude on Nude palette

Dollface Cosmetics Sweet & Sultry Palette

Wet'n'Wild Mega Liner Liquid Eyeliner

Unlabeled False Eyelashes from Divisoria 

Eyebrows: 

Wet'n'Wild coloricon brow & eyeliner in 646 Taupe

Revlon Fantasy in Brunette (I only used the Gel)

  

Cheeks:

For contouring, Fanny Serrano Two Way Cake in Rajah

Max Factor Flawless Perfection Blush in 221 Classic Pink

Lips: 

Burt's Bee Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis Ababa    

 
  
 

February Favorites 2013!

Hi guys! I know I'm a little bit late for posting this but Hey! Better late than never, Right? Apologies! This has been on my drafts for weeks and never got a chance to edit and post at the same time. Its been a tough month for me and I'm so glad that Feb was finally over. Weehee! So stoked to share with you guys my February favorites. 

So, lets get on to the items!

Bench, Oat Milk Body Scrub 8.8oz for only Php 150

I love how this body scrub made my skin softer and moisturized during Feb dry-cold season. Its super creamy textured with tiny oats that gently scrub your skin.. But what made me hooked about this was the awesome smell. Seriously! Its highly addictive! The best body scrub that I've tried so far!

Bobbie Premium Nail Cream for only Php35/each

Italian Nude, Touch of Tan and Vamp

 Bobbie is one of the nail polish brand that you can find here in the Philippines, what I love about these is that it could last for weeks without chipping! The  Italian Nude is my all time fav shade! For sure, you've seen this on my nails almost every season! Touch of Tan is a skin-tone, perfect on days when you just want to keep it neutral while Vamp is a nice bright red nail polish.

 Etude House, Dear Darling Tint for Php298, available in all Etude House Stores

Blushing cheeks and lip bitten lips was what I've been rocking during dry-cold season of Feb, I just grab these whenever I feel lazy and not in the mood for heavy makeups. I'll just finish it off with a powder and I'm ready to go! This one saved me from looking like a zombie. Classic!
 

EH 55 Kissful Tint Chou. Price: Php278

This one is a lip gloss stain, but I also used this as cheek stain, love the dewy finish it gives on flash photography. 

UD Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Price: Php1150 Bought from: Carefree Shopper

Still the best eye primer! See swatches here Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Review

Top Bun! bought this from Divisoria for only Php60, pretty good steal!

Bought these Forever21 Rings at SM Mall of Asia (I forgot the price!), while the H&M 2 pack necklace were from Pinkpumshop

10 Lashes for only Php150! Divisoria got it all for you! LOL! :)

Personal Care, Creamy Petroleum Jelly

My mom bought this from a Japanese store, she forgot the name so I won't be able to give any info about it. This became my bestfriend ever since the cold weather started! I've had extremely dry skin, which becomes cracked during cold season. Now you know why I'm such a sucker for buying moisturizers from head to toe.

Blink by Malcom Gladwell

My favorite book of the month. Its a non-fiction, which presents different format research, situations of wide context about thin-slicing (our ability to gauge what is really important from a very narrow period of experience).

Every time I went out with my family or friends, I'm always having trouble bringing my DLSR cam with me. Well, most of the time the camera bag doesn't pair or at least blend with my outfit so I tend to just leave it at home and use my phone for documenting. I recently discovered this shop called IZZOSHOP where they sells stylist camera bags. I got this camera insert bag for only Php395, its also comes with wide range of color selection. I love how it turns your ordinary bag into a camera bag! Amazing right? :)

EH Aloe Moistfull and Montagne jeunesse Cucumber Peel-off Masque

I love how these face masks condition my skin after a long tiring day.

Etude House Bubble Hair Coloring in Dark Brown, Php350

Its one of the most interesting hair dye. You're like shampooing while dying your hair, it doesn't stain so you don't need to worry about wearing your fav shirt while you doing it alone.  I actually bought this for my sister but she finds it too dark for her present hair shade. I was planning to give it away but I decided to keep this as I want to dye my hair darker after summer.

 Ever Bilena and Fanny Serrano blushes, click for price and swatches here

Tru Colour Contact lens in Hazel

Beauty UK eye shadow collection in Glitz Price: Php300 from Makeupholics

Stunning palette that has greens, pink and purples to achieve a smokey eye. I still haven't used this but I will definitely make a separate review about this palette so you could see closer the swatches. 

 ELF Corrective Concealer

Its a concealer palette that has 2 neutral shades, a green shade for redness/ blemishes and a pink shade for neutralizing dark under eye circles. It has creamy consistency and so easy to blend!

So, that's all my favorites for the month of February 2013. I'm so sorry if I forgot the prices and the places where I bought some of the items. Promise! I'll document the details precisely next time! :)

XOXO

Charm Holiday (8pc. Travel Brush Set)

I just wanna share my thoughts on my new Charm Holiday Travel Brush Set. I decided to buy new brushes that is suitable to carry on my purse and handy enough whenever I'm packing light. I never owned any brushes from Charm, so this is going to be my first time to write reviews about this company. :)

I bought my 'Charm Holiday 8pc Travel Brush Set' from Digital Traincase (one of my favorite online shop!). Very perfect timing that they were having a 20% off (valid only until Feb. 28th 2013) sale, and so I got mine for only Php 889 instead of its original price of Php1050. Oh yeah! Pretty good steal! Right? :)

I thought it was medium sized travel brushes like the ones I've usually seen in the market. Apparently, its the smallest version! So far, it didn't bother me that much. Astonished how tiny the brush stems are. I find it easier to use than my usual everyday brushes from Mac. I love it when I tend to do my eye makeup, it feels more convenient doing strokes and sweeping motions without any trouble holding it. 

Here's the closer look of the brushes to apprehend the size.

Here's the total packaging when I received it through Xend. I was expecting that they will just enclosed it securely with a bubble wrap but it came only with this box. :)

It also came with a black small pouch that has a zipper on the other side for an extra compartment so you could put your other stuff there.

Great! The brushes has plastic head covers!!

Look how soft the bristles are!! Honestly, its the 'vegan hair' that what made me purchased this brushes, I chose vegan hair over those made by animal furs mainly because its cruelty-free!!

Powder brush is one of my favorite, it has thick stem which I find it easier to hold. What it made it exceptional is the super soft bristles which picks up powders. I basically use it more in cream and powder applications .

                        Blush brush, is a flat version which perfect for contouring hollow areas.

From top to bottom: Concealer brush, Eyeshadow Pointed Brush, Eyeshadow Flat brush , Pencil brush, Angled brush and Lip brush

 I still haven't used them, but what I love about these is that the bristles were soft enough to apply eyeshadow (in very gentle way) without hurting or creasing your lids. What differs this from the other travel brushes if the size, its very slim and tiny.

 

Overall, This Charm Holiday (8pc. Travel Brush Set) never frustrate my satisfaction, from the cost to the quality. Bristles are soft enough and the size is perfectly for travel.  I just found my new 'on-the-go' companion!

XOXO

Swatches: Ever Bilena and Fanny Serrano Blushes

If there's one product in your make up bag that can make a difference in your entire look, it must be the blush. Isn't cool how you can simply alter your look from dull to a healthy glowing face. Blushes is one of every women's must haves. That's why I'm such a sucker for blushes and lipsticks (Back in college, I sometimes use lipstick as blush too!). Honestly, I don't care if its Hi-end or a drugstore brand as long as the formulation doesn't give me skin irritations. Some of my favorite Philippines cosmetic brands are Ever Bilena, Fanny Serrano and Nichido, just to name the few. As you've always heard and has been highly raved by Filipina Makeup Gurus. Tadaaah! :)

 

 Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Earth

Fanny Serrano Two Way Cake in Rajah

Ever Bilena Single Blush-on in Pink Petal

I just wanna share my recent purchases from Rustan's Shopwise. As long as possible, I ignore buying make up from supermarket makeup counters because I'm quite shy doing swatches in the middle of our every Sunday grocery shopping! For sure, you'll see my mom's cart overflowing with food, snacks and our whole week home supplies, while mine's always end up with make ups and/or skin care products. As I prevent people from judging me for having an extreme make up addiction. LOL! I went back the next day and finally got a chance to grab these. :)

Fanny Serrano Two Way Cake in Rajah,

Add caption

 Fanny Serrano Two Way Cake in Rajah

Fanny Serrano Two Way Cake in Rajah, 

Price: Php 399.oo

Bought from: Rustan's Shopwise

Also available in All SM Department Stores, Robinsons Galleria and Watsons

 Ever Bilena Single Blush-on in Pink Petal

Price: Php 110.oo

Bought from: Rustan's Shopwise

Also available in All SM Department Stores, Robinsons Galleria and Watsons

Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Earth 

Price: Php 168.oo

Bought from: Rustan's Shopwise

Also available in All SM Department Stores, Robinsons Galleria and Watsons

SWATCHES:

From left: Fanny Serrano Two Way Cake in Rajah, Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Earth, 

 Ever Bilena Single Blush-on in Pink Petal

For contouring/bronzer, Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Earth it has a  peach to brownish color which compliments every skin tone and one of my most favorite!! This is the possible dupe of The Balm Bahama Mama. I always use this for my evening look cos this one appears great on pictures, especially for flash photography. I love it sooo much! I just found my new best friend!

FS Two Way Cake in Rajah has a matte finish which also good for contouring but I find this  too powdery that's why I only use this for contouring forehead and jawline.

 Ever Bilena Single Blush-on in Pink Petal, is a matte pink blush great for cool complexions.

As a make up enthusiast, I love Hi-end makeups because of the pigmentation and quality it gives. However, if you're on tight budget.. I recommend you looking for a dupe. Isn't good to see dupes that are available in drugstore? :)

XOXO