Author: Carina

Stashed & Forgotten: MAC Powder Blush in Springsheen

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Another forgotten item in my stash, a gorgeous peachy pink blush: MAC Springsheen. Let’s face it—I bought this, highly influenced by its name. I was looking for a few blushes to try out since I’ve never gotten around to trying blushes from MAC. I know it looks familiar—Springsheen looks quite close to the ubiquitous NARS blush, Orgasm. While they are very similar, Orgasm is a little pinker and a touch more golden. I like this blush because it is light enough to use as a highlighter, but also adds some color when/if you need it to be a blush. This is also pretty perfect as a companion to other blushes, if you’re into mixing shades and textures. It’s a “Sheertone Shimmer,” which I’m assuming means that it has a bit of shimmer to it. You never really actually see the gold flecks on your face, though, which I find pretty awesome. If you enjoy the color, I’ll be honest… it shows up better on fairer skin. On my medium (here, even recently-tanned) skin, it just …

Ellana Minerals Lip & Cheek Gel in Amethyst*

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One of the things I was very lucky to try out from Ellana Minerals is their Lip & Cheek Gel* which I got in Amethyst. It comes in this weird pump packaging that always spells trouble for controlling the amount of product you squeeze out. The liquid is quite runny for a gel, though it doesn’t necessarily drip or run like a liquid would. Amethyst, though pretty plummy and purple in the bottle, registers like a really warm red. I was a bit surprised, since this looks more like a “ruby” than an amethyst. The texture is quite weird. And like I said, “runny for a gel.” Here’s what happened when I tried to spread out that dot. Like most multi-purpose products, the Lip & Cheek Gel works better as one product and not as both—in this case, it is better for me as a cheek product. Amethyst gives me a pretty, natural flush on the cheeks as thought I’d been working out. On the lips, though, it’s a bit too much of a warm …

Makeup Inventory & Short Reviews: MAC Paint Pots

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I was able to get my hands on three more MAC paint pots so I thought it was time to make another Makeup Inventory post. Sarie shot an event for MAC so she could get me some makeup. You laugh, but ’tis true. She is the best. 😀 I got three paint pots and a lipstick. Today, I introduce you to Painterly, Groundwork, and Constructivist. I’d actually argue that there is a bit of logic behind these choices. Though, of course, that is to be expected! In any case, I picked fairly neutral ones. I knew I wanted to get a light, matte base, a dark neutral one, and another neutral matte. I originally wanted Stormy Pink, but it was out of stock so I got Groundwork instead. Some swatches of my new acquisitions: L-R: Painterly, Groundwork, Constructivist I usually use paint pots as a base, so I almost always top it off with eyeshadow. I will get into each shade more, with a closer look at the shades used as a base under shadow. …

Using Dark Bases on your Eyes

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One of my weaknesses are cream eyeshadows. Most are wonderful as eye primers, though even if there isn’t much of a staying power, the many different colors of the cream shadows make for great bases, which would add subtle differences in the eye makeup. I suppose it’s the same idea behind layering eyeshadows, but sometimes the textural difference can add a little bit more complexity and depth to the look. This, for example, is a look made with the same exact shadows from the Urban Decay Naked Palette placed on top of MAC Paint Pots, a very light neutral cream called Painterly—which many use as their everyday eye base—and a warm deep brown called Constructivist: As you can see, the differences are quite subtle. Constructivist, when applied on the eyes, adds depth and tonal difference in that it makes the eye look warmer and pinker. Not a big difference, I agree, but the application of the cream was quite sheer. A fairly popular option: creamy shadow pencils such as the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil, Milk …

Ellana Minerals Loose Mineral Powder Foundation and Let’s Make it Last Makeup Primer*

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I usually wait a while and use a product several times before putting up a review, but I wanted to do a medyo first impressions post on the Ellana Minerals Loose Mineral Powder Foundation* and the Ellana Minerals Make It Last Makeup Primer* both of which I got from the Ellana Minerals relaunch last November 19. I’m actually pretty impressed with the primer. It is a clear, gel-like substance, but it goes on velvet-y soft when you smooth it over your face. Texturally, it’s closest to the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, among all of the primers I own, and from what I have experienced personally. Product Description: “Our new blend of makeup primer to make your makeup last longer, instantly smoothens your skin. Oil-free, mattifies completely, smoothens fine lines, and enhances your complexion. Now with Allantoin & Moroccan Argan Oil for cell regeneration and moisturizers. Fragrance-free, Paraben-free, Mineral oil-free” So far, I’ve found that it lives up to its claims. The dispenser is quite nice, with the packaging close to Snoe’s Emu.Tox. The foundation is …

Poreless Perfection: Ellana Minerals Re-Launch

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I went to the Ellana Minerals Re-Launch last week, which was held at Rastro in Burgos Circle. Many thanks to Liz for inviting me. 🙂 I am afflicted with terrible shyness, so I was relieved x 1000 when I was seated next to Tellie, Tina, Shari, Bea, as well as new friend Yuki! Ellana Minerals is a local brand that has recently changed their look. They are re-launching it with packaging featuring Manila’s top lifestyle illustrator, Soleil Ignacio. You may have seen her illustrations grace the likes of Trinoma, Giordano Philippines, and Meg Magazine. See more of Soleil’s work here. Ellana’s new look—and new product offerings—redefines dependable daily wear. She made a total of five illustrations, which makes me want to catch them all. 😀 Ellana Minerals has been around for quite a while, but I never really got around to checking out their products. While I feature “traditional” makeup products here, I absolutely love using mineral makeup from time to time, though I primarily use mineral foundation these days. My Holy Grail foundation is …

Quickie: Canmake Powder Cheeks in PW05*

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The Canmake Powder Cheeks* is a powder blush that is probably always in the shadow of Canmake favorite, the Cream Cheek. As a fan of the cream formula, I had high hopes for this product. Recipients of the November BDJ Box got a chance to try this, since it was included in that month’s box. PW05 is a super pale peach shade with a smattering of very fine golden shimmer. You can see here that it is quite pale and borders on dangerously ashy territory on my recently tanned skin. Swiped on the cheeks, though, it’s quite nice. Because of the shimmer, it lends a pretty, subtly warm sheen to the skin. It certainly isn’t the most pigmented blush on the market right now, but it’s something that’s easy to wear and pull off. The texture is silky and quite buttery, but it’s not a soft blush. Compared to the Cream Cheek, it is definitely not as pigmented. Here I am wearing the Canmake Cream Cheek in CL01, which is one of their shimmer-free jelly-ish …