All posts tagged: makeup inventory

Makeup Inventory: Addiction by Ayako Eyeshadows

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One of my undeniable makeup loves as of late has been Addiction. I remember seeing a brown cheek/lipstick and a mustard eyeshadow on Xiao of Messy Wands and I was so intrigued by it. After a fateful visit to Japanese counters (or several), it was pretty much love at first sight. Addiction has similar aesthetic sensibilities with NARS, another favorite cosmetics brand, both with the products, the overall makeup philosophy (at least, it seems like), and the look and feel of the brand. They are like sisters. I’ve mentioned this before, but it doesn’t hurt to mention again: Addiction was created by Ayako, a former makeup artist and “student” of François Nars. It explains the influences and the similarities, but I do think that Addiction isn’t necessarily derivative; it just grew and developed from a foundation in NARS. I find Addiction to be a bit more careful in terms of production and collections than NARS, which is understandable since Addiction is a way smaller brand with a smaller market. A common critique with NARS is …

Makeup Inventory: Addiction Cheek Sticks

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Presenting… my latest iteration of my Addiction Cheek Stick inventory. These are possibly some of my favorite makeup bits ever, and I’m trying really hard not to buy everything from the range. If you aren’t familiar, Cheek Sticks are multi-purpose products by Japanese brand, Addiction by Ayako. Ayako was a makeup artist that worked closely with François Nars (of NARS, duh), which probably explains a lot of the brand’s aesthetic direction. Cheek Sticks can be used on the cheeks, lips, and even eyes (though they are not crease-free). In a span of a year, I have amassed five different shades, all of which I love. From lightest to darkest, I have African Sunset, Tea Rose, Rose Bar (my newest one!), Revenge (my first one!), and Suspicious. They are swatched in the same order below: The most versatile one, in my opinion, is Rose Bar, though I am able to use Revenge pretty much anywhere also. It’s just a less agreeable color than Rose Bar. Tea Rose was a fast favorite and was in rotation for …

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. …

Make-Up Inventory: Bronzers

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I am revolting… …against the people and companies who want to make us white. This weekend, I was hit by the horrible truth that most Filipinos are suckered into wanting to be whiter. More on that on a previous post I wrote: A Cult(ure) of White. Growing up, I wasn’t really ever into whitening my skin. I mean, I had other “problems” to worry about, like my underbite and braces or my uneven eyes or the overgrown forest on my legs, but I’m getting ahead of myself. Anyway. I never wanted to whiten my skin and I would rejoice every time I went to the beach because I would go home with a pretty tan and a golden glow. 🙂 For the times when I can’t go to the beach, though, there’s always bronzer. I’ve discovered the wonders of bronzer quite recently, so I don’t have very many, but I really wanted to highlight the golden hues of summer so here are a few products to try if you want to fake a little tan …