All posts tagged: mineral makeup

Swatchfest: bareMinerals Degress of Dazzling

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Hey everyone! Here’s a quick swatch post for one of the few holiday items I ended up buying this year (I’ve been good, I swear!). I’ve gone crazy overboard last year, so I am taking my makeup purchases very seriously this year. This wasn’t supposed to be a purchase, since I am trying to cut down on eyeshadows and a 20-pc. set is not a step in the right direction, but I asked Sarie to look out for it for me in CA, since the set was on sale from $79 to $49 online and in actual bareMinerals stores (not counters). Luckily, she was able to find a set on one of her last few days out there. Similar to last year’s set, A Vision in Velvet (review), this set contains 20 eyecolors, but Degrees of Dazzling is such a way better deal, in my opinion, since the 20 colors come in 4 different finishes, whereas last year’s colors were divided into just two: mattes (or velvets) and satins. The swatches will be divided according …

Oslo Cosmetics Part II feat. Pyxis, Lyra, Equinox, Orphicus, Ara and Noctem

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This is the review of the second batch of Oslo Cosmetics eyeshadows that I got from my first order. Read the first part here. Like I said in that review, Oslo Cosmetics has been my favorite loose eyeshadow formula thus far. I haven’t tried an extensive amount—just four brands so far—but these are really something else. Pyxis and Lyra This is the look I did for EOTD: Radiant Orchid and it features Pyxis, a beautiful pale pink on the inner 2/3 of the lid, and Lyra on the outer third of the lid. I’m not used to very cool tones on my eyes, but I enjoyed wearing this almost-silver color. Lyra, on the other hand, is a beautiful blackened plum. I noticed in the swatch that it kind of faded into black at the edges (almost a ring around the purple-y swatch), and it looks as though it’s a very opaque purple sheen over a black base. For this look, I really had to pat on Lyra with a finger after blending a first layer …

Oslo Cosmetics Review Part I feat. Vela, Lyra, Carinae, Doradus, and A Song of Ice and Fire

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My general impression of Oslo Cosmetics has been great so far. I think a mineral shadow’s quality is obviously good if you’ve been reaching for them more than your more convenient eyeshadows, which has been the case for me. Here are a few looks using some of my new shadows. I’ll make a part two soon, even though I’ve covered most of the colors here anyway. Vela & Lyra Vela looks scary dark in the pot, but it’s actually really lovely on the lid. It’s a green-blue duochrome that translates onto the lid as a brown with a green-blue sheen, depending on the light. It’s great for a daytime smoky eye. Lyra was just used to smudge under the lower lash line here. It’s a blackened plum/orchid but the purple-y parts don’t really show up unless you pack it on. I’ll have a look in part two of this review that will feature Lyra more as a lid color. Doradus & A Song of Ice and Fire Doradus is a color that also looks quite …

Swatchfest: My First Oslo Cosmetics Order

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I think you guys no by now how easily swayed I am if something is named in the best way. I get suckered in and then I find myself in another point of no return. In any case, I saw an eyeshadow by Oslo Cosmetics named “Carinae,” which was an area of Ancient Rome. It was close enough to my name, so of course, I had to go look… and then I found an ultra bright orange blush named “Carina.” And then I died and bought makeup. There’s really something about mineral makeup. I just can’t help myself. Everything’s so pretty. Oslo Cosmetics pigments and eyeshadows are lumpy-looking because the formulation is a bit different from regular loose eye shadows. The creator, Joyce K., mixes in some binders that allow the shadows to adhere well to your skin (which explains also the lack of sifters. I’d like to see you try and sift these powders). You COULD use a primer, but these are pretty awesome at staying put already. Extensive FAQ here. My initial order …

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 …

Sample Stash Sunday: Decanting my Shiro Samples

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If you’ve purchased from Shiro Cosmetics before, you’d know that they send candy and sometimes, sample baggies out with your order. I’ve had these for a while, but have never gotten around to transferring them into little pots until recently. I thought it would be a messy affair, but it was quite easy and fuss-free. I’d write up a tutorial, but you just literally pour out the contents into a small container (like this mini pot or an old contact lens case) and that’s that. For easier cleanup, do this with a paper towel over your desk. Shiro also seals each baggie with a circular sticker of the eyeshadow name, with ingredients and an indication of whether or not the shade is lip-safe. A+! I don’t have a lot of containers, so I’ve only decanted three eyeshadows so far. From L-R, we have Everything is Bears, which was a Color of the Month, Victory Road, and Badger. I bought all the shades except Victory Road. Everything is Bears is a “Rich, dark brown packed with …