Delightful Illusions

          Hey, guys! I know it's been a while since my last post. I was travelling yet again everywhere to conduct various trainings. For those people who don't know, I work as a Training Specialist I at the government. My main role is to provide technical assistance to trainings, but I go usually beyond my job description as we are really scarce in staffing right now. Due to the weight of my responsibilities and my studies at the Graduate School, I cannot find enough spare time to write blog posts. I hope you understand. :)

          I was inspired lately to do a post on what I makeup products I carry on my work travels. I know a lot of bloggers to this, so this is not new to you. Mine is a little bit different because I don't bring my "whole stash" of makeup when I travel. Haha!  I learned to bring the things that are really convenient and needed. Products that are easy to use and have multi-purposes are helpful in travels. I'm trying my very best to fit everything I need in this little bag because that doesn't take so much space on my luggage. Seriously, that's all everything I need for makeup. Travelling lightly is a necessity that everybody should learn. :)

           Hello! :) It's been awhile since I shared a beauty haul. If I'm not mistaken, I think the last one was last year? This past few weeks, I have acquired some makeup products which I know broke my Project Pan rules. Hehe! ;) There were sales around and I couldn't pass on those and I wanted to try some makeup products from Sophie and Ellefar. If you are interested, just keep on reading. 

          A few Saturdays ago, I went to the the after my Graduate School class. I checked Daiso,  just to see if they have new items and good deals. Since their beauty section is near the entrance, I went to that area first. The Ellefar cosmetic line was on sale, they had a deal of "buy one take one" on all of the eyeshadows, blushes and mascaras. I was really curious of the makeup items sold at the store because I have read some good reviews on them online. The items could be matched with different type of products; eyeshadow and blush, blush and mascara, or eyeshadow and mascara. The particular brand caught my eye not just because of the price of Php 88 for two items, but also with their cute, gothic-like packaging. 

           The first item I picked up is this eyeshadow quad in Chiffon. It includes various neutral colors; an icy pink, beige, dark brown and a pale white beige shades. I was reluctant to get this because I thought this would be chalky and less pigmented. As I was swatching the shadows, I was surprised with their soft texture. Yes, these are a bit chalky but could be blended away.

           These are also pigmented, especially the dark brown shade. The smell is okay, not bad at all. I used the icy pink shade all over my lids one time (with an eyeshadow base) and I was amazed that it didn't fade or crease at the end of the day. Though there were glitter fallouts on my face as the shadows have micro glitters. Overall, this is a good eyeshadow quad for everyday use. I recommend that you check this out. :)

          The other product I bought is this Princess Duo Color Cheek in Pink. This blush is so so pigmented! Oh my goodness! I tell you guys, there are lots of things going on this product. It's like screaming, so scandalous! Haha! I love this is in a semi-matte finish and is blendable on the skin. The first time I tried this blush, I have put too much on my blush brush and it made me look like a tomato. Haha! 

          This shade is great for looks with simple eyes and light lip color. The highlighter is nice as well, it gives a decent glow on top of the blush. The shades compliment each other. If you buy this product, just be careful with glitter fallouts from the highlighter. Use a fan brush or tissue to remove the glitters. Try this one. This is nice. :)

          A few weeks ago, our neighbor asked if I could look on the latest Sophie Martin's brochure and see if I'll be interested with their cosmetic products. So I browsed the brochure, scanned the pages and looked into the makeup products over and over again. Haha! Their makeup products are affordable, like the drugstore priceline. I was really curious with their cosmetics so I ordered 2 items.

           I ordered this Sophie Paris Lip Gloss in Cotton Candy. The first I noticed upon receiving this is that the size is large. I thought this would be the usual 10 mL lip gloss I see on drugstores, boutiques and department stores. The cutest thing about this product is the triangular sponge applicator. 

          The lip gloss itself is pigmented, has a thick consistency, feels like water on the lips and the glitters are fine. The only downside to this is that it does last long. However, that is okay to me since I only got this for Php 110. I didn't spend a lot of money for this so I ain't complaining. It's a nice lip gloss though. 

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           The last item I purchased is this Kluge BB Cream Precious Skin in Natural Beige, a brand being carried by Sophie Martin. I was curious as how this would look and feel on my skin. As a person with oily skin, I really find it hard to search for a BB Cream that would make my face oily as the day goes. Something that wouldn't weigh so much on my skin; not making me feel like I trapped the oil on my pores. 

          The product is blendable, though I can feel some weight while I wear this. It's moisturizing and has a light coverage. But, like the other BB Creams I tried, this doesn't work on my oily skin. Haha! Anyways, I will still continue to use this product because I don't want to waste my money. I work so hard and money isn't something I just haul on the street. :) I bought this for Php 146. The product is a little bit small; it only weigh 20 mL. This is good for normal/dry skin. :)

           Last  month, while I was going back home from my Baguio trip (work related this time), Cebu Pacific has give a small paper bags to their passengers at the Iloilo International Airport. I opened my bag, scanned what's inside and I found some sample-sized products from POND'S, Vaseline, Close-up and Master. It was like their "Summer Campaign Ad", though Summer was over in May. Haha! Anyways, who doesn't like freebies? :) Two products from the loot are these Vaseline Healthy White Whitening and Even-Tone Body Lotion and POND's White Beauty Powder Finish Day Cream. I have used the other products and these are the only things remained unused. I'm excited to use these especially the lotion. Vaseline lotions are the best! I have 2 on my stash right now. :)

       That's all of the beauty products I hauled recently. Before I end my post, I would just love to share my eBay store which contains the organic soaps I sell: Green Magic Handmade Organic Soaps (click the link).  I will feature the soaps soon, but for the meantime browse the store (if you are interested) for details, description and ingredients, :) Thank you so much for dropping by. I always enjoy sharing beauty products. If you have new product discoveries, you are always welcome to share. Have a nice day. Stay safe. Love you all. :)

            Hi! I can't believe June is flying by so fast. I still feel like we just hit the beginning of the month, like it started a week ago. Do you feel the same way too or I was just so busy this month? Anyways, I just want you to know that I went to Baguio City again last June 7 until June 11 because our National Conference was held there. I know I promised that I would post about my Baguio vacation but I wasn't able because there are lots of things I want to talk about that I cannot completely share with just on the spot typing. I really hope I have the time to write down my travels, experiences and priceless wanderings. ☺

           I have some beauty products discoveries recently the last few months and I am gonna talk about them in a while. This month's favorites are mainly focused on beauty products. Yay! :)

              The first on my list is the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Sweetheart Valentine. This is one of those popular lip chubby sticks sold by Revlon. Way back on April, I asked my mama to buy me this particular product line, just in a light pink shade. I was so happy that she picked this shade; it matches my skin tone and is wearable for everyday. I have used this constantly since I got this and the triangular-shaped head is now flat. Haha! That's how much I love this lip product. It glides on smoothly, moisturizing and has vivid color payoff. The moisture comes off after I eat but the color is still on my lips, leaving a nice stain. This is one of those Barbie pinks that most people could wear. 

            Here's my selfie on a plane wearing the Sweetheart Valentine Balm Stain. See, it looks pretty natural. If you are wondering, I go these sunnies from Daiso.  

               Next is this Essence I ❤ Stage Eyeshadow Base that I started using sing April. This is on my favorites list this month because I think this product needs some recognition from the blogging community. As what the product is all about; this an eyeshadow base and not a primer. I love how this base neutralizes the darkness of my lids. It's blendable and has a thick consistency which is good because it does not add weight to my eyes. That's the main reason I love this product. If I don't wear eye makeup, I just dab this on my lids and set it with a powder so it won't get oily. Overall, I think is a good product for everyday use. 

           Talking about skin care, I'm currently loving this Eskinol Pimple Fighting Facial Deep Cleanser. If you have been a reader of my blog for so long, you know that I'm obsessed in cleaning my face. I have already talked a lot of facial cleansers and scrubs. Cleaning my face is step I never miss even if I'm tired at night. I really don't like sleeping with a dirty face. My mommy's family is prone pimples so I take the time to clean my face everyday. This product removes all traces of makeup and dirt  on my face and neck. This also dries up pimples really fast and does not break me out. I use this everyday after I wash my face. 

               The last but not the least, I'm obsessed with this pointed nautical strappy shoes from Make U Look which stored at MOGAO boutiques. I have been wearing these a countless times and I got compliments when people look at the shoes. I was surprised that this pair matches casual outfits; shirts, pants, and shorts. The most surprising this about these is that this is only Php 149! Can you believe that? I can't! Haha! Visit MOGAO stores and see if you can find something like this. :)

            Those are all of my of my June Favorites. Did you find something something interesting? I hope you do. If you have any product suggestions, please let me know. I love discovering things. :) By the way, I'm recently joined a company that sells Organic Soaps which are made in the Philippines. Yes, I'm a dealer. I'll post about it soon. Thank you so much for stopping by. Have a great day! Stay safe. :D

            Project Pan or Project 10 Pan is one of those beauty challenges going on the community for years and years. What it is? It is a beauty project where a person pick up products, mainly makeup items, that she wants to use up or hit pan. Beauty enthusiasts have created different versions and rules of the project, but the goal is to use up products and to save money by not buying makeup products on a targeted time frame. Mostly, people do it for months and months until a long year. It is really up to the person on how she will do the project.

          I started this Project Pan last year, way back in July. I was too ambitious to aim using up a lot of products which I didn't like on the first try. It was like I was forcing myself to eat a food  I hate. I have to admit, there were products included on the project that I have just thrown or given away because I cannot stand using them. I will be giving some mini reviews and show you the products I have replaced on the items I have thrown or given away. 

           My rules are still the same and I will be sticking up to them until I finish this project. Here:

 

          MAC Veluxe Pearl Eyeshadow in All That Glitters  - As you can see, I have hit pan on this rocker. Yay! I have since 2011, I have used this a million times, but I haven't hit its pan until recently. Isn't this is a big achievement in the beauty community? I mean, who hits pan on a MAC eyeshadow easily? Their quality, consistency and color pay-off is good, you don't need a lot to get a  lot. I commit myself to continue using this until it's completely gone. That's how much I adore this eyeshadow. :)

Mary Kay Mineral Eye Color in Green Olive

          The evidence is so elusive; I haven't used that much these three eye shadows the entire duration of this project. The MAC one is so glittery, it scatters on my face when I apply it. The two Mary Kay eye shadows are okay but I don't find myself reaching for them. I need to find a motivation in order to hit the pans of these eye shadows. Haha! :)

       Products I have switched (with the previous ones):

San San Age Defense Lipstick 03

 

IN2IT Supreme Waterproof Eyeliner (Black)

Mary Kay Mineral Eye Color in Sweet Pink

            I know that there's a lot of eyeshadow products included in this project, but I'm determined to hit pan on these. I plan to use up the pencils and the lipsticks, and hit pan on the blush. I hope I can achieve my goals before 2016 arrives. I don't have the biggest makeup collection, but I still have a lot compared to the average makeup users. Haha! I aim to save money and put it on my bank instead of buying so much makeup. :)

           Those are all of the products included in this ongoing challenge. I hope you are inspired to the same because it will help a lot in saving money. Haha! I'll give updates as much as I can. Busy days are fast approaching. I hope I can still blog at least once a month. I'll talk to you soon. Have a nice day. Stay safe. XOXO

          Hitting pan on a product is a makeup junkie's happiness. Collecting makeup products is easy, but using them all up is seem next to impossible. That may sound absurd but it's undeniably true. Most videos and blog posts I have seen and read related to this post are products people really love, but, in my case,  have hit pan on these products because I don't want to waste my money. I'm the type of person who buys beauty products and try to finish even if I don't like them. You cannot just throw your money all the time, that's ridiculous. Seriously. I also don't like my product to be expired without even consuming half of it. I like to get my money's worth. :) 

         Panned powder makeup products, of any kind, are the hardest to hit. These bad boys are so compact that they it takes us forever to kick with our makeup brushes until we reach the bottom. Haha! Anyways, I will talk through the products I have "kicked" and tell you some pros and cons. 

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          This warm spice blush is also from the blush trio I have mentioned above and it's the color Spice Rum.Though i'm not really quite sure if really is the Spice Rum, but it looks similar with swatches I have seen on other bloggers. I'm sorry, I forgot to look for the on the Nichido counter. Anyways, I was hesitant to use this at first because it looks scary, considering that I have really light yellow skin. Then an idea just popped into my mind as I was looking at this guy. Why not use this as some sort of contour shade because it's warm? This could suit my skintone and undertone. Well, I tried the technique and I can say that it worked. This product makes my other blushes look really good and complimentary. I use this underneath my blushes to create an illusion of contoured face structure. I do not know if this will work with other skin tones as it is really warm and orangey. Why not try it? It's not expensive. :) I have the same issues with this this blush; doesn't last long and chalky.

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        This shimmery eye base called Look At My Eyes Pearl Shadow Base is from Etude House. I have talked about this before on my August 2013 Favorites post and I still stand that this product is good on its own. Layer this with a lot of eyeshadows on top and it won't crease for extensive hours. I love how it has a creamy texture and applies like a powder in the eyes. It's luminescent, a little bit metallic and glittery. I was surprised to find out that this product takes a long time to hit pan on despite of my usage. The consistency is pretty thick though it's blendable; it could be toned down or up for intensity. The only downside to this is it's packaging; the cover doesn't lock much causing it to be opened inside my makeup bag and mess everywhere. Haha! This is a perfect eye shadow base for on-the-go ladies like me.

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       I was obsessed with this neutral brown from to-go palette of ELF which is not available anymore. This has a matte formula and is perfect for the crease. It creates dimension once I pair this with shimmery and metallic shadows. How I wish ELF would make an individual shadow of this color and in a bigger size.

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        This Maybelline To-Go Clear Smooth All In One Shine Free Cake Powder Foundation with SPF 15 in Natural (Woah, a really long name) is a so-so powder. Though it claims to have a medium coverage, it doesn't cover much. It doesn't last long either with or without a primer. It says that it controls oil but it isn't; an hour later I have already an oily face. I think this would be nice for touch-ups and not for foundation. The only good things about this are: 1.) it's matte with silky texture and 2.) it smells a little bit sweet. If you are interested, you can find this at Watson's, SM Department Stores and Robinson's Supermarket. 

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          Another blush from Nichido! Haha! The major reason why I have hit pan on this is that this was my 2nd blush that I purchased when I was just starting with makeup. I have used this a lot during my college days (5 years ago) Haha! By the way, this blush powder is called Passionate Red, also from True Colors Collection. This is a nice blush, gives me a rosy cheeks and is pigmented. All of the Nichido Powder Blushes are in fact pigmented. An individual blush retails for Php 88. 

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         I loved this 2-Way Cake Powder Foundation from Ever Bilena in Natural. It has a medium coverage, it isn't cakey and lasts all throughout the day even without a primer. The oil may come up but the products still stick on my face. The downside to this product is the mirror it came with; it fell and broke. I was on verge on finishing this product when it suddenly slipped on my hands and fell on the ground. It cracked and was broken apart. ;( So sad! Haha! You can fin this at Watson's, SM Department Stores and Grocery.