Velvet

“a profit or gain beyond ordinary expectation” – Velvet

I named the title of this blog after “Velvet”, for having to get a finished look that I didn’t expect.

After watching a couple of make up tutorials on YouTube, I was inspired to practice my make up skills on myself. It’s been a while since I have last done this. Thank heavens for YouTube, really!

Here’s a photo posted on my instagram and facebook account, taken using my Sony Xperia Z.

I love how flawless it looks! I didn’t realize I can be as creative as this. I remember Rg telling me to put some more as in more make up on when we do a photo shoot session, because he said the colors fade away in the pictures. That’s what Michelle Phan said too!

*The photos that will be shown next are taken during the photo shoot.”

I remember having a concealer that matches exactly my skin tone, I mean not for concealing but the tone of the concealer is the same as mine. Today, I decided to use it as my base foundation.

When I do practice (make up), I usually use the make up that I don’t use everyday, so I can utilize all of them. Because we all know, it is seldom that we do hit or buy the exact tone, shade, intensity, pigmentation, etc., that matches our skin tone and skin type. Unless, you are a PRO. Well I’m not, that’s why I sometimes end up buying make ups that I really can’t use no matter how much I like them, simply because it doesn’t fit me. That’s just sad. But I can definitely utilize them in some other ways like what I did today!

Using my “LA Girl HD Pro Conceal in Pure Beige”, I swiped it on my moisturized (Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 Anti-Ageing Cream) and primed face (Elf Mineral Infused Primer) using my clean fingers. I love how full the coverage it gives my face. It hid most of my imperfection! Well, of course it should be! Haha!

Though, there are some spots that still needs concealing. Using a tapping motion, I added my “Revlon Photoready Concealer in Medium Deep”. It is almost the same as my skin tone but a little bit lighter and provides perfect coverage on my imperfections. It’s my most favorite concealer before Essence Cover Stick Concealer. It’s both stick and provides perfect coverage, but I love the matte finish more.

After the foundation and concealing part, of course it needs a setting powder so it won’t go anywhere.
The LA Girl Pro Conceal already gave my face a full coverage indeed, however, because I have an oily skin, I need to set it with a powder. I heard a lot of good things about the next product that I used, a lot says that it’s the ‘dupe’ for MAC Studio Fix Foundation, and that’s mainly the reason I bought it. Using the sponge included on the “Fanny Serrano Two-Way Cake Foundation” kit, I gently tapped a little amount of the powder on my face and neck. After doing so, I found the make up too thick for me, but since it was for a photo shoot, I have to keep it that way. Though I really didn’t want it to look that way, for the reason it might get cakey, I blended it with my MAC Stippling Brush. Now that gave me an airbrush finish look!

I don’t usually contour and highlight my face, I find it too heavy for me. Nevertheless, I contoured my face because again, this is for a photo shoot.
Rg’s mom gave me a palette from Mary Kay, Canada. It’s a set with dark colors in it. The kit comes with 3 gorgeous and very pigmented eye shadows, a lipstick in a reddish-brown color, a lip gloss and a nice blush/contour powder. I find the blush powder perfect for contouring. It is very pigmented and has a matte finish. I used that to contour my face for this look. Using my ring finger, I swiped a right amount on it and swiped it right below the apples of my cheeks, on my nose, and on the hair line. With my ELF flat top brush, I blended it. I didn’t highlight the highest points of my face just yet. I usually do that in the end. For reasons I don’t know. Haha!

I proceed with lining the bottom and upper parts of my brows using my “Ever Bilena Brow Pencil in Brown”, it’s my favorite! Then filled in the gaps with my “Intuit Waterproof Eyebrow Color”. I used a synthetic angled brush from marionaud to blend the products. Then,  cleaned the edges with my essence cover stick concealer, used with real techniques foundation brush from core collection.

I have primed my entire face including my eyelids right before applying any product. With this, priming my eyelids would no longer be necessary but I still added an eye primer (LA Girl Pro-primer in nude), just because I want the colors to look ‘still’ on pictures. I set it with my “Nichido Single Eyeshadow in Snow” with an eye shadow brush from MAC. I went a little bit over my crease since I have small lids. I wanted to create an illusion of a crease, just an illusion. With a MAC blending brush, I added just a tiny bit amount of the brown color from my eyebrow palette from Nichido and worked my way in. Blended it back and forth and not adding any more products.

I am one of those who love liquid, gel, cream, or any types of eyeliner, placed right above the lash line. Even creating a check line to make the eyes look elongated. But I’m also one of those people who are not as gifted as the Pixiwoo sisters when creating a perfect line in the eyes. Today, I made myself proud by almost having a perfect check line in my imperfect eyes! Thanks for the help of a inexpensive product I knew from fellow bloggers out there! “San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen” Oh I love this product! It makes my life easier! It is really a heaven sent as I use this product on my clients and it helps me create a perfect line on them, too! Look at that!

I added a bit outside my lower lash line as well. Since my eyes is smaller than normal, I need to make it look bigger. I used “Nichido Eye Pencil in Beige” on my lower lash line to make my eyes look awake. I learned this from my favorite beauty guru, Noe of Color is my Weapon!

Since the eye make up looks kind of heavy, I didn’t want to use any bright color on my cheeks any more. So I just added a bit of “Intuit Sheer Shimmer Blush in Copper Pearl” on the apples of my cheeks. Added more contour on my face using “Careline Blush in Starlight Shine”.

And now, the highlight! Just like contouring, I don’t normally do this on a daily basis, unless if it’s a photo shoot session. That’s why, right now, it is necessary. So nothing really fancy, I bought this “ELF Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter” in a small tube. I think it works just fine, but I’m sure there are better highlighters in the same price out there. So let me know if you know one.

Now, my most favorite part, the LIPS! I wanted my lips to look fuller on pictures so I decided to go for a bright red lip color. Just because I love Anne Curtis and her red lips. I bought one of the product she endorses, the “Avon Ultra Moisture Rich Lipstick in Lava Love”. And I never regret it! It is really pigmented and I love how shiny it looks when worn.

Last but not the least, to keep away the shine on my face, I set everything up with the most famous “Ben Nye Banana Powder” for a more flawless look! Oh I love how wonder a make up can do.

If you can notice, I wasn’t wearing any contact lenses in the photos. I wanted to try an eye make-up that would still look pleasing to me even though my eyeballs looks small. I know it could have looked better if I am wearing lenses, however, I wanted to create a look that would still look good on me even without contact lenses. I feel like I made a success on this one. Proud me!

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.” 
― Gwyneth Paltrow

Credits to my very supportive boyfriend who never gets tired of listening to my make up remedies and ideas. (Even though he don’t get any of it. HAHA!)

RG Gaviola
radioactivepuppy.blogspot.com

The truth.

People always say that no matter how hard or painful the truth is, it has to be confided. I believe in that. I am the type of person who always accepts and understands things, no matter how hard or painful it is, as long as it is the truth. Nobody wants to be lied or cheated on, right? The most painful part is, when you learned the truth by yourself and having the triumphant feeling of being so true about all your past speculations. But is it really a victory? Learning the truth by yourself? Or is it as painful as burning in hell?

There are things that is very easy to accept and forgive but there will always be things, that’s so challenging and frightening to accept and believe in. Yes, you might have learned the truth, so what’s in it for you? Does the truth from the past still matters as if it’s happening real time? A mistake done by the past does not make it any less of a mistake in the present. Just because it has passed, it will be passed. No, whatever’s done in the past can happen again. And again. And again and again and again. If you were lied and cheated on in the past, yes it is possible to happen again in the future. How sure am I? I’m not. But the “trust” has been demolished this time.

Why am I writing about these? Simply because, I can relate. I have been bothered with my emotions and I have no one to talk to and nowhere to run to, to cry my heart out. Thank Heavens, for blogging. I don’t know where to begin in the first place. I didn’t want to publish my personal life but let me just cry this heart out in here without being particular, can I? 

I have been being bugged by a question in my mind ever since I learned a painful truth. – “Is it still worth it?” Everyday, every single minute, I ask that question in my mind but I don’t seem to get an answer to that question. But somehow, it made me realize that I need to think it over, alone and still. I have my own plans but situations seem to replace it with doubts and pain and even second thoughts. I honestly have no idea on how to deal with this b*lls**t. I honestly don’t know where to start but the things coming in my way are giving me signs. Signs to let go, go some other ways and things like that. But more questions are popping in. “Are you ready?, Are you sure?, Is that final because there is no turning back?” – Escape? Is escaping the right thing to do? Or will I be a loser if I escape? Fight? Should I fight for it? Do I have enough courage to fight for it? Is it worth fighting for?

I have been in a similar situation before, it happened so fast and it was really painful. Being surrounded by the people I love helped be get over it. It took time, yes it did but after the storm comes a rainbow. I know it I will get passed this storm too, but what am I really afraid of? I don’t know. I find it really hard that everyday, every hour of my life I have to deal with a painful truth yet no one seems to notice neither give importance to it. 

I’m losing the fire and I am no longer willing to light it up some more. There are too many things to reconsider and I find it not worthy of my sacrifices. I just hope this will be done soon and I will become a better and stronger person after. Regardless of how this will end up, I’m sure this one’s another lesson in my life that I would be most thankful for. So God, may Your will be done.

Looking for a natural remedy on hair fall?

Natural Gugo Shampoo with Aloe Vera plus Conditioner
Price: P169 (Buy 1 Take 1)
Where to Buy: All Watsons Store

I remember my childhood days when Papa asks us to tear some aloe vera plant for him and apply it into his scalp to prevent hair fall. I also remember having the best and refreshing shampoo back then, the “Aloe Vera Shampoo”. I love how it smells and how it provides natural vitamins into my virgin hair back when I was still a little girl. The smell of the shampoo, I always remember but never found any dupe or exact same product until I found this!

Thanks to our former helper, May! When she was still living with us, her hair falls uncontrollably. My boyfriend’s mom tried to look for a shampoo that would prevent her hair from falling and found this Natural Gugo at Watson’s. I never really paid attention to it because I never wanted to use something for my hair or skin and any product that is not well-known, simply because I don’t want to risk it. Even though I have heard improvements from them, I still didn’t mind it. Until….

My boyfriend has a very sensitive scalp, if the shampoo he uses is not suitable for him, his head will be total itchy and irritating that is why his mom suggested for him to use this shampoo. At first, he felt so satisfied and said that it totally cleans his entire hair and scalp. Never he experienced any itching or irritating feel when he started using the shampoo. So enough reason to try it out myself.

The first time I used it, I literally had flashback of my childhood memories. Haha! But seriously, I did! It just took time for me to realize that the scent is the same with the Aloe Vera shampoo we used back when I was still a little girl! So then, I started using it! For the first few weeks, I just used it alone, without any conditioner or so. Yes, it does clean my hair very well and it has very refreshing and relaxing scent. But not enough to provide moisture into my hair. So when my hair dries up from washing, it feels a little stiff, for the reason I didn’t use any conditioner at all. With this, I decided to conditioned my hair, I used Tresemme’ Smooth & Shine Conditioner. And surprisingly, it is a perfect match! My hair is better than ever! It is well moisturized, to the point that it does not grease. Smells very good too! I’m obsessed with things that smells so good so the combination I made is absolutely perfect! The natural scent of the shampoo plus the classy smell of the conditioner, amazing!

I’ve had hair falls but not as severe as our former helper had. But days after days of using the shampoo, I notice that my hair fall is now less. I usually have a large number of hair on my brush after using it, but for the past few days, I only see a few. So yes, this shampoo really helps in preventing hair fall. Another point for that!

Here’s some more reviews:

PROs

1. It is very affordable. You will get two bottles for only P169.
2. It is natural, as it claims.
3. It smells so good and refreshing.
4. Can help prevent hair fall, dandruff and itchiness.
5. Does not have a strong chemical content so it will not damage your naturally beautiful hair.

CONs

1. Because it is natural, a small amount is not enough for a thick hair. You’ll need to get a small amount at first, rinse, then apply another amount for the satisfaction of cleaning, but it always depends on you. Remember not to apply too much.
2. It is not always available. So I always get as much as I can when they have stocks. Tip: Stocks ran out quickly.
3. Could have been better if the packaging comes with a pump, but could I ask for more for the price?

So for those who’s having hair fall issues, scalp issues, itchiness and anyone who is looking for a natural remedy into their hair problems, I think this is the product for you. Then pair it with your favorite conditioner for more glorious effect!

Note: This is not paid, I bought the products from my own pocket.

Review: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Smitten
Price: P575
Where to purchase: Any Revlon Outlets (You can buy at some online shops too, in a cheaper price)

What it claims: It’s a pampering balm fused with a lightweight lipstain in an adorable chubby crayon. Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain gives softer, smoother lips with a perfect flush of color that lasts hour after hour. The gel formula comes in 12 vibrant shades that match any look or mood.

I am not really a fan of dark colored lipsticks as it makes me look like older. But this baby right here is one total exception!

There was one day when we went to the mall (unplanned), I wasn’t wearing any make up at all. Usually, if I am too lazy to put some make up on, I’ll just wear a red lipstick to accentuate my entire face, so I won’t look pale. But on that day, while roaming around the mall when all of a sudden I saw my face in the mirror and realize how terrible I look with a bare face and lips and all! I told myself, I’m gonna go to a make up stall and use a tester lipstick so I won’t look like I am just cleaning up my closet inside the mall. LOL! 🙂

So of course, I headed to my most favorite brand’s stall, Revlon and grabbed myself a decent lipstick and since I was in a hurry, I just took anything that catches my eyes first. So this baby, raised her hand to me and I immediately grabbed and used it. I added a lot of product on my lips as I wanted my lips to look darker. Then we left and walked. I passed by another mirror and noticed how lovely the color of my lips were! I was amazed and told myself how much gorgeous it looks on me! Haha! So my boyfriend told me toot that the shade fits perfectly on me. Hours passed and the color is still in there! And guess what?! The longer the better! As the time goes by, for some reasons, the color looks better when worn longer, without adding some more product! That’s totally amazing!

So then, I bought and ever since that day, I never regret buying this baby even though I am not a fan of dark shade lipsticks or stains or balms, etc.

Here are the swatches:

With flash

Without flash

What it claims is absolutely true! It is indeed pampering! When worn, it feels like there’s a hint of minty with it. Smells good too! Does not have any foul chemical smell or anything near that. It is also lightweight, one coat is actually very thin and somehow feels natural but I like adding and topping up some more coat as it lasts longer. It’s also a lip balm so when you feel like you’re having a flaky lips, this is the great choice of lip product! It’s hitting 2 birds at a time! It’s not just moisturizing your lips, but it also gives you a beautiful and gorgeous glow! And lastly, it lasts a long time. Long enough for you to re-apply.

Here’s when applied on my lips.

First picture on the left does not have any products at all. Second, only one coat of the lip balm, third is two coats and the last picture is three coats. I usually apply it more than 3 coats as I would like to get somewhere darker than the actual shade.

I also feel safe with this because no matter how thick I apply it on, it will not lead my lips into any harm but instead, it will be moisturized.

Will I buy again? ABSOLUTELY!

Even though I know it will take a very long time before I empty it, I will buy another and more in different shades. The second I am probably getting is the one in shade Honey. I heard a lot of good things about that baby. So I’ll meet her soon! ❤

Review: ELF Mineral Infused Face Primer

What is the use of a face primer (make up base)? As per Marlena of Makeup Geek; Primers can help by reducing the look of large pores, filling in fine lines, and preventing foundation from looking cakey. They also help with evening out the skin tone and making your makeup last much longer throughout the day!  –   It also helps to glide on easily, and blend better.

How to use a primer? – After doing your cleansing routine, and/or applying moisturizers, etc., you may apply your face primer all over your face.

*******************************

I never knew the use of a face primer until after I watched almost every make up tutorials on YouTube. So during my last make up haul, I never had second thoughts of buying a good but affordable face primer. Usually, I will check 3-5 reviews of an item before buying it, I wouldn’t want to buy something that is not going to be worth my money. Who would want that, right?

I have actually been eyeing for the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer , but since it cost a fortune (at least for me), I decided to look for something that has the same effect but in a cheaper price.

Most of the reviews lead me into buying ELF Mineral Infused Face Primer. The reviews was as promising; a lot of says, it’s good for the oily skin, it lasts a long time, very affordable, etc.. So I decided to give it a try.

 It’s not everyday that we find something cheap that comes in a good packaging. So this baby right here is indeed classy and savvy with its outside coating.

It says at the back of the plastic cover, “Transform your face into a flawless and smooth canvas; Developed to combat excess oil , flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines to result in a natural and youthful looking radiance; This clear multipurpose skin primer will prepare your skin so makeup goes on evenly for a lasting sating finish.”

It comes with a convenient pump, with the tube inside, wrapped with a clear plastic bottle and cap.

It contains clear gel which is really cool since we don’t want to apply too much color on our face. (Please excuse my broken nail polish)

Here are the swatches:

With Camera Flash.

Without Camera Flash.

Here’s how it looks like on my face:

As you can notice, it is more to appear as invisible as possible. Somehow, it helped my pores a little bit less visible but didn’t make the most out of it. With regards to how it feels when the product being applied; when it dries up on the face, it feels very soft and smooth.

So here’s my final look for the day:

Another set of picture taken with iPod.

So my final verdict?

I have been using the product for almost a month now. I guess, enough time to make a judgement.

Price: P399.50
Where to buy: SM Department Stores

Pros

1. The product does not have a nasty smell at all.
2. It comes in a very convenient packaging.
3. It is affordable at less than P500
4. I can easily blend all my make up altogether.
5. Yes, it helped my make up last a bit long.

Cons

1. I find it hard to get the product out from the pump. It always seem like there’s no more gel left inside the tube so I really had to make an effort to get the amount I wanted.
2. It didn’t help in any way to lessen the oil in my face. After 30 minutes, the oil is starting to build up on my t-zone.
3. I always had a pimple every after I use it. (I’m quite sure it’s caused by the primer because I tried applying different types of powder/foundation with it; or maybe it’s not it.)
4. My face kinda feel heavy and really warm when I have it on.

I think this baby right here suits for those beauties with dry to combination type of skin. As for me, I do have a very oily face so I would really praise for a product that will keep my oiliness away. Sadly for me, ELF mineral infused face primer is not my cup of tea. Currently, I’m on the urge of purchasing a Rimmel London’s face primer, I’ll review it as soon as I could.

xx

Fear. Justice. Revenge. Suffer.

I can’t express how proud I am of having this tattoo. It just reminds me of all the sufferings I have been through in life. It’s a simple way of looking back and remembering how much I have grown and learned, how much I became stronger and how much it taught me to stay close to the top. So whenever people try to bring me down, I just look down and smile… Because I can never be pulled down unless I’m on the top. I’m with God, I should fear no one.

So I posted this picture wanting to tell everyone the true meaning behind these inks.

Blinker – symbolizes fear. Everybody has their own greatest fear in life. Mine is not having the most basic love and attention from my loved ones. But I know God will never be that selfish. I should fear no one but Him.

Weighing Scale (Libra Sign) – for justice. I know this word is too technical to use for a very light situation, but I can’t seem to find any word that should be lighter than that. Of course, every victim is in thirst for justice, but not every victim is capable of reaching that. I, myself have been a victim of storms and thunders many times in life. I was judged without being investigated. Though, I wasn’t weak, I was just not strong enough to fight back.

Sword – is for revenge. Vengeance is God’s and I am not in any position to make any revenge at all. I just always keep in mind that God punish all the bad and pour the good ones with full of blessings. I can’t curse anyone, but I can pray to God to curse someone who is worth cursing for. That’s how this sword embrace me whenever someone is dragging me down.

Chain ball – is for suffer. Many and almost everyone of us have suffered a lot in life. We just have our unique stories. This one keeps me strong as it reminds me how I’ve been through. Whenever I’m near to giving up, it knocks my conscience and makes me remember the worst happening in my life; that nothing could be worse than that, that’s why there’s no reason to give up.

I know how most of the people would think with woman or man who have tattoos. For me, having tattoos doesn’t make me any of a bad person (I have three, by the way!), I don’t care how other people thinks of me, if they can’t stand my personality, they’re free to go. They were never invited in the first place. I live to please God alone.

^“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

YouTube Make-up Gurus

Lately, I have been hooked in watching make up tutorials on YouTube, from learning different techniques and all that stuff. I must admit, I have learned and still learning a lot from them. From that Queen Amidala look, up to Kim Kardasian look! LOL, I’m just kidding.. But seriously, I can say that I have totally leveled up in terms of applying make up in the most perfect way. They are 99.9% helpful. There aren’t much make up school here in the Philippines, there are some but they get a little bit too pricey. There are also workshops that provides training for basic and advanced make up application, but just like me, not everybody has time for that. Thank beauties for these gorgeous make up guru’s on YouTube! who are very generous of sharing their wonderful skills to everyone! And take note: FOR FREE! That’s just perfect, isn’t it? So I decided to share my inspirations here. I know there are way too many good make up gurus on YouTube but here are my favorites as of the moment:

Noe Mae Villagonzalo of Color is my Weapon

Ana Patricia Victorino of Make up by Ana Patricia

Michelle Phan

Goss Makeup Artist

Makeup Geek TV

Pixiwoo

Michelle Dy

 

How about you? Who is your inspiration?

Review: Neutrogena Deep Clean Revitalizing Grapefruit Ultra Foam Cleanser

I have used different kinds of cleansers in the past and have never stuck to a certain brand or product. As per my dermatologist, I do have a very sensitive skin (which I can’t believe) that’s why I have to be very careful with whatever I apply on my face. For the record, I do have a very oily and acne-prone skin. I break out every now and then, regardless if my period is coming or not.

I am not a fan of applying a lot of mixtures in the face, like adding different kinds of fruits, DIY masks, or so. I am too lazy to do that. LOL! So I just usually rely on the items that I can buy outright. Right before switching to Neutrogena, I was using an in house kit set from my facial clinic, they call it “Anti-acne Kit”; it comes with a soap, astringent (morning), some skin whitening therapy (night) and a tube of sunblock. During the first two weeks of using it (with my facial session on a bi-weekly schedule), I felt the huge change in my skin. Though I do have a very oily skin, I still felt the difference of having a moisturized skin, in a way that my face don’t get more oily. But afterwards, I still get break outs. I thought maybe I should use it continually and see if it will make any more difference. One more thing, I bought their tretinoin cream hoping my face could improve some more. Tretinoin does skin peeling. It says on the label that it is anti-acne.

So obviously, I ended up switching brands (again). So there’s this one time, I was just browsing through SM department store when I get into the section of skin care products. There was a service attendant, briefing some ladies about this foaming cleanser from Neutrogena. I was curious so I decided to just get one. I got the grapefruit the first time by the way.

The picture above is my second bottle of the cleanser already. I do not have to state the obvious, I know.. But please let me just say it, I LOVE IT! No break out since I used it! I love the fact that it really cleanse my face very well. No need for a make up remover. Though I still wipe my face out before washing, I just want to make sure all the eyeliners are completely removed. I don’t want to end up looking like a zombie with some faded black smudges around my eyes after washing my face (if you know what I’m saying).

So here’s my final verdict of the product:

What: The Neutrogena deep clean ultra foam cleanser comes in two (2) variants: Revitalizing Pink Grapefruits and Brightening Mulberry.

How much: P307.50

Where to buy: SM Department Stores / Watson’s

PRO’s

1. It comes with a convenient pump. (Foam)
2. It cleanse very well.
3. You will feel instantly refreshed after washing.
4. It doesn’t dry up my skin. I kinda feel that my face is moisturized after washing.
5. It contains anti-oxidants so it’s really good for the skin.
6. Doesn’t cause break outs. (Very important!)
7. Absolutely oil free!
8. Non-comodogenice.
9. Alcohol free.

CON

1. I need to have at least 5-7 pumps to have the satisfaction of cleaning my face. (I don’t know if that’s a con but the only bad thing I can say about this product. Not even bad, I think)

Would definitely purchase this again! And will also try there oil free moisturizer. Review soon!

Make-Up Haul (Philippine Local Cosmetics)

I have always been a fan of make up, ever since I was just little girl. Until I get a job, that’s the time I buy my own make up, because my mom usually does.
At my first make up haul, I find my interest in buying Revlon products. Not just because of its popularity but I heard that some of their products will suit my very sensitive and oily skin. I spent more than P3,000 for 4 items from Revlon. It contained foundation, eyeliner, concealer and lipstick. Will do a separate review on that.

With me being obsessed in acquiring the skills of a make up artist, I have been watching and really watching and watching almost every make up tutorial I can find on YouTube. With that, I fell in love with the local beauty gurus. I found my obsession really worth it after watching tons of tutorials made by my fellow beautiful Filipinos. I have never been a fan of local products until after then. I never realized that they are as good as the most expensive brands you can find at Rustans. Now thanks to my obsession! I was able to buy a lot, as in a lot of make up items worth P3,000! And they are as good and even better than those overpriced products from the same department stores!

So here’s my first make up haul of our very own cosmetic lines. This is something to be proud of! Though, I really have nothing against any expensive brands, I agree, they are all beautiful and amazing! I still use them, of course. But forgive me, I just can’t get enough of admiring these local products! I am just happy that I don’t need to spend a dime to get each and every make up I wanted to have to get that perfect look!

So here I took a picture of my latest haul:

Here’s the product list:

1. Elf Countouring Blush & Bronzer
2. Elf Mineral Infused Face Primer
3. Elf Eyelash Curler
4. Elf Flat Top Powder Brush
5. Elf Mineral Powder Blush
6. Ever Bilena Color Pencil in Brown
7. Ever Bilena Studio Finish Stick Foundation
8. Maybelline Pure Liquid Mineral Liquid Foundation
9. Jazzy Eyebrow Gel
10. Dolly Wink Eyebrow Gel
11. Nichido Eyeshadow in Snow
12. Nichido Eyeliner in Beige
13. L.A. Girl Pro Conceal
14. L.A. Girl Pro Primer
15. L.A. Girl Mineral Pressed Powder
16. Fanny Serrano Two-Way Cake Foundation in Oriental
17. Chifure Foundation in #34
18. Etude House Oh’mEye Line Liquid Eyeliner
19. Etude House Easy Brow Pencil in Dark Brown
20. Etude House Lipstick
21. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Tinted Balm in Smitten

I have been using most of them for a week now, hopefully a review of each of it. Soon xx

❤

Ground Beef with Sayote

There are days in our lives where our fridge is about to become empty and all you have left is some about to be dried vegetables and some frozen meat.

I slightly invented this dish as this is the most decent goods I found on our almost empty fridge. I call it “Ground Beef w/ Sayote”. It’s not the usual “Ginisang Sayote” you can find everywhere. Usually, everyone uses ground pork and a little bit of shrimp in this dish and I see some who adds some carrots with it. Sayote has been one of my most favorite vegetable of all time so whatever type of dish they do with it, I eat. This time, I made my own little invention, I added beef.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 kilo Ground Beef
• 1/4 kilo Ground Pork
• 3pcs Sayote
• 1 clove of Garlic
• 2pcs Onion
• 3pcs Tomatoes
• Ground Pepper
• Beef cubes
• Salt
• 1/4 cup butter

How to cook:

1. Boil Ground Beef in medium heat for 5 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of iodized salt.
2. In a pan, set the heat in a very very low level. Once heated, add the butter.
3. Once the butter has completely melted, add onion and wait until it becomes translucent. You may want to adjust the heat level into medium;
4. Add garlic, mix. Then add tomatoes.
5. Once the tomatoes has become juicy, add ground pork. Mix very well.
6. Add the boiled ground beef, including the water.
7. Mix mix mix for 3 minutes.
8. Add all the flavorings, 2 teaspoon of salt, beef cubes and pepper.
9. Once everything has been mixed. Add your vegetable, sayote. Mix mix mix.
10. Wait for five minutes and it’s done! Serve it with your choice of rice.

Verdict:

It tastes really good but, I didn’t even feel that there was some ground pork with it. It all tastes like beef but it was really good, I mean really really good! It was far different from the usual “Ginisang Sayote” that I eat.

Could have done:

I could have added some oyster sauce and little bit of spice to make it more delicious.

I would definitely cook this again!