Covergirl's LashBlast Fusion

Covergirl LashBlast Volumizing Mascara(orange bottle) used to be the Kikaymomtrepreneur's "everyday mascara."  She loves how it gives volume to her lashes, and how it resists water and smudge.   Yet when the "kikaymom" saw Covergirl's new mascara line at the make-up counter,   she wanted to experience how similar or different it is from the old formula.   Good thing that she knew about this product last Christmas so she took advantage of the season and included this in her Wish List (Thanks to my officemate for making this wish come true! ;p).

Covergirl LashBlast Fusion

Price: Php 600 - 700

What Kikaymomtrepreneur thinks
Rating: 4.1/5.0


Take note that on these photos,   I didn't use eyelash curler. So take a look at it's power to curl and lengthen my lashes.  But the thing is, I failed to compare the old formula from the new formula (orange and purple bottles).


Note: Sorry for the quality of the photos;)

• This is now my everyday mascara ;)
• Water resistant (Try slicing some onions to test it lol)
• Smudge-proof
•  Holds my lashes all day long
• Gives what it promises! Length and Volume!

Overall, just like Maybelline Volume Express Mascara, Covergirl LashBlast line is one of the best mascaras I have tried so far.

Make-up Setting Spray

Have you ever heard of a product that sets your eye color and foundation/powder for hours? Well,  if you are not familiar what this product is, I am sure you will find this post helpful.

A make-up setting spray is something ct that seals your make-up for hours.  Thus, giving your face a healthy glow and a matte finish. Perfect isn't it?!  The kikay mom never uses this until she discovered Model in a Bottle Make-up Setting Spray from Marlena, CEO and writer for Makeupgeek.com. 


Several brands produce the same type of products, such as Mac, Urban Decay, Motives, and Graftobian.  These brands are locally available which you can purchase from bazaaristas and multiply sellers (except for Mac).  Although I can purchase a finishing spray from multiply, I opted to choose a brand that is not available within our shores, that is,  Model in a Bottle Make-up Setting Spray.  This brand stood out among my choices because it already had 2 TV appearances (Tyra Banks Show and Oprah Winfrey show). Plus, there's a video on the site that shows how effective the product is.
Despite the fact that it's not available in the Philippines, I was still able to get one for myself.  How?  Well, thanks to my friend whose relatives live in US hehe!


Model in a Bottle Make-up Setting Spray

Size: 60ml
Price: approximately Php1,600 - Php2,000

Where to purchase: www.modelinabottle.com or from Kikaymomtrepreneur (hehe)

How Jill Stephens (creator of Model in a Bottle) describes it

• Holds foundation and eye make-up in place throughout the day and night
• Works with any type of eyeshadow (cream, mineral, powder, gel, liquid)
• Comes out in a really fine mist
• No more touch-ups
• Sits on the outside layer of the skin because of its' big molecules, thus will not clog pores

How to apply:

• Apply it as soon after mascara has dried up
• Close your eyes
• Hold the bottle at least 12 inches away from your face
• Spritz it on
• Wait for 30 seconds before opening your eyes

 or for Full Strength Application

• Spray it on the palm of your hands
• Rub your hands together
• Pat it on your cheeks

What Kikaymomtrepreneur thinks:

 Rating: 4.7/5.0

Let the photos speak ;) No touch-ups!! Promise!

FACE: 

Revlon Photofinish Foundation in Shell Beige

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette

Covergirl Tru cheeks (forgot the shade)

Eyes:

Dollface Vanity Palette

Revlon E/S Palette in Show Stopper

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero

Covergirl Lashblast Fusion

Lips:

Love Minerals Passionfruit Hydrating Lipstick in Sweet Nectar

Overall,  though I don't like its' strong scent, this product is perfect for special occasions and night-outs!

Love Minerals Passionfruit Hydrating Lipstick

Human Heart Nature recently launched the Love Minerals Passionfruit Lipstick.

               



Regular Price: Php 245.00
Introductory Price: Php 195


Available in 4 shades: Pink Skies (for Pinks/Mauves), Sweet Nectar(for Neutrals), Coral Kiss (for Peaches/Corals),and Earth Angel (for Browns)


How Human Nature Describes it
Most lipsticks contain an array of toxic chemicals such as lead, carmine from crushed insects and mineral oil, which speeds up ageing in skin and lips.  Passionfruit oil is a perfect natural moisturizer for kissable lips without ageing side effect.
Some of the ingredients are Passion Fruit seed Oil, Sunflower Oil, Cocoa Butter, Beeswax and Rice Bran Oil


What Kikaymomtrepreneur thinks
Product Rating:  3.7/5.0

• 100% natural
• No yucky taste and smell
• Creamy texture
• A moisturizing and shimmer lipstick
• Sheer finish (I am not sure but this is what it gives to my lips)
• Day and work lipstick 
• Minimal lip dryness/perfect for chapped lips
• Perfect to blend with darker lip colors (use it as base for minimal lip dryness)
• Staying power is only up to 3 hours (Based on research, shimmer/moisturizing lipsticks easily wear-off and reallly needs reapplication because it is similar to tinted lip balms.)
• Only 4 shades to choose from :( but you can experiment your own color by blending these shades
• Pink Skies is too light for my skin tone

Here are the swatches.

Overall,  I use Sweet Nectar shade as my work lipstick. The product is perfect for everyday use because I love the benefits I can get from its' organic ingredients. The fact that it is called a hydrating lipstick, it helps minimize the appearance of lines on my lips.

Wonders of HHN Sunflower Seed Beauty Oil

Dark under eye circles is a common problem among women. Based on research, they are visible for the following reasons:

• Heredity: Dark circles under the eyes can be an inherited trait. If you have dark circles, then it is likely that other members of your family have dark circles too. The skin under the eye is very thin. When blood flows through veins close to surface of the skin it can produce a bluish tint. If your skin is transparent then the darker the circles will be. Transparent skin is also a inherited trait.
• Exposure to Sun: Exposure to sun especially during the summer months can make the skin under the eyes look darker. This is true for dark skinned people as well. Suntans are caused by an increase in the natural pigmentation of the skin, as a result of exposure to the sun. This increase in pigmentation is drawn to the surface. This applies to the skin under the eyes as well.
• Allergies and Eczema: Any infection of the eye that leads to itching can contribute to dark circles as rubbing and scratching the eyes darkens the skin. People who suffer from hay fever will notice that dark circles appear when the allergy is at its height. Certain food allergies can cause dark circles too.
• Medication: Any medication that dilates your blood vessels can cause dark circles under the eyes. As the skin under the eye is delicate an increase in blood shows through the skin in the form of dark circles.
• Nutrition: An improper diet, an unbalanced diet or lack of a nutritious diet can cause dark circles under the eye.
• Tiredness and Lack of Sleep: A lack of sleep or excessive tiredness can cause the skin under the eyes to become pale, thus, making the blood flowing under it visible.
• Pregnancy and Menstruation: During pregnancy and menstruation the skin becomes pale and the veins under the skin become visible.
• Age: As you grow older there are greater chances that you will have dark circles and they may become more prominent and permanent. If there are too many folds in the skin under the eyes, it will make the dark circles more prominent.

From : http://beauty.iloveindia.com/basic-tips/dark-circles.htmls

I must admit! I am one of those women who has this major problem. My under eye area is also dry that makes fine lines more visible without a concealer. Since I was in college, I was in search for a good under eye moisturizer that has the "no-tears" formula(something that does not sting the eye). I have tried several products but decided to discontinue use due to allergic reactions. Now, I have the best under eye moisturizer! My favorite product for my beauty regimen.

Okay! So...allow me introduce to you my eyes' best friend, Human Nature's Sunflower Seed Beauty Oil.

 How much? Php99.75/approx 2 point someting USD

Size: 50ml

I actually bought this prior to becoming a dealer of Human Nature Products. I have been using this for almost 2 months now, and I am satisfied with the result it gives to my skin.

Human Heart Nature's Description of the product

• Premium cleansing oil removes even the most stubborn waterproof mascara
• Nourishes skin with Vitamins A,D, and E.
• Used as gentle under eye moisturizer
• Helps minimize dark circles
• Removes fine line and smooth out wrinkles
• Perfect for stretch mark preventions for expectant moms

What Kikaymomtrepreneur thinks

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Before and after swatch

BEFORE

 My eyes are really puffy lol!

AFTER 2 MONTHS

Be the judge!

• Hubby told me though that my dark circles have lighten, so dark circles have gradually improved
• Less visible fine lines
• Well-moisturized under eye area
• Does not sting my eyes (I can apply it up to my lashline)
• No allergic reactions (I have the habit of rubbing and scratching my eyes because they tend to be so itchy with other under eye moisturizer)
• Lightens dark areas (all dark areas that you can think of)
• Small amount goes a long away
• Less sticky compared to baby oils
• Very affordable

Aside from the fact that it's organic,the best thing about this product is, it is a Multipurpose oil. I use it as a make-up remover, a moisturizer for hands, feet, elbows, and feet with Human Nature's Hand and Foot Salve. I soooo much love the softness it gives!. However, I don't like its' scent. It smells like cooking oil lol, but who cares?! It does wonders on my skin!

My Tips

• Dry the area completely prior to application
•  Use only a small amount since it's oil-based
•  Use it twice a day
•  As under eye moisturizer, allow it to set for 10 minutes prior to under eye concealer application
•  Be patient in using beauty products. Most beauty products give visible results after a couple of months. Of course, you also have to use it religiously.

Over-all, Human Nature did a good job in formulating this kind of beauty oil. It's very affordable considering that it gives my skin a lot of benefits, and as I have mentioned, it is my eyes' best pal :).

So girl friends, have you had a good experience using this miracle oil? Have you tried it or are you willing to try it?

Etude House

Etude House, a Korean cosmetic brand, opened its’ first branch at SM Megamall last December 2009.  The shop is not as spacious like other cosmetic bars, but with a narrow space everything that a woman needs to primp and prettify is just right there.
My heart skipped the first time I saw the shop from afar! I felt like I was heading towards Barbie and Ken’s Dream House because of the lighting. Everything I saw was pink and white. The colors also reminded me of Disney Princesses thus, brought me back to my pre-teen days when I once wished to be a princess(lol, I used to make paper crowns..lol).

As you enter, the beauty consultants have a different way of greeting their customers.  “Hello Princess!” is what you will hear as teen consumers come in to the store.  I’ve had a very good experience with the consultant who assisted me. She was so accommodating and was able to answer all the questions I asked about the product. She even held my mini shopping basket while I was choosing my item and suggested which shade/items I should get.

How are the prices of the products?  Items are not as affordable as E.L.F Cosmetics, but for someone who loves make-up like me,  I would still say that prices are  reasonable.  You can purchase a facial or an eye mask for as low as Php79 (this one is bought per piece).  Eyeshadows will cost you around Php300 up, blush palette (3 colors) for Php778, Liners for Php400+ (depends if it’s cream or pencil), lipsticks/glosses for Php300-400, BB Creams and foundation for Php600++.   They also have hand care products and perfume but I wasn’t able to check on their prices.

It’s my first time to purchase a Korean Cosmetic brand, and these are the things that Kikaymomtrepreneur would like to share about their products.

BB Cream (Blemish Balm) - Php578/approx 13USD
Their BB Creams come in variants.  Each is meant for a specific skin type.  I got this since the consultant said that this would match my skin type

(My skin is the Combination Type - normal skin on the cheeks, oily T-zone with big pores)

What Kikaymomtrepreneur thinks
Rating: 4.0/5.0

• Affordable (others cost around Php2000)
• Smells like a facial wash(its’ just me).
• Good as make-up base
• I can skip concealer and foundation (for everyday use only).
• Lessens the appearance of fine lines on the eye area
• Doesn’t give a heavy feeling
• Shade is too light but it blends with my skin tone
• Has only one shade (I am not sure if the shade will work on morena skin tone).
• Doesn’t’ give my face a matte finish so it’s too shiny without putting powder on it

Precious Mineral BB Compact - Php778/approx 18USD
Etude House says it has SPF30, skin brightening pearl powder, lavender and aqua extracts. The consultant said that its’ formula perfectly matches the BB Cream because it will give me a sheer glowing finish (I think it does..)

What Kikaymomtreprener thinks:
Rating: 3.75/5

• Packaging is cute (it’s pink, I am actually fond of pink)
• Size is bulky for a small grooming kit

• Has the shimmer effect when tested on wrist, but shimmer disappears once applied on the face
• Gives me a glowing skin when applied with BB Cream as base
• Gives a light coverage, thus giving you the natural finish
• Lasts until late afternoon (an advantage if you have a hectic schedule; this means less touch-ups)

If you wish to achieve the no-make-up look, it would be perfect to use BB Cream and the Mineral BB Compact.

Of course,  I did not say no when they offered me to get the Etude House Pink Membership Card.  Membership is for free! How does this work? You earn points for a minimum purchase of  100 pesos on your following purchases and points are  convertible to cash. 

They also gave me a mini Dear Darling Cheek Tint for free which is good as a keychain and a cellphone charm.

And.....definitely, I revisited the store. These are the ones I bought on my second visit. They gave me a cute pen as a gift ;).

Surprise Essence Concealer - Php278/6 USD
What Kikaymomtrepreneur thinks
Rating: 3.0/5.0

• Just a regular concealer but yes it works to cover my dark undereye circles.
• I haven’t bought yet a concealer that has the “wow” factor. Wow for me is something that totally gives my undereyes a flawless finish, and also lasts for a day.

Code B Gel Liner  - Php 478/11 USD
What Kikaymomtrepreneur thinks
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Now this is wow for me! I love this!

• Water and Smudge Proof (promise!)
• Regular liner vs. Etude House Code B (Right:Etude House Code B)

• Comes with a cute liner brush but it's not the angled brush :(

Overall, I am happy with the products as much as I am happy with the warmth that their consultants have shown me. I am going back there to get other stuff.