Review | Ayo Soap Premium Whitening Soap

Whitening soap is a common thing in the Philippines.

Almost everyone wants to have that fair beautiful porcelain skin. I don't know what it is-  but it is the norm here. Probably because of the influence of the celebrities or could be because if you have a whiter skin it shows what status of life you have.

A few weeks ago, I was #gifted by Ayo Soap their ultimate whitening soap. It was the *Ayo Premium Whitening Soap in Tomato and in Tamarind.

Let's take a deeper look on the story behind Ayo Soap.

Ayo soap is a revolutionary Beauty and Wellness Soap with Advanced Alphaglow® Complex. It has the perfect blend of nature and breakthrough skin whitening technology. Ayo combines whitening and anti oxidant ingredients from botanical plants that is safe to use for the skin, making it more even toned, visibly whiter and glowing.

All the ingredients are non harmful and is good for any skin types. Ayo soap can also be used long term.

Whitening soap is never new to me. I started using one when I was in university. Plus my mum also uses so many  so I basically learn about it from her.

With my very sensitive skin, and the skin type that I have which is prone to allergies and eczema, looking for the "right" whitening soap is indeed a harsh task.

My skin literally itches, or gets red patches if the soap has harsh chemicals on it. It will only take a maximum of two days for me to identify whether that soap is good for m skin or not.

With Ayo, my skin never felt any harsh reactions. I waited for a few days but luckily no reactions at all. I think it's because of their indigenous botanical ingredients.

I noticed that my skin loves it. The scent of the soap is not overwhelming. It's more fresh than that usual chemical type scent that you get from whitening soaps.

It has brightened my skin and I feel like it slowly helps in fading my eczema marks. Ayo claims to provide that fast whitening experience. That for me didn't happen. Only because my skin is meticulous that  I need to use the product long term to see results.

The important thing is that this soap never gave my skin any harsh or allergic reactions. I used this one time on my face too and it was never drying. It didn't irritate my skin too which is what I expect from this soap.

So far Ayo soap in Tomato has only given me good effects despite the slower whitening process (all skin are different, products act differently on each type of skin).

I have been using this everyday and is part of my bath essentials.

I can't wait to try the Tamarind variant after using up the Tomato variant.

Also, Ayo has a sister and it's the Jabon Jabon. The PR Team of Ayo Soap has kindly sent me two variants of the *Jabon Jabon soaps - Forest Fern & Wild Orchid (very kind and generous of them).

I opted to use the Forest Fern first and all I can say is I'd definitely exchange this for the current sensitive type soap that I am using.

The ingredients to mention a few: Tea Tree Oil, Guava Extract and Grape seed Oil are for me the best ingredients that you can combine to create an amazing clean soap - meaning it is free from harsh chemicals and ingredients not good for your skin. Also this range is cruelty free.

I only have the best experience using Jabon Jabon and this is definitely worth every penny - no lies about it.

If you want to know more about Ayo and Jabon Jabon please feel free to check out their website Ayo Premium Whitening

Have you tried Ayo & Jabon Jabon soap yet?


Credit: Thank you so much Ayo Soap PR Team for the opportunity to try out your products.

*PR GIFTED. All opinions are my own.

Avarelle Acne Cover Patch Review

Hello lovelies!!!

This is a celebratory post. Why? Because I finally received my first international PR from this sweet brand Avarelle Cosmetics.

So today I'm going to introduce you guys to this brand and tell you all the know how.

My Acne Defense Team: featuring Avarelle Acne Patch. Check the post on Instagram

What is *Avarelle Acne Cover Patch

- it is an overnight patch designed to absorb the pus in your pimple & basically stop bacteria from spreading to your pores making your pimple less red, inflamed & irritated.

- It has tea tree & Calendula oil which has powerful antiseptic properties that helps in killing so many strains of bacteria's & fungi

- It has different patch sizes to cater for your pimple needs (small - XL)

- it has an easy peel design, drug free, blends w/ the skin, protects your pimple from dirt & most of all it has a re-sealable packaging to protect your patches from moisture & dirt.

Check this review on Instagram

FEEDBACK:

Since receiving this yesterday I have been totally wanting to try it straight away. I was so happy because I have been seeing this around & has so many good reviews. And last night I finally get to use it on those two zits on my nose. A stubborn healing bump on my chin & one that is just healing down but still has redness & a little pain on it.
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Moving forward to this morning I noticed that the zits on my nose has calmed down a bit. Redness is slightly lesser compare to yesterday. And it looks way better. The stubborn bump has lowered down & the redness & irritation on the other zit is gone. 

I am lucky because I never experience crazy acne on my skin & I only get one or two once in a while during & or after my period.
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This patch is indeed very useful & will be helpful for me especially during the red days. I can’t wait to try this on a new fresh breakout though. But so far so good.
 — 
Btw. Liana of Avarelle cosmetics didn’t oblige me to create a review on these products. I wrote this on my willingness to inform you guys that their product is actually helpful & this is my truest opinion about it. Thank you Liana for sending these patches over.
—
Avarelle cosmetics is currently not available here in the Philippines, but don’t fret as they are trying to make it available in different countries soon. For now, you can find them on Amazon. Also, they just launched some new patches. One w/ Salicylic Acid & the AM/PM Spot patch.

—

Update: January 2019

Last December I had a horrible flare up of eczema. Since I had the large patches I thought I'd have them useful to cover my red rashes on my upper chest. It helped it by soothing the area and lowering down the redness.

I now conclude that Avarelle Patches are not only good for acne. It's also okay to use on allergies and scratches or mosquito bites. It soothes it and you don't end up touching or scratching that area making it worse and irritated.

*PR GIFTED. But all views and opinions are my own.

#avarellecosmetics #avarelle #prgifted #pr #skincareproducts #patches #acnepatch #awomansmodedevie #skincare

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Thank you so much for reading my review. I hope you find this helpful. Check out my latest post and stories on my Instagram 

Chat me up in there real time :)

Thank you!

Kathy
xoxo

My Simple Skin Care Routine

Hi lovelies!

Today I thought I'll share with you my simple skin care routine. I do this morning and night and I use the same products fro both day and night.

First step of course is finding what type of skin you have. Mine is oily. So I tend to look for products that will help minimise the oiliness of my skin especially my t-zone.

Second is to religiously use the same products to actually see if it has good or bad effects on your skin or if it actually moisturising your skin, making it really oily, hydrating it or of it is giving you break outs.

Third and lastly is to make sure that you pair your skin regimen with good amount of sleep and proper diet to make sure that you're not only giving your outer body a good look but also giving your inner body the proper nutrition to maintain good health and good skin :)


So let's now go forward to my skin care routine.

Cleanse:

It is a must for me to cleanse after waking up and before going to bed. Imagine all the dirt that you'll be bringing in to bed if you don't cleanse. All the pollution outside that you leave on your skin will have a bad effect afterwards.

- so for removing my make up at night I often use oil base make up remover. But since discovering micellar water I opted for that as the ingredients are more skin friendly.

Garnier  Micellar Water has been so effective in removing my make up and use it in just cleansing alone. But this isn't effective when you're removing your mascara and matte liquid lipstick. You need to have an oil base product to get rid of it.

I am currently trying the Lancome galateis douceur - this is a milky lotion type cleanser. I can't say that I am keen. It does somehow cleanse but not as clean as how the Garnier micellar water does. With Lancome you need to put a large amount of product to make sure that you cover and cleanse all the area.

L-R: Lancome Galateis Douceur. Garnier Micellar Water

Toner:

So after cleansing I am right down to toning.

What does a toner do to our skin?

Base on my research, a toner can 

1. shrink pores.
2.  It can restore your skins pH balance. 
3. Add a layer of protection
4. Adds up moisture on your skin
5. It refreshes your skin
6. It can prevent ingrown hair

L-R: Mamonde Rose Water Toner. PondsWhite Beauty Conditioning toner

Mamonde Rose Water toner

This is the first time that I have tried using this product. I've used this for a week now and so far I can't stop reaching for it. I find the rose scent relaxing, bu if you are not a fan of rose scent, then you need to skip this.

What I notice with this product is once it has sinked in to your face it gives you a really silky feel. I noticed how smooth my face was after application.

Ponds White Beauty Conditioning Toner

This product has been tried and tested for yearrrsss. I mean years and years. I have started using this way back university days, and 10 years after that I am still using it. Which only means how effective the product is to me that I keep on reaching for it and repurchasing it.

I have quite big pores and Ponds has helped in shrinking it out. After using Ponds I always get that fresh feeling. I feel like my face has been cleaned properly. Plus I love the cool feeling after putting the product on same as with the Mamonde Rose Water toner.

Mist:

It's only lately that I have incorporated mist in my skin care routine. I am not a believer of mist as I feel like toner will do the job.

So what is really the use of mist on our face?

Based on my research, incorporating mist in your skin regiment proves a great help in your skins hydration. It also acts as a sealant. To seal in moisture hence added hydration to your face/skin. It also helps your skin to have a good natural glow plus it keeps your make up intact. Although you need to remember that there are different kinds of mist, and that each has different uses and effect on your skin too.

Laneige Water bank Mineral Skin Mist

- As I said earlier, I have only just incorporated mist in my skin regimen. Laneige has a subtle scent that helps me kind of relax when I spray it on my face. It boost hydration to my face too and has a cooling effect which I love.

Serum:

Applying serum is the next part of my skin care routine. I find serum important as most of the ingredients found in it has anti ageing formula that helps smoothing fine lines and wrinkles (this is for a long term use).

I am currently shuffling two serums at the moment. I either use the other one at night and the other one during the day.

Olay Total Effects 7 in One Daily Serum

- I have been using this product since last year and it has prove its worth.
- the formula is more siliconey (I like it, don't get me wrong)
- it's non greasy and it's fast absorbing too
- so far I have no record of breakouts (nonetheless I've been messing up my sleep pattern & my diet)

Dior Capture Totale

- I have only been using this for over a month. Is it effective? I can't say much yet. Although I didn't have any break out on this too.
- this serum is more liquidy in nature. I try to just put three drops on my hand and then dab it all over my face. One thing that I notice though is I really feel fresh after applying this on my face.
- the scent is just luxurious - very Diorish type.
- it is said that it helps tighten your face. I can't comment on that yet as I still need to see if it has done that to me. I think I need more time to see if that part has already work on me.

Moisturiser:

Let's now head on to moisturizing. After applying my serum and having it sink in I will then head to applying my moisturiser. I am using three moisturisers at the moment.

What does moisturiser do to your face?

It is said that moisturiser can help in the preservation of our normal skin. It will  help the skin from getting to dry or too oily.

We also need to remember to pick the correct moisturiser for the type of skin that we have. Because if we pick the wrong one then it might just make our skin worst instead of actually making it better.

Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream

- same as the serum, I have been constantly using the Olay moisturiser. It is very lightweight but really effective.
- in the morning upon waking up I can feel that my skin is moistened and not dry.

Mamonde Moisture Ceramide

I am very much new to Korean Skin care. This and Laneig mist are the first Korean skin care that I've tried lately.

The Mamonde light cream has hibiscus ceramide plus that helps in providing boost of hydration and helps rejuvenates skin.

This product is very effective to people with dry skin. As for me who has oily skin and is currently using this - I still find this very effective. It still gives me the hydration that I need. The flowery scent made it more exciting for me. The product is lightweight too and it easily absorbs on your skin.

Clinique Moisturizing Lotion

I started using clinique skin care way back 2014. And I have loved it ever since. With this moisturiser, the first thing that I noticed was its thickness. Compare to the other two, you only need a little and it will go a long way. As for hydration, yes it provides me that too. It doesn't have any scent which I think is best for people with sensitive skin.






Lip Care:

And we are on the last bit f our skin care routine. To end it all up I also tend to give my lips some love. I have always been a lip balm lover so this was not difficult for me to do. Although I have only started doing this way back 2010. And it became a proper routine when i lived in England - putting lip balm on your lips is a must especially during the cold winter months (or else you'll end up with chapped or bleeding lips) which is the worst thing to happen.

As of the moment I have two lip balms that I've been shuffling.

1. Vaseline Lip Theraphy

- this has a rather thick texture compare to the ones in the tin.
- although it really helps in making your lips intact and it makes it hydrated too
- only downfall though is because of its thick consistency, you can still feel it in the morning upon waking up.
- but it's definitely doing the job

2. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

- again another first for me on this brand.
- the first thing that i noticed is the very lightweight texture of the product
- when you apply it on the lips it's just really soothing, non heavy and smells really good (which I love the most)
- it only took me one night to prove how effective this product is
- so far this is what I have been using everyday now and it has made my lips really soft and supple.

So that sums up my skin care routine. Very simple, as I don't want it too complicated because I want to make sure that I get to test the product properly to give me a good effect in the end.

The Skin Care Routine Steps aforementioned: 

*Cleanse
*Tone
*Mist
*Serum
*Moisturise
*Lip care

How about you? What is your skin care routine? 

Comment down below and please give my blog some love. Enjoy reading and until then again :)

Ciao Bellas!

Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick - Is it just like another liquid lipstick?

Hi darlings,

Sorry I have been MIA. I have been focusing on my instagram lately. I usually post my updates there. If you haven't please give it some love and follow me if you like @awomansmodedevie.

Anyhow, it's another review day today. I thought I'll review the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick. I have with me the shade Loyalist. This is like the best nude that I have ever seen in the liquid lipstick world. It suits all skin tone.

So let's start with the packaging:

- the packaging is quite sleek and simple. It is actually the thing that attracted me.
- it has a doe-foot applicator that will help in precise application of the product.

How about the formulation:

- the formulation of this lipstick is quite thick
- you need to remember to scrub your lips before applying this as it helps the product to stay put and won't feel tacky and patchy later on
- also you can apply or dab powder or foundation on the lips so you won't feel the tacky feeling
- the drying effect takes a little bit longer. the "3 minute" frame time is very unrealistic. Base on my observation a good "7 to 10 minutes" is the perfect time frame to make sure that it has finally dried and has finally mattify.
- try not to rub your lips together while the lipstick is still on the drying process as it will flake off - this liquid lipstick is also prone to creasing so better stay your lips in idle position (lol)
- make sure to apply only a thin layer. if you go thicker, it's going to take longer for it to dry off
- even if the liquid lipstick has finally dried off, you can still feel the product on your lips. it's not lightweight.

How it looks like on first application.

When it has finally dried off and mattify

How it looks on my lips

The verdict:

- I personally love the shade, the packaging. The formulation is a bit meh. The long lasting power is good. It doesn't smudge which is what we need for our liquid lipstick. Although if you eat greasy food the lipstick will fade off

- also you need to remember to use oil based make up remover to remove this as any water based won't dent.

This all sums up my review. I am hoping to try other colours and I will have an update in here.

Thank you so much and I hope you love my review. Until then :)

Ciao Bellas!

Colour Changing Lip Balm Battle: Which is worth the HYPE?

Hi darlings!

I've been obsessing myself with lip balms lately and I've been specifically obsessing with the Dior Addict lip Glow.

Disclaimer: Photo not mine. Grabbed from E-bay for sample purposes only.

I've been seeing it everywhere! (Update: I have already purchase it last June 2018).

Instagram makes me want to purchase it but I' am dwelling the over the top price tag. I know there are a lot of good lip balms out there so I thought I need to search the internet for the closest dupe that I can find.

I heard somewhere that the Sephora Collection Color Adapting Lip Balm is the closest dupe for the Dior Addict Lip Glow.

First off. Let's talk about the Price Tag:

Sephora Collection Color Adapting Lip Balm is £18.60 *Amazon UK price (Php 871.00 *Sephora Ph price).

Dior Addict lip Glow is £26.00 *Boots UK price (Php 2,200.00 *Make Up Pro website price - at least almost £8.00 difference and almost Php 1300.00 in comparison to Philippine peso price (that is really a HUGE difference).!

Due to the fact that some make up products are not readily available in the Philippines - hence the excessive price range, online stores plummet their prices. Also there is only one Dior flagship store in the Philippines and it is located in SM Makati (update: They have a booth in SM Aura and that's where I got my Dior Lip Glow last June 2018 price is P1870.00).

Our country is compose of Island so it's somehow difficult to just jump on a plane to buy one make up in the metro, that's why people end up buying online and just bite the bullet.

Sephora has opened it's online shopping portal for Filipinos - that being so the make up junkies here has finally managed to get their hands on some items that aren't found locally.

So let's go to the Packaging:

Dior comes in a really chic packaging. The lip balm is cased in a pink packaging with  a silver button that has the "CD" initials on it. So classy and fancy looking.

Sephora comes in a sleek black case as you can see on my photo above. It has a pink lip icon which shows what the shade of the balm inside is.

And let's go to the most important thing - the FORMULATON:

Both balms when applied on the lips shows as clear and then changes to pinkish colour - depending on the pH level of your lips. The Sephora when applied to my lips is more tinted. But the Dior just shows a nice pink hue on my lips but not pale-ish (*take note I have a purple undertone and looks pale-ish whenever I don't wear any tinted lip balms).

The Dior addict lip glow has a vanilla-y scent while the Sephora Collection Color Adapting Lip Balm has a subtle honey scent but not really that noticeable compare to the Dior Addict Lip Glow.

Comparing on how it looks on my lips, there's a very minimal difference. Sometimes it looks like I have only used one lip balm.

And when it comes to APPLICATION:

Both lip balms glides on smoothly without tugging.

Which one is LONG WEARING?

Dior Addict Lip Glow is definitely long wearing compare to Sephora Collection Color Adapting Lip Balm.

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It is really so obvious that my heart belongs to Dior Addict Lip Glow but the price tag is over the top. Although you are paying for the quality of course and I mean look at that chic packaging.

While for the Sephora Collection Color Adapting Lip Balm which is only a little cheaper from Dior is also a good buy and a good day to day use lip balm. To be honest though a Nivea lip balm is worth every penny but if you are on a "splurging fabulous packaging spree" for a lip balm then go for Dior. If you want a dupe as close as Dior and doesn't want to cash out your hard earned money then get the Sephora. Both has it's own pros and cons.

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Okay so there you have it. You know where my heart belongs but practicality wise I'll get the dupe.

How about you? What are your insights of colour changing lip balms? Are they worth the hype?

Share your thoughts down below :)

Thank you and Ciao Bellas!

xoxo

PS: Thanks for reading my blog. I hope you enjoyed today's little insight. If you want to be updated of what I' am up to on a daily basis, head on to my Instagram account @awomansmodedevie  https://www.instagram.com/ and give it a little love :)

YSL Pure Chromatic 4 Wet & Dry Eye Shadows - My Oldest & Most Loved Eye Shadow

Hello lovelies!

How are you all doing? I hope you're having a fab time.

Before I start rambling about my favourite eye shadow, don't we all just have that on make up that we can't live without. Like a favourite lipstick, or a favourite foundation, a lip balm or a highlighter! Well for me it will be my quad eye shadow from YSL.

This quad eye shadow is the YSL Pure Chromatic Eye Shadows which was launched way back 2011! And no, I did't have this way that time. I've only managed to get this around 2014 and this was on sale! Yup, I said it SALE! I mean when I see SALE I don't think twice but I just rush straight away (silly me).

I spotted this baby in our local Debenhams and yes I purchased it straight away.

So let's now go to business.

What is YSL Pure Chromatic 4 Wet & Dry Eye Shadow?

YSL Pure Chromatic 4 Wet & Dry Eye Shadow was launched in 2011 and is said to be the must have colours for Summer 2011, this embodies the unexpected intensity of a summer in Paris where everything is just possible.

This quad eye shadow has a metallic appearance. The formulation is creamy and it can give an intense metallic look or a subtle look, depending on your preference.

For me, I always love to apply it subtly. The colours are so gorgeous and you can use them day or night. My daytime colours will be the pink, the taupe and the white. The pink shade may look intense but it is actually champagne-y. You can always blend it in to achieve the desired richness or intensity.  I like combining the pink with the taupe shade. I use white as my base. This combo is a daytime appropriate look but you can also pull this look on "going out on a dinner date look'. You know how men loves less make up (wink).

The darkest shade in the group is definitely for a smokey eye or let's party sultry eye look. I actually love using the darkest shade during the winter season especially because it gets dark really early.

These eye shadows can also be applied wet. I haven't tried that though. I always apply it dry. I just love how creamy the formulation.  It doesn't leave any residues on your under eye. And with a good base it can actually last you for hours. 

Since this is a quad eye shadow, this can also be a good make up to pack with when you travel. You have all the colours that you need. Day look to night look appropriate colours. This is really handy, not heavy and is easy to reach on. 

This is definitely a winner for me as I don't like bringing a massive eye shadow whenever I travel or  even to bring with you to work on a daily basis. 

I had this baby for almost four years now and it's still amazing, I still choose this every time I go out, even if it's just going for errands or brunching with friends.

The taupe shade is well dented (only shows how much I've been using it). I' am not sure if YSL is still selling this or if this is in their permanent range. I heard they have discontinued it, but I' am not really sure. I'd definitely love to get myself another one though (I mean if they still have it). 

How about you? What's your oldest but most loved make up?

Share it down below in the comments section :)

Enjoy reading!

Thank you.

PS: If you love reading my blog, you can also check out what I'm up to on a daily basis in my Instgram: @awomansmodedevie

Ciao Bellas!

Shawill Perfect Lip Liner Pencil - Is it Up in the Lip Liner Game?

Hi lovelies!

Welcome back to my blog again.

Today I thought I'll talk about lip liners and how they change the lipstick game.

Who doesn’t want that full voluptous lips that Angelina Jolie have? I think all of us wants that bold full looking lips same as those women celebrity crushes that we swoon to.

If you know the lip liner game and how it helps enhances your lips, then  you are here for a treat.

I discovered this Shawill product when I watched one youtuber organising a massive haul of this brand. I've never heard of this brand before plus I wasn't really interested in local make up brands as  I' am into internarional brands may it be drugstore most especially high end.

Anyway I went to our local Watson’s (our version of Boots/Superdrug if you’re from the UK). And was checking out on some moisturisers and I spotted these lip liners. I swatched one shade which was Sienna and I fell in love with the shade straight away. I swatched two more shades and straight away decided on purchasing them. No questions asked.

The shades that I picked up are Sienna, Dark Salmon and Indian Red - all are pinky nude shade and the formulation is creamy upon swatching it on my hand. The shades are really beautiful and will definitely suite all skin colours.

Upon applying it on my lips I noticed how light it is compare to when you swatch it on your hand. I applied it a few more times to achieve the colour that I was trying to aim. So far so good. Aside from the fact that it gets a bit dry while on your lips - which is a bit weird as it seems creamy when I swatched it on my hand. (a video of the swatches are found on the highlight section in my instagram page: @awomansmodedevie)

A closer look. The two on both sides are almost the same in colour but they are totally different. 

And the swatches: L-R: 04 Indian Red, 05 Sienna, 06 Dark Salmon 

For the price tag of P59.00 (less than a £1.00) I would say it's totally worth the buy. If you are a lip liner lass then head down to your local Watson's and grab all the shade and experiment. I still need to do a wear test on these babies. Also I want to see on how this works on a  newly exfoliated lips. I bet it will give a much more decent job compare to your normal lip day. Anyhow, the packaging, the price tag, the value for money, the shade and the formulation are all good. So I recommend for you guys to try and add this on your lip liner stash. 

How to apply? You can  either over line your lips (which is what I do whenever I wear a matte lipstick or sometimes just put it as it is by lining and covering the whole lips with it). It gives your lipstick a lasting power. 

So I think that's all that I need to report on you guys. I hope you like my simple review.

Thank you so much for reading. Don't forget to check on my Instagram account @awomansmodedevie for the latest updates and for what I've been up to :)

How about you? What is your favourite drugstore lip liner that ticks all the box? 

Don't hesitate to comment down below :)

Ciao Bellas! 

Becca Highlighter - Is it a Miss or a Hit?

Hi again lovelies!

I' am back to give a quick review on my new highlighters that was kindly given to me by my dear cousin from the states.

 I have always wanted to try out the Becca highlighters for a long time. Youtubers was raving about the Becca x Jaclyn Hill champagne pop highlighter way back 2015, and I have been so curious about it. That was the first time I heard of the Becca cosmetics.

I thought back then that I won't be reaching for it that much. I already have blushers which has shimmer so I thought that it won't have much use, plus I don't see it ideal putting it above my blush on - I don't  know why but I really find it so weird back then.


So heading on to today's time - which is HIGHLIGHTER is Life (lol) it became a necessity for me to have one in my stash.

The one in the photos are the:

1. BECCA  Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlight in shade Opal (tube) - this is a liquid highlighter. Very easy to use. I put it straight from the wand and dab it on the upper part of my cheeks plus this shade is really gorgeous. For me this is the perfect bare face just highlighter glow beach look. Yes, I said beach as this is just so ideal when you are on the beach with your nude face and just this highlighter as your make up. Indeed perfect for summer on the beach to have that amazing glow.

 Also you can use it as your day to day highlighter. I use this as like my base highlighter then top it up with the 2. BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured in shade Moonstone (this is a creamy formula once put on your face it becomes powdery but gives you a really nice glow with these two combined. Also dabbing this on your lips on top of  your lip balm gives your lips that ummpphh and gives it a nice shine. I tried it yesterday and I love it!

The third one is the 3. BECCA Light Chaser Highlighter in shade Opal Flashes Jade - this you can use as an eyeshadow too! It has an amazing silvery flash and it definitely catches so much light giving your face an amazing glow. I like this so much but make sure not to put a lot as it can really go intense.

Here is a closer look of the products:

And the swatches:

  

I hope you all liked my quick review of the BECCA highlighters that I own. I still need to get my hand on their newest launch, so hopefully when I get one I'll post my review straight away :)

How about you? What is your go to or your most favourite highlighter of all time?

Write down yours below in the comment section. Also you can follow me and be updated on what I am currently up to in my Instagram @awomansmodedevie 

Until then. Ciao Bellas! 

 

Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk - What's the hype all about?

Hello again lovelies!

People online, youtubers, bloggers, vloggers has all been talking about Charlottle Tilbury's new matte revolution lipstick Pillow Talk. Charlottle Tilbury has launched a lipliner of this colour and it was definitely a winner. Aside from what they said it to be a universal nude - which will suite every woman of different colour or race, it also is in a matte formulation. Women nowadays tend to love a lipstick that is nude and is also matte.

So because people has been crazily raving about this online, I thought why don't I jump in the new bandwagon and try this out. And Yes I definitely did! Since I am currently in the Philippines and Charlottle Tilbury doesn't have a counter accessible here, it made it a tad difficult for me contemplating whether I should really get it without trying or swatching it on first. But the more I contemplate about it the more I wanted to buy it, and lo and behold I did! Lol. Cheeky me. So here is the review.

The very first time I tried it on my lips (no exfoliating, no lip balm no lip liner no nothing) it turned out really brown on me. I think it's because I have a purple undertone which make the colour a bit deeper for me. It glides on smoothly because of it's creamy formulation. I also love the subtle vanilla-y smell on it which I think I like about a lipstick. I didn't like how it looks on me though. I think  ladies with lighter lip undertone (like the model in their website) suites it very well, and also because they have a lighter skin complexion. I just didn't get that excitement with Pillow Talk the way I did with Charlotte Tilbury's K.I.S.S.I.N.G range Bitch Perfect - this I love so much and it was my first lipstick from her range. Although they are of course two different lipstick with different formulation, still I just can't seem to understand what the fuss is all about.

So I tried using it again with a lip liner (not Charlotte Tilbury's) just to see if it will give me that beautiful colour that I saw on other bloggers and youtubers (I used the L'Oréal Infallible lip liner in
Pink, and the Max Factor 02 Pink Petal) I used it one at a time of course. With the L'Oréal lip liner it gave me the mauvey colour that I was looking for but just about. With the Max Factor the brown was still overpowering. I still need to try this with a gloss on top of it and see if it will achieve the colour that I was aiming for it to be. Also, maybe I need to purchase the lip liner in Pillow Talk so I can give the lipstick some sort of justice lol.

I exfoliated my lips properly and put on the lipstick on its own with no lip balm or what so ever. So this is how it looks like on me with a properly exfoliated lips.

I have naturally full looking lips so sometimes I don't need lip liner to make a statement.

As you can see it still looks a bit brown-ish. It might look like it has a bit of a pink undertone but in real life I still find it on the really brown side. I need to experiment more on this lipstick as I don't want it to go to waste.

Here is a swatch of the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Pillow

 Talk. Photos all taken in natural lighting. 

Overall rating:

Packaging - 👍🏻 (no girl would say no to a rose gold packaging) 

Creaminess - 👍🏻 (as it just glides on smoothly without tugging and doesn't leave your lips dry and chalky) 

Colour - 👎🏻 (only because it didn't suit me well, probably because of my purple undertone, and also I have seen and used a lot of nude-y type of lipstick some are even drugstore and I reach for It a lot) 

Price - 👎🏻 (Because it's not good for the wallet (lols). These high end lipstick are just so overpriced! I mean talking about the literal "high-end")

Also if you're all wondering if the lipstick is smudge proof then no it isn't. Because of it's creamy formulation, it easily smears and transfers when you drink on a cup  or when you eat. Putting a lip liner underneath will make it last longer. But will need reapplication after say four to 5 hours.  I say give your lips a good exfoliation. Dab a thin layer of balm on top of it then the lip liner of your choice , dab the beauty blender that you just used with your foundation then apply the lipstick. It will give a good colour and won't ssmudge  that much and will last for a good few hours. 

So there you go. That's the Charlottle Tilbury Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk 

Thanks for reading guys and I hope you like my simple review. 

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See you again soon 😊

What's New in My Make Up Stash

Hi lovelies,

Happy New Year to all! I know it's kind of a late greetings but hey, better late than never 😉

So today I thought I'll fill you in on what's new in my make up collection (not like I have tons of it, but us girlies are always nosey of each others make up bags and or our little or massive stash of make up collection).

 Also, don't we want to kind of update our collection (big or small) with what's new or what's hyped - up in the market.

So here I'll show you what I have gathered on the later part of 2017 and early part of Janaury 2018.

I'll try to put this in order, like from what month I have purchased all these items.

So, I went to the big city Manila - capital of the Philippines  "for non - Filipino readers info" last November 2017 for a mini vacation. Back home where I came from, malls has a limited supply of make up brands (like we only have two malls here) so I thought maybe I can get some new make up products in the metro.

I went to SM Marikina as my sister lives nearby and I thought I'll get myself some new make up. SM Marikina has a  few  make up counters but not as big as the one in SM Aura nor as massive as the Selfridges in London (which I love going btw). So their make up there was mostly drugstore and
some are local and I think Korean (correct me if I'm wrong). So I thought I'll have a go (I mean why not right?)

I first went straight away to the L'oreal Paris counter. I love L'oreal so much. Their foundations are one of the best in the drugstore range and I purchased the L'oreal Infallible Pro - Matte in shade 103 Natural Buff. I was matching my skin colour with it (which is I guess kind of fair to medium). It just blend in like skin and whew I got it straight away.  I have used this foundation before when I was still in the UK and I loved it so much. I also used their L'oreal Lumi Magique foundation and their L'oreal
True Match powder foundation back then (with powder foundation I am currently using MAC Studio Fix under the shade NC35 and the Chanel Le Beiges in shade N°30 - which is a bit dark on me). I use powder foundation when I feel like my liquid foundation is too dewy or if my skin is just too oily. The L'oreal True Match powder foundation is really good. I love using it.

With the L'oreal Infallible Pro Matte foundation - as it says in its container is wearable for 24 hours. I am not gonna say that it is, based on my experience yes it can last the whole day but it all depends on what you are doing - but 24 hours with no touch up, I really don't think so. But anyway it has a good finish and it suits me really well. I don't find it caking on me.

I also purchased the L'oreal Infallible Never Fail Lip Liner in shade pink. This lip liner is good on it's own and just top it up with a nice gloss and you're good to go. This shade is closer to Rimmel London's Full Colour Lip Liner in 063 East End Snob which is a good dupe for Charlotte Tilbury's Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk. The  L'oreal Infallible is just lighter compare to the two. But almost as close.

And the third one on the items that I have purchased is the Liquid Sharp Eyeliner by The Style Missha which is a Korean brand (as it says on the label). This eye liner dries up quickly which I think is good but you need to apply twice to make it look nicer and it doesn't smudge. But to tell you the truth, I am such a sucker when it comes to eye liner. I am not good in applying it especially this type, which is a brush type liner. I just find it so difficult to do and I haven't used this after my first application (lol, my bad). I think as they say practice makes perfect. So I just really need to keep on practicing.

On that same month November 2017, I also got the BareMinerals Go Nude or Make a Statement 8-piece mini lipstick. I didn't purchase this. I asked my other half to get this for me in John Lewis (a UK shopping mall) as he got a voucher for John Lewis from his work place and asked me if I want to get something from them - so of course I said yes (obviously - cheeky laugh). I know we already have a John Lewis Home in the Philippines but of course only limited to home stuff. This lippie was £30 which is I think around P2,010.00 converted to Philippine pesos with £1 = P67 exchange rate.

 I think we don't have BareMinerals here in the Philippines yet but maybe there are some online shops that caters for this kind of brand. You can check out Look Fantastic for reference

From L-R: The Nudes: Kitty , Love, Mantra, XO

So these are the Nude shades, I love how hydrating these lippies are but they are not matte so if you

have a burger for lunch then you need to reapply after. Below are the swatches of these four mini lippies.

These colours for me are quite good colours but the Kitty one kind of looks pale on me but the other three is quite good. They are really quick to apply as it just slides on your lips. I find it better when I put like a nude or brown-ish colour lip liner underneath. 

From:  L-R: NSFW, Seriously Red, Alpha, Tease

The colours above can be worn day and night and these are bolder colours, except for Tease. It's  like a baby pink colour and it definitely gives a nude lip for fair skin women but looks rather pale on me. The NSFW colour is definitely a bold colour but it isn't my colour. I would still wear this of course but only say when I' am going out at night and if this colour was matte. This kind of lipstick colour can be worn with a minimal eye make up, giving a statement and focus on the lipstick itself.  In this group Alpha is my favourite. It has a nice strike on my complexion. It just suits me well. And I love how it isn't extremely bright nor too dark. Swatches are below:

So let's now go to my December 2017 purchase. This time I discover this online shop called  Calyxta.com. So this isn't just a beauty online store but is also a magazine. By the time I looked in their website - their sales were on going! My inner shopaholic self straight away grabs the opportunity and got myself some new make up products. Below are items from Milani Cosmetics, which I heard a long time ago and they have lots of good reviews. And one from a brand called W7 which is a brand from the UK, although I have never seen it in the drugstore shelf nor heard of it. I guess I was just not looking properly, but thanks goodness I found about this brand now. 

Milani Cosmetics. Yes, these items below are really good. Especially the lippie. It's a liquid creme matte lipstick, it's nude, good for everyone and whenever I wear it I get a lot of compliments. The baked blush is a little bit orangey on me. I still like it though because it gives a nice shine, kind of like blusher going to highlighter kind of thing. You just really need to put a little as it goes a long way.  The brow colour which comes with a brush and brow tamer also gets a lot of use on me. It's in 03 medium. I think this colour will suit everyone too. 

From L-R: W7 Glowcomotion Shimmer Highlighter Eyeshadow
03 Medium Brown Stay Put Brow Colour
MilaniBaked Blush in 05 Luminoso
Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme

From L-R: W7 Glowcomotion, Milani Baked Blush, Amore Matte Lip Creme, Stay Put Brow Colour 

Let's talk about the highlighter. The W7 Glowcomotion is one heck of a highlighter! I love it so much. It gives me that satisfying glow on my face and it's not even that pricey (P470.00) (£7.00) in British Pounds. I was so into buying the Becca highlighter when I was still in the UK but we all know how pricey it is. I was and is still currently using my drugstore highlighter which is the N°7 Limited Edition 80th Anniversary Radiant Shimmer - this is like a powder shimmer which you can put all over your face but for me this is more of a highlighter. I don't think N°7 products are readily accessible here, I know of Beauty Manila online shop which caters for this brand but they don't have the whole range. I switched to W7 Glowcomotion as I have already hit pan on my N°7 and I am still getting the same effect. 

And to the last batch of make up items that made it to my 2017 addition are below:

These are just random make up products that I picked whenever I feel like testing it or like the Maybelline Baby Lips, I just thought I needed a lip balm so I picked it up (I am btw a lip balm addict..ooppss) I mean who isn't? Maybelline Baby Lips, always delivers. It's a lip balm and it has a minty thing on it which I like and kind of make my lips a little plumper. It has a nice shine and makes your lips moisturise. Very much hydrating. It's a go to lip balm for everyday use.  

And then the BYS Brow Tint - Which I was in a  total rush and purchasing it while rushing has never been a good idea. I mean who agrees with me here, please raise your right hand? 😉 This product really confuses me. I have tried experimenting using it with brush or this tint on its own but I just can't seem to give it a good go. So yes, this has been on my shelf and is very rarely used. 

The last ones are the Miniso Smudge Proof Eyeliner which is great and I am still trying to do my cat eye using this. I like  that this is like a pen, easy to use compare to the brush type eyeliner. And the Maybelline Color Blur which is in shade 40 "My My Magenta". I love this colour, very summery colour, it's matte and it suits me well. 

So there you go guys, what a very long blog I guess. I hope you all enjoyed my little input and kind of review on these products. Again, the colours, the shades, it will all vary on different skin  tone, your lips colour and its ph. What will be good for me might not be good for you or might not suit you, so just a little bit of disclaimer there. 

Anyhow, thank you very much and see you again on the next one 😊

Yours,

K xxx

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