Saturday, June 16, 2012

Skin Food: Banana Concealer

Hi guys! Last week I did a mini Skin Food haul :)

I, by the way am a huge Skin Food fan. In fact, the Skin Food Peach Sake Pore BB Cream is my absolute favorite.

Speaking of favorites, Skin Food once again caught my interest through this concealer which is infused with my favorite lunch time dessert and mid-day snack--- Banana, hence the Skin Food Banana Concealer.




Skin Food Banana Concealer Stick
Product description:


A secret weapon to banish blemishes with high coverage results. Infused with banana extract to provide moisture and nutrients to the skin. Blends virtually with any foundation to help achieve a flawless looking complexion. Available in 2 shades. (cr: www.skinfood.sg)



Plus points for that banana-ish feel. One thing I love about Skin Food is their creativity when its comes to  packaging. And it has a  lovely banana scent oh my god.

Twistable that makes it convenient to use.

The Skin Food Banana Concealer is available in two shades. #1 in Light Beige and #2 in Natural Beige. I chose #2 since I 'm a mid-toner (plus Skin Food's shading in general,can be a bit lighter than expected.)





Swatches:


 w/o Flash                                           w/ Flash


To be precise, I have a medium to fair olive with cool to neutral undertones (which is a bit mouthful but is actually very common to Asians, particularly those from the South East.)I know it was kind of silly for me to expect a yellowish tone for this concealer since the name or rather the fruit accounts for the color but yeah, this concealer is perfect for those who have neutral to cool (yellow) undertones. 


w/flash                                   w/o flash


The thing about this concealer is that it glides smoothly on my skin without it being too creamy nor too greasy. I know concealers are meant for coverage but I like how this product is not too coverage heavy but just enough to conceal dark circles and spots without actually caking the area. Plus, it is also very light and easy to blend. 

Dark circles alert. In this photo (w/ flash) you can see these faint green veins on my under eye bags. In reality there are these OBVIOUS green and PURPLE veins ALL OVER my under eye bags. Being a dentalmed student will be the death of me someday. So tragic.



Instructions: 
Apply onto desired area. Pat lightly and blend edges well onto the skin. Apply powder after. (cr: www.skinfood. sg)


(Forgive me for the poor lighting and cam res.) You can see that the product blends on my skin color perfectly and the under eye bag on my left eye was also concealed pretty well.



Here's another photo of mine with a bare cheek. Break-outs season for me. Freaken Lovely. 



After applying The Skin Food Banana Concealer on all the dark spots, I used Missha M Perfect Cover BB cream in #23 with my mom's (abandoned) Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Dual Effect Powder in 36 Sand to set the whole thing.




w/o flash                    w/ flash



Overall, this has become another favorite concealer of mine. Not only it suits my color very well but it has good coverage but light on the skin at the same time. It is not overly creamy and greasy but also not the type that cakes on the skin especially for those who have dry skin and those who have fine lines. But if your seeking for coverage heavy concealer, this formula might not be for you. Since it's very light for the skin, I normally use this only during the day.




Pros: lightweight, not too creamy and greasy, glides smoothly and blends easily on skin,  good coverage, perfect for people with neutral to cool undertones, long lasting, convenient to use, has yummy banana scent:)

Cons: Nothing at all (except for those who are looking for heavy coverage concealers, this is not for you)

Will I buy this again? : Yes, certainly. (Although i'm not sure if this product is still available in Skin Food Megamall because last time I checked, the saleslady told me they don't have stocks for this anymore. Good thing because I couldn't just imagine how pricey this could get when Skin Food Phils decided to restock.) Anyways, I bought this one online, straight from Korea for only 400+.



Til next time:)

ARBE








Sunday, June 10, 2012

Fancy Friday: A Visit at The First Korean Fancy Shop in the Country--- C.N.A Philippines


Being a Kpop freak enthusiast that I am, I was a little flabbergasted to know that a popular Korean fancy shop opened their first branch in the country just a few weeks ago. That’s why I invited some of my Kpoppin’ girlies to check out the store right on the first weekend of our first week of school (we need our allowances okay?)

Yeah but that didn’t happen because we went there earlier than expected.  The little visit was sure an untimely one. A friend of us ditched her 6:30pm class for this (talk about B.I. friends ) and we have this org meeting to run after. Plus, it’s a Friday and we’re just so clever to go there during the peek hours in all mighty Malate.

But then I would say that there are no regrets whatsoever because C.N.A Philippines just sucked the living kikay souls out of us. There are moments we, 21 yr. old adults literally spazz on a random item just because it’s cute, it’s girly, it’s sparkly, it’s unique and yeah… it’s Korean!

credits to: C.N.A. Philippines  

(pls. forgive me for the bad lightingT_T. Credits to my dear friend Carissa who took this on the last minute before we ran on the streets of Malate. We only have 10 minutes to get back to school!)


C.NA. Philippines opened their first branch in the country last May 19, 2012 at the ground floor of University Tower in Malate Manila. The shop sells practically every girl’s kikayssentials from jewelries, accessories, stickers, cosmetics, beauty products and the rest and all are 100% made in Korea.

Oh and did I mention that this store is such a Kpop haven? It's like the currently hibernating omnipotent soul of fangirl-ness in me was suddenly unleashed.

See that guy near the entrance (besides manong na naka-blue?) That's Mr. Jimmy Kim, gingerly eyeing his store:) Such a hands-on owner (and very friendly too!)

The store was actually very spacious, and since they have a lot of patrons from all over the city, the space is enough for quite a handful of crowd to roam around the store without bumping on each other. The lighting is also very pleasant, plus Kpop music (and MV's) were playing nonstop that gives off this lively vibe inside the store.  

The staff were also very friendly and accommodating. I didn't have any worries while covering their shop because they all attentively welcomed our queries about the store and their products. 

Oh---speaking of which, let's start with the earrings. 
Two seconds of my life was wasted gawking from afar in sheer amazement. There were a lot of earrings. And I mean,  A LOT.

These were( I think) the pricier earrings that is made of 92.5% silver + 14k platinum plating(whew, that's a mouthful) They have a lot of unique styles to choose from plus these earrings do not tarnish easily. 


This is my favorite pair! This reminds me of EXO-K Bacon's (Baekhyun) symbol in Mama :)  There are more unique pairs like this one so you better check every single one out!
There are about 3 to  4 sections dedicated  just for earrings. Mind you, we have less than an hour to shop. Oh the joy -_-

These pairs are definitely lookers! I actually am not fond of wearing bold and colorful earrings but these cuties converted the conservative lola in me. (That banana and apple pair was also a stand out)


If you guys have multiple ear piercings, you get to choose the cooler designs! Ah, we so envy these people that on our way back, we even talked about having our ears pierced!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Geek Ballerina First Giveaway!




In celebration of her 150+ followers, the awesome Geek Ballerina will give away these super cute prizes every girl will surely love! Click the link above and be sure to check all her amazing prizes!



ARBE

SkinWhite and Nuffnang bring you Snow White and the Huntsman!


This year, relive our childhood fantasies with a breath of fresh air of a classic fairy tale, reclaimed with mind-boggling twists and turns that will surely captivate even the not-so-child at heart. Watch Snow White and the Huntsman on May 31st  in cinemas near you!





In this modern day and age where women are no more damsels in distress living in castles, the harsh environment being our skin's ultimate villain prevents us from achieving that beautiful, blush white skin every prince charming out there couldn't just resist. 


But fret no more as the ultimate fairy godmother is here! SkinWhite has SYNCHROWHITE ACTION that works in FOUR ways all at the same time:

WHITENS the skin’s surface
REDUCES formation of new dark pigments at its source
NOURISHES skin with Vitamins
PROTECTS skin against toxins and UV rays

Watch the video to know more about SYNCHROWHITE ACTION from Kim Chiu


Watch the BEST KILIG BFF Story on how SkinWhite works!



Know more about the SkinWhite products through clicking this link:









Get a chance to win a Canon EOS 600D DSLR Camera and other exciting prizes from SkinWhite! Click the link above to join.







Sweep your prince off his feet instead and make him fall in love with you and your beautiful, blush white skin, only with SkinWhite.










Saturday, May 26, 2012

My Take on Korean Eyebrows

Hi guys! In my recent post I told you about some basic information regarding the Korean makeup trend that is getting popular not only in Asia but in western countries as well. Now that I have already shared some of my insights as well as tips in order to achieve this look, let me take you further by sharing some of my step-by–step tutorials, starting on the eyebrows.

Korean eyebrows, as I have mentioned, have been gaining popularity for giving this youthful look that has been strongly distinct in Koreans these days.The idea of having straight, bushy eyebrows can be a little daunting to some (especially for women) but Koreans in contrary have been totally rocking the look. Since most Asians, particularly the ones from the East have relatively soft facial features, thick, defined brows can actually accentuate the features as well as giving off a better frame to the face. 

Here are some photos of famous Korean actresses and k-pop artists who are rocking the scene with these thick,straight brows:

SNSD's Yuri


Actress Moon Geun Young

Singer/Actress Yun Eun Hye




Singer IU



 To achieve this look, let's start by grooming the eyebrows:)


Friday, May 25, 2012

The Basics of Korean Makeup, Insights and Tips


DISCLAIMER: This is not a hundred percent accurate coz for one, I’m not Korean, and two, im not a professionalJ But most of it are base on research and some personal observations in account for my KPOP obsession and some reliable testimonials from my Korean friends at school.




The Korean makeup is indeed a trend nowadays not only in Asia but suprisingly, in western countries as well.  I really couldn’t blame such fanaticism over this type of makeup and makeup routine because damn it who doesn’t want a fresh, flawless face, not to mention a youthful glow even after a day of nerve-racking work? Well I scream, I DO!!


So, what are the basics in a Korean makeup routine?


FACE
First, a clean,clear face is an essential step to achieve that fresh look. Not only Koreans but most of the people from East Asia (like China and Japan) have this fair to white complexion with really fine pores that some even calls it the porcelain skin. Of course climate is a huge factor but I do think East Asian girls, Koreans in particular are so into their looks nowadays that they are able to practice various skin care routines that are effective in maintaining and enhancing their skin.  

Second, a staple in Korean makeup, BB cream. I know most of us are fully aware of the history and whatnots of this infamous product but yes, the magic of Korean makeup happens when this liquid foundation-slash-moisturizer-slash-sunscreen  is applied to the face and with the right amount and choice of shade for your complexion--- voila! You’ll have that glowing, dewy skin we usually see on Korean actresses and Kpop artists on TV.




A variety of BB creams now available in the market
Actress Shin Se Kyung with her flawless, dewy face.



EYES

Another is their use of black eyeliners, may it be liquid, gel or in pencil form to enhance and enlarge their eyes.  For a fresh and subtle day look, Koreans are known for tightlining their eyes. Tightlining is a method of lining the existing spaces between the lashes or lining as close as possible to the lash line. This will give you bigger, brighter, and more youthful eyes. This method actually creates an “invisible” eye makeup look that makes uswonder how come Korean actresses have these defined looking eyes but it’s as if they re not wearing any.

Also, you wound’t see a lot of them wear dark or even bold color eyeshadows (Okay I know what you’re thinking, and yes girls from 2NE1 is not an exception. On normal days, I assume Park Bom wouldn’t even think of sporting her usual black eye look inside a ramyun shop). They always go for au naturel by only applying neutral colors or champaigne or any light shimmer eyeshadow to highlight the lids. Sometimes they would choose not to put any.
See how girl group f(x) Krystal Jung's eyes are tightlined? There is obvious definition on the upper lids without dramatically lining the eyes. It's almost not there at all! Also, a a very light eyeshadow finishes a subtle look.

EYEBROWS
Koreans have a different way of grooming and styling their brows which is also getting popular these days hence the name, Korean eyebrows. The typical Korean eyebrows are tousled, bushy, and straight, yes and some of it can be DEAD-ON straight. I personally am fascinated on how they could actually pull off this look without looking like a constipated clown. Frankly, I learned to embrace my genetically straight brows because of this trend. This eyebrow style gives you that innocent, youthful look, perfect for giving definition to the eyes.

Actress Moon Geun Young and her oh so bushy brows

Straight brows of singer IU

"Beauty's in the Bag" Giveaway!

   

CLICK TO JOIN

Chococcuro from Closet Voyage will give away heaps of makeup and beauty products that will surely sate your beauty essentials. From face, eyes, lips, nails and makeup tools, you name it, the Bag got it! Oh and did I mention that the Bag is a snake style tote bag? Talk about chic!

So join and be sure to check all her fabulous grabs to be given away by clicking the link above:)

Til next time:)

ARBE

Urban Decay 100 Follows Giveaway!



Yay!! Lexi of LexiMintyFresh will give away these fabulous Urban Decay products in celebration of her 100 follows in GFC. I am a huuuge huge huge HUGE fan of Urban Decay and I (almost) rolled down on our dusty floor when I knew that yesterday (23rd of May) is supposedly the last day for joining.

 Oh yeah, I forgot...I'm from the Pacific:) (but i still hope i could make it:|)

Til next time:)
ARBE


Thursday, May 24, 2012

Sigma Beauty Eyeshadow Palette Giveaway



CLICK TO JOIN!

Dream Makeup will give out one of these 3 awesome eyeshadow palettes namely Bare, Dare and Flare from Sigma Beauty! Contest ends on July 21 so what are you waiting for? Join now and you might be the lucky winner of one of these fabulous Sigma Beauty Palettes!


Also, check out Dream Makeup for more makeup and beauty products and how you can avail discounts and great deals from Sigma Beauty.


Dream Makeup


Til' next time:)

ARBE








Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The Real Two-Thousand-and-Late

Realizing this, I am indeed the epitome of late adolescence---which reminds me of Britney Spear's "I'm Not a Girl, Not yet a Woman" FM hit but the difference is, i'm apparently a full grown, 21 year old, voluptuous adult who still struggles from all the nooks and crannies of being a legit woman.
My point is that i just realized i'm a makeup enthusiast pala. The horrendous truth is when I entered college, baby powder was literally my weapon for my ever so oily t-zone. Ugh. Reminiscing makes me really nauseous. :|


So before I share a book length of history on how I develop a lust on anything that is applied to the face to practically beautify us, naturally vain female species I would like to tell you firsthand that this blog is dedicated for some make-up/beauty product reviews, tips and as well as make up tutorials (if I've already got that 200% power level like of Toguro's to show this exotic piece of sh*tface on public.)

~oh and also some of my random thoughts, occasional rants and my bi-polar tendencies, my graveyard college life as dentistry student, FOOD (lotsa food) and last but definitely not the least ---KPOP and my hubby Lee Donghae. 



Btw, i'm kinda noob to this setting even though I have my own Lj account...well geez, Livejournal is in an alternate universe and i will never, i repeat, NEVER name my lj account ever because other than it's a trunk for all my KPOP junk, well... it's a trunk for all my KPOP junk and whenever i get on my possessed fan girl mode, i can do all sorts of things and well...yeah some of it can be really embarrassing, and some can be just...


So I will end this for now. You'll get to know me more once i start blogging for real. Like for shiz.


Hmm,so how do i say this, TOODLES!
Nah, til next time :)

ARBE