My Luxola Shopping Experience | Sleek Cosmetics

Luxola's promos have constantly been on my Facebook feed for so long that I was finally tempted to  actually shop and browse through their products on-hand. Luxola, being a well-reviewed Singapore-based online cosmetic store, carried brands I have been wanting to buy for the longest time now -like Sleek, 3CE, and Sigma.

One of the great things about Luxola is that they always have an ongoing discount promo (discount codes published everywhere!) and I was fortunate enough to be granted a 25% discount code because I created a Luxola account that day. They also offer FREE SHIPPING to the Philippines which is super awesome!

After about  an hour of skimming through their cosmetics and skin care products, I finally decided to go on an all-Sleek mini-haul because the brand is not available locally. I placed my order on October 15 and  being promised a 2-8 day delivery, Luxola actually encouraged me to track my order while it was on its way (through Aramex's website). 

My products arrived on October 23 -exactly 8 days after placing my order. It was already in the country by October 20, and I figured that the delay came from the local customs or courier. I was very impressed that Luxola  lived up to its promise (2-8 days delivery) and that the products came wrapped carefully and tediously in bubble wrap.

(L-R) Dr. Jart Bring Back Bounce Beauty Balm Deluxe Sample with sponge, Sleek Dip-it Duo Volumising Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black, Sleek Twist Up Lip Liner in Pink Rose, and Sleek Pout Paint in Minx.

Luxola has been known to throw in free products with the orders, and I got a Dr. Jart Bring Back Bounce Beauty Balm Deluxe Sample and after using it for my party the other day, I fell head-over-heels in-love with it. Luxola got my shade right, as well. <3

1.) Sleek Dip-it Duo Volumising Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black -a matte black felt-tip liquid liner and mascara. 

2.)  Sleek Twist Up Lip Liner in Pink Rose - a soft, matte lip-liner in a rose-wine shade

3.) Sleek Pout Paint in Minx -  a highly-pigmented nude pink lip paint 

I shall soon be doing a review of these cosmetics individually.:)

My first cosmetic shopping through Luxola has been a great success. I highly recommend shopping through Luxola as you'll get to enjoy the fabulous freebies, discounts, and free and hassle-free shipping. <3

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Fig: An everyday bold lip look

I've always loved wine and burgundy-toned lipsticks but I can't seem to find an appropriate occasion to wear them. Recently though, I've tried Smashbox Be Legendary lipstick in Fig, and I've managed to create an everyday look I can wear to the office.

Fig is a wine-toned lipstick with a creamy, shimmer finish. It glides on the lips smoothly and it's very pigmented that it only needs one application to achieve a full look. Because of its buttery consistency, though, it's quite prone to smudging and transfer. This can be alleviated by tapping off loose powder on top of it, but this takes away the shimmer.

Smashbox Be Legendary in Fig - one application

For a look I can wear to the office, I've decided to just leave my eyes bare (mascara and thin liquid liner) and let the bold wine lips alone create my whole look.

Products Used:

Face

MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW25

MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation in NC40

Tony Moly Aura BB Cream SPF 37

Hard Candy Fox in a Box Cheek&Bronzer duo in Truth or Dare

Eyebrows

Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Blonde

Eyes

Benefit They're Real Mascara

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Black

Lips

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Fig

L'Oreal Xtenso @ Mary Pauline Salon : Getting my color-treated hair rebonded

I have naturally thick and wavy hair. It started becoming frizzy and unmanageable due to my constant outdoor activities  and indifference towards hair care. Hence, when I was in highschool, I was in constant envy of the girls with perfectly straight hair who can beautifully pull-off  sleek ponytails and neat buns.

In 2008 (I was 14 years old, a highschool junior then), my mom decided to have my virgin, untreated hair rebonded. Since a family friend of ours owned a salon, she was confident that my hair would be well-taken care of. I can still vividly remember that it took 8 gruelings hours of straight iron-ing and applying and setting harsh chemicals. Thankfully, my hair came out beautifully --I finally felt like the ugly duckling in me was finally becoming a swan. :)

Since then, I've had my hair rebonded to keep it soft and silky.

"Hair rebonding is a process wherein the natural bonds of the hair are broken down through the use of chemicals and heat, rearranged and bonded once again. The waves and curls are flattened so that the hair looks straight and beautiful. The result of this process promises a silky, shiny and sleek hair."   --http://irinav.hubpages.com/hub/The-Good-and-the-Bad-of-Hair-Rebonding

I have jet black hair and I've gotten permanent color treatments to brown, ash blonde, and even golden blonde. I've had highlights in my hair as well, and I've also experimented with digital perm about 2 years ago. Little did I know that most rebond treatments wouldn't work/isn't recommended for color-treated and severly-damaged hair. :(

Shortly after I turned 18, our family's stylist, Merly (from David's Salon in Sta. Lucia Mall), rebonded my hair using Loreal Xtenso, which, she said, is safe and is suitable for color-treated hair. I've had my hair rebonded a couple of times before that, but I can personally attest up to now that Loreal Xtenso gives the best results. It is one of the pricey-est rebond treatments out there, though.

Lately, I've been feeling the need to have my hair rebonded again as it has been years since I've last gotten it treated. My roots are starting to grow frizzy and wavy (my natural hair), and dents/partitions are already very visible. I also figured the need to establish a "home salon" where I can get all the treatments my hair needs, as our family stylist, Merly, already left the country.

I went to Mary Pauline Salon at its SM Hypermarket Cainta branch. I've  read and heard a ton of good reviews on the salon and the stylists in a lot of their branches. I believe Mary Pauline Salon has already made a name as one of the country's reputable mid-range salons and they have honestly exceeded my expectations. :)

Comfortable and cozy, Mary Pauline Salon has the latest magazines to keep their customers entertained 

I texted their contact numbers the night before, hoping that I could be scheduled the next morning for my Loreal Xtenso rebond treatment. I got a prompt response from Angel, who eventually became my stylist the next day. Since the salon was just a stone's throw away from where I live, I got there pretty early (around 10 in the morning) and was accommodated by Angel immediately. 

My (just-got-out-of-bed) make-up free face in the middle of the treatment

A couple of minutes into the treatment, I've already felt that I finally found my home salon and my personal stylist. Ms. Angel was such as angel! :) She made me feel like she was taking care of my hair well and I was given the best service. There came a time that she was handling four (4) of us (customers) at the same time, but she managed her time well and executed the treatments accurately. She made sure she gave what her customers want.  ♥

Unlike other salons where they make you feel like you have the worst damaged hair in the universe just so they could cross-sell their other treatments, Angel (and Mary Pauline Salon, I guess) gave me a sense of assurance that their products and services can actually salvage the current state of my hair. To top it off, she gave me a complimentary hair treatment (which I have yet to avail on Thursday) so that my hair stays soft and silky. :)

The rebonding process took 6 hours and delivered awesome results.

 (Top) My hair immediately after the treatment. (Bottom) My hair a few minutes after the treatment. How silky! 

BEFORE: My hair a few days before getting rebonded. Damaged and all over the place. :(

I definitely recommend getting your hair treatments from Angel at Mary Pauline Salon (SM Hypermarket Cainta Branch). :)

Get Ready With Me: My Daily Hair and Skin Care Routine

I was never into skin care and hair care until just recently.

When I was younger, I was content with any shampoo and conditioner as long as they get the job done; I never bothered moisturizing nor putting on sunscreen, even though I was constantly under the sun. My only face-care product was a dermatologist-prescribed facial wash that I still use until today.

I've never realized the impact of my constant hair treatments (bleaching, rebonding, perming, and the like) and my frequent outdoor activities until I came across several articles, forum, and Youtube videos stressing the importance of getting the hair and skin moisturized and protected from the sun. When I turned 20 (just last November), I decided that it's about time that I take care of my hair to prevent it from getting further damage and that I start practicing a skin care routine suited to protect and treat my oily skin.

I consider myself a skin and hair care newbie , and the products I use daily are in fact necessary in addressing the "issues" I have with my skin and hair.

In creating your own hair and skin care routine, choosing the type of products is really quite crucial. The products you select have to be suited to your hair and skin type, and they should actually give the nourishment and care your hair and skin need.

I have oily skin and severly-damaged hair. My hair and skin regimen are targeted to (1) prevent my hair from getting further damage, (2) protect my hair and skin from the sun's harmful rays,  and (3) keep the oiliness of my skin minimal. 

I use Clairol Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo for Dry/Damaged Hair to get accumulated dirt and oil out of my hair without stripping away moisture. I find this effective in keeping my hair from  breaking (due to damage) and this smells amazing!

I tend to interchange my conditioner every two weeks, so that my hair won't easily get used to one conditioner's effectiveness. Usually, when I am fresh from a hair-damaging treatment (like bleaching or rebonding), I use the TRESemme Smooth and Shine Conditioner as I find this really effective in preventing my hair from getting frizz and breakage from the recent treatment. I also bring this with me when I go to the beach as it's effective from keeping my hair moisturized after being soaked in saltwater. I use Schwarzkopf Extra Care Hyrdo Collagen Conditioner for Dry, Damaged Hair as sort of my everyday conditioner to retain my hair's moisture and shine.

For years now, I've been washing my face with my good ol' Celeteque (Hydration) Facial Wash. I used to interchange this with Cetaphil  but I decided to stick to this one since I like the foam and the soap-y feeling it gives. I feel like my pile of make-up and face products are thoroughly and delicately washed after every use of this trusty facial wash. Immediately after I wash my face (about twice a day), I put on my Celeteque (Acne Solutions) Oil Control Toner which helps in removing deep-seated dirt and keeping the oil on my face tame. :)

The soap I use in the shower varies a lot. After every shower, I put on Physiogel Lotion all over my body. My mom and I have been using this for years now, and I can really attest that Physiogel makes one of the best moisturizing lotions ever. This was actually prescribed by my mom's dermatologist, and we've repurchased this for more than a dozen times already.  When I go out of the house, or if I wanna slab on something that'll make me smell like a garden of flowers, I put on Victoria's Secret Sparkling Citrus  Deep-softening Body Butter in Luscious Crush (Tangerine + Passion Flower). This has a thicker consistency (which might get sticky under heat) but it smells so amazing, I'm actually quite addicted to its scent.

To protect my hair from heat damage (I iron my hair straight almost everyday), I coat it with Vitress Heat Protect Serum. Not only does this keep hair from getting burned and permanently damaged, this also actually helps in holding the straightness in. It acts as some sort of mousse or mild hair spray, as my hair retains its straightness longer if I managed to put this on before ironing.

Lastly, to protect my skin from the sun's UVA and UVB rays, I put on Belo Sun Expert Mist SPF 50  all over my body. The liquid-oily consistency makes it easier to be absorbed by my skin, compared to standard, lotion-y type sunscreens. However, I don't put this on my face as it tend to build up more oil on my already oily face. To protect my face from the sun, I use my Tony Moly Aura BB Cream with SPF 37 (which I will describe in detail in one of my next posts).

So, there you have it -my hair and skin care products I use almost daily. I've been sticking to using these products for quite some time now as I find them effective in targeting the issues I've previously mentioned.

Feel free to share your skin and hair care routine! I'm really open to trying new products out for my damaged hair and oily skin. :)


Post-script: Here's my make-up free face, fresh from the shower. My hair's not wet since I usually wash my hair at night when I have work during the day. :)

Playing with neutrals: NARS Earth Angel Eyeshadow Duo

NARS Earth Angel Eyeshadow duo is a beautiful combination of a shimmer taupe (a shade in between MAC's Satin Taupe and Breathless) and an olive green eye shadow. The duo perfectly combines earth tones and golden shimmer --perfect for an everyday, neutral look with a pop of color and shine.

Both of the eyeshadows are well-pigmented and have an almost-creamy, smooth texture when swatched/applied to the skin. Earth Angel has an impressive staying power, even without a primer.

L- Eyeshadows without primer; R- Eyeshadows on top of Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl

The shadows are very buildable (for more intensity in the color pay-off) and they blend nicely with other eyeshadows, as well.

Here's a look I've created with this duo.

Products used:

FACE
MAC Select Cover-up in NW25
Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation in Sand Beige
MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation in NC40

EYES
NARS Earth Angel Eyeshadow Duo
MAC Retrospect
Nichido Liquid Eyeliner
Revlon Custom Eyes Mascara

BLUSH/CONTOUR
Elf Blush-Contour Duo in St. Lucia

LIPS
The Face Shop Lip Liner in Velvet Wine
MAC Viva Glam 1

Hope you like this look!:)

Red Lipsticks: The Ultimate Battle

My signature look has always been my bare face + red lips.

For the longest time now, red lipsticks have constantly been my  "comfort blanket"  as red was the shade I first got comfortable wearing. I've always seen bold lips as instant perk-me-uppers to even the barest of faces, and I think virtually anyone can pull off a red lip --so long as it's the right shade for their skin. 

Being into make-up for a few years now, I've managed to try out and collect a ton of red lipsticks and have actually repurchased some of the shades I loved. 

For this post, I shall be comparing 5 red lipsticks (drugstore and MAC ones) and I'll try to be unbiased and thorough for each one. 

(L-R) MAC Viva Glam 1, MAC Russian Red, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 725 Love That Red, Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in 250 Standout, Maybelline Color Sensational in 547 Pleasure Me Red

Here are the lipsticks as swatched on my forearm:

From here on, I'll go from Right to Left in describing the above lipsticsk.

1. Maybelline Color Sensational 547 Pleasure Me Red

Pleasure Me Red is a pigmented, creamy red  with a bit of a glossy finish. I've used this lipstick for years now and it still doesn't fail to live up to its expectations. One application (in photo) can go a long way, and it leaves a bit of a stain when removed. It stays on for hours, and re-application (when necessary) will not dry the lips.

Due to its creamy-buttery consistency, it's quite prone to smudging and transfer. It's a true red (with a hint of a blue-red undertone) which is perfect for fair-to-beige and cool (to neutral cool) skintones. 

2. Revlon Colorbust Matte Balm in 250  Standout 

Standout  is technically a balm-stain, so it needs a couple of applications to achieve its full, matte finish. It's very buttery and glides on smoothly, and it lives up to its lipbalm properties by actually keeping the lips moisturized while it's on. It has a constant minty feeling to it, which I personally find soothing and hydrating. 

Color-wise, it's a warmer red with brown undertones -perfect for medium to dark(e)r skintones (like yours truly). Re-application is necessary after a few hours, as it is a bit prone to smudging also. It first goes on sheer, but is very buildable (through reapplication, or by putting a true lipstick on top of it).

3. Revlon Super Lustrous in 725 Love That Red   

Love That Red is a red-orange creme lipstick which has a bit of gloss to it upon first application. It's very pigmented and needs only one application. It does not stain when removed; however, it tends to make the lips dry when worn for hours. Re-application (one coat on top of another) does take out the moisture out of the lips.

Since it's an orange-y shade with a bit of a blue undertone, fair to medium skin can pull this off beautifully.

4. MAC Russian Red 

Russian Red has been my ultimate go-to lipstick of all time. It's blue undertone somehow makes my skin appear lighter and more radiant. It's a true matte lipstick, and needs a balm for it to glide on smoothly. It's also crazy pigmented and one application can last you a day.

Smuding is minimal (I assume because it's matte), but it transfers quite a lot. It stains quite well and can be very drying through re-applications. Personally, I love matte lipsticks because of their staying power, so I don't really mind that my lips are out of moisture. 

I honestly have not seen anyone who could not pull Russian Red off. :)

5. MAC Viva Glam 1

I think I may have found a new favorite that is Viva Glam 1. A matte brownish-red, it's MAC's take on a deeper, warmer red shade that's not so "in-your-face". Like Russian Red, Viva Glam 1 can be very drying on the lips, especially on multiple applications. 

--------------------

It's a tough battle between all these lipsticks, and it came down to which the lipsticks I wear more because of it's color, quality, and overall wearablity.

My two (2) red-hot lipstick picks would have to be Maybelline Color Sensational 547 Pleasure Me Red and MAC Russian Red.

What are your favorite red lipsticks? :)

Random Mid-month Make-up Haul!

The month of September has been continuously showering me with blessings. From a better overall physical health (the frequent change of weather the past few months has affected my health significantly), to a new job in a multinational company, I feel that the past two weeks of September are already worth celebrating.

One of the conveniences of my new job is that my office is situated close to a cluster of malls, restaurants and other consumer establishments. Hence, shopping for clothes, makeup, and other beauty necessities can be done during my lunch-break and/or even after my shift.

I haven't done a collective make-up haul for quite some time because of previous budget restrictions and because I felt the need to make use of the products I've stocked up from my previous hauls. The products I've bought these past few days are in fact, necessities, because I've changed my hair color and I got an awesome beach-tan, ergo, I needed to play around with new colors to match these changes.

Here's what I got myself recently:

I've always been a "Drugstore Makeup Princess". High-end makeup is crazy expensive here, and there are honestly a million products from the drugstore that are of superior quality. Local brands, such as Nichido and Ever Bilena, also carry a range of pigmented, quality cosmetics that are perfect for cheapskates like yours truly. :)

I decided to spoil myself a little on this haul because I know I needed to invest in some essentials to tame down my super oily skin,

The first thing I got was my MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation in NC40. I used to be a steady NW25 until I decided to go on adventure-mode and gained a constant tan from a couple of beach trips this year. This has been my go-to powder that I wear by itself or on top of my Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation (my holy grail foundation ever since).

I also got a MAC Viva Glam 1 Matte Lipstick because, (1) this is one of (my make-up artist "twin sister") Justine Concepcion's favorite MAC lipsticks; and (2) Jinny, the lady from MAC, has beyond-amazing make-up retail skills. Viva Glam 1 is such an awesome red with warm, brown  undertones.

I finally had the courage to step out of my comfort-zone -- it's about time I try lipstick shades other than red. I got 2 NYX Jumbo Lip Pencils: Irish Coffee, a peachy nude lip crayon, and Chaos, a bright pink with a blue undertone.

Lastly, since I desperately needed an eyebrow product match my brown hair and golden streaks, I got Revlon Brow Fantasy 2-way Brow Pencil and Brow Gel in Dark Blonde. I am more comfortable using pencils to draw my brows, and I usually use a brow mascara to color them in. I found this perfect!

I'll try to swatch them in my next post. For the meantime, please let me know what you think about the products I bought, and if you have product recommendations, as well. :)