Zoya Naturel Satins

Heya! It's been a while since I purchased a nail polish and posted a write-up (Lol! I know I got busy!). I missed you all! :(

Anyways, I have been eyeing the polish brand Zoya for a long time. Zoya claims that their nail polishes are long-wearing and toxin-free (organic) such that it is suitable even for pregnant women. Since organic nail polish is new to me, I got more intrigued and enticed to try it!

I checked out the website of the nail polish online store I am following in Instagram, polishplease, who sells Zoya nail polishes. Well not just Zoya but they have extensive nail polish brands that you will surely love!

I sighted their new arrival Zoya collection, the Naturel Satins. And oh boy, I got easily drawn and hit the purchase button immediately! I only got the minis though since I’ve never expended a regular bottle of nail polish (based on experience).

(L to R: Leah, Rowan, Tove, Brittany and Sage)

I was enticed by this collection because of its neutral shades! And according to Zoya, the formula is a hybrid between matte and glossy polishes and is not intended to be worn with a top coat.

I used natural lighting for all the photos. 

ROWAN
Suede Taupe Cream
Color Family - Nude
Intensity - Opaque

One Coat

Two Coats

Rowan, I can say is one of my favorites and most used in the collection. Application is effortless -- very smooth and creamy consistency!

LEAH
Lavender Tinged Taupe Cream
Color Family - Nude
Intensity - Opaque (2 coats)

One Coat

Two Coats 

Leah is my also one of my favorites, second to Rowan. 

BRITTANY
Rose Mauve Cream
Color Family - Pink
Intensity - Opaque (2 coats)

One Coat

Two Coats

Two coats are better. This color looks very feminine and it reminds me of cotton candy! :p

Brittany can be streaky on 1 coat. Application is not that easy though I think the color is nice.

TOVE
Misty Slate Grey Cream
Color Family - Blue
Intensity - Opaque

 One Coat

Already opaque in 1 coat.

Two Coats

 Very Opaque/thick in 2 coats.

Tove is very easy to apply and has one of the creamiest consistency.
It looks gray for me.

SAGE
Mossy sage green cream
Color Family - Green
Finish - Satin
Intensity - Opaque (if 2 coats) 

One coat

Different Angle - One Coat

Two Coats

This color is kinda tricky. First swatch goes sheer/watery then goes very opaque on second application. Sage also applies smoothly.

The finish of these polishes is satin (in between matte and glossy). Though some might think that it's odd. However, for me I like it as I am not quite into glossy/frosted finish.

Be also mindful in applying if you do not intend to put any top coat as this might get a bit streaky even though consistency is creamy (you can opt to put a top coat if you like).

Easiest/Smoothest to apply:

- Rowan, Tove & Sage

Creamiest consistency:

- Rowan & Tove

Sheer/Streaky:

- Brittany

My Favorites:

Rowan, Leah & Tove

Nonetheless, colors are very pretty, has creamy consistency and formula is quick drying [which I really love!]. It dries in about 2-3 minutes.

Packaging wise, I can say that it is sturdy as the glass is very thick and it is also frosted. Not sure what are the benefits of a frosted glass but, I like the look of it! It has a good quality brush applicator. I did not have any difficulty applying the polish.

Verdict:

Packaging - 5.0 / 5.0

Colors - 4.0 / 5.0

Brush - 5.0 / 5.0

Application - 4.5 / 5.0

Price - 3.5/ 5.0

Staying power - 4.0/ 5.0 

Price:

Regular bottle -  Php400.00/ea

Mini bottle -  Php250.00/ea

Purchased at:

www.polishplease.ph [Instagram: @polishplease_ph]

Retail Store

Props Tools & Cosmetics

2/F Fashion Village, Tiendesitas

Pasig City, Metro Manila, PH

Email: hello@polishplease.ph 

Marc Jacobs' Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer review

When my favorite nail polish blogger (not just a blogger but also a columnist in one of Philippines' top newspapers and a great writer too!), Pam Pastor (www.polishpolice.com), posted a blog about Marc Jacobs' first line of nail polish, I was going ga-ga while reading because the colors were really beautiful and that I wanted to buy them all!

Luckily, my boss was in the US for a business trip! I took the courage to ask her if I can order online at Sephora, deliver it to our US office and bring it with her to Manila. She then said YES. I was so excited to get my hands on these beautiful babies!!!

Then I finally have it! I decided to get the two colors that I like from the first line which are the Fluorescent Beige and Evelyn.

Marc Jacobs' Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer

They come in a cute small packaging which is looks like a square with smooth sides.

FLUORESCENT BEIGE

EVELYN  

Fluorescent Beige is described as iridescent light mauve pink. I put 2 coats on my nails below. It was love at first sight! It reminds me of weddings (since this is a great nail polish color to use for a wedding!) :)

With 2 coats and shot outdoor

Application brush.

I thought I was able to take a picture of me wearing Evelyn, but unfortunately I can't find any. Picture of it to follow. :P

Evelyn is described as opaque smoky gray. You can also wear this if you are feeling confident. I don't know why but dark and bold colors makes me feel one. :p

For the application brush, I am not that happy with it since I find that it has a tendency to shed. Though the application of the polish itself is quite smooth.

I bought these bottles for $18 each in Sephora's website.

Verdict:

Packaging - 4.0 / 5.0

Colors - 4.0 / 5.0

Brush - 3.0 / 5.0

Application - 3.5 / 5.0

Price - 3.5/ 5.0
Staying power - 4.0/ 5.0

I would want to try other colors as I have seen that there are new ones in Sephora! But currently, I am still finding a relative or friend in US going back here in Manila to save money on delivery, taxes, etc.

Has anyone of you tried Marc Jacobs' nail lacquers as well? I would love to know your thoughts on it by commenting below! 

Regards,

Best Make-up Remover for Stubborn Make-up

Ever worry on how to remove stubborn make up after a party or an event?

Let me share with you my current favorite make up remover for stubborn make ups and routine before going to bed :)

POND'S Perfect Care Cold Cream Deep Cleanser

Pond's perfect care cold cream was the best makeup remover I have ever discovered! My sister used to bring home packages from her office including other products of the company she is in and Pond's products are one of those. I cannot remember how I started using this but because I have a curious mind, I tried this one time to remove my make up and I loved it!

Price: Free

Consistency: This is a basic cream but when applied on face, it gets oily.

Pros: It removes stubborn makeup

Cons: Oily when applied but you can always remove it with tissue and wash it off. My skin didn't get oily at all after.

Here's my routine in removing makeup using Pond's perfect care cold cream:

I applied black eyeshadow heavily all over my lids and crease to better test the product

As what the label reads, "apply pea-sized amounts" on your forehead, cheeks and chin.
Spread and massage gently over your face and neck.

I use cotton for sensitive parts of my face like my eyes :)

right eye makeup removed!

a pea-size amount on your forehead...

On your cheeks and massage all over your face

Remove it all with a tissue

Tried it also on my lips

Yes, I know it's gross! 

Voila! All stubborn makeup removed instantly!

After which, I wash my face with Cetaphil and put my Kiehl's moisturizer before sleeping

Have you tried using POND'S Perfect Care Cold Cream Deep Cleanser too?

Let me know your thoughts by writing a comment below!

Or let me know if you have other holy grail makeup remover!

Xoxo,

My Favorite Lipsticks

Hello ladies! At last another blog post! It was actually a year before I get to post a new one. Yes I know it has been a long time :) I have bought and used many products during the past year. Some of those products were already used up but I will really try my best to catch up by posting it and reviewing some of them.

In this post I will be showing you my favorite lippies! In my past blog posts, you can always see nail polishes in it and never or if there are any, just few lip products. Why? Because I am not really a "lipstick" person and I don't wear lipstick everyday. I just wear a lipstick if I am not lazy and if there are occasions that I need or will attend.

There was a time that I got addicted to lipsticks, I can't remember where I got the addiction but my favorite brands back then were Chanel and MAC lipsticks. I actually liked Tom Ford and YSL but they are not available here in Manila. Some of those are results of impulsive buying that was why after a few swipes I realized that some of it really didn't have an appeal on me or it didn't suit my skin tone. Let's get started!

Let us start with Chanel Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle 05

Mademoiselle is a medium pink with a brown undertone to it. This lipstick does not have any shimmer but just a very slight sheen on it. It is very pigmented and it applies smoothly and richly on lips. I can say that it is also lightweight when wearing it. It doesn't bleed and can last up to 4 hours.

The sales lady in Rustan's also told me that this is one of Chanel's best seller, which I have also researched before I bought one. In my opinion, this shade will suit any skin tone. This color will pop more to those who have fair skin complexions.

I cannot remember the price of this but I think I bought this for Php1,450 in a trusted online shop.

Next in my favorites is the MAC Lustre in Lovelorn

Lovelorn is a sheer blue-based pink lipstick that has a glossy sheen. It is not heavy nor opaque, instead they give a slick of shiny, glossy color that works alongside the color of your lips. It is very easy to apply, it glides smoothly on my lips. This also doesn't need any lip liner as it can be a wonderful everyday lipstick. It lasts for about 2-3 hours on me depending on if I am eating or drinking.

I can say that this suits most skin tones. I bought this for Php1,000 in MAC at Rustan's Makati.

Next is the MAC Satin in Pink Nouveau (I can't find mine right now so I posted a photo of Emma Stone wearing it. Lol.)

Pink Nouveau is one of MAC's best-seller in lipsticks. It is a cool-toned, blue-based light-medium pink. For me, it is more of a barbie pink or a cotton candy pink. It has opaque color coverage and a creamy finish with a noticeable shine. It has a satin finish. I was really never into popping pink shades but I was curious if this will look good on me that's why I bought this.

At first, I thought it will just look good on mestizas because they will look more barbie-ish. When I applied it, I have a dilemma of using this in a long time because of that serious shocking pink. But in time, I was able to use this in events or parties that I attend. Nevertheless, it became my favorite as well but just when there are occasions. :)

I bought this for Php1,000 in MAC at Rustan's Makati.

The next in my favorites is the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Montecarlo 62

Photo credits to raspberry-rouge.blogspot.com

Montecarlo is really one of my favorite Chanel lipsticks ever. It is a semi-sheer pinky red with a subtle pink shimmer on it. It is very lightweight and has a high shine and moisturizing formula. This applies smoothly and evenly, like a lip balm. It lasts a little bit shorter on my lips but definitely can be an everyday lipstick (though it's expensive to be an everyday one!). I can recommend this to ladies who likes watermelon-ish shades, or those who likes subtle red and pink shades. 

I bought this at Rustan's Makati for Php1,650

For Reds, one of my favorites is MAC Russian Red

Russian Red is one of MAC's top seller in lipsticks. It is a medium-dark red with neutral undertones which means it suits any skintones. It has a matte finish. This lipstick wears around six hours on me and will definitely stain. Though I have a hard time swiping this on my lips as it is really matte.

Since my lips are prone to drying and flaking, I don't use much of matte lipsticks. I wear this only if I have parties to attend. But this color really looks great especially for those who have fair skin complexions. This is my pin-up girl type of lipstick and if I am too lazy to put on make up, I just swipe this on my lips and voila! I look elegant and glamour-ish!

The other Red that I have on my stash is Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Fascinante 38

La Fascinante is a matte blue-based red lipstick. Personally I love La Fascinante and I think it's a great red lipstick to invest in. The one I bought is the reformulated Rouge Allure Velvet. It's not very drying anymore and I can already feel that it's moisturizing my lips. It is also not difficult to swipe on your lips.

If I can remember well, my sister bought this for me in Singapore so I am not sure how much it is here.

Last but not the least is Sephora's Color Lip Last in Wanted Red 20

Wanted Red is a high-coverage pigmented matte dark red lipstick. It's texture is ultra-thin, feels light and smudge-proof. It actually stains on your lips if you remove it (nice isn't it?!). It is surprisingly very easy and smooth to apply knowing that it's a matte lipstick! It also has a candy-like smell. I stopped myself from almost eating it!!! haha! Kidding :)

This was a "pasalubong" of my boss from the US and I instantly fell in love with it with just a swipe! It actually beats my MAC Russian Red in terms of application. I would like to try other colors as well. I can describe this as a cabaret red lipstick! Highly recommended!

P.S. It is recommended to use a lip brush for the Red lipsticks so that you can have a perfect application. 

So there you go, these are my current favorite lipsticks. This list can change in time though :)

How about you? Have you tried any of the said lipsticks? Let me know your opinions about these gorgeous lippies!

Love,

Fast Track: The Careers at Ayala Group Job Fair 2012

 

As market forces change and create new avenues for growth, Ayala breaks new ground by entering new markets and industries, while remaining grounded on values of vision, integrity and faith in the Filipino. This year, we want to highlight how Ayala sets nation-building in motion. Ayala changes the game by increasing ways to contribute to the development of Filipinos. What better way to make this happen than to provide not just “jobs” but career opportunities through the 1st Ayala Group Job Fair (FAST TRACK: The Careers @ Ayala Group Job Fair).

Happening on the 21st of June 2012 at the Glorietta Activity Center (from 10am to 7pm) within the country’s central business district of Makati, we are opening doors for more than 2000++ career opportunities within the conglomerate. Career opportunities span from various industries like: Real Estate, Banking, Telecoms, Water and Waste Water Works, Electronics, Automotives, BPOs, Utilities, Investments, Facilities Management, Construction, Hospitality and Non-Profit Foundation.

Booths will be arranged according to Job Role/Specialization e.g. Finance, Sales, Marketing, Information Technology, Engineering, etc. There will also be activities and different seminars such as Power Dressing, How to Ace a Job Interview, Customer Service, Financial Wellness, etc. We will also be showcasing Ayala products and services in the venue for those who want to know more about it. Lastly, there will be a rock to the top concert after the Job fair featuring Never the Strangers and Rico Blanco.

Incidentally, this Ayala initiative is also consistent with Makati’s on-going campaign of “Make It Happen, Make It Makati” which is all about creating opportunities for all to live, shop, be entertained and work.

To know more about upcoming job fair and about the Ayala Group, you may refer to the following:

1. Official website: www.careersatayalagroup.com (Register here!)
2. Facebook Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/careersatayala
3. Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/careersatayalagroup
4. Twitter: https://twitter.com/Careersatayala
5. JAZA Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/jaimeaugustozobel
6. FZA Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/fernandozobel
7. Make It Makati Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/makeitmakati

See you this Thursday, June 21, 2012 at Glorietta Activity Center! Say Hi or approach me if you see me :)

 

Much love,

 

Makeup Review: Makeupforever High Definition Foundation

Back then, I always drop-by the Makeupforever or MUFE store in Bonifacio highstreet when it opened and check-out their makeup line and the prices as well. And yes I would love to try out their products because of great reviews, but unfortunately I was too hesitant to buy again because it's too expensive same as bobbi brown's prices. But then again because Marie Digby (my favorite youtube musician) has just been launched as the new ambassador of MUFE Philippines, I bought some of their products. One of the factors why I bought MUFE products is because Marie Digby's skin is not breaking out when using it, that means that it's good for those who have sensitive skins like her and another is that because all of their products that day was on SALE up to 30% off that's why I grab the chance to buy.

(from left: Full Cover Concealer, HD Foundation,
Aqua Liner, Eyebrow Corrector)

Product: HD Invisible Cover Foundation

Description: The HD foundation is an oil-free medium to full coverage liquid foundation which covers skin imperfection, while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life. Its extremely fine texture is supple and easy to apply. Enriched with moisturizing agents, it leaves the skin soft and radiant.

My verdict:

I am a shade 120 (Soft Sand) for this foundation. Good thing about this is that it has a wide range of shades! From the lightest to the darkest complexioned person I can say can find her shade in this foundation. Well for those of you who has seen Marie Digby, who has really a snow white-y complexion has her shade in MUFE's foundations. The packaging is a bit bulky to put in a vanity kit. I love that it has a pump which is very hygienic and controllable on how much you just want to dispense. I use this foundation everyday because of its buildable coverage and it doesn't even feel heavy on my face like I am not wearing any.

And now let's check MUFE's description:

1. Oil-free: I put this on every morning before going to work. Well, I can say that its coverage lasted until lunch time without using a primer. But when you put on a primer, it can last up to 8-9 hours. I used it last Christmas and I was impressed it lasted long! þ

2. Medium to Full coverage: As what I have said earlier, it has a buildable coverage. It covers my imperfection with just a light coverage. þ

3. Invisible on-screen and real life: This is the distinguishing feature of this foundation. I love that it's invisible on photos as well as in real life! Not unlike other foundations, you can sometimes see in the photo that your face looks very white. With this foundation, your face will look very flawless both in photos and in real life. þ

4. Extremely fine texture, supple and easy to apply: The first time I dispensed a few on the back of my hand and applied it on my face it's so smooth, very fine and yes, easy to apply! After applying it on my face, it didn't look very dry/matte, instead it looked supple but not oily. þ

5. Leaves the skin soft and radiant: After applying this foundation, my skin stays soft and looked glowing. þ

All in all, I can say that I found my Holy Grail liquid foundation! I will definitely repurchase this! :) How about you? Have you tried MUFE's HD foundation? I would love to know your opinion/review about it.

xoxo,

Nail Polish Review: Chanel Le Vernis in Paradoxal

Yes I know that I am so behind having and using this Nail polish! When Chanel Paradoxal was launched, many nail polish lovers were raving about it. How creamy and smoothly it glides when you put it on your nails, how good the color is and it's great quality. When I saw these great reviews and photos, I knew it was love at first sight! I immediately searched it in Rustan's department store in Makati and not to my surprise, it was sold out. The sales lady told me that many were pre-reserved already when it arrived here in the Philippines, that is why I can say that many Filipinas are nail polish addicts. I was also a bit hesitant to buy it because of its way too expensive price! So I let the season (oh it's a year, haha) passed and now I already gave in with Chanel Le Vernis.

Product Name: Chanel Le Vernis in Paradoxal

Description: Deep taupe-y gray with an undercurrent of purple shimmer

Purchased from: Rustan's Makati

Price: 1,350 php

Pros:

-Creamy/buttery application

-One to two coats is enough

-Color is oh so gorgeous! Shimmers under the sun!

-Very glossy even w/o top coat

-Long wearing, doesn't chip easily (took 1 week before it chips but just at the end part of my nails)

Cons:

-Too expensive for a nail polish

-Limited stocks as it's always out of stock

                    (Photo from All Lacquered Up)            (Chanel Paradoxal on my nails)

I took a photo of it while wearing (right photo) but I guess I didn't give much justice to it, Lol! So I opt to post a photo from All Lacquered Up (left photo). 

Chanel Le Vernis is really worth buying! Now I know why designer nail polishes are expensive. Has anyone of you tried a Chanel nail polish? I would love to hear your opinions about it. Or if you have questions regarding the said product, I will gladly try to answer it. =)

xoxo,