Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I hope everyone is having a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving! I'll try to update while I'm here in Vegas. You can also catch me on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/yummiebitez) as I will be updating it through my iPhone.


Just to let y'all know you might want to check your local CCO for their midnight sale for black Friday! If you are in the Vegas area, Primm Valley's CCO is offering an additional 10% off your purchase price. They're also offering a free shuttle service from MGM hotel but you have to make reservations.


Happy Thanksgiving!

FOTD: Neutral Pops Blue

EDIT:
I was perusing the Eyeko website and I found this on their press section! This look is almost similar to Leona Lewis's as seen on this picture minus the pink lips.



I'm doing way too many neutrals lately just because it's pretty much a no brainer. Even if I play with colors, I really can't create a look since my creative juices haven't been flowing lately. My almost non-existent makeup mojo has probably really vanished to no return at this point. I need to get my groove back.

This is pretty much how "creative" or "playful" I can get right now. I can't seem to just do my makeup spontaneously anymore. Womp womp.

I finally did a look with my new Urban Decay eye liner. I should've also gotten the other set too because these pencils are like buttah, buttaaaaaah! It glides on your waterline sans tugging, and it stays put! Freakin' amazing. ♥LOVEEEEEE!

Here's what I used for this look:




EYES
MAC Soft Ochre p/p (base)
Shu Uemura Beige 800 e/s (lid)
MAC Saturnal e/s [LE-Moonbathe Collection] (crease and outer V)
MAC Engaging (white half) MES (highlight)
Stila Major Lash mascara
Urban Decay Electric e/l (waterline)

CHEEKS
Eyeko 3-in-1 Cream (cheeks; highlight)
Bihada Ichizoku Cheek in Pink (blush)

LIPS
Urban Decay Ozone lipliner
NARS Rose Gitane l/g







Full face...


Another love = NARS. This lipgloss makes my lips look juicyyy. The color looks sweet on my skintone too. And it was 2fer deal (2 full-sized lipgloss @ $30. Buy it here!)... call meeeee, so I can make it juicy for ya


Oh, and how shiny is my hair? And the glow is courtesy by Eyeko. Easy breezy glow!





The Urban Decay eyeliners can really help add that extra oomph to any look. Can be worn alone or match it up with some eyeshadows to play your eyes a bit.


Has anyone seen the latest Allure magazine cover (this is not the actual cover)? Scarlett Johansson is in the cover and she looks gorgeous! When did she ever not look like a hot piece? Ok, I retract that statement, maybe that bloody cover for CosmoGirl in October or November 2008. But I digress... I love her makeup in the latest issue of Allure! I'm going to try and replicate it if I can. At this point, it looks pretty easy to do yet so glam!

I need some inspiration! I'm running low!

Image Credit: Allure.com; Eyeko

Product Review: Eyeko 3 in 1 Cream

Product Blurb: Create a flawless base with Eyeko's 3-in-1 Cream MOISTURISER, HIGHLIGHTER & EYE CREAM in 1!

Infused with skin perfecting light reflectors and antioxidant Vitamins A& E plus a Vitamin C boost for a radiant, clear complexion.

Eyeko says: "To get that A-list glow skip foundation and use Eyeko Cream all over focusing on the eye and cheek area for lit from within skin."

CELEBRITY FAVE As Seen In OK Magazine Issue 365: The cute packaging of this glistening moisturiser is just one reason to fall in love with this great lotion. Kylie has great skin anyway, but a layer of this cream will add a bit of lustre."

Price: £5.00 (approx. $8 USD)

Available at: eyeko.com -- Enter Code: E122 for a free gift

Overall Rating: 4 out 5












Quick Rundown

PROS

• gives a nice, quick, easy glow
• it's a nice sheen and not glitter on your face
• softens the look of your face
• illuminates your face
• can double as a face primer
• makes blush last a little longer and apply easier
  

CONS

• cream is in a tub, can be unsanitary
• no SPF
• over application of the cream can leave a white cast

Thoughts?: I've always been curious with Eyeko cream. The pink tub with a cute anime character was enough to attract my attention, not to mention the good stuff I've heard about has piqued my interest.

Ever since I've purchased this cream, I can't leave my house without it! I'm always usually short in time in the morning when I'm getting ready for work. This cream just helps brighten my dull face in the morning. Just a dab of it on my cheeks and the bridge of my nose and I look more awake already as oppose to looking like a zombie. It gives that healthy looking glow.

The texture of the cream is mousse-like. It feels sorta like those marshmallow cream in a jar, so it's very light but a little goes a long way. It also absorbed pretty well on my combo skin, and so far it hasn't broken me out after some weeks use already. By just looking at the jar you can tell that it has some shimmering particles in it, but it doesn't make you look like a disco ball even if its used during the daytime (just as long as you don't smother the thing on your face). I also love how it softens the look on my face.

I don't really use primers on my face, and this is as close as what I use to a face primer. I did notice that my blush was easier to apply on my cheeks especially my MAC blushes. Sometimes my MAC blushes tend to go on blotchy on my cheeks, but with the Eyeko cream it went on evenly and was easier to blend.

A few things about it that I didn't like were the fact that it doesn't have SPF on it and it comes in a tub which is a bit unsanitary to use. I also noticed that if you put too much of this cream, it will leave a white cast on your face especially in pictures.

Final Verdict: I really like this cream. I can't leave my house without this. I really don't wear foundation at all, but this cream makes my skin a healthy glow when I'm out and about. Just a dab on cheeks, chin, and the bridge of my nose and I'm good to go.

Tidbit: I suggest to get any Eyeko products at eyeko.com. I know Cherry Culture carries them as well, but the prices for the Eyeko products are jacked up. Most of the products on Eyeko Beauty are £5.00 which approx. coverts to $8 USD (depending on the currency exchange rate) and they also offer free international shipping!! And to make the deal even sweeter if you enter the code E122, they'll include a free gift with your purchase!! YAY!

MAC Hello Kitty Collection -- February 12, 2009

And it's finally here... the collaboration that we've been (or at least most of us) waiting for to happen, MAC and Hello Kitty Collection releasing next year February 12, 2009 (March 2009 for the International peeps).

So is this going to be bigger than the Barbie release? Will it have better packaging than this year's Spring collection, MAC for Fafi? We can only hope so!

Here are some images that we can expect for this collection:







The collection will have two lines: one regular color collection, and a higher-end and couture line.

Here's a brief rundown of what to expect and a summary of the article from WWD. To read the whole article, click here.

Hello Kitty Color Collection

LIPS

6 lipsticks ($14)

6 lipglass ($14)

2 tinted lip conditioner ($14.50)

EYES

2 palettes ($38) -- Lucky Tom Quad: violet-blue, brown, gold, and pink coral shades; Too Dolly Quad: mint, blue-silver, pale pink, and magenta shades

2 pigments ($19.50)

2 reflects glitter ($17.50) -- blue and pink

4 glitter eyeliners ($16.50)

black mascara ($12)

false eyelashes ($12)

FACE

2 beauty powders ($22) -- a coral, poppy colored and hot pink blush

3 nail polish ($11)

Hello Kitty Kouture

2 Dazzleglasses ($28) -- with reusable silver chain pendant encrusted with Swarovski crystals

3 Sheer Mystery Powder ($90) -- silver compact with Swarovski crystals; Available only in MAC Stores and maccosmetics.com

(Available at MAC stores, maccosmetics.com, and Nordstrom only)

Plush doll ($42)

3 brush collection ($49.50)

(Available at MAC stores and maccosmetics.com)

mirror ($22)

beaded bracelet ($34)

(Exclusive for maccosmetics.com)

tote ($45)

soft vanity ($55)

I know most the Hello Kitty fans out there are squealing for joy. As a once Hello Kitty fanatic, I can't wait to see what this collection has to offer. Are we excited or what? What do you think of the collection so far? Will you be one of the people buying the whole collection?

FYI: maccosmetics.com will open up a waiting list on Jan. 7 for these items.

Credit: WWD and Temptalia.com

And Here's a Public Announcement...

Holaaa muchachas!

Anyway, if you've been following me on Twitter, this might be old news to you!

I'm going back to visit the Motherland (Philippines) this Christmas. It was so unexpected and last minute that the fam just decided to go like few days ago. So you know what that means, extremely expensive plane tickets!! I hatee traveling during peak season for that reason!

I mean I've been wanting to go for awhile, but not really at this timing since the economy is down in the dumps right now, but we have to since my gramps is really sick. He's been in the hospital for sometime now, and my Lola (grandma) had asked us if we can spend the holidays over there ... just in case *knocks on wood*. But it's been two years since I was last there, and I can't wait to see my old childhood friends and of course the fam bams and spend REAL Christmas (unlike here in the States where it's just not the same, with or without snow).

Anyway, as of right now my flight from LAX to Manila is on December 21st. The date might change by Monday though. I'll be there until December 29th. I'll be hitting up Manila for sure and it's not complete without doing so.

So anyway, for my Filipino(a) readers, what do you think I should pick up while I'm there, makeup wise? What stores to go to, spots to hit up, and places to eat? Nightlife? Shopping? I've been to Club Jaipur, and it seems like a popular spot for people from the States vacationing for the holidays. It feels like home!

Even though we're going home for a sad reason, I'm actually pretty stoked that I'm going to visit home again. And for the Filipino(a) readers, I would love to meet ya'll. So let me know if any of you are interested in having a Pow Wow there :D! Might be a tad difficult though, but we'll work something out!

Product Review: ROHTO Mentholatum Acnes Gel

Product Blurb: ROHTO Mentholatum Acnes Gel is a medicated type face gel that helps protect your skin from acne. Contains Vitamin E and B6 protect your skin from dead skin and dryness. Contains glycyrrhizin acid and resorcinol extract for protect your skin from burning and tanning.

Size:18g

Directions: 1. Apply good amount into finger and foam onto acne.

Price: $19.99

Available at: Ohayo Store and Ohayo.com

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5





Quick Rundown

PROS:

reduces the size of the pimple within the first use

doesn't sting, burn, or any adverse effects

OK to use during the day (doesn't leave a white cast after
blending)

CONS:

has that sulfuric smell

not readily available (if you're not from Japan)

a bit pricey for a tube

Thoughts? This is definitely my pimple arsenal. I recently picked this up when I made a trip to Ohayo store in Puente Hills (Buy it here!). Although I don't breakout as much as I did before, I still get occassional pimples here and there (mostly on my forehead). And when I get them, they come in massive sizes and they hurt! Sometimes they linger around for weeks, just because I let them be meaning I don't touch, pop, or put anything on it.

I was a bit skeptical when I first bought this though. First of all, I don't understand a lick of Japanese as mentioned in my previous post, so like any other acne cream that comes in a small tube, I simply just used it as a spot treatment. I'm not sure why the Ohayo website says that it foams when it clearly isn't meant to be a face wash (at least I don't think it does).

Anyway, so I applied this at night before I went to sleep (minus the Ly-na cream). And the morning I woke up, I noticed that the size of my pimple have been reduced to a significant size. The pimple wasn't in-your-face-waving-hello type of thing. I also noticed it also reduced the redness of the pimple.

By my third use, my pimple is no longer hanging out on my face. It also didn't leave a nasty scar (granted I didn't pick on it as well) by the time it went bye bye.

I also like how the cream doesn't sting at all. I noticed that most spot treatments have that burning sensation once it gets contact with your skin. I also didn't experience any peeling or flakiness where I've applied the cream while using it.

The only thing I don't like about this product is the smell (it's always gotta be the smell). You can definitely smell sulfur in it. So if you're allergic to sulfur, I probably wouldn't recommend this. The smell does linger even though the cream applies clearly on your face. So if the smell does really bother you, I suggest to just use it at night.

This cream is also a bit pricey for a small tube. It's $20 a pop although you only need a little cream just to cover the pimple. So depending on how often you get your breakouts will determine how long this product will last you. It's also hard to locate this in a store. You'll probably get a better luck just buying it online. Although I'm not too sure if this might be available at Marukai or Mitsuwa.

Final Verdict: Overall, I love this product despite of its sulfuric smell. It's gentle enough for me that it doesn't cause a burning sensation when I apply the cream, and I definitely saw results after the first use. But please, don't expect a miracle that it'll vanish your pimple right on the spot, because it wouldn't. The results are gradual, but it definitely shortened the time of the pimples' presence on my face.

Tutorial: LORAC Brown Eyes

Since I've gotten my LORAC Croc-Case Palette, I've been kinda experimenting with the combinations that I can come out with it. Although I've mentioned that some of the eyeshadows are a bit chalky, my only gripe about it are the fallouts. Other than that, it's pretty awesome. I like how it can create a light look yet the colors are buildable to transform it to a night look.

Anyway, here's a tutorial to create a golden brown look with this palette.

I've labeled the palette which color went to which part of the lid for reference.









Step 1: Apply MAC Shadestick in Beige-ing on your lids as your base.





Step 2: With an angled eyeshadow brush, apply the lid color (golden color; 1st row, 2nd column), all over the lid stopping at the crease.





Step 3: Using the same brush, apply the outer lid color (bronzey brown; 1st row, 3d column).





Step 4: Blend the two eyeshadow colors and any harshlines on the crease with a soft windshield wiping motion.



Step 5: Take a smaller eyeshadow brush and apply the outer V and crease color (chocolate brown; 1st row, 4th column) by outlining your outer-v first (this will be your guide).





Step 6: Blend the outline inwards to fill in the outline and to blend it outer lid color. Don't forget to blend any harsh lines on the crease.





Step 7: Using a fluffy brush, apply your highlight color (1st row, 1st column) on your browbone.





Step 8: Line your upper-lashline with a brown eyeliner.





Step 9: Apply mascara and line your waterline with a brown pencil liner.



And you're done!







More pictures of the whole look...









For my future post, I'm planning on doing a night time look still strictly using the eyeshadows in this palette.

Product Review and Swatches: LORAC Croc-Case Full Face Collection Palette (Sephora Exclusive)

Product Blurb: LORAC Croc Case - Full Face Collection is packed with all the products you need to capture the spotlight this season. Armed with an arsenal of shimmering eyeshadows, highlighters, bronzers, and lip glosses, you'll be able to create enough gorgeous looks to match your every mood. The luxurious Croc makeup case can be used strictly for beauty business or as a party-perfect clutch for a night on the town.

This Sephora-exclusive, limited-edition collection includes:
- Sixteen Eyeshadows
- A Highlighter
- Bronzer
- Two Blushes
- Three Lip Glosses

(source: Sephora.com)

Price: $56

Available at: Sephora and Sephora.com

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5


Product Images

With Flash





Without Flash





Size comparison

Swatches

Eyeshadows
(Row 1, top)

(Row 2)

(Row 3)

(Row 4, bottom)

Blushes

Lip Glosses

What I Like About it: This palette has everything in it. Sixteen eyeshadows, four blushes, and three lipglosses that compliment each other to create any looks whether it be for day or night. It's a pretty good palette to stow away for those quick weekend getaway that doesn't really require you to bring your whole traincase with you.

The eyeshadows have a pretty decent and buildable pigmentation. The eyeshadow colors are pretty flexible to mix and match with anything on the palette that'll appropriate for any occasion. If you're looking into getting the NARS Bohemian Gold, the colors on the first row (second and third swatches from the left) are pretty close and good dupes for it although it's not as vibrant as the NARS eyeshadows. The eyeshadows also blends pretty well as far as I am concerned.

I love the blushes in this palette. The colors are buildable but they apply really nicely on your cheeks. I also like how the palette comes with a highlighter. The blushes give you that nice glow on your apples of your cheeks and it's not blotchy when it comes to application. I also noticed that the color lasted much longer compared to my other blushes.

As far as the lipglosses go, I love how they came in tubes instead of a palette form. It makes it easier just to take the lipgloss instead of the whole palette. If the gloss came in a palette form, I probably wouldn't have picked this up just because I hate glosses or lipsticks that are in palette form. I just don't like using a separate lip brush or using my finger to apply lip color. The lipgloss tubes also has brush applicators which makes it even better! All glosses should have brush applicators, period. Brush applicators just makes it easier and makes application more even on your lips. The lipgloss was also not sticky like MAC lipglosses which I found really surprising.

What I don't like about it: Some of the eyeshadows are a bit chalky. I did experience some fall outs on my face because of this. The eyeshadows are not as pigmented as the Urban Decay eyeshadows in the Book of Shadows palette. It's not necessarily all that bad since the colors are buildable and it gives you room to go for a lighter look. The eyeshadows has some glitters on it, but they're not so chunky and there's not much on one eyeshadow.

And for the lipglosses, don't expect good pigmentation on these because they're pretty sheer. You kinda have to layer them if you want the colors to show.

The palette is also only secured by magnets, so it'll be better to keep them in the case it came with to secure the palette not opening in your bag or luggage just to avoid any accidents with it.

Final Thoughts: Overall, I actually like this palette. First of all, I really like it's packaging and how it's also comes with a case which has enough room to probably pack some other makeup essentials. It has a pretty good selection of eyeshadows and blushes and the lipgloss comes in a tube form with brush applicators. I'm definitely bringing this to Vegas for our mini getaway this Thanksgiving weekend. Just throw it in your luggage and you're good to go with what you'll need for the weekend. It also makes a good gift for this holiday season!

And here's one of the many looks I'll be doing using this palette.

Eyeshadows: Row 3, 2nd e/s (inner lid), Row 3, 4th e/s (outer V and crease), Row 1, 1st e/s as highlight

Blush: Highlight color (1st) and the 2nd blush from the left.

Lip color: First lipgloss

I'm gloooowing!

PROS:
* palette has everything you need
* creates day or night looks
* lipglosses that come in tube form as opposed to palette form
* lipgloss has brush applicators
* cute case, cute palette
* blushes have good lasting powers, and no blotchy application

CONS:
* some eyeshadows tend to be chalky that can cause fallouts on your face
* may not be a good palette for those who want vibrant and bold colors
* lipgloss colors are sheer
* eyeshadows has some glitter
* palette secured with magnets only.

*I didn't use any foundation, just like in my other looks unless stated otherwise.