I am actually looking into getting a new mascara. I just couldn’t settle on which one to get just yet. It doesn’t help that much that I’ve come across this IMJU Fiberwig Tiny Sniper. It looks real promising!

Tiny Sniper is the same formula as the Fiberwig top-selling mascara in Japan – beating the competition with remarkable, “false eyelash-like” results. Never miss a lash with Imju Fiberwig Tiny Sniper lengthening mascara. Get a fuller look and extreme reach by catching short, thin, and hard-to-reach corner and lower lashes. Tiny Sniper has a specially designed brush, with its ultra-fine angled head and an easy-to-hold grip, to make precise application a breeze.

One of the things that’s going to be pretty big this year in the beauty department is the focus on eye lashes. From makeup that achieves full, lush lashes to wearing of falsies. I wish I have naturally gorgeous long eye lashes but I don’t so I need all the help I can get!

I’m thinking it’s good to have a decent tube to achieve the long, lush lash for everyday and reserve the falsies for special occasions. What do you think?

More on IMJU and Fiberwig

Imju is one of the leading cosmetic brands in Japan, known for creating innovative products. Their latest innovation, Fiberwig Mascara represents Imju’s superior quality and hi-tech approach to cosmetics; a mascara that replicates the illusion of false eyelashes.

Image: sephora.com

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Shu Uemura
Pressed Eye Shadow

Empowered Eyes: Intense Colors. Various Effects. Single eye shadows with light-capturing powders in 4 different lasting effects.

- Micro-fine powders: 2 different shapes adhere firmly to skin for an even, long-lasting finish
- Silicone-coated powder: results in truest color pay-off and a non-fading finish
- Light capturing powders: absorb and reflect light for a multi-dimensional finish
- Apply sheer or layer for intensity. May be used as eye liner with dampened eye liner brush

4 powders in 4 finishes: Matte (M), Pearl (P), Iridescent (IR) and Metallic (ME).

I got Shu Uemura’s ME Green 450 Pressed Eye Shadow. The ME means the eye shadow is metallic. Apart from it being a favourite colour, it’s still one of the colours I love in eye makeup, next are the Taupe/Brown hues.

I’ve only tried it once and I had little time to really try it out properly but I’m already impressed with its staying power. Definitely NOT chalky or powder-y. I even thought it was a cream to powder sort when I was at the Shu counter, that’s how fine I found the powder is.

I’m impressed that I only need a little to come out with a decent layer and if I go for several, I get this really smokey and sultry green that I LOVE! So far, I’m pretty happy with the purchase. I’m even looking into getting it in more shades now.

I’ll try to take a photo and do an FOTD one of these days. Meanwhile, have any of you beauties tried Shu’s eye makeup? Perhaps you can recommend other shades? Right now, I’m looking into getting ME 850 and ME 300.

Image: shuuemura-usa.com

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However.

I finally gave in and tuned my shopping prowess in the beauty department when I reached Singapore. I was determined to buy some makeup. I had originally planned to simply get me an eye shadow palette but I just couldn’t settle on a particular combination which will both suit my taste and budget (hey, my wallet does have its limits!). So, while trying to makeup my mind, I decided to shop around. That’s when I stumbled upon a MAC counter.

I toyed with the idea of getting one from the Monogram collection, I find them heavy I tell ‘ya! But if buying for the sake of buying from the latest MAC makeup collection is the only reason then I thought it’s definitely not worth it. Esp since I particularly love the blush and nothing else. I guess it’s just not something I had in mind. I’m looking to try to put together a certain look, you see.

In brief, I fell in love with the nude lips and I’ve been experimenting on how to get that look without sacrificing my love for dewy, creamy texture and glossy sheen. I firmly believed that if I had the right sort of makeup, I’d have a blast with it! This brings us to my latest MAC loot (naturally, both are lip makeup): MAC Lipstick Modesty and MAC LustreGlass Beaux.

The MAC Lipstick Modesty is a muted neutral pink; cremesheen. I love creamy lipsticks. It easily glides over your lips, creating a soft, supple texture. Modesty on me makes a good nude hue without totally losing the “healthy” look over-all. You know how, sometimes, you’d end up looking deathly pale if you decide to go for the nude lips? Not like that, at all. Which is awesome (and why I bought it, HAHA!). This look is a huge contrast to the red lips trend, yea?

MAC Lipstick

Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous.

While the MAC LustreGlass Beaux is a lustre warm beige brown.

MAC LustreGlass

Two high-powered effects – Lustre and Glass – in one new lip finish. This amazing ornamental finish shines the lips with hi-shine overlaid with various tones of pearlized glaze. Beyond sexy. Transcends all known shine.

I’m particularly fond of lip makeup and a soft spot for glosses. I’ve been fascinated with the MAC LipGlass for as long as I can remember them having that line but I’ve never gotten around to choosing from the sheer number of shades available. I guess venturing into the world of LustreGlass will, hopefully, bring the same satisfaction.

Yes, I’ve been sporting the nude lips since I bought these babies (translation: yesterday in Singapore, right from that makeup counter where I tested it). It works well with the other beauty (more on this later) I brought back to Manila.

I’ll try to post a lip photo or FOTD one of these days to show off my nude lips courtesy of MAC. Meanwhile, share your own latest makeup look preference! Did any beauty shopping lately? What did you get?

Images: maccosmetics.com

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I’m currently enjoying a British Vogue back issue (December 2008) whilst en route to Singapore (from Australia). Actually, I bought the copy a couple of days back in a newsagent down at Westfield and I’ve been so unabashedly gaping at all the fashion editorials in it. Well worth every dollar I spent on it.

Of course, the beauty section (and details pertaining to the subject found in every nook and cranny of the glossy) has captured my special attention too.

I’ve been asked before on how I learned to apply makeup. A part of the process of learning is looking at photographs. Everything I know about makeup application is self-taught, picking up tips and techniques along the way. Anyway, that’s why I’ve been admiring Vogue Beauty. If you look at the photo (of a couple pages on the matter), you’ll understand why I’m fussing over it.

Photo © 2009 Sasha Manuel

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Layer 1 – Concealer + Layer 2 – Powder + Layer 3 – Concealer + Layer 4 – Lip Liner (then fill it in) + Layer 5 – Powder + Layer 6 – Lip Liner (then fill it in)

Whew.

The finish it very solid and matte. But I’m sure it won’t be a problem if you add a little gloss onto it but I don’t know if the gloss stay on longer. But it’s just an idea — making it a 7-Layer Lip Makeup Technique!

She swears that this makeup technique assures her that the lip makeup will stay on regardless of how much you’ve eaten, drank, etc. Makeup’s still intact! I have to admit that I was impressed cuz I saw it myself. She had her lip makup on since that morning and I met her around 7-ish and it looks that she just had a retouch! Fantastic!

I’ll try to do an FOTD, trying this technique out. Yes, I still have to see it for myself, too! I want to know if it’ll really work and stay on for hours.

What about you folks? Do you have any makeup technique that you think is unique to you? Perhaps you have your own special way of keeping your lipstick on for hours. Would you like to share?

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Though I only have a combination skin, somewhat normal to most Asian standards, I can’t help but put importance to skincare esp the face. It’s bad enough that it’s often exposed to harmful elements, can you imagine the stress of applying makeup on it AND removing it? Poor skin. Sniff.

In one of my visits to Sephora this week, just checking out what’s new and such (who doesn’t know Spehora here???), I came across this skincare product from Bare Escentual in the latest arrivals section.

Bare Escentuals
RareMinerals Purely Nourishing Facial Moisturizer

Bare Escentuals RareMinerals™ Purely Nourishing Facial Moisturizer is clinically proven to optimize your skin’s ability to absorb and retain moisture for plumper, firmer, brighter, and healthier-looking skin. The patent-pending, 100% pure RareMinerals Complex uses its unique electrolyte delivery system in combination with an exotic Resurrection Plant Extract to deeply nourish and hydrate skin. Also, the rich, yet lightweight texture provides an optimal level of moisture, minus the greasy, heavy feel.

I reckon it can be a good candidate for a facial moisturiser esp since Bare Escentuals do have a pretty decent mineral makeup line. I’m actually curious on how this will perform. I’m guessing it’ll work well with mineral makeup. It’s one of my concerns in terms of using mineral makeup you see. Application can be difficult if the moisturiser used is too rich. It takes me longer before I finish applying the makeup. Not good for days wherein I’m in a rush.

RareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer, $32.

Image: Sephora.com

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I can’t say I know a lot about the procedure but with what I’ve gathered it’s somewhat like using a spraying equipment, like an airbrush, to apply a certain formula that will aid in the tanning process. She said that it (the formula) usually lasts five (5) days. So basically you really don’t have to spend massive amounts of time bathing under the sun since this formula will work on its own to give you that tan.

I thought it’s a pretty nifty idea. I mean, you don’t have to disrupt your schedule so you can squeeze in some tanning time. PLUS you don’t have to expose your skin to the sun’s rays (harmful and what not) in lengthy periods.

I guess the main concern about this sort of procedure is the cost. Since it only lasts 5 days, you can’t be sure if your skin has reached the tan you desire. You may have to go through it more than once just to achieve the perfect tan.

This brings me to ask — have any of you heard of the spray-on tanning procedure? If yes, have you tried it yourself? How was your experience?

Anyway, I’m looking to catch up with her again one of this days. I’m hoping to learn more about this esp since she had mentioned that they’re actually looking into perfecting their formula to extend the efficacy period and has been looking into using Coconut oil. Good choice, me thinks. I hope this works out for them.

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And then I come across this interesting lipstick from Korres, the Guava Lipstick.

Korres
Guava Lipstick

Korres Guava Lipstick is an extended-wear lipstick that pairs rich pigments with a silky, moisturizing formula. The lips are intensely conditioned with guava extract that offers both a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidant protection. Make your lips pop with luminous color that is good for them, too.

What’s interesting is that it never occurred to me that you can actually use Guava for makeup. I guess my orientation with this plant is on its medicinal attribute as relayed in a previous post on using Guava for skincare. I guess that’s it. Skincare. I’d only expect it to be used for skincare products and not makeup. However, more and more beauty brands are incorporating skincare into their makeup to cater to women who are mindful of their skin (and not just ones with sensitive skin).

Anyway, the lipstick highlights what it is formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, and Phthalates. Don’t ask me what those are. I really have no clue. At this point in time, my needs aren’t strong enough to bother doing the research. At least, not yet. But if you folks would love to know more, let me know I’ll try to squeeze some research time in my schedule. That’s to show how much I love you Beauty Bento Box readers. Hehe.

Going back, I can’t help but wonder how this will taste like. It’s a different thing if we’re just talking about body butters or boiled water, these things don’t reach your taste buds. But this is a lipstick. Surely you’ll get a taste one way or the other. I hope it won’t taste like you’ve just eaten a leaf (which is totally different if we’re talking about eating green vegetables). We don’t exactly have salads with Guava leaves in them, yes? I guess that’s one of the concerns. Another is, of course, its efficacy.

So this brings me to ask, any of you folks ever tried this lipstick? I’d appreciate any sort of feedback. I’d love to know more about this Guava Lipstick from Korres.

Available in the following shades: 13 Natural Pink (warm neutral pink), 17 Pink (rosy pink), 25 Natural Purple (soft plum), 27 Mauve (vibrant berry), 34 Nude (light pink beige), 43 Orange Brown (deep muted peach), 55 Red (bright cherry red), and 58 Wine Red (burgundy wine).

Guava Lipstick, $22.

Image: sephora.com

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Ole Henriksen
African Red Tea Exfoliating Lip Salvation

Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Exfoliating Lip Salvation moisturizes, nourishes, and revitalizes the lips. This luxurious emollient is infused with antioxidant-rich red tea that delivers powerful protection, and conditioning extracts that replenish your pout, creating healthy, soft results.

This emollient is a mighty good idea, me thinks. I’ve actually considered getting a locally- (Australia) made lip moisturiser but decided against it for fear of what I might get into. That’s my reservations in terms of experimenting with beauty resurfacing. Gah.

Anyway, this product actually highlighted what it does NOT contain: Petrolatum, Parabens, Synthetic Dye, Synthetic Fragrance, and Sulfates. I guess it’s working towards a more organic and natural way of lip care.

African Red Tea Exfoliating Lip Salvation, $15.

Red Tea
It’s reported that Red tea contains a higher level of antioxidants compared to Green or Black tea. It’s also rich in minerals (such as iron, calcium, copper, and magnesium) and has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties. Cool, yes? It’s also said that it heals skin irritations and promotes smooth skin. Good stuff.

This moves me to ask you folks regarding your own personal preferences in terms of lip care. What sort of products do you use to take care of your lips? How do you care for them?

Image: sephora.com

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Fresh Soy Face Cream is a beauty ritual must-have for all skin types. This Sephora-exclusive complexion essential is enriched with natural protective soy proteins, restorative rose water, soothing cucumber extract, nourishing meadowfoam, and jojoba seed oils that work together to provide moisture and promote collagen synthesis. It hydrates and renews the skin, creating supple, healthy, firm, radiant results.

After two days of hot weather, my skin took a beating since it’s not really used to temperature hitting the highs of 40s. Hot and cold, literally. It actually had a shock when it experienced lows of around 12-14 (usually at night) and milder temps around 20-24 PLUS all the wind! My skin is dry as the weather! Gah.

One of the skincare must-have (day and night) is a moisturiser. Looking at this face cream from Fresh reminds me of other facial moisturiser options out there. Knowing that this one contains jojoba seed oils is a great thing since I know this is one ingredient that my skin will benefit from.

Soy Face Cream, $42.

What about you? What sort of ingredient do you look for in your moisturiser?

P.S. If you don’t moisturise, please start doing so NOW. Nevermind if you live in a country where it’s usually warm and sticky. You’ll thank us later. Seriously!

Image: sephora.com

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