BathandBodyWorks.com

If you stop by Bath & Body Works – any one of their stores!– this weekend, you will receive a free lip item (up to a $7.50 value) with any purchase! Doesn’t matter what you buy!

You can’t take advantage of this offer online, sadly, but just print and redeem this printable coupon any time before 8/30. How fabulous is that???

Personally, I’d make my free item the Liplicious Pomegranate/Brown Sugar Lip Color and Sugar Scrub - it’s normally $12, but is currently on sale for $4 – which means it falls into the free item limit!

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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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C (Creamy) melts with the lips’ temperature, retaining an abundant amount of moisture and bringing a moist luster that was previously possible with lip gloss only. It instantly covers your lips with a hydrating veil, keeping them plump and succulent for hours. A faint scent of cassis has been added to enhance the sensual qualities of this lipstick, awaken your senses, and make you feel more feminine.

A mixture of gladness and frustration filled me when I discovered the existence of this beauty. Teh boyfriend’s cousin J excitedly told me about this fabulous lipstick that she’s currently using. She, too, had only discovered RMK when she went to a salon to have her make up done. The makeup artist used this particular product on her. She loved it and quickly asked where she can possibly get one. Hence, my frustration cuz she told me she had someone, who was in Hong Kong, buy her one. The heartbreak!

J invited me to try it so I’d tell the difference. I first noticed how elegant the packaging was. I loved the simplicity of the “steel” casing and the small etching of the brand on one side. Application can be likened to applying lip balms or glosses cuz the creamy stick easily glided over the lips. I love the shade that J has, soft beige 13. It’s somewhat nude-ish and it has shimmer.

As far as I know, RMK hasn’t introduced new collections. I’ll try to look around more if there any developments. I’ll make sure to update you guys.

RMK is only available in the following locations:

UK – London, Manchester and Scotland

Hong Kong – Causeway Bay, Kowloon and New Territories

Macau – Macau

Taiwan – Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung

Korea – Seoul and KyungkiDo

Thailand – Bangkok

Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur

So, now, all I have to do is either go to these places to buy it OR find someone who’s there to buy it for me!

Incidentally, if any of you have tried the brand, do share your experiences! I’d love to hear it!

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BareNaturals offers us a great option to achieve both colour and lipcare.

How? BareNaturals Liptint and Lipgloss contain Squalene, an Olive Oil extract.

According to Wikipedia, Squalene is used in cosmetics as a natural moisturizer. It penetrates the skin quickly, does not leave a greasy feeling on the skin and blends well with other oils and vitamins.

“Squalene penetrates the skin quickly, does not leave a greasy feeling on the skin and blends well with other oils and vitamins. It is an anti-oxidant, prevent premature aging. Squalene is found abundantly in human skin and is considered the skin’s natural antioxidant. It effectively combats free radicals induced by UV rays of the sun. It thereby makes the skin healthier, radiant and younger-looking.”

For all you beauty aficionados in Manila, it’s available at CookayShop for only Php 175.00 per tube.

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Rogue Unlimited Red Collection
Shu Uemura

Inspired by the power of red – the traditional symbol of Asian beauty that symbolizes passion, love, and femininity – shu uemura has created a new range of complexion-flattering red shades. Each one of these exclusive shades is designed to enhance every woman’s unique beauty. Featuring RD165, a true, neutral red shade suitable for every woman.

* Exclusive hybrid pigments – vivid and pure shades un-replicated by others
* High color fidelity – truest color payoff
* Rich texture, ultra-smooth application
* Contains Depsea water- enriched with nutrients and minerals to soften lips
* Ceramide shield – 8-hour moisture comfort

I love red but I’ve never dared try it on my lips. I consider my skin tone too dark but this particular lip stick actually promises to be suitable even for me. Now, there’s a thought. Why don’t we all make a splash this coming year by wearing seductive red lips. Very vintage look, me thinks.

I’ll let you know if I decide to feature it on my Eastern Experiments. Ha. I wonder how that look will turn out. Curious.

Available at shu uemura USA

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Among the beauty goodies I hauled out of Beauty Bar, it’s this lil’ one that’s become my object of desire.

‘Totally Delicious’, it said. ‘Look Good, Feel Good and Taste Good’, it said. ‘Marble Cake’, it said. Dear me. It even smells yummy! Who wouldn’t weaken to such temptation? Oh, yes. We’re still talking about a beauty goodie here. It’s Totally Delicious by Prestige in Marble Cake, a line of scented Lip Gloss. Other variants include: Lemon Meringue, Vanilla Almond and Strawberries & Cream.

The soft balm is swirled with a tinge of pearly colour, which you can see on the photo makes it look like some dessert. It’s in a slim compact that will easily fit in your purse, making it travel friendly!

I’m so wishing I’ve got enough prezzies to go around so I can keep this to myself.

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Here’s a glimpse of my recent look last Tuesday night when I went to a Christmas party. It’s not much but I’m hoping to more bold at every opportunity. Baby steps, please.

What I used:

Face
Tea Tree Oil Tube Concealer #02, The Body Shop
Claire Foundation, Monave
Satin Sun Illuminizer, Valerie

Eyes
Shimmer Waves, The Body Shop
Hypnotic (MMU)
Eye Definer in Taupe, The Body Shop
Volum Express Mascara in Brownish Black, Maybelline

Cheek
Brush-On Beads, The Body Shop
Cheek Colour, The Body Shop
Winter Muave Blush (MMU)

Lips
189 Pure Eden, Estee Lauder
Pink Afterglow, Revlon

Thank god my DSLR cooperated and I was able to take a self-portrait. Also, let’s all welcome the Eastern Experiments series, which will showcase makeup application, product sampling or any beauty-related escapades.

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A Touch of Blusher
Finally Got It! SUQQU Sanzekan Eau de Toilette

Aging Fabulous
The Top 50 Best Selling Anti-Aging Skincare Treatments.

Beauty Gizmo
Coastalscents Refillable Powder Dispensing Pump Brush

Beauty is Within
Beauty Product Review: Swisa Sensation Spa Dead Sea Facial Peel

Beautynomics
Body Shop Introduces New Body Butter Variant : Chestnut!

Beauty Snob
Fraiche Soaps and Bath Swizzles

eBeautyDaily
Are You a Buxom Babe?

Makeup Minute
The Body Shop Flawless Skin Protecting Concealer & Foundation
Chocolate Fix: Mode Cosmetics Mineral Powder Foundation

Pretty by Nature
Not Just for Sandwiches

Self-Styled
BATH TIME!

Shades of U – A Beauty Blog
Silk Naturals Perfect Harmony Foundation: Joining the Bandwagon

Spa Beautifully
Quick Home Pedicure: How To

Temptalia
Celeb-a-Like – Jessica Alba’s Makeup in Neutral and Bronze
Origins Organics – Launch of Eco-Friendly Beauty

The Mineral Makeup Blog
Aromaleigh Holiday Mineral Gift Sets

The Scented Life
Perfume of the Day – Aqaba by Aqaba

It’s quite a list, eh? Well, I guarantee a good read and fab beauty finds in each link. I hope you have a good weekend ahead!

Stay beautiful, ladies!

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(1) Itabake, Large; (2) Itabake, Small;
(3) Yachiyo, Medium Pointed; (4) For craftsman, Lip brush, Medium

In my research about Geisha makeup, I stumbled upon this great site that offers authentic or traditional Japanese makeup brushes. Hakuhodo has made the availability of Japanese Asian beauty tools possible in the West.

I reckon since these makeup tools are still being used by Kabuki actors, makeup artists in Hollywood and us common folk for the very same reasons why they were made. Of course, they’re commonly used for the purposes of putting on Geisha-Maiko makeup, but it can also be used by stage actors or other performers for “costume”. I’m thinking, people who do mime or rock artists like Kiss will find this tool useful.

Materials used for the brush’s hair are either Goat or Kolinsky.

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Christina of eBeautyDaily had requested a more traditional approach, which I interpreted as finding an authentic set of makeup to create the Geisha look esp since there is that bit of a problem when it comes to the white face paint, a vital if not the most important part of the whole look.

Since I already briefly told you about the process that’s involved in the application, not to mention, the useful video included in the previous post, this time I’d like you to take a look at the Japanese makeup and tools you can use. Note that these are similar to or the actual makeup and tools used by Geiko (Geisha) or Kabuki actors.

Base and Prep

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Kabuki Abura

This is the oil undercoat for use with the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ Shiro-Nuri (Doran) face paint. It is softened in the hands and then rubbed over the entire face or other areas to prepare the skin for the white face makeup.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Ishineri Hair Wax

This is the stiff wax used to flatten out facial hair such as the eyebrows prior applying the Kabuki Abrua, exactly the same as ‘Taihaku’. It is softened between the fingers and rubbed over facial hair. After applying the complete Shiro-Nuri makeup over this, you may then draw new ones with Stage Liner or Lining Colour #1 Black & #4C Red.

White Makeup – Paint or Foundation for Face, Neck and Nape

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Kabuki Oshiroi

This is the Shiro-Nuri (Doran) white face paint. It is diluted in a dish of water and then painted on over the entire face, neck or other areas with a #60 Itahake, smoothing it out and removing excess water with a Sponge Pad. A 2nd coat is often applied to the upper part of the face after this adding ‘Tonoko’ Rouge.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Kona Oshiroi

It is applied with a soft pad over the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ (Doran) white face paint to soften and blend the makeup.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Tonoko Rouge

It is either dusted on with a #24 Naga-Itahake over the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ (Doran) white face paint or sometimes blended into a second coat of the Doran. It is used on the upper part of the face to soften the harsh white.

Japanese Kyoto ‘Maiko-han Oshiroi’ Compact & Brush Set

This one’s ideal for small re-touches since it’s suitable for travel.

Eye and Lip Makeup

Japanese Geisha Maiko Black Eyebrow & Red Lip Pencil Set

The black one is for drawing fine lines on the eyebrows and the red one for the outline on the lips.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Black Stage Liner

It is used over the completed Shiro-Nuri white face paint to do all the fine-line eye details.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Black Lining Colour

It is used with a pointed ‘Hake’ cosmetic brush to apply over the completed Shiro-Nuri white face paint to do all the eye and lip details.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Red Lining Colour

It is used with a pointed ‘Hake’ cosmetic brush to apply over the completed Shiro-Nuri white face paint to do all the eye and lip details. It is even used as lipstick.

Makeup Tools

Japanese Geisha Maiko ‘Itahake’ Cosmetic Brush 60

This traditional, hand-made ‘Itahake’ Brush is used for painting the face and other large areas with Kabuki Oshiroi (white face paint). It is made in the traditional way and is the exact one used by the Maiko and Geisha of Gion.

Japanese Geisha Maiko ‘Nagae Itahake’ Cosmetic Brush 25

This traditional, hand-made ‘Nagae-Itahake’ Brush is used for painting hard to reach areas – for example, the nape of the neck with Kabuki Oshiroi (white face paint). It is made in the traditional way and is the exact one used by the Maiko and Geisha of Gion.

Japanese Geisha Maiko ‘Yachiyo Hake’ Cosmetic Brush Medium

This traditional, hand-made ‘Yachiyo-Hake’ Brush is for dusting your cheeks and the area around the eyes with ‘Kona Oshiroi’ Face Powder. It is made in the traditional way and is the exact one used by the Maiko and Geisha of Gion.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Sponge Puff & Dish

This absorbent sponge puff and plastic dish are for mixing and applying the ‘Kabuki Oshiroi’ Shiro-Nuri (Doran) white face paint. The #60 Itahake brush is recommended for mixing and actually painting on the Doran but this pad is used to remove excess water and to smooth it over prior to applying the ‘Kona Oshiroi’ Face Powder.

Japanese Geisha Maiko SHIRO-NURI Pro Face Powder Puff

This soft acrylic Powder Puff is for dusting your cheeks and the area around the eyes with ‘Kona Oshiroi’ Face Powder.

Japanese Geisha Maiko Kyoto Lipstick Cosmetic Brush Medium

It is made of natural bristle and has a beautiful dark red & black lacquer stem with the characters ‘Tokusei’ or ‘Specially Made’ in gold. It measures 4½” (11 cm) in length and has a clear protective cover for the point. The is excellent for applying lipstick or for eye makeup details.

I’m somewhat certain that I got you all excited and are now wondering where you can actually get these makeup and tools. Well, bad news is that, as far as I know, there are no stores that offer them. Good news is that they’re available online. I’ve been searching and earlier I finally found them over at Hannari-Ya, an eBay power seller.

If you’re looking into trying out the Geisha look, Hannari-Ya also offers a Geisha or Kabuki Real Pro White Makeup Set for US$225. See the image below for product inclusions.

Disclaimer: Product labels were lifted from Hannari-Ya.

Geisha photo courtesy of TPOTY.

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