Beauty: 24/7 Must-Know Make Up Tips

Lucky me I'm beginning to find my HG makeup kits essentials which now include eye shadows! I've practiced on innocent victims like my sister and her co-workers, to my tita and my mom. I guess with makeup, it's a never-ending study and practice.



So, here are extensive and brand new makeup tips from Avon Color's Creative Consultant, makeup artist Lala Flores to help keep you looking fabulous from day-to-night. (read more below)

1. A working day

The situation: You wake up at 6 a.m., prepare for work, and do your usual 8-hour grind. You are in and out of meetings – with clients, suppliers, and your own office team. Your only time to put on makeup (or retouch it) is when you are in transit to your next meeting or in between 5-minute bathroom breaks. How can a woman-on-the-go like you pitch in time for full makeup coverage?

Lala says: We always want to put on a professional look no matter the kind of work we do. A light foundation, powder, blush, lipstick, one wash of eye color and mascara will help us look good the whole day no matter how hectic your schedule is. Stay away from very bold colors. Your usual everyday statement is you should look pretty and polished enough and ready to work. To stay fresh on your usual day, touch up with a powder and lipstick when needed.

Try this from Avon: Avon Ultra Moisture Rich Knockout Pink, Ideal Shade Dual Powder Foundation SPF 15 (choose your best shade suitable for your skin tone: Natural Beige, Pure Beige, Shell, Nude).

2. A relaxed weekend with friends
The situation: It’s a Saturday – the day you’ve been looking forward to. After a week of hard work, you decide to reward yourself by reconnecting with your friends, exchange stories over a cup of coffee and watching a movie you’ve been raring to see. The challenge is you want to look your best without overdoing your makeup.

Lala says: It is best to put on light powder to even out skin tone, a nice swirl of healthy looking blush on, mascara to open up eyes and lip gloss to add glow on your face. It may seem simple but it is a sure way to look made up without an explicit full coverage.

Try this from Avon: Your favorite Glazewear Lip Gloss shade, Ideal Shade Pressed Powder (choose your best shade suitable for your skin tone)

3. A romantic Friday night date
The situation: The guy you’ve been eyeing for months finally asked you out! You’ve been seeing him around the office for quite some time but tonight, you want to look different. You want to look sultry without being too sexy.

Lala says: You have to choose which one to accentuate -- your eyes or your lips. If you want to look pretty all night for your date, choose to accentuate your eyes. A good combination would be neutral shades of brown, eyeliner, and mascara to define the eyes without looking heavy. This would instantly make your eyes sparkle. Swirl on a neutral rose color blush on cheeks and a nude pink gloss. Night lighting is so tricky.

Try this from Avon: True Color Eyeshadow Quad - Sandy Corals, Glimmersticks Eye Liner Dark Brown, SuperCurl Mascara - Black

But if you’re pressed for time, Lala recommends to just skip putting on eyeshadow. Instead, put on 2-3 coats of mascara to keep your eyes open, swirl on a blush, and then choose a really nice lipstick shade in pinks or reds that compliment your skin tone. This is a typical dinner date makeup that works. Just make sure to check your lipstick if it is still intact after dinner. Touch up lipstick if needed.

Try this from Avon: SuperShock Mascara in Black, Smooth Minerals Lipstick in Pink Quartz, Smooth Mineral Blush in Golden Glow

Tried and Tested: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation

During the Robinsons Department Store's Beauty Fair, I got to try the liquid version of my HG mineral makeup. That is, Clear Smooth Minerals from Maybelline. I've always veered away from liquid foundation as past products I've tried make my face look literally dirty. I don't know why but most liquid types slip off of my face, as if mud is trickling down my skin. You get the idea.



When I tried this product for the first time, the makeup artist put mineral powder over it. The effect was a matte, clean, 95% flawless finish. Though I wanted to see if it can survive on its own, independent of a loose powder.

Sans a makeup artist, I tried Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation on a sunny day. The weather felt like hell but my face felt otherwise. The makeup feels light even in harsh locations, I was in an industrial shop on the side of a highway for 5 hours. It didn't slip off my skin and a gentle pat with facial tissue instantly resolves some oiliness.

I also observed how even when I wipe dust off my face, Clear Smooth Minerals liquid foundation stayed put. No traces of it left using a facial tissue. After my stint in a shop, I checked my face at home and I am impressed at how dependable this liquid foundation is. Never did I have to worry if my face was caking, cracking, or slipping off.

Now on whether it made my skin breakout, I discovered a blemish before going to bed but it quickly resided using my derma products :)



Definitely 5 stars for this product!

Shopping: Robinsons Department Store Beauty Fair @ Robinsons Midtown

Robinsons Department Store is having a Beauty Fair until February 28! Every weekend, there are crazy marked down items from our favorite brands like Maybelline, Revlon, L'oreal, and beauty products like Pond's.



I was just here and the beauty fair is the perfect venue to discover the season's hottest makeup hues. I couldn't resist but raid the Maybelline display and begged for an instant makeup lesson. Thank you very much to Thelma for letting me discover Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation (P299) and Maybelline's Eye and Lip Makeup remover (P199).



After my makeup session with Maybelline at Robinsons Department store. Now I am ready for lunch with the girls!



Products used on my face: Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid and Powder Foundation, Minerals Blush. Eyes: Maybelline Eye Studio Hyper Diamonds Glow and Hyper Diamonds Shadow, Volume Express Cat Eyes, Eyebrow Definist Powder.



20% off on Maybelline items every weekend of February. sweet! If you want to maximize and get the best out of your trip to Robinsons Department Store - you really have to ask for a makeover. Even other brands (like Revlon) offer this, just ask and come without any traces of makeup. This way, you get to test the products and don't end up with the wrong shade. You'd also walk away fully made up, for free!



I met up with my new friends Ava, Honey, and Ana to grab lunch after at Superbowl. Robinsons Midtown is great for girlie-girl day outs like this. Shopping on a sale, great ambiance, and lots of dining choices.



While munching, we were all gushing about the Maybelline x Hello Kitty Volume Express Cat Eyes. I was trying to introduce Tin to Revlon's Just Bitten but it was out of stock :( My schoolmate Carisse is also with us here.


Maybelline x Hello Kitty

I really want to go back on the next weekend. I want to have something like this in my room:



But I am currently researching on MAC because I can't believe I haven't tried it yet :)

Also check out their fashion section where Liberte is. They have the latest trends, like dresses in natural beige (this season's color?) for as low as Php 650 and the usual flattering tees. Happy shopping at Robinsons Department Store!

Who wants to get FIRED? Revlon Fire & Ice Relaunched after 60 years!

Revlon's Vintage Fire & Ice campaign 60 years ago

I don't mean being sacked from work silly! But Revlon is firing up the season with a lot of reds. I think most ladies need the extra fire to heat up a toxic lifestyle.

Actually I already got a Red nail polish with the vintage Revlon logo. In 1952, Revlon launched Fire & Ice, Revlon solidified its place as the beauty authority of that time.



Jessica Biel as inspired by the vintage Revlon poster 60 years ago

The iconic advertisement, including the provocative questionnaire asking women “Are You Made for Fire & Ice?” was hard to forget, and almost 60 years later still one of the most recognizable advertisements in Revlon’s rich history. The lipstick it featured, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice, remains a top-selling shade for Revlon to this day.



I confess how Revlon inspired me to wear red lipstick more often. I love the Just Bitten Lip Stain and cannot wait to try their Vintage Fire & Ice collection. To be out on February 2011 and that starts today!



Match your lipstick with your nail polish for a classic va-va-voom!

3 new shades in Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick with matching Revlon Nail Enamels: Siren, Temptress and Demure. Shades that pay homage to the classic colors that put Revlon at the forefront within the cosmetics realm.

Lala Flores and Angel Locsin team up for Avon Color Philippines

The three-braided cord of beauty is strengthened as three reputable names in the cosmetics industry gather to jump start the year with a youthful glow. Avon, the number 1 makeup brand in the Philippines, celebrates the beauty of Filipino women by launching another globally-competitive product and a set of beauty authorities whom women look up to.



Achieve Angel Locsin's immortal beauty with Avon Color

The country’s sought after actress in primetime television, Angel Locsin, is again brought forth as Avon Color Philippines’ Ambassador along with the introduction of an equally in-demand makeup artist of celebrities, Lala Flores, who steps onboard as Avon Color Creative Consultant.



Lala Flores is the new Avon Color Creative Consultant

“As the company for women, we continue to work hard and find ways to fulfill their beauty needs. We empower women in her totality, one of which is through the range of products we offer,” said Mari Ann Barsabal-Soliven, Southeast Asia Category Head for Avon Color and Personal Care. “We welcome 2011 by juxtaposing big names in the realm of beauty, thus showing why Avon is truly the leading makeup brand in the Philippines.”

Angel shares her delight by greeting the new year with much excitement over her renewed partnership with Avon. “Avon has been my beauty companion for almost half a decade. I am pleased, delighted and excited with the products that Avon will be introducing this year. What thrills me more is having my all-time favorite makeup artist, Lala, working with the Avon family on this,” said Angel.




I am not Angel Locsin but I am also excited for Avon Color's 2011 products. The new year must mean new lipstick colors for the Avon Ultra Moisture Rich Lipstick. My mom and I share this lipstick! :) Lala Flores says this is a kikay kit must-have. Don't have it yet? Call an Avon Lady at 8642900 or visit www.avon.com.ph to get in touch with an Avon Representative.

Tried and Tested: Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm

Highschool during my time - we were obsessed with lip and cheek stains that came in tiny tubes. We'd rub it on our cheeks and pretend it was a natural flush so we won't get disciplined. And what's great about stains are their natural look. No one can really tell unless you go overboard.

Every girl was gaga to get a "just bitten" and "just pinched" effect. I don't know how but I'd forgotten this cool trick with lip tints/stains until I bumped into another invention by Revlon.

"Vitamin enriched formula with Vitamin C for anti-oxidant protection. Color does not smudge or streak in 10 lightweight shades."



Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm

How to Use:

1. Apply marker directly to clean, dry lips
2. Build color and coverage as desired
3. After 30 seconds add extra shine and moisture by applying the balm

I got all 3 colors because they work like magic, as if I am naturally endowed with red or pink healthy 'just bitten'lips depending on the color I use. Unlike its predecessors, Revlon's Just Bitten Lip Stain comes in a form of a pen. Just swipe it on your lips and tada! Colour that lasts the whole day.

I use Gothic Red for serious days, and Passion for fun days. Yep.

On the other end of the product is a lip balm which should protect your lips from cracking. The balm is snot shiny nor sticky, which contributes to the just bitten effect.

I am amazed. No more re-applying lipstick for me or that obviously colored lips :) I started using lipstick this month after some consultations with other beauty bloggers. Now I am a convert, a lip colour is a good weapon.



I wonder though if we can use this as cheek tint as well? That's just the thrifty me asking.

Tried and Tested: Revlon PhotoReady Compact Makeup Foundation

Photoshop in a compact. Price Php 995

Read this: 3D makeup! I swear, new products and innovations are just too cool to ignore and when I chanced upon this "3D" makeup I have been seeing print ads of, I just had to try it just like Halle Berry.


Your makeup is 3D. The Revlon PhotoReady compact has a magic screen that turns cream into liquid foundation.

The reason why many call it 3D makeup is because it catches light in all angles making your face "PhotoReady" at all times. I think PhotoReady is synonymous to Photoshop, as in this product will no longer require pictures to undergo photoshop or photo manipulation to improve people's faces. I am sure many makeup artists use this already especially for weddings and photo shoots.

I tried it for myself and here is my review in bullets:

- the cream turns into liquid

- it is better to use your beauty finger than the sponge

- the product completely disappears or blends with my skin tone, I chose Rich Ginger but I think this is not yet the right shade for me. I will buy another one.

- it completely covers acne scars, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. I skipped applying my Body Shop highlighter/concealer.

- the product evolves from cream -> liquid -> powder = magic! and I do not feel the product on my face at all. Sometimes, I feel the warmth and heaviness of make up but not with this one. Feels like wearing skin, no kidding.

- Although it covers the skin very well and feels and looks natural, I am not used to an un-mattified face so I dusted a bit of mineral powder above the PhotoReady cream/liquid/compact. It looked great!

- Make sure you spread and blend the product evenly :) A little goes a long way when you use your beauty finger :)

I am tempted to use this product everytime I go out. It is just so easy to wear, so far it is friends with my skin but I'll have to see how regular use might affect my sensitive skin. I think it is worth the Php 990 price, considering the time you save from skipping concealer and just using this one product that provides the perfect coverage while looking au naturale.

Revlon PhotoReady Compact is available this November at Watsons, Beauty by SM, Robinsons, Landmark, PCX, Gaisano Metro, Sta. Lucia East, Unimart and other major retailers nationwide.

Beauty: Simple Eye Makeup with Revlon Grow Luscious

Here's a simple eye makeup routine that uses the simplest, no-brainer, eye makeup products from Revlon, Maybelline, and The Body Shop.


Without eye makeup

First, start with clean eyebrows by using an eyebrow blade/shaver. Around Php 60 for 3 sets of blades in beauty stores.

Next, I discovered how using a higlighter/concealer from The Body Shop beneath the eyebrows makes your eyes look even cleaner.

Line your brows lightly with Maybelline Eyebrow Pencil. Fuller eyebrows make you look years younger.



Now time to bring out The Body Shop Kajal Gel Eyeliner. I've learned to use it just on the top lids, then smudge the outer edge of your lids with your lady finger. Makes it look a bit smoky without too much fuss.



I lost my MAC eyelash curler but I grabbed a new Revlon Mascara which makes the eyelashes look longer. I like the big bristle brush which have been replaced nowadays with fancy shapes. The bigger the brush or wand, the easier for me to finish everything fast.


with Revlon Growluscious Mascara

Even without curling, the lashes look darker and fuller. Matches the kajal eyeliner gel well. Tada! Now you have eyes that are not too fancy and not too plain. Just simple like grey.

Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream

One day I was roaming around like a headless chicken in the beauty department and found this:


It's Maybelline's Clear Smooth Minerals BB Cream!

Wow even Maybelline has a BB cream now and it has a more affordable price of around Php 300. I've been a Maybelline junkie ever since highschool and I'm happy to find this one. I haven't tried it yet but I pushed a friend to try it on the counter.



She applied it all over her face. The effect increased skin clarity meaning it covered minor flaws like freckles and brown spots. It seemed easy to apply yet it did not offer that "glowing" effect that some other brands offer.

However, I still want to grab a tube and try it. I am frustrated at how my Elianto BB Balm made me break out and gave me cystic pimples on my chin and jawline :(

Tried and Tested: Avon Smooth Minerals Lipstick in Pink Quartz

It's raining makeup! And I finally got hold of one of Avon's Smooth Minerals line up which is the smooth minerals lipstick. I could not comprehend at first at how lipstick can become a mineral makeup as well. I thought they only apply to powders like foundation, blush-ons, etc. Avon says this lipstick is 100% natural.


This is me with the Avon Smooth Minerals Lipstick in Pink Quartz. Ignore my messy hair, I was trying a curling iron :)

It instantly made me girly! :) When I applied the lipstick, I had dry chappy lips without any lip balm. Avon's mineral lipstick is smooth and moisturizing so I had no problem applying it right away. So far, it's the softest lipstick I've tried and you can get carried away and apply too much x.x



The Avon Smooth Minerals Lipstick contains nurturing shea butter and conditioning oils to keep lips smooth and soft. Its exclusive mineral complex helps out bring out the lips’ vibrancy. It is fragrance free, dye free, preservative free enriched with vitamins and with SPF 15 to protect the lips.

What do you think? I have more colors but I see lots of celebs using pink lipstick, so pink it is! ^^

Elianto Miracle UV BB Balm - I Got It!

I think Elianto has cast a spell on me, I swear I am not being sent these products but buying them off the shelf! I just thought I needed a new approach when it comes to make-up and I am trying it the Korean way through this Korean brand. All though I read some say it is made in Malaysia and not Korea, it still works the same according to most beauty bloggers :)



My first Elianto purchase was a success and I couldn't sleep until I got another product which is the Elianto Miracle UV BB Balm. Elianto's best seller, in fact, one stall I visited said they were out of stock. So I asked my super nice lovey dovey hubby again to get me this item here at SM Bacoor where they also have a new stall.

It was my friend Mariel, who tried the BB Balm first when we first saw the Elianto shop. It gave her a glowing and fresh look although the attendant used the BB Balm together with the BB cream. Both items are around Php 700 each, I asked if the BB Balm can be used alone and the saleslady said yes but the effect is better if it is topped with the BB cream.


Untouched Elianto Miracle UV BB Balm

I haven't tried it yet, my Elianto BB Balm is still a virgin until I have the time to go out and put it to use. Then, I shall post pictures again of the result. I've been looking at YouTube for video tutorials on how to properly use the Elianto BB Balm but I can't find any! x.x

Tried and Tested: Elianto Eyebrow Oval Pencil

Finally! My husband got this for me while shopping today. I just can't live without an eyebrow pencil, notice how it can make any face look more groomed? Full eyebrows care of eyebrow pencils or powders also make you look younger and fresher. Given that you apply them properly :)



I decided to grab this Elianto Eyebrow Pencil (Oval) because my friend and I tried it two days ago in the department store. I like how light it is and how its brush (available at the other end of the pencil) creates a soft, even more natural look.

My shade of choice is light brown. Compared to the other pencils of Elianto, I think the Oval type is softer in color and texture. Plus, who has time to sharpen their eyebrow pencils these days? I don't! So retractable it is.

Will post pics soon of my eyebrows with and without this product ^^

Tried and Tested: Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Concealer

What I love about Maybelline products is how they are affordable and accessible from any mall near you. It's easy to grab whenever you ran out of their products or you are on a binge shopping spree.

Here's something new to add to your make up kit (hopefully, it's not that full!)

The new Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Concealer compliments the Clear Smooth Minerals line. This is perfect if you have acne scars or upcoming blemishes that you need to cover up. This liquid concealer is easy to apply and glides on the skin smoothly, unlike concealer sticks that can become cakey or too white for your skin - making the imperfection even more obvious. This concealer also works for dark under eye circles!




How to apply:

You can apply the concealer before applying the Clear Smooth Minerals Foundation. The concealer is easily absorbed by the skin and you only have to put small dots. This concealer comes with a "wand" to achieve perfect application.

Now you can dust your foundation on, followed by the Clear Smooth Minerals Blush, and top off with the Clear Smooth face powder. Easy as pie!

If you overlooked some spots, just dot a small amount of the Clear Smooth Minerals Natural Concealer and tap with your finger. It's great how this concealer looks very natural no matter if you applied it before or after your makeup.

The Clear Smooth Concealer costs around Php 350 ++, depending if the counter is on sale when they offer 20% off all products.

Tried and Tested: Maybelline Clear Smooth Face Powder

Manila's hot and humid weather has forced me to finally buy a pressed face powder. In the many make-up workshops I have attended, make up artists always tell us to top off our foundation with a dusting of loose or pressed face powder to set our make up and prevent them from sliding (melting) off. However, I had the notion that dusting powder creates a cake-y looking face but I was wrong.



Enter another classic from Maybelline, the Clear Smooth Face powder at Php 199 is worth the space inside your make up bag. I asked the attendant if this was okay to use with Clear Smooth Minerals - she said no but I thought otherwise. This time, I am right! Ladies, the Clear Smooth Face powder is the best finishing touch to Clear Smooth Minerals powder foundation. Even if they are powder x powder, they work seamlessly well if you use a kabuki brush (free with Clear Smooth Minerals). Using a brush to dust on powder to your foundation ensures that you do not put too much and the powder is evenly spread. Swirl the Kabuki brush lightly on the face powder and shake off excess.


Ultimate Trio: Clear Smooth Minerals, Clear Smooth Face Powder, and soon to be reviewed - the new Clear Smooth Minerals Natural Concealer

Wearing the Clear Smooth Shine-Free Face Powder, my face felt and looked more matte. I also could not decipher why my face feels lighter and more comfortable with the face powder on. The box reads:

1. Lasting oil control: combined oil absorbing ingredients remove shine, for a clean shine-free finish for all day.

2. Silky smooth texture: the extreme fine powder glides like silk and melts smoothly on the skin. It covers flawlessly but looks perfectly natural.

3. UV protection SPF18: It contains high UV protection to prevent skin darkening and to have a fair, natural skin tone.


Whenever SM Malls are on sale, Maybelline Make Up stands are too!

The shade of my Clear Smooth Minerals is W02 Natural Ochre and it goes well with Clear Smooth Shine Free Face Powder in Natural shade. If you have extra Php 199, this face powder is worth your dime :) It will save you trips to the lady's room to re-touch and more so, oil absorbing films.

Avon Launches Ultra Moisture Rich 24k Gold Lipstick

Avon launched it's newest product called the Avon Ultra Moisture Rich 24K Gold lipstick by celebrating women's own shining moments. Three outstanding and beautiful women were recognized for the way they live their lives as advocates, entrepreneurs, champions, mentors, and role models. They also conducted a photo shoot that produced two photos of each woman in a different hue of lipstick.


Cancer survivor Crisann Celdran


Entrepreneur Amina Aranaz-Alunan


Champion race car driver Pia Boren

Amazing how a change of lipstick color can change an entire look! If you want to try the Avon Ultra Moisture Rich 24K Gold lipstick, here are the available colors:



Personally, I can't wait to learn how to put on lipstick and try these new babies :)

The Practical Maybelline Makeup Kit

Makeup purchasing mistakes are not cheap and when everyone's tightening belts and purses, a little advice goes along way. Readers, I would like to share the most practical but beautiful makeup kit I've ever assembled.



1. Maybelline Clear Smooth Mineral Powder - I've written about this before here but just to add, this container has been with me for around 5 months! You only need a few dustings for a neat look and one container would last you a very long time unlike pressed powders which could only last you for 2-3 months.

2. Maybelline Clear Smooth Mineral Blush - blends seamlessly with the Maybelline Clear Smooth Mineral Powder. Tap a little amount on the cap and dust on your face lightly with the Kabuki brush (free with the clear smooth minerals). If you look closely, you'll see it has a little bit of shimmer for that natural glow.

3. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - the best mascara of all time according to makeup artists. If you smudge some on your eyelids, it easily comes off with a swipe of a q-tip. Apply as much as you want and it won't clump your lashes in a weird way. It also easily comes off with our favorite makeup remover, Pond's Cold Cream.

4. M.A.C Eyelash Curler - gets the job of primping those lashes up fast. It has a good grip and the curls last very long, even without mascara.

5. Lucas Papaw Ointment - I use this as a lip balm, thank you to my sister who introduced this to me in Melbourne. If you have a relative down there, ask them to get you a tube which will last you fairly long. Available at pharmacies in Australia.

And these are all you need for a daily "neat" look, except if you are a makeup expert. But for us non-pro's, I think this everyday combo is already a winner.

If you are finishing off your old makeup and want to try something better, then keep the Maybelline combo in mind :)



P.S. Don't forget to add Johnson's Oil Control Film to keep oiliness at bay.