I love my MAC blush in Harmony for contouring, but these days I am looking for something a little more softer for everyday. MAC Harmony is awesome but it can be difficult to work with if you're hurrying since it's quite pigmented - I end up spending longer blending out the edges.

That's why I wanted to get the NARS Laguna Bronzer. I went to the NARS store in Rustans to check it out but I hesitated because of the P1,750 price tag. I knew it was worth it since the two NARS products I own happen to be the best I have, but I don't know, I haven't mentally prepared myself to spend P1,750 that day! So I decided to sleep on it.

Good thing I saw this in a blog sale. I immediately snapped it up!

What I love about the product 

• Smooth, fine-milled and pigmented, but it manages to melt on skin instead of just sitting on top looking like makeup
• Incredibly long lasting. It stays on all day with minimal fading (at least on my combination skin)

Head's up! Paul & Joe, the French-Japanese cosmetics brand, is releasing their latest collection next week at their Rustan's counters. It's called L'Horizon Bleu, inspired by that tropical and romantic place where the sea meets the sky. If you've ever stared off towards the sea's horizon, then you've probably seen the rich colors of swirling blues and sunsets that P&J has in this collection.

The ‘Twin Fish’ Bronzer (P2,250) is perfect for creating that light, glowing, sun-kissed look you want

Fabulous new Eye Colors (P1,250) give you a real sense of the movement of the waves. Choose from 3 fascinating shades. L-R: Adrift, Le Midi, Tranquility

Every girl should have a matte blush. It's the best kind to use when you're having your photos taken or if your skin is oily! Used the right way, matte blushes can look more natural than shimmery ones since your skin's natural oils somehow enhance them.

One of the prettiest matte blushes I've come across is the Majolica Majorca Puff de Cheek (P795). These blushes are housed in a tin can that's shaped like a sweet macaron, with the same colors to boot. Aside from the packaging, the biggest strength of these Puff de Cheeks are their lovely, flattering shades. Even though Majo is a Japanese brand, it seems like the Sugary Trap Collection is made for warm skin tones like ours. 

What I love about the product

• All four shades look good on me. My favorite has to be Apricot Macaron (OR302), followed by Peach Macaron (PK301). I don't have these shades in my blush collection so I find them unique.
• The powder is well-milled, with a velvety texture. It has a smooth, matte finish that don't sit on the pores.

Funny thing - a lot of blushes seemed to be named Desert Rose. I know Bobbi Brown, MAC, Lancome, and NYX has a Desert Rose blush somewhere. :P And now we have Color Collection!

The Color Collection Blush-On Duo in Desert Rose (P360) is an affordable, flattering duo that has a blush and contour shade. The packaging says it's matte, but the powder has a slight shimmer which is quite pretty when worn. I do like the very classy packaging and the wide mirror that goes with it - perfect for retouching while you're out.

While randomly browsing the Interwebs today, guess what I saw! A mega cute video of the Majolica Majorca Sugary Trap press launch! It was held at Bizu in Greenbelt, where we were surrounded with colorful macarons and cakes. Guests were also given icing, candy sprinkles, and sugar dust to use in designing our own cookies and cupcakes. It was the perfect setting for such a sweet collection from Majo.

Watch the video to see pictures of that beautiful Thursday afternoon.

Everyone also got personalized macarons with their name on it. Of course, we also received products from the latest collection. I've been using these delectable cosmetics lately and oh boy, they are such a treat.

If, like me, you have a problem with your round face and chubby cheeks, contouring is your best bet to a slimmer face. Once you've got the technique down pat, I advise investing in a good, long-lasting powder that looks natural on your skin tone. I love the MAC blush in Harmony for that purpose.

I like using this by itself when I wear heavy, smoky eyes and pale lips or with loud lipstick when a pink blush is too much. It's handy to have around when colored cheeks ruin the statement look you're going for.

What I love about the product

• Harmony is a matte, tan-brown shade that looks natural on my light-medium skin tone. Unlike other bronzers or contouring powders, this doesn't have the dreadful orange undertone that looks harsh on the skin. Love it!

When I started to get into makeup I harbored the secret fantasy of becoming a makeup artist. I never did push through with it though, because I'm not as happy about applying makeup on other people as writing about it! My forte really is writing, hence this blog. I enjoy the process of gathering information and sharing it.

As my dreams of becoming a makeup artist faded away, I do still want to own a makeup artist's ultimate symbol: the train case. That's why I was blown away when Avon handed me this awesome train case made by Suesh. The huge case was full of goodies Avon thoughtfully put in! This will sound really cheesy, but thanks Avon for making one of my dreams come true! Haha. 

Curious to see what's inside? Click click!

Holiday hangover? Hating the fact that it's the first working Monday of the year? Well! Don't let it show on your face. *Wink* There's nothing like a natural flush to instantly make you look more alive. A lot of blushes these days boast of shimmers to give that just-came-back-from-a-run sheen, but if you're looking for cheeks that look like you're just glowing from within, then matte blushes may be better for you.

The Revlon Matte Powder Blush (P625) is as matte as you can get. Nonetheless, the color doesn't look flat and boring, which I found completely unexpected! I made it my business to stay away from matte blushes, but it seems that they have found me - and I am not regretting that day.

What I love about the product

• Very natural finish, as if you're not wearing blush. 
• While the powder is not pigmented upon first application, I find that it's easily buildable, and better at preventing a clown face.
• I like the compact, since it comes with a mirror for application on-the-go.

Perfectly Peach

If you really think about it, it's not natural for morenas to blush. I don't remember ever blushing in my entire life. Pink, healthy cheeks are Western Caucasian concepts. Don't get me wrong, I love my pink blushes - even though they're technically not natural for dark Asian skin, they still look flattering on me. That's the whole point right?

In any case, you know what's natural on dark skin? Peach and apricot!

Peach and apricot are the natural colors that our Asian skin change into when we blush, exert ourselves physically, or tan under the sun. I believe that every girl (Asian or not) should have at least one peach/apricot blush in her makeup arsenal since it could really warm up the skin and even make your face look thinner without the harshness of bronzer or contouring powder.

MAC Cheek and Cheerful Mineralized Blush from last year's Colour Craft Collection

I'm currently loving this blush that I bought from Sophie. I was skeptical of it when I firs

I'm feeling a little glum today because I'm in the office and suffering from pre-period irritability and general sadness. I'm off to Boracay tomorrow and I won't bring my laptop so I hope to finish all my work today - extra stress. What's a great way to feel better? Why, ogle at makeup of course!

One of the reasons I like makeup is because of the bright colors. There are so many things you can do with them! Just like a scent, bright makeup can change a mood and make a day.

the display is not complete, btw!

Anyway, when I visited Bobbi Brown Makati the other day, they introduced me to one of their 2010 Spring collections: Cabana Corals. Ever since then I can't stop thinking about two things! The Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick and Calypso Coral Pot Rouge. 

The colors are sooo pretty! The price not so much at P2,245, but hey, quality usually comes at a (steep) price. The powder is very finely milled and you won't see a speck of glitter at all. The texture reminds me of Ellana's Super Sparkle finishing powder, but less powdery.

Ooooh