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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Dr Jart BB Cream review: Rejuvenating & Premium

Among the 4 variants of Dr. Jart BB creams, these next 2 are the ones with more coverage. From the names themselves, you have the Rejuvenating Silver Label and the Premium Gold Label, you can already tell that even from the names they yield better results.

Let's begin with the Rejuvenating Silver label


Dr. Jart BB Cream Rejuvenating Silver Label: 50mL – P1,780.00/ 15mL – P740.00

This variant boasts coverage, it has SPF 35 and helps in whitening. Its thick consistency aims to achieve a flawless even application on the face concealing marks and blemishes. It also helps in controlling excess oils on face.

This variant also comes in a spill proof tube bottle

A very small amount of product is all you need, this variant is very thick in consistency, probably the thickest out of all Dr. Jart BB creams.


This is what the variant looks like initially rubbed in. As you can see, the color is way lighter than my skin tone, but after rubbing it in, it looks well blended into my skin.

Product fully blended at the back of my hand. The product feels silky and not sticky amidst the thick consistency. Now the true test, what the product looks like with artificial lighting from the camera flash.

There is a white cast when taken with flash. So this is not something I can use when I know that I will be taking pictures. This is perfect though for days when I can't leave my house without make up. I'll just skip my regular foundation and go for this. Perfect for days at the mall, park or any day I know I wont be taking any pictures. This comes out perfect too since it gives coverage without the sticky feel. :)


Dr. Jart BB Cream Premium Gold Label: Suggested retail price: 40mL – P3,160.00



This is the most expensive variant that Dr. Jart BB creams offer. For its price, it really does promise you more than the other 3 variants. The Gold Variant has a whopping SPF45, it helps improve wrinkles and fine lines and dark spots on the face. This variant also has antioxidants that help your skin restore its elasticity. It also has good coverage on skin and will help keep your skin soft for longer without the "glossiness".


Unlike the other 3 variants, The Gold Variant comes in a pump bottle which I like. Having a pump helps you control how much product comes out of the bottle, thus not wasting any product. :)

Here is a half pump from the gold variant. The consistency of this variant is thick too but not as thick as the Silver variant. It also smells a little bit like sun block because of its SPF qualities.


Here is what the product looks like when it is initially rubbed into the skin. As i said earlier, it is less thick on the skin and the pigmentation is not as much as the silver variant.


Here's what it looks like fully rubbed in at the back of my hand, and here's what it looks like with flash.

It creates a white cast, but not as harsh as the Silver variant. I'm really liking how this variant feels on my skin. It's so light as if it's not there. The Gold Variant has to be my next favorite after the Water Fuse Variant because of how easy it blends on my skin and how light it feels. I am also excited at how much benefits this variant has over the others! :)


Overall, Dr. Jart BB creams make sure that whatever skin type you have, you are covered. Literally and Figuratively. BB creams are such great products because not only is is healthy for your skin (BB creams were created to treat skin problems, burns in hospitals) but it is a great alternative for days when you don't have to put on so much make up. :)

So what are you guys waiting for? Grab The Dr. Jart BB cream variant of your choice now at Selected Mercury Drug Stores out there! :) Enjoy and let's all be Blemish Free! :)


Toodles! :)

Sunday, June 13, 2010

First time to hit pan on any product! :)

This is a first for me. I am such an advertising junkie that I would easily fall for anything that people are selling. I love to try new things and buying all the latest products. But today I'm here to share something new about me. I finally hit pan with not one but two products! I'm so proud of myself, but mostly I'm proud at the products because they do soo much for my skin.

From left-right:
Graftobian HD Color Palette in Warm 2
Human Heart Nature Tomato and Lemongrass Toner (my 2nd Bottle)
Skin MD Natural Moisturizer (my end Bottle)



Graftobian HD Foundation in Warm 2

Okay, so I have not really hit pan on all the colors, but the most common colors are well as you can see finished hehe. I am really impressed with this product because it really gives such a flawless finish. Topped with a translucent powder and the Graftobian Pro Powder Foundation it is perfect.

I really wanted to use this up so I can buy and try new foundation. But now that it's finished, I am so torn on whether or not I should repurchase. But for the experience this has given me, I would most likely repurchase this. :)


Human Heart Nature Tomato Toner + Skin MD Natural Moisturizer

Now these two I really love and now I cannot live without! Both these products are now on their second bottle with me and both are almost finished!

Check out my second Tomato Toner Bottle:

I love it soo much I use it all the time and now I will have to repurchase for my 3rd bottle! :)



As for the Skin MD Natural, I can't really show you how little is left since uhh, my Photography skills can't handle it hehe. This is also my second bottle already, and I have been using this every day since January and have never experienced any major breakouts. I really love what this is doing for my skin. I will definitely repurchase the Skin MD Natural again! (Hint hint to sister living in Singapore, Please buy me one again) Oh oh, because I love Skin MD Natural so much, even my dad uses it everyday too, his own bottle of course! hehe. So overall this family has consumed 3 bottles of Skin MD Natural, 2 from me alone. :)

I really love the feeling of being able to hit pan on products, It is good to know that the said products work for me. Although this won't stop me from continuing on looking for more products to try, who knows I may hit pan on those products too. :)


Toodles! :)





Fuchsia and Orange Styli Style Lip Pencil + Mac Pro 15 Palette mishap

Hey girls, I'm back on the regular grind in blogging. I recently added to my styli Style collection these 2 lip colors. Fuchsia and Orange. I really love Styli Style Lip pencils since they really help in keeping the lipstick on for longer. What I usually do is, I apply the lip liner on the lips and color with the liner until half of the lips then I apply the lip color and gloss after. It really makes a difference in keeping the color on. :)

So when I saw from my trusted ebay seller that she had the colors orange and fuchsia, without hesitation I got them. I have been on the constant search for a pure orange lipstick so i thought I'd start with the lip liner. hehe Yayy! So here it is.


STYLI STYLE LIP LINERS IN FUCHSIA AND ORANGE

For those who don't know, Styli Style is known for the liners longevity on the skin. They are smudgeproof, waterproof and rub proof. So these babies really are long lasting, that's why I love them :)

Here's a closer look at the Fuchsia, it sort of looks a little purple to me

Here's the swatch of Fuchsia, it wasn't the HOT PINK I was expecting since it turned out a little purple, but I guess it's okay, it's an addition to my collection.


Here's a closer look at the Orange, isn't it so vibrant? :)


Here's the swatch of the Orange, i really love it, it's so vibrant and really is orange. :)


Here's a swatch of Fuchsia and Orange together.

Overall, I really love Styli Style products because they really achieve what they promise. And so far, none have failed me. :) I suggest everyone have them in their kits. :) I purchase mine over ebay since they are way more cheaper than when you buy them in the malls. It's the same banana anyway. :)


On another note, I'd like to share with everyone what happened to my MAC Pro Palette containing my neutral shadows and also known as my Bridal Palette. Here's the rundown, I dropped the Palette and smash, I heard the shadows scatter. I was scared for my life! I almost cried at the thought of my babies being shattered. But thank God, when I got them back the shadows only suffered minimum damage, here it is:

Overall, Im thankful that they are still all in good condition. :)

Here's a closer look at the most damage it did:
Embark was reduced to almost half

Vanilla chipped a little and the pan has a small dent.

So i'm glad that all the shadows are intact still. I will definitely be more careful next time! :)


Toodles! :)


Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Kokuryu Ad back in the day :)

I was browsing through you tube on my random nothing to do but watch make up videos day and surprisingly came about this classic add.

This add is for the make up brand Kokuryu. Kokuryu is famous for theater and Movie make up back in the day and till now. So here it is:






Classic huh? How come they don't make institutional make up campaigns and ads like this anymore? hehehe I had a good smile looking at this ad. Really shows you how make up has evolved. :)


Toodles! :)

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Blog Sale: Brushes

Hey girls, decided to give up these brushes since they have been neglected and are in need of someone who will take care of them. :)

Blog Sale is open to Philippine residents only

Shipping Fee will be shouldered by the Buyer and price will depend on location

Preferred Courier is XEND

Payment Method: BPI Savings


Lot of 10 Brushes from Dashe - PHP800 - SOLD to Crystal
Click Image to see larger

These brushes came from the Dashe 30pc brush set however these were neatly kept in the brush roll because I already had duplicates in my existing brush line up. Some brushes were used 1x-2x or have not been used at all. Brush roll NOT INCLUDED.

Here's a closer look at the brushes:

Powder Brush, Smaller Powder brush, Blush Brush, Angled Brush, Highlighter Brush


3 different sized applicator brushes, eye brow brush and nose contour brush


Lot of 3 Brushes from Ellana - PHP300 - SOLD to Hannah
Click Image to see larger

Get 3 brushes from Ellana, A flat top brush perfect for applying foundation and 2 different sized bullet brushes great for applying color on the crease of the eyes. The smaller bullet brush has no Ellana label and was bought before their brushes had Ellana Labels. :)


Lot of 3 Generic brushes - PHP100 - SOLD to Hannah
Click Image to see larger

Fan Brush and 2 pieces eye shadow brushes


Lot of 3 random brushes - PHP150 - SOLD to Hannah
Click Image to see larger

Faux MAC 187SE, Sasa Eye brow brush, Mini Stila Eye Liner Brush


For those interested, you can leave a comment below including the lot that you want, your location and your email. :)

You can also email me at:

carla.avancena@gmail.com


Give my babies a new home!! :)


Toodles! :)

Monday, June 7, 2010

Dr. Jart BB Cream Review: Detox Healing & Water Fuse

As Promised, here is a thorough review of Dr. Jart BB Creams. I have broken the reviews down into 2 posts. Based on my last post on Dr. Jart BB Cream variants, I have decided to combine the review for the BB Cream Black Label Detox Healing and the BB Cream Most moist Water Fuse together since I feel that from the 4 variants of the Dr. Jart line, these are the ones that would be the simpler ones or in foundation lingo these two would be the ones with "light - medium coverage".

Prior to Dr. Jart, I have never had any experience with any other BB creams out in the market. I have swatched a few and have received samples. But never had I purchased my own tube of BB cream. Why? Because there was just too many out there to choose from. And in the end, the lack of information for the different BB cream brands led me to buy NONE. So let this be my way of sharing you guys information on Dr. Jart BB creams. :)





Dr. Jart Black Label Detox Healing - 50mL – P1,940.00/ 15mL – P845.00

Amongst the 4 variants of Dr. Jart, this is the carrying variant of the Philippines. Said to match and vanish with the Filipina skin tone, this is claimed that even men can use this product. This is also the current best selling BB cream variant in Korea! Here is a swatch of the Black Label Detox Healing.

Comes in a handy spill proof tube container sure to not waste any product.

Here is a "mongo" size amount of product on the back of my hand, basing from the swatch it initially looks veryyyy light, suiting an nc-25 ish type of skin tone. Fyi I am an NC-40-42 :)

Here is the black label initially rubbed in, it still looks very light on my hand, the consistency is very creamy and it goes smoothly on your skin.

Here it is fully blended into my skin under natural lighting. Under this lighting, it actually looks like its not there anymore.

Here it is with flash, from this image, you can see that there is a slight white cast caused by the BB cream, probably from the Titanium Dioxide content.

Overall, I feel that this product does sink into to your skin and "vanishes" but It just doesn't hold through for all kinds of lighting. I love the consistency of the product because it is not sticky and it really does keep my skin moisturized. I just don't suggest using this though as a base for make up because of the white cast that may appear in Photographs.

I do suggest this though on days when you're not going to take any pictures but can't leave the house without make up. :) On these days you can skip your regular foundation and go with this BB cream and set it with your regular powder, add blush and you're good to go. :)



Dr. Jart Most Moist Water Fuse - 50mL – P1,975.00

From this and the Dr. Jart Black Label, I like this better. From the name of the variant itself, it's kind of intimidating. It actually makes you think that this product will be really heavy with the moisture and may give you the most shine of all. But really it is the opposite. It is the lightest out of all the variants. And it really does give you the "Moisture without the glossiness!" that it says it does. Here is the swatch below.

Comes in the same spill proof tube as the Detox Healing variant.


The same "mongo" size amount on the back of my hand, it also initially looks like an nc-25 ish kind of shade.


Initially rubbed in, here's where you see and feel the difference. This variant is not as thick as the Detox healing variant, and this one really is fused with water. From the initially rubbed in image above, if you click the image and look closely you can see the small particles of water from the product. :) This made the product easier to blend and gave it a lighter feel. :)


Fully blended at the back of my hand under natural lighting.

Under artificial lighting from a flash camera. As you can see there is still a slight white cast caused by the product. A little but lighter than the detox healing one.

I definitely like the Water Fuse Variant over the Detox Healing, I like it better since my skin is oily, and I actually like products that is more water base for my skin since it feels lighter. As a matter of fact, I tried using the Water Fuse variant at night before going to bed after my regular 3-step, so the water fuse became my 4th step. And when I woke up, my face was crazy smooth.

Luckily, I havent really experienced any breakouts, but I haven't been using this on a daily basis too, I actually switch variants depending on my mood and where I'm going. :)


So what can i say about my BB cream experience, well It really is a good addition to my cosmetic and skin care knowledge. It's a good alternative since it is great alone. I would definitely use these when I feel like skipping heavy foundation. :)

I still have 2 more variants left to review, can't wait to share those with you guys soon! :)


Toodles! :)

Studio Shoots with Rommell Torres

Hey girls, just want to share with you some recent studio shoots with Photographer Rommell Torress. I have 2 sets with him with 2 separate models. This was also done in 2 separate shoots.

I'm really happy with the outcome of the photos. Here they are:

The first shoot was with Sheena Ramos, she was looking to update her portfolio hence the set up for a studio shoot. Yours truly did Sheena's Hair and Make Up. She had tons of photos and I'm still waiting for the others, as for now, here's what I have from her shoot:









The next shoot done was with Canadian Jenny Cliche. Yours truly also did her hair and make up. Here are some of the pics from her set:









Isn't she a natural? I'm really loving the photos since she looks like she came out from a catalog Mag. Can't wait to do more shoots like these. :)

On another hand, I have been on quite a hiatus from blogging due to unexpected hectic scheds. I will be on track very soon with the Dr. Jart BB Creams reviews. I'm road testing them now and can't wait to share my thoughts about them. :)

Toodles! :)

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Fashion Week FOTD

Last week was such a hectic week, I juggled make up gigs, events and personal errands left and right. But amidst the busy schedule, I made sure that I could attend at least 1 show during The Philippine Fashion Week. So last May 29, 2010 I together with my good friend Mars, watched The Premier C Fashion Show at the SMX for Philippine Fashion Week. Actually I really wanted to watch the Premier, SM, Penshoppe and Gerry Katigbak's Fashion show, however, my schedule only really just allowed me to watch Premier C, But no regrets because all the designs were fashion forward! And there were definitely pieces I would love to wear! :)

Because my forte is Beauty and Make up and I am only a frustrated fashionista / Stylist-ish person I will post my FOTD during the show. Can you believe it, it was fashion week and I don't have a picture of me and my outfit haha!



Anyway, I just went with a simple look, stuck to prime eyes with a little bit more bronze on the crease, light contour and pink lips. I didn't really wanna draw too much loud attention to my face since Fashion Week really isn't the place to showcase loud make up hehe.

As much as I stress again on how I wanted to watch more shows, let me just share with you some of the pics I took during The Premier C show. I had front row access so the view was amazing. I wanted all the clothes, I was like a little girl pointing left and right saying "I want that..that.. and that!!" haha

The following are some of the notable clothes that tickled my fancy. :) Even recognized some of the models during past gigs. Was so glad to see them there working the runway! :)











Here's a shot of the last walk for the show, really loving the color palette and the couture dresses :)




Last but not the least, here's an photo of me and Mars after the show. :)




I promised myself to stop frustrating myself with the "I have nothing to wear" line by alloting budget I spend on make up to buy clothes and shoes instead Haha. I'm actually pretty glad I kinda lost my hobby on collecting designer bags and shifted to make up. But really, I should stop buying make up for now and go more fashionable. Haha We'll see how long I'll live. Haha


Toodles! :)

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