SIGMA BRUSHES--- up close, reviews... and some rants.....

you might be wondering as to why i didn't post more pictures of my new brushes so quickly.... to tell you girls honestly is because i was busy contacting sigmamakeup because i had one or two problems with the brushes they sent. bummer, i thought those things at Spektra wasn't true, but yeah major bummer that I had 2 ehrm... bad brushes.. out of 12. what bothered me most was that, i was on the freakin' pre-order waiting list , and their claim was that each brush is checked for quality and so on and so forth. that they are so preciously made for perfection... mm-hmm.. i waited, for almost 2 months before the brushes were finally back on stock, and when they were, i quickly paid for the brushes, and then i had to wait again for them to process my order.. (5 or 6 working days). and then i received a shipping notice and i had to wait again, no this time it was good because i honestly thought it would take a month for the brushes to get to me and it only took 7 working days!! yey for the post!!!

when i got them i was so excited!! see pictures below, because they were just so so soft and really really divine. i started playing with the bristles and checking them out one by one just like a hen inspecting her lil chicks. something caught my attention, it was the SS219, which had a slightly loose ferrule. i said to myself "it's mkay, i can work with this, there's no reason to go bananas over it."

as the rule of thumb goes in dealing with new brushes: "wash em before using em" i washed them with baby shampoo, and warm water, boy they were spoiled. SS150 didn't shed at all!!! ss168, 1 or 2 hairs fell, that's okay that happens. ALL the eye brushes and SS190 didn't shed AT ALL!!!! but the loose ferrule was still ticking my wits off, i was so careful not to get that particular part wet. and then i got to the SS187, the uber hyped brush of them all, i was washing it with all the gentleness my hands had to offer, the first stroke i made it shed 2 bristles, still okay i told myself, still lathering it, 5 bristles came off!!! still fine... when i was rinsing it bristles were still coming off as if i was plucking them, (i swear i wasn't).

i let them dry... and they're still okay =)

when they finally dried up they were still soft and the new brush smell is now gone, i was so excited to try them!!

i decided to use the SS187 for liquid foundation, and as i was stippling it onto my face yep you guessed it right, there were still fall offs... FALL OFFSSSSSSS! i was just holysh*t i have to contact sigma about this,this is not right at all. even my mac187 didn't have as much of fall off as i was experiencing right now. so hopefully sigma would get my e-mail and answer it, because dude, i paid for the product, i should at least get what's due for me.. right?... it's just so so so frustrating like that, waiting a long time and then getting a loose/balding brush... sigh...

LESSON: if you want a really good quality brush, just save up for it and then finally buy it. I'm not saying sigma has poor quality ones, because i still say they come pretty darn close to MAC it's just so so so soooo depressing and frustrating at the same time that i got 2 bad brushes. o well.. probably just bad luck.

on a brighter mood, here are the pics. =)

the whole family so happy that they sent face brushes with guards to keep the shape.

face brushes

eye brushes

SS168 did great for picking up blush color and was so soft!

SS190 typical foundation brush may i say

SS187 mine was balding like crazy, soft, applied liquid foundie with that airbrushed promise, i just wish i wasn't shedding like abnormally.


SS150 incredibly soft it's almost unbelievable! didn't shed at all.

***eye brushes I'm not really particular about, they all stepped up to what they promised to do, the SS224 in particular was my favorite, it blended out harsh lines so well and was soft too! and it was just right for my Asian almond eye crease. LOL
SS232 packed on color like there was no tomorrow
SS219 was great for my crease definition despite the loose ferrule
SS252 did great for over all wash of color
SS194 did great for paint pots and for mineral concealer
SS275 i used for highlight and it was just the right size for my brow bone while blending with the colors at my upper crease
SS266 i used for mineral eyeliner, made doing the wing trick a lot easier. haha
SS209 i used for lip lining , did great.
****if you want the individual pictures of the eye brushes just comment below or at the cbox and I'll put them up for you girls=)

so yea, if you're an eye person definitely give their eye set a try =)
as for the face brushes I'm still on the fence.... still a tad disappointed and frustrated. =\

until next time,
see you around vanity boulevard =}
....still sad...

SIGMA COMPLETE BRUSHES ARRIVE!!!!

yey!!!! Mr. mailman arrived again today with a big gift for me!!!

it came in a size 5 bubble mailer!!! biiiiiiig
oh yeah and for those of you who are curious as to if i were charged tax or custom's fee for my parcel (worth $79) no, i wasn't, it was actually even delivered to my doorstep. YAY for
mr. Mailman again and it took 1.. 2.. 3.. 7 days only to get to me!!! 7 days girls! you have to admit that, that was purdee quick for the post! hah props to you dudes!

the guide, brush cleansing care card and the infamous E.L.F freebie (the mirror was broken but it was a freebie anyway.. so watev.. a freebie is still a freebie LOL =} )

pretty brushes in their sleeves and guards!! something to keep me busy this weekend!!!

detailed pic will be posted soon!!!!

until next time.
see you around at vanity boulevard =}

A FAERIE PLEASANT SURPRISE----Faerie organics mineral make up review

you know how it's comforting to know that you have friends that share the same interest as you do?.. just last month my friends and I were talking about totally switching to organic products as much as possible. we were always on our toes with organic whatever, buy them and then eventually test them out and if it works then YEY for us.=)
(don't mind my curls,
they have a mind of their own)

last month I met,(not actually meet, but ehrm.. you get the point) so yea, I got to meet Erin Mincks the woman behind Faerie Organics (i know, cute name right? i think it is) she's a full time make up artist and a a kitchen chemist using organic, natural or wildcrafted herbs and tinctures to create healing products.

i was so engrossed by her products and reviews so i decided to give it a try. so i asked Erin if she ships to Philippines and she rapidly answered yes with a smiley. =) and then she sent me sample baggies of her products for me to try and test. i received it June 10th and have been using it since then because i wanted to give you beauties an honest review of how the product really worked for me. and for the past 3 weeks I've been using it my skin didn't react to it, for what i can say right now is i think it even cleared up a bit. =}

enough of the blabbering time for pictures!!!!















the sample baggies with Erin's business card instructions =) isn't that sweet haha

and the samples she sent me are:

The consistency of the minerals!!

it's so mineral-ly hehe

~* at first i was scared of the li'l sparkles because my pores doesn't take sparkles all that well, but when you actually lay out the product, it isn't sparkly.. at all!! i gave me this healthy glow.. JOOOY!!

~* i LOVE the soft focus finish it gives to my face!!! pretty!!

~* and for the weeks that I've used it, i honestly haven't broken out as bad as before i get 1 yea, just ONE sometimes but that's about it. it stayed on my face for the whole day and i only had to blot once. ONCE!! *big grin*

~* the only down side i can think of is the price... yep, their full size jar is quite expensive. but I'm definitely going to be buying the "Flower Child" Au naturale face primer, it does wonders!!

and the verdict!

( before ) ( after )
[used the primer,
airbrush foundation
and bronzer ONLY
no concealers]

try one for yourself too! Faerie organics give out FREE samples.

SNEAK PEEK AT THE SIGMA PINK TRAVEL BRUSH SET!

When the Charm brushes went out, I wanted to get the set but i never really wanted it that bad for me to finally order one and get it. When the Coastal Scents brushes came out with the pink set too, i REALLY wanted to get one but their SHIPPING fees are just INSANE!! and i mean INSANELY high so i decided not to get them. And now, Simone from Sigma make up is going to release a pink set on JULY 15th, and this one. I just KNOW I MUST HAVE!!!!! like, really really have.

take a look at the exclusive sneak peek at their travel set collection!!!

"Nice in Pink"

the brush case in metallic pink
(prettyyyyyy...)

and when you open it... tahdah!!

compared with the full sized SS187

the handles of the travel brushes are about 2.5inches
the brush holder has this little pouch right there with the zipper
so you can fit in your little essentials with you brushies!

everyday minerals order arrives!! YAAAAY!! and Sigma Make-up semi-rant. *sigh*

i was so happy when Mr. mailman arrived at my home again and gave me this bubble wrapped mailer. i just know this was my everyday minerals order. and this time it took only 9 working days to get to me. *does a happy dance*
the bubble-mailer thingy!!

my beauty buys
&
their look-book

plus the instructions/receipt

my li''l babies!!!
*fairly summer
*golden tan
*soft bronze
*buttered tan
*medium beige
*walkee talkee
*mint color corrector
(all in sample sizes)

i just love 'em all. can't wait 'til my girlfriends see them, ehem, can you say sleepover makeover? hahaha

but I'm feeling a bit uneasy today and anxious because i haven't received any update regarding my sigma brushes yet. i know they have this gigantic market to serve and they did caution everyone that it takes time. but man, it's been 10 days since i placed my order and no thank you's or a mere confirmation that they indeed receive an order from me.... I dunno if I'm being impatient, but then again, just. a. confirmation. because $78 isn't a small deal, well, at least for me it isn't *deep sigh.

o well...

see you around,
at vanity boulevard =}

quickpost: new layout yay!!

i felt like my past layout or theme was a tad bit cluttered and all over the place and it looked awkward and cramped up. so here's my new layout that "breathes" a lot better than the old one. and more eye pleasing too. haha

until next time,
see you around vanity boulevard =}

pay day haul!!! yea!!!

i just love pay day. i mean who doesn't right? and although i know that the world is undergoing financial crisis nowadays i just had to splurge haha i mean i saved all my pay money last month, so this month why not spoil myself... i know, i know, I'm rationalizing.. hehe

COSMETICS

a bunch of Enhance false lashes because we bring our own
pair during shoots and for night out with the girls. =}
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation primer
Clean and Clear blot film

J A S O N 100% tea tree oil (because The Body Shop in Glorietta and Greenbelt ran out of it)
Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner 473mL
Terra tints tinted lip balm
Body Shop Lip and Cheek tint
M.A.C. Blot pressed powder
M.A.C studio fix fluid foundation
(beauty products from Healthy Options Greenbelt 5
The Landmark - Makati
Beauty Bar - Greenbelt 5
Rustan's
it was easy shopping since the malls were close to each other HAH!)

DECOR!!!!
(i had so much fun shopping for them)

Clear vase cute!!!
Vase purple fillers
Crystal ice decorative stones
all from from The Landmark

**so there *big sigh* hard work and stress paid off.. haha next payday (30th) will be a saver again. since fuel prices are hiking up again.

until next time,
see you around vanity boulevard =}

everyday minerals sample kit arrives!!! ----Philippines temporarily banned at EDM

okay so bad news first, as you all know----or not know, Everyday Mineral (EDM) would be blocking shopping/shipping transactions to PH. sad news right? that was why i didn't feel like blogging about it when the news first blew up, because it's utterly embarrassing for me that some of our Filipino brothers and sisters have to go to dramatic and insane heights just so they can earn money--- even in the expense of some people getting violated and fooled. Over-pricing around 250% mark up at multiply site is not an excuse for shipping and tax fees, and HOT-LINKING the pictures from the original site and not putting a disclaimer where people can be informed, really puts your moral and ethical values to question, it's just waaaaaay off and over the moon. hm.. it's frustrating to know that one rotten tomato affect the other angelic, cute and good tomatoes. haha so if you are reading this, please know that edm doesn't charge THAT much to shipping and their products per se. and as for you rotten tomato, well... i don't know you and i won't judge your intentions, but i hope you straighten out your act before the company legally charges you.

ON A BRIGHTER NOTE...

tah-dah!!

i finally got hold of my FREE sample kit from everyday minerals, thank the high heavens i placed my order before the blocked shipping to PH. Anyway, our local mail person dude delivered this to my house. m-hmm you heard that right, delivered straight to my house. i was surprised because i thought he would be giving me a notification card but no, he was there, with the package. at 7AM!!!!! can you believe that?! 7AM!!!! when the door bell rang and my dog ran to the door barking at it like no tomorrow, i thought it was just my mom coming over to cook me breakfast so i didn't bother looking decent. hehe. and you all know i have the curly hair, and yeeaaa.. it was all over the place when i woke up. sooo not a pretty picture.

more good news!! aside from Mr mail dude delivering my package straight to my house, NO customs fee!!!!!! yea girls CUSTOMS FEE!!!! so i just gave what's suppose to be my payment (35 php) to Mr. mail dude's tip. just because he delivered it at a very early time and in good condition i may add. and from where I'm at right now it's pretty cold he could use a cup of coffee or whatever.

here's the picture of the goodies!!! i haven't used them yet as of today because i haven't taken my shower yet. i was so excited to tell you girls about it. and i did say that the package was delivered way early. 7am... o yea and it took ehrm.. around 17 days for my samples to arrive from US to PH. not that bad. i have waited longer (*cough*amazon*cough*)
my sample kit + foptic brush
(a lot of my friends said the foptic brush wasn't worth it--
but knowing that i have a stubborn brain i got it anyway--
i just wanted to see it for myself. hehe)

the foptic brush

my pretty little samples.

will i order from them again? YES. i have been and i always will. the question now is whether or not they will open their arms again to PH. i know the Asia mirror site will be up and running soon but i don't know how color availability and shipping terms will go. haaaaayy rotten tomato. ikaw kasi eh! haha


so... if you have questions about how shipping and handling goes, the products, the shipping cost, duration of orders i think i stated it above. but if you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask. i will be more than willing to help. you can leave it as a comment or you can e-mail me like some of the beauties are doing =)

don't forget to comment and or subscribe. !! thanks

I'll be going back to sleep now it's still 8am. and work's still at 5pm for a night shoot

see you around,
at vanity boulevard =}

quickpost: sigma updates me!! o yeaa!!

everything just goes on so nicely today. i woke up, and Mr. sunshine was up and flooding my room with bright yellow, gleaming, happy light!! and then on i went to my laptop and checked my mail when i read this from Sigma Make up company:

"Hello,

You are receiving this message because you have pre-ordered a Sigma Makeup product. You are part of a selected group of clients that will be able to now finalize your purchase.

If your would like to proceed with your purchase of the complete set with or without brush roll, please visit the following link. We accept all major credit cards and PayPal."

finally i am going to get my dose of the most raved about M.A.C dupe (like a brush sister from another mother-- or so I've heard. haha) update you soon beauties,

until then,

see you around vanity boulevard =}

request: The Body Shop Flawless Skin Protecting Foundation--review and result

a request was sent to my gmail account, c/o jhenny
(won't give out e-mail addys for everybody's safety and privacy) and she basically asked me to do a review on : The Body Shop Flawless Skin Protecting Foundation since TBS is on a huge sale right now and she's contemplating whether or not to get this product.

I'm always curious to try new thing so i bought this product on a 40% sale before their sale right now and i have been using it the most part of my stressful week since it has higher SPF than my M.A.C studio fix fluid (not to mention I'm running out of it), and i haven't been practicing my mineral make up application for a while so yea.. i don't want to go out in public looking like the corpse bride of Halloween past.

anyway, I'm on the fence on this particular foundation since ehrm... how do i put this, i have oily/combination skin by nature and this particular foundation offers a flawless dewy look. oily + dewy=?... well you girls can do the math. hehe. if i had say normal to dry skin this foundation would be a dream to use since it really offers a flawless finish with that subtle glow that's perfect for summer or winter. and it has spf 25. and i have to emphasize on the wonderful finish really.
i really really REALLY want to love this product i do, if it had a stronger oil control property

what i don't like about it is
*it doesn't come in a lot of shades like MAC does so the one i got in number 4 was tad orangey on me.
*it's unbelievably nice on my skin (for 3 hours... after that i just look like an oil slick, yes even with MAC blot on) oil control for ladies with oily skin to begin with isn't that nice, do not waste your money on this one. but again for those with relatively normal to dry skin, you can go ahead and give this baby a shot. but if you ask me, this foundation retails for 1,440php on regular price, for an itsy-bitsy sum of 60php you can strut your sassy self to a mac counter and try their Studio Fix Foundation which retails for 1,500 (correct me if I'm mistaken)
*application is hard, i tried M.A.C 190 with it since it's cream to powder form (duh!) but no, it was as stubborn as i was. and then my gay friend and i experimented with it and uhm... we blow dried it!!! lol, well, we had this crazy theory that if it was softer then maybe it would be easier to apply maybe the 187 can work with it even. yea it did!!! but this isn't a practical and intelligent method. is it..hehe and at the end of the day we settled that the bestest way to apply this foundation was with a damp sponge.
*if you use this foundation, HIDE when you and your girlfriends are cam-whoring on a night out and you're using flash. it's just a nightmare. no other way to put it. you'll look pasty white --- which is not good.

will i buy this again?
probably not... i think I'm better off settling with m.a.c or even mineral foundation once i perfect the method.

so here's the result...heading to a fashion show. =)
shinning, shimmering and not so splendid

like my review? don't forget to comment or follow the blog. it'll only take a minute...or less.

see you around,
at vanity boulevard =}

SKINFOOD BLACK BEAN NOSE PACK---REVIEW

hey beauties, so I'm back from our Surfing getaway--and suffering from acute asthma, but oh well, it was fun while it lasted (the trip)

so when i got home and comfy to my pad, what did i do first you ask? HAH, exfoliated and pampered my skin, because i don't want it to boycott me again because of the sand, water and sun exposure for 3days.

i took a long bath with LUSH bath bombs, and then showered and exfoliated my body using Victoria's secret body scrub in Love Spell. and then exfoliated my face with St. Ives Apricot Scrub, i love love loooooove this product. and so on and so forth

when i finally finished i went on ahead to my vanity area (this is where all the magic happens for me HAH) where i saw this little package that i got as a freebie not too long ago when we went for our Hongkong trip for fashion week. i decided to use it since i was in a clean-my-skin-and-exfoliate frenzy anyway.

the little package contained one pad of black bean nose pack from Skinfood. i was primarily hesitant to use this because I'm an avid user or Biore, just because it works for me and it does the job.

but but BUT....!! to my surprise, this product does the job too!! in a less painful manner, because everyone who used Biore knows that, that nose cleansing pad hurts like hell. and Skinfood, it hurts too!!! but not as much, nevertheless, it hurts.... and I'm going around in circles now. hehe sorry for that.

Skinfood black bean nose pack works, but hurts (yea i can't get over that). it does the job of getting the gunk off your nose. the waiting time for this one is 15minutes on the dot you can feel that it's ready for peeling when it's molded already, yea like a clay and harden up already. i was surprised at how much it took away because whenever i use Biore it's not that much but it might be because of the surfing trip too. (I'll be posting the picture of how much it took off a bit. and word of caution, it IS YUCKY!)

Cons are. it stinks. as in literally stinks i thought i would throw up but it goes away after a while.
and the instructions were hard to understand if you're a virgin at using nose packs you would be dumb-founded at how they laid out the instructions. but if you use other brands of nose packs it's basically the same procedure so peel away beauties!

and as i promised,
here's the picture. (WARNING: ICKYNESS AHEAD)
icky right?.. right.
but it works =D

til, next time...
see you around vanity boulevard =}