Teaser: Etude House Play 101 Pencils in # 4, 18, 21, 25, 30, 35

Hey guys! I'm back! Call this post a teaser post of sorts since I have some pretty exciting posts (and videos) ahead!

This month I was fortunate enough to try  Etude's new line of pencils - Etude House Play 101 Pencils. These pencils are some of the most diverse that I've seen from this brand and boast their various uses as eyeliner, eyeshadow, highlighter, lip liners and cheek colors.

That's some pretty legit inspector gadget-esque uses going on there.

With 50 colors and five different textures/finishes to choose from, you can pretty much create any makeup look you want with these bad boys.

For this line, Etude House has collaborated with Pony, one of the most popular Korean makeup artists and beauty bloggers, to promote the almost infinite ways to use their new Play 101 Pencils.

There's a lot of diversity in this line of pencils, with cream, matte, glossy, glitter and shimmery finishes to choose from. Creamy and matte textures can be used as eyeshadow, shadow base, concealer and eyebrow colors. Glossy textures, can be used as blusher or lipstick for a more glowy look. Some shimmery and glitter finishes provide a soft glitter look that is a staple in Korean makeup trends.

Because of the multi-functional nature of this line of pencils, these are the perfect convenient makeup tool, whether you're a veteran makeup artist or even just a casual beginner. And because each pencil is made from waterproof polymer, you're supposedly guaranteed all-day wear.

Mix and match your favorite pencils to create the look that's perfect for you. For some ideas on how to achieve different looks with these pencils, check out some pretty useful tips from Pony herself.

Pure Girl's Look : Angel’s Drop (left)

EYES

• Draw eyebrows with #41. 
• Spread out #33 along eyelid. Blend #28 to the outer corner of eyelid and lightly smudge with finger to soften the harsh line. Create a tear on lower eyelid with #4. 
• Define eyes with #48 as eyeliner. 

FACE

• Brush about 3 times with #18 alongside the cheekbones and spread out with hand.  

 LIPS

• For gradient lips, apply #20 on the middle of lips then spread it out using finger tip. 

@}~...........~{@

Lovely Dolly Look : Baby Doll (right)

EYES 

•  Draw your brows with #41.
• Apply #6 on the entire eyelid. Spread #33 evenly from the head to the tail of eyes in layers. 
• Draw eye line with #50 and use #4 for the inner corner of  lower eyelid. 

FACE  

• Draw diagonal lines on your cheeks with #15 and blend. 

LIPS

• For gradient lips, apply #26 on the middle of lips then spread it out using finger tip. 

Now, I was fortunate enough to be sent six of these babies to try out, and while I'll definitely be reviewing these, in the spirit of Etude House's new line, I'll also be creating two of my own looks with these babies in the coming days, so make sure to stay tuned for when those out!

For more information, visit Etude House Philippines' official website at www.etudehouseph. Like Etude House Philippines on Facebook, follow @etudehousegirl on Twitter and @etudehousephilippines on Instagram for more updates and promos.

I'll be back soon! Ada, signing out.
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Shop Feature: Made in Taft Accessories

Hey guys! I'm taking a break from reviewing makeup for this post to share with you a few new things and segments that I'll be introducing to my site!

If you've noticed, I've finally taken down that old Etude House from my blog header. No worries, if you want to see it, you still can by clicking here. In it's place, I've introduced a Shop Feature tab where I'll be sharing some cute little blogshops and/or FB Shops I happen to chance by! For the time being it'll mostly be shops that I frequently lurk at and stalk, but if by any chance you have a shop or know of one that you'd like to highlight on this site, feel free to contact me or email me :) Every shop feature will get an accompanying blogpost -- that way I can also introduce my lovely readers to fun new shops that they can explore :D

So today I'll be sharing my first online shop find - Made in Taft Accessories. Miss Abby, the owner of this quaint little shop emailed me initially for collaboration and sent me some sample accessories! They have everything from cute little necklaces and pendants to some sweet armcandy in the form of bracelet-fashion-watches!

I was sent these two cute necklaces that are right up my alley. They're very punk/hipster looking  if you ask me. Definitely something that feeds the creative soul.

I love the cute neon-colored chain accents. It's little design quirks like this that make even the simplest jewelry unique :) The prints on the pendants themselves are also quite interesting. These would make a conversation starter out of any outfit haha

You guys should definitely look forward to seeing these babies worn in action in my future posts! If you're interested in what else Made in Taft has to offer, feel free to visit their Facebook Page and follow them on Instagram.

Ada, signing out!

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Review: BRTC Jasmine Water BB Cream

Hey guys! I'm having a pretty okay week. In terms of summer vacations I can't say I've had a single break from my academic passion what with thesis works and everything, but I still try to make as much time as I can for my artistic passions, and that includes my passion for makeup haha.

So how have you guys been doing? LOL

Today I'm reviewing a sample sent to me by the awesome Beauty and Cosmetic Shop - the BRTC Jasmine Water BB Cream. Like I introduced before in my last BRTC review, BRTC specializes in Korean cosmetics which are developed via patented Blue Phyto Complex from the Blue Flowers of Lavender, Cornflower, Borage, Chamomile and other natural plant products.

One of their specialties is also a wide array of BB Creams, one of them being the Jasmine Water BB Cream variant, which is said to be a 'triple function BB Cream with whitening, wrinkle care and water replenishing functions'. Quite similar to Tony Moly's EXPERT Triple BB Cream where claims are concerned.

Consistency, Coverage and Color
So I was expecting the consistency to be somewhat similar to that of TheFACEShop's Aqua Tinted BB Cream - taking my first impression from the fact that the base of the BB Cream is created with Jasmine Water/Essence which tends to be quite runny.

To my great surprise however, the consistency of the BB Cream wasn't as runny and felt more like a thin cream on my fingers. The consistency made it quite easy to blend and it melted into my skin quite naturally, giving a nice dewy-velvet finish.

The color available, however, is rather pale on my skin, and even after waiting for it to settle, it still leaves a white cast. Nothing that isn't solvable with a darker shade of setting powder, but I wouldn't recommend this BB Cream to darker-skinned girls out there.

Coverage-wise, it's a pretty light-to-medium coverage that's perfect for evening out skintone - excessive redness, subtle bruising or yellow discoloration. It doesn't do well on heavy duty scarring or blemishes, however.

So how exactly does it fair when worn?

I find that compared to on my hand, the BB Cream adapts better on my face, probably because of a reaction with the natural acidity of the skin on my face. You can see that the finish is quite velvet-y but still offers some highlighting power due to its reflective SPF. It definitely covered up the yellow discoloration of my lids and under eyes and the darker uneven tone around my lips, and because it blends in so well, the result is natural and there's no streaks or splotches of makeup. It's almost like my second skin!

One thing I noticed is the subtle hint of Jasmine in the sent. It's absolutely pleasant because it isn't that overpowering Jasmine scent that you usually get with shampoos or aromatic oils. It's a perfectly subtle hint that you can barely smell but you can tell it's there. It's also somewhat of a stimulant for me although I'm pretty sure Jamine is supposed to relax haha. I think the subtle scent is really good because it's able to neutralize the chemical scent that most odorless BB Creams have without being an irritant to the skin or to the nose. Did I mention the scent is natural?

Another cool thing is that after actually washing the product off, my skin looks brighter, feels more firm and moisturized and I've noticed that the discoloration around my eyes has lessened significantly. That's after just 3 days of consecutive wear! This stuff actually works :o

Oil Control and Moisture
When it comes to oil control and moisturizing properties, there's this balance that a lot of BB Creams fail to strike, and though this one comes pretty close, it's still no cigar.

This BB Cream is Mineral Oil Free which is a huge plus because it's the mineral oil that usually aggregates on the skin's surface because it's less permeable to the skin that natural oils. Despite that however, I still encountered some problems with oil after five hours of wear, but that's pretty decent considering how hot and humid it is in the Philippines currently.

Recommendations
All in all, the wonderful people at BRTC recommend this BB Cream for those with oily, sensitive skin - definitely one of the more common skin types out here in the Philippines, which makes this product all the more appealing! If you want to learn more about the product, I've provided some infographics which list the specifications and claims of the product below. The integrity of the descriptions is quite legit as well, where consistency and coverage is concerned.

So the Rundown:

Pros:
Natural Finish
Not too heavy on the skin
Evens Skin Tone
Moisturizes
Anti-wrinkles
Brightening/Whitening
Subtle Scent
Very Blendable
Natural ingredients
SPF30

Cons:
Light Coverage
Only one shade available
Doesn't control oil as well as it should
Not recommended for people with allergies to Jasmine and other flower derivatives
No PA Protection

If you guys are interested in this product, it's only available locally through  Beauty and Cosmetic Shop, and they're selling it for PHP1200 (~30USD), nine dollars cheaper than the store price of 39 USD for the 35g bottle!

If you would like to order, go check out Beauty and Cosmetic Shop's facebook page for more info!

And if this BB Cream isn't for you (e.g. you have a dry skin type or require heavier coverage or have acne problems) STAY TUNED! Because BRTC has a wide array of BB Creams suitable for all skin types! And I'll be reviewing all of them here!

There's a BB Cream out there for everybody and for some, even a CC Cream as well. Hopefully in the process of reviewing all of these, I'll be able to help you guys find your HG BB Cream soon!

Please support me in the running for Etude House's Pink Artiste 2013 by LIKING and SHARING my picture entry in the picture linked below and giving my video entry a thumbs up. 1 Like on facebook = 1 Vote for me so please support by telling your friends about it as well!

Ada, signing out!
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Review: BRTC Rice Stem Cell Mask

Hey guys! I'm back with another mask review! I've been obsessed with facial mask sheets for a while now and they're partially how I keep my skin healthy, moisturized and bright! I've been given the opportunity by Beauty and Cosmetic Shop to review one of their products from their import brand from Korea, BRTC.

First, a little bit on the brand, as it may not be familiar to most of you out there. BRTC specializes in Korean cosmetics which are developed via patented Blue Phyto Complex from the Blue Flowers of Lavender, Cornflower, Borage, Chamomile and other natural plant products.

As a scientist with a purely scientific standpoint, I can't say much for the efficacy of blue phytokine derived complexes from plants and most research on cosmetic advancement isn't really released in notable scientific journals, so I've found nothing that validates the efficacy of the product, so as a disclaimer I am testing and using these products, and will try to review them purely on results and not on the basis of the theory, and claims behind them.

In lay terms, I will try my best to test these purely on how they work on my skin, not on the scientific mumbo-jumbo it's supposedly based on (though it'll be hard not to point out a few little questions I have here and there haha).

One thing good that I appreciate about the products by BRTC however is that they are completely free from animal testing! And while I'm not totally against animal testing (omg, Ada, how can you be not totally against it? It's a long story. Message me privately if you're really that interested), I do think that a lot of testing, primarily for cosmetic products, is quite unnecessary on animals, given the current alternatives present. So I give a huge thumbs up!

The product I'm reviewing today though, is a bit of a stretch, even for me - BRTC's Rice Stem Cell Mask.

It's time's like these that I wish I could read Hangeul so at least I could understand what the mask says at the back. I'm truly curious, because my background in molecular biology has led me to question a lot of cosmetics based on stem cell repair. First and foremost, the concern is that stem cells in themselves, whatever organism they're from, plants, animals, humans, will not survive in cosmetic packaging and without a source of nutrients, so creams and serums based on whole stem cells are pretty much out the window. This mask, however, doesn't really seem to be based of stem cells themselves, but the growth factors derived from and associated to RICE. So while the mask may contain stem cells, these most likely won't do much, but the growth factors that come with them will - for stimulating cell repair and growth.

All that scientific mumbo jumbo aside, I said I would try to review this without taking the scientific validity into consideration, so here I am. Let's start with the mask itself. Most masks are cotton based. The mask sheet for this mask similarly cellulose derived by is based off lyocell which is basically reconstituted cellulose fiber that is strengthened and reinforced with other additives. The mask itself is also pretty thick compared to usual mask sheets and is saturated with serum so that when you have it on your hand, it's actually quite heavy.

I was actually quite worried about the amount of serum, because usually, when a mask has this much serum, not even half of it will be absorbed into the skin, and the rest is a huge waste. BUT, this mask wasn't like that at all! While I had it on, I could really feel the moisture enter my skin and after 20 minutes my skin felt plumper, and definitely more moisturized - signs that the serum really did seep into my skin quite well. And to  show just how well the serum seeped into my skin, the mask after 20 minutes was practically dry!

Also, my skin was noticeably brighter and firm after I tried on this mask, and the effects lasted all the way until the next afternoon. My skin was dewier, and dry spots on my nose and around my lips (some of my biggest problem areas with dryness) were practically gone.

So for all the controversy, questions and doubts, Does the mask actually work? I can't say for sure. It's recommended that facial masks be used twice or thrice a week, and I've only really used this once, so the lasting effects aren't apparent, but for a one time thing, this mask really did make my skin feel more rejuvenated. Haha here's my rather unsightly no-makeup face. Try not to concentrate on how dark my undereye circles are or how odd I look without eyeliner or eyebrows, but rather my skin. If it looks this bright and smooth with one use, with repeated use, I'm sure it only gets better :P

If there's one qualm I have about this mask however, it's the fit on my face. I have a relatively small face and most masks don't fit me quite well, but this mask seems to be fit for a quite larger face shape, so I had a bit of trouble adjusting it. It also comes with eye and mouth flaps which are rather bothersome, but are there for if you want to use the mask as you take a nap, so both your eyes and lips can benefit from the serum as well.

I use masks while I work on my laptop, so those flaps aren't very useful in my case haha.

Other than that, this mask is pretty awesome! You can find it at BRTC's facebook page or on their Sulit.com page for only 170 PHP (4.13 USD)!

I have a whole lot of other products from BRTC to try out from the wonderful Beauty and Cosmetic Shop, including some of their rather intersting BB Creams! Stay tuned for more!

If you're interested in other products by BRTC sold her in the Philippines, check out Beauty and Cosmetic Shop's facebook page for more info!

 Also, I'll be announcing the winners of my Thank You Giveaway ON THURSDAY. So make sure to stay tuned until then!

In addition, Etude House Philippines has announced that the voting period for the Search for the Next Pink Artiste 2013 has BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL JUNE 30. The prizes have also been DOUBLED! So I really need all the support I can get from you guys :)

So if you can,, please support me in the running for Etude House's Pink Artiste 2013 by LIKING and SHARING my picture entry in the picture linked below and giving my video entry a thumbs up. 1 Like on facebook = 1 Vote for me so please support by telling your friends about it as well!

That's it for now! See you on Thursday for the announcement of winners!

Ada, signing out!

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Shop Feature: Uniqso Circle Lenses

Hey guys! Today I'm going to be doing a totally new type of post, hopefully one I'll be given the opportunity of doing more often in the future - a shop feature! I've been given the opportunity to blog about Uniqso, an awesome online shop which concentrates on Big Eyes Circle Lenses and other useful makeup accessories for achieving the secret to the dolly eye look!

Uniqso pays host to a wide selection of contact lenses - ranging for natural looking lenses to large diameter lenses for the ultimate dolly look! It's really easy to navigate to search for what exactly you're looking for, and everything is split neatly into categories for easy browsing.

And if you thought that was convenient, the search function that the Uniqso website has makes looking for exactly what you want even easier :)

But how are you sure that a certain type of circle lenses are for you? Each pair of contact lenses offered by Uniqso has reviews available through comments and/or blogger reviews + pictures so you can see for yourself the effect each contact lens gives and at the same time, the type of wear and care to expect.

Once you've finally decided which pair you're interested in, ordering and purchasing is as simple as 1, 2, 3!


Step 1: Check the contact lenses' availability.
Keep in mind that Uniqso doesn't sell lenses by the pair, and instead sells them PER PIECE. Thus, the price listed for each item is for ONE LENS.

This is an advantage for people with eye grades that are different for each eye as ordering a separate grade for each eye is much more convenient. I also find this very nifty, because I've been one of those people who has ended up loosing one contact lens. I know, I'm such a clutz. One day, one of my contact lenses just popped out and I couldn't find it. This way, it's easier to order replacements! Or, you can go for the half-eye effect! Still pretty cool!

So once you've got that in order you can proceed to step 2!

Step 2: Key in number in the column and complete order
Since they sell by piece, you need to make sure you key in the correct quantity for each type of lens grade you want! So if you want a pair of plano lenses you have to key in 2 on the first field! :3 When you're sure about your order, click ADD TO CART.

After you click it, you should be taken to a screen that looks like the one below!


From here you can either continue shopping or proceed to check out. Double check if your total is correct, and if you have a discount code don't forget to enter it here!

When you check out, if you aren't already logged in or registered, you're given the option of checking out as a guest, logging in as a returning customer, signing in via facebook  or registering for a new account.

Registering for an account at Uniqso gives you some perks such as being able to check or track or your order/shipping status, your order history, adding your shipping information to their directory for quicker checkout and points which you can use later on to redeem some nifty products! Choose the option that suits you best, either way you'll end up at the payment screen like so:

This process is shortened if you register for account, as Uniqso will have your details properly saved in their data base! Once you've selected your options and filled in the required fields, click NEXT to be brought to this page.

Here, you can choose which option for shipping you would prefer! Obviously, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. FedEx Priority ships extremely fast but is obviously the more expensive choice. Most choose the international registered post, but keep in mind the system of international customs in your individual country!

Click next and double check to confirm if all the info you inputted is correct!

After you're satisfied we're ready for the payment step!

Step 3: Making payment via paypal/other bank transfer
Depending on what option you chose, the screen you will encounter for payment is different as seen below.

If you chose Paypal as your option for payment, click the Paypal button and complete your transaction on the Paypal website! If you chose a manual Bank Transfer, make sure you take not of the Bank Name, Banking Date, Banking Time, Reference Number, Amount Paid (plus shipping, don't forget!), and Order Number. You will be pasting all this information in the transaction detail box.

After you've confirmed your payment, you should get a screen similar to this and an email with confirmation from Uniqso!

Congratulations! You've just completed your purchase! It's all up to Uniqso now!

Step 4: Seller sends item.

Uniqso is very prompt with responding to orders. Of course, they're limited by when they receive stock form their supplier  but they're very professional in handling delays,and if there are any, they will contact you immediately! Usually the items are shipped 2-3 days after their receive supplies. Sending will be even speedier if the items are on hand! The tracking number of your items will be sent to you immediately after they have been shipped!

Step 5: - Buyer checks items.
Uniqso has a convenient return policy if in case damage and defects have been seen, especially if adverse effects happen to your eyes! You can read more about their return policy here!


Step 6: - Buyer review items and get points.
If everything's in order, Uniqso offers you an awesome way to make the most of your purchases by accumulating points based on reviews and feedback via their REWARD PROGRAM. Rewards and points are given based on reviews, referrals and an occasional photo contest wearing lenses you purchased form Uniqso!

You get 2 points immediately for just registering, 3 additional points for every review posted and 5 points for each purchase/order referredy by you! 1 point is equivalent to 1$ off and you can enter 'PR[#points]' e.g 'PR3' in the Discount Code field to use your points to slash the price off your purchase for up to 50$ off!

Aside from that they're always having new PROMOTIONS with new and different circle lenses.

Isn't that awesome? So have you checked Uniqso out yet? Why not try their products by availing of the discount below!

Take the opportunity to register as well and start racking up those points! All in all, Uniqso has an awesome system for purchasing Big Eye Circle Lenses! Check them out!

Hope you enjoyed this post. I hope it was an informative as I hoped it was to me! I'll be back with my usual posting schedule soon! Til then, see you soon!

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Ada, signing out!