SM Ladies' Fashion at PFW 2013 Giveaway Winner!

Marielle R. Francisco

You can claim your two passes to the SM Ladies' Fashion PFW show and gift bag at the venue before the show on May 22, 8PM :)

Image courtesy of Clara

Make Up Factory Blogger Launch (plus my brow makeover courtesy of their award-winning Eye Brow Intensifier)

There has been a lot of buzz about Make Up Factory as of late. If you've been following top beauty bloggers on Instagram, a lot of them have posted sneak peeks on Make Up Factory's products.

Conveniently located along High Street at The Fort, Make Up Factory now occupies the studio that was once Make Up For Ever. The same company that brought in Make Up For Ever, Brio One, is also the company behind Make Up Factory. The former is a purely French brand, while Make Up Factory is a brand whose roots stem from Germany (the land of Milka chocolate, yum yum!).

Make Up Factory’s head office is located just outside Munich, and distributes worldwide. Our creative team works closely with production, administration and sales to translate the latest international fashion trends into high-quality cosmetics for both pros and the everyday woman who looks for style and dependability---formulas and colors that will last all day, and can help her meet and express her many roles.

As a German brand, Make Up Factory does not believe in mass-producing low-quality products. We believe our customers deserve the best, and in the tradition of many well-known German cars---Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volkswagen---we put performance, quality, and safety first. Every product that leaves our doors has gone through laboratory and consumer testing, and meets European Union standards (one of the strictest in the world).

Last Tuesday, ARC Public Relations held an intimate blogger launch at the Make Up Factory boutique/studio. This is what happens when you unleash a bunch of beauty bloggers in a room full of makeup -- they go crazy! :)

Win passes to SM Ladies' Fashion at PFW 2013

SM Ladies’ Fashion is opening Philippine Fashion Week with a bang! Florals, geometric patterns, Asian-inspired cuts, and more are only a few of the trends fans can expect to see at this year’s clothing extravaganza. With well-loved brands SM Classics, Folio, Weekender, Studio S, Philosophy, and Coco Cabana taking center stage, there’s certainly a lot to look forward to.

Get a chance to win two (2) tickets to SM Ladies' Fashion at Philippine Fashion Week on May 22, 8pm.

Here's how to join:

Step 1 - Comment with full name and email address
Step 2 - Name your favorite SM Ladies' Fashion Spring/Summer trend
Step 3 - Twiddle your thumbs and wait for me to announce the winner

Important: 
- Deadline of entries is on May 19 at 11pm
- Winner will be announced on May 20
- Tickets must be picked up at the venue before the show on May 22 (no proxies allowed)
- Make sure you are available to watch the show on May 22 at 8pm

Review: KJI & Co. Lip Stayss in Seductress

You know how much I love lip tints during summer, I even reviewed several a few years back (click here and here). Recently, I included the KJI & Co. Lip Stayss in Seductress in my fave summer picks and I thought it was due time for a more in-depth review. Please note that this product was purchased using my own money.

Lip Staysss semi-permanent lip balm doesn’t bleed, feather, or rub off – and the staying power is 50% greater than any other lipstick in town. They last through drinks or greasy meals and even heal, hydrate and moisturise your lips at the same time. Made of 100% natural quick drying liquid, you will never feel you have it on.

Price: Php 410

Review: Snoe Hyperfunction Fond de Teint + Serum in X0 (Vanilla Creme)

In an effort to simplify my makeup routine, I decided to purchase the Snoe Hyperfunction Fond de Teint + Serum late last year. My usual routine after washing is to apply a toner, apply moisturising gel, then liquid foundation with SPF and then finally set everything with powder. Laziness sometimes kicks in and I wished for a 2-in-1 product that could moisturise and provide coverage.

Snoe Premium Cosmetics HyperFunction Fond de Teint + Serum is a lightweight formula that gives skin perfect coverage, skin healing ingredients, antioxidants and broad-spectrum sun protection. This feel-good formula is extra emollient to instantly “melt” into skin and give it a fresh, healthy glow. Over time, it also helps replenish and strengthen skin. 

Price: Php 1,199/55ml

VMV Hypoallergenics Subtle Shine Lipstick in Strawberry Fields

Late last year, I was finally able to get my hands on the elusive VMV Hypoallergenics Subtle Shine Lipstick in Strawberry Fields. I've been eyeing it for months and it was always sold out at the VMV boutiques I frequent. Good thing my ever reliable SA in SM Makati (Hi Anavic!) alerted me that there were a few pieces in stock, and they were also on sale, too. Yay!

Brushing up on the classics. This rich, satiny, silky-shine lipstick is timeless beauty of a higher skintelligence. 

100% Dye-Free. 100% Free of Irritating Waxes (including Beeswax and its cross-reactors), Phthalates, Parabens + Preservatives. 

100% Free of All-Types-Of-Fragrance.

With titanium dioxide + iron oxide pigments for additional sun protection. 

With green tea for antioxidant benefits plus virgin coconut oil for intensive moisturization.

Besides preventing chapping + other irritations, all this safety prevents darkening of the lips and acne/rashes around the mouth and chin.

Price: Php 1,050

Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

Confession: Hand washing is very important to me. I am not a fan of using gel hand sanitizers as I have a feeling that the germs and bacteria are still "sitting" on my skin. I would rather use a good ol' bar of soap and actually wash them away.

That said, I am a chronic washer. And applying a good hand lotion or creme is a must. I always one in my bag and my friends are starting to call me "Mommy" because I have anything and everything: band-aids, safety pins, a toothbrush, tissue, mints...you name it, I've got it. I always like to be prepared.

Anyway, I was running out of my Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream and thought of looking for an alternative that is readily available in Manila. I chanced upon Kiehl's and the SA recommended their Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. I wasn't too keen on using something called a "salve" because I have rather unpleasant notions about it, but I nodded anyway and told myself I should try it even just once.

Formulated for the driest, most active hands, this heavy–duty moisture treatment is a thick, rich formula offering all–day care and protection. Our blend of select ingredients allows skin to actually draw and absorb water from the air, forming a "glove–like" protective barrier against moisture loss. 

This formula, which contains a blend of botanical oils as well as natural wax derived from Olive Oil, further soothes, moisturizes and conditions skin. This most effective preparation helps protect against and repair the appearance of severe dryness caused by heavy industrial work, manual labor, neglect, or exposure to harsh elements.

Price: Php 850/75ml