Review : The Project Vanity x Ellana Life-Proof Eyebrow Gel

Hello loves!

The phrase "Kilay is life" easily became popular to every beauty enthusiast in the country. Come to think of it, just a bit over a decade ago, I was only one of the few people in our college batch that wears makeup in class. But now, I see more young people who wear makeup even in school (I currently work in a university so I see students everyday). So I think it is safe to say that the beauty market grew exponentially and more and more Filipinos look for better quality products that fit their budget, which resulted to more beauty brands stepping up their game to meet these demands! It's such a good time to love beauty products!

In this light, two of my trusted local beauty brands did just that—they created a product that I'm sure many makeup enthusiast would absolutely love. I got so excited when I heard about this for the first time. It's a collaboration between Project Vanity and Ellana Mineral Cosmetics. If you love makeup and it just so happens that you also live under a rock and unaware what Project Vanity is, it's one of the leading blogs in the Philippines that writes about beauty. Ellana Mineral Cosmetics, on the other hand, is, hands down, my favorite mineral makeup brand since 2014. So as much as I just raved about these brands, I assure you that this review is not biased at all, but it did made me have very high expectations about this new product...

Introducing The Project Vanity x Ellana Life-Proof Eyebrow Gel.

July-August [MEGA] Haul (2018)

Hello loves!

It has been a hell of a stressful couple of months for me. And you know what that means... another reason for me to shop! Hahaha! I know I shouldn't but I just want to feel better because I've only had about an average of 3-4 hours of sleep during the weekdays and on weekends I had to do all the physically exhausting house chores like laundry and cleaning the garage and bathing the dogs. 

ANYWAY, I'm just too happy right now because I'm swimming with all these beautiful things and I've finally finished the thing I was doing that kept me awake in the evening. So I just pamper myself with all the goodness that I bought during the months of July and August. Yayyyy!

So without further a do, here are the items I bought recently starting with the awesomest package from Althea Korea:

10 and Tenacious: Project Vanity's 10th Anniversary Celebration

Hey dearies!

Project Vanity, one of the leading beauty resource in the Philippines, just celebrated its tenth anniversary! 

Wow! I can't believe it has been that long. I remember, even before I started blogging, Project Vanity was one of the blogs I often visit to read reviews about certain products. I was a makeup newbie back then and I usually ask my sister for advice, and if I needed more information, I read blogs. To be honest, since I've already established who my favorite beauty bloggers and beauty gurus way back then, I barely check out others so I'm not familiar with most of the recent ones out there. It's not that I snub them, but I became curious and adventurous with my makeup and skincare that I would like to try them out myself to see how it works on my skin... and probably because life also got busier as well.

Beauty Confidential: BDJ x Project Vanity Beauty Bootcamp Experience

Hi loves!

Last Sunday, I attended my first beauty event of the year and I had a blast!

I was invited by Liz of the Project Vanity Team as a media guest (like a #BeautyCorrespondent) to experience a day full of beauty workshops and awesome games and deals from partner brands at the Beauty Confidential Beauty Bootcamp. This event was hosted by Belle de Jour and they partnered with one of the leading beauty blogs in the country, Project Vanity, to help us "bring out the most beautiful" in us by gathering experts and enthusiasts to share beauty, skincare, and self-care tips and secrets. 

December (2017) Haul — Yay for Christmas Shopping!

Hey everyone!

The holidays might be over but I'm still enjoying some of the things that I got from the events that happened last month. One of the things that definitely made me extra giddy last Christmas is the huge sales from different shop! Haha! I'm glad that we had extra money for spending so I was able to get some stuff for me to use. Let me share what items I was able to get so you know what to  expect on my future blog product reviews...

Marks and Spencer Shea Butter Cream Bath - PhP 350.00

Marks and Spencer Floral Collection Silky Talcum Powder in Rose - PhP 295.00

The prices I posted are their regular prices but I got these at 20% off. They had a promo which lasted for only three days on all regular priced items. The sale happened from December 25-27, 2017.

NEW SHADES ADDED: Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Lip in Luxe Liquid Lipstick Collection

Hey loves!

I am soooo excited to share with you this news regarding one of my favorite liquid lipsticks. I was actually surprised and excited when I saw their Facebook ad featuring the new shades of Ellana Mineral Cosmetic's Lip in Luxe Liquid Lipstick range. As some of you may know, I bought the first four shades last December. I think I bought it a few days after they were first released! Haha! You can check them out HERE. Those shades consisted of mostly nude-ish colors and a bold, blue-toned red (which became an instant favorite). Now, Ellana added more colors to this collection—they are a mix of rosy hues and sexy reds.

I was given four shades by brand owner, Theresa Carbonel-Buenaflor. I was so surprised when I received a message from her telling me this generous offer. I've been a fan of their products since the first time I used them and their liquid lipsticks have been one of my favorites. I've been meaning to buy them before I learned that they'll give me some of the shades. I just feel so fortunate that I want to spread more joy to my readers by sharing with you the swatches and what to expect from these new beautiful lippies.

Two weeks ago, I received the package containing these four tubes. Since then, I used them almost every time I go out of the house! 

Just like what it says on the box, I gotta start each day with my favorite lippie and a beautiful smile—and that's what I did for the past two weeks! 

It's pretty much the same formula as before:

Creamy Matte

Smudge-proof—it lasts all day!

Waterproof

Talc-free

Cruelty-free

Made with vegan ingredients

I know that wearing matte liquid lipsticks can dry the lips and make them chap, but I can honestly say that Ellana's liquid lipsticks are one of the few matte lippies that I've used that do not dry my lips as much. Just exfoliate and moisturize your lips and apply this and achieve a perfect pout.

I also love that it has a life span of three years! Hooray! 

The shades that I will be sharing with you are

(From right to left)

Love is the Answer

Love is Noble

Love is Pure

Love is Sincere

There are actually five new shades but one of them, Love is the Reason, was already out of stock. Don't worry though, I still plan on buying one to complete my collection! ;)

The packaging is still the same with the clear tube with gold labels and a black cap. I like that the tube is cuboid or a rectangular cube. It sets it apart from most liquid lipsticks that have cylindrical shapes.

It's equipped with a doe-foot applicator. I like this because it carries enough product to coat both lips without redipping. I sometimes add another coat for a longer staying power.

Now, for the swatches:

Love is the Answer, Love is Noble, Love is Pure, Love is Sincere

I test the staying power of these liquid lipsticks by smudging and introducing substances...

Rubbing the swatches didn't do anything on the swatches.

Rubbing while wet with water also didn't do anything. Waterproof--check!

If you use mild cleansers like Physiogel, well, let me tell you that that's not enough to remove these babies! Rubbing it with Physigel cleanser didn't even create a smudge from any of the shades.

Finally, I used a makeup remover (oil-based) and it finally moved.

I had to massage the makeup remover a few times to completely remove the swatches.

So if you like long-lasting makeup, then these liquid lipsticks are the things that you might want to check out. All of the shades can last the whole day on me, except maybe when I eat something soup-based like ramen or I pig out on oily things like fried chicken (ha ha ha!).

 

Now I'll share with you individual photos of the lippies on my lips and how I look wearing them, starting with the pinks...

Love is the Answer

It has an old rose shade.

I love wearing this shade! It's not as vibrant as the reds but it has this classy feel to it.

Love is Noble

It's like a mix of a dark fuchsia and plum shades

I like how it compliments my warm skin. 

Love is Pure

It's a beautiful persian red shade.

I love this color! It's not a common red lipstick shade! I like me some blue-toned reds, but this is just a different kind of red and I really, really like it!

Love is Sincere

It's the classic red! 

It's a red that I can use for any occassions! 

These babies costs PhP 499.00. I find these liquid lipsticks as good investments, especially if you're an on-the-go person because it's easy to apply and lasts long. It's of good quality, quite affordable, and has a life span of three years. With all these in mind, what's not to like? If you're scared that it will dry your lips, continuous use can do that. BUT moisturizing with a lip balm and exfoliating your lips can keep your lips soft and smooth. If you have chappy lips, these will make the dryness more obvious. So take care of your lips and these liquid lipsticks will look like perfection! It can also double as a cheek tint, but I have yet to try that. I usually wear medium-heavy coverage foundations so tints aren't something I use often. :P

You may find me praising this product too much, but what can I say? I have nothing ill to say about this it. Lip in Luxe still remains a favorite of mine among my makeup stash!

Thought on these new shades? Comment below!

Cheers,
DAWN

Ellana Cosmetics Multipurpose Pure Pigments in Dove

Hey dears!

Gonna share a quick swatch post. :D

I'll share with you the shimmery goodness of this eyeshadow that I got from the brand's promo bundle called "Party Gal." I bought the bundle because it was such a great deal and a couple of the products that I plan on getting is already in that bundle. I thought I'd get more products for almost the same price than if I bought them individually.

Ellana Cosmetics Multipurpose Pure Pigments in Dove

It's PhP 199.00 when you buy it individually.

Product description from the website:

What is Multipurpose Mineral Powder?

It's pure high intensity mineral pigments that can be used as eyeshadows, eyeliners, blushes, lip colors, bronzers, and body shimmers. Our colors come in matte, shimmer, and frost finish.

Note that some shades cannot be used for the lips.

Ingredients:

Mica C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphates Titanium Dioxide Zinc Oxide, Kaolin Silicone Dioxide Magnesium Steatrate Allantoin Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Copper CI 77400 Yellow CI 77492 Black CI 77499

Dove can be used as:

- HIGHLIGHTER

- EYESHADOW

- LIP COLOR LIGHTENER (when lip color is too dark)

I love that this product is multi-purpose and a white shimmery powder can be used often and in many ways. 

Here's the swatch:

Here's how the pigments look upclose

Here's how it looks when spread

I haven't tried it on the lips but I love is as a highlighter and as an eyeshadow. I like putting it on the inner corners of my eyes as seen on the photo below:

It brightens the eyes and just adds sparkles! I love sparkles. ^_^

I love sparkly shadows because it makes me feel like a fairy princess. Yay!

Yeah... it makes my six-year-old self come out. 

And that's my post about the Ellana Cosmetics Multipurpose Pure Pigments in Dove! Thoughts?

Cheers,

DAWN

Ellana Cosmetics Matte Powder Blush in Patience

Hello loves!

I've already converted all the girls in our office to use Ellana Cosmetics foundations. They were looking for products that are easy to use but would still easily even out their skin with a natural finish. The first brand that I thought of was Ellana Cosmetics. They loved their foundies from the moment they tried them and has since been loyal customers (I think more than two years now). 

Now, we usually buy our refills together to avail their free shipping, and sometimes, we also get the free product when our purchases amount to a certain price. One of the freebies that we were able to get was the...

Ellana Cosmetics Matte Powder Blush in Patience

My officemates agreed to give the blush to me since I handle the transactions... so yay! 

I'm not sure if it's still available for purchase though. It's not listed in their website anymore. If you're really curious to know, the Ellana Mineral Cosmetics team answers questions quickly so don't hesitate to contact them. :P

I love using matte blushes so I was so eager to try this one out. I already have an oily skin so adding more shimmers to my face is not something that I would want. So yay for mattes!

So the product is a mineral makeup and it's in loose form. The packaging is pretty simple with its clear container wherein you can see the shade of the blush inside. The labels are pretty basic though and they are printed very simply, unlike the sticker type labels that I usually see from the other products from the brand. I'm not sure what the design looks like if it were not a freebie though.

Here's how the powder looks like up close.
I like that I can dispense a small amount of the powder blush from those three tiny holes of the container. It makes me control the amount dispensed easily to avoid wasting the product.

When blended, it creates this warm, bronze-peach color. It just gives a warm glow on the cheeks. The consistency is soft and smooth and it's very pigmented!

Although I find the color a little too dark for my taste, I think I could still use it this summer when my skin gets a little darker. 

What are your thoughts on the Ellana Cosmetics Matte Powder Blush in Patience?

Cheers,
DAWN

Favorite Holiday Scents for 2016

Hey dears!

I love it when I enter a room and it smells so good. It instantly uplifts my mood. I appreciate mostly vanilla, floral, and musky scents, while I am not a fan of citrusy scents. Anyway, I'll just be sharing the products that I own that I love to use and smell during the past few days...

Issey Miyake Pleats Please Eau de Parfum

Info from the website:

I unintentionally bumped into this while browsing a warehouse sale of different brands. I had no idea what it would smell like but my brother has a perfume from this brand that I like so I gave it a shot and sniffed the tester on the counter. I completely fell in love with the scent. It's light and refreshing—perfect for a day out!

 Lanvin Marry Me! Eau de Parfum

Info from the website:

This is also an unplanned purchase. It just smells amazing. It's a very romantic scent and perfect for evening events.

Calvin Klein Endless Euphoria Eau de Parum

Info from the website:

This scent is like the middle ground of the two fragrances I've shared before. It's floral, light, and sexy! 

And those are the perfumes that I like to interchange every other day. 

Now, let here's a product that I enjoy when I get home...

The Body Shop Vanilla Chai Shower Gel

Info from the website:

This is the scent that combines two things I love—tea and vanilla! 

I'm so happy that The Body Shop created this scent. Unfortunately, this is a limited edition product for the holidays so I better stock up so that I won't miss it too much. 

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Lip in Luxe in Love is True 

I already made a review on this. Check it out here.

I love applying it not just because of the matte finish and the lovely shade, I enjoy the sweet  vanilla or butterscotch (I can't pinpoint which exactly) scent as well! The smell doesn't stay too long but the experience of smelling it while creating that perfect red pout is just wonderful. 

 Alice Blue Ionizer Oil in Vanilla

We usually turn on our air revitalizer every morning and every day feels better whenever I smell vanilla early in the morning. We use this Alice Blue Ionizer Oil. You can check out their other scent on their scent guide.

Ilog Maria Fresh Rose Oil

Info from the website:

Calming & Energizing
Our aromatherapy oils can be used as cloth and room fragrance.
For use in a diffuser: place 1-4 drops in a few tablespoons of water and light tea light

Luxe Parfum and Scents Fresh Bamboo/ Bamboo Fields Water-Soluble Aroma Concentrate

Info from their Facebook Page:Best seller! 
Fresh. Clean. Strong. An aroma that brings you the relaxing and refreshing scent of fresh and damp green bamboo leaves. Just like the scent you've been loving to sniff in your favorite hotel, or spa 😉

For use in Air Humidifiers, Air Revitalisors, Oil Burners.

All our fragrance oils are imported from Grasse, France. Water-soluble formulation is proudly concocted locally for Xiamed Trading.

These two I interchange depending on my mood. They smell completely different but I love them both! :D

 Nuxe Dry Oil Huile Prodigieuse

Info from the website:

Last but not the least, the dry oil that I use all over my body. I just love this dry oil and my skin, especially my face, feels so soft the next day whenever I have it on. The experience gets better when applying it because of the warm, floral scent. I can't describe it well so I'll advise you to smell it when you see the Nuxe counters at Watsons or the Beauty sections of department stores. It really is captivating!

And those are the products that I enjoy ummm... sniffing. HAHA! What are the scents that you currently like?

Cheers,

DAWN