Review: Purederm BB Cream

The first and last time I tried out a BB Cream was a year ago. I purchased samples of the BRTC BB Cream and tried it on but hated it. It felt so heavy on my skin and made my face more oily. Also it had an ugly white/grayish cast on the face.

A few weeks ago, I was sent a sample of Purederm BB Cream by Bare Naturals. I kept my mind open about it so I could test it out fully.





Quoting from the seller's website:

"PUREDERM Magic Blemish Balm (BB) cream:

Moisturizer, makeup base, primer, sunblock, and beautifying cream
SPF 30, UV protection
Exfoliating
Antioxidant
Soft and gentle to the skin
Contains naturals extracts and nutritious ingredient
Moisturizes and protects skin
Improves fine lines and wrinkles
Lightens the skin
Water-proof, stays on your skin even when you sweat
Mattifies the skin, controls the oil
Increases skin elasticity and moisturizes the face
No weird smell (it has neutral smell, no strong “cosmetic-ish” nor herbal smell)

Herbal Ingredients:

Arbutin
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Beeswax
Morus Alba Root Extract
Pueraria lobata root extr
Cinnamommum Cassia Bak Extract
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Chrysanthemum Indicum Extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Bentonite
Tocopheryl Acetate
Hyaluronic Acid
Adenosine
Vitamin E derivatives"


I've been testing this BB Cream for 7 days now. I put it on in the morning after my AM routine (cleanse-tone-moisturize/sunblock). The texture is smooth and lotion-like. It went on the face evenly and blended easily. It did not fully cover any facial imperfections that I wanted to cover but it acted as a tinted sunblock.

on my finger

at the back of my hand

blended in

I took photos after application and there was a whitish cast in the pictures. Later on though, the BB Cream melded with my skin that it looked natural after a few hours. I did not find it heavy on the face that I wore it DAILY. My sensitive face did not itch nor break out. Yay!

I wore this once as a foundation. I just put finishing powder (a darker shade to counter act the whitish shade of the BB Cream) right after and the usual Hi-Definition powder and blush. It held on the whole day and looked natural after a few hours. I guess the trick is to wait a few hours if you want to use this as a foundation for skin tones like mine (medium warm/golden). Fairer skin tones would look great right away. My face wasn't oily during the day and I knew I was getting additional sun protection.


(used as foundation topped with DW Peanut Butter Creme Topping and Aromaleigh URFP)

Pros:
-locally available
-no horrible smell
-no breakouts for me
-felt light on the face
-kept my face oil-free
-herbal ingredients good for the skin
-SPF 30!!!
-can be used as make-up base
-not too expensive
-a little goes a long way

Cons:
-initial whitish cast on the skin
-additional step for those who already wear a moisturizer/SPF (although this could be used alone!) to get a tinted moisturiser effect
-doesn't completely cover any blemishes
-well, nothing else really

I would purchase this as a back-up for my current moisturizer/SPF since it performed the same. It did even out the skin tone because of the light tint. BB Cream users would love this because of all the Pros I mentioned although I don't know about the long-term effects on lines/wrinkles and acne as I also use products targeted toward these things.

Purederm is Made in Korea. Introductory Price is only P799 (around $17) for a 50ml tube and you can get samples or trial sizes also. You can get the Purederm BB Cream at Bare Naturals.

Review: Human Nature organic products

I've been using the products I got from Human Nature (see post here) for almost a week now.  I haven't had much experience with organics to compare them with, except maybe with Lush, and I had/am having a good one so far.

Aloe & Guava Facial Wash:

(for oily and acne prone skin)

- I used this once or twice a day the past 6 days and my skin did not feel tight after washing as some facial soaps do.  This has a refreshing guava scent that isn't off-putting but mild.  It lathers really well that only a pea-sized amount is needed and it rinses off easily with no residue on the skin.   No breakouts nor allergies for my sensitive and acne-prone skin.  It also doesn't sting my eyes.

- My mom has been using the other variant, Calendula & Seaweed Facial Wash (for combination  & sensitive skin) and she said she is also happy with it.  My mom has more sensitive skin than me and rarely uses anything else other than her derma's facial wash.

- Will continue using this alternately with my existing facial washes.

Aloe Vera Nourishing Shampoo in Mandarin:

(Mandarin variant has extra virgin coconut oil for a silky smooth finish)

- I was surprised that this shampoo lathers well.  I've read reviews on how organic shampoos don't lather but this one does.  Scent is mild with NO coconut oil scent at all.  My hair felt soft even during rinsing but I followed it with the conditioner.  My hair feels light with no sticky residue after shampoo.  Shampoo with your eyes closed though, coz it stings the eyes.

Mango Butter Nourishing Conditioner:

(Mandarin variant)

- This has a very thin consistency that you tend to use more than the usual amount.  It does not lather like other regular conditioners just make sure to distribute it evenly through your hair.  I leave it on for a few minutes then rinse and my hair was very soft.   Scent is very mild.

Pearl Powder & Aloe Vera Strengthening Shampoo & Body Wash:

(Cucumber for silky smooth finish)

- Lathers well like the Nourishing shampoo although I felt my hair a bit stiff after rinsing.  Following with the conditioner makes it soft again.  I prefer the Nourishing shampoo than this one although their effect is similar for me.  Mild scent of cucumbers.

Aloe Vera Kids Shampoo Watermelon:

- My DD loves this scent!  It lathers really well that we're able to make lots of bubbles while bathing.  It has a no tears formula which I tested also on my own eyes (yeah, I rubbed it in, no sting if it accidentally goes into your kids eyes.  Don't leave it on too long though coz eventually it will hurt a tiny bit.  I tried this on myself).  Hair is soft and shiny after rinsing. 

- Safe for kids because there are no harmful chemicals in this shampoo.

Lip Balm in Coconut:

- This smells really yummy!  Like a sweetened coconut dessert.  Balm is solid in the jar but applies with a thin consistency.  It moisturizes the lips but reapplication is needed often as it wears off easy.  A thicker consistency would make this better for me.  Also, a tube is a better container than a jar for hygenic reasons.

Solid Perfume in Mandarin Eucalyptus:

- This one I really didn't appreciate much.  It smells like a massage balm to me and it didn't last long after application.

This is my initial review on the few products I've been using from Human Nature.  It is good to know that we are starting to make our own organic products locally.  I will order bigger sizes of the shampoos and facial washes for myself and my family since it is good for the skin and we can help local industries.

Belated Christmas Pressies....

They came in late but at least they're here. I got my prize for winning a contest on the Makeup Masala forum...3 Rimmel mascaras! Oh, and I thought it was only 1 and was surprised that there were 3. Thank you Toma!




Eye Magnifier Eye Opening Mascara

Sexy Curves Full Volume & Curve Mascara

Glam' Eyes Mascara

All 3 in black. I just don't know how to review mascaras as I rarely use them- only for special occasions like weddings. I'll be sharing my prize with mom since she uses mascaras.

I also got a Christmas present from Eyeko...again, thank you!

t-shirt, pin and eye shadow palette




Pretty Eyes eye shadow palette. Lovely colors good for daily wear.

Remember to type in the code E120 at the comments section for a free full size item plus free shipping worldwide whenever you order from Eyeko.

Silk Naturals Mini Haul

I got my Silk Naturals mini haul the other day. I ordered this last December and it probably got stuck in customs :-(

I only got a FS Cherry Crush lipgloss and the mini fiber optic brush.

The FO brush is tiny. I washed it yesterday and tried using it today and I noticed the shedding. Every time I swiped the brush across my cheeks 2 or 3 bristles would come off. I hope this is just an initial phase. I still have to practice using this brush coz I am not used to such a small brush head for applying cheek color.

My order came with 2 freebies: Crinoline Mineral Glow and a Tender lip gloss sample.

I like the color of the Cherry Crush lip gloss so much!

Photos show Cherry Crush swatch on my hand, on my lips without flash (true color) and with flash.







This is my first tube of Silk Naturals liquid lip color. I like the texture of it because it is not sticky and did not dry out my lips like all Silk Naturals lippies. The color looks berry-ish on me and is not too bright red. It lasted longer on my lips than a regular lip gloss.

Brush Guards Anyone?

I first came across the Brush Guard on a friend's blog and was thinking of getting some but wasn't able to right away since it was the holidays at that time (and my package might take a long time to arrive due to international shipping).

A few days ago my friend C of My Beauty Basket contacted me saying she was sending me some brush guards and asked what I thought about them. I got that package recently containing a variety pack of brush guards and yes, I was so excited about it.

The Brush Guard is used for:
-storage and travel, keep bristles in good shape
-drying bristles downward
-keeping handles clean and gives a good grip
-keeps brushes feel like new




The variety pack contains:
-1 large (kabukis/foundation)
-2 medium (foundation)
-2 small (blush)
-1 extra small (shadow/liner)



Made of stretchable, breathable tube.




On my own brushes:




On my wet brushes after washing. You can stand them in a glass with the bristles pointing downward to dry.



Make sure you follow directions and put in the brushes HANDLE FIRST then slide upward to the bristle part or you risk snagging the bristles on the guard if done the other way around.

I'm going to get another pack with the large brush guards to keep my kabukis in shape bec. I have a small brush holder which bends some of the brush bristles.

There are 5 different packs to choose from at P375 for each Brush Guard Pack. You can get yours at My Beauty Basket.

Human Nature Organic Products

I was reading the newspaper Saturday morning when I came across an article on locally made organic products. This one in particular is Human Nature. This company, Gandang Kalikasan, was put up by Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto's daughter, Anna Meloto-Wilk because of her passion to help save the environment and to invest in Philippine-grown products.

I quickly went to their website (they don't have a brick & mortar store as of now) and saw how very inexpensive the products were. Being the product junkie that I am, I ordered small sizes and some kits to try out for myself, my mom and my DD. That was Saturday morning and now, Monday morning, I got my package!!!

All these for P500!

Happy Shower Kit P99.50:

-Aloe & Guava Facial Wash

-Nourishing Shampoo in Mandarin

Survival Kit P199:

-Moisturizing Shampoo in Mandarin

-Mango Butter Nourishing Conditioner

-Calendula & Seaweed Facial Wash

-Lip Balm in Coconut

-Solid Perfume in Mandarin Eucalyptus

-Nourishing Shampoo Lemongrass P29.75

-Strengthening Shampoo Cucumber P32.75

Squeaky Kid Kit P149.50:

-Citronella Bug Spr ay

-Aloe Vera Kids Shampoo Watermelon

There are choices or variants for the shampoos, perfumes and lip balms. Plus, there are bigger sizes of the products. I only got the smaller sizes so I'd be able to test them out first.

Amazing isn't it? I have yet to try all these out and I hope they work for me as going organic is better for the body. Also, we would be helping out the environment and our countrymen.

Avon lippies and glimmerstick

I got a few things from Avon last week since they were on sale in the catalog.



The Pro-to-Go lipstick comes in a really cute case that you push up to reveal the lipstick. No caps that could get lost in your bag. I have Soft Peach (photos here) and now Pink Craze.











The lipsticks are not sticky and go on soft on the lips. They're not sheer but not too pigmented either and don't dry out the lips. I'm not a heavy lipstick user so these are just right for me. They last a few hours on me before reapplication is needed. I just think they're a bit small compared to other lipstick sizes but with the price (when on sale) I'm not complaining.

The Avon Glazewear liquid lip color I got in Darling Pink.







I have the Teddy Bear shade which I reviewed here. Teddy Bear is not available locally but the other shades are. I just noticed that Teddy Bear (US) is a bit more sticky than Darling Pink (local). Teddy Bear lasted a bit longer than Darling Pink on me.



It did not dry out my lips either like the Pro-to-go lipstick. It's not overly glossy (since it's not a gloss). It has a slight sweet scent that goes away after applying (or maybe my nose just isn't that sensitive to smells). Darling Pink has a slight shimmer and on my skin tone it looks nice. I've read reviews on MUA that this shade did not look good on lighter skin-toned ladies.

Again, for the price (P99, on promo) I would repurchase other shades.

Next is the Glimmerstick Brow Definer in Soft Black.








It's darker in real life. The flash just made it look like a gray shade. It applied smooth and soft on my hand when I did the swatch. The pencil is retractable so it won't get easily broken.



I don't have much experience with brow pencils and this is my first one ever. I can't review it fully yet as I've tried it only once. I also don't use brow definers regularly since my brows are thick. I only got this for special occasions to fill in sparse areas for more definition.

I wish Avon Philippines would bring in the Magix Face Perfector as I would really want to stock up on that one product. Here's my review for that.

Dayna's Minerals FOTD

Here's an FOTD from yesterday using some of my new Dayna's Minerals products:

Face:



Sweetscents Hide-A-Pore in Medium-Dark as powder primer
J.Lynne foundation in Medium Golden
Dreamworld Creme Topping in Cocoa
EG Minerals Hi-Def. Pro Powder

Cheeks:
Dayna's Minerals blush in Coral Breeze
Lumiere Silk Radiance in Nectar on top of blush
Eyeko Original Cream on cheekbones as highlight


Lips:



Avon Glazewear liquid lip color in Darling Pink



Eyes:



Artdeco eye primer
Dayna's Minerals e/s in Baby Popo on lid up to crease
Dayna's Minerals e/s in Mr. Sully dry-lined on upper lashline
Eyeko Original Cream on brow bone as highlight

New Dayna's Minerals Blushes

The first of a few packages I've been waiting so long for has arrived. It's my tiny blush and glow order from Dayna's Minerals.

The jars came wrapped like candies with a note from Dayna.






I got blushes in Coral Breeze and Polka Dot, Glow in Peachy Sheen and Beach Bronzer (for contouring).

Swatches of the 2 blushes as shown here:


with flash, indoor light


no flash, indoor light

See how pigmented the blushes are? They have very slight shimmer in them. Coral Breeze I got in a 10gr jar because I had a sample of it before and I really like the shade. It's one of the coral/peachy blushes that look good on me. Polka Dot is a new blush that is pinky/brown in shade. Peachy Sheen I also got in full size because my sample has run out.

All of Dayna's Glows are wonderful, giving a slight sheen when worn. It's not shimmery at all and it enhances or highlights the cheek area naturally. I sometimes use the other shades also as a brow highlight.

The following came free:

A set of the doggie series of shadows in Ms. Gigi, Mr. Sully, Baby Popo, Hi-"Jack".



Much as I wanted to get full size jars of these 4 I did not because I know I won't be able to finish them as I rarely wear eye shadows.

This 5 gr jar of Java Lava Lip Balm also came free. Love the coffee scent it has and it's moisturizing. It has a very light tint but it doesn't show up on my lips since they're a bit pigmented.





I hope I get the rest of my packages this week. The wait is killing me.

Wedding FOTD

Went to a friend's wedding last week and my DD was one of the 2 flower girls. Had a great time since it's nice to dress up once in a while. It is also my first time to try using 2 different foundations on top of the other. It turned out good I think.

FOTD:

H2O+ Mattifying Moisturizer
AVON Magix Face Perfector SPF 20
Lauress Minimalist foundation in Pure Yellow 1 layer
EG Minerals Cover Me foundation in Helena 2nd layer
mist with toner and pat dry with flocked sponge
Lauress Enhancer in Chiffon
Aromaleigh URFP in Translucent

Blush:
EDM blush in Apple
Dayna's Minerals Glow in Violet Vesper on top of blush
BE Warmth as contour

Lips:
Miners lip liner all over lips
MAC 3D Glass in Algorithm

EOTD:

UDPP and Artdeco primers
Jesse's Girl Quad #2 using 3 shades
Magnetism Gel liner on upper lash line and to fill in brows
Blinc Kiss Me Mascara

Some other photos:

San Agustin Church.

DD starting her walk.

Entourage photo. All gowns by Edward Teng.




Last photo is on our way home from the reception. All round us are ROOTS of trees!
The purple dress I had on I bought off the rack last week in my desperate search for a dress for this occasion.

Zoya Haul & Swatches

I recently got my Zoya nail polishes from a spree by Mhean.

Here's the Holiday Mini-cure kit which contains mini sizes of the following:



Anchor
Armor
Hurry Up
Remove+
Shiloh nail polish (shown below):
- shimmering metallic red



I also got 2 shades from the Flourish Winter collection:

Kalista:
- metallic mahogany brown with gilded sparkle highlights




Shivon:
-metallic rose gold with gilded sparkle highlights and a foil finish




All together (L-R):

mini Shiloh, Kalista, Shivon



Love the few shades I chose and I can't wait to use them. Also, I've read good reviews for the Zoya treatments and the mini sizes are a good way to try them out. At least now I have a set of treatments to use with all my Zoya polishes.

I now have my eye on a few shades of the new Twist collection (Jo, Harley, Malia in particular). Can't wait for the next spree.

New Eyeko Nail Polish

There's something new on the Eyeko website:

Nail Polishes!!!



Some of you probably know I love nail polishes aside from mineral makeup so this certainly peaked my interest. I want to try some of the colors as they are only 3 GBP per 9ml bottle (around P200 +).

They currently have 6 shades to choose from:





Don't forget to type in the code E120 in the comments section when you check out to get a FREE full size Eyeko product when ordering.  Shipping is free anywhere in the world.

** All photos from the Eyeko website.

Askmewhats For A Cause

Nikki of Askmewhats is having a makeup seminar to help out a friend of hers battling cancer. Here are the details:

Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause
(note from author: ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE GIVEN TO JUDITH'S FAMILY)




When: January 31, 2009
Time: 1:30pm-4:30pm
Fee: Php1,500/head (snacks will be provided)
Where: 2107 21st Floor One San Miguel Bldg, San Miguel Ave. Ortigas Pasig City
For Inquiries and Reservations: email ntiu1027@gmail.com