Since last year, I had been more frugal due to a number of grown up decisions like taking more expensive vacations, buying a car, saving money for the rainy days and eventually buying a home. I would give in for some days, but I can feel the change in my spending habits tremendously compared when I was just too busy opening my wallet for no good reason.
Since I decided to run a foundation/ base series this week, I figure it's the excellent time for me to talk about some drugstore foundations I have. So today's pick is from a drugstore brand you're all familiar with, Maybelline!
The Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse foundation is ideal for normal skin according to their website. But the following are the selling points for me:
- Air-whipped liquid provides perfecting coverage for 100% poreless skin
- Oil-free, fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested
- Non-comedogenic – won’t clog pores, safe for sensitive skin
I bought this a couple of months ago, and if I remember it
right, that’s even before my dad got sick and then completely forgot about it. These days, I have my personal vow
to only spend when I have at least three gold bars in my apartment (goodness,
that would be awesome, haha). Sick, noh? I just realized it’s more effective to
be frugal when you stop counting your few pesos as if they are gold.
Anyhow, I picked up this Maybelline The Jewels by
ColorSensational in Amethyst Ablaze during one of my Maybelline field trips at
the mall. The only thing which bothered me in the beginning were the glitters.
Oh my God, they were like screaming Vegas to me. But don’t be fooled, because
when you applied it, it wasn’t that bad afterall.
When I remember my days as a struggling early twenty-something corporate slave, one of the brands I was fond of was Maybelline. They sell reasonably priced powder, mascara, eyeliner and the like.
Well you have heard it a countless times that a woman must invest into a good and reliable foundation (be it powder or liquid) so she can conquer the world!
But I am writing this post for all girls out there who are still on a budget and yet looking for a foundation which worked for me in the past and even now.
I am talking about the Maybelline Clear Smooth Extra Shine Free Powder Foundation SPF20.
Good morning Tuesday! I am a little under the weather since last week and hopefully to feel better soon. Blame it on the weather here in sunny Manila. It's been crazy sun + rain and the cycle goes on:(
Anyhow, a friend asked me what are my fave lipsticks to date. And I feel obliged to respond through a blog post somehow.
Lipsticks are great to put some color in your face. It is an instant perk-me-up dose for most ladies out there! Typically, cooler tones ( blue) work better for fairer skin, and warmer tones (those closer to red and orange) work best for darker tones like most Asian skins.
Today, I am posting on my fave red lippies! After all, that's the reason why I named this blog in honor of my fave lip color-- RED!
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| Red Lips are classic. Believe me. |
| Php 249.75 ($5) in your Maybelline stores |
Wait! Is it a powder or liquid? It's a BB Stick!
Introducing Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Stick SPF21 which I picked up at Rustan's supermarket (beauty section). The curious monkey inside me was too excited to see how this works.
Product Description:
Clear Smooth BB Stick is a multi-benefit product that combines the benefits of skin care, make-up, and sun block in a stick. It contains salicylic acid that helps clear away pores and imperfections, and mineral clay that helps control shine all day. Dermatologically tested. Recommended for oily or combination skin. Suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
8-IN-1 BENEFITS:
- Controls shine - Mineral clay formula helps keep skin shine-free all day
- Lasts all day - Powder finish resists sweat and sebum for up to 12 hours
- Clears - Reduces the appearance of dark spots, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles
- Refines - Reduces the appearance of pores
- Conceals - Instantly hides flaws and imperfections
- Evens - Corrects uneven skin tone
- Smoothens - Makes skin feel smooth, soft, and supple
- Protects - SPF 21/PA+++ protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays
Ciao a tutti! (Translation: Hello everybody!) How is life treating you so far? Life has been good to me lately, hehehe.
Today, I want to tell you about my experience on another VMV product which is called, "VMV FINE FINISH PORE MINIMISER". I mentioned to you before that I have combination to oily skin and if some people like the dewy-finish kind of makeup, I like my face to be matte at any cost! Like at any cost! I abhor sweating especially when I have makeup on.
According to VMV's website (here) this product is a shine controlling toner which lessens the look of pores. Hmmm.. let's see.
FINE FINISH PORE MINIMIZER
Php 580+
Where to Buy: VMV Store in Glorietta 4, LandMark, SM Stores
More info:
Validated Hypoallergenic:
VH -76/76. 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100% Dye-Phthalate-Paraben + Preservative-Free. Non-Comedogenic. Combination-to-Oily Skin Types. Usage + Patch-Tested. For Men, Women, Teens and younger (ages 9+).
Here is my mug shot (after 6-7 hours at work); I used the toner on this pic prior to my Max Factor Lasting Performance foundation application set with powder (Maybelline All in One Cake in Sand Beige). Blotted about once (or twice, sorry I forgot) with an oil-control film but no powder retouch!
Today, I want to tell you about my experience on another VMV product which is called, "VMV FINE FINISH PORE MINIMISER". I mentioned to you before that I have combination to oily skin and if some people like the dewy-finish kind of makeup, I like my face to be matte at any cost! Like at any cost! I abhor sweating especially when I have makeup on.
According to VMV's website (here) this product is a shine controlling toner which lessens the look of pores. Hmmm.. let's see.
FINE FINISH PORE MINIMIZER
Php 580+
Where to Buy: VMV Store in Glorietta 4, LandMark, SM Stores
![]() |
| Php 580+ (VMV Stores) |
More info:
- This unique toner causes the cells around the skin's pores to expand slightly, allowing each pore to be constricted inward and reducing its visible size.
- Helps to lessen pore visibility and control shine.
- For Combination-to-Oily Skin Types.
Validated Hypoallergenic:
VH -76/76. 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100% Dye-Phthalate-Paraben + Preservative-Free. Non-Comedogenic. Combination-to-Oily Skin Types. Usage + Patch-Tested. For Men, Women, Teens and younger (ages 9+).
Me Says:
- I used this before I put some powder/ makeup before hitting work and I noticed that my pores were less visible (amazing!)
- In some days, I was able to skip primer which is a must-have for oily-skinned ladies like me!
- I noticed my face was matte for a decent 6-7 hours (indoor) and I only had to blot about once or twice with an oil-control film (goodness gracious!)
- When used before bedtime, I wake up into a lesser shiny face, yey!
Likes:
- Can skip primer on some days
- My face is not shiny, makeup stays on for hours
- A little goes a long way; I guess I can finish the bottle in 1- 2 months
- Acceptable smell (believe me I had the worst)
Dislikes:
- There is a slight tingling sensation (kinda like stretching your face by some forces you don't see, lol) however, in my honest opinion, this is how I knew the product was working.
- Some ladies with combination skin might find this a little too drying (is there such a thing, hahaha!)
Verdict:
4.5 Lipsticks (√)
Here is my mug shot (after 6-7 hours at work); I used the toner on this pic prior to my Max Factor Lasting Performance foundation application set with powder (Maybelline All in One Cake in Sand Beige). Blotted about once (or twice, sorry I forgot) with an oil-control film but no powder retouch!
I plan to repurchase as soon as I am done with my stock. Unless I find another product which works, I am sticking to this.
Ciao!
Love,
Miss J







