Tonight was Kerastase's big Elixir Ultime launch at R Space. I will be blogging about it in MegaStyle so watch out for it!

Anyhoo, guests were required to wear either pink, violet, gold or green. I wore a green and violet off-shoulder romper, and of course, makeup and nails to boost:

I got a lot of compliments for my makeup look. Yes my dears, the eyeshadow I am wearing is from none other than Fanny Serrano. As I have mentioned in my previous FS single eyeshadow review post, I really love it's blendability, texture, and color intensity. Never mind that their selection doesn't include a whole lot of matte shades because the shimmer shadows are just FAB!

Eyeshadow color is Lavender Dream, and my nail polish is Green Minded from Caress.

Try it out ladies!

A friend of mine gave me a bunch of Fashion 21 stick eyeshadow/liner (P85.00 each) to try and do a how-to. I had a shoot today, and while I was putting my makeup on before I left, I recorded myself using the sticks for the how-to, and I will write the review after I got home tonight so I could test the makeup if it really stuck.

First, let me tell you about the product.

The packaging is nice. The pen is mechanical so you can screw the body of the pen to hide the tip and cover it so it wouldn't make a mess in your makeup kit incase the cap comes off. That is a plus for me.

Now comes the testing of the product:


The packaging looks promising. Of course, I am again judging the product by it's packaging (Hahaha!) but let's see later after I have worn it as soon as I leave the house until I get home tonight.

Read about my blog entry about what makeup looks trended at the biggest MEGA party of the year! Check it out in MegaStyle.ph CLICK HERE to read the article!

Now, I have been getting emails from my readers asking me what's a good alternative for Shu Uemura. A good product that is more budget friendly. So it was the perfect time for me to start canvasing. It took me nearly a year to compile the information from different brands (some bottles I finished, some I just gave away).

So, after months and months of testing, these are the products I came up with. I have ranked them from 1 to 6, 1 being the top of my list.

*Before you buy, always, always, ALWAYS test the product first! Apply a tiny amount on your neck or a little on your jawline and leave on for about 5 minutes and see if you have any reaction to the product.*










5. HUMAN HEART NATURE SUNFLOWER CLEANSING OIL (P350.00 P275.00)

Among all the cleansing oils I have tried, this has probably got to be my 5th choice. They didn't have testers in their kiosks so I had to buy one to be able to try it on. As you may already know, I am a sucker for cute packaging and SMELL. Smell of a product is very important to me.

TEXTURE/CONSISTENCY: Quite thick. It takes a bit of effort to massage on your face to remove makeup.

FEEL: The product is thick (maybe because it's au naturel) but I didn't really feel comfortable using it.

RINSE-ABILITY: The moment the water hits your face to rinse it off, the thicker it seemed to get. It was like the oil stuck more while rinsing. Even rinsing under running water in the shower for a full 3 minutes, the product doesn't completely wash away. You will definitely have to rinse this product off with soap or facial wash.

FRAGRANCE: I love the smell. It smells really fresh and sweet.

RECOMMENDATION: If you are the all-natural kind of girl, this product is good. Human Heart Nature sells facial washes too so it'll be a good pair.


4. KANEBO FRESHEL CLEANSING OIL
(P720.00)

I don't know why some people downplay Kanebo. It's a good Japanese brand! And before there was even Shu Uemura in Manila, Kanebo was the Japanese brand to choose!

When it was yet another time to purchase another brand of cleansing oil to review, I was choosing between Kanebo and Revlon's new cleansing oil. Since I was leaning toward Japanese or Korean brands more for cleansing oils, I went for Kanebo.

TEXTURE/CONSISTENCY: It's quite thick. Just like Human Heart Nature and Neutogena. I don't really like very thick cleansing oils.

FEEL: When you apply it dry on your skin to remove the makeup, it's quite thick to be massaging it all over your face. Rinsing is not that easy so you will have to follow with a facial wash. But right after rinsing, it doesn't make your facial skin tight.

RINSE-ABILITY: Difficult. You will have to rinse several times just to get about half of it off your face before you can follow with a wash.

FRAGRANCE: No smell... Yay! I always go for products with either no smell, or a fresh kind of scent (that wouldn't make me woozy).

RECOMMENDATION: Sorry folks, I wouldn't recommend this product (but to each his own, try it yourself. Who knows, you might like it!).




3. PURE BEAUTY PERFECT CLEANSING OIL (P199.00)

I was attracted to it's simple, clean looking packaging. I had just run out of any form of makeup remover in my bathroom, and no more Shu Uemura. So it was time for the cleansing oil search.

This product is made in Korea. As soon as I heard the word Korea, it was considered sold.

So, upon going home, I used this product to clean my face. Here are my findings:

TEXTURE/CONSISTENCY: Smooth and can be easily massaged on the face to loosen the makeup.

FEEL: I wasn't allergic to the product so that was a plus (still, you have to test this product before buying). While I was massaging my eye area to remove my mascara though, it kind of stung my eye but just for a little while. It goes away after you wash your face with water.

RINSE-ABILITY: It's easily removed with water with most of your makeup a long with it. I still recommend using a foaming cleanser after.

FRAGRANCE: This is the only problem with this product. It's supposedly unscented but it has a weird smell that I really want to get rid off with a facial wash after removing my makeup.

RECOMMENDATION: If you don't mind the smell, this is actually not bad!


2. MUJI CLEANSING OIL
(Mild Cleansing Oil - P425.00 / For Sensitive Skin - P625.00)

MUJI has good skin care products. The fact that it is from Japan, of course I immediately trusted the products. Never mind that I can't read what the back of the bottle said. I had to get one.

One of their skincare products that I love using is their Light Moisturizing Milk. It's just divine! So when I came across their cleansing oil, I had to get one to try.

Since I don't have sensitive skin, I was OK with trying the Mild Cleansing Oil.

TEXTURE / CONSISTENCY: The texture is comparable to Shu's. It's light weight and it's easy to massage on the face. You need about 2 pump-fulls to completely dissolve your makeup.

FEEL: I love that it doesn't feel like you're lathering on cooking oil on your face. It feels very light on the face and it doesn't have any tingly or stinging sensations while the product sits on your skin.

RINSE-ABILITY: It can easily be washed with water but it doesn't feel like your skin is completely clean. You will have to follow this with a foaming cleanser.

FRAGRANCE: The smell is very pleasant. It smells clean and fresh. No artificial fragrances added.

RECOMMENDATION: If you're looking for a good Japanese branded cleansing oil, then MUJI is a good alternative. If anyone asks me about it, I would say it was a good product, but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it.


1. REVLON ABSOLUTE C CLEANSING OIL
(P695.00)

Ok. Some of you may have violent reactions regarding this. I have read really bad reviews on the net about Revlon's cleansing oil but for me, it's actually the one I keep buying for myself and would recommend.

I love that Lancome's former International Artistic Director, Gucci Westman was hired by Revlon and has been creating comparable products with Lancome. Their line of colors have improved and formulations have also changed dramatically ever since Westman joined their company.

TEXTURE/CONSISTENCY: Just right. It's not too watery and not to thick. You can easily massage it to remove your makeup without it feeling too thick.

FEEL: While massaging it to your face, it doesn't feel icky and sticky. I love that when you pump product into your hand it doesn't just run through in between your fingers.

RINSE-ABILITY: You can easily rinse it off with water. It emulsifies with water into a milky substance. After washing the product off, your face feels fresh and clean and the skin is not taught and dry.

FRAGRANCE: It has a strong citrus smell. Like those of lots of oranges. Some people don't like the smell but I personally like it because it smells really clean and revitalizing.

RECOMMENDATION: Lancome and Shu Uemura are still my number 1 recommendations for cleansing oils, but this would definitely my second choice.

So, how about you? What is your favorite Cleansing Oil? I'd love to hear from you! Just post a comment below.


*Special thanks to Google Images for the product stills, and ProjectVanity.com for the photo of Revlon's Cleansing Oil.*

Let me tell you about my apprentice, Shane. A hard working beauty-holic, turned Sephora beauty associate, turned professional makeup artist, turned Sephora's makeup artist in Canada.

I have known Shane for about a decade and she and I have shared so much stuff in common... And now, a love for makeup artistry. She has been shadowing me for a while now doing shoots and weddings and helping me a lot with my Beauty editor duties. She does freelance makeup jobs now in the Philippines until January (Booooooo! Still convincing her why it's MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!), but in her own words, "I'll be back." ala Arnold Schwarzenegger in my head.

I just love her!

It's raining giveaways at musingsofamakeupmaven.com! Win this blogger's product picks of the month. Colour Collection's Age Defying BB Cream and Retractable Waterproof Eyebrow Liner in Brown! Here's how:

1. Like Sabs Hernandez on Facebook (and write this on my wall: I WANT COLOUR COLLECTION PERFECT PAIR GIVEAWAY!) - http://www.facebook.com/makeupbysabshernandez
2. Like TUPPERWARE BRANDS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tupperwarebrandsph
3. Join this site with Google friend connect. Comment below with your full name, twitter username or FB email and the link of your post. Like this post in this page and also include what your favorite ELF product is.
4. Tweet this or post this in your FB wall: "Win the Colour Collection Perfect Pair Giveaway just by joining Sabs Hernandez's blog giveaway. Join now at www.musingsofamakeupmaven.com!"


*Winner will be chosen randomly via random.org*


WHO QUALIFIES:
1. Anyone who has a google or Facebook account.
2. Free shipping for the winner within Metro Manila. Winner outside of MM will shoulder shipping charges.


JOIN NOW!

I am one of those beauty junkies who have to get their hands on something as soon as a new item hits the shelves.

I was walking passed the ELF makeup counter at SM, promising myself that I was there only to buy nail polish remover. But I came across their Flawless Eyeshadow quads. Since they didn't have testers, I HAD to get one to try. Since most of my palettes are mostly nudes, browns, and golds. I decided to try a little bit bold to review about and do a how-to video on.

The packaging I would say is very attractive. I love that the eyeshadow colors are bold and it rather looked highly pigmented. So, I got the Sea Escape quad which consists of blues and silvers.

I did a how-to video on this quad and I must say. I was very disappointed with the texture of the eyeshadow. It was very chalky, and pigment was very low. You could have finished the entire pan of eyeshadow and still, you wouldn't have achieved the color you are aiming for.

The product falls off or "disappears" after a while and you will have to keep retouching if you were to get this product.

Maybe I just got the wrong color. I will try a different color tomorrow and see if there will be a difference! So verdict says? 2/5.

Check out my how-to video for this palette on YouTube: CLICK HERE


PHOTO CREDITS
Photo of complete ELF shadows courtesy of elfukblog.blogspot.com

Check out MegaStyle's backstage beauty coverage from Avel Bacudio's fashion show, written by yours truly:

CLICK HERE

Who can forget Nicole Kidman's makeup disaster on the red carpet that went viral a few days after the event?

Hey gorgeous!

Ok... I have yet made another amazing discovery. For those of you who haven't browsed the local cosmetic brands recently, let me tell you this: you are missing a lot. You don't have to spend a whole lot of money to create the looks you've always dreamed of. You just have to find the right products. Although, I still do stand by my statement: If you want that perfect looking makeup, doing your makeup base right with the right foundation will give you great looking makeup. You can scrimp on other makeup but not the base whether it be your liquid, cream, or powder foundation.

Anyhoo, moving on. I have always been a big fan of colored eyeliners. But finding the right texture of the pencil is crucial. Hard liners can't be smudged and the colors are usually dull, and liners that are too soft break easily once you apply pressure.

I was canvassing for a nice affordable eyeliner pencil that one of my readers have emailed me. She was looking for a good affordable brand (preferably local) because she was just a student and was in a tight budget. That's when I discovered these very affordable, beautiful liners!

The sales associate at the Nichido counter at Landmark told me that these eye pencils have been around a while. Hmm... So I was thinking that they are a little bit quite the "un-sung heroes". They had more than 7 colors (I am now wishing I should've gotten the silver!) but these are the most useable ones in the bunch. Introducing, Nichido's Girls' Night Out Color Intense Eye Pencil (P80/each).

For those of you who do not know, I used to be sponsored by Lancome Paris for 4 fantastic years. They sponsored all my makeup (yes, it's heaven I know), and one of my favorites from Lancome is their Le Crayon Khol Waterproof pencils (P1,100):


Lancome came out with a whole bunch of beautiful useable colors depending on the season.

Like this season, which is fall, they came up with deep greens, blues and browns. But the pencil you see here (left), came out in their spring collection.

These Lancome pencils are ultra blendable and has intense colors. The colors are not matte though and neither are they glittery. It's more frosty and silky.

Now, the reason why I am telling you about Lancome's Le Crayon Khol, because I can personally tell you that Nichido's Color Intense Pencils are comparable to that of Lancome's.

UNBELIEVABLE, I know. But... It is true. Tried and tested personally by me!


With their packaging close to that of Lancome's too, I would say that the resemblance of the packaging and it's quality is pretty darn close.

To my loyal readers outside the Philippines: I am not sure if they sell these internationally. Maybe you can find some for sale at Ebay?

Nichido is a brand that I trust and recommend to young girls and ladies who want good quality makeup on a budget!


The thing is, I haven't figured out why some of the pencils say "Color Intense Eye Pencil" and some say "Eye Contour Pencil". I have yet to experiment on that one.


I just love the colors. Totally wearable ones! My favorite is the Vivid Turquoise but not all of you are brave enough yet to wear such a bold color. So we'll start with something a little bit more subtle.

The texture of the pencil is smooth. It glides on skin without you having to tug on your skin. You can actually apply it even though it's not that sharpened.

Color intensity is fantastic! I just love how I didn't have to layer the colors on to get it that bright!

Overall, I give these pencils a 10!

Watch out for my how-to video on YouTube coming soon!

'Til next time gorgeous!

Hello gorgeous!

FINALLY I get to write about my makeup haul at Fanny Serrano. I have been eyeing FS's new single eyeshadows for a while now, and last September 6, I bought 8 shades to try! I just HAD to buy them and give them a real test and review them for you girls looking to buy. Later on, I will be uploading a video on how to use them!


But first, a review of the products. The packaging is classy and chic. It's not one of those cheap looking plastic packaging, but these actually look PRO. As you can see on the left, you will see Bobbi Brown's Single Eyeshadow packaging. UNCANNY! I love it because it looks class. Yes... I am a sucker for nice packaging.

FS single eyeshadows weigh 4g each (minus the container), so that should last a while!

I love single eyeshadows because you can buy just one (duh!), with that being said, you don't have to waste the other colors you don't like in a palette or don't really need. I am a makeup artist in profession, and I myself sometimes waste a whole lot of makeup palettes because some of them I really can't use.


Now, let's go back to packaging. Bobbi Brown 4 Pan Palette on the left and FS on the right. I just love that. I have always loved Bobbi Brown's sleek packaging, and now you can find that in FS! Bobbi Brown has 3-Pans and 6-Pans, which would even be cooler if FS came out with those too!

Now, moving on the shades. I got 8 shades to start. I was only supposed to get 4 (seriously), but there were so much to choose from that you just can't find the best 4 to fit into your 4-Pan Palette.

The first batch I would like to show you are these colors:



These 4 shadows look dark on the pan, but are actually quite sheer. It's subtle enough to be used for the day I tell you that, but if you want a more intense color, you're going to have to layer it.

Texture is silky smooth and is not chalky which i love. The great thing about the product is that the color doesn't "fall off" when you layer it dry.

Blend-ability is perfect, it creates a smoky effect easily too! It's shimmer eye shadows but it does not look too greasy. It has just enough sheen to it.

PLUM ROSE: Good pigment! Just a little covers your lid. Start with a little product because this one tends to look black-ish.

MULBERRY WINE: I must say, this has got to be my favorite shade of the bunch. It's a beautiful shade of light mauve mixed with tiny tiny hints of gold. I just love how the shade changes depending on its angle.

MOCHA JAVA: This has a more satin finish than shimmer. It has a silky velvety finish that can be used for contouring the eyes. Perfect to use during the day! Just a wash of this beautiful nude color will look adorbs!

FROSTY CHIC: It has that same silky velvet finish as the mocha java, but this one is perfect for highlighting the brow bones to make them pop! This shade is perfect for highlighting those brow bones because it's not stark shimmer white that can look too 80s. This is on my A-list of re-purchasing.

BATCH 2: