Whisper's Cottony Long and X-Long Sanitary Pads are here!

From the time I got my first period, I have always been a heavy-flow girl. Back in 6th grade I remember regular length sanitary pads wouldn't give me the time of day because the pads back then were short, thick, and had no wings. Plus, tampons was never an option for me.

And as I grew older, Whisper started making more options for sizes, lengths, and material that would suit each girls' individual needs.




In college, where overnight pads were finally readily available, I always used overnight pads for the day because I just love the extra security it gives me. Specially on days when we had to use our chefs' uniform where you can see if we had a stain or what. (eeeek! you know what I mean!)

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The LOVE MONTH Giveaway from Happy Skin and The Makeup Maven!

#giveaways

It's LOVE MONTH ladies! And this month, The Makeup Maven gives you this exciting new giveaway from Happy Skin!

Firstly, let me tell you how much I love Happy Skin's Don't Get Mad Get Even Foundation, it's the only foundation that I have used that adapts to my weird skin tone and as I use it everyday, my skin is visibly smoother and brighter.

Really, it's one of my HG products for foundation because it's really hard for me to find a base that fits my skin so well. Like a glove. Other things I like about this foundation is that it looks very natural on the skin and last the whole day despite the humid weather.

Happy Skin Don't Get Mad Get Even Foundation | Happy Skin Shut Up and Kiss Me Lippie 
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Plumper and Brighter Skin with Avon's Anew Vitale Night Cream

#faceitwednesdays

Finally! I get to open a new product because I ran out of night cream! I get to try Avon's Anew Vitale Night Cream after hearing so much positive reviews on it. I started this product 2 weeks ago and I am loving it!

Anew Vitale Night Cream 30g, PhP 399.00 

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Kris Aquino Collaborates with Happy Skin for her first ever Lippie!

#liptalktuesdays

One of the best things about tropical countries that have no seasons is that you can wear as much pink lipsticks you want in different shades all year round. I love pink. Aside from the fact that it can brighten up any one's skin tone and face, it is the only lipstick color that photographs best.

I love Happy Skin. I think their lippies have a good formula and it's very moisturizing too! They may be a new brand but they are showing a lot of promise in bringing us more great products. And for their first collaboration, queen of talk Kris Aquino partners with Happy Skin to create this beautiful pink lippie for you (and me)!


Happy Skin Shut Up and Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippie in Valentine Kiss (Limited Edition), PhP 549.00
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Summer Look with Bobbi Brown's Holiday Collection Shimmer Brick for Eyes!

#eyespymondays #eotd

I love Bobbi Brown makeup. They have so much makeup that promotes healthy, natural looking makeup! And now, this palette brings you that once again! I love this palette because it's very compact and you can create so many looks with it!

Remember, shimmer is not only for the evening! Shimmer during the day can give your eyes a glow. Just don't overdo it. Ha!

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Shimmer Brick for Eyes in Sequin, PhP 2,700
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Toning without the Alcohol

#faceitwednesdays

I am not much of a fan of alcohol-free toners. I feel that my skin doesn't get clean! But on the contrary, alcohol-free toners are actually better than ones that contain alcohol because prolonged use can cause the skin to dry up and cause the skin to eventually darken. I learned this from my derma.

Alcohol-free toners does the job as well as the ones with alcohol so why not?

Celeteque DermoScience Alcohol-Free Toner 125ml, PhP 129.00
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Bigger, Brighter Eyes with Pixi Eye Bright Liner!

#eyespymondays

I have heard of Pixi before but to be completely honest, this is the first time I owned any of their products. At a Pixi event last week, I learned about their awesome products that is perfect for achieving the "just beautiful" look. I love products that promote natural looking makeup and not makeup that looks like MAKEUP (whatta whatta?)

One of the products that I received from the kit is their Eye Bright Liner which quickly turned into one of my favorites.

Pixi by Petra Eye Bright Liner in Nude, PhP 840.00
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Unboxing The BDJ Jan-Feb Box!

#beautybox

Yay! I got my BDJ Box today for the month of January-February. It's always a good day when you receive that green little box!

I just received my box yesterday afternoon. I had just gotten home from a wedding I did that morning and as soon as I received it, I took the time to take photos because I couldn't stand not opening it! Aren't surprises just the best?

A lot of people have received their boxes a few days before I did with mine but I didn't look at what was inside! I wanted it to be a surprise!

January-February BDJ Box
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Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus is now in Manila!

#spotlight

To try and make my skin heal faster, I am aiding it with Clinique's Repairwear Laser Focus which promises to smooth, restore, and correct skin imperfections (and in my case, early signs of wrinkles... AAAAAH!!) I must admit, I am getting a little antsy waiting for my skin to heal from the laser wart removal and I doing everything that I can to help my skin build new skin faster!

The scabs are really itchy and I know I can't scratch or remove them to avoid scarring. All I can do is apply an alcohol free toner, antibacterial cream, this serum and my regular day/night moisturizer. At least for now.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus 30ml, PhP 3,300
40ml, PhP 4,500
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Warts Be Gone with Laser Wart Removal

#services

Do you sometimes look in the mirror and wonder why your skin still looks dull and lifeless even though you're very religious with your skin care? Don't worry because it does happen. No, it's not that your skin care is not working, it's actually warts.

Nasty, I know -but warts cast shadows on your skin. Sometimes they are discolored, but sometimes are just slightly raised. When left untreated, they turn into nasty skin tags that make your skin look dark and lifeless.


Warts are not always visible to the naked eye. Dermas and trained beauty technicians (the really good facilities) can tell the difference between a freckle, a Milia, and a wart and a bunch more skin problems. (Read on by clicking READ MORE)

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Lunch at Burgers and Brewskies at Forbes Town Taguig (Review and Photos)

#sundayfoodie


As far back as I can remember, I have always loved American food. I wouldn't say that it was my favorite cuisine but it's definitely in the top 5.

The first time I heard about Burgers and Brewskies is from fellow makeup artist and friend Mayone Bakunawa-Balbarin. We were supposed to hangout there one time but I wasn't able to make it. And I have been obsessing to try it since then. LOL

Burgers and Brewskies Restaurant, Forbes Town Burgos Circle, Taguig

Thank you Mayone for setting up our reservation! I was going to bring my entire family here for lunch today but my sister couldn't make it. So it was just me, my hubby and my dad.

Note: Even though this establishment is owned by my friends, this is not a biased review nor am I paid to write this review.

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Cover and Go with Collection Cosmetics!

#productreviews

I don't really use concealer because I don't really need it. Well now, don't think for a second that I feel that I am perfect, my skin is anything but! But I really believe that one should only use products that one needs. Like for example, the concealer.

If you do not have dark circles or if your baggies aren't that deep, then skip the concealer. Your makeup look will still be complete even without the concealer. Sometimes, the foundation you are using is enough to cover the under eye area. Remember, if you put something to highlight something that you don't need some highlighting, then you could end up looking puffy than you actually are.

Collection Cosmetics Cover and Go Foundation Duo 35ml, PhP 349.00 each
But then again, I am not 20 years old anymore so I do need some highlighting on my under eye area. Choosing concealer can be a bit tricky because you can end up with the reverse racoon look. Now you don't want that! (Read On by clicking READ MORE)

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Get in touch with your 'En Roots'

#tressviernes

I am a strong believer that one should not shampoo their hair everyday to: #1 - preserve the oil in your scalp, #2 - as to not over dry the hair cuticles, and #3 - washing my hair can be a lot of work! Plus, the more my hair frizzes when I do shampoo everyday. The issue of whether or not to shampoo everyday is entirely up to you and your scalp but really it depends on how fast your scalp produces oil.

According to my dermatologist, "The longer, thicker, curlier, and more processed your hair, the longer it can go between washes. This is because the oils from the scalp do not travel down the hair shaft as quickly, so the hair tends to be dry and requires less frequent shampooing", thank goodness too because I can't stand leaving the house with wet hair so blowdrying my tresses after a shower is a must.
The Balm En Root Dry Shampoo 160ml, PhP 745.00
I have heard from the hairstylist I get to work with a lot rave about dry shampoos and I have always been a bit skeptic. I even bought a couple for him when I traveled to the States. For some reason, I thought they were just baby powder with fragrance and it just leaves your hair a feel of tackiness and gives a white hue on your hair making it look real dull.

Until I got to try The Balm's Dry Shampoo. This is the first time I have ever tried this so I was very impressed.
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Bathe in Goat's Milk with The Cream Factory Bath Cream!

#bodycarethursdays

I'll choose bath gels/creams over soap bars every time. When I find the one I really like I easily get hooked! I think they're very convenient to use and they don't melt in the shower fast. Don't you just hate that? But with soaps that come in bottles, you can control the amount of product that you dispense and it's really economical. 

Though some soaps that I am already addicted to that don't come in liquid form, I still use their solid bars. I haven't completely boycotted them altogether.

The Cream Factory Goat's Milk and Jojoba Bath Cream 221ml (sample size) 
I have tried a lot of bath creams/gels in my lifetime and most of them don't have the bubble power that I am look for. Some don't bubble at all! I love bubbles!

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Blushing with MAC Riri Blush Duo in Hibiscus Kiss (Product Review and Swatches)

#faceitwednesdays

This is my first MAC blush duo so I am very excited to try it on! I am a fan of blush that has two shades combined no matter what brand. I think that it is the perfect solution to solve the "which blush would suit my skin tone best?" dilemma. I love that blush duos look good either for fair skinned women or morenas.

These cosmetic companies combine two shades together: warm and cool tone. Usually these duos combine a bronzer that is complemented with a cool toned blush that blend well together, and the result will just be flawless.

MAC Riri Blush Duo in Hibiscus Kiss, PhP 1,575
When I received this blush from MAC, I resisted the urge to use it right away since I still had a blush that I needed to finish. I just love the feeling every time I hit pan! (giggle)

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Maybelline's Lip Polish Collection by Color Sensational (Swatches and Review)

#liptalktuesdays

If there's anything I love, it's lipstick and lipgloss. I think they also contribute in making or breaking the entire look you are trying to achieve. They also bring the face to life! I just got back from a week-long Baguio trip after New Year and when we got back, I had this waiting for me.

So imagine my surprise when I opened the paper bag and found out that Maybelline finally came out with their very own pigmented lipgloss! The past glosses they have were child's play compared to this one. Allow me to say THANK YOU to Maybelline!

Maybelline Lip Polish by Color Sensational, PhP 349/each
 These beautiful lip polishes are now available in Maybelline counters and it's actually perfect for summer when you wear the least amount of makeup.
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Perfect Lashes with Majolica Majorca's Lash Gorgeous Wing Neo Mascara!

#eyespysmondays

To all you cat-eye look lovers out there, Majolica Majorca's Lash Gorgeous Wing Neo Mascara may be the ultimate mascara for you! I myself am not much of a mascara user but it is a staple in my professional makeup kit because mascara is a makeup artist's best friend, specially if you find the right formula that works for you (and your clients).

Majolica Majorca Lash Gorgeous Wing Neo Mascara, $12.99 (PhP 795.00 in Manila)
 This was given to me by my friend Naisa when she went to Japan last year. Another friend of mine took my existing mascara so time to open a new one! LOL
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Birthday Giveaway from Zenutrients!

#giveaways

Just when you thought that my birthday giveaways are over, Zenutrients is giving away 5 skin-licious product sets to 5 lucky winners!

Organic has never been this fun! Some of you may think that organic products don't really work but I can vouch for Zenutrients. It has saved me from dandruff, dry flaky skin, and even headaches so many times!
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Review on Ramen Nagi at SM Aura

#sundayfoodie 

If there is one thing I love aside from cosmetics and makeup artistry, it's eating and cooking. So welcome to my NEW section: FOOD! I have an existing food blog but I want to keep everything in this blog. I will paste a link to my old food blog later.

Ramen Nagi. The ramen house that has Manila eating out of the palm of its hand is now open to the public in SM Aura. The ramen house that was brought to you by Plains and Prints owners along with new partners.

Ramen Nagi at 5th Floor SM Aura
Note: I am not being paid to write this review.
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My thoughts on Shiseido's IBUKI Softening Concentrate

#productreview

FINALLY!! I get to write about Shiseido's Ibuki Softening Concentrate! I finished my ZA Toner about 2 weeks ago and I was finally able to open a new bottle of toner to use and review. Yay! When the IBUKI line was first launched, every wrote about the entire line. I wanted to take my time to get to know each product in that line so that I can make a very thorough review. I am a bit late for the IBUKI party but here are my thoughts.

I have been using this toner for 2 weeks and I must say, I am loving this toner!

Shiseido IBUKI Softening Concentrate 75ml, PhP 1,600
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Purederm Exfoliating Foot Mask

#productreview

I was not blessed with baby-smooth looking feet so I have to result, to forever more, foot peeling masks. The first brand I tried was Nature Republic's Foot Therapy: Peeling Foot Mask.

I loved Nature Republic's peeling mask, but I think I may have found something cheaper and one that works faster.

Purederm Exfoliating Foot Mask, PhP 189.75

After I used my Nature Republic peeling mask, which was a gift from my sister from Korea, I was sad because Nature Republic Landmark always runs out of this peeling mask which is so sad.
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Powerful Whitening for Tough Skin!

#spotlight

Ok, I have just discovered my holy grail for total whitening that works! Last year, I attended the launch of the new clinic of CLARENCE CENTRE. One of their giveaways was an upgraded formula of their Total Whitening Gel.

I have been looking for a really strong whitening product for my neck area. I was hoping this would work since it was formulated by a dermatologist so I took a chance and used it religiously for 2 weeks.

Clarence Total Whitening Gel 30ml, PhP 1,500

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TMM's Beauty Product Awards 2013

#TMMawards

Hey my beauties! Welcome to The Makeup Maven Beauty Product Awards. This is my first blog awards, and here I am going to let you know my best/favorite products of 2013.

These are products that I have purchased more than twice because it really worked not only on myself but I have gotten a lot of compliments on from my clients! So without further ado, here are the winners for The Makeup Maven's first ever Beauty Product Awards!
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Getting Ready for Spring with Revlon Smoky Shadow Stick

#productreview

If you don't already know, I love Revlon's Smoky Shadow Stick. I think they're very convenient and you can carry them around for instant evening looks, specially when you're a gal on the go. I have several of these, and I can create so much looks by bringing just 2 or 3 of these.

These shadow sticks from Revlon have been around in the market for at least a year but I take my time to review each product I receive.

Revlon Colorstay Smoky Shadow Stick in Flare Ardent

Since this was given to me by Revlon, I will update my blog post on the price as soon as I find out.
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Some TLC from Saforelle (Updated 1.10.14)

#productreview #spotlight

When Aunt Flow comes over to visit monthly like clock work (If you don't know who Aunt Flow is, it's some of you call The Red Flag), my hoo-ha begins to itch because of the hormonal imbalance that occurs and the PH level in your area change. Some may even have a (excuse me) weird smell. Eeek. Gross, but it's part of growing up and becoming a woman so don't fret.

In the market today, there are quite a few number of feminine washes to choose from. For the longest time, I used one that my OB-GYN recommended but honestly? I got tired of it. It worked well but I just got bored with it. One of the main reasons was that it was just too runny and watery so I just ended up wasting a whole lot of it. There are a lot more but I really don't want to get into them right now.

And of course, there's Saforelle.

Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care 100ml, PhP 159.75
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Elizabeth Arden's The Makeup Maven Birthday Giveaway!

#giveaways

HAPPY NEW YEAR MAKEUPAVEN-ERS!! 

It's Sabs Hernandez's Birthday month, and TMM tied up with Elizabeth Arden to sponsor 10 fabulous giveaways!
"Hey everyone! I'm turning 34 and I am very excited and I am so glad to have partnered with Elizabeth Arden to sponsor this birthday giveaway with me! I have always loved Elizabeth Arden's skin care line and I am sure you would too. So enjoy and good luck! BIG HUGS!"


So here's how you can win this fabulous skin scare set from Elizabeth Arden! Just simply follow these guidelines, terms and conditions and you can be one of the lucky winners!


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Be 'Glam Rock' with Nude Lips!

#liptalktuesdays #latepost

I was late in posting this because I had a wedding yesterday, but anyway, here's my post for #liptalktuesdays!

This is the first time I'll be using Too Cool for School so I am pretty excited. I want to thank the TCFS team for sending me their cool products! They sent me a few items from the Glam Rock Collection but I will start with the lipstick to keep the focus on one product at a time. *wink*

Too Cool for School Glam Rock Collection Lipstick in Satin Beige, PhP 715.00

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Feel like a goddess with Eye of Horus' smokey eye pencil!

#eyespymondays

I have been sporting the smokey eye lately, but with a completely bare face. When I say bare, I say no foundation, no blush, no power, lots of petroleum jelly on my lips and just a little groom in' on my brows. I have always believed that in makeup, keep one focal point in your face. And wight now, I am keeping the focus on my eyes.

Eye of Horus Goddess Smokey Eye Pencil in Black, PhP 960.00

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Seriously Teal! Inglot's Nail Enamel Review

#nails #notd

It's that time of the week again to change my nail of the week. One of the best things about Inglot's Nail Enamels is their wide range of shades to choose from!

This shade is from their Azure collection, but it's actually more teal than it photographs. It's not limited for summer, nor is it just for winter/autumn. It's an all year round shade that you can wear no matter what season! That's why I love this shade.

INGLOT Nail Enamel #989, PhP 450.00

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