March 5, 2013

2012 Favorites: Beauty and Skincare

NOTE: REPOST

I have so much backlog! It’s already mid-January and I have yet to post my 2012 favorites.

I haven’t been blogging recently because I was off writing elsewhere. I just submitted a short story piece (three damn years in the making) for review. If all goes well, I am hoping to see it on print later this year. I am really hoping that it’ll work out.

And I’ve also taken up teaching again so that means I’m usually studying my notes in my free time. I’m trying to pace and balance my load: freelance, blogging, teaching.

So, in no particular order, here’s my Top Picks for 2012 covering Beauty, Skin Care and Fashion (zomg).

BEAUTY FAVORITES:

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation – Sheer, creamy and blends into the skin beautifully. I replaced my old bottle with a shade that matches me. I wrote a full review HERE.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation – The foundie that dethroned NARS Sheer Glow from the top spot. Medium to full coverage. It’s buildable while keeping it real (enough). Lightweight. Very lightweight. Full review HERE.

MAC Party Parrot – It’s pretty, it’s pink, and it’s incredibly loud. Matte but creamy, loud but wearable. It’s an instant face brightener. Full review HERE.

Covergirl Hot – Red is often my default color. When I picked this up, I was unbelievably impressed; my cheapest red just so happen to also be my most long lasting one. It stains like nobody’s business. I’m not kidding.

MAC Blushbaby – It’s one of those plain jane shades that won’t make you look twice… until you wear it. At first, I thought this wouldn’t show up on me. On the contrary, I was pleasantly surprised how it gave me a natural flush and a subtle contour at the same time. It’s my no-brained shade.

NARS Amour – Who can resist the lure of a pretty pink blush? It’s one of the easiest ways to bring life and color to your face, especially on dull skin days. Full review HERE.

Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow in Birthday Suit – Easy to apply, blend and it’ll give the impression that you spent so much effort on your eyes when all you did, technically, was slap it on.

Art Deco Camouflage Concealer – Most people wouldn’t use this under the eyes because of its consistency; I do otherwise and it works!

Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil – I bought this in December 2011 and I’ve been using it everyday. It gives such a natural but very polished tint to the eyebrows. It’s a must-have for me.

Revlon Balm Stains – Great colors, no-fuss application, cute packaging and definitely well worth the 500 bucks you’ll spend on it. Full review HERE.

SKIN CARE FAVORITES

Bioderma Sensibio – This, quite possibly, is the equivalent of holy water amongst beauty enthusiasts. It removes just about anything! I often use this to get rid of most of the gunk on my face after a long day, just before I hit the shower where I use the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil to make sure that I’ve removed every trace of makeup.

Lush Eau Roma Water – Alcohol based toners usually dry me out like mad so I went a-huntin’ for something a touch more mild. This smells heavenly; it’s really calming and it alleviates the dryness of my skin too.

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil – This isn’t a cult favorite for nothing. These cleansing oils are HG products for most because of it’s makeup removing + skin care + cleansing properties. It’s a hardworking multitasker! The only con that I can think of is that it’s soooo expensive. But if a big bottle goes a long way; that’s saying something cuz I use this stuff everyday. Full review HERE.

Lastly, I thought I’d pick a favorite blogger too! Oh I am still a loyal follower of the usual suspects (Liz, Martha, et al.) but I thought of giving a special shout out to my buddy, fashion and beauty blogger, Sai Sayson-Montes of Fashion by Sai! And while you’re at it, check out her brother’s blog: The Metro Lad. They’re both awesome people.

Let me know if you’ve tried and liked (or disliked) any of the items I listed above!