Tokyo Travel Beauty Must-Haves

During my recent Tokyo trip, I originally decided to bring more makeup than I would usually bring. I wanted to go a bit extra in Tokyo since it would be my first temperate destination in a long while since US in 2005 (I am so undertravelled, so I'm claiming travelling energies right now!) so I thought I could wear more and not worry about my MOTD sliding off my face. Besides, I also wanted to YOLO and go like a Harajuku girl and have a crazy OOTD photo in the famous Harajuku lane.

However, that first morning in Tokyo when I was about to get my makeup, I discovered a boo-boo. The makeup pouch which contained my eyeshadow primer, concealer, lip and cheek tint, cream blush, contour, and highlight powder  and my hair serum was all the way in my bedside table way back Manila. LOL. I was left with just the basics. Well, at least better thaan nothing, eh?

Surviving my travel face with the makeup I have

Anyway, so that's my packing boo-boo. Thankfully, being in one of Asia's beauty hubs, I was also able to make emergency purchases while maximizing what I have. When I got home in Manila, I also discovered a few amazing beauty must-haves I can take in my next travel so I still look like a person in my travel photos. I was also thankful temperate weather allows my hair to cooperate making it look like I have a hairstylist with me all the time.

travel must-haves that I would pack on my next trip

I was surprised and amused as our hotel in Japan was aware that there are female guests who are very particular with their skincare.  Beauty travel kits containing eye cream, serum, cleansing oil, day cream, night cream, and other beauty paraphernaila are being sold at the front desk for 500 yen. However, if you're like me who already has her own personal stock of beauty products with her, read on for my essential beauty travel must-haves.


Brow pens - I was so relieved I didn't forget my brow products. In fact, I had two with me!  There was one in my handbag and another in my check-in luggage. Brows have gotten so much attention now whereas during the 90s, us titas would pluck them to death. My two brow products in hand are Happy Skin Perfect Brows Long Lasting Liquid Pen (Php 399) and Maybelline Tattoo Brow Ink Pen. They are both pen-type brow liners which give natural-looking brows for #kilayislife realness that looks like I had my brows professionally microbladed. I super love that both brow products are long lasting and waterproof. I actually bought that Maybelline Tattoo Brow Ink Pen after reading the post of the lady who gave birth in EDSA. If her brows can withstand a baby shower, labor, traffic, and childbirth, they can last you the entire day.

Still have my brows intact and shine-free freshness thanks to my trusted products

2-in-1 powder foundations - I didn't have concealer with me but I was relieved that my Maybelline White Superfresh Two-Way Cake gave my skin an even finish while covering imperfections. It's also got UV protection because I forgot my face sunblock too at home. I normally use the small refill packs which cost less than Php 200 to bring with me to travel because they save so much space and could even fit your jeans pocket.

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Fierce wing on Christmas? Yas! 🎁 K-Palette Real Lasting Strong Eyeliner doesn't smudge, budge or flake away. Available in all K-Palette counters nationwide and online at shop.beautyboxcorp.com, BeautyMNL, and Shopee. #KPalettePh #KPaletteStrongisBeautiful

A post shared by K-Palette Philippines (@kpalette_ph) on Dec 20, 2018 at 11:01pm PST

Eyeliner- This was my emergency purchase. I needed my eyeliner to make the eyes pop because without my primer, my eyeshadow palettes were practically nonsense. LOL. Thankfully, Japan was the land of K-Palette and this 1-day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyeliner gave my eyes its much needed definition as well as give me effortless double-winged cat eye when I felt like going a bit extra with my makeup.


Alcohol-free toner - My skin would be drier so I needed toner that's gentle to the face. Even if it's a temperate country, toner helps prep the skin for makeup and care for it after a long day by cleansing and soothing the skin as well as balancing the pH level. Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner (I got this cute little travel-sized containers from the Beauty Bar K-Beauty event) cared for my skin without the sting.

Atomizer bottle from Beabi holding a bit of my MAC Fix+ Lavender 

Travel-sized containers - Travel-sized containers saved me so much luggage space when I have products I super cannot live without and bringing big jars and bottles isn't very  practical. I bought travel-sized containers in Beabi for storing small amounts of body cream cream, day cream, and night cream). I also saved those sample-sized containers of cleansing oil I used to get from Shu Uemura events to hold my cleansing oil. I even brought a small atomizer bottle for my Fix+, so my makeup sets well and lasts all day.


Lipsticks - I was so glad I had my lipsticks with me. I don't bring my super duper limited edition lipsticks with me when I travel and if I did, I guard them with my life. Lipsticks brought color to my face since I practically had zero coloring products. Thankfully, those bright lippies made my face pop in photos but I also thought, hey, I can use my more neutral lipsticks as cheek cream blush too! I just blended them with my fingertips, makeup tools I automatically never forget.

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ICYMI: we've added two new holiday shades of the Kiss & Bloom Water Lip & Cheek Tints from the #KathXHappySkin collection! Here's @bernardokath wearing one of the shades, Tough, on her lips. 💋 Get these holiday tints in Tough (pinkish red) and Quirky (berry pink) as a set for only P598 at @shopeeph!

A post shared by Happy Skin Cosmetics® (@happyskin_ph) on Dec 27, 2018 at 2:03am PST

Lip and cheek tint - I super love Happy Skin's Kiss and Bloom Water Lip and Cheek Tints from the KathXHappySkin collection (Php 299) for their universal shades flattering for every complexion. Sadly, I forgot my little tube in this trip but this definitely will make my travel kit in my next destination, whether it's a personal vacation or a work trip. It's super perfect and easy to apply.

Simple Micellar Cleansing Facial Wipes

Micellar wipes - Sometimes after a long day, it can get too tiring to remove makeup from your face. Even if this is a temperate country where you don't sweat, you should! I discovered Simple Micellar Cleansing Facial Wipes (Php 249 for a pack)  a few weeks ago and they are so making my travel kikay kit next time. These micellar wipes lift off dirt, grime, and makeup off your face without leaving any harsh ingredients, making this safe for those with sensitive skin. Even if this is gentle on the skin, I have proven that this can remove waterproof mascara and the hardiest brow makeup known to man. Best of all, it does not leave and slick oily residue. I can take this with me on the plane if I want to remove makeup that's been sitting on my face in long-haul flights.

Simple's newest product, the mask sheets (Php 89 per piece) give the skin its needed TLC in just 15 minutes

Mask sheets - How did my skin not get scaly, patchy, and dry the whole time? I have my mask sheets to thank for making my skin glow in 11-degrees weather. Simple recently launched their mask sheets that are super affordable at Php89. You can even get a set of 3 for Php 199 and that's enough for a week's stay. Just slap one on on your face after cleansing and wake up to nice skin. Don't forget also to maximize the mask liquid on your rough spots like elbows, knees, and heels. Mask sheets are also perfect for long-haul flights where skin can get really dry and thirsty from exposure to recycled airplane air. This is so much more convenient than bringing a big tub of face mask.

Cuticle balm - It's not just your face that gets dry. You also can get dry nails and cuticles. I super love Posh Nails Cuticle balm (available at Posh Nails branches) because it made my nails look pretty decent for those IG photos even if I didn't have polish on. Best of all, it smells like chocolate!

Going on vacation does not mean your beauty routine needs to go on vacation too. You can still have your supple skin while on vacation and look good and glowing without bringing your entire bathroom using space-saving and multi-purpose products that really work. Although I did forget a chunk of my intended makeup to bring, I was able to pull off a good beauty and makeup routine that includes not just skin care but makeup and nail care. When I travel again, these (and a more complete beauty kit) are going in my bags.


Store Directory:

Beabi
See www.beabi.com.ph for store details

Happy Skin
happyskincosmetics.com; facebook.com/happyskincosmetics; instagram.com/happyskin_ph

K-Palette
available at beauty bar, SM Department Stores, Rustan's Department Stores; instagram.com/kpalette_ph

Maybelline
Available at all leading department stores and drugstores nationwide; maybelline.com.ph

Posh Nails
See poshnails.com.ph/location for store details;

Happy Skin X Posh Nails Express Gel Polish Collaboration

Our hands reflect our daily lives. A friend of mine who reads palm lines even said our palm lines change over time, depending on what direction or situation our life takes and each line tells a story and reveals something about our personality. When we work or do sports, our hands take a beating. Just like the eyes, there's so much the hands have to say since our hands help us everyday. They make us lift, hold things like our food, or smartphones or makeup brushes, etc.

With social media posts, our hands make an appearance in our photos. They take side roles in our flatlays or when we hold that item for that #travelphoto in IG. As makeup artists, our hands get photographed a lot. In the recent bridal masterclass I took, there was a joke that we also need to have nice manicure for your hands just in case the photographer takes a photo of your hands holding the brush or airbrush gun. I actually looked back to see if a wedding photographer took a photo of my hand in its beat-up glory.  With that in mind, part of my travel and work preps is to get my nails done for picture-perfect hands, because you will never know.

Happy Skin X Posh Nails Express Gel Polish
L-R Pampered, TLC, Posh, and Luxe

Happy Skin, one of my favorite local beauty brands collaborates with top nail salon Posh Nails in their latest collection of Express Gel Polish. They feature four shades that can suit every woman in any occasion that she chooses. These are four classic shades which can be worn by anyone: Pampered (white), TLC (nude), Posh (pink), and Luxe (red). These four shades  happen to be the favorite shades of  most Posh Nails clients and they can have these shades at the comfort of their own homes whenever they need a manicure with no time to go to the nearest Posh Nails salon. I'm a fan of Happy Skin's Express Gel Polish because they give awesome color without compromise meaning they are 10-free (none of the top 10 toxic ingredients are in their formulations) and are vegan so yay for my vegan friends out there. The formula also nourishes the skin as it is enriched with hydrolyzed keratin and almond oil to strengthen and nourish your nails.

  I was able to see the collection for myself as I was invited to the event a few weeks ago held at the East Tower of One Rockwell.

So glad to have spend my afternoon here for a much-needed pampering session!

The function room was transformed to a nail bar where guests were treated to a mini nail pampering treat by Posh Nails therapists. Stations were set up corresponding to nail color and guests were free to choose whatever color they like.

Nail Bar courtesy of Posh Nails therapists.

I was on a debate to choose either red (which is my go-to color usually) or nude. I then decided on TLC for my nails. I'm usually into brights and darks when I wear polish for events so I thought a nude color could be a nice change. Not only is it a classic and wearable color, they actually make the nails look neater and cleaner. For those wearing this during travel, nail regrowth isn't as obvious. They are perfect for warm-toned skins and morenas but fair-skinned girls can wear this and still look like they are wearing polish.

TLC on my nails

Drying time too was fast, around 20 minutes so it wasn't long that I went around in my "Edward Scissorhands" mode.

I also checked out the other colors. Luxe was a very bold and statement red. Now if you're that person who is afraid of red polish because it's too bold, red is actually a very classic color that never looks dated. In fact, with the right red, it can make the feet and hands look neater and whiter, and that's this type of red is. So if you're that shy girl who wants to try red, this could be yours. Pampered, the white color actually I was happy. Some whites kind of look like I experimented on correction fluid on my nails. This one looked nice like creamy nail polish. White also enhances a nice tan making it perfect for summer. Posh happens to be a very pretty blush pink. Think that millenial pink that's understated and muted instead of candy color pink. This is the type of pink that's not too tita pink but nice enough to be worn even by tita. You don't have to be a millenial to wear Posh. In fact, this can be the perfect daytime wedding polish for a bride, bridesmaid, or mother of the bride. I am so recommending this to my January bride and her mom.

For our take-home shades, we were asked to choose two of our favorite out of the four. I was happy with TLC so I chose that. I already have a plethora of reds already and I have one white one so I guess I chose the millenial pink of Posh since I don't have a pink of that kind yet.

I already took Posh in my pedi trip and wore it in my recent travel. Although I wore closed shoes the entire time, they totally stayed put for a legs-up-the-wall IG stories photo. I may try it again in my next mani-pedi. This time, I will bring my Happy Skin Express Gel Polish Mirror-Shine Top Coat for an added shine.

For those wondering, Happy Skin has affordable polishes. The Express Gel Polish retail for Php 299 and the Top Coat retails for Php 249. Use the two together to get gel polish results that aren't such a hassle to remove.  They are available at all Happy Skin stores and counters as well as Posh Nails salons. If you have no time to visit a physical store, order them online via happyskincosmetics.com, Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, and BeautyMNL. When you find you shade, take a photo and tag @happyskin_ph and @poshnails_ on Instagram and use the hashtag #HappySkinxPoshNails.

Makeup Must-Haves For Your ID Photos

A few months ago, I wrote a blog post on ID photo tips. So finally, I was able to get my plastic DL card last week. When I saw the photo, I was just super thrilled because I came up with quite a decent ID photo, probably the best ID photo I ever took with a webcam. My license the last time, I wasn't exactly bad looking but it could use more improvements.

I never really realized how important looking good in government ID photos mattered to most people. It was when I saw how many blog posts were there about it when I saw that indeed, it does matter. Not really a requirement, but it counts in life.

I was quite surprised at the likes and comments I got with my makeup look for that photo (a friend even joked I should have brought my own fan so I can have that Beyonce-ish effect) so I thought about writing a part 2 post on how to look good for your government ID photo, this time enumerating the stuff I usually use whenever I have to do a headshot using a webcam.

get the natural look that radiates on a webcam using these products

Benefit The POREFessional Face Primer (Php 1,800)

This has got to be the favorite of every single makeup artist I know. It smoothens out the face to a nice, velvety texture, makes makeup last longer, and matts out shine. I have this problem on the center of my forehead that tends to look shiny even if I'm not even oily. The POREFessional takes care of that.


Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation (Php 825)

I forgo BB creams and use Liquid Foundation set with loose powder or powder foundation instead. BB creams have high SPF content and may cause a white cast, especially if there's harsh, un-metered flash that makes photos reminiscent of our "Gulat-Me" 80's to early 90's ID photo days. Colorstay lasts long enough, which is perfect in slowing down makeup meltdown most especially for locations where whatever we do, we're still prone to makeup melting. Again, this sets matte.


MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powder in Dark (Php 2,100)

This adds warmth and contours which create shape and dimension. I just add a tad, instead of photoshoot-level ready, just so my face doesn't look flat. The key to natural-looking contours is all in the blending so blend this well.  Save the heavy contours for fashion shows or theatre performances.


Benefit Blush in Coralista (Php 1,600)

Personally, I stick to warm colors for government ID photos so I don't look super washed out with white fluorescent lights and blue backgrounds. This isn't too flat matte but not too shiny that it looks oily either.


MAC Blush in Mocha (Php 1,200)

A healthy, natural flush of pink also works. This bridal staple doesn't have too much shimmer speckles and delivers a nice, pink color to the cheeks, kind of like a natural glow.


Revlon Brow Fantasy Pencil and Gel in Light Brown (Php 575)

As overhead top lights can sometimes make my brows disappear, I need extra definition. This product gives me a more defined brow that doesn't disappear with the lighting yet it's natural enough for real-life appreciation. It gives me the defined, strong, but still natural type of brows. The mascara tints the brow hairs, (most especially if you have colored hair) and keeps the brows in place.


Happy Skin Eye am Here To Stay 24h Gel Eyeliner in Chic Brown (Php599)

Black liner in the bottom lashlines can look harsh, My alternative is dark brown eyeliner tightlined to make the lash roots fuller. You don't even have to worry about lines being perfect,


Colourpop x Hello Kitty Ultra Satin Lip in Tiny Chum (USD 6.00 at colourpop.com)

Colourpop has been making waves for having major color payoff that's comparable with expensive brands at a fraction of the price. This gorgeous liquid lippie has a pretty, fresh pink shade that's great for fair-skinned ladies. Paired with a blush, you can have a gorgeous, natural rosy glow instead of looking ghostly or pasty,


L'Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray (Php 500)

The long lines plus humidity can cause makeup meltdown. The setting spray does the job of locking the makeup or making it last longer. It also helps blend the makeup as well on the face so it looks gorgeous on photos, more like healthy skin instead of powder.

ID pictures do matter in a way that it represents you for the years it is still valid. It represents you in legal and official documents and it really is a confidence booster when you have an awesome visa or passport photo (that still follows the rules obviously). These arsenals for the gorgeous lasting look can be your best bet, especially if you have no idea what to use. Let me know which ones are your favorite or which one you use for yourself. okay?


Image Directory

Cover Photo shot by Ozzy Lavina


Store Directory

Benefit Cosmetics

1/F Greenbelt 5, Makati; (02) 729-9854; 3/F TriNoma Mall; Rustan’s Makati; Shangri-La Plaza; Mall of Asia; benefitcosmetics.com; facebook.com/benefitcosmetics; facebook.com/benefitcosmeticsphilippines

Colourpop
colourpop.com; facebook.com/ColourPopCosmetics; instagram.com/colourpopcosmetics

Happy Skin
Glorietta 3, Ayala Grand Mall; Greenbelt 5, 2/F; Powerplant Mall 2/F; Robinson’s Magnolia 2/F; SM Megamall. 2/F Mega Fashion Hall; Eastwood Mall, 1/F; UP Town Center, 1/F; available at Rustan’s Beauty Source, Beauty Bar, and Plains and Prints; happyskincosmetics.com; facebook.com/happyskincosmetics; instagram.com/happyskin_ph

L'Oreal Paris

Available at all leading groceries, beauty hubs, and department stores nationwide; lorealparis.com; lorealparisexclusif.ph; facebook.com/LOrealParisPhilippines

MACclick here for a complete list of stores; maccosmetics.com; rustans-thebeautysource.com; maccosmetics.com,ph; facebook.com/MACCosmetics

Revlon
Available at all leading department stores nationwide; revlon.com; facebook.com/Revon; facebook.com/RevlonPhilippines

Mermaid-Inspired Gift Ideas for The Inner Mermaid

We pole dancers have this inclination to lovely mythical creatures - unicorns, mermaids, fairies. We don't know why but we just do. Must be the mix of gorgeousness, gracefulness, and glitter. Actually, mermaid fascination doesn't just stop in pole world. There are so many mermaid-themed shots out there.

"Mermaid" by Aly Reyes
(yep, that girl in the photo is me. This was shot during Manny Librodo's Eminent Light Workshop last 2010 in Cavite)

Just as we know that it's Christmas season already (mall hours are already extended to Holiday hours, I just found out), we're into that shopping mode for gifts and all. and for that friend or loved one of yours who longs for the sea or secretly wishes for fins sometimes, here are several gift ideas her heart would love.

1. Mermaid leggings

Wearing green mermaid print leggings while going as Ariel in Halloween last year.
Leggins from Kosha Yoga, Php 880

While mermaid fins are impractical for like going to the mall or attending yoga class, give her a pair of shiny and comfy mermaid-print leggings. These comfortable and shiny leggings can be your fins on land or on the yoga mat.


2. Mermaid Sports Bra

Valleau Apparel Mermaid Sports Bra, Php 2,400
Available at Jade Activewear

If she may already have the leggings in her closet, a sports bra to match wouldn't hurt. This Valleau Apparel Mermaid Sports Bra comes in this gorgeous Cobalt color that mimics the color of the ocean and it's got great support too. Not into sports? It looks great under loose tanks or a low-back top.


3. Happy Skin x Disney Ariel Liquid Matte Lipstick

 Happy Skin X Disney Princess Liquid Matte Lipstick in Ariel solo (left) and with Cinderella (right)

Who's the mermaid's favorite Disney princess? It's definitely Ariel (she's also my favorite Disney princess). Go #lovelocal and check out Happy Skin's latest collaboration with Disney as they feature eight Disney princesses in their holiday collection. Our Little Mermaid's color is a bright pinkish red, inspired probably by her fiery red hair and feisty rebel personality. The color stays on after yoga class, a whole rib platter, a cup of toffee nut latte, and maybe even if I swam, it's meant to last in water.  Purchase the Ariel liquid matte lipstick (Php 699) individually or buy the set which includes Cinderella (Php 1299).


4.  Sea Salt Spray

#outinaminute with #beachbornph 💙 get heatless waves texture and volume with our sea salt spray for only P180/100ml bottle! Order today, viber 09271272330 💁🏼

A photo posted by BEACH BORN (@beachbornph) on Sep 5, 2016 at 11:41pm PDT

Let your mermaid friend have her tousled, sexy, beach waves all year round with this all-natural and local hair care product that smells really awesome as it gives hair natural waves without any effort.


5. Ariel Socks

whenever I wear socks, that little boy Sebastian is all over socks

Since it's a tad colder than our usual weather, it's time to wear boots! Have something quirky under the sleek black boots or wear this with your sneakers the next time you go train. They're perfect stocking stuffers and last-minute gifts.


6. Aquamarine Nail Polish

Choose a pretty, metallic or holographic color that remind you of mermaid scales and fins. Here shown is Sally Hansen Triple Shine in Make Waves (Php 315), a gorgeous aquamarine color that's super easy to apply. Up the shine with topcoat too, or even glitter.


7. Mermaid-inspired pigments

Bright cobalt blue, aquamarine, green, purple, or a subtle lilac. these jars of makeup pigments can create lovely eye looks or can be mixed with liquid lipsticks or clear lipglosses to create that mermaid-inspired lip color without buying another shade. I have here this shiny, green color from Overdosed Cosmetics called Nausea (Php350). Don't let the name turn you off because it's a pretty statement green to give smoky eyes dimension or create an ethereal EOTD.


8. Mermaid Tail Blanket

I've seen these online and I was so glad I was able to find one in this weekend's Trendsetter's Bazaar for Php 800. It's warm and comfy for the chilly December-January to February weather. You can slip your feet to the fins and they're warm thick socks. Take them also with you to the movies (one customer actually does this).  You can also buy a kiddie version for Php 500.


Image Directory

Aly Reyes
facebook.com/Photography-by-Aly-151939771483028

Beach Born
instagram.com/beachbornPH

Jade Activewear
facebook.com/JadeActivewearPh


Store Directory

Beach Born 
instagram.com/beachbornPH

Happy Skin
Glorietta 3, Ayala Grand Mall; Greenbelt 5, 2/F; Powerplant Mall 2/F; Robinson's Magnoila 2/F; SM Megamall 2/F Mega Fashion Hall; Eastwood Mall, 1/F; UP Town Center, 1/F; Trinoma, 1/F; available at Rustan's Beauty Source, Beauty Bar, and Plains and Prints; happyskincosmetics.com; www.facebook.com/happyskincosmetics; instagram.com/happyskin_ph

Jade Activewear
Available at Polecats Manila Studio 22/F Strata 100 Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr., Ortigas Center, Pasig City; facebook.com/JadeActivewearPh; instagram.com/jadeactivewear

Kosha Yoga
facebook.com/koshayoga20; instagram.com/koshayoga

Overdosed Cosmetics
Available at Katch Beauty Supplies 50th Avenue East Wing Robinson's Galleria; "Toasted" 1st Level, Sta. Lucia Mall, Cainta; facebook.com/katchbeautysupplies; instagram.com/katchbeautysupplies

Nude Lipsticks to Love

I'm a lipstick and brow product junkie. Even without a full face of makeup - brows, lipstick, and a bit of powder on the T-zone is my super quick go-to look when I need to look more human without going over-the-top. I'm always on the lookout for nice brow products and I collect lipsticks of almost every color. I've lost count of how many lipsticks I own, both for personal and gig use.

I'm afraid of wearing nude lipsticks on their own because I always thought I'd look dead. If I do wear nude lipstick, it;s usually with a very heavy or dramatic smokey eye or cat eye. Fortunately, nude lipstick doesn't necessarily mean looking dead. There are also nude lippies which give a nice and clean look to the face, or a my-lips-but-better natural look. No need for heavy smokey eyes for some. They look great just like that or with help of eyeliner and mascara, just for more definition.

Some of my favorite nudes

1. NYX soft matte lip creme in Abu Dhabi 

I discovered this a couple of months ago when my friend Jinky and I were shopping for makeup at SM. This pretty nude shade looked great on me and the brown isn't too muddy.

wearing Abu Dhabi during a cat cafe visit

The liquid dries matte and doesn't budge or feather too much. Also, it's quite blendable with other lipliner colors.

2. Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Matte Lippie in Too Cool

 This is a limited edition lipstick that is actually a collaboration between the brand and Preview magazine for Preview's 20th anniversary. Such a pretty color that's not drying and also it's super pigmented. It may be pale and almost skin tone on swatch, but I actually like wearing it with just me defining my brows and powder on my T-zone.

3. MAC lipstick in Hug Me

This is one of MAC's lustre finishes that I like. Hug Me is an awesome sheer shade that photographs well in beauty shoots. I use this for ladies who are scared of a bit of color on their lips. In shoots, I layer this with a neutral mauve lipstick for a nice, natural my-lips-but-better look.

4. Revlon Lipstick in Pink Cognito

I got this in our August BDJ Elite Box along with an array of other Revlon goodies. Glides like butter and gives a nice rosey shine without looking too psychedelic. Use this on your own or as a gloss. There's a bit of reflective particles and for some who would want more coverage, I suggest using a lipliner for this.

5. MAC Lipstick in Blankety 

This is pale as pale as can be, almost white on swatch. I know others can wear this on their own and it looks fine on them. Since this is a super pale lipstick in a nice creme finish, I go heavy on my eye makeup wearing this, so the look isn't too lost and I don't look like I need a blood transfusion. I also wear this with lipliner since it's not too pigmented like Too Cool. But it's a really pretty shade if you're going for the 60s sex kitten look or Victoria's Secret smokey-eyed model.

6. Fashion 21 lipstick in Ginger

Fantastic color payoff without sacrificing moisture quality. It looks great on my lips with a hint of coral and neutral brown. I used to be scared of browns because I thought it makes me look muddy but it actually worked on me. Also, it's super cheap. I can take this to travels as well, since it's such a nice warm neutral color to wear for everyday. I should steer this from higher temperatures though because it's prone to melting. Or maybe, I can depot this to a lip palette.

Any lipstick that you would like to  share?