Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Review

Since it’s a Sunday and there’s nothing else to do, I decided to put Benetint to test.

I actually tried using this months ago. I got this from the Primping with the Star Beauty Kit of Benefit Cosmetics. I think Benefit’s marketing strategy in combining their products together in one set, complimenting each other, packed in small sizes and making it appear that it is affordable – is starting to work. One reason why I don’t use the Benefit Cosmetics is the price. (Full size products are around Php 1,600.00) It’s not exactly way beyond my budget since I splurge on some Mac and Urban Decay but because I don’t think I can trust it enough. I wasn’t so sure as to whether it is comparable to the high end brands of the same range of price or not.

Good thing, the Primping with the Stars was a gift from a friend and now I got more Benefit products from my June BDJ Box.

The white one came with the Primping with the Stars beauty set and the black Benetint was one of the samples I got from my June BDJ Box.

I didn’t open my new Benetint since I still have one that I can use.

At first, I noticed how similar it is with the Avon cheek and lip tint (mini roll-on) and The Body Shop cheek and lip tint. Both products are satisfying for me. And my Benetint seems to be competing well against both products when it comes to quality. But for the price, Benetint appears to be way too expensive as compared to Avon and The Body Shop.

I tried it on my lips and I can see a remarkable difference.

I also tried it ob my cheek. Hmmm… I didn’t see much of a difference although it improved the color on cheek.

So let’s try answering the following questions:

1. Will I purchase the the full size?

     Sadly, it’s a NO. I would rather go for Avon because it can give me the same effect for a cheaper price.

2. Rate the product’s ease in application. 1-5, 5 as the highest.

     4, the brush easily glides on my skin and provides just the right amount needed.

3. Rate the product’s long lasting ability. 1-5, 5 as the highest.

     4, it lasted the whole day. I applied it this morning and it stays on until now. ^_^

4. Rate the product’s appearance on the skin. 1-5, 5 as the highest.

     4, it gives me a light shade of pink on my cheek and a very strong color on my lips.

5. Rate the scent of the product. 1-5, 5 as the highest.

     4, it does not have a strong scent unlike the Avon cheek and lip tint.

6. Overall rating. 1-5, 5 as the highest.

     4. Good enough for me.

So there… hope this helps! *_*

REDEEMED MY AVON BELLE UNDERWIRE BRA

I got this sweet surprise from my May BDJ Box. I got a coupon for an Avon Belle Brassiere. Along with that are the other coupons in the photo below.

I was so excited to redeem my bra unfortunately I was unable to find time. My coupon is valid only until 16 June 2014 and on that day I just thought of dropping by a branch on Quezon City, close to where I am currently staying.

I was lucky enough that I got to redeem it on yhe last day of my coupon’s validity!

When I came in, everyone was asking for my name and number, asking me to register for a membership so I can avail of the discounts. They were all very nice.

I just handed my coupon to the customer service representative and she was like, “Kuha ka na ng size mo.” (You may get your bra with your size.)

After that, the customer service representative just asked for my name and bra size. And then it’s done.

I felt so lucky that I redeemed it.. on its last day! I am such a big fan of freebies and coupons. Redeeming and claiming makes me feel sooo happy.

I didn’t even realize that it really gives a push to achieve that cleavage. I tried it on and I realized how true it is. I also appreciate how classy it looks, the black lace and skintone effect looks really beautiful. This is something for Avon.

I haven’t purchased an Avon brassiere in years. My last would be back in highschool. Those purchased by Mama. I might as well try some Avon brassieres because of this.

Thanks BDJ Box! *_*

Unboxing my JUNE BDJ BOX

It’s here! It’s finally here. And I thought I won’t be able to get a June box because I ordered late. Thanks to whatever glitch went on.

Well, well… my day suddenly became so pleasant when I got my box. The element of surprise is just so perfect. I sometimes realized, why did I just subsribe now? I should have subscribed long ago.

Anyway… let’s see the box.

When I took it out of the shipper’s bag, I was like… Woah. Benefit! Great!

I am not exactly a fan of Benefit Cosmetics because they’re a bit pricy for me. (Although I use Mac and Urban Decay which are high end brands.) I just never thought of buying Benefit Cosmetics. The first time I got to try this brand was when my friend from the US bought the Benefir Beauty Set – Primping with the Stars. And yess I kinda liked the Don’t Stray Eye Primer and the Porefessional. But I haven’t purchased any Benefit Cosmetics just yet.

The BDJ Box may be one of the reasons why I would end up purchasing one. We’ll see how it goes. ^_^

Opening the box was even more of a delight. I got a variety of sample packs from Benefit Cosmetics.

There may not have been a full size item in my box but I still appreciate what I got. I go crazy for make up products, that’s why.

As I checked out every item in my box, I noticed that I’ve used some of the products.

I already used the Benetint before. And it appears to be way better than The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Tint.

It may look so small, but I’m quite sure it goes a long way. I still have my other Benetint mini which I got from my Primping with the Stars beauty kit.

As I have said, I like the Porefessional. And this is better than the Maybelline Pore Eraser. The Porefessional doesn’t make me feel oily and greasy while the Maybelline Pore Eraser feels heavy on my skin.

Guess what… I got 2 of these! Woohoohoo!

This is the Fake Up concealer.

I would love to try this since I am such a concealer fan.

When I opened the tube, there’s not much to use. Bummer. I hope it was a longer stick.

Just when I was about to get disappointed, this baby got my attention.

I just love polka dots.

There it is. My beloved primer. Oh how I wish this product will not disappoint me. I’m expecting a lot from this one.

This one appears to put a strong competition against the Stay Flawless Primer. I always check the spf levels of some products I purchase.

This one is at spf35. ^_-

We’ll see if this will keep up.

The Lollitint seems ok with me.

I’m just not a fan of anything that’s as pink as this.

But I will still try this product. It may satisfy me along the way.

The small box inside my box is so cute.

It’s a very small pot which appears to be an eye cream that can lighten the dark circles around the eyes.

I like the pot. But I hope I would end up liking tbe eye cream as well. Teehee!

This month, I did not get a lot of coupons. Just these 2.

And this small magazine that talks about the products of Benefit Cosmetics.

New set of stickers that promote beauty. Which I also use to remind me of my own beauty.

This month, I didn’t feel like the Php580.00 is sulit. But I still liked what I got from the box.

Just looking at them… I can feel some sort of joy. *_*

Looking forward to my July BDJ Box. You can subscribe to get your own box at the BDJ Box Website. I would probably join the #bdjbox7day challenge. I would want to have the They’re Real set. ^_^

MAY BDJ BOX

It’s a delight to finally receive my #MayBDJBox (Kahit sinabihan ako ng taga-Xend na mali ang address na binigay ko. Huh? Wala ka na ngang mapa. Marunong pa sa may address.)

Anyway, let me share what’s inside the box I got from BDJ Box. ^_^

I immediately noticed the Revlon Colorstay Nail Enamel. Upon seeing it, I already felt that this is so worth it. Each nail enamel amounts to Php 325.00 in stores. I got two (2) colors, Blue Slate and Sunburst.

I actually used Blue Slate right away, after the unboxing. And I was amazed to see that this shade looks good with morena skin. It isn’t so often for me to get blue shades and pastel shades of nail polish that will look good with my skintone. I haven’t tried the Sunburst but my hopes are high. ^_-

Next item was the Organic Hair Care Set. I am an Organix user. I use their Argan Oil products. I think I stopped using haor products with sulfate (those advertised by famous personalities) a few months ago. It was only then when I realized that organic products are way better. You just have to find the perfect brand that will work for you. BDJ Box provided a chance for me to explore and use other Organix products by sending the sample sizes of the Keratin Oil and Biotin Collagen. The Organix products are actually a bit pricey compared to local shampoo and conditioners. This sample packs will defonitely work for me (and my Mama) before we purchase the regular size. I can also use the Argan Oil shampoo and conditioner sachets for travel. This is awesome!

I also got the Dermal Sheet Mask. I haven’t tried masks at all because I have very sensitive skin. I plan to try this out on Mama and Papa. Hihi! Each sheet amounts to Php 140.00 in stores. The box contains two (2) sheets, Apricot and Seaweed.

Then I got this full size of Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack.

I saw their store at SM North and I always wish to visit. My boyfriend seems to manage not to let go of my hand when we pass by. The full size (100ml) costs Php 689.00.

Now there’s the Godiva lico-white Whitening Lotion and Anti-perspirant Deodorant in sample packs. I also plan to use this for travel.

Other than the products, I got some vouchers!!! Now, I just need to figure out how to avail the discounts and claim the free items.

And then… A free pair of Flipflops!

I love the BDJ Box! I think I’ll be subscribing more often since it appears to be so “sulit”. Despite the waiting time and all. It’s still sulit. *_*

Unsatisfied Online Shopper

I recently purchased an item from an online seller, Queen B of Glory of New York. Sadly, I didn’t get the service I expected.

It happened when my frugal side came out. I saw that they were having a clearance sale, so I purchased the foundation primer since I’m already out of primer. I resorted to my Benefit Porefessional but since it is a bit pricy, I prefer to only use it for special events. So when I saw the GNY sale, I thought of buying it as my everyday primer.

Everything went smoothly during the placement of order and until the payment. I placed my order on a Sunday and paid the next day thru bank deposit. I was informed by the seller that the eta is between 2-3 days. Actually I find that it’s not normal for on hand items to take 3 days for the delivey. With my online purchases with other sellers, they usually deliver it the next day already. But then, I thought sige keri lang, porefessional muna. However, today is a Thursday and I still haven’t received the item.

I was really disappointed with the courier and partly with the seller. I waited. I gave it a chance. So yesterday, it was on a Wednesday… I received a call from the courier asking if I was still in the office. I don’t usually give my home address since no one will be home to receive the items I buy online. So I always use my office address. Unfortunately, this courier called at around 7pm and asked me to wait for him outside my office building along Julia Vargas Ave. When I asked him where he was, he said he was still along C5. WTH. But then I composed myself and dealt with him nicely. I won’t wait for him along the hi-way at 7pm. That’s ridiculous. The fact that as a buyer, I accepted the obligation to pay for the shipping fee and just to be asked to wait along the road is totally disappointing. Despite such unfortunate scenario, the courier promised to deliver the item the next day, which is today between 8am to 5pm. But then… nganga! No GNY arrived. How convenient.

So I tried calling the seller but it appeared that the seller blocked all incoming calls. How nice of her to do that. I just sent he seller 2 messages but there was no reply. I called the courier as well but I got no answer for all 3 calls I made. After about 10mins from my last call, I got a text from the courier making up excuses on how he was already here within the area and that he wasn’t able to deliver the item because he chose not to park his bike and pay for the parking fee. I don’t think that’s my problem. The fact that the online seller agreed to deliver the item to the address I provided, then that’s where the item should be delivered regardless of whatever issue the courier may encounter, the buyer should no longer worry about that. The courier asked for a house address so I gave him my house address just to get over it. I always thought that couriers deliver only within the regular office hours, but this courier… Ewan. Boo to this BoyAnch courier.

So I sent a message to the Queen B and told her to inform her buyer if the courier will fail to deliver the item to an office address to avoid this kind of hassle. I was really in need of a good primer and I heard from youtubers that GNY is a good product that I opted to try it out but not with this kind of stress. Bumili nga ako ng pampaganda pero inistress naman ako ng courier. What a waste.

Anyway, it was only after that message when the seller replied and constantly apologized for my disappointment. I guess it called her attention.

I was prompted to post this to inform online shoppers and sellers. For the sellers, be wise in choosing your courier and assist your buyers promptly when this kind of problem occurs. For online shoppers, be extra careful because the purchase you make online is not yet fully protected by the law, there is a big risk and know how to deal with your sellers.

I know this is a heavy rant but I just have to share my experience. 😉

Recent Purchase

I haven’t been blogging for months! Seriously… I can’t believe it’s been months since my last entry. Anyway… here I am and I’m back with a pack of recent online purchases.

First, I bought the Konjac Sponge from Updated Trends.

 

I bought the Water Drop Volcanic Stone Facial Sponge..

And the Wave Body Sponge…

 

I did my research on this product and I saw some great reviews about it. Some of you may ask, what’s a Konjac Sponge!?! Well, it’s simply just a loofah for the face and body. I read so much about it and learned that it is widely used in Asia especially in Korea. According to my research, it can cleanse your skin without being too harsh on it. You may think that it might feel rough on your skin just by looking at it, but no. Trust me. I can say that with conviction. It may look like the other loofahs sold at the malls but this is different.

I used it right after I received the package in the mail. And I was totally amazed with how it feels on my skin. It feels so soft. I used it once with soap and once alone. When I used it with soap, with just a little amount of soap, you can already spread it all over your body. After use, I thought I would feel nothing since it feels too soft that it had no capacity to cleanse my skin. However, I was at awe when I felt how my skin was after bath. It felt naturally soft and smooth that I no longer felt the need of putting emu oil after bath and before I got to sleep.

Despite the good introduction, I still need to see how it would affect my skin after about weeks of use. Will post another feedback on that. 😉

 

Now let’s move on to my most awaited purchase… The Wild Peach Cosmetics Palette. I was searching for a magnetic palette that’s not too pricey and luckily, I found this item after weeks of following bloggers and make-up gurus online.

I got my magnetic palette from Wild Peach Cosmetics. They have a variety of designs of the magnetic palette that appears to like the famous Z-palette. 

I got the Large Black Matte Finish Palette and the Small Leopard Glossy Finish Palette…

 

I was actually at a hearing when the package arrived at the office and I was not supposed to go back there. If not for the packages I got from the mail, I would’ve headed straight home. I was too excited to depot and personalize my make-up palettes that I just had to go back and get my packages.

The Small Leopard Glossy Finish Palette has a mirror in it. and it is very compact. I can bring it with me every day. It fits perfectly in my cosmetics pouch.

 

 

While the Large Black Matte Finish Palette has a clear cover.

 

Oh… and each palette comes with a sticker as well.

To depot is a actually too much work for me but it was worth it. I’m so happy that I can now bring with me everyday the eye shadows I mostly use in one single palette along with my powder and blush. Good job Wild Peach Cosmetics! Also, you may contact Charmaine of Wild Peach Cosmetics, she’s very accommodating and she even called the courier when it didn’t arrive on the supposed day of the arrival. Thanks again Charmaine!

There you go… ’til the next purchase! *_*

 

 

Beauty Cosmetics 20-pc Pro Make-up Brush Set Review

I was so happy yesterday that I wasn’t able to finish the judicial affidavit I was drafting. This package arrived at the office. I was really excited to get this beauty loot and try the brushes I purchased online from Beauty Cosmetics. At first I ordered for the Scarlet Travel Kit Brush Set but then I realized that I want a real set instead of just a travel kit. So I opted for the 20-pc Pro Brush Set for only Php 1400.00 plus shipping fee. I ordered it last Tuesday and amazingly, I got it the very next day.

The set comes in a  black leather pouch with a pocket for every make-up tool. The pouch can be easily folded and tied using the knots to keep it secured. It would be easy for us girls to carry it with us even if the brushes have long handles.

 

The main reason why I ended up buying a brush set is because of this brush. I want a stippling brush to apply liquid foundation. As i have already mentioned in my previous post, I go for coverage and I’m not really a make-up artist who can create beautiful and creative eye make-up. While I was browsing through the internet, there were several brands that seemed to be of good quality based on the reviews I have read. The only question is, how much? And how fast can I get it? So I saw the reviews about the brush sets offered by Beauty Cosmetics and I liked it. It’s affordable and people have good things to say about it so I might as well just give it a try. They offer the Stippling Brush for Php 400.00 so that made me want to purchase a brush set instead of just a single brush.

BC’s stippling brush is amazingly soft. I used it this morning to apply my foundation and it runs smoothly on my skin, definitely not scratchy. I find it better for foundation application than the Flat Foundation Brush.

STIPPLING BRUSH

(Made of Synthetic and High Quality Goat Hair)

The Large Powder Brush, Tapered Face Brush and Angled Contour/Blush Brush are soft and dense. I haven’t actually used it yet on my face though.

LARGE POWDER BRUSH

(Made of High Quality Goat Hair)

TAPERED FACE BRUSH

(Made of High Quality Goat Hair)

ANGLED CONTOUR/BLUSH BRUSH

(Made of High Quality Goat Hair)

 

This Foundation Brush made of synthetic fiber works well with the face powder I used it to top of the blush that might look a little too much and to achieve that flawless finish. It gathers the powder well and applies it perfectly on my skin. I haven;t tried it with my liquid foundation for me to determine whether it picks up too much  make-up which may only come to waste. I’ll blog about it next time once I have tried it with my liquid foundation. ^_^

FOUNDATION BRUSH

(Made of Synthetic Hair)

No idea on this brush.

The main purpose of this brush is to pack colors on the eyes. I didn’t try this today since I opted for a natural look and I don’t need anything too colorful and bright for my eyes. ^_^

FLAT STIFF BRUSH

(Made of High Quality Goat Hair)

FLAT STIFF BRUSH

(Made of High Quality Goat Hair)

DEFINER BRUSH

(Made of Nylon hair)

I like both blending brushes. I tried it to blend my eye color and it feels so soft and it doesn’t hurt my eye. It didn’t feel scratchy on my eyelids as well. I think this brush can also be used for highlight application on the brow bone.

BLENDING BRUSH

(Made of Goat Hair)

I think this fan powder brush is usually used for loose powder application. I plan to try it soon once I have purchased the perfect loose powder. ^_^

FAN POWDER BRUSH

I think this brush is perfect for liner application. It can easily reach the inner area of the eye.

ANGLED LINER BRUSH

(Made of Nylon Hair)

I plan to use this in creating a V at the corner of my eye for the eye shadow application.

ANGLED SHADING BRUSH

(Made of Synthetic Hair)

I am not really sure if this is a Lip Brush or an Eye Pencil Brush. ^_^\/

I find it pretty. It blends the eyeshadow perfectly on my eyes as well.

EYESHADOW BRUSH

(Made of Synthetic Hair)

I don’t really think I need a concealer brush since I only use my finger in applying concealer.

CONCEALER BRUSH

(Made of Synthetic Hair)

I haven’t tried any bent eyeliner brush before. Some say it’s easier since you see how the brush applies the liner perfectly while applying it. The bent provides a better view I guess. But then again it’s nylon brushing through the inner lids which I am not comfortable with.

BENT EYELINER BRUSH

(Made of Nylon)

I used this to brush my lashes after applying my mascara and for my brows after applying my eye brow definer. Good thing it doesn’t carry with it the mascara and eye brow definer I applied.

LASH SPOOLIE BRUSH

I recommend this brush set for beginners who are interested to learn the art with a complete set of tools. Yes it says that it’s a professional set but it fits for beginners as well. It has an affordable price for a complete set. ^_^

BIRTHDAY BOY

I can’t believe I totally forgot to post a blog about how my boyfriend and I celebrated his birthday.I was actually thinking I have already blogged about it! Maybe I was just too preoccupied. Holiday season, my uncle’s death, workload at the office, family gatherings… the list goes on.

Of course the usual sleepover will be there. I get more used to sleeping beside him which is very comforting. It gives me a sense of security and calmness. There were even times when I prefer to sleep beside him than alone in my bed but I have to work that out on my own since we can’t sleep together every night. We’re not yet living together, if that’s what you’re thinking. He sleeps over for like once or twice a week so we can watch movies all night together. Going back to the birthday event, it was on the 21st when he stayed here. I want to be with him on his birthday and be the first person to personally greet him. Hence, the sleepover.

The next day, we went back to their house to just drop by his family for his birthday. We had some brunch with them and then we’re off to our date. We didn’t eat much at their house since we’re planning to enjoy the good food we ought to ingest.

First stop was at Thaidara, a restaurant catering Bangkok street food. Definitely authentic.

They have the best PadThai, I should say.

I tried this crispy cream dory already but I still ordered for it so that he could have a taste of this perfectly cooked fish. Crispy outside but very soft and yummy inside.

And when I asked if they have something new, they offered us this hot wings. Just perfectly spiced.

The restaurant is actually very small. There are seats upstairs as well though. The interior is mostly white probably to make the area look bigger. They have some cute chairs with pillows on it. The place is good for small or big groups. They also offer reservations.

After our lunch, we went back home to my apartment to get some of my things since he’ll drop me at home after our big day so I had to gather all my things. Then we went to Stacy’s for some desserts. Our reservation is at 8pm and we’re actually still full from our late lunch at Thaidara so we opted for dessert.

Stacy’s is actually a very pretty restaurant. The interior looks very nice.

The lighting is perfect. The tables and chairs are perfect for the look they try to achieve.

An event was just held that’s why there aren’t any customers yet. A reservation of the whole restaurant for a child’s first birthday, I think. It’s a good place for such events, I should say.

For dessert of course I tried the red velvet cupcake…

He had the Devil’s Food Cake…

And we ordered for an Apple Pie as well.

I like the red velvet although it’s a bit dry. But it tastes well and good enough. I didn’t try the Devil’s Food Cake since I am avoiding chocolate already due to the migraine attacks I usually have. The Apple pie is a sure winner for me. Definitely delicious.

I found another cool thing about Stacy’s… They have straws which are environment friendly. Paper straws. 🙂

When we asked for the bill, they gave us a free yummy treat.

After visiting these restaurants, not yet commonly known… we were off to his friend’s house to celebrate his birthday with his friends. It was a great day for him. He got to see his family, have a date with his girlfriend (yours truly) and had a bonding session with some old friends he had not seen for a long time already. I’m glad that he’s happy and satisfied that day. ^_^

 

Beauty Loot

So far this is the set I have. Now I want more. I have been browsing the internet for a good set of make-up which I could use for everyday wear. As of the moment, I am using The Face Shop Foundation which was just a hand me down tube from my cousin. She bought it for a wedding she attended to and since she’s not really into make-up, she gave it to me. (I did the honor of doing her make-up as well.) Daily, I use the Olay Day Cream, then the Maybelline Concealer on areas I need to conceal, then the foundation. After the foundation, I would fix my brows, apply a bit of blush to put some color on my face, then apply lip stain and gloss. I just finalize everything with a pressed powder to lessen the shine on my face.When I go out, I would only add some spice for my eyes and additional lip color. That’s it for me basically. Dull, right? That’s what I heard from my kikay cousin. Well, she was the reason why I want more make-up now. I asked her for some tips and we’ll see how far I can get with her tips.

Since I don’t think my foundation would last longer, I asked my Aunt who went to Canada for a vacation to purchase something for me. Make-ups are usually cheaper overseas anyway and I need not pay for any shipping fee. I was given the Revlon Photoready Airbrush Mousse, Revlon Photoready Just Bitten Lip Stain and Revlon Photoready Concealer. I usually aim for perfect coverage that’s why I only need the basic. But then I realized that I need a Primer now that I would be applying make-up more often for work this 2013. I want to project myself as a mature lawyer so that I could leave behind that “Iha” image I have. The search for the perfect primer is on! ^_-

This time, I’ve heard a lot about the Nake palette by Urban Decay. I have been watching several videos on how to apply the said make-up. I’m just so excited to have my Naked 2 palette. I ordered the Naked 2 palette since my kikay cousin already have the Naked palette and she told to just buy the Naked 2 palette so we won’t be having the same set. I can’t wait for it. Also, I ordered a brush set here in the Philippines instead of buying the Sigma Brush Set which was highly recommended by most bloggers and make-up artists, but then I find it to be extremely expensive for me. I’m not a professional make-up artist anyway so I’m good with a brush set that can serve the purpose I want from it. I’ll be posting the items I bought and try it on so I can provide a good review about it. ^_^

 

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