One of the things I considered blogging about was make-up. But I have to face it, I don’t see myself ever measuring up to or competing with sites like Beauty Addict. I’m the low-maintenance type. I am not a make-up snob: I didn’t understand what is an NC30 or NC20 shit (blame MAC ), what is an HG product, what is a primer, or what are the different types of brushes.

Well, okay, of course, I have an idea what they are all about now. I pore over make-up, clothes, and perfume blogs or review sites during my spare time. The sites do have a lot of pretty pictures to ogle over.

Granted, when I first found out that these things exist, I didn’t understand anything! My first introduction to this world was I Am Fashion and MUA. Who knew that make-up/clothes has its own lingo? It’s like a freaking finance book–they speak in a lingo you don’t understand but probably practised ever since you were in kindergarten.

I’ll be the natural make-up look kind of girl through and through. Which is why, after poring over blogs this morning, I wondered if there’s anyone that will write about make-up that way. I want a make-up for noobs type. All natural looking, make-up lingo type of blog. Just simple and back to the basics while focusing on looks and how to get them (evening, party out, beach) instead of products. Make-up is not supposed to be complicated! I want 5 minutes spent on make-up tops!

Oh, and I also want a guide on where and how to get a blush, powder, and brush that fits in a small pouch. Sleek, compact, and travel-friendly. I hate bulkiness! And there is NO way I am going to squeeze my brush in and risk ruining or contaminating them with germs.

Oh ya, brush and hygiene snob.

One of my guilty pleasures (and annoyances) is purchasing those must-have make-up. Who can resist a product with loads of rave reviews promising that said product is a holy grail? That it brightens up the face and yet looks natural? I certainly can’t.

Fortunately, I only go for the natural look make-up. I use powder and blush, minimizing my expenses. I’ve been drooling over a lot of stuff reviewed at MakeupAlley.com and while I was waiting for my friends to arrive, I had the chance to check them out. I visited Rustan’s to check if they have stocks of T. Le Clerc Loose Powder in Banane.

T. Le Clerc Loose Powder in Banane

Last time I visited Rustan’s, the color was unavailable. This is their best-selling product, with the hype extending in all kinds of media–print or internet. I was swayed by the reviews and disappointed that the color was unavailable. I decided to settle for the other shade, Translucide.

A very big mistake! Now that it’s here (and the stocks sell up fast), I was torn between purchasing another loose powder when I’ve barely even used my current one. To console myself, I asked the assistant to put it on me.

It was definitely better than Translucide. The loose powder in Banane made my complexion matte and flawless. There were two choices: the compact form (7g) and the refill can (37g). I wanted both. I decided to immediately leave the shop… but came back to purchase the refill anyway! Crazy, haha.

Nars in Orgasm

When I came back to purchase the powder, I checked out the blush section. I’ve been hearing good things about the blush Nars in Orgasm. Most make-up artists, my peers, and the reviewers rave about the blush. It’s a soft peachy-pink color that gives you that after-glow instead of a flush. I tried it on and, wow, the color looked pretty. I left the store, not wanting to make another purchase.

I came back right after, of course. And bought the damn thing. I reasoned to myself that it’s hard to find such a pretty-looking peachy-pink blush (that lasts). My previous one was Shiseido in Tangerine Mandarine, which I discontinued using after a year. (I’m very paranoid about germs accumulating in make-up.)

Benefit Benetint

The thing about it is that I just bought Benefit Benetint. I’m a lazy make-up person–I don’t want retouches. This is why I absolutely love tints and Benefit’s arguably the best out there. The color is natural and long-lasting.  No one sells it here at the Philippines and so when I saw a Sephora store at HongKong, I jumped to the chance and bought the damn thing. Just this April too.

Now, I’m stuck with two blushes and two loose powders. I don’t know how I’d ever finish the four; hopefully, I won’t see another product that I must try.

After a day of wearing the two, I still look fresh with that glow. Admittedly, I felt my face itch after puting the loose powder; although, I don’t think it’s because of the powder itself. I encountered a similar problem with Translucide and found out that my face itches when I sweat immediately after putting the powder.

The tint also lasts all day. I’m satisfied with the results, but it’s still too early to tell! I’m not the one that’s supposed to be wowed but other people as well! If it doesn’t work, then how can it be nice and worth the price?

For all I know, I could have been brainwashed by all those reviews! I’ll find out if it is certainly ‘HG’ status.

UPDATE:

The Banane powder does the dreaded volcanic effect! If I’m not too careful, I could end up spilling a lot of powder. It’s impossible to bring. I hate this tin can, but it’s cute. (There’s a reason why they called it the refill can…)

My Translucide one was in a limited edition can (10g), as I’ve found out. It looks different and it doesnt spill any powder. I can bring it anywhere, make it roll over. Grr. Everytime I see a powder wasted, my heart becomes heavier.

I’m starting to think that this is a marketing tactic. The can’s impossible to bring anywhere without any powder spilling. T. Le Clerc wants us to buy that ridiculously expensive compact case with less powder and a steeper price!

Grrr. Haha.