Mineral Blushes are by far my most favorite type of blush! Why? Not only is it affordable (the most I spent was Php300 or $6) but it's very safe for the skin. I really love love love mineral blush. For most days, it's the one I choose to put on. Whether it be doing the grocery, meeting up for drinks with the girls or for work.

Hauling time! And this time it's Wet n Wild! Been hearing a lot of things about this brand and it looks to be at par with my favorite NYX makeup. I do love NYX like crazy and you all know that. And for me, anything cheap to sate this impossible makeup addiction is always welcome. So when I saw Donnarence hauling some Wet n Wild over at ebay.ph, I asked her how I could get my hands on it. And I certainly didn't waste a lot of time to get me some Wet n Wild.. :)

The wand is pretty soft and pliant that it would allow a smooth application even with shaky hands. I do love wands like this one. Very much reminiscent of my former L'oreal Telescopic Mascara. But sadly, I wouldn't say that this type of brush will give that super thick lashes effect. 

But the results are amazingly good. After application, you'll have lashes with a good enough volume, no clumping and appearance of really long lashes.

Oh! The joy of a new makeup to play with. Unfortunately, this freakishly cool weather (not that I'm complaining) is preventing me from playing around with makeup and I don't have anywhere to go to lately save for work. I've renewed my love affair for buying online.. only downside is the long wait! WIll check back in for my next haul soon.

But of you want to try the Maybelline Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara, do check it out at your favorite Maybelline Counters nationwide. I usually get mine at SM Hypermart Pasig or SM Megamall Watsons and Beauty by SM. (nope, don't get paid to say this. I just live near these hotspots.)

Finally!!

When I thought I couldn't have it, out of the blue and thanks to that cute little blue bird, I saw Sol's tweet that she still had one last Urban Decay Naked Palette on hand! Thanks to Paypal and for my BDO Mastercard, I got to own this coveted palette! I didn't even have to wait for it too long.

Isn't so obvious how much an addict I am with Urban Decay Cosmetics? Honestly, if I ever do get a chance to visit the States, I think I would spend all my shopping money hauling on Urban Decay, from their foundations to their lipgloss. But right now, I'm pretty much over the moon for this purchase.

How sweet of Avon to send me holiday gifts that has a few of cosmetics that I've been wanting to try from the brand? Their Avon foundation  for example was something that I've been curious to try. So when I got the Ideal Shade Liquid Foundation Natural in Nude, I knew I'd find a way to try it.

For Php530, Ideal Shade boasts of its Precise Light Technology that could match almost 98% of all skintones, oil-free, medium coverage, a silky finish and SPF 10 for sun protection

Since I read the two words that I love, SPF and Oil-free. I was, yes, all over it.

Consistency

The consistency is a tad creamy for medium coverage. It's not too matte but when it dries, it has smooth feel to it. The scent though isn't something I like. I'm not sure if it's just me but I'm not a fan of it. Good thing that I don't smell the scent when I apply it on me. I'm rather fond of the typical scent of foundations.

The packaging is something that I wasn't fond of either. A pump is very much appreciated. I use a spatula or tap a little at the back of hands to prevent it from contamination. No double-dipping for this girl.

Nude is a shade lighter than my skin tone but given that my skin is acidic, I am hoping that this shade will adjust. Comparing it to other Avon Ideal shades, Nude seemed to be an appropriate choice because it's one with a yellow tint compared to Natural and Pure Beige. Although its hard to see that on the actual foundation itself. I even thought that Nude is on the beige-y side.

Take note: Swatch 3 shades of foundation nearest to your skin tone from your jaw to your neck, the one that disappears and blends is the best match for you. Check this on natural lighting like outdoors.

Effects

I was really impressed with how well this blends to my skin. It effectively reduced the appearance of capillaries and I didn't feel the need to cover my dark spots. Although I still used an undereye concealer, I  skipped covering my pimple marks. And they weren't visible once I set it with the Ideal Shade Loose Powder in Neutral. (See photo below).

Ideal Shade doesn't feel that light on the skin. But comparing to the heavy coverage foundation I use, like MAC Studio FIX and Shu Uemura Nobara, Ideal Shade felt lighter. Maybe because I used a tad much on my skin but with the in between creamy and liquid-y consistency, I didn't think this as a problem. Especially when it's really good at covering my problem areas.

Photo taken above was a good five hours from application. Given the cool weather that night, I didn't feel the need to retouch and I was happy to see that the foundation remained intact. You won't see any dark spots, pimple marks and even my dark under eyes aren't that visible. No oily feel and we stayed outdoors for dinner, drinks and coffee. Fabulous results, right?

Overall, I am very much happy with this foundation and is looking forward to use this during daytime when I can make use of the SPF protection. I like the feel and consistency of the foundation that'svery much appropriate with the weather we're having lately. Actually, if not for the scent, I could see myself using this foundation most days I go out.

Recommendation

Ideal Shade Foundation is definitely for those who are looking for an affordable foundation that has a medium coverage without the heavy feel. If you're using a mineral makeup foundation with a heavy coverage, Ideal Shade is your best bet as it would most likely cover all the problem spots you want covered. Although I have yet to see the full effect of the Precise Light Technology it boasts, looking for the right shade doesn't seem that hard of a job with this brand of foundation.

Hope this review helps!

Avon Ideal Shade Liquid Foundation Natural are available in all Avon offices or call your Avon Lady now!

It sure looks like I'm getting ready for summer... But na-ah! I just really love to wear sunglasses. Especially when I'm driving.. and given that I live in a tropical country, sunblocks and eye creams are not enough to protect my peepers and the delicate skin around it. So when I lost my first ever designer shades, I immediately replaced them with a much bigger, a lot more "me" sunglasses... :)

As much as I adore the more affordable sunglasses sold in my favorite stores and boutiques, I consider investing on a high-end sunglasses very much worth the price I pay for it. Like I said, it's practically a requirement to wear one here in the Philippines and it immediately provides a statement, fashion or otherwise.

I chose this design, not only because it's Roberto Cavalli, but also for the gold frame and the intricate design on it but also for the brown lens. It looks so vintage! And really, gold is soo my favorite color for all my accessories. :) I am just in love with my new sunnies.. :)

But the surprising thing is, I got this at a much lesser price! I got to own a fancy Roberto Cavalli for only Php4500 (approx. $100) (after haggling and paying in cash). When it's sold for more than $300 at some online and other eye wear shops I've seen.

I got my new sunnies at Opthal-mix Shop at SM Hyperment Pasig. SM Department stores also provide reasonably priced designer shades.

How about you, have you got some luxury goodies at a reasonable price? Share them at the comment box below! Would love to know where we can do more bargain hunting!