With baby shampoo or dish washing liquid readily at our disposal  you think that a separate brush cleaner isn't needed. I thought so, too. But allow me to share with you a discovery I made when I attended the Charm X J&C Super Clean Solutions event at Manila Peninsula a few months back.

Here's a sample! I've been using this for months now and I am just enjoying this bottle. It smells amazing (the spearmint scent was a great add-on!) and it makes re-using my brushes possible. Especially my favorite one, the Charm Flat Top Kabuki. I also get to sanitize my brushes if I think I've exposed them to dirt and bacteria.

Compared to other brush cleaner I've used in the past, J&C Super Clean Solutions is a more favorable one. It cleans better, doesn't have lingering scent, great for travel and a much better choice for makeup artist, most especially for the serious ones.

Although I think the price is teeny teeny bit steep for newbies, think of it as protector for your biggest cosmetic purchase, your brushes.  Good brushes, quality ones, comes with a higher price tag and I for one, don't have qualms buying if I think it's worth it. So paying for a Php375 bottle of brush cleaner isn't such a biggie for me. Especially when it helps make your brushes last longer and maintain it's qualities. Happy to report that this product last awhile as I've had mine for about 2 months already and I've only used half of it.

This is great for almost all sorts of products like lipstick, glosses, cream-based products and gels. You can use this with a tissue, an unused cloth or wet wipes. :)

Best of all, you can hold of washing your brushes for at least a week when using this product! Definitely helps with one of my new year's resolution.. and that's lessening the brushes I use everyday! :)

How about you? What's your New Year's resolution?

And for a New Year's Eve look, take emerald to your eyes and celebrate the last of 2012 in style!

To recreate this look, just follow my instructions (and then add you're own twist!):

1. Prime your eyes. A party can last all night long, avoid your shadows from creasing by using a really good eye primer or cream shadow. It also makes the shades more vibrant. (Bobbi Brown Cream Eyeshadow in Shore, Php1,200)
2. Make your eye shadow pop. Apply a cream-based product for a smokier effect. (Makeup Forever Colour Case Palette, Php4,100)
3. Apply a glittery black eyeshadow on the outer V. Or a matte one, which ever you prefer for this look. Smokey eyes are suited for evening event, it gives edgy dramatic look and shows great on photos (She Space Minerals, Stolen Soul, $.50)
4. Apply a striking gold eye shadow on the inner corner of your eyes. Dab it with the pad of your ring finger for better pigmentation. (Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colour in Gilded Platinum, price upon request)
5. Trace a shimmery green eye shadow on your lower lids. (sample pigment in Enchanted, price not available)
6. Add emerald eye shadow on your outer-crease to harmonize the whole look, use a blender brush to distribute. (sample pigment in Enchanted, price not available)
7. Define your eyes with your favorite eyeliner. I used a liquid one since it stays on longer than pencil. (K Palette Real Lasting 24h Eyeliner, available at Beauty Bar)
8. Accentuate your waterline with a lasting and waterproof eyeliner. (Estee Lauder Doublewear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil, available at Rustan's Department Store)
9. Highlight your brow bones with shimmery beige eyeshadow, make sure it's warm toned to match the warmth of emerald green. (Sassy Minerals in Chantilly, price unavailable)
10. Volumize and lengthen your lashes with your favorite mascara. (Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes, price available upon request)

Will show you what I used for my face after! :)

Happy New Year, dear and wonderful readers! Cheers and here's to another year of beauty and confidence-boosting posts!

What exactly is the best? Does it really mean just frequently used?

Personally, I think it is. There's the easy to use part which most of us women look for for a product. One of which, which I think merits a mention more than ever is The Body Shop All-In-One Face Base Powder Makeup.

I can't hardly believe it when checking back on my post that I didn't have a proper review of this when I've used up 2 compacts already just this year. And if you've been here during my 2011 Year End favorites, you'll see that it's also there.


I know most women out there buy compact powder more than their liquid version. Women most especially who are really not into makeup. And since many have asked me what's my ultimate favorite face powder for this year, it's this one! Why? For so many reasons!

• It goes evenly on the skin. (I use a brush or a kabuki when using this)
• It sets my foundation flawlessly
• Gives me that matte effect that I need!
• Prevents oiliness for 2 to 4 hours (not that great if the weather is humid)
• It doesn't break me out (always a good thing)
• It's almost quite similar to the coverage that MAC Stuidio Fix gives me

Are you ready for the next award? :)

• It's effective! I hardly get insect bites when I apply this.
• The best about this is that it's not icky sticky but applies smoothly and absorbs easily.
• Similar to that of an alco-gel.
• It comes in different scent. ( I prefer their unscented and lemon)
• It's small so you can keep this even in your evening bag.
• It has mositurizer to prevent drying of the skin.