I have recenltly reacquianted myself with the beauty brand, VMV. In three years of beauty blogging, you'd think I've had the chance to try all the cosmetic brands here in Manila. That's not the case. Like many of you, I tend to stick to the same brands that has worked for me in the past. But recent events called me to go outside my the proverbial box, try out more from VMV Hypoallergenics.

VMV Hypoallergenics pride themselves on having almost a full range of products that has zero allergens. VMV continuously keep track of new allergens and reformulate should such allergen be present in their products.

VMV takes this tedious undertaking seriously.. For over 30 years, they have had less than 0.1% reactions reported. Hats off to VMV!

But I was worried about the quality, especially on the cosmetic part. I wasn't sure that it will work the same as other cosmetic brands I've tried. Quite wary that the blush wasn't pigmented enough or the lipgloss too sheer. Although I would love a makeup without any allergen, sacrificing the pigmentation and staying power isn't my cup of tea.

Pam and Marie assured us that that isn't the case with VMV cosmetics. In VMV, they understand the needs of women for makeup that delivers especially those with a lot of skin concerns. They made sure that whatever cosmetic product you get from VMV will have no repurcussion on your skin and at the same time deliver the color and coverage you need.

I've had the pleasure to try a few products from them in the past. This time however, I tried those that adds color to our skin. Two of them are the Skin Bloom Blush in Heat and Subtle Shine Lipstick in Giddy.

VMV Hypoallergenics Skin Bloom Blush in Heat

VMV Hypoallergenics Skin Bloom Blush in Heat

One of the things that caught my attention as I started to open up the Skin Bloom Blush is that it comes in a small velvet zip-up box. It looked almost like a ring box. Once opened, you'll see a nice shiny acrylic palette and the brush it accompanies it.

According to the VMV website, their Skin Bloom Blush are all 100% Dye-Free, 100% Phthalate-Paraben + Preservative-Free, and 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free.  It also contains green tea for its antioxidant benefits, virgin coconut oil for moisurization and monolaurin for disinfection. It also has Titanium Dioxide  and iron oxide pigments for sun protection.* 

The applicator brush that comes with the blush was patch-tested to ensure that is it safe to use for the skin. And soft enough that if you lack any other blush brushes, you can definitely settle for this one.

Skin Bloom Blush in Heat is a warm deep rose coral with mild shimmers that melds on to the skin flawlessly. Fake a tan with this blush and make your skin glow naturally. I consider this as "My-Cheeks-But-Better" Blush. So if you're within the medium-fair skin tone, you might want to check this out.

It's the perfect blush if you're aspiring for that au naturelle look. It being a coral shade makes it perfect for Asian skin, more so Filipinas and those living in a tropical country.

-o-

It's a good thing that there wasn't anything subtle with Subtle Shine Lipstick. It has almost that lip gloss effect sans the stickiness.

Giddy is a festive fluorescent coral hue. It is most flattering on fair to medium skin tones. With just a few swipes, this warm shade turns almost pink on my already pigmented lips. Subtle Shine is moisturizing and does not encourage chapping of the lips. Staying power is until your next drink or meal. But it gives a bit of tint to the lips that I didn't expect at all.

This shade is certainly not for everyday use. Good thing that VMV have fabulous color selection for those looking for a bit more of the everyday feel. What I notice as well with most of their collection is that it is very flattering to all skin tones. 

Giddy is definitely ideal for summer along with a neutral makeup look. Similar to the makeup look I did below.

VMV Hypoallergenics indeed warrants a second (and possibly a few more) looks from me. Although I am not your typical tree-hugger in love with all-natural products, I do agree that products that contain no harmful ingredients is better for the skin and could possibly deliver you from having troubled skin to begin with. I'm suffering from acne right now and I believe that sticking to products with less to no allergens is better for my skin. That and a good skin care regimen will probably reduce the chance of more acne flaring up.

If price is of no issue to you and you want a makeup that scientifically proven to be good for the skin, VMV Hypoallergenics is the right brand for you. And this high-end brand that has stores all over the globe is actually home grown. That reason alone makes me feel good in using VMV.

More VMV product posts soon!

Have you tried anything from VMV? What are your favorites? If you wish for me to do a review of VMV products, just comment below and I'll try to do them.

If you want to know more about VMV, you may visit their website at www.vmvhypoallergenics.com.

To get email updates, please subscribe here.
Please like me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

Got questions? Contact me here.

When L'oreal sent the Curl Impact Collagene mascara, I really just thought that it's another mascara. But guess what? It isn't.

When I got invited to an intimate gathering to meet NARS Leading Makeup Artist, Michael Hanz, and talk about the latest offering from Nars, I couldn't be more excited. I've always been a fan of Nars cosmetics and for them to consider me as part of this event was such a highlight in my beauty blogging endeavor.

Michael engaged us in a conversation about the NARS Spring/Summer 2011 collection. He talked about Summer Collection that includes an eyeshadow trio called Cap Ferrat, inspired by Alpes-Maritimes region in southeastern of France. It's collection of bright shades of sea blues. It's nice how Michael and I think alike when it comes to bright makeup looks, never be intimidated by them. They are fun to play around with and you can always make any bright eyeshadows work for you.

Of course, we played around with NARS cosmetics laid down before us.

I was this close to buying the Sheer Matte and Sheer Glow Foundation... Tood bad I didn't have my credit card with me. :(

Hello Laguna Body and Face Illuminators

Michael talked about NARS Laguna Illuminators which earned oohhhs and aahhs from me. It's great for everyone even those with oily skin. A little goes a long way and it's the best makeup to strut around with this summer. And oh, Lagina Multiple is also coming out soon!!

Got to play around with more makeup like the Trio Eyeshadow Calanque that gives a new definition to neutral look. Talk about edgy and making statement. Metallic nail polishes Kismet and Ecume. I'm actually lemming for Kismet, that they call metallic sunflower. It's the prettiest shade of gold! I love!

For Summer 2011, NARS came out with a highlight blush called New Order. It's a soft pink blush, with gold and silver shimmer. It can highlight the cheeks to create dimension and give that summer dewy look or apply on top of your favorite blush, like Nars Orgasm for a different look.

NARS Exotic Dance Duo is probably my favorite eyeshadow duo from the collection. It made me think of saturday night parties... in a real hot summer dress, that is.

I can't help but fall deeply in love with their Pro-Prime Collection. Frances have raved about the  Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and ever since, I've always wanted to have my own tube. But there's more to it!

I can't wait to get my hands on the Pro-Prime Multi Protect Primer with SPF 30 / PA +++. It's primer and sunblock in one! Hello! Aren't getting more excited?

Pore Refining Primer is an oil-free primer which has natural ingredients and skin care properties that not only give protection to the skin but make cosmetic application a breeze and make it stay put.

The product above was what got my attention. Been in the Nars collection for quite sometime, the Skin Smoothing Face Prep, which can be used prior or top makeup. Provides a smooth surface for foundation and minimizes the appearance of pores.

NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Cap Ferrat

NARS Spring 2011 Trio Eyeshadow in Calanque

Here, Michael  shows us Nars' makeup removers, the cleansing oil and the eye makeup remover.

Pure Matte Lipsticks in Carthage (Summer 2011) and Madere (Spring 2011); Lip glosses in Nana (Spring 2011), Wonder (Summer 2011) and Super Orgarm (Spring 2011).

Carthage is like a sister of the very popular NARS Schiap. while Madere is such a great nude peach lipstick.

I really enjoyed the time I spent learning beauty tips from Michael Hanz and of course getting acquainted with new NARS products. I'm definitely eyeing Carthage, Cap Ferrat and the Laguna Multiple. :) 

Can't wait!! :)

I love to go clubbing. If only my friends and I could go clubbing every weekend, I really wouldn't complain. I love to dance, have a couple of drinks or maybe 5 shots of tequila and just drown into the music the DJ's playing. I will always be that 19 year old girl whose booty will be shaking even at her 80's.

And when I do go clubbing again, I'm going to bring me a tube of Fanny Serrano's True Light Liquid Lipstick. It's the best clubbing lipstick I've seen because of the light that is attached to the handle of the wand. It glows whenever you open it and you can apply your lipstick even without having to excuse yourself to go to the bathroom.

I'm serious about club dancing, especially when the D.J. is tight and plays the hottest Hip-hop and R&B songs I like. I never want to miss a good dance song. But I never want my lip to go uncolored either. After a shot or a few sips, I can retouch my lip color with just a flick of the wand.

Also it has this nifty good size  mirror on the size of tube that lets me see my lips when I'm applying my liquid lipstick. How cool and practical is that? Especially when I barely bring a bag when I go to clubbing. My clutch would often just contain my mobile phone, car keys, lipstick, credit card and oil blotting paper. Who wouldn't want a small mirror on their lip colors? I know, I do.

Other shades available:

I'm intrigued about Light Sandwash and Henna... They seem to be nice nude liquid lipstick.

It's really nice to know that we Pinays have some Filipino-made cosmetics that we can rely on like Fanny Serrano, Ellana Minerals, Bare Naturals, Pure glow, Beauty and Minerals, Human Nature and others. I really appreciate that I don't need to look far for quality made products and it makes me really proud to be a Filipino. :)

What about you? Have you tried any Fanny Serrano Cosmetics? Any Pinoy-made makeups you've tried?

I'm crazy for posting all of this but what the hell! I'm excited! I find these stuff really cool.. literally! A whole collection of lippies and it has mint in it. As you all know, I have a proclivity for minty scents and I devour them like crazy.

Lip Ice is dedicated to giving our lips the needed moisture and care it needs. No dry lips for the Lip Ice users. Quit wetting your lips with your tongue to relieve dryness and giving mix signals to the guy in front of you. Lip Ice will make moisturizing our lips a lot more fun

When I got introduced to Lip Ice I was first attracted to the packaging. It looks so girly that I wish I was in sixth grade thinking what a great Christmas gifts these are for my BFF's. I'm sure Frances, Gem and Chaveli will love these Lip Ice Color Glosses as we often thought of ourselves on the verge of womanhood at the age of twelve.The sparkles will surely make us look a bit mature for the boys we have crush on Tigerbeat, Sixteen and Bop. 

While the Lip Ice Color Lipbalm would surely look good on my highschool BFF's Lorraine and Robyn. Since we all like to rebel, why not surprise our parents by wearing lipbalms that seriously looks and feels like lipstick but actually isn't. :) 

In college though, with tons of books to read, papers to pass and thesis to defend, I just need a simple balm that'll keep my puckers hydrated from all the air conditioned room I stay in at school but still has that hint of color that is definitely no fuss, I think Lip Ice Sheer Color is the best bet since its a lip balm that instantly changes color when it touches my lips. Amazing, right.

Now that I'm much older and able to play around with other makeups, I can't neglect my lips from drying with all the lipsticks I test all the time. That's why I find the Lip Ice Fruity Lipbalm the best companion ever. It mositurizes my lips and also sets it for the lisptick that I'm about to use for the day. Definitely up my alley. And it taste and smell incredibly good.

There's something for the boys, too, the Mentholatum Therapy Lipbalm for those stubborn dryness that won't go away. Come to think of it, I should also get one of this for myself. :)

Lip Ice Color Gloss

click the link below to find more about the Lip Ice Variants and how to join my new contest! :)

How's the beginning of December for you? Mine's been ho-hum. Stayed at home for more of the day except to get my car from car detailing and claiming my passport. I'm trying to stay indoors for the week since the last two weeks was pretty full with events, work and gatherings. I'm so happy that you found my previous post helpful and even some of you suggested I do more FOTD's.

Well, wish granted. I've been using the MAC lipsticks I got from the Tartan Tale Collection. I'm very happy that I got the shades I wanted before they ran out because they are amazing!

MAC Full Fuchsia has proven to be one of the brightest pink lipstick I own. Although I have various bright pink lippies, I think that Full Fuchsia will become a favorite because of how it made my lips come alive. Full Fuchsia is creamy in texture and applies easily even without the use of a lip brush. Just follow contours of your lips and you're set to go. I love how opaque it is but doesn't fall flat on the lips. Rather the sheen provides a certain gloss-like to the lip shade that makes it look a bit dimensional.

Last long as well on the lips unless you eat or drink. :)

Remember to prime your lips with a moisturizing lip balm to avoid your lips from drying. I used Lip Ice Strawberry Lip Balm with SPF15* to keep my smoochers soft and smooth for lipstick application.

I wore this look at Teeyah's Sun Life Event launching Piolo's Sunpiology Journal/Planner for 2011. The Planner is made for inspiring us to be one with nature and to rethink of how we deal with the future. It's pretty inspiring. Not to mention that the journal will benefit Piolo's chosen cause as well.

Back to the FOTD, I chose to use again my Beige Harmony Palette* from L'oreal to test how it will fare well when I use the foiling method to it. Also, since I was rockin one helluva bright pink lipstick, I thought to tame down my eyes with a neautral bronze eye look. Since I'm loving the effect of Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara*, I used it again on my FOTD, too. I really think my lashes are growing thicker and longer with this mascara. Of course, I also Use my L'oreal Renewal Lash Serum* daily. Both are really working well to keep my lashes strong.

As expected, a really really pigmented eye makeup look. The eyeshadow blend wel together and I really enjoyed using it in a foil technique. It's really impressive, I tell you.

Excuse the number of photos... I enjoyed posing like this.. hehehehe!!

Just like to express how thankful I am to those who continuously read this blog. I truly appreciate it. For any request, feel free to give me a shout out through the comment box below orby the CONTACT SHEN tab. :)

I really am blessed having you guys!! :)

For any questions please feel free to contact me here.

I love this brush set as much as I love my first one. Often when I travel, I bring a palette with me and it's hard to maximize the number of eyeshadows I have with no brush to use. I also don't like to bring my full size brushes for fear that I might lose them or that it'll take too much space in my luggage. The Charm Pro Travel fits snugly and able to carry other makeup items I bring with me.

I keep this on my vanity kit or my clutch bag for quick fix. Stick concealer is easy to apply without the use of brush. It's slim and able to fit into anything. Even my cleavage!! :) hahahaha!

I've tested this and like the results. I love how easy to blend this and how it doesn't settle on to my fine lines. Best of all this cover my dark undereyes really well.

I love the matte effect this mascara gives my lashes. With it's fabulash serum in it, I'm also helping my lashes to grow stronger and less prone to shedding.

I might be the next Revlon Endorser for the many number of Revlon products I use. But I notice that this Brow Enhancer is a shy away from my MAC technakhol. It's made of wax and hold my brows in place. The highlighter is not a bad idea either especially when I'm trying to keep people from staring at my eye bags. :)

This is one of the best eyeshadows I've ever tried. Really compliment my Filipina skin and makes my eyes brighter. I can live with this eye shadow alone. I used this eyeshadow alone in my stay overnight stay in Cebu.

A little of this foundation goes a long way. Acts also as a moisturizer, this foundation is on the top lists for when I travel on my good skin days. Since my skin is pretty much behaved, this foundation blends seamlessly. I only use my fingers to apply this during the day. For added coverage and night time events, I use the Charm Pro Stippling Brush for flawless airbrush finish.

For setting and retouching, this one is yet to fail me. Which I highly doubt. This is by far the most expensive compact I own and I can't complain, really. I love the photogenic result and how it keeps the oilies at bay. It is always important to keep a nice looking compact in your clutch especially when attending formal events. It will tie up your whole look. :)

For nights I don't get enough sleep, liners are a sure thing to fake that 8 hour snooze. :) I've tested Maybelline Gel Liner to stay on long hours despite the weather. This one is truly for the travel savvy.

This is the first time I brought nude lipstick during a travel. I love how subdued it is. Peachstock is definitely my favorite nude lipstick. :)

Used only for evening events like party and other fornal occasion. I avoid going to the ladies room whenever there is an event so I won't miss anything. Having a concealer that'll stay put for longer hours is a must and so far, MAC Studiofix Concealer is the only one who can do that. :)

To give a nice glossy finish, I rely on my Lancome Juicy Wear Top Coat to give my lippies a nice glossy sheen. It's not sticky and does not alter the color of my lipstick. This is really an amazing product.

Let's make sure that we don't pack on those puffy eyes when we travel. This is the first time I used La Mer as my eye cream and it's proven to be helpful.

Rin or shine, home or not, I use bronzer. So I brought with me my trusty bronzer, Refined Golden. This is by far the best bronzer I've used.

Do I really need to explain the need to use sunscreen when we travel? :) 

Happy that I keep samples of this. I can't live without this! I've tried several eye shadow primers but only this and Smashbox are the ones that work for me.

I love the minty feel and the ability to wash the rest of my makeup off. Liquid facial soaps are really best for travelling.

Something I try not to skip when I travel is the clarifying lotion. I refuse to accumulate more dirt on my face and using a toner removes surface and deep seethed dirt on my skin.

Of course we need to not only look luscious.. we need to smell like it, too. This scent can last for hours. Which is really important if you're touring the place you're visiting. :)

Artdeco Blushes are highly pigmented. I've been using mine for over a year now and I've yet to see it hit the pan. This is my no-fail blush. Great thing I got this during a buy 1 take 1 promo, too. It's compact, small and light and is ideal for travel. :)

Mositurizing is needed especially when you're staying in hotel where air conditioning can cause severe dryness to even the most oiliest of skin.

My new party lipstick! :)

If my skin tend to dry on airconditione environment, so does my lips. I keep this with me by my night stand as well as my vanity kit. Lip Tune-up tastes great, too. :) hehehe!

Not only is this eye candy, this applied face powder beautifully when I retouch. :)

I try not to skip any of my cleansing method even when i travel. This removes my eye makeup, lipstick and face makeup without too much effort. :)

There you have it, the top 25 beauty stuff I bring when I travel. :) What about you? What are the most important beauty stuff you bring when you travel? :)

For any questions please feel free to contact me here.

Revlon just released their latest and with what they've been coming up with the past year, lemme just say that I'm quite excited about this one. You see, I've never tried anything like this. The closest is the The Body Shop's Lip and Cheek Tint and Ever Bilena's dupe of it.

Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm

Flame | Passion | Frenzy



Lip Stain has "Vitamin enriched formula with Vitamin C for anti-oxidant protection."



Lip Balm also "contains Vitamin C for protecting skin."



What I like about the Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm...

1. Very pigmented and buildable colors
2. Lip Balm provides a glossy finish without the sticky feel.
3. Lasts for more than regular lipsticks by twice and even thrice the time.
4. Doesn't come off when you eat or drink.
5. Definitely no smudging.
6. Great lipstick base.
7. Hate the dragging feel of lip liner? Well, you can replace them with this.
8. 10 shades to choose from!

What I don't....

1. As much as I love the long lasting lip stain, taking it off is very difficult and sort of a pain. Really... I need to exfoliate my dry lips the first time I used this. Well, its a stain so I guess that's that. :)

Here are the usual swatches!!



Don't they look like real lipsticks?

Flame

Passion

Frenzy


Tips:



much love,
Shen

Did you find this post interesting? I'd appreciate if you'll subscribe to me here.
You can also add me on Facebook and Twitter.

For any questions please feel free to contact me here.