Want List Wednesday #7: My Christmas Wishlist

I am so sorry for practically being nonexistent for more than a month. I have just been occupied with school and refocusing on my priorities.

Anyhoo, Christmas is just two weeks away and I think it is about time that I share with you what I want for Christmas.  You can share yours too and I might find something good!

Beauty:

1. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

- I still don't have the first one and I already want the next! This feels like the most awaited sequel since Sherlock Holmes. It has a black color added to it for the smokey eye or to serve as a liner. Again, like with the release of the first which was I believe two years ago, it is sold out by the second. It is currently available at urbandecay.com

2. Clarisonic Mia 2

-Continuing on with the sequels, here is a better Clarisonic. It has a pulse timer to let you know that your 60 seconds is up and has 2 speeds to cater your needs. I've always wondered why the original Mia's price was lowered to $119, and this answers my question. 

3. Clinique Better, Brighter Skin ($70 Value)

-This set is from Sephora. I have been experiencing post-acne spots and I thought this might help in achieving an even skin tone. This set is really a good value because it has a full size Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector plus a couple other items and a free bag.

Non-beauty:

Well, I only want one item. I have been really into the musical Wicked lately, even though I haven't seen it yet. I have watched countless videos on Youtube and I am endlessly listening to the soundtrack and I am hooked. So I wanted to read the original novel by Gregory Maguire.

Excited for Christmas! Although I might just get one item and that is the book. Well, its still nice to have a wishlist. What's on your wishlist?

Jenica x

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Want List Wednesday # 6: Benefit's Hervana Blush

In line with Benefit Cosmetics's launch here in the Philippines which is next month btw, I have recently found out that they have a new blush coming out this February 2012! I know it is still too far from that date but you'll never know because of how fast time flies!

Without further ado, I introduce you to Hervana!

I would like to think of it as Sugarbomb's baby sister. It is also a combination of 4 colors namely shell, peach, rose and berry to create that heavenly flush of enlightenment as what Benefit describes it.

It is housed in a purple box with clouds  and rays of the sun on it, along with a halo on top of the name! It also says good karma in the front so I guess this color will make you feel heavenly while applying it.

This will look great either applied together or individually.

Look at the promo! So cute!



Can't wait for February!

Jenica x

Sources: Makeup4All, Beaut.ie
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Tag: What's Your Nail Style?

I haven't done a tag post in a while so I am happy that there is a new one out there! This tag is from ElleandBlair.com and you can view Elle's answers here.

Here are the questions and my answers too!

1. What’s your favorite nail polish company?
-OPI, because of the big brush and fun colors that they have.

2. Glitter or no glitter?
-No glitter, it's a pain to take off.

3. OPI or china glaze or Essie?
-Haven't tried China Glaze but I am still going with OPI here.

4. When do you start to take off your nail polish?
-When it starts to look bad, I don't mind a few chipped nails but if it already looks horrible I would repaint it.

5. What’s your favorite color on your nails?
- a light pink color (like OPI Pinking of You)

6. Darks or brights?
-brights.

7. What are you wearing on your nails right this moment?
-not wearing anything on my fingernails but I am wearing Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Mudslide.

8. Matte nails—in or out?
- I haven't tried it personally but I love the matte look so I think it's in.

9. French manicures?
-Sure! I love them.

10. Favorite fall color?

-Teals or Nudes. 

Here are the questions if you want to answer them too!

1. What’s your favorite nail polish company?

2. Glitter or no glitter?

3. OPI or china glaze or Essie?

4. When do you start to take off your nail polish?

5. What’s your favorite color on your nails?

6. Darks or brights? 

7. What are you wearing on your nails right this moment?

8. Matte nails—in or out?

9. French manicures?

10. Favorite fall color?

Hope you enjoyed this!

Jenica x

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A Non Make Up Post...

Happy long weekend! I am pretty much enjoying my little break from school. Its a nice feeling to have when you wake up and you are free from school obligations, well at least for a week.

it feels relaxing already just looking at it

Last night I was browsing through my Bloglovin  account when I came across Fee from Makeup Savvy's post which was taken from Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog' post which you can view here. It is basically a post about questions on random things. I think of it as a tag but not quite because it really is not a tag.

I thought that I would like to answer those questions on here too!


1. Mood:
 tired, hoping for a better day tomorrow

2. If you could dine (for free) anywhere in the world tonight, where would it be?
I would be very happy if I could go to Italy and eat pizza. I have no specific restaurant, but I am really craving for pizza and its for free anyway so why not?

3. Do you have any siblings?
Yes. A younger brother and sister.

4. If your pets could talk, what would they say about you?
The thing is, I don't have a pet but If I do (which is very unlikely because I am afraid of animals) my pet would probably say that I am not a good owner.

5. Which one do you follow most often, your heart or your head?
I would probably say that I follow my head more often.

6. What are three songs on your road trip playlist?
LMFAO-Party Rock Anthem
Cobra Starship- Good Girls Go Bad
Jennifer Lopez- Invading My Mind

7. Would you consider yourself renowned or famous for anything in particular?
Hmmm, I am trying to think about something but I guess nothing comes off my mind at the moment.

8. Your favorite place for dessert?
Starbucks.

9. Scariest movie you’ve ever seen?
I really hate scary movies because they don't let me sleep for a week and that's the minimum duration. The last movie I saw was The Grudge and I never saw anything else since then.

10. Weekly goals:
To Zumba at least twice a week before I get out of habit, to blog and to clean my room.



1. Mood:
2. If you could dine (for free) anywhere in the world tonight, where would it be?
3. Do you have any siblings?
4. If your pets could talk, what would they say about you?
5. Which one do you follow most often, your heart or your head?
6. What are three songs on your road trip playlist?
7. Would you consider yourself renowned or famous for anything in particular?
8. Your favorite place for dessert?
9. Scariest movie you’ve ever seen?
10. Weekly goals: 

Feel free to post this also on your own blog or in the comments below!
Hope you are having a great weekend.

Jenica x

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Benefit Cosmetics Opening Soon!

Hey there Filipino readers!
I just subscribed to the Benefit Cosmetics Philippines mailing list and got the news that Benefit is opening on DECEMBER 15TH AT GREENBELT 5!!!

I am so excited for this as Benefit is one of my favorite brands!
The store will have all of the products that Benefit currently offers plus more because it includes a...

You can also subscribe to the mailing list, just send your name, email and contact details to facebookph@benefitcosmetics.com. It includes an electronic coupon to a free brow waxing! The coupon will be sent at a later date.

Not sure what products to get? Check out my post here.

Hope you are all excited as I am!

Jenica x

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Blend With The Trend: The "No Makeup" Makeup Look

It is officially my sembreak! I'm so happy. I think my school might win the award for the most number of school days award. I feel like I am back on track after those seemingly endless nights of reviewing for final exams.

This fall season, I have heard and read that the "no makeup" makeup look is a big trend. It is basically a look with very minimal products on. Basically, the concept of this look is to achieve an even skintone, a gorgeous flush and a radiant finish. I also think that this would be perfect for those girls who hate wearing makeup or for those who just want to have a natural look. Its like your face, but better I would say. I feel that this look is very appropriate for school because of its subtlety.

Like in these pictures, we want to look polished and au naturale. Here are some of my thoughts on how to achieve this look and be a barely there beauty.

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How Adorable! MAC and Miss Piggy Collection!

I saw this on various blogs and I was so ecstatic about it because I love Miss Piggy!

Icon. Actress. Supermodel. Chanteuse. Muse. Frog-o-phile. Cinema and television superstar nonpareil. Generous glamour goddess that she is, Miss Piggy is sharing her beauty with the world via a limited-edition, online-exclusive, M·A·C collection for the eyes in celebration of her much anticipated return to the silver screen in Disney’s The Muppets, in theatres November 23. Say “oui” to Miss Piggy for M·A·C today!

It launches on November 14, 2011 online in the US and in select countries only.

Well it only has 3 products: an eyeshadow, a liquid liner, and false eyelashes. I thought it would be a bigger collection, but I guess not.

Here are the products:

Eyeshadow: Miss Piggy Pink ($15 US)

Penultimate Liner in Rapidblack ($17.50 US)

#36 Lashes ($15 US)

Would you be purchasing this collection? They are not very unique products so I guess some would be purchasing them just for the heck of it! :) 

Jenica x

From: Temptalia

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Want List Wednesday #5: Make Up Forever Holiday Collection 2011

I never wanted a whole collection in months until this one came out. Well, most of the collection that is. You know Make Up Forever, it really isn't that cheap. The ones that I am going to show you are the ones that I am dying to get, how I wish. You can view the rest of the collection here, and btw, Sephora is the exclusive retailer of these products.

1. Wild & Chic Best of MAKE UP FOR EVER Kit 

This products has six products in it which includes the bestselling ones. I personally got drawn into it because of the aqua creams and the HD powder. Nonetheless, these are their bestsellers and who doesn't want to try them? This retails for $55 and has 3 full size and 3 travel sized products.

2. Wild & Chic Aqua Cream Collection

OH. MY. GOSH.

Retails for $175, includes a blending brush and a black metal clutch.

That is all I can say. The picture says it all.

3.Wild & Chic Aqua Eyes Collection 

This pencil eyeliners are claimed to withstand extreme weather, and are waterproof. I think this would be perfect for the humid weather here. This is a great way to try the eyeliners because it is much cheaper and has different colors. This one retails for $36.

So, what holiday collection do you like most?

Jenica x

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September Favorites

Hello everyone! It is now October and I haven't done a favorites post in a while as I have not acquired new stuff that much recently. One of these I purchased at the end of August, and the rest are what I already have.

Benefit Coralista

-As I said in a tag which you can see here, I had only one blush which was this one. In the back of my mind, I was imagining your thoughts. I mean, its obvious that this is my favorite one because this is the only one I have, but I wasn't wearing blush that much back then. It is during this month that I was constantly using it, almost everyday. So I guess, the favorite part here really, is putting on blush. Case closed.

Coralista with the brush I never use but still keep

This blush is a peachy pink color with gold shimmer in it. It doesn't have specks of glitter like what I had imagined when I purchased it last year so I was relieved. Not that a glitter infused blush is bad, it really is just a matter of preference. It really gives a natural flush to the cheeks and is pigmented.  I would say that this blush is great for all skintones.

in direct sunlight in which you can see the shimmer

in natural light

heavy swatch on left; blended swatch on right

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Dazzle Review: NARS I Will Survive Set

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Pink Power: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Its the 1st of October, which means Halloween is coming up which I am really excited about. Also, this month is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness. It is a yearly international health campaign every October to increase awareness of breast cancer and raise funds for research. This campaign also provides information and support to the ones affected by breast cancer.

a pink ribbon is the international symbol for breast cancer awareness

As support for the campaign, one can wear a pink ribbon, wear a pink shirt or any pink item in general or buy pink products that will donate part of the profits for the cause.

Here are some products that will participate in this campaign:

1. Essie nail polish in Raise Awareness

- if you haven't got a pale pink polish in your collection or just want to add this pretty one to the bunch, this will surely make your nails look good while heping at the same time. Essie will be donating a portion of the profits to Living Beyond Breast Cancer.

2. Sonia Kashuk Proudly Pink Five-Piece Purse Brush Set

- this brush looks really cute because of the pink bristles plus its good for travel. 15% of the paid price will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

3. EOS Strawberry Sorbet lip balm

- Of course, a pink sphere shaped balm wouldn't hurt. The lip balm brand has been making waves due to the cult following of the product. This is a good way to try it if you haven't. They will donate 5 % of the US sales to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. So, US shoppers, go ahead and purchase this one.

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Mini Beauty Haul

Im back with a haul! Well, a super mini haul, because I technically bought one item, well, I bought another item but its for my skincare so I thought it isn't that exciting, but its is a set so it has really more than one product in it. Did you get what I mean?

I'm sorry I have been MIA for a week, its just that this time is all about the completion of requirements for school. This may continue (the sporadic blogging) until the end of the semester in October so I am apologizing in advance.

Now, onto the haul.

I got this set from NARS, and it is called the "I Will Survive" Set.

It is a limited edition set which costs $55 and I got it from Nordstrom which is still available here. For local readers, I got it from House of Flair through the pre-order service that they have.

here are the products

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New Shows To Watch

The US shows that I have been watching just came back for their newest seasons. I am very excited for them because I have been waiting for months! Some of them are the usual: Gossip Girl, Glee, 90210, TVD, Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood etc. I have also been watching Pretty Little Liars that already had their mid-season finale, and The Lying Game. Now, there are a few new shows that launched and I want to share with you which ones I think is worth watching (in my opinion).

Take note that I am not into crime shows, or ones that have a scary plot (I hesitated on watching TVD at first because of the vampire thing).

Here we go:

1. The Secret Circle

This is a show based on the book of the same title by L.J. Smith, who also wrote The Vampire Diaries. Again, I had second thoughts of watching this because I am a self-admitted scaredy-cat. It is a story of a teenager named Cassie who moved to the fictional town of Chance Harbor, Washington after her mother's death. She discovers that she belongs to a family of witches, and I think that is how far I would go. I might give in to the temptation of adding spoilers if I go on.

I think it is a great show, and it is worth watching.

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Want List Wednesday #4: Bobbi Brown 20th Anniversary Lip Palette

Just finished my school day, it was tiring but not as much as yesterday. Anyhoo, I have another addition to my wishlist so I decided to include it here in my Want List Wednesday posts.

Drooling over the limited edition 20th Anniversary Lip Palette from Bobbi Brown. I really love Bobbi Brown's style of makeup. It is really about enhancing your features and not covering them up. I actually have one of her books called Teenage Beauty.

I have come across this palette from her new website/blog which you can click here. The palette includes the 10 original lipstick shades that she created back in 1991 (the year I was born, if you wanna know), and for options, she included 10 more super bright, fun colors.

These are the colors:

1991 Colors: Salmon, Beige, Raisin, Brown, Rose, Pink, Orange. Blackberry, Burnt Red and Red.  The 2011 Exclusive Colors: Coral Gables, Lady Ruba, Berry Punch, Hot Berry, Watermelon, Atomic Pink, Party Pink, Cosmic Lily, Pink Martini and Candied Red.

According to Bobbi, Lady Ruba, which is a neon orange hue, is inspired by her creative director who always seems to be a few steps ahead of everyone else when it comes to style.

The lipsticks are housed in a sleek black packaging with a mirror and "EST. 1991" on top. It also includes a lip brush which is very convenient for travel.

You can always pick out the neutral colors for daytime or for school/work, and then the bright ones for nights out. Or for a more creative approach, you can definitely mix and match the colors for a custom shade that suits your liking.

Can't wait to have this one! Maybe it will stay on my list as it has a $60 price tag. To be honest it really is a great deal because you get 20 colors total. You can get it here on their website now or on Bobbi Brown counters in October 2011.

Will you purchase it? Let me know!

Jenica x

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What's In My Purse?

Hello everybody!

Hello Monday. School starts again and it is a gloomy day. I feel that its going to rain very hard later in the afternoon.

On a brighter note, I decided to do the "What's In My Purse" tag  that has been going on for years now, I think. I don't usually carry a purse when I go out, for example to run errands and things like that, but yesterday I went to a birthday lunch so I decided to carry one along.

My bag is this light gray beige color from Clarks which was gifted.

a closer look of the detailing

back of the bag

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And The Countdown Begins...

Its officially 100 days before Christmas!

YAY!

Aren't you all excited?!
I'm feeling the Christmas spirit already, even the malls feel it too! They already started playing their Christmas songs on repeat and displaying the decors that are for sale.

Well, first of all, Christmas is my favorite holiday. Aside from the gifts of course, I am excited for the family gatherings and Noche Buena-- I am especially excited for the ham because we only get to eat that once a year during this time.

Its the spirit of giving that makes this holiday a really wonderful one.





So, what are you excited about for Christmas?

Jenica x Tweet

Want List Wednesday #3: Benefit Cosmetics

Hello everyone.
So I mentioned in a previous post that Benefit Cosmetics will be hitting the Philippine shores soon. In line with that, I wanted to share with you some of my most wanted things from the company.

1. POREfessional
-This is a primer that fills in your pores to make them look smaller. This is not however a pore minimizer, it is just a temporary remedy for those who have large pores.

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Benefit Cosmetics in the Philippines?!

WOW.

I'm actually imagining what the counter would be like! I'm sure it would be just as fancy as this photo above.

I know I haven't posted a thing in almost a week and I apologize. I will try and post this coming days to make it up. :)

Anyhoo, I read in other blogs that Benefit Cosmetics is coming here in Manila. HOOOORAY!

There is no definite date yet, but you can check out their Facebook page here to get all the inside scoops of the brand.

As for my wishlist, I guess I'll be doing that in my Want List Wednesday next week. So excited!


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Blend With The Trend: Polka Dots for Fall

Say goodbye to stripes as polka dot is the new pattern for Fall 2011. This trend is seen all throughout the runway, including Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg.

You can wear it anyway you like, be it all over or just an accent to an already beautiful ensemble. I personally like polka dots and wear it whenever I feel like it. Good thing that it is very in mode this fall.

Here are some tips on wearing this trend:

1. Wear it as a shirt/blouse. You can go big or small on the dots depending on what the occasion is or what you personally prefer. For those who are a little skeptical, you can opt for smaller polka dots. The fine dots will also be more appropriate for work or school.

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CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipcolor

This is the newest line of lipsticks from CoverGirl. It has 44 shades (yep, it really has that many), retails for $7 or 395PHP locally and has 3.5g of product.

I only got one color which is called Heavenly because my mall has a VERY limited range. There were like 6 colors on display.

CoverGirl Lip Perfection claims to give a vibrant, rich color, help smooth and perfect lips in 7 days through their silk moisturizers to help keep lips moist.

I must go ahead and say that this is a very good drugstore find.

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Want List Wednesday #2

Its Wednesday again, so I guess it is time for another Want List Wednesday!

I really love matte finishes. I am not the one who loves the glitter or the shimmer in blushes etc, but I have them. I guess I like them, but they are not my favorite finish. So, in line with my fascination of Peggy Carter's lip look which I had a post on, this wednesday is about the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams.

This is a perfect product to use, because its not a lipstick nor a lipgloss. It applies as a cream, but then it dries into a matte finish. It has 11 shades to choose from and retails for $6. It is packaged like a lipgloss tube, so I think that it applies much easier, resembling a lipgloss. I think this would be a matte girl's wish.

So, what is on your list?

Jenica x

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Beauty Inspiration: Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter

Ever since watching Captain America a few weeks ago, I became somewhat obsessed with the matte red lips that Hayley Atwell's character is wearing throughout the movie. It really looks great on her. I have been ditching my lipglosses for a while and sticking to lipsticks, but I don't do a red lip cause I feel that it's inappropriate for school so I stick to more of lip stains. This look would really be great for night outs or for a special event.

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High End vs. Low End: Sunblock

Hello everyone! I finished school early today, so I have the extra time to write a new post before studying for my upcoming oral exam.

Today's topic is about the comparison of my sunblock lotions: the first one being the Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40 and the second one is the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+.

I got a sample size of the Clinique one from a kit that I purchased about 2 months ago. The full size of it contains 1.4 fl.oz and retails for $18. The Neutrogena sunblock has 3 fl. oz. of product and the price ranges from $9-$11 because of different SPF levels but here in the Philippines, we only have one SPF level and it retails for PHP509.75.

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Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. 4!

Drooling over the newest addition to the Urban Decay Book of Shadows family!

This palette will be launched during the Holiday 2011. It will retail for $64, quite expensive at the first look but if you think about it, it has 16 eyeshadows (10 of which is brand new and exclusive to the collection), a full size 24/7 liquid liner in Perversion (blackest black), a mini primer potion, a mini Supercurl Curling mascara and a mirror. It would be $4 an eyeshadow which is a great deal, and you get all the add-ons, plus it includes a portable speaker, an audio cable, a USB cord and "Get the Look" tutorials which are smartphone ready. It would take putting on makeup to the next level.

The design of the palette itself is quite pretty with butterflies all over the palette. As with all of the Book of Shadows, it has a pull out tray that holds the products.

I'm very excited about this! I'm sure all the Urban Decay lovers will watch out for this one. Can't wait for the holidays!

Source: Temptalia

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