February 2018

Here's a review on Club Clio Kill Brow Auto Hard Pencil 1 Natural Brown.

PRICE: P950.00
FROM: Free
OTHER LOCATIONS:

THE VERDICT:

There are a lot of great brow products out there, but sometimes, the good ol' pencil is something that you will always come back to when you want something that's convenient and quick. It is not a secret that Club Clio's Kill Brow Tattoo Brow is one of my favorite long- lasting brow products and it also has a pencil version. How does it fare?
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A lot of Filipinos are now open to the idea of wearing sunscreen on an everyday basis, thanks to the Internet where they find out the adverse effects of long- term sun exposure without protection and brands that continually make it easier to wear sunscreen like Biore.

Biore is again trying to seal itself as the brand of choice for everyday sunscreen with a new product series that's not only lightweight and moisturizing, but also chockfull of skin care benefits, particularly anti-pollution.

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Need a stick foundation that covers and can last even intense activities!

PRICE: Around P1,500.00+
FROM: Free
OTHER LOCATIONS: Available in Shiseido boutiques

THE VERDICT:

I love Shiseido UV Liquid Foundation to bits; it's great, but when I get zits, I would love to use something a bit more thicker in coverage, but can come close to the staying power of the amazing Shiseido liquid foundation.

Where to find one? Shiseido again, of course! Shiseido UV Protective Stick Foundation is a water- resistant cream foundation when you need long- wearing, full coverage foundation that can last normal to intense activities!
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They said that Nars' concealer is good and they weren't kidding!

Here's a review on Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer in Ginger.

PRICE: P1,650.00
FROM: Nars, Central Square, BGC
OTHER LOCATIONS: Available in Rustans and Nars boutiques

THE VERDICT:

Everybody's been raving about Nars Creamy Radiant concealer for the longest time now and I have always been intrigued. So for Christmas, I treated myself to a Nars splurge and bought All Day Luminous Foundation and this ever famous concealer; to date, it's one of my best makeup splurges!
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Australian brow brand, Full Brow now in PH!

Here's a review on Full Brow products.

PRICE: Powder- P695.00; Wax- P625.00; Highlighter Pen- P795.00
FROM: Free
OTHER LOCATIONS: Beauty Bar

THE VERDICT:

Full Brow is an Australian brand that has just launched in Beauty Bar. Not sure how long this brand has been around; I visited their website and saw that they only have a couple of brow products and an eye cream of some sort.

But the question is how does this brand stack up against the other brow products in the market? Let's try.
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As always, I'd like to start this post with HAPPY FRIDAY! :D

It's Friday, last day of the week so hustle hard (not too hard though! :D) and enjoy the rest of the week. :)

Today's question just might be good for the weekend because we're going to tackle pinks that will look good on warm skin tone.

Hi Ms. Martha,
Can you recommend pink lipsticks that are good for morenas and for everyday use?
Michelle

Hi Michelle!

Good question! A lot of morenas always have a hard time trying to find a good red lipstick, but I think it's harder to find a pink lipstick that would fit! So here are five good ones to consider trying (and possibly buying!) when you visit the mall this weekend.
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An impulse buy turned out to be a good one!

Here's a review on Bench Paintbox Skin Perfecting Cover Foundation in Natural.

PRICE: P359.00
FROM: Bench, Evia Mall
OTHER LOCATIONS: Available in Bench stores and authorized online retailers

THE VERDICT:

I was at a Bench store one time and naturally, I didn't end the visit without a trip to the cosmetics section. I originally wanted to take home only the Pretty When Pinched lip and cheek tint, but ended up buying this cream foundation; I swatched it, looked good; never thought about it that much and went ahead and bought it!

Impulse buys don't usually end well for me, but I can't say the same thing for this one! If I didn't impulsively buy Bench Paintbox Skin Perfecting Cover Foundation, I wouldn't find out that there's a hidden makeup gem with the brand!
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Oil fusion or the art of mixing various oils is an upcoming skin care practices at the moment; as more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of personalizing skin care, oils at the forefront because of its versatile texture that's easy to mix with lotions, creams, serums, and also, oils.

Today, I'm going to teach you how to customize facial oils so you can get the most out of your routine without adding more time to it.
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Something new and worth buying from Ever Bilena!

Here's a review on Ever Bilena Power Curl Mascara.

PRICE: P205.00
FROM: Free
OTHER LOCATIONS: Available in department stores, drugstores, and supermarkets

THE VERDICT:

When it comes to great affordable mascara or simply, an affordable mascara, me and everyone would always have Maybelline in their mind; well, maybe some other brands will consider L'Oreal.

But I recently discovered a new affordable mascara that's been changing my mind because it's surprisingly good and it's Ever Bilena Power Curl Mascara! I'll muse to you why I'm loving this mascara so far!
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This affordable box contains a buffet of the most powerful oils in skin care!

Here's a review on Venus and Mars Miniature Pure Actives Collection.

PRICE: P1,875.00
FROM: Free
OTHER LOCATIONS: Available in Venus and Mars stores; VNM website; VNM stores

THE VERDICT:

Facial oils are AMAZING. I'm a huge fan and it has been a skin care staple of mine; nothing gives me that nourished, moisturized feeling better than oils, plus they have a ton of benefits to boot! I love using a variety of oils for targeting my various concerns and to take advantage of more benefits too. However, facial oils can be a bit pricey, most especially if we're talking about exotic oils like Rosehip, Tsubaki, Tamanu, Emu, and Marula to name a few, those that provide extra benefits other than common vitamins and pleasurable effects to the skin like the carrier oils Argan, Jojoba, Olive, and Coconut.

How about getting some of the most prized exotic oils in a pretty box and bathing in their goodness and benefits without spending more than P3000? Ladies and gents, meet Venus and Mars Miniature Pure Actives Collection.

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Got my hands on this famous lip and cheek tint. Here's what I think about it.


Here's a review on KJM Cheek and Lip Tint in Dolled.

PRICE: P170.00
FROM: Retail Lab
OTHER LOCATIONS: Available through authorized resellers; official KJM website

THE VERDICT:

KJM is one of the makeups that exploded on social media-I remember that there were months wherein I'd only see posts about it. I saw KJM in my trip to the new Retail Lab store in Powerplant Mall and grabbed this shade called Dolled.

So is it KJM worth the hype?
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A complete swatch of Avon True Color Perfectly Matte lipsticks!

Here's a review on Avon True Color Perfectly Matte lipsticks.

PRICE: P399.00
FROM: Free
OTHER LOCATIONS: Available through an authorized Avon Lady

THE VERDICT:

Today's an exciting post, especially to Avon and lipstick lovers alike because they sent my way the complete set of True Color Perfectly Matte lipsticks for testing and swatching. Are you looking at buying a tube or two (or more!) of this? Then let's get down to swatching so you can finally choose and shop!
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I have finally finished the remake of Queer Eye of Netflix. God I love this show and the first- ever version too! I love how this show makes me realize that no one is beyond fixing if they only gave themselves enough self- love.

For Women's month, I want you to start giving yourself more self- love. Go ask for a raise. Go join that hike you've always been wanting to join. Go wear those gorgeous pair of heels. Go snag that sexy dress. Why? Because why not!?

I have curated a set of new skin care and makeup launches that will make you celebrate every inch of femininity in you. Self- care is empowerment and we should feel nothing short of empowered not only on Women's month, but everyday too!

For skin, treat it to a rich, invigorating routine always with SeeSea Dead Sea Minerals.
Read more »


Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Some of you may be treating this second new year as an opportunity to restart, if the lunar new year did not start well for you. I hope it goes well for you this time around!

Today's FMF from Krisella couldn't be any more perfect because it touches on one thing that a lot of us fail most of the time in. Read on!

Hi Martha,
I've been watching your Crossfit videos and all I can say is damn, gurl, you can lift!
I realized that you have been pretty consistent with training. I mean, to be able to lift the weights that you are lifting, you must be spending a pretty good and consistent time in the gym!
While I, on the other hand, am still struggling to get through a boxing round without clinging on to dear life considering I've been doing it for 6 months now.
My question is how do you advance your fitness skill? Or how do you even advance your fitness journey at all? As I've said, I've been boxing for 6 months now and I still feel that I haven't made much of a difference on my body and skills. And sometimes, I feel like giving up. I really want to lose weight and be fit this year, and I think I need you as inspiration and also, your tips!
Cheers to a fitter us this year! (Well, for me because you sure are fit!)
Krisella

Hi Krisella!

Thank you so much for the kind words-glad to know that I'm inspiring you in my simple ways. :)

When it comes to fitness, a lot would always focus on what to do to advance their fitness skills, but this time, I want it to be different and tell you reasons why most people find themselves stuck in their fitness journey. I hope this helps!
Read more »


You know why I love shopping at SM? Aside from it being a haven for all of your shopping needs from food, clothing, gadgets, beauty and wellness products, to lifestyle services, there’s SM Advantage card, which makes shopping even more rewarding. My SM Advantage card points always enable me to shop even more and this is my most favorite part of the program!

You know what else I love about SM Advantage card? BEAUTY REWARDS! Here are 6 awesome beauty rewards from various beauty and lifestyle merchants that you are entitled to when you are an SM Advantage or SM Prestige card holder.
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First of all, what is a makeup finishing spray? What does it do?

A finishing spray (aka facial mist) is water mixed with moisture- retaining substances that bring back the naturalness of your look by melting the powdery effect of makeup and help keep makeup looking fresh for hours. It is the reason why MAC Fix+ became popular. In theory, it can be a setting spray also because moisture just keeps everything intact, but in application, it is not really for setting because it does not have binders and polymers that actual setting sprays have.
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No ringlight? Bring it on. Whip out this palette and let there be light!

Here's a review on Smashbox X Casey Holmes Spotlight Palette Pearl.

PRICE: P1,800.00
FROM: Free
OTHER LOCATIONS: Available in all Beauty Bar stores

THE VERDICT:

Big brands know it best that online beauty influencers are the way to go if you want to create a makeup product/range that has a personal touch and, let's be honest, will sell fast, thanks to eager fans.

As such is the case of Smashbox and Casey Holmes: the big L.A. beauty brand and Youtube star collaborated to create a highlighter palette collection, with the latter describing the collab as a "dream come true".

The Spotlight Palette by Casey Holmes series is your portable lighting kit...in a palette!
Read more »

Bask in the warmth of gold with Guerlain's holiday makeup collection!

Here's a review on Guerlain Holiday 2017 makeup collection.

PRICE: P15,000+
FROM: Free
OTHER LOCATIONS: Available in all Guerlain stores and counters


THE VERDICT:

Gold is one of my favorite shades because nothing flatters my skin tone better than this!

When I heard that Guerlain was releasing a gold- hued makeup collection, I couldn't contain my excitement. In my opinion, Guerlain has always been on the cool side of tones and hues, and a warm, golden collection is such a breather from their previous collections and perfect for morena girls like me!

I'm swatching my most expensive holiday makeup collection to date!
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When you have grave problems to conceal, who you gonna call? Tarte Shape Tape!


Here's a review on Tarte Shape Tape.

PRICE: Around P1,500.00
From: US Direct Shoppe
OTHER LOCATIONS: Available at Tarte official website

THE VERDICT:

A year or two ago, Tarte took the makeup world by storm with Shape Tape, dubbed as one of the best full coverage concealers due to its beautiful formula and coverage. Along with fame comes overpricing by some resellers and thankfully, I found @usdirectshoppe on IG, which has the cheapest price for Tarte Shape Tape I know.

It is one of my favorite concealers to date because aside from its concealing properties, this baby lifts my look like a bawse!
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Happy Friday everyone! May you all encounter less traffic, less stress, and less hassle today. I wish you all a happy weekend!

Happy weekend starts with here at FMF because we'll put one skin care myth to rest. Thanks Tiffany for the question!


Hi Martha,
I've been reading advice that squeaky clean is ideal for the skin, that it is a standard for clean skin. Is this true? Isn't it bad because squeaky clean means dry? I will greatly appreciate your input.
Tiffany

Hey Tiffany!

Thanks for writing! Blame it on advertising, people have long believed that squeaky clean is the ultimate goal in skin care because it has been associated with cleanliness and beauty. But the truth is out that the squeaky clean feel is probably the worst state your face could be in.
Read more »


The Beauty Blender is a great product; it's what made me go back to using sponge for makeup. But let's face it; it's expensive.

So here are 5 good alternatives to Beauty Blender; some are similar, some are not exactly the same, but they deliver the same good application that BB delivers!

Price: P350.00

- Soft, expands like crazy so you can finish foundation application quickly, and it comes in a variety of shapes and colors. P.S. It's latex- free too!

Price: P400 for a set of two sponges

- The closest dupe for Beauty Blender for me in terms of shape, softness, and durability. Plus it's P400 only for 2 sponges plus a sponge cleanser!

Price: P150.00

- A diamond- shaped sponge that goes into the corners of the face. This sponge is called Hydro because it absorbs water well, stays damp so you can work foundation on your skin properly and evenly, plus it expands like crazy!

PRICE: P399.00

- A sponge that gets better with age. It's just a little stiff in the beginning, but use it frequently and it will soften up. It's also durable!

Price: P165.00

- For budget beauties out there, try out Bobbie's makeup sponge. It's stiffer than BYS, but just like it, use it frequently because it will soften up eventually, plus it feels sturdy as well.

What are your Beauty Blender alternatives? Share it with us!

Finally, a sheer foundation with long- lasting coverage!

Here's a review on Max Factor Long- Lasting Performance Touch- Proof Foundation.

PRICE: P775.00
FROM: Free
OTHER LOCATIONS: Available in leading department stores, and drugstores

THE VERDICT:

In a country with a weather like ours, light foundation is always the preferred formula. However, sheer foundations don't tend to last long-this is my experience and perhaps this is the reason why I've gotten more into full coverage foundations because most of the time, the formula lasts. But there are days when I wish I can just step out in light foundation. Oh, if they were only long- lasting!

Max Factor ups the ante with Lasting Performance Touch Proof Foundation, a lightweight foundation that sticks! Now I can fulfill my dream of wearing light foundation whenever I want to without worrying about the staying power!
Read more »

MKRdezign

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