Winter Makeup + Beauty Haul

My makeup collection have some new mates to play with and I'm a happy makeup junkie again. I actually deserve a pat on my back 'cause its been months since I've done makeup/beauty shopping. So far I'm happy with my finds and excited to try them too. Just a little disclaimer here, I didn't buy them all at once these are items I accumulated the whole winter season here in NZ. 

So before I blab any further, let me now introduce you my Winter Makeup/Beauty Hall.

Let me start with these oh super very nice smelling body lotion from Bath & Body Works and Victoria Secret. The first one is the MANGO tango twist which is one of the B&BW signature collection made from mouthwatering mango mixed with pink pomelo, fresh sugarcane, sunkissed amber and tangerine twist. Oh boy this one smells like your unforgettable dessert in your summer getaway. Next is the Passion Struck from VS, a hydrating body lotion with a mixture of fuji apple and vanilla orchid. The fragrance is perfect for this upcoming spring season - fruity and flowery.

I don't have enough lip liners in my collection, that made me give in when I encounter the Nyx Cosmetics sale at NZSale. These guys are badly needed specially when I'm trying to pull off some nude lips. The lip liners shades that I've got are: Ever, Mauve, Coffee, Natural and Auburn - very Kylie Jenner shades.

Next is my 2 MAC lipsticks from the Retro Matte Collection. This was release last August 17, 2015 here in NZ. I got the ever famous Runway Hit and Men Love Mystery which I bought from MAC counter at Atrium on Takutai. More reviews and info's about this collection once I have completed the shades that I like the most.

To get rid of dryness and flakiness of my lips, I bought Lucas' Papaw Ointment. So far it keeps my lips moisturize. I love this product! I  made a short thorough review about it here on my blog.

I'm on a hunt for an everyday foundation to help me even out my skin tone, fortunately I encounter another sale from Onceit, without thinking twice I check the available shades click add to cart then checkout. The first one that I got is Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25hr Nude Foundation (whew that was long!) shade 400 natural beige. Second one is Maybelline Matte + Poreless Fit Me Foundation shade 230 natural buff. Good thing I got the right shades not too dark and not too light.

I know I got a lot of nude eyeshadow palette but I can't resist the charm of Maybelline's The Nudes. From the time that I bought it I was lucky that LifePharmacy has a Buy 1 Get 1 half price promo - sssscore! I only pay half price for the Lash Sensational mascara which is by the way I'm loving right now.

Lastly, my random purchased items. I bought me some eyelid tapes just for the heck of trying it and curiosity. Got me some velcro hair clips to keep my hair away from my face when I'm doing my makeup. That mini bottle there is not a cough syrup but a 100% Isopropyl Alcohol (why do I have it?) - I used it to sanitize my lipsticks. The last product for this haul is the Duo striplash adhesive, finally I will teach myself to stick some fancy lashes on and I'm excited about that. 

That would be all ladies and gentlemen! Please follow me for more blogs like this.

How about you guys? What's are your latest beauty hauls?

Love,

Faye

Current Fave Review: Lucas' Papaw Ointment

Why you gotta be so gooooddd???

Oh! Am I too late to try this awesome product? I know it's been around the market for ages but just because I've got too many lip balms I'm always skeptical to try this one. Until. Until. Until this winter season when I had this worst dry lips ever, I couldn't apply lipstick because it gets too dry and flaky. I've tried a lot of lip balms, done regular lip scrubs and used my good old Vaseline petroleum jelly -  but none of them work. So I finally  decided to buy this Lucas' Papaw Ointment, after I bought it I applied it right away and told myself "Ok, let me see how good you are!". What an amazing product because on that same day I waved goodbye to my dry lips nightmare.

Now let me tell you more about this product. As you can read this product claims to be a local topical application for boils, burns, chafing, cuts, cracked skin, gravel rash, splinters, open wounds, insect bites and nappy rash.

PACKAGING

About 5 inches red squeeze tube container and weighs 25g. It has a cap to cover the mouth of the tube which makes it great to keep it away from unwanted foreign elements. It's not too big to include in your make up bag, won't spill or leak very handy to carry everywhere.

CONSISTENCY

Light thickness consistency with milky smell which I think is the smell of fermented papaya. It has the same texture of a petroleum jelly as it is base on pharmaceutical grade Petroleum. Contains a fresh fermented fruit and potassium sorbate. Looks quite yellowish but turns clear once applied.

APPLICATION

I used this product for my lips as this is where it is popular to use. One thin layer is enough to remove the dryness of your lips. It has a quick reaction cause in few minutes dry areas will feel soft and smooth. I used it daily after I brushed my teeth, before I apply my lipstick and it is also part of my night routine.

PRICE

It retails about 6 - 13 NZD, depends on where you buy it. It is available in any drugstore and skin care isle of groceries here in NZ. I got my one from my workplace pharmacy for NZD 10. It's very cheap for an awesome and effective product.

*My personal verdict is that it's really a great product for the lips because it has maintain my lips to have an even and smooth base for the application of my other lip products (specially the matte lipsticks). I love it and I will continue to use it as part of my daily routine.

How about you guys? What's your current fave lip product?

A local topical application for boils, burns, chafing, cuts, cracked skin, gravel rash, splinters, open wounds, insect bites, and nappy rash. - See more at: http://anavictorino.tumblr.com/post/50419173306/review-lucas-papaw-ointment#sthash.OM1VmtNP.dpuf

A local topical application for boils, burns, chafing, cuts, cracked skin, gravel rash, splinters, open wounds, insect bites, and nappy rash. - See more at: http://anavictorino.tumblr.com/post/50419173306/review-lucas-papaw-ointment#sthash.OM1VmtNP.dpuf

A local topical application for boils, burns, chafing, cuts, cracked skin, gravel rash, splinters, open wounds, insect bites, and nappy rash. - See more at: http://anavictorino.tumblr.com/post/50419173306/review-lucas-papaw-ointment#sthash.OM1VmtNP.dpuf

A local topical application for boils, burns, chafing, cuts, cracked skin, gravel rash, splinters, open wounds, insect bites, and nappy rash. - See more at: http://anavictorino.tumblr.com/search/lucas+papaw#sthash.BMfgwSXK.dpuf

 Til' next time everyone. Take care.

Love,

Faye

imfaaaye Life switch :)

It's been such a long time since I updated my blog. Since it's 2015 I decided that continuous blogging will be part of my new year's resolution, hopefully I can put up with it since I have tons of things to share and upcoming plans as well. For the meantime, as I welcome this new year, I created a photo and video collage about my life's highlights last year and my mini adventure on 2015's first week.

Sharing this random video I made for my blog comeback. I was inspired by the hashtag "Lifeswitch" that was going around on Instagram. This video features some highlights of my 2014 - starting from New year with family, getting engaged, my brother's comeback, marrying my bestfriend and starting adventures with my mini but growing family here in NZ - then the other parts are me and my husband being crazy in love and doing our compulsory 360 videos in each places we've been. It's pretty random and crazy life for me. But if not for that major switch I wouldn't be so blessed and happy!

Enjoy watching the video and hopefully you'll like it even though it's sooooo random.

Thank you so much for reading this blog and I will keep you posted for beauty blogs soon. Have a great day!

-Faye :)

Welcome to NZ Benefit Cosmetics + My Benefit Haul

Last Tuesday May 21, 2013, me and my friends were walking at Queen St. and a huge banner of Benefit Cosmetics at Smith & Caughey's caught my attention. I was like OMG! They're here! Finally! Went inside the store and found out that May 23 will be the official opening of the Benefit counter. From then on my thoughts were hunted by their amazing products. I'm so excited!

It's May 23! This morning I rushed into Smith & Caughey's, I went straight to Benefit counter and it was AWESOME! Pink and girly stuffs are everywhere. All the make up junkies like me are getting crazy, testing and buying products here and there.

Wasn't able to take a lot of photos 'cause I was too busy testing out products. Anyway, Benefit counter has in-house services: *prices are in NZ dollars

FACIAL WAXING

Brow arch wax $29

Brow arch tweeze $35

Brow & Lip Wax $39

Lip wax $18

Chin wax $18

Lip & Chin wax $28

Lip, Chin, Side $39

Complete facial wax (Brow, Lip, Chin & Sides) $59

TINTING

Brow tint $19

Brow tint with arch $39

LASHES

Lash Lovelies lashes (application included) $25

Every make up product that you need is very much available and if you're not sure about what to buy, a pretty Benebabe is just around the corner to help and assist you about their products. 

I'm so glad that Benefit cosmetics is already here in NZ, no need for me to buy online. so convenient!

Let's now proceed to the fun part :)

MY BENEFIT HAUL

I can't really decide what to buy from their huge range of amazing products. When I was testing and doing swatches, I had this "I like this, I want this, I'll buy this" thoughts. It was crazy and my excitement really overwhelms me that I can't choose properly. But luckily and thankfully they had this marvelous kits, packed with wonderful products. 

I end up buying Primping with the Stars kit, Feelin' Dandy kit and Hoola bronzing powder. I can say I got everything that I need, because the kits that I bought have it all. 

PRIMPING WITH THE STARS

It is the all time greatest "fake-its" kit as Benefit claims. This includes:

• The POREfessional - primer that minimize the appearance of pores.
• Stay don't stray - an eyeshadow and concealer primer.
• Girl meets pearl - liquid pearl luminizer, gives you instant dewy finish.
• Some kind-a gorgeous (medium) - oil-free, cream to powder formula that even out skin-tone.
• Benetint - rose colored lip and cheek stain.
• They're Real - long wearing mascara that lengthens, curls, lifts and separates lashes.

FEELIN' DANDY

The perfect everyday perk me up kit. I should say this is the best Lip & Cheek Kit. 

• Posietint - pinkish lip and cheek tint.
• High beam - apply on cheeks, brow bones for luminous finish.
• Dandelion blush - pink base blush.
• Dandelion Ultra Plush lip gloss - soft pearly pink, with orange fruit scent.

HOOLA bronzing powder

It's everybody's holy grail bronzing powder. Perfect for contouring and can be use to give the most believable tan.

It's an intellectual idea that benefit cosmetics have this tips and tricks for every kit. It's a big help for all the make up beginners or those who aren't familiar with the product. This tips and tricks are simple guide on how to use each and every product from their kit.

Aside from these products, I received freebies from Benefit cosmetics: girly make up bag and another they're real mascara. It was super amazing! Until now I can still feel the excitement or maybe because I'm just super happy because I finally got my hands over these wonderful make up products.

I know this blog was so random, but really my excitement won't let me focus. I will definitely use all this goodies on my upcoming look of the day segment for my blog. To finish this blog always remember "Laughter is the best cosmetic... so grin and wear it"-Benefit Cosmetics. Stay pretty girls. 'Til next blog.

Love,

Faye

Rimmel London Kate Moss Lipstick Collection

Faaaye gone cray cray over these lippies from Rimmel London. I was never ever a lipstick person, I'm more on lip balms and lip tints. I only use lipstick for special occasion or whenever I just feel like it. I once saw this collection from a youtube guru which didn't influence me to buy one. But one day, it was Anzac Day here at NZ, I was looking around the mall - shopping, I found a great $10 deal on these lippies at Farmers. So, I swatch the colors and bought the shades that I like. I only bought 4 shades first, but when I tried it on my lips for a day, I fell in love with the pigmentation, scent and color. I couldn't help but grab some other shades, which led me to these bunch of colors.

The Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick has 3 different kinds of collection: Lasting Finish by Kate Moss, Kate Spring Lipstick Collection and Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss.

Lasting Finish by Kate Moss and Kate Spring Lipstick Collection

Lasting Finish by Kate Moss and Kate Spring Lipstick Collection

PACKAGING

Both collection comes in sleek black packaging, Rimmel crown logo at the top of the cover and shade number at the bottom. The only difference between the two is that, Lasting Finish has color red Kate signature on the cover while the Spring Collection has color pink Kate signature.

CONSISTENCY

I love how pigmented the colors are. It has a creamy texture but leaves a satin finish on the lips, semi-matte and no shimmer which sounds perfect for me! According to Rimmel's website the Lasting Finish has Black Diamonds infused into the formula which make it reflect into the light. Meanwhile the Spring Collection will make you stand out by giving you an instant pout. Lovely? Isn't it?

APPLICATION

It glides on smoothly into the lips whether you lip balm prep or not, but I do recommend to do so. I usually apply 2-3 layers to get the lip color that I want. It claims a high intensity color up to 8 hours which I don't think it's possible for any lipstick type or brand. It honestly last on me for about 4 hours including drinking and eating. In addition, it has a very nice and pleasant smell for me - sweet, fruity, bubble gum'ish kind.

SHADES and SWATCHES

Upon choosing and buying, I always make sure that I have different range of color (nude, coral, peach, pink, red) from their collection. Lasting finish has 10 available shades while Spring collection has 5. 

These are the colors that stands out the most for me. 

Lasting finish by Kate Moss (05 - 12 - 14) ... Kate Spring Lipstick Collection (16 - 19 - 20)

(L-R) Shade Number: 05 - 12 - 14 - 16 - 19 - 20 

05 - Medium pink color.

12 - Coraly orange color.

14 - Nude mauve color.

16 - Light pink peachy color.

19 - Medium peach with light red under tone color.

20 - Bright pink color.

Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss

PACKAGING

An eye catching sleek red packaging with color black Kate signature on the top cover, Rimmel crown logo at the top and shade number at the bottom as well.

CONSISTENCY

Definitely has an opaque color coverage, creamy texture but leaving no shimmer, velvety matte finish on the lips. Consist with Ruby Powder formula that enhance color intensity and probably it has a formula that makes it superbly smooth and lightweight.

APPLICATION

With its intense color quality, 1-2 layers of application is enough to achieve the desired shade color. It is beautiful on the lips and I'm so obsessed with the colors that I've got. When you first apply it, its kinda moist and shinny but as minutes passed by it will stay on the lips, matte. Its not drying, glides on smoothly making it very easy to apply and very comfortable to wear.

SHADES and SWATCHES

I personally prefer dark colors for matte lipsticks, for me it looks voluptuous when you're wearing deep colors and its matte. This collection has 10 available shades but for some reason here in NZ they only have 6 shades in stores. The only color that I didn't pick up is #113.

Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss 

(L-R) Shade number: 103 - 106 - 107 - 111(Kiss of Life) - 112

103 - Warm pink color.

106 - Dark pink color with bluish undertone.

107 - Dark red purply color.

111 - Bright red color with orange undertone.

112 - Dark reddish brown color.

***All in all I absolutely love this lipstick collection, very nice pigmentation, wearable, not heavy on the lips and not drying. Fantastic quality for such an affordable price. RRP: NZD $12-16, it depends where you buy it, available at Farmers, Warehouse and K-Mart.

That's it for now, hope you find this helpful. Feel free to comment down below. Take care and stay pretty girls! xoxo

Love,

Faye

Little more of Faye

Welcome to my blog! Hello! Hello! I've been meaning to start blogging for ages. But due to my priority settings and "I'll start tomorrow" kind of attitude, it took me years to finally publish and create my own blog. Finally! Today, I have more time for this and I would love to introduce a little bit about me before I start to blog and discuss beauty, make up, fashion and the likes.

My name is Faye Cruz, I came from the beautiful country of the Philippines... yes, I'm a proud pure Filipina. A nurse by profession and currently undecided if I will change industry or not, kinda confuse girl. I've been very interested into beauty and fashion ever since I was 5, 6 or 7 years old? not sure though. I'm neither beauty expert nor fashionista, but I'm such a cray cray for both. 

Beauty and fashion is all over the place. It almost conquer the world, specially nowadays where there's a lot of beauty guru's, bloggers and fashion experts over the web. Beauty FAQ's, little DIY's, product reviews, make up tutorial and latest fashion guides are within the reach through internet - social network, blog sites, and youtube. I personally learned from these bunch of accessible sources but I do my own research as well.

I decided to jumped into blogger bandwagon to share my own amazing discoveries, interest, and  knowledge about beauty and fashion. Around family and friends, I always love sharing  my latest learned tips and tricks, how to's and product thoughts. They find it helpful and also interesting. It would be fun if I will be able to help my future readers and together hype about latest products and facts too!

To finish my not so long intro, here's a friendly reminder for all of you - "In times of beauty and fashion troubles, there's always Faye for you!" I will be your friendly superhero on beauty and fashion! Follow me, its FREE! Take care and stay pretty girls! xoxo

Love,

Faye