Swatch: The Face Shop Nailpolish in BL606

Just catching up on my nailpolish swatchfest.

My reviews about The Face Shop nailpolishes are all the same unless I've observed some changes in the formulation of a certain product, so just read about it on my past entries.

The Face Shop Nailpolish in BL606

 w/ flash:

This picture taken with flash is more accurate in showing you the true color (blue with a hint of green) of the nailpolish than the ones taken in natural light. My camera is having a hard time capturing colors that has a hint of blue, violet or green...weird.

 natural light:

Swatch: Elianto Nail Color in Turquoise

Elianto Nail Color in Turquoise

this nail color leans a bit more on the green side than the blue.

Swatch:

The swatch on my nail should have to be more green than bluish...yep, crappy camera...the photo above is more accurate than this.

Comment:

Pros:

- affordable. I actually bought this during a sale in Sm dept. last June. I think I bought this for just P50-70+...about that price range.

- wide range of colors to choose from.

- I believe it has more product (14ml) than The Face shop (11ml) nailpolishes that I have.

Cons:

- applies a bit streaky.

- does not lasts as long as my The Face Shop nailpolishes.

- you have to apply 3 coats for an opaque finish, but that's really not a con for me.

- it takes too long to dry which I hate so much.

not really a big fan of Elainto nailpolishes since all of their nail polishes in this line has the same so-so formula. Unless, they change the formula, I'll just buy their nail polishes on sale...I don't know if they still have a store in SM north edsa...I haven't seen any since their flagship store was closed and occupied by Etude House. 

Swatch: The Face Shop Nailpolish in PP408

Just want to show you a swatch of what it looks like. I've done reviews about The Face Shop nailpolishes of this line in my past blogposts, so just check them out.

The Face Shop Nailpolish in PP408

a bit dusty underneath the bottle, sorry...hehehe!

I applied 3 coats to make it as opaque as the color in the bottle.

(you can click on the pictures to enlarge, if you want to see my midget nails...hahaha!)

Quick Swatch: The Face Shop Nailpolish in GR503

Just want to show you a swatch for reference. I've already reviewed quite a few The Face Shop nailpolish of the same line already, so no need to make a review about this again.

The Face Shop Nailpolish in GR503

milky, light green (like sea-foam green)

Swatch:

Natural light:

the edges of my nails near my nailbed is already growing. You can tell, that this nailpolish still holds up for quite a long time.

Quick Swatch: OPI: Dating A Royal

I know this nail polish has been out in the market for quite a while now, but I would still like to do a swatch on it anyway.

OPI: Dating a Royal

as always, I love blue in all shades.

Comment:

Pros:

- last me the whole week without chipping which is great.

- doesn't have that strong nail polish smell. It did not trigger my asthma.

- I like the flat applicator...sorry if I don't have a picture of that.

-looks gorgeous topped with a matte-finish topcoat.

Cons:

- expensive. I remember paying this for P380, but now, I think it's already P400 online.

- not readily available.

- it has a jelly-like finish to it. This means that I have to apply 3 coats of this to make it really opaque.

This is what it looks like when I applied a matte-finish topcoat. For me, it's gorgeous!

Mini Haul: Etude House and The Face Shop

I kinda want to temporarily stop my hauling every weekend because I already have too much hauls than reviews, but I can't help it! I'm a lipstick addict and nail polish addict...and since my birthday is just around the corner, this is another "excuse" for me to spoil myself on my birth"month"...hihihi! (^_^)v

So I hauled again and I've chanced upon the new line of cosmetics from Etude House featuring 2ne1 as their models...I've observed that many people don't like the "in" color of this season which is Orange because it makes their teeth look more yellow, etc...I've seen orange lipstick or at least one celebrity or model that wears orange-themed makeup from different magazines, tv shows, commercials, etc. but I haven't seen a normal, average individual wearing this on a beautiful sunny day...good thing, I'm an abnormal, average individual...hahahaha!

I originally planned to buy the light orange one, but the SA who recognized me (I visit Etude House SM north edsa branch almost every weekend) said that I could rock the very bright orange one, so I gave in and I'm quite happy (swatches will be featured soon). I still plan to buy the light orange one though...

I'm thankful because even though I have a light medium to medium skintone, I have a neutral undertone (is this right?) which means that I could wear any color I want...hehehe! 

Anyway, again I was bored and visited the face shop and bought another nailpolish (swatches will be featured soon). I was planning to buy their migamisu skincare line, but I guess they have hiked up the prices bit, so I'm still thinking if I will still buy their skincare or not...

I'm already almost finish with my Etude House Mini Size U skincare set...yep! I'm so late!!! I've already finished up other things before I remember to make a review about it. I really have no time at the moment, so I'm very sorry.

Review/Swatch: NU/Nail Up Laser Glitter Color

Just want to share one of my favorite nail polish color, unfortunately, I don't like the scent of this particular nailpolish brand because it triggers my asthma as featured in my past rant here.

NU/Nail Up Laser Glitter Color

Weird description, but seriously, I love this color...I wish I could find a dupe of this.

the bottle looks a bit blotchy because I haven't used this for quite a while now...

If you see that shimmery thing over there...yep, my ring finger...I've layered my ring finger with the Elianto nailpolish 09 Lilac which I haven't reviewed yet..hihihi!

I always get compliments when I wear this nail polish, I just wish I could find a dupe for this.

The color is like a royal violet (is there such thing as a royal violet?!?!) or a deep violet with a hint of blue in it.

Comments:

Pros:

- locally available (bought it in Trinoma..I forgot the exact location of the stall sorry, but I've also seen this in Divisoria)

- cheap only P80

- true to color in the bottle.

- one coat is already opaque.

- dries quite easily.

- sometimes I don't need a top coat because it dries shiny.

-longlasting (last me a week and a half without chipping)

Cons:

- triggers me asthma attack...I'm quite sad because this polish almost had what I want in a nailpolish..

- is one of the brand that was banned in other countries in Asia because it causes other health risk besides what I've experienced when using this.

this is me, wearing the nail polish. Sorry, I'm camera shy...hihihihihihihi!

I'm going to miss this nail polish...if you know a dupe for this, let me know!

Collective Haul and Rambling: Etude House and Bobbi nailpolishes

Since the start of this year, I haven't been hauling much beauty stuff because...

- none of the new collections of makeup or skincare stuff really interest me right now.
- I have to finish so many makeup stuff, especially lipstick before I could purchase more lip products, but I doubt I won't be hauling lip products any time soon. haha!
- having 3 siblings, nieces and nephew with consecutive birth months after December has been taking its toll on my wallet...well, I prioritize on giving gifts to loved ones before my hobby so, they're very lucky to have me in the family don't ya think? hahaha! (good thing they don't know I have a blog...hihihi!)
- I am saving money for many things like gifts for my hubby and son, a dslr, new moisturizer/serum I want to try because I am running out of moisturizer, etc.
- I still have to make a review on stuff that I've accumulated in the past.

Anyway, after all that's been said, I still manage to purchase what I need for now like

eye makeup brushes, clay mask brush and nail polish remover from Etude House (I don't recommend the nail polish remover when it comes to its scent...it smells like flowers for the dead, but the "nailpolish removing performance" is quite good).

On the other hand, I purchased...well, I have convinced my husband to buy me these Bobbi nailpolishes (local product here in the Phils.) out of curiosity since they are so cheap (only P34-P35 depending on the formula if it's a regular or glaze collection). They are not asthma-inducing for me and contains no toluene (I've checked if the smell is overpowering and if the ingredients is written somewhere on the bottle). 

I think local nailpolishes here in the Phils. is coping up and improving their formula, quality and adding more variety in their nailpolishes which I really like. I guess they've noticed that they are way behind when it comes to what consumers want nowadays...we consumers can really get quite demanding aren't we? hehehe!

and I've also purchased this smoothing balm by Pantene just to try...I'm really not into haircare products and my haircare products only consists of shampoo and conditioner. I just want to try this if this can substitute conditioner when I'm running late and I have no time to condition my hair in the shower. I have tried this today and so far so...great!! Have I told you this smoothing balm smells SO GOOD it's not even funny...and my husband knows I'm very, very picky when it comes to liking scents. I'd rather my products to be not scented than to be scented, but this smoothing balm is love I tell ya!!! LOVE!!!

Swatch: My Work-Friendly Nailpolish

Yes, I am going to do clinical work for a month..wee! Another new experience and adventure! I've been stuck here in my house for too long already that I'm starting to be a bit ignorant about the outside world...I just hope I could cope up again.

I don't think I could give up my nailpolishes that easily, but I don't want to be scolded at work either, so I just have to compromise with the color of the nailpolishes that I'm going to wear for this month.

As some of you readers have noticed, I usually prefer dark, vibrant and bright nail colors instead of the subtle, almost none existent nail color. I mean, what's the point of wearing nailpolishes with almost no pigmentation? you could just buff your nails right?

But since I'm going to work starting next week, nude colored nailpolishes would suffice for now...I also have to ask my employer if it's ok to wear bright-colored nailpolishes so I don't have to wear this often because this look bore me easily.

Anyway, here is one of my work-friendly nailpolish:

The Face Shop Nailpolish in BR803

Natural light:

w/ flash:

Swatch:

Natural light:

w/ flash:

My Asthma-Triggering Nailpolishes and My Fave Nailpolish Remover (so far)

Last year, I remember hauling this cheap nailpolishes for only P80...I thought it was a good deal because the pigmentation and longevity of these nailpolishes are awesome, however, I forgot to observe if these nailpolishes could tolerate my asthma-prone lungs.

Obviously, it did not. It's such a shame that since I've had good experiences with Korean nailpolishes so far, these particular Korean brand failed. I've also read news that these polishes are one of the brands that were tested to have a very high content of benzene and other heavy metals...then I guess my lungs doesn't lie when something is wrong with these polishes.

Here's the link about the nailpolishes: http://greenpease05.blogspot.com/2010/08/stumbled-upon-nail-polish-news.html

On the brighter side, their nailpolish remover is awesome! It actually has the same smell as the Sally Hansen nailpolish remover, but for a cheaper price (P80) and what's great about this is that this did not have any kind of acetone smell...just a perfumey smell that, surprisingly, did not irritate my nose and lungs. So, if ever I found this nailpolish remover next time, I'm going to buy this! 

Comparing the smell of the nailpolish remover to the nailpolish removing performance, among Etude House, The Face shop and the BNC nail polish remover, the BNC wins! The Face shop in second place, and the Etude House in third (this smell like flowers for the dead). If I have more time, I'll have an in depth review about this next time.

Short Review/Swatch: Orly in Snowcone

This product belongs to one of my past hauls last year...

Yep! this is really really late because this nailpolish has been featured and swatched by many beauty bloggers that I'm just posting this for the sake of my inventory hehehe!

I have a "short-term memory" with products that work and don't work for me..hehehe! I know I'm weird and I'm easily hypnotized by cute packaging, but as we all know...cute packaging doesn't equals quality product.

Anyway, I'm off topic again so let's start the short review...

Orly nailpolish in "Snowcone"

Natural light:

Pros:

- lasts for about 5 days which is not bad.

- true to the color in the bottle.

- doesn't have a strong chemical smell (I don't get asthma attacks after using this unlike other cheap brands the I bought which I will mention next time)

Cons:

- not locally available and if it already is (I saw an Orly stall just last year in SM), it's hard to find.

- expensive (I ordered this online from digitaltraincase for P350 at that time, now all her nailpolishes are P400 and limited edition nailpolishes are P500...woah!)

- quite streaky on first application.

w/ flash:

 Nail swatch:

I did 3 coats on this, but I think you can get this with just 2 coats if you're a pro at applying nailpolishes.

Swatches: Orly in Gumdrop

I know there are many swatches and reviews about this nailpolish for quite a long time now, so I'll just show you pics on what it looks like on me. 'nuff said.

Natural light:

Artificial light:

 Artificial light:

w/ flash:

this is what it would look like if it's a matte finish with glitters on top.

just click on the picture for a closer look.

BNC Nail Polish in 319 CAN BE a cheap Dupe to...

I've had this for sometime now and this is one of my most worn nail polish of the moment!

I bought this last June (as stated on my past post) in Trinoma for only P80!!

Pro:

- quality of the formula is not bad! stayed on my nails w/o chipping for 5 days at most!

- color is true to the bottle

- 2 coater

- affordable

- dries quite fast, but not so fast that it would become streaky.

Cons:

- chemical smell is quite strong.

- not readily available

- packaging looks quite cheap

Exact or Close Dupes could be:

- Color Club = High Society

- China Glaze = Recycle (this is just a little darker, but still close)

- MAC = On the Prowl (in the Hello Kitty Collection?)

- Rimmel London = 805 Grey Matter

- American Apparel Nail Lacquer in Mouse

and many more..you get the idea...

Swatches:

w/ my "night light"...(^_^)

W/ flash:

Natural light: (sorry for the crappy lighting angle)

If I Can't Do the Face, Then I'll Do the Nails Metallic Red...LOL!!!

I'm feeling like painting my nails with metallic red today...to make a part of my body look at least...cheerful? less boring?

I used this.

This (including 2 other nail polishes I haven't tried yet) was only given to my by a relative from Canada..I guess they know that I also like nail polishes? Whoever gave this to me...Thank you!

after I painted my nails, I wasn't quite satisfied yet, so I made it matte with this...

(FYI: I bought this china glaze online for P370...I know it's kinda expensive for a small bottle.)

and it turned out great! (at least, for me)

I almost forgot, I used this as a basecoat...a good chance to try this for the first time...not bad for a base coat...I'm hoping that it won't stain my nails yellow if I take this off after a few days...(^_^)

Latest Collective Mini Loots as of now...

Just want to share my latest loots I've ordered online and in the mall. I'm happy and sad at the same time because I won't be able to haul and blog as much in the future because I'll be busy job hunting...yep! This fresh grad needs a job too.

Anyway, here's this month's loots.

Collective Haul: Nyx, Elianto, Bath Accessories, My First Opi, Orly and Seche Vite

I know I've hauled too much this month. With these hauls, I'm going to have to catch up on reviews that could take a very very long time to accomplish...my bad...(-_-) but I can't help it!!! Will to do a review after my nightmare is all over...

I've ordered some stuff again from digitaltraincase (^_^) very efficient service I tell ya!! Besides Nyx products, she also sells OPI, Orly, China Glaze, Seche Vite, American Apparel and a whole lot more of those to die for nailpolishes. (^_^)

Of course, for a newbie, I don't want to buy too much..still have to stay on the budget even if these are expensive nailpolishes (for me at least)...it's still worth it because at least I get what I paid for...really nice pigment with just one coat = love... hahahahah!

I also bought some bath sponges in Watson..the cellulose sponges claims that it is made from 100% plant by-product (I think) which could be "good for the environment"...

I also bought 2 nailpolishes from elainto and I'm quite disappointed with it because they literally don't last that long...the nailpolishes lasts for 2 days max...and it dries super slow...hate it...

and of course I ordered my Nyx products from digitaltraincase as always...(^_^)

Hope I could do a review already...Even my board review is not doing well too....So expect for the worst...

Good day to all!

Collective Haul: Discovered a New Nailpolish Stall and Skinfood products from a mall sale...what?!

Just want to share my sister-in-law's newest discovery of nailpolishes...of course, she told me then, as always, I have plans hoard nailpolishes a little at a time..hahahaha!

My sister in law discovered this stall in Trinoma located in front of Merrell. The stall sells many kinds of nailpolishes from metallic finish, cream finish, fine glitter finish, chunky glitter, and even the "cracking" nailpolish which is quite hard to find. The best part is, all these nailpolishes and even the nailpolish remover only costs P80 each. Their waterbased nailpolishes costs P120.

The owner (a Korean lady) told us that the nailpolish were imported from Korea, so the polishes and the nail polish remover has almost the same quality and texture as the expensive nailpolishes that are sold in skinfood, missha, etude house, elianto, faceshop and others. The only difference is that they don't have cute packaging like other Korean nailpolishes have, but that's ok with me.

Last saturday night, the SA from Skinfood SM North Edsa texted me about a sale on selected items on skinfood products. I was surprised that they would have a 50% off sale. I don't know if the sale was open to the public because I don't see any Sale sign outside the store, but it's true..they had a sale mainly on lippies and eye products and 2 of their skincare lines (which I can't remember the names).

I already tried the products and I can say it's not ENTIRELY GREAT.

I will have another NYX package from digitaltraincase coming soon!!! wahahahahaha! I got lipstick-happy again.. (^_^)

I hope I could post my swatches soon from my past Nyx haul last April...I got creamblush-happy at that time...hahahaha!

Quick review/Swatches: Etude House Nail Polish in GR602

After a long time since I've hauled this nail polish with others* (which I will review next time) in my last, last Etude House haul, I will finally give a quick review about this.


Natural Light:

Yeah! it's a cute pastel green color in the bottle (^_^), but I'm really NOT feeling it's cuteness on my MIDGET nails...How I wish I would have long nails like other normal girls...*heavy sigh*...I think short, midget nails cannot give this cute color justice compared to long, elegant nails which would look great!

W/ Flash:

Comments:

Pro:

- locally available in the Philippines.

- very affordable (P40 something..yes, I have a short term memory..hahaha!)

- dries quickly.

- doesn't have a very strong chemical smell.

- comes in other cute colors.

- applies true to the bottle.

Cons:

- a bit streaky.

- lasts for 3-4 days. (which I personally don't mind because I easily get bored with the same color on my nails after a week.)

- a 3 coater.

Swatches:

Natural light:

W/ Flash:

hope this helps!

April's full: of The Face Shop and Avon Haul

Yep! After holy week, I already made a mini haul for 3 reasons:

1) because this is my birth month.
2) because graduation is over and I need to buy me a graduation gift..hahaha!
3) because I'm depressed...You see, I've saved my money last march so that I could have my April shopping spree. Unfortunately, for SOME UNKNOWN REASON, I've lost quite a big sum of my savings and I'm very pissed because I did not spend on anything last March!!! shit!!! some of my savings is missing...

So yeah! on with the haul!

I checked out The Face Shop last Sunday to look for nail polishes that would go great with my graduation outfit and to add another batch of nail polishes on my collection of course!

love this batch!! Also got a bubblegum scented nail polish remover because I'm running out. All of them are still P95 each (^_^)

I also went to Avon and bought the Rejuvenate night cream which is fortunately, on sale for P699 (it really pays to wait for a sale!) to complete the rejuvenate skincare line that I will be using in the near future because I'm already running out of skincare products..Maybe, if I get the chance NOT to be lazy, I will review all the skincare products that I already used (pictures are still stored in my pc).

I also bought a small perfume called Angel Locsin (Philippine actress) Wish of Happiness perfume. I honestly did not like the smell. Fortunately, it was on sale for P149. 

I'm very picky about perfumes especially the generic ones because they tend to make me nauseous. 

I'm not a cheap perfume snob. 

My nose and my brain just reacts badly to chemical smells. Usually, cheap perfume has a very overpowering, generic chemical smell that is very familiar (like everyone is using it) and doesn't sit well with my body chemistry when I've applied it. They either tend to smell super gaggingly sweet or super gaggingly " magazine- scented perfume for men". 

Compared to not-so-very-affordable once or high end ones which clings to me like my second skin and it

doesn't smell overpowering, but it's still there all day. Do you know what I mean? 

Anyway, I still have more gifts this April to hoard....bwahahaha! Damn! Why do I sound a bit bitchy today??