Features, Reader Question Liz Lanuzo Features, Reader Question Liz Lanuzo

Reader question: What are the beauty products you can't live without?

Hi Ms. Liz! Just curious, are there any beauty products and/or tools that you can't live without? :) - Yana

Hey Yana! This is a difficult question. I am utterly useless when people ask me "what products will you bring to a deserted island?" or "what will be in your zombie apocalypse survival beauty kit?" I intensely like a lot of things and making me choose destroys me.

Seriously though, this is easy to answer once I start thinking about the products I use all the time. You know what I'm talking about. There are things that you immediately reach out for, without any thought process involved. Now it would be too easy to just list down skincare. Hence, I won't include any skincare in this list because that would be facial wash/toner/moisturizer and you already know what my favorites are.

I also decided against body products since I'm very low maintenance in that department. So, here are my five absolute favorite beauty aids for the face!

Artdeco Camouflage Cream Concealer. This concealer is opaque and stays on all day - considering it's less than P500, that's quite an achievement. It's a concealer that I finish down to the last swipe; it's what I've been using consistently since Artdeco came back to Manila last year.

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Features, Tips and Tricks, Tutorials Liz Lanuzo Features, Tips and Tricks, Tutorials Liz Lanuzo

Three contouring myths that may be scaring you off

If you have the cheekbones of a Roman goddess then woo good for you. Congratulations on your genetic good fortune! But if you're like me with a round face and chubby cheeks then contouring may be the best thing to slim down and/or define your face.

I'm not saying that you should hate yourself because your face is wide and/or fat. In fact you shouldn't hate yourself for anything you have or don't have if you are to be happy and productive! I for one love my face as it is, but sometimes when I'm off to special occasions I prefer a little bit of definition - for photos, more than anything. I look different in photos than I do in person, so I want to even out the odds in favor of getting a flattering shot. It's not like you can ask a blog or publication to delete a photo of myself just because I look muy terrible!

I have the impression that most girls in the Philippines aren't into contouring. Blush yes, but not contour. I can think of only three reasons this is so. Do you believe in these yourself? Here are three contouring myths that may be intimidating you - and why you shouldn't be at all!

"Contouring will make me look more tan." Bronzing can give you a tanned glow, but contour powders are usually matte and must be applied only on very specific areas of the face. They should only go on the cheekbones, temples, side of the nose, and jawline. If done correctly it shouldn't actually make your face look darker or your complexion, muddy!

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Features Liz Lanuzo Features Liz Lanuzo

My top 10 favorite finds last January

Believing in something does not instantly make it true. Still, it's often beneficial to believe in anything that would keep you functioning at optimum level. Being optimistic can calm you down and keep you focused on the task at hand instead of wallowing and quitting when things get tough (as they always do).

Of course, good things won't just randomly happen to you. You have to set the stage for them, plant the seeds, feed the hens, etc. Anyway! Here's the monthly roundup of my best finds last January! I have a nice mix of affordable and high-end products here. 

Let's start with the Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar and Black Pearl Holiday Palettes. These are unfortunately limited edition, but thankfully Bobbi always comes out with new and exciting palettes. They're always wearable and chic at the same time so you really can't go wrong with one. :) I have oodles of neutral palettes but my Bobbi Browns are probably the most abused of them all!

Here's another must-have: the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. This is a collection of six neutral shades that you can mix with each other or with your bright eyeshadows. It's a neat basic product that every eyeshadow lover would love to have. Looks boring, yes, but when you have it you'll be able to unlock your other hard-to-match eyeshadows. (Assuming you don't have something similar already okay!)

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Features Liz Lanuzo Features Liz Lanuzo

Reader question: What is your ultimate dream beauty product?

You obviously have several products at your disposal for review! I wonder - being a beauty blogger and having the privilege of trying out tons of beauty knick-knacks out there, do you still have a beauty wishlist? If so, what is your ultimate dream beauty/makeup product?

I'm curious as well on what the readers have to say. Guys, if cost and accessibility were no issue, what beauty product/makeup would you get in a heartbeat? Fantasize and share please! - Yani

Hi Yani! Great question! Made me think. :P Yes, I still have a beauty wishlist even though I get new products on a regular basis. For example I want to own more NARS items! But how ever much I love makeup, I'm not an addict with uncontrollable impulses. I think first before I buy something new, because most of the time I probably have a similar thing just waiting to be used or finished up. I don't want to waste what I get and I don't want to sell them either. So I rarely buy even though it is within my means to do so.

Still, there are a couple of things that I would love to have! 

The MAC Fluidline Brow Gel Creme (P1,100) is on top of my modest list. This is part of the upcoming The Stylish Brow collection, which will come out this month! I don't fall in line for MAC products, but I will go to the mall at 10am just for this.

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Features, Tips and Tricks Liz Lanuzo Features, Tips and Tricks Liz Lanuzo

Five common makeup mistakes

There's no rigid right or wrong way to do makeup. It's supposed to be fun, a way for you to show off your best assets and express yourself in the process. So what qualifies as a "makeup mistake"? Well, you're making one if what you're wearing is unflattering and uncomfortable on your face - with or without your knowledge! It could also be a technique that you overdo. 

Are you guilty of these common makeup mistakes?

1. The wrong foundation. Foundation is a tricky, tricky beast. We obsess about getting the perfect shade, as we should since this is quite a feat during the first few tries. If done incorrectly you have a useless bottle of makeup and a few hours seething in embarrasment over your too-white (or dark) face.

However, I feel that not enough people think about the correct formula for their skin and their lifestyle needs. For example, if you're a stay-at-home mom you will probably not need to wear something as heavy and matte as Revlon Colorstay for your day-to-day activities.

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Features, Shopping Liz Lanuzo Features, Shopping Liz Lanuzo

The road to wardrobe curation is paved with steely intentions

Lately I feel frustrated just looking at my closet. I bought quite a few things last year but now, it's like I can't even wear them with anything I have! It's either, oh it's too young, too plain, or oh you look way too chunky in it (the last is probably caused by the gratuitous eating ha ha). I am feeling a terrible itch to just do away with most of the things I have in my wardrobe. Hmm, maybe I should do a closet sale soon?

My fashion resolution this year can be summarized in one word: curate. I want to edit out not only my selection of clothes, but the way I purchase them. I realized that I usually go to a store to buy clothes for an event, so I end up with a bunch of flashy things that I would probably never wear after the first (or okay, second) time. They're too striking to wear for a work thing, and to wear them again and again to a different event with the same people - well that just won't do in my line of work.

So instead of buying glam dresses and cheap one-time accent pieces all the time, I have come up with a sensible battle plan. I have made a specific list of all the clothes I feel I need. Before the year ends, I will have all these flattering basics in my closet! Whatever the cost.

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Features Liz Lanuzo Features Liz Lanuzo

Reader question: What's the worst beauty product you've tried?

Hi Liz! What's the worst beauty product you've ever bought? I'm reading a magazine and I think this may be an interesting topic. Same question for your beautiful readers out there! :) - ManilaJen

Heeey Jen! Nice question. Thought I'd put this up on the front page so everyone can share their stories as well. ;) Anyway...I don't want to slug beauty brands as I work with beauty brands. When I buy or receive something for free, I always make sure to manage my expectations. Some products are worth more than what you pay for, some just exact, some a little less, but nothing so horrible as to be completely useless. So it's been a while since I've tried anything that is so bad, I didn't bother using it at all after the initial face swatch.

First thing that came to mind is this set of e.l.f Primers. The white and "champagne" primer really didn't cut it for me - the white was truly chalk white and with so many big glitters too! Champagne was chunky and odd-looking on my lids. But the worst part really was that when I opened the box, the primers were already ROUGHLY used. The rims were a mess, it's like someone used the items as testers. :/

 

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Features, Skincare, Tips and Tricks Liz Lanuzo Features, Skincare, Tips and Tricks Liz Lanuzo

Reader question: How to make pores look less visible

Hi Ms Liz! What causes open pores and how do you treat them? :) I mean what are the remedies. Thanks!- Mikee

Hi Mikee, I'm not a dermatologist so I can't answer this with any authority. But hey, there's Google! First, what are pores? These tiny holes allow our skin to sweat and therefore maintain our body temperature. They also serve as channels for sebum to pass through to the surface of our skin; this oil lubricates our body and hair, keeping them supple and elastic.

The size of our pores is determined by the width of our hair follicles. If you have thick hair strands then you are most likely to have bigger pores. Not really a genius realization but now it makes sense why I don't have visible pores - my hair is very fine! Anyway, this also means that big pores are just in your DNA. You can't shrink them or make them disappear permanently.

Facial pores can look enlarged, however, if you don't clean them properly. Oil and dead skin cells can accumulate inside pores which may then stretch the skin and make the holes look more obvious.

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Features Liz Lanuzo Features Liz Lanuzo

Hot from Revlon: New concealer, powder, cream shadow, and mascara

I am really liking Revlon's latest releases. I've been writing about the brand's new products consistently for two years now, and I can tell you this with conviction: they have improved immensely. I have this impression that they listen to what the customers want, so each release brings something new to the table. Sometimes in increments, or in the case of the new mascara, a huge leap!

I loved the Revlon PhotoReady Concealer enough to finish one tube. I always end up grabbing it because it's so convenient and easy to blend out! Also, other than MAC, I find that Revlon gives me a great and consistent shade match when it comes to their face bases (at least one me). It's the same with the new Revlon Age Defying DNA Advantage Concealer.

I have a good feeling about this one. ;) It's pigmented enough to cover blemishes, but it shines as an undereye concealer due to its emollient texture that doesn't slip around.

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Features Liz Lanuzo Features Liz Lanuzo

What is a CC Cream?

Remember when BB creams were obscure? When you had to wait four weeks for pre-ordered batch to arrive here? Those were savage days in beauty history. Lol. Now BB creams are everywhere, and so cheap you can get one for like P169 in a local drugstore. Most women have probably tried these multi-taskers - for who doesn't want the promise of sun protection, anti-aging, anti-blemish, whitening, and coverage in one nifty bottle?

But BB creams are old news. The next generation of complexion enhancers are here, and they are called CC Creams or Color Correction/ control creams. CC creams are supposed to primarily brighten skin and have more concentrated skincare benefits. They are to be more lightweight and oil-free, with heavier coverage than the average BB cream. The sun protection, anti-aging, and whitening features are still there, but expect lots of new fancy ingredients in the formula.

But wait a minute...BB creams are already doing exactly what CC creams promise to do!

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Features Liz Lanuzo Features Liz Lanuzo

All I want for Christmas...

I only have a limited amount of time to browse stores - online and offline - so I would rather look for my friends' recommendations than aimlessly Googling what I want to buy. I also check the blogs I trust for their recent purchases and features (like Manila Fashion Observer). It's easier that way! 

That said, I've been following Ava.ph ever since it opened. It came in at a time when everyone in Manila was coupon/discount crazy. AVA was different because it was the only one that offered luxury fashion brands like Chanel, Prada, and Burberry at a discount. I can't afford them even at the sale price, but I always watched AVA just in case something irresistable turns up!

And they do turn up. There were crazy price slashes on Melissa shoes and Aranaz bags but I often logged in too late to get the things I actually want. :(

Today AVA has evolved into a curated fashion store that offers premium hard-to-find, indie brands. There are still flash sales but those are for a limited time only; the store itself stocks up on carefully-chosen items from new, intriguing names.

I actually got a Cuzo bag recently from one of the sales - imagine, P1,500 for a leather bag, at 30% off! Such a steal. I will blog about it soon. ;) For now, I want to show you my AVA wishlist for Christmas!

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Features Liz Lanuzo Features Liz Lanuzo

Hot from Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder is not just your mother and grandmother's staple brand. There's always something new and exciting in the Estee counters, something for everyone who loves luxe beauty! Here I shall present some of Estee Lauder's latest products, and my quick impressions about them. I'll be reviewing some of them in separate posts in the near future so do let me know which one you're most interested in, ok? ;)

First off, I have the Estee Lauder Pleasure Eau Fraiche (P2,800). This is a floral, powdery scent has top notes of pure white lilies and violet leaves. The floral heart of black lilacs, white peonies, pink roses and exotic karo-karounde blossoms comes down to a spicy after-glow. It's quite fresh and young along with the simple yet colorful packaging.

If you're more into nails then you should check out the Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer Collection (P900/ bottle).

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Features Liz Lanuzo Features Liz Lanuzo

What I will wear to the end of the world

I often think of end-of-the-world scenarios. I wouldn't call myself obsessed, but let's just say that when I walk the dog I look for manhole entrances and good hiding places to slip into when everything goes to hell in the near future. Am I crazy? Come now. I'm just practical.

I grew up reading grand old science fiction novels. Almost all of them predict that the world as we know it will end - horribly - at some point, so if I'm lucky enough to survive the first wave of death and destruction I want to be ready! Perhaps we can discuss how I plan to survive in a civilization that has fallen apart at another time. For now I want to show you what I will wear to the end of the world (provided I have a few minutes to get dressed).

My must-have pieces of clothing if I must survive the apocalypse:

1. Military-style jacket. This is actually a man's jacket that shrunk in the wash. Now it fits me perfectly! It has lots of pockets and a hoodie I can tuck in at the collar. Great for when I feel cold or need to be protected from a light rain.

2. Cardigan. I just want an extra layer of clothing on top of my black shirt. It can also double as a blanket, cushion or spare top.

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Eyeshadows, Features, Lips, Nail Liz Lanuzo Eyeshadows, Features, Lips, Nail Liz Lanuzo

Capsule review: Etude House Christmas Miracle Collection

What's your favorite holiday collection so far? There are so many, but it's good to have choices! There's something for everyone whether they're on a budget or cost is no object. :) I did observe a general theme though. Shine, glitter, and bright pops of red are du jour, but I've also been seeing a lot of twinkly purples and violets. This is good news - for me at least! - because I find that color group rather flattering on the Pinay complexion.

This time I want to talk about the Etude House Christmas Miracle Collection. I have photos, swatches, and quick thoughts on each product!

Let's start with the Etude House Mix & Mix Eyes PK001. This is a sleek palette of six sparkly shades in the lilac/ purple color group. There's also one in BR401 Holiday Dream that is on the neutral end of the spectrum. Go for PK001 if you're out for an evening party, while BR401 is better for more reserved occasions.

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Features Liz Lanuzo Features Liz Lanuzo

Grabbed from Sample Room: Kiehl's Acai Damage-Correcting Moisturizer

If you haven't tried Sample Room yet, you must run over there and avail of a couple of samples. They're free! To recap, Sample Room is a beauty sampling service that allows users to choose samples with free points. Users can get back those points by simply reviewing those items. Neat eh? The first wave had Kiehl's, Benefit, Shu Uemura, Calvin Klein and Kerastase for crying out loud. Kerastase gave away 50mil bottles of their best-selling serum!

The Benefit Porefessional and Kerastase serum ran out pretty quickly (naturally), but I honestly only wanted one thing: the sample of the Kiehl's Acai Damage-Correcting Moisturizer. I love Kiehl's, and I was then looking for a new moisturizer to use (I found a "new" one now teehee). I trust Kiehl's and I'm sure the moisturizer will do wonders - just read the reviews over at Sample Room, they're convincing.

It's a 15ml sample which means that I can probably stretch it up to two weeks if used sparingly.

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Features Liz Lanuzo Features Liz Lanuzo

Makeup expiration: When to get rid of your old cosmetics

How long should you keep your makeup? There are recommended lengths of time for each cosmetics type but I have to admit, I don't follow them. I just have one general rule: if the product starts to smell rancid, separate, or just stop working the way it should, then in it goes to the bin!

Expiration dates for me are suggestions at best. I find that a product's shelf life is ultimately dictated by the limitation of its fomulation. For example, wet makeup like mascaras and liquid liners simply flake and dry up after four or five months. Lipsticks and glosses will start to thicken and just feel generally weird after two years. The waxes and oils in the formula will naturally dry up the more you use them, and you'll notice this when the product starts to separate (i.e. sweating lipstick, stringy gloss). The smell is the final giveaway though!

Gel products dry up faster than cream products, but you can tell if they're no good by checking the texture.

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Announcements, Features Liz Lanuzo Announcements, Features Liz Lanuzo

Free to choose, free to have: Sample Room

I've been excited about Sample Room since early October, but I didn't want to spoil the surprise until their big launch today. I hoped for the website to be ready for users first so you can check it ASAP! It will go live after lunch according to the SR team!

So wait - what is Sample Room? It's a beauty sampling website, but nothing like the subscription boxes that came before it. It's a different concept where users can choose their own samples at no cost other than the shipping fee. Yes, you don't need to pay a monthly fee to avail of samples and yes you can choose whatever you can afford with your free points. :)

To get the points, all you need to do is write a review for the samples you received.

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Features Liz Lanuzo Features Liz Lanuzo

Why luxury

A reader said on my blog post about a P1,350 lipstick yesterday, "I don't own any lippies worth over 500php. Is It really worth it po ba to spend that much for a lip product?" I think it's a great question. Why should we spend over a thousand pesos for just one lipstick? Or P8,000 for a hair makeover? Or over P10,000 for a bag?

Well, we don't have to. It's fairly straightforward. We don't have to spend any more money than we need to, especially if we don't have much to begin with. We can just keep on buying P500 lipsticks for the rest of our natural lives and still find meaning in prioritizing other things that matter. Some people love to travel more, or read, or eat, or spend time with people they love. Their disposable income goes to their personal pursuit of happiness.  

So I suppose that it comes down to what we value.

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Laura Mercier Holiday 2012 offerings (with prices)

Would you believe that it was only a couple of weeks ago that I finally tried Laura Mercier? I mean I check it out in Rustan's every so often, but something else ends up catching my attention. I think it's high time to look closely at the brand and what it has to offer!

Laura Mercier started out as a painter in France, and then moved on to become a makeup artist to the biggest stars in the 80s and 90s. It was in 1996 when she built her own company. She is all about creating the flawless face, with focus on glowing, natural-looking skin. Most of her makeup are neutral but I observed that they come in quirky and interesting shades far removed from the usual browns.

Art Deco Muse, the Holiday 2012 Collection of Laura Mercier, is inspired by the decorative architecture, style, and mood of the Art Deco Period in Paris in the mid-1920s. The look features golds and bronzes paired with high-shine reds and deep blacks. The face is sculpted and nails in rich shades of blood red and noir.

Nail Lacquer (P745), Lip Lacquer / Glace (P995), Creme Smooth Lip Colour (P1,250), Faux Lash Mascara (P995), Caviar Eye Liner (P995), Second Skin Cheek Colour in Wild Bouquet (P995)

Eyeshadow singles (P950)

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Unveiling the Glamourbox for November

Beauty boxes are all the rage these days. They're a convenient and exciting way to sample new products that (ideally) you won't find by yourself. It's just like giving yourself a monthly surprise gift! But there are downsides. You have no idea if you'll even like what's inside the box, moreso if the subscription fee - not really cheap at P500 to P600 - will even cover what's inside it. I've seen a box that features drugstore products and another that everyone says is a total rip-off with the overall value much less than the fee. What do you think?

Don't lose hope yet, though! Glamourbox has a really nice box, their first, for November. They have premium brands in the list as well as intriguing names that we've never heard of before. I guess the most important thing is that you get more than what you paid for. See for yourself, here are pictures of and my comments on the things inside!

Welcome post card with product info and prices in the back

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