Kikay It Up

I've seen various blog posts about make-up must-haves and the inggitera in me knew I just have to have an entry like those one day, when my kikay kit is kikay enough. Disclaimer: I'm a non-pro in make-up application (Go ask my sister) and my knowhow is limited, given the very basic stuff I have. I was not really a fan of cosmetics, the closest thing is my adoration for lipsticks. However, I have grown into appreciating them because they accentuate some of my features, especially during haggard days - how the mascara pops my eyes when i'm too sleepy to function, how a red lippie lightens up a gloomy day, so and so.

Lo and behold, I would like to present my "make-up collection"(70% sponsored by my mom, stepmom, aunts and cousins) and my thoughts on these wonderful products.

For base, I use CoverGirl AquaSmooth Foundation. I like the fact that it's not too powdery(like the CoverGirl TruBlend Mineral Powder I was using before) and not too creamy for it to feel sticky in the face. The concealer was an impulse buy(thanks to the recommendation of the saleslady), but totally worth it. Revlon Age Defying Concealer, have great reviews and I couldn't agree more. It's easy to apply, the color works for my dark under-eye circles. Before, I relied on Revlon's ColorStay Concealer but the formula is too cake-y for me and it was hard to manage the container so I ended up wasting some cream.

Instead of the usual red/pink blush-ons, I depend on the bronzer for my cheeks because it gives my olive skin tone that sun-kissed glow(Props to CoverGirl Tanfantastic). The MAC Darkly My Dear was a gift(I don't think I can afford a MAC). I was hesitant to use it at first(because of the shade) but it's old rose or brownish pink effect (don't trust me with my color judgment) was an instant hit to my cheekbones. It's not too pink, not too red, not to heavy and not to overbearing to look at. I love wearing it along with my pink lipsticks.

The starter brush set was a gift too, and I loved it! I don't have any brushes(except for the ones that go along with the powders) and I'm non-pro in terms of make-up application. The kit contains 3 brusher specifically for the base/foundation, cheeks/blush-on and eyes/eyeshadow. Plus points are how-to-use tips inside the box.

Eyes are the trickiest part for me. Usually, I just use the eyelash curler and Magnum Mascara to make my eyes pop, well, look enthusiastic. Maybelline offers interesting, affordable and cute(gave my sister the Hello Kitty edition) mascara varieties. The mascara makes my eyes look phenomenal and it lasts long(and hard to remove. Haha).

All the eyeshadow were just given to me because I find them unnecessary to buy(From a shopaholic? Really?). It was just recently that I learned to apply them in a "proper way, way better than my smudgy looking eyelids before. My sister is good in blending the shades, I ask for her knowhow during special occasions.

Here is the best part: LIPSTICKS!!!

The Body Shop's Born Lippy Lip Balm is the very first "make-up" I bought for myself, I was in sixth grade then. Years, countless lip balms and different flavors(Strawberry, Raspberry, Mango, Peach) after, it's definitely one of my most trusted products. When I was younger, I use it to cure my dry, chapped lips and as "lip gloss" for the then tween me. Now, I rely on it as my lip base and moisturizer. Carmex is a runner-up.

The Maybelline lip liner is a lip liner but I use it as a lipstick and sometimes, apply it together with another lipstick to come up with a different shade. It's color is more like a hot pink, the pink girly girls wear. I call it my "Barbie" shade.

Lipsticks are my kryptonite in the cosmetic division. And before I rave and wail about them, I better continue this "make-up review" post. As you may observe, all my lipsticks are from Revlon. I have a simple reason -they're affordable(umm MAC?) products of good quality, they make my lips feel good(except for their Just Bitten line) and look good. I particularly like Revlon's ColorStay Soft&Smooth collection because it's matte, long-staying and moisturizing but the shades available are very limited.

Moving on, here are my thoughts on these swatches.

Cherry Pop - This is a shimmery, vibrant red and the color makes me feel fun and young.

It always lights up my non-made-up face. I use this during casual, lazy days.

Pink in the Afternoon - I was looking for a light shade and saw this on the saleslady, I had to ask her what lipstick she is wearing. This is a beautiful shade of light pink which gives a natural feel. I wear this on serious office activities(seminars, events) and whenever I feel like being Ms. Prim and Proper. I received many complements about this shade.

Sweet Tart - This one's from the new Lip Butter line(I've been waiting for this!) which is a lipstick and lip balm combo, so with this, I do not have to apply a moisturizing lip base anymore. This is a candy, "pa-weetums" shade I like to match with blush-on.

Satin Rosewood - I got this upon learning that the best lipstick shade is the one twice darker than your natural lip color. Of old rose hue, but on some lighting, it looks a light pink shade. This is one of my for-serious-stuff lipsticks.

Ripened Red - For someone who hates red, what a surprise. I read somewhere that red is a great color, you just have to find the shade that works for you. In my case, I'd like to believe this is it! It's a red orangey " I had too much banana catsup" color but it looks amazing in my skin tone, hair color and zero make-up. Take it from someone who's wearing it at home, right now.

All these wonderful products are tucked inside this black polka dot(I have a thing for black polka dot stuff) cosmetic case I got from Landmark. I've been looking for a functional make up pouch for years now and finally, I found one with inside compartments for the lipsticks and a classic style.

This had been a fun, girly blog post. I lost adjectives and some descriptions were lame but I enjoyed showing off my kikay kit, my boyfriend will never understand. Haha. However, I have to be reminded that real beauty still comes from within. Bad personality = bad aura. Always.

P.S. Still on the look-out for that coral, light orange lipstick shade for summer!