It feels only yesterday when Majolica Majorca arrived in the Philippines, but did you know that it's been here for two years now? So much kawaii cuteness has been unleashed in that short amount of time! There's always something new to collect every quarter. ;) Now that the Japanese brand is celebrating its 10th year this 2013, expect even more covetable items than usual. 

Majolica Majorca has recently released its Spring Collection for 2013. Named Secret Blink, it's all about giving in to the whispers of your heart, of bold secrets that you can't dare speak of. Majo has always been an incurable romantic when it comes to its collections and that won't be changing anytime soon! Secret Blink features a limited edition rose gold case for the Skin Remaker, a Majoromantica scent, lash conditioner, new mascara, and a collectible palette.

I have three items from the collection, so here are quick reviews and swatches for you!

The Lash Expander was the first item I tried from Majolica Majorca, before the brand arrived here. I loved it because it lengthened my lashes and didn't smudge at all. This 2013, the Lash Expander shall be phased out and replaced with the improved Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Edge Meister (P795).

Before I post my reviews here I usually look for what other people are saying about the product. Sure I already have my own opinions to share, but I don't want to think or feel in a vacuum. It's like reading a movie review with all the spoilers - I just want to know if everyone else liked or disliked what we collectively experienced!I suppose it's always nice to know that someone else felt the same way you did about something.

So I was reading reviews about the Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lengthening Mascara (~P600) before I started writing this post. I was truly surprised that almost everyone seemed to dislike this mascara with a passion. 

The other bloggers (not local ones) are saying that this is super clumpy and flaky. It's is clumpy, true, but only because it dries super fast. The workaround is simply applying it as quickly as possible. I haven't observed any flakiness after using it for two weeks; it could be that I'm using a fresh stock. Only time will tell just how flaky this can get but for now I haven't observed anything out of place.

I like this mascara because of two things: how it lengthens my lashes like whoa and how it never smudges or smears. Swear.

I used to not like makeup sets before with products that are in way smaller sizes. I mean, how can I enjoy something when I'm so conscious about finishing it up quickly? And what if I like it, what am I going to do then? But now that I'm older, wiser, and more liquid (lol), I have seen the wisdom of buying sets and smaller sizes. 

Small tubes and bottles are great if you want to carry stuff around. It's not smart to bring full sizes of stuff in your bag because of the heat here - it can spoil/dry up makeup faster. Also, if you're like me who doesn't usually bring big bags, every bit of space is valuable real estate. That's not just applicable to when we're travelling y'know!

Thus, boxed sets like the Benefit She's So Jet Set (P2,100) is perfect if a.) You travel a lot b.) You want mini-sizes of your "Bene-faves" for your daily bag c.) If you have never tried Benefit before and would like to start now. This contains four lovely and pigmented eyeshadows, illuminating powder duo, mini Porefessional, They're Real Mascara, and lip gloss. 

I understand that this is part of Benefit's limited edition holiday sets!

Here's another one of those "are you wearing falsies?" mascaras! I've had the Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara (P950 at Beauty Bar) for a while now and I'm vvv happy with it. I use the Fairydrops Platinum variant when I want clean and enhanced lashes, while Volume Burst is what I reach for when I want full and super-curled lashes. 

I made an odd observation just the other day while I was using Fairydrops. I noticed that the formula gets goopier over time, more viscuous. That's just normal because mascaras lose moisture everytime you open the tube. But what's not normal is that the Fairydrops mascaras actually look better when they're thicker! Platinum now makes my lashes look super thick and fat (as opposed to being natural before) while still being washable. Other mascaras would just start clumping and being all crackly but not Fairydrops. Cool huh? I've been using FD for two months now.

Anyway back to Volume Burst. I love it because it holds the curl of the lashes with an iron grip ALL DAY, does not smudge or smear, and makes lashes really stand out even in photos.

Have you guys heard of Fairydrops? It's a fairly popular brand from Japan, known for their mascara's patented "3 teardrop" wand. The brand is so popular, in fact, that it's also distributed at Sephora in the US. Google it and you'll find a lot of rave reviews. ;)

And so, I'm happy to announce that Fairydrops is finally here in the Philippines! They set up shop last week at Beauty Bar branches in Manila. Aside from their best-selling mascaras, there's also a BB cream, loose powder, and a glossy balm in the selection. I swatched the BB cream and it looks super promising!

What I will be reviewing today is one of my current fave mascaras: the Fairydrops Platinum Mascara (P1,195). It's a super black, clean finish mascara that washes off with only water. I've been using it for three weeks now and I love it! Did I say it washes off with just water? Yet it's smudge and smear-proof, and fairly water resistant as long as you don't rub it.

Here's a more detailed take!

What I love about the product 

• It's an office and school-safe mascara since it has a clean, enhancing finish. It's not in-your-face. It volumizes and lengthens just enough to make your lashes stand out, but not so much that it looks TOO much!
• Curls lashes and holds them all day. It's best used with an eyelash curler, but the wand does wonders by itself.

When I first heard that Katie Holmes is the first and (so far) only celebrity endorser of Bobbi Brown cosmetics, I gave a big internal whoop. The pairing is perfect! Katie has always been polished, elegant, and discreet, much like the trademark Bobbi Brown look. I honestly am looking forward to their upcoming campaign together, see what these two pretty powerful girls can come up with!

Anyway today I want to review some things that I've been using for a couple of months now: the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eye Collection. It features a mascara, eyeliner, and cream shadow that is guaranteed to last from coffee to cocktails. I love the concept, and I'm sure you would too if you hate touching up your eye makeup! 

Here's what I think of each product in the collection.

The Bobbi brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Shore (P1,450) is my favorite out of the bunch. The formula and shade is absolutely amazing! It's super creamy yet thin, then dries into a velvety, budge and smear-proof layer on my lids. This doesn't crease at all.

At first I was all "meh" about Shore, a boring-looking matte neutral beige, but when I got to know it better it's now one of my favorite eyeshadows.

I keep three to four mascaras on rotation at any given time. Too much? I don't think so! I like getting different lash finishes depending on the look I'm going for. Sweet and nice? Thin and defined lashes should do the trick. Need to look fierce for an event? Volumized and super long lashes will stand out in photos. Casual and lazy? Then I need my lashes to look curled but easy to wash off when I get home. See, it depends. I'm not some crazy mascara junkie.

If you're a fellow mascara junkie lover, then I think you'll love one of the newest mascaras out now: the Etude House Lash Perm 3-Step Volumecara (P748). This mascara promises to give you doll lashes with three different settings and I rather think it does!

The mechanics of the thing is simple enough - just twist the upper portion of the tube and settle on the number with the effect you want to achieve. Step 1 gives you clean definition, Step 2 has more volume and length, while Step 3 is an all-out thick fringe. You can really see the difference! Here's a more detailed take.

What I love about the product

• It's neat that you're basically getting three different mascaras in one tube. How it works is that the twist tube controls how much product gets on the wand. Step 1 only allows for a bit of product, hence the cleaner finish, and so on. Simple but it's a great idea.
• It brings out lashes you didn't know you had. If volume is your thing, this is one good mascara to try.

Hi folks! Last week I received my monthly box from Etude House Korea. This month, it's all about eye makeup! This has got to be my favorite month so far because you know I love eyeliners, mascara, and eyeshadow. <3

This month's main feature will be the Etude House Lash Perm 3Step Volumecara. This intriguing mascara has three settings

"You're not wearing falsies?!" is something I've gotten used to hearing these past few months. Okay I'm bragging but only because I happen to own some of the best mascaras in the country - by themselves, my lashes are all sad and thin! So mascara and an amazing eyelash curler take all the credit.

I've raved about and used up my favorite mascaras from last year, so this time I thought I'd share my top mascaras this year as of August 2012. There are the ones that I always reach out for - they're all good, but they have different features that I need for certain looks.

Let's get started!

If I have to choose only one mascara to use forever, it would have to be the Shu Uemura Ultimate Natural Mascara. It's everything that mascara should be  - lengthening, volumizing, and still natural-looking overall. Most importantly, this baby washes off but doesn't smudge or budge while you're wearing it. San ka pa!

Best for: natural, clean looks 

A couple of weeks back, Majolica Majorca introduced its first big collection this year: Psychedelicious. The event was quite literally sweet and colorful! Everyone came dressed in bright outfits and entered a venue that may very well be Hansel and Gretel's sugar house. Except there's no witch, just fabulous makeup. 

I received a few products that I will quickly review for you guys. :)

Popping Shower Powder, Brow and Lash Colorist in BR555, Puff de Cheek in RD414

The Majolica Majorca Popping Shower Powder (P695) is a scented, sparkly body powder. It's infused with Majo's signature Majoromantica scent, a sweet, fruity concoction that I think you'll love.

Nelly See, the owner of Pinkbox, is easily one of the most glamorous people I know personally. It's not the kind of glamour that's in-your-face; hers is very subtle, something that's obviously born from years of effortless practice. She carries Hermes as if it's a body part - not something to flaunt or even be remotely conscious about, which is as it should be!

I also love that's she's super kikay! Haha. One time, while at the office, she asked me to come over to her desk. "Look at my lashes Liz!", she said. I was like, "Whoa! They're super long! What did you use?" 

"Benefit!" she said. Now I don't remember which mascara it was exactly, Bad Gal or They're Real, but my bet is on the latter. The Benefit They're Real Beyond Mascara (P1,200) promises to "reveal lashes you never knew you had". That's not quite off the mark but I think that They're Real focuses more on giving length rather than plushness. Really useful if you want an everyday mascara that can fool people into thinking they're real!

After using this for over a month, here are my thoughts on Benefit's star mascara!

What I love about the product

• Lengthens lashes beautifully. It doesn't look fake as the tips are deceptively thin and pointed, mimicking natural hair. As far as I can tell, this mascara doesn't have microfibers (which are normally difficult to remove.)

It's funny, but the first couple of years that I started wearing makeup, I rarely put mascara on. I thought it was an uneccessary part of my routine; why bother working on my lashes when an eyeliner could already give the illusion of a thick fringe? But I was wrong. Mascaras ARE important if you want your eyes to look more fresh and awake. There really is a difference!

Benefit They're Real Mascara 

I used to just swipe my mascara upwards a couple of times and called it a day. I mean, how complicated should it be? Put goop, exeunt. However, I've learned a few tricks along the way to maximize any mascara! It doesn't matter if you're using something cheapo or expensive. Use it the right way and you can get fab lashes each time.

Here goes!

Step 1: Curl. Curl your lashes, starting at the base then crimping it upwards, tilting the curler as you go. It's important to curl your lashes before mascara to get them to stay that way all day.

I've been meaning to do this for a while now but I've just never gotten the chance. I keep bumping it off for some newfangled thing or another. But today, I will finally reveal my favorite everyday mascara after months - months! - of using it. 

It's the Shu Uemura Ultimate Natural Mascara in Dark Brown. :) I always reach for this when I need a brown, beautifying mascara, and here's why!

What I love about the product 

• As the name promises, it looks super natural and clean while magnifying your lashes. Just look at the photos. Two coats, no more, and I get such beautiful lashes.
• Keeps the curl of my lash hairs ALL DAY. No drooping here. It's best used with the Shu Uemura curler, another great love of mine.

We were waiting for lunch when my Mom asked me, "Did you get eyelash extensions?" I was surprised by the question, since it was the first time she ever asked me anything like it. My mom knows (quite better than anyone else) how much I love makeup. She knows that I always wear makeup whenever I'm out of the house so it's odd - and flattering - of her to ask!

The culprit in question is the Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara (P750). It made my lashes look longer at the tips and thicker at the base, while still appearing thin and natural. That's not new I know. But it pulls off the effect so flawlessly that it fooled my mom into thinking I had work done on my lashes. :D

I admit that it's already desensitizing for you, me raving about mascaras all the time, but I think there's something really special with this one!

What I love about the product 

• Makes my lashes look thick and long without looking completely fake. It also forms my lashes into this even, triangular shape.
• It doesn't smudge or budge with daily wear and tear, although expect some mess when you cry or sweat too much.

I love natural-looking (but enhanced) lashes for everyday, but for special events and evenings out, I prefer big, cow lashes that can pass of as falsies. Pro tip: there's no better way to look glam than with eyes framed by long, voluminous lashes! They show up better in photos too.

I've been a long-time fan of the Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara so I have great expectations from the brand's newest offering, the Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara (P795). It promises to deliver  volume, length, and lushness to your lashes - features that used to be offered separately by MM's individual mascaras.

The Lash King is supposed to be MM's ultimate lash product, and I am inclined to agree!

What I LOVE about the product

• It does give volume, length, and the illusion of more lashes with only one coat. One coat is enough for daily use. If you want to up the drama, use two to three coats! Guarranteed, you'll look like you have falsies on.
• Doesn't smudge or smear no matter how humid the weather is or how sweaty and oily I get.

Avon mascaras have had a history of being unimpressive (for me). I wasn't expecting much from their latest one, the Avon SuperMagnify Mascara (P420), but I was pleasantly surprised as soon as I tried it on! It is such a nice everyday mascara, but you can also turn up the impact by adding a few more coats for an evening look.

Okay, anecdote time: I was at a coffee meeting when my right eye got irritated. I started tearing up heavily, as in really heavily. I unfortunately didn't have my lens case with me so I just endured the boo-boo until I can leave. I was really worried about my mascara running amok, but guess what, the SuperMagnify didn't! I got a bit of smudging (it's not waterproof) but it didn't look like a mess.

So yeah, this mascara made it to my list of reliable makeup. I've worn it in really humid weather and got only bearable smudging and smearing.

Here I am rambling about lasting power without even mentioning the effect first! Well, SuperMagnify lengthens and separates lashes into a fine, natural-looking fringe.

I read Jill's post on blogging burnout this morning. It's a topic close to my heart because I have experienced that many, many times in the past - you know, that feeling of weariness and futility of what I do. But each time I snap out of it. I truly love makeup and colors and how it can transform a person. There is always something new to discover, as well, and that keeps me going.

Recently, Shu Uemura gave me some of their latest products to try. I am so freakin' excited, I swear! The brand just recently released their spring collection called Celestial Garden, and I am loving the fresh themed look and relatively innovative products.

First off, they have a new blush called the Creamy Dome Blusher. It reminds me a lot of the popular EOS Lip Balm! If you think about it, the idea is so simple but elegant. Perhaps other brands have come up with a cream dome blush but this is the first time I've seen one locally.

My advice to girls who don't like wearing a lot of makeup but still want to look pretty: just swipe on mascara and some tint! If you already have fairly good skin, a little bit of enhacement here and there is more than enough to bring out your natural beauty. Long and full lashes draw eyes towards them (involuntarily at that!), while a healthy flush makes you look fresh and happy.

That said, there are a couple of new Majolica Majorca releases that got beauty enthusiasts into a tizzy: the Lash King Mascara (P795) and the Blood On Cheek Tint (P495). Both were launched around two weeks ago, to good reviews! 

Let's start with the Lash King Mascara.

I've had the Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara (P995) for months now and I use it all the time. However, each time I sit down to try to review it my mind just drains of all thought. It's like writing about my toe. It's an integral part of me but it's not something I really think about, y'know?

The thing I like most about this mascara is how volumizing it is while still being incredibly easy to wash off. Yes, it washes off with just water; even so, the integrity of the mascara is not compromised with normal sweat and oil around the eyes. Just don't cry!

There are pros and cons of having a mascara that's washable. The obvious pro is you don't have to rub and sacrfifice a few lashes just to take it off. I personally prize this feature because I hate having to fuss over makeup removal after a long day.

Cinderella was my favorite fairy tale when I was a child. But now that I'm a little older and consider Cinderella as stupid and weak (well not counting Drew Barrymore's Ever After), my favorite is now East of the Sun and West of Moon. The heroine in that story has more guts and determination than all Disney princesses combined. That's the kind of girl I want to be when I grow up!

Anyway! This whole flashback is brought you by Majolica Majorca's latest collection called Glass Trick. It pays homage to the immortal glass shoes that generations have come to know and love (at some point...), and features glossy and shimmery products that mimic the effect of glass. 

I'm going to review the whole collection quickly, so you know what to check out!

Dress Glove Cream (P325). This is a hand cream that has the sweet scent of the Majoromantica Perfume. It also has fine shimmer, so it makes hands sort of glow.