I have too much makeup that sometimes I forget the really good ones in my stash. There are so many new things coming in, therefore more new things to love and maybe even rave about, that I neglect my old picks. Take this Avon UMR lipstick in Carmen Rose. I believe I've only worn this twice since I got it in February. Seriously, wth. It's a fab red lipstick that suits me perfectly!

I would describe Carmen Rose as a brilliant ruby red. It's not something one would call classic since it's quite shiny, but if you like a more modern, younger red, I think you'll take to Carmen Rose. :)

That said, I did this look upon the request of a reader. The reader, who is ironically named Cherry, asked if I can post a photo of me wearing the MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Blue Stripe. I said "ironically named" because Cherry said she is afraid of red.

Every girl needs a bright and sophisticated red lipstick in her purse. However, not everyone has the chutzpah to wear it yet; red lipstick is an idea one needs to grow and nurture in the mind before it debuts in person. :P If you're not ready to wear a full-on red, then I suggest you try on a "training wheel" red like the Tony Moly Kiss Lover Lipstick in RD03.

RD03 is a juicy cherry red that shies from being opaque. It's red, sure, but it's not the scary kind which makes it perfect for those who are just starting to explore the shade.

I already reviewed the VMV Hypoallergenics Velvet Matte Lipstick (P1,000), so this time I just want to share this new lovely shade I got! It's called Coquette, and it's absolutely gorgeous. As in. It's a matte red with a pink undertone. I like that you can wear it as an intense red for evenings out, but if you just use it as a stain - wow! Very pretty.

Okay enough superlatives, see for yourself.

As with all matte lipsticks, Coquette can be a little drying so always wear lip balm underneath. To use it as a stain, dab on balm, then swipe a thin layer of the lipstick on your bottom lip.

VMV Hypoallergenics is not particularly known for its makeup, but from what I've tried so far, I would have to say I'm impressed (remember the Ooh-La-Lash! Volumizing Mascara and the Lip Glitter Gloss?). VMV cosmetics is quite underrated but I do hope that will change in the future since their formulas are ace, with the added bonus of being truly hypoallergenic.

This time, I'd like to share my review of two VMV lipstick formulas: Velvet Matte and Glitz. Velvet matte lipsticks are, well, as matte as you can get. They feel very soft on the lips and isn't too drying. Glitz, on the other hand, has a shiny, glossy finish that's very look-at-me. Here's a quick rundown of each formula's strengths and weaknesses!

VMV Hypoallergenics Velvet Matte Lipstick in Kitten

"Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of furr!" is a song that plays in my head whenever I think about this lipstick. Kitten is an incredibly soft lipstick - both shade and texture-wise - that's quite unique for me.

I attended a couple of meetings last Thursday in Makati. They weren't really the formal type so I wore something comfortable, heat-friendly, and non-fattening! Anyway, I've been wearing this block-striped bodycon dress a lot lately. It's my absolute cheat dress right now, if  you must know. Thought the Ferretti wedges matched the dress's stripes so in they went.

No brand dress/ Thrifted chambray polo/ Satchel from Muradito/ Accessories from Avon/ Ferretti wedges

For the FOTD, I chose to wear as little makeup as possible. Since I like my skin lately, I opted for a sheer formula, lush lashes, and fool-proof red lips. It's my good ol' red lippie look only with different products.

The lipstick trend for this summer is all about fresh and bold shades. They're the colors that you can match up with gay sun dresses in florals or solid colors like white, lemon, orange, and lime. Hence, the Revlon Fire & Ice Collection is right on schedule! It consists of three new shades, with one classic red from way back in the 1950's. Here's my review of the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks in the collection!

What I love about the product

• I love all the shades. Temptress and Demure may need some layering to make it really stand out, but I love the sweet, understated effect they have on my lips. Siren is a standout orange, while All Fired Up is a memorable, flattering red.
• Satin finish, my favorite kind.

Are you considering red lips for Valentine's Day (or any day)? A lot of women are a little scared of this color because it's loud AND fussy, but I think it's in keeping with the occasion's theme. A bit of fuss during the first application, when done right, is worth it since you probably don't have to apply it again during the day.

Here are some quick tips as well as some lipstick suggestions:

• Prime your lips with balm. Don't slather on too much. A very thin layer is enough to moisturize; too much and your lipstick will just stay on top and slide off.
• Apply a red lip liner just a little bit inside your natural lip line. Red can be an overwhelming color and you don't want your mouth to look like one huge stoplight! Thin but juicy red lips are more sophisticated compared to thick red ones. 

Lined

Shaded with lip liner

Do you feel Christmas in the air? Me, sort of! The weather is definitely colder (at least during mornings and evenings) and the neighbors are putting up wreaths and trees. Shopping malls are playing Christmas songs on loop, which I think is sneaky since it makes people mellow and make them want to buy more stuff! Anyway, I'm already making plans for the holidays - gifts to give, food to prepare - but I'll never forget the most essential thing...what to wear!

This season means more parties to attend, whether they're with family, friends, or co-workers. Allow me to suggest a look that features two major holiday themes: sparkle and the color red. What I like about it is that it's versatile and has that "wow" factor. If you're not comfortable with a strong red lipstick, you can easily replace it with a toned-down shade.

Are you ready for my tutorial? Read on!

Step 1: Start with a well-primed and evened-out face. Parties tend to last until late, so your makeup should be able to keep up! I used the Smooth-365 Peptide Serum as primer, then applied the Paul & Joe Creamy Compact Powder Foundation, MAC Studiofinish Concealer, topped by Ellana mineral finishing powder. In2It for the brows and Too Faced Shadow Insurance as eye primer.

Step 2: I patted on a sparkly white eyeshadow (Urban Decay Polyester Bride) on the lid. It's whiter and more glittery in person! I always thought it's a lot like snow.

I had a grand time yesterday accompanying Kirby (Asian Secrets grand winner) to her makeover as well as hanging out with the Estee Lauder girls. Thanks so much for the company! Anyhoo, I decided on a super laid-back outfit for the day since I knew I would be waiting and walking around most of the time.

Muji shirt/ Levi's ID Curve jeans/ Ferretti flats/ NaRaYa bag/ SM belt/ Avon accessories/ Landmark headband

I was already late for my appointment so I threw on the fastest look I could think of: red lips. Fifteen minutes tops and I'm done! Full FOTD details after the cut.