August/Mid September Favorites!

Hi guys! I wasn't really intending on making a "favorites" post, but I had so much fun doing test shots with the light tent I created earlier today, that I decided to take out some of my makeup products that I've been loving and show them to you all :) 

First up are these blushes that I've been using daily since I've purchased them. On the left is ELF's Peachy Keen which is a peachy shimmery blush -- I intended on getting Nars' Gina blush the other day at the mall, but looking at the price tag (it cost P 1450!) I decided to take a step back and think about it first. So I went online and checked dupes for the Gina blush, and ELF's Peachy Keen came up! I wouldn't say it's an exact dupe. In terms of consistency, Nars' Gina came of as a creamy and heavily pigmented powder blush, while ELF's Peachy Keen is a much more sheer blush and is more powdery. However, you can't beat a P 250 blush! That's why I still like this product. 

On the right, we have MAC's Harmony blush which I use for contouring. It's a light brown blush, that doesn't really look overwhelming when I try to contour my cheeks like the other bronzers I've tried. This comes out softer and more natural. It has good pigmentation and for it being matte, helps to not emphasize the blemishes on my cheeks which a shimmery bronzer would otherwise showcase.

This is my latest obsession!!! Wet n Wild lipsticks are amazing, I swear by it!! They're really pigmented, and have a rich creamy consistency. They are true to their claim that they "mega last" haha! I love how it's matte but not drying. However, if you do not exfoliate and prime your lips with a lip balm, they'll settle into the lines of your lips and make them look dry. Other than that, if applied correctly they work wonders! The shades photographed below are (L-R) Sugar Plum Fairy, Vamp It Up, Mauve Outta Here, and Just Peachy :) A great plus, is that these lippies are really cheap too! Check SM Megamall's Department store, cause I think they have the complete shades there. NOT IN SM MAKATI, they never have anything it's so irritating!

I'm obsessed with my Girl Boy browset from MAC, and I was really hesitant to find a dupe for it because I was thinking NOTHING could ever measure up to it! Haha. But after calculating my budget for cosmetics, I had to admit I had to cut down on some stuff or use less of it so I could have it for a longer time. I searched online for a dupe for Girl Boy and wasn't really expecting to find one because I thought it was just that special, but I saw a review on Etude House's Color My Brows in Light Brown and decided to give it a go. I've used it twice, and I wouldn't say it's a 100% dupe for Girl Boy in terms of consistency. The shade of this brow set is really close to Girl Boy if not even exactly the same, but then the consistency is too chunky and thick it's so hard to brush out on my eyebrows.. Which is the only negative thing I can say about it. This product is dirt cheap and incredible, you should all definitely give it a try if you have light brown-blonde hair :)

Maaaan, I do not know how many times I've raved about the Mary-Lou Manizer by The Balm Cosmetics. I visit The Beauty Bar every so often, and I never leave that store without swatching this product! Haha. It never fails to make me fall even more in love with it everytime I try it on.. And after months and months and I think it's even been a year... I decided to finally get it as a gift for myself. :) It comes in an ivory almost gold-ish tone, and looks great on your skin! It gives you a healthy glow and brightens your face -- and by brighten I mean look luminous, not oily! I've been using Nars' Albatross as my highlighter for a while now, and though I've been loving it, I decided the Mary-Lou was really a must have. :)

I stopped wearing eyeshadows for a long time because I never had the time to do it in the morning. I had 8 am classes everyday for my last term and I didn't even bother looking presentable anymore. Haha! But now that I have more time on my hands, I'm able to do a little something fancy in terms of make up. I rediscovered my love for my NYX eyeshadow base which I bought in an Asian store in LA last Christmas. It works well as a concealer when I'm cleaning up my eyebrow area, and is incredible just as it is -- an eyeshadow base. :)

Lastly, here is my NUMBER ONE product for August/Mid-September!!!! I am... IN LOVE with this product. I'll probably buy 10 of these when I leave just so I'll never run out! This is IN2IT's Eyebrow Powder. It comes in three shades as seen below, and I use the light brown and medium brown to do my brows everyday. When I want my brows to look stronger, like for photos, I call it HD brows (hahaha!), I'll use this product wet. But when I'm just going out to the mall, I'll use the powder just as is and will top it off with my browset. This product has great pigmentation, not too rich, and not too weak either -- just the perfect amount for brows! Please do yourselves a favor and purchase it!

That's all for now, loves! Thanks for reading my blog, and I'm sorry if I've diverted from fashion posts to beauty posts. I'll get back on it when I've lost weight :P Lol. 

Twitter & Instagram: @itscarlasamson

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Fall Must Haves ✿

By way of makeup, this fall season (naks fall, we don't even have it here! hahaha) I'm leaning towards more purple/plum tones. I like the combination of a pale face, with light pinkish cheeks, and a dramatic purple eye or dramatic deep purple lips. But that's just my preference! I know we don't have a fall season here in the Philippines, since we only have sunshine and rain, but it won't stop me from observing "fall fashion" haha!

 In terms of shoes, since this time of the year in general will be more chilly, I was thinking of ankle boots or even riding boots (which are my absolute fave to wear) or some comfy loafers if your toes can brave the cold. I've been seeing a lot of bloggers go crazy for this sneaker wedge and initially, I was disgusted! It brought back memories of that disgusting Converse stiletto that was famous back in the early 2000s!! However, the sneaker wedges look waaay classier and actually pretty stylish -- it doesn't hurt that it looks comfy too. Been wanting a pair of ankle boots as well with the awkward 2 inch heel cause I feel it'd look cute with dresses. As for the Jeffrey Campbell Litas, they'd look good ANY DAMN SEASON. I swear by it. Lastly, loafers!!! Ah, I've been so in love with loafers lately! check out my instagram acct @itscarlasamson to see my collection! 

 The clothes I've posted may not be eye catching to you cause they're all plain with almost the same cuts but I think Fall is about comfort and deep colors, that's why I've chosen these. The peplum top would go well under a blazer or on its own -- but I could never rock it cause the pleated balloon part in the bottom makes me wider than I already am, just a tip for the pear shaped girls out there. Next, you can never go wrong with a gold metallic sweater with like bronzey undertones to it, it looks divine and it's something you can take with you to your winter closet. I like rust, emerald, plum, bronze and cream colors in general -- these are what I wear year round. I think Fall could be my favorite season of all just because how laid back it is. It doesn't call for minimal clothing like summer, nor does it call for excessive clothing like winter, and spring is awkward to me cause it's chilly and sunny at the same time.. I love fall. Have I said that already? Okay.

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INSTAGRAM: @itscarlasamson

TWITTER: @itscarlasamson

Mid Year Blog Giveaway!

I'm in a generally good mood today, and I thought.. Why not have a blog giveaway? :) Unlike the others, this won't be one where you have to come up with the best answer -- all you have to do is tweet & share on Facebook and voila! I'll be picking randomly :) So first of all, what's up for grabs?

Three lovely pieces from Carla's Closet :) We never had the chance to put these up online cause they never seemed to be coherent with the other collections, that's why I'm giving it away here :) These are made in Bangkok and Hong Kong just in case you're wondering :) They're all free size (but I'd really suggest them for small to medium sized girls) :)

And a choice of 3 bracelets  of your choice (2 from the crystal bracelets & 1 from the studded leather collection) from @cutiestuffy on Instagram :) 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Follow me on Twitter @wizCARLIEfa

2. Tweet the following "@wizCARLIEfa blog giveaway now up on http://itscarlasamson.blogspot.com!"

3. Like https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carlas-Closet/284256844923575 (Carla's Closet) on Facebook

4. Follow me on Instagram (if you're on it) @itscarlasamson :)

Promo will start today, July 20 and will end on July 23! The winner will be announced on July 27 by random picking! Enjoy xx

Makeup Starter Kit

Do you guys wanna know a secret? I don't post fashion related things anymore cause I'm really fat -- and it's kind of depressing and disgusting (for me) to look at. Haha! I'm not posting this to get any pity from you guys! No, no. I'm just saying it as a matter of fact, and I've promised to myself that I'll post outfit stuff once I'm back in shape. :) Instead, I'll be posting makeup related things (which is really my passion) :) Hope you guys don't get too bored! 

PS! Keep scrolling cause I have a surprise at the end :)

I've posted some high-end and drugstore products on here :) I'll also list alternatives!

1. Liquid Foundation

This is the only product you will see me splurging on because of how essential it is to me. The benefit of wearing a liquid foundation is that it covers up all the imperfections of my skin and tops it off with a new natural layer that somehow protects my skin from dirt! Compared to a powder foundation, it'll absorb better into your skin creating a really natural beautiful look. 

RECOMMENDATIONS: There are different kinds of foundation for different skin types, for those who have dry to normal skin I'd suggest you check out Nars Sheer Glow or Neutrogena Healthy Skin and for those who are more problematic like me and have oily skin I suggest you use MAC Studio Fix or Revlon Colorstay.

Tips: If you want to know the perfect foundation for you, go to a MAC cosmetics store and ask the makeup artist to swatch you for your shade. After go on over to temptalia.com and check their foundation matrix to see all the compatible shades with your skin from different brands! :)

Revlon Colorstay in 200 Nude (MAC equivalent NC25)

2. Compact Powder

The powder photographed below is from MAC which is actually a full coverage foundation as well! However, I don't like using it alone as it's hard to work with as a foundation -- I often use this to set my foundation and will only use it as a foundation if I'm in a rush. Now the beauty of compact powders is that they are able to soak up the oil in your face and remove that overly shiny look you get. This is best for people who have generally oily skin, and for those who don't have problematic skin, I still suggest that you get a compact powder for quick touch ups -- preferably in a sheer finish just so it gets rid of oiliness on the face.

RECOMMENDATIONS: True Match compact powder by Lóreal, Stay Matte by Rimmel, Translucent Mattifying Powder by Elf

MAC Studio Fix in NC25

3. Concealer

With concealers, I really have no preference be it liquid or creams just as long as they're full coverage and as long as I don't have to put on too much for it to conceal imperfections with my skin. I know that most of you guys (I'm guessing people who read my blogs are either students, or working already) spend sleepless nights trying to finish all kinds of requirements and wake up with dreadful dark spots under your eyes or worst, catch a pimple from all the stress! Fear not, for concealers are with you. I have been saved by this beauty product since highschool, and it really works wonders. I use a lighter shade for under my eyes, to make it look vibrant, and use a skin tone shade for blemishes -- be sure NEVER to put the light shade concealer on your blemishes because it will only emphasize it. If you've got good skin with just eyebags, then I suggest you only use a concealer. I've seen so many youtube makeup gurus just using concealer as a base for their face for a more natural look and it also feels lighter on your face.

RECOMMENDATIONS: YSL Touche Eclat, Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Kit, NYX Concealer in a Jar

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC30

4. Eyebrow Pencil

I honestly would not know what to do with my life if it weren't for eyebrow pencils, eyebrow powders and eyebrow mascaras. Your eyebrows really create a different face for you -- like me, I have a round face, and by creating a high arched brow I'm able to elongate my face and make it look less round. There are many different eyebrow shapes you can create with an eyebrow pencil, and the best use for them is to really fill the sparse areas in your eyebrows with and make them look fuller. Your eyebrow pencil shade should be two shades lighter than your hair color if you have dark hair -- and as for blondies, I'm really not sure! You can top it off with eyebrow mascara so that the hair matches the shade of your pencil, but that isn't necessary for all. 

RECOMMENDATIONS: MAC Eyebrow Pencil, Revlon Brow Fantasy, Maybelline Define A Brow

Maybelline Define A Brow in Dark Blonde (Great dupe for MAC Lingering)

 5. Neutral Eyeshadows

Simplicity is key -- that's how I'd like to put it. But being simple doesn't mean you're not allowed to wear eye makeup! The trick is finding an eye look that still looks very natural and fresh, and that's exactly what you get when you go for neutral shadows. I have a million palettes of different neutral shadows from numerous drugstore and high-end brands and this is something I'm really an expert on, I must say. Neutrals look good on anyone no matter what skin color they might have, and that's why this is a MUST in every girl's make up kit!

RECOMMENDATIONS: Wet n Wild Walking on Eggshells, Benefit's Big Beautiful Eyes, Sigma Bare Palette 

Maybelline Chai Latte Quad and NYX Trio in Dandy

6. Eyelash Curler & Mascara

The eyes are the window to the soul as they say -- and if people are gonna look into your soul, better have a great entrance! Your eyelashes brighten up your eyes and make them look big and beautiful! For girls with big eyes, mascara is not your enemy! If anything, they save you from people staring at your eyeballs and thinking "Oh god look at what big eyeballs she has!" instead with that extra layer of mascara people can say "Look at how her mascara brings out her eyes!" Haha! Especially for chinky eyed girls,this will really make your eyes open (no pun intended!) :)

RECOMMENDATIONS: Maybelline Great Lash, Maybelline One by One Volum' Express, and Maybelline Falsies, Fairydrops mascara

ELF Eyelash Curler and Maybelline One by One Volum' Express

 7. Eyeliner

Often times, I skip this part when I'm putting on my makeup and I realize that everytime I do, I regret it! Especially for us Asians who have generally smaller eyelids, eyeliners can create a different shape for your eyes -- it can make them look longer and sometimes bigger! I prefer doing a winged liner because it makes my eyes pop. Try doing different eyeliner styles on yourself! Photographed below is a liquid liner and a pencil eyeliner, however I really prefer gel liners. They're longer lasting, smudge less and are easier to control!

RECOMMENDATIONS: Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner, Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner, Maybelline Line Stiletto

24 Hr Brow&Lash Water Strong Liquid Liner from Sasa HK and Maybelline Expert Eyes

8. Face Primer

 For those who have imperfect skin, and huge pores, face primer will really save you when you put on liquid foundation! When putting on foundation the product goes into your skin unevenly and you'll see that the foundation looks "splotchy" on your skin. By putting on a primer, it will create a new layer of your face that's even so that your foundation can glide on smoothly.

RECOMMENDATIONS: MAC Prep and Prime, Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

Benefit's The Porefessional

9. Moisturizer with SPF

Moisturizer's have a lot of benefits like nourishing the skin and hydrating it (something that we really need living in this tropical country), it can reduce the size of your pores, it serves as a protective layer on your skin so that dirt won't get in, and protects it from the sun (if you use one with SPF)! You need this especially if you'll be putting on foundation and powder which can really dry your skin out!

RECOMMENDATIONS: Philosophy's Take A Deep Breath, Lóreal Hydrafresh, Clinique's Moisture Surge

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture with SPF 15

 10. Neutral Lipstick

Pinks, reds and other wilder colors are for another day, but for your basics I suggest that you stick to a neutral lip color -- one that's closest to your natural lip color just to give it a bit of definition. I prefer matte lipsticks over those with frost finishes. My personal favorite is NYX soft matte lip cream! It looks and feels great!

RECOMMENDATIONS: Wet n Wild, Revlon, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, MAC

Revlon's Mauve It Over and NYX's Stockholm

That's it for today! BTW, I'm planning to have a livestream show every weekend of makeup tutorials and questions that any of you might have regarding certain products! Tweet me @wizCARLIEfa or comment below if you'd like for it to happen or if you have questions already! :)

xx

Review: Drugstore & High End Foundation ♡

I'm sorry if the thumbnail is flipped, but if you watch the video, it isn't. So don't worry! Haha. Enjoy! xx

Girls of One Direction

Make Up Review: High End Mascara ♡

Disclaimer: All the mascaras featured in this post are part of Sephora Favorites Lashtash kit. Not all of them are available here in Manila, I'm afraid. But you can purchase them online through Sephora or Ulta. :)

1. STILA Forever Your Curl

Product: 7/10

Texture: 9/10

Longevity: 6/10

Application: 10/10

Packaging: 4/5

OVERALL: It's more of a lengthening mascara than it is volumizing. It's not waterproof, and did not last me the whole day. At around 2 in the afternoon, I could it see it running a bit already. 

RECOMMEND: No.

2. URBAN DECAY Supercurl Curling

Product: 9/10

Texture: 8/10

Longevity: ?

Application: 10/10

Packaging: 5/5

OVERALL: I loved the brush of this product! It cradles my lashes with the curved brush and helps apply mascara even to the lashes near my eye's inner corner which is really hard to reach. The consistency of the mascara itself was just okay, nothing spectacular -- but it was volumizing.

RECOMMEND: Yes.

3. TOO FACED Lashgasm

Product: 8/10

Texture: 9/10

Longevity: ?

Application: 7/10

Packaging: 4/5

OVERALL: It's a mediocre mascara. It does the job of adding depth to your lashes but it doesn't do a spectacular one. It has an odd scent, almost alcohol like, and the application wasn't too smooth. The packaging looks pretty fancy though.

RECOMMEND: No.

4. MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash

Product: 4/10

Texture: 5/10

Longevity: ?

Application: 5/10

Packaging: 3/5

OVERALL: This product is the shittiest piece of mascara I've ever tried on. SUCH A WASTE OF TIME. When I opened the bottle I don't know if it was Sephora or Make Up For Ever's fault, but the product was dry already! The brush looks like a toilet cleaner, and the product was so chunky on the top I don't know how the company imagined putting this on clients! So disappointing for a company like Make Up For Ever.

RECOMMEND: NO.

5. BARE MINERALS Flawless Definition Volumizing

Product: 8/10

Texture: 8/10

Longevity: ?

Application: 9/10

Packaging: 4/5

OVERALL: Oddly enough, this product had a pretty interesting effect on my lashes. It made them "boom", like I grew little lashes all over. It is volumizing, but in a different way I can't explain. It volumizes your lashes in a "natural" way as if you weren't wearing any mascara.

RECOMMEND: Depends on what your preference is.

6. HOURGLASS Film Noir Full Spectrum

Product: 8/10

Texture: 7/10

Longevity: ?

Application: 9/10

Packaging: 3/5

OVERALL: Nothing special about this product. It gives your lashes a little coverage, very natural, and probably just for a day look. The packaging wasn't too special, actually it was too simple. It's got a pretty decent brush which is good for a lengthening mascara.

RECOMMEND: No.

7. JOSIE MARAN GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan

Product: 8/10

Texture: 8/10

Longevity: ?

Application: 7/10

Packaging: 5/5

OVERALL: The packaging is so cute!! That's it. Haha! The brush is awful, and doesn't do anything to volumize your lashes. I like the product though, it has a creamy consistency. I wish it came with a different brush instead!

RECOMMEND: Depends on your preference.

8. TARTE Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart

Product: 7/10

Texture: 7/10

Longevity: ?

Application: 8/10

Packaging: 5/5

OVERALL: The product itself isn't too creamy -- it's more liquid-y? Haha. It's okay as a lengthening mascara for me. Nothing special really.

RECOMMEND: No.

9. SEPHORA Full Size Advanced Lash Booster

Product: 8/10

Texture: 8/10

Longevity: 8/10

Application: 9/10

Packaging: 3/5

OVERALL: Despite this mascara not having much coverage (not really lengthening/volumizing), it feels good on the lashes and lasts for a pretty long time. It's very natural looking but makes your lashes noticeable.

RECOMMEND: Depends on your preference.

10. FAIRYDROPS Scandal Queen

Product: 10/10

Texture: 10/10

Longevity: ?

Application: 10/10

Packaging: 5/5

OVERALL: I absolutely loved this product!! The wand is so cute! It's something I've never seen before (and mind you, I've tried on a hell of a lot of mascara products). The consistency is perfectly creamy, great for volumizing, and the application is just so smooth! I wish we had Fairydrops in Manila! I'll definitely be restocking this when I get back to LA.

RECOMMEND: Yes.

Tweet me @poCARLIEsweat for questions and suggestions! Thank you. :)