It's high time that you ladies know my go-to makeup products for 2012.  I don't really change my personal makeup kit that often, which explains why I don't do monthly favorites. I prefer to finish one product at a time especially if it's just for personal use.  However, I do keep on purchasing new makeup products if I find something interesting to add in my train case, which I use for my freelance gigs.

The Mac Prep + Prime Beauty Balm (original formula) is what I prefer to use as a face primer. I do not use this in an everyday basis. I usually apply primer on special days like a dinner date with hubby or if I'm out with friends.  This face primer contains SPF 35. Contrary to what other people say, this does not give me white casts in photos at all. White casts will only show if you use a face powder with SPF as well.

I only need a pea size amount to prime my whole face with this and it does help my makeup lasts longer. The new formulation of the Mac Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF 35 now comes in a 40ml tube and available in 3 shades, Extra Light, Light, and Light Plus. Still sold at the same price as the original formula at Php1,900 at local MAC counters.

The Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick with Vitamin E is my favorite multipurpose moisturizer. It can be used to lighten Marks and Blemishes. It soothes Rough, Dry Skin as well as Chapped Lips. This is what I normally use to lighten pimple marks and even out scars from tiny wounds.  I also use this in an everyday basis to soothe dry patches on my skin. It retails for only Php178 at Rustan's.

The Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is my favorite go to makeup base, if my face looks tired and dull. I first heard about this product through Lisa Eldridge's Youtube Channel.  Then my besties Raine and Khymm, recommended this product to me. They are also the ones who gave me the sample tubes I'm currently using.

All I can say about this product is WOW! It really does what it claims to be. It simply brightens and tightens your face in a matter of minutes. You only need to apply a thin layer of this product to your face, a pea size amount will suffice. Then set it with your usual face powder. You can see the results in just a couple of minutes. The full size tube retails for Php 2,100 at Rustan's.


The Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in C40,  became my favorite face powder ever since I bought my first compact last 2011. Though it is expensive, I decided to repurchase since, it is the only powder I found that matches my skin tone perfectly.  In addition to that, the first compact lasted for almost 10 months. The current compact I'm using is one that I bought last August 2012 and there's still so much product left. This product retails for Php1,700 at local Mac counters. You can read the full review HERE.

The Charm Luxe Retractable Kabuki, is what I love to use to apply my face powder. I do not use the free sponge that comes with my face powder compacts for several reasons. First, I find it more hygienic to use a brush rather than a sponge. Sponges tend to absorb more dirt and bacteria. Second, using a face brush gives me more control over the amount of product I want to apply and it gives a more flawless finish. Third, brushes do not absorb so much product like sponges do. Which is why one compact can last me a long time. Lastly, brushes are easier to clean especially with a brush cleaner. I don't need to keep repurchasing sponges anymore when they get all dirty. The Charm Retractable Kabuki retails for Php580, you can the full review HERE.


The Mac Powder Blush in Pink Tea, is my go to everyday blush. I just love the naturally soft pink flush it gives. It takes very little effort to blend this blush since it is already very sheer. I am not sure if this shade is still available at local Mac counters, it might be already discontinued. Mac Powder Blush retails for Php1,300.

The Mac Select Cover Up Concealer in NC30, is my favorite under eye concealer. It simply doesn't cake even if I already applied two layers. It gives medium to full coverage and easy to blend. It doesn't settle on fine lines as well. Retails for Php1,100 at local Mac counters.



The Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Papaya, is my go to lip gloss. I don't wear lip gloss that much but when I do feel like putting a little sheen on my lips, this is what I go for. I simply adore the shade, and it's the only lip gloss I carry everyday since I'm trying to use up this huge tube. This lip gloss retails for Php575 at local Revlon counters. You can read the full review HERE.

The Prestige Classic Lipstick in Madrid, is my go to pink lipstick. I switch up lipsticks for my personal makeup kit from time to time but this is my most worn pink lipstick for 2012. Since I don't wear eyeshadow everyday, I like using this lipstick to give color to my face. Prestige Cosmetics are available at Beauty Bar.


The Etude House 66 Big Eye Vitacara Mascara, was one of the things I bought at Etude House during their 50% off sale early last year. It bought it for only Php 224 (sale price). I wanted to try it out because of the unique comb wand it has. (see photo below).


I love using this mascara for everyday use especially on my lower lash line as it is very easy to use. Unfortunately, this particular mascara is already discontinued. I still haven't checked if Etude came out with a similar replacement for this.

The Etude House Oh m'Eye Lash Petticoat, is the very first eyelash primer I tried. I already repurchased this product because apart from being super affordable at only Php198, it really works. I use this most of the time for my lower lashes because it is very sparse. This Lash Petticoat, helps lengthen and add a couple of strands to my lower lashes. You can read the full review HERE.
 

The Etude House Easy Brow Pencil in No. 1, is my favorite eyebrow pencil ever. I have tried brow pencils both from local and international brands with the likes of Fanny Serrano, Nichido, Styli Style, Prestige, and Wet n Wild. For that price range, only the Etude House Easy Brow Pencil worked well for me. I haven't tried brow pencils from High End brands since I find it unpractical to spend Php800 or more for just one brow pencil. The best part is, this only costs Php128 at local Etude House stores. You can read my full review HERE.

The Nichido Mineral Spot Concealer Pencil in Natural, is what I normally use to highlight and cleanup my brow bone area after I fill in my brows. It just gives my brows that clean look.

The Prestige Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Black, is one of my best finds for 2012. I was searching for best drugstore waterproof eyeliner pencils online and stumbled on Barry M and Milani Liquif'Eye. However, they costs around Php350 - Php500 if bought on local online shops. Then I found this Prestige waterproof eyeliner pencil on Ebay.ph. I bought it right away since it was so affordable. I'm glad I did, this is the best black eyeliner pencil I've used to date. It stays all day and it doesn't budge, smudge or flake. It applies smoothly too. ^_^

This is probably the longest post I've written yet. I guess this time I blabbed to much.^_^

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***