Let me break it down for you. No matter how much people claim ELF is the more affordable twin of NARS, no matter how much similar their packaging and layout is and no matter how much they're promoted as the "poor-man's" NARS, ELF will never be NARS or even a straight-up dupe of it.


ELF BRONZER DUO in TURKS AND CAICOS

A $30 formulation + extensive research does not equal a $3 one's. Let's be real here.

...BUT this is good stuff. :)

I really like ELF's studio line bronzers. I've tried their all-matte one (Cool), which was what I was originally going to get but surprise! They don't carry it here in Manila. Huhu

Asian's like their shimmer, I ain't gonna lie, I like me some shimmer too but that all-matte (cool) one is a really great shade for me as a contour. If you get the chance, try it. For reference I'm a light-medium/medium yellow-olive. (MUFE 120 Soft Sand / 123 Desert / MAC NC25-NC30) . I put two shades since I can use either depending on how much sun exposure I get and mostly I jump between them. But I tend to go lighter since I'm acidic and bases oxidize 2-3 shades darker on me.

If you want to know what I think about this duo, read on.

I admit, I've heard a little about PAC, but only  regarding them being a high quality professional artistic makeup brand as their name might suggest.

A makeup brand by Martha Tilaar it was essentially conceptualized as the professional makeup for asian women. So most if not all products are catered to and suitable for us Filipinas. They're apparently well known for their high quality, waterproof and long lasting makeup. But now they are easily available to end-consumers (us) which is amazing.

Given their price range I say they jump between BYS Cosmetics and Makeup Factory sometimes a little more.

And now to the main reason for this post.

Congratulations to the qualifiers!!!




These amazing and talented (and quite lucky too) qualifiers will be invited to attend an exclusive make up training and workshop on May 26, 2014 with Yuan Sng, an internationally renowned make-up artist from Singapore and a guest judge on Asia’s Next Top Model.



Hellooo durrr. (Guess who that is) It has been scorching hot lately and as much as I love sunny warm days (after experiencing around 5° C ---that one isn't fun) this is just too much! Highest recorded (day) temperature is 36° C but it feels at least 40° C. And the hot humid hair isn't helping at all.

Sunblock is a definite must no matter what season and even if the sun isn't peeking through during the day. Ultra Violet A (UVA) and Ultra Violet B (UVB)  rays do penetrate through clouds/tints/curtains etc. So don't think that shade is sparing you from harmful rays. The best those do is make you see a little better through the brightness..


Sun exposure is, essentially, subjecting yourself to sun damage – but in the same note, avoiding the outdoors altogether is both impractical and nearly impossible. - Dermplus

Now I didn't know that you're supposed to wear sunblock/spf everyday and throughout the seasons. I probably only learned this like 3-4 or so years ago? Just when I learned about BB creams. And before that had the misconception that sunblock is for when you go to the beach, go swimming or hiking. 

Even then it hadn't really sunk in that I really need spf everyday, at the very least whenever I go out.


image via NYpost

This slightly alarming image of an unknown truck driver definitely changed that mindset.Yep. That's for sure.

As you can clearly see, he has significant wrinkles on the left side of his face, probably the side which gets more sun exposure.

So kids, repeat after me. SUN PROTECTION is important.

Very good!

Dermplus, a brand I personally use (I use the SPF 80 one) is quite good and moisturizing. It helps soothe skin too while protecting you from the sun.

You can use it as a base under makeup but for oily skinned people and oily-combination skin, run away. It's very moisturizing, emollient and slippery not good if you want your makeup to stay for more than an hour.

For everyday house lounging, outings, hikings, beachings (?) it does the job. I mean SPF 80 is serious business much less SPF 130 which you would use if you're feeling a little crazy.

Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock is available in all leading drugstores, supermarket and department stores nationwide. 

PS. What do you use for sun protection? Is it included in your base of choice or do you use a separate one for everyday? Any recommendations?  I heard the Shiseido one is good because it gives a matte finish.




NOTE: This is a press release.