February 2014 Favorites

Sorry for slackin' on maintaining my blog! I'm swamped with college life. You see, I'm kinda trying to finish college before I'm a grandma! LOL



Beauty Favorites
Makeup and skincare products that I've been loving for the month of February

1. Maybelline Eye Studio Master Shape Brow Pencil in Soft Brown

FYI, this is more of a tinted brow wax.

2. Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-In-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector in Light/Medium

3. Philosophy Hands of Hope

4. Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Loose Finishing Powder in Medium

THE BEST POWDER EVER!!!

5. L'Oreal Extraordinaire Gel Lacquer 1-2-3 Kit 

6. L'Oreal Extraordinaire Gel Lacquer 1-2-3 Nail Color in Mean To Be and Diamon In The Buff

7. Covergirl Clump Crusher Extensions Lashblast Mascara in Very Black

8. New York Color Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny

9. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Random Favorites

Non- beauty items that I have been loving for the month of February

1. Orange is the New Black

2. Blackfish

3. The Secret

I watched the film. Currently reading The Power.

4. Childish Gambino

January 2014 Favorites

Beauty Favorites
Makeup and skincare products that I've been loving for the month of January

1. ELF Makeup Mist and Set

2. The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser

3. Olay ProX Even Skin Tone Brightening Renewal Cream

4. Too Faced Bulletproof Brows in Universal Brunette

5. Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation in 845 Warm Beige

6. MAC Extra Dimension Blush in At Dusk

7. Simple Soothing Facial Toner

8. The Body Shop Aloe Lip Care

9. MAC Creme Cup Lipstick

10. MAC Modesty Lipstick



Random Favorites
Non- beauty items that I have been loving for the month of January

1. The Following

Recently, I finished watching ALL of CSI: Miami on Netflix. I told my friend, who is an English student at UC Berkeley (and if you watch this show, then you know why I mention this. Hehe.), and he introduced me to this show. It is so good! It is a thriller/ mystery show. It kinda reminds me of a more adult/ less girly/ real-world version of Pretty Little Liars. If you're into that, then you will love The Following! FYI, the whole first season is available on Netflix.

2. Outliers: The Story of Success

This is my favorite book I listened to via  Audible.com. Now, this is NOT for everyone. I can see it being boring to many of my followers. This is just what  I am into. As you know, I am studying Sociocultural Anthropology. I very much enjoy books on Social Science. Btw, the first song on The Heist by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis is called "Ten Thousand Hours". Ten thousand hours is based on this book!

Review/ Swatches: Too Faced Bulletproof Brows

Today, I am reviewing Too Faced Bulletproof Brows. I bought mine at Sephora for $30 USD. It includes 0.07 oz of product and a double-ended brow brush/ spoolie. The product comes in 2 shades: Universal Brunette (for brunettes) and Universal Taupe (for blondes). The packaging is quite unique. It comes in a standard compact with a mirror on the inside top. Inside the compact is another lid covering the pot of product, I'm assuming, to prevent it from drying out.

CLICK ANY IMAGE TO VIEW LARGER

I feel like the top competitor for this product is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade. It costs $18 USD for 0.14 oz of product. The double-ended brow brush/ spoolie is sold separately for $18 USD. It comes in 4 shades: Auburn, Dark Brown, Chocolate, and Ebony. Unfortunately, I have not tried the Dipbrow Pomade nor similar products such as Tarte Amazonian Clay Brown Mousse ($28 USD). Therefore, this is NOT a comparison blog post to those products.

The only thing that I already own that I feel is somewhat comparable is the Maybelline Color Tattoo. It is similar in the way it blends, sets, and wears.

Texture
The Too Faced BPB has a cream mousse texture. When I feel the product between my finger tips, it almost feels like a cream-to-powder product. I can feel it getting lighter as I blend it with my fingers.

Blendability/ Buildability
The product applies opaque smoothly. It is not darker where you initially make contact. The product is extremely blendable! I can see why there is only 2 color shades! You can sheer it out if you have natural light brown brows. If you have darker brows, you can add a sheer additional layer. However when you apply multiple layers, it does appears cakey. Similar to the Maybelline CT, you can blend it out to get a softer look. I have off-black hair (asian hair) and 1 layer slightly blended with a 1 layer underline is efficient to fill-in my brows. I like my brows to look as natural as possible, but better.

Setting/ Wear
It sets in about 60 seconds, just like it claims on the box packaging. Like the Maybelline CT, you can blend it out all you want but once it is set, it is SET! It absolutely does NOT budge! When it sets, the feel of it kind of reminds me of the Revlon CS. When you run your fingers across it, you can feel a slight tug where you placed the product but the product itself does not smear at all. I have worn this product for 10 hours straight and it looked exactly how it was when I first applied it.

Removal
Like the Maybelline CT and the Revlon CS, it does not come off too easily. I used the original ELF Makeup Remover Wipe to remove it swatching these and had to use a little effort to remove the product. When I actually wear it, I wash it out with a regular face wash (along with the rest of my makeup) and it comes right out-- no problem.

I wore my Too Faced BPB for the first time on my birthday.

Overall
I  absolutely LOVE the Too Faced BPB! It is sealed in as my holy grail brow product. I'm not going to lie: when I first saw it on the self in Sephora, I was so happy to see it in person! When I saw the price, I literally said "WHAT THE F***!?!" It is pretty expensive for what it is in comparison to other similar products. Considering what you are getting, I think it is worth it. It has 2 shades, so it completely throws the guess work of color matching out the window! (Unless you are a true red head, I don't think either of the shades will match. That is only 1 downfall of the color range.) Since it is very blendable, it is forgiving and foolproof! It is good for someone somewhat new to filling-in her brows. It comes in the compact with a mirror and a double-ended brow brush/ spoolie, which makes it perfect for traveling! I highly recommend the Too Faced Bulletproof Brows and I will definitely repurchase!

RULES: Valentine Lottery 2014

@makeupbeautyheaven Valentine Lottery 2014

Believe it or not, I do not have a Valentine this year. I am looking for someone to spread the love to and shower with gifts on Valentine's Day 2014. I am genuinely having this lottery to make someone's V-Day a little less lonely this year, who otherwise would be. I ask that those who are already sharing Valentine's Day with someone else to be courteous. This lottery is intended for those that do not have anyone to spend V-Day with.

HOW IT WORKS: The lottery will run for 5 days. Each day, I will post a question (or 2) to get to know you better in order for me to cater the prize especially for you. You must answer all 5 questions to be fully qualified.

PRIZE: A care package full of surprises and a few more extra surprises! We all like surprises, right? All surprises will total to a $100+ value. Actual prize will be catered to the winner based on her response.

TO ENTER:
1. You must be a mainland United States or DC resident. This excludes Alaska, Hawaii, and all U.S. Territories.
2. You must be atleast 15 or older.*
3. Follow me and do not unfollow. I will disqualify you in future giveaways/ lotteries.
4. Like the lottery question post for each day
5. Comment your answer the question(s) asked for each day in this format- Enter me: (answer).

NOTE: All are welcome to participate in answering the questions (without "Enter me:..."). I would love to get to know all my beauty angels! I HIGHLY discourage those who have a Valentine/ significant other from entering. *If you are a minor, you must have your parent(s)'s permission to receive the prize if you are declared the winner. A winning minor will only receive the care package.

SELECTION: I will number off each fully qualified entrant. A number will be selected at random via Random.org. The entrant to the corresponding number will be declared the winner. I will notify the winner via Instagram Direct Message. The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize, otherwise another person will be chosen.

ENTRIES CLOSE FEB. 5 @ 11:59PM PST
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED FEB. 6 @ 9:30AM PST

Please do not publicize this lottery in any way. Notice that I do not add hashtags. I want to keep this lottery strictly to those already following me. I am not using this as a method to gain followers. This lottery is for my (lonely) beauty angels and my beauty angels ONLY.

Review/Swatches: ELF 50 Piece Makeup Artist Palette

Woo hoo! My first review and swatches!

Today, I am reviewing the ELF 50 Piece Makeup Artist Palette. On the official website, it is $25 (USD). It includes 5 blushes, 5 bronzers, and 40 eyeshadows in an array of colors. The actual palettes are removable and are stacked to fit inside the a hard plastic case, which has a big mirror built in. 

They also have a 56 Piece Makeup Artist Collection holiday/gift set, which includes this exact palette in a white case and 6 other pieces from the Essential line. This collection is $30 (USD) on the website.

I purchased mine during the website's half-off sale over the holidays for my makeup artist kit. I primarily got the palette for the blush/bronzer portion of the palette. For me, the eyeshadows were just a convenience.


CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO VIEW LARGER

The cover of my palette is slightly damaged from being stored in my kit. I covered the mirror with the blush palette. The mirror takes up the entire inside lid.

The blushes in the palette are very nice. They all have no glitter in them, which I personally prefer. In the pan, these blushes have very subtle flecks of glitter in them. On the skin, you cannot see the glitter at all and leaves a natural matte finish (subtle sheen).
The first color is more of a highlighter for sure. It looks just like a pink version of Strange from the UD Naked 3 Palette. The only issue that I want to point out is that it applied super powdery! Given that this is by ELF, I can't be too mad about it. Since it does apply powdery and has minimal reflecting properties, I don't think it would be the best option as a cheek highlighter.
The rest of the blushes are gorgeous! I'm so happy ELF selected these shades in the palette! They are pigmented and blend-able. The second shade is the standard baby pink; third is a hot pink; fourth is a universal pinky-nude (flattering on all skin tones); and the fifth is a bright coral.

The bronzers have the same finish as the blushes, but the glitter is oh-so slightly more noticeable in the three last shades. You really need to be up close and personal for anyone to see it. In the photo, you can't even see it! Honestly, I can't think these are bronzers at all. The only one I would consider is the fourth one. It is matte enough to use a contour bronzer if your skin tone is compatable. I can see it being mostly used to get a sun-kissed glow if you use it light-handedly (remember, they are pigmented!).
The rest of the bronzers are really more like nude-toned blushes. But hey, who doesn't like blushes, right?

The first row of eyeshadows are smokey shades. They would look great for a evening look. Generally, they all applied and blended nicely. The white first shade was a bit too powdery, but then again it's ELF. The only problematic shade was the last shade, which is a matte black. It applied patchy and I had to swatch several layers to get it to how it is in the photo.

The second row are shades of green and blue. This is the most disappointing row. As you can see, a lot of them are very sheer. I was most excited about the fourth shade. In the pan, it is a bright turquoise. Unfortunately, the color pay off did not deliver. The shade that disappointed me the most is the last shade. Again, I had to apply so much product to make it how it is in the photo and it still does not look good.
The sixth and seventh (the ones were it looks like there is a gap) are super sheer! However, they are actually just shimmer with a sheer base. Sixth has a sheer light blue base with silver shimmer. Seventh has a sheer, medium blue base with gold shimmer. I think all these shades (especially 6th and 7th) would look best with a white base underneath.

The next row are pinks and purples. Honestly, if this was it's own palette, I would totally be all over it! They are all so pretty! I have absolutely no complaint for this row of shadows. What you see is what you get!

The last row of shadows are nude, bronze, and copper shades.They all applied wonderfully. One thing I want to mention is that the gold fourth shade is only one swipe! It is the most pigmented shadow in the whole palette! I was very impressed with it!

OVERALL, I would recommend this palette. It is a genuinely a great palette to have if you're on a budget. It has wide color selection for all occasions, which makes it very versatile. A large majority of the palette has excellent color pay off. It is such a good deal for the price. It would be an even better deal if you can get this on sale like I did!


Thanks for reading!

♥ Jesse

20 FACTS ABOUT ME

1. My name is Jesse. Yes, spelled with no "i"!

2. I am proud to be California-born and raised ([fact 2.5] with the exception of when I lived in Portland, OR from age 3- 7)!

3. I am in college and studying Sociocultural Anthropology.

4. I am a Registered Dental Assistant in California.

5. I am a true world-traveler! I've been to London, Berlin, Nuremberg, Vienna, Rome, Milan, Hong Kong, Dubai, Sharjah, Vancouver, Toronto, Manila, Cebu City, Davao City, Guam, Honolulu.... not to mention places I have been within mainland USA.

6. I am obsessed with anything and everything California-related!

7. I stand at 4'10" (147cm), which makes me 1 inch taller than Snookie from Jersey Shore!

8. I starred as the lead actress in an indie film in high school. It is floating around on the internet. Hopefully, you never find it and watch it! It's rated R!

9. I am the awkward middle child in my family. I have 1 older sister and 1 younger brother.

10. I am full Filipina. My dad is from Cebu and my mom is from Davao.

11. I studied graphic design and dropped out 2 semesters short of a certificate, due to schedule conflicts.

12. I am near-sighted and wear glasses for it.

13. I played the violin from 4th- 7th grade.

14. About a year ago, I butchered off 16 inches (40.5 cm) of my hair and donated it to Locks of Love. Yes, my natural hair is straight.

15. I competed for Miss Teen San Francisco 2009. I didn't take any place! #epicfail

16. I lived out on my own with one of my best friends in San Diego, CA for a year and a half.

17. I had braces for 16 months when I was in high school. I got them on when I was a freshman.

18. I twitch and jerk when I sleep. LOL

19. I was recruited and worked for the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. for almost 5 years from when I was 17. Fact 19.5, one of my former co-workers from the company is now a popular beauty guru! Unfortunately, we do not keep in contact.

20. My birthday is January 26, 1991. Thus, I am 23 years old!



If you read this far, THANK YOU! *internet big hug*

I made this blog for you beauty angels due to high demand. I will be posting swatches and more in-depth reviews to the products that I photograph on IG here. So whenever you see something you like on my IG, check this blog for more details! My blog link will always be located in my IG bio.