When a moisturizer smells like choco

I am not a fan of lotion in my single days. I think they are greasy, uncomfortable on skin, and awkwardly warm to touch.
But age can change one's mindset and challenge one's preferences.

At forty, I have tried many a dozen brands of lotion of varying kinds and benefits.

Lotion with whitening  or sunscreen; or that gives instant fairness; lotion that smells like fruit and today a body moisturizer with a scent like-chocolate.

Not really picky when it comes to moisturizer for as long as it does its work, that is to smoothen a dry skin.

Smooth skin is a constant effort to achieve when you're forty. Domestic chores and daily mom duties can be stressful.  It is not just simple vanity but dry skin also is unhealthy.

Of all the lotion and moisturizer I've tried nothing tops the humble Johnson's brand. It is best used after taking a shower and at night.

Today I tried a brand I first knew of a few years ago- Palmer's.  It is more expensive than locally available lotion/ moisturizer, and it is not really a mainstream brand for Filipinos.

Having received a jar of Palmer's cocoa butter formula, I discovered that lotion does not have too smell like a chemical, but it can deliciously smell like-- choco.

That go to dessert and pick-me-upper food for many women can be smelled right from Palmers' product, making it a whiff of fresh scent to apply.

Palmers Cocoa butter is not your usual moisturizer. It is smooth, and buttery in consistency,  it glides easily on fingertips and although it feels a little warm on skin, this fades away after application.

First impression is good, Palmer's cocoa butter formula smells decadently sweet and like cocoa butter,  it appeals to the palate as if it can be licked on (oh such a tease).

But what earns loyalty for a product is  not how it does good in the initial review; but by having a unique product quality that cannot be found in others.  And the Palmer's moisturizer has it.

Too early to tell if the cocoa butter infused moisturizer is more than the sweet disposition it impresses upon use; but a moisturizer that is effectively reliable is in the want list of most makeup moms.


Copyright 2017.
Philippines

All rights reserved.

First impressions of Naturactor

Not the type to easily jump on trends, as I know the limitations of having sensitive skin, I recently tried Naturactor powder foundation in shade 252 out of sheer curiousity after having read the very good reviews the product got from bloggers and from makeup junkies I personally know of.

Oftentimes, I welcome new products which promise the moon and the stars (just a hyperbole), with skepticism; mostly I only get to try them after the trend has waned.

For me, product versatility and chemistry are my two considerations for trying and staying loyal to a particular product.

Versatility meaning the makeup can be used daily on ordinary days and used on dates or other functions.

Chemistry for me (yes this is not just for relationships), is having that "meant for you"  kind of feeling once you get to try the makeup product.

The same kind of feeling  you get when you blush or gush over a highschool crush, is somehow elicited after trying on a really good makeup brand.

For me, Naturactor powder foundation has all of these product qualities.

Naturactor powder foundation at first dab gives a very unique scent uncommonly associated in other powder foundation. The fragrance it imbibes is not distracting but enticing, hinting a relaxing and homey scent.

The sponge applicator of the Naturactor shade 252 has a very luxe feel which is even better than the sponges of high end brands like Mac and the Korean fave Laneige.

This Japanese brand certainly speaks of excellence in details as Naturactor can boast not only of quality ingredients (jojoba and squalene to name a few), but also has that exquisite appeal from scent to packaging, and provides an important product coverage.

Unlike other makeup brands that come in fancy designs, Naturactor has a simple stylish earth-toned product box that is not overly girly or accessorized, but  rather minimalistic yet feminine.

The powder foundation is best for ladies who go for makeup that has natural coverage because
it feels light as if you just put on the ever reliable Johnson's face powder, but it gives better coverage.

For me even if Naturactor claims to provide coverage for blemishes, the powder foundation can simply be used as a prep makeup before one goes about her daily activities.

The beauty find can also do away with other makeup items that tend to complicate one's makeup routine such as concealer, highlighter, etc.

What's more this powder foundation does not require above average makeup skills to use and apply.

Its fuss-free and not too time consuming; you do not need a makeup brush, just use the built-in sponge to enjoy this nice makeup must try for ladies and moms on the go.

This compact powder foundation stays true to its reputation for quality, and is undeniably a cosmetic kit staple that can brag to outbest other brands of makeup.

In addition, Naturactor channels an aura of beauty to the wearer and a dewy glow that can give a makeup fan confidence and product satisfaction.



Disclaimer: this is not a sponsored blog. The makeup philosopher's review of the product is based on product impressions vis a vis her personal standards for makeup. The writer does not claim to be a makeup artist or expert, nor claims suitability of the products mentioned for all makeup users.

The makeup philosopher is all for healthy and fun, purposive, and creative makeup use.

Copyright 2017.
Philippines

All rights reserved.

To blush or not to blush

Two items must have for me, well make it three in the cosmetic kit of a lady are : powder, lipgloss or lipbalm and blush on.

Powder covers the oilyness on face, a balm hydrates and gives a touch of color on the lips, while a blush channels a pretty woman on the go. Here pretty does not mean fancy party beauty but au naturelle blushing cheeks kinda lady.

There are different types of blush:  the powder type, liquid or cream blush (again what I share is based on personal preference and I'm not saying this as a professional artist or expert).

Cream easily blends well on the skin especially if you use a cream blush of Canmake Japan.

I also find Bench's cream blush nice and practical as the stick glides smoothly upon use and unlike other brands, its cream blush size can last longer unlike other expensive brands.

For teens' everyday wear, Avon's Simply Me powder blush can come very handy. Aside from its affordability, it can be a good product to start with, and uncomplicated to apply unlike others.

Liquid cheek tint can provide multi functionality as it can also double as a lip tint.

But not all liquid cheek blush are ideal to use as some can be hard to apply, while others stain like paint and is hard to tone down once applied.

Also cheek tint blends well with brush and sponge and not on finger tips (again this is for me only).

So I guess simply put it, powder is a staple wear, while cream blushes are for the adventurous makeup wanderer.

Disclaimer:  This is not a sponsored blog. Products mentioned with specific brands are based on writer's actual preference.

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A Makeup Philosophy

For me a woman's makeup should never be pretentious, meaning it should not make the wearer look like something she is not.

Example, if one has always been known for her simplicity but her makeup defies her personality then it becomes a cover up of sorts to the beauty of a woman.

An overly fashion-esque makeup even for an important occasion may be eye-catching to some, but it can be distracting because even  if it does highlight a woman's assets, it merely glosses over them.

Yes, makeup can be fun, flirty or romantic indicative of a woman's mood but it should be wearable, practical, and honest to one's skin and true beauty.

Hence I am not a fan of smokey glam makeup styles. More often, I go for nude shades, barely there bb creams, fresh pastels for blushes and earth tones for eyeshadows.

Heavy makeup for me should be used primarily to serve as a helpful cover for the sun, and not to enhance one's features or cover one's imperfections.

A makeup should make the wearer feel beautiful, with or without a makeup on.

Hence, my peg for their makeup artistry are Barbie Chan who gives simple and easy to follow makeup tutorials; Maggie Wilson for her very feminine makeup styles for
Happy Skin; and the Purple Heiress for her down to earth, easy to follow makeup videos that Filipinas of any age can relate to.

Copyright 2017
Philippines

All rights reserved.