Contrary to what most people believe in that I need at least an hour to do my makeup, I actually need only at least 20-30 minutes. But to answer your question on what I do when I'm in a serious hurry and if I had just 5 minutes to do my makeup, I am proud to say, "CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!" 


CHALLENGE COMPLETE! So within 5 minutes here's what I did... I spent:

• 2 minutes for concealers (because I have acne and blemishes!) - please see my complete concealing ritual on my other video -- http://youtu.be/buCfnp-_wrg
• 1 minute for powder+foundation/contour (no blush-on)
• 1 minute for eyebrows (pencil this time because it's faster, normally I use a gel product)
• 30 seconds for curling lashes+1 coat of mascara (normally I do 2-3 coats, also no eyeshadow/eyeliner)
• 10 seconds for lipstick
• 20 seconds to BLEND, BLEND, BLEND.

• Naturactor Cover Face Concealer / Foundation in 171 and 151
• Maybelline New Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in Medium
• MAC Studio Fix Powder + Foundation in NC30
• Fanny Serrano Two-way Cake in Rajah
• AVON Glimmersticks Brow Definer in Dark Brown
• Fairy Drops Platinum Mascara
• Pixy Colors of Delight Lasting Matte Lipstick in Earthy Beige

Brushes Used:

• Precision Flat Angled P88 by Sigma Beauty for concealing
• Sigma Beauty Flat Kabuki F80 for powder/foundation
• Beauty Cosmetics Precision Angled Kabuki brush
• ELF Brow Spoolie

I am not afraid of change. In fact, I crave for it. Being born and raised in this provincial life, it is expected to live by traditions and follow certain rules and routines. However, I don't want to be just another sheep in a herd. I've always dared to be different.

That is why I get excited about trying new products. Moving on isn't very difficult for me because I somehow taught myself not to be utterly attached to things so that letting go comes easy. This turned me into a major consumer of all sorts of products. The bottomline is that I love to experiment, which is quite evident with what I've done with my hair over the years. I've probably tried most hair and skincare products displayed at the grocery, citing just a few which have become favorites. You see, I'm not like other people who hold onto things because they think it's "sayang". I say, "Let It Go!" I'd sing it, if I must. Truly we are all different and what works for others may not work for you and vice-versa.


In the United States, several companies provide product samples (or what we commonly know and refer to as "testers") that are readily available for potential buyers and customers to try. The concept of trying before buying always appealed to me and I always wondered why it's not very popular here in the Philippines. I can count the number of times I tried a sample size and actually bought a full-sized one because I loved it (and certainly not because the salesperson convinced me), but then I've lost count of the stuffs that have been wasted along with hard-earned money flushed down the toilet simply because I bought something without testing it and subsequently just failed me (and that's simply because I was carried away by somebody's sales pitch!).


So when I joined Sample Room last year, I practically sang HALLELUJAH in my head because I found myself in consumer heaven! I get to try more new products than I would normally do in a period of time and get them all for FREE! Yes, you read that right! Except I'd have to pay for shipping of course (because I live all the way out here in Narnia) but it is very minimal. Now in less than a year, I've tried over 70+ products. Rated and reviewed each one of them. Liked some and disliked some. But most of all, I found products that left a huge impact in my life since they were very effective at the same time affordable! These also made my family and friends happy because I also let them sample some of the products.

Some of the products I got from Sample Room.

Sharing is caring and I do recommend products which I believe in and have positive experiences with. The reason why I let other people sample them as well is because I'm hoping they will learn to let go of the things that are holding them back and embrace new ones which are more suited to them. Case in point, my mom who has been using this particular moisturizer since probably before I was born. And then I gave her moisturizers, one for daytime and one for nighttime use, and though it took a lot of convincing from my part to get her to even try it, I felt that it was my duty to make her use a product that is more suited to her aging skin. Eventually, she did. Kudos to my mom for giving in to my insistence powers of persuasion!  (Maybe to shut me up? Teehee!) Though I believe it took courage on her part to accept the change and move on. I am pretty sure that what may have worked for her 20 years ago definitely isn't working as good as it did for her back then.

More products grabbed along with the limited edition INSPIRE loot bag ver. 2.

Now I didn't major in Marketing nor I am good at sales talks, but I kid you not when I say I am an amazing influencer. I am proud of it and I consider it as an accomplishment. I can be pretty convincing, or so I am told oftentimes. If my purpose in life is to advise people and show them what they need, then so be it. To this day, I have preached and evangelized products which I truly believe in. Many of my friends come to me asking for product reviews and recommendations when I know they can easily Google it. Nevertheless, their trust in my judgment is very gratifying. It doesn't stroke my ego but it does boost my self-esteem at the same time it feels good to be able to help them. My family automatically makes me a decision-maker when it comes to purchasing products, too. I have replied to a gazillion online messages regarding products, not limited to skincare and beauty, but including electronics and computers, health and fitness concerns, as well as lifestyle changes.


As a blogger with a sizeable social media network, my reach includes my followers, fans, and even random strangers all over the Philippines and from other countries as well. It gives me great pleasure to help people out. Even though I'm not very skillful at things which could considerably contribute to society, I think I do have a gift when it comes to educating people and helping them make wise decisions so they can get their money's worth.

As of April 25, 2014

In line with Sample Room's mission and vision, I would like the opportunity to further aide my readers regarding beauty and wellness products by providing them with more objective reviews as a partner blogger through the samples I may get and that they can also grab for themselves at www.sampleroom.ph.  Together, we can experience the effectiveness of products so that any future purchases will become totally worth it!

Check out these past blog reviews I made for products that I got from Sample Room:

• Cure Natural Aqua Gel - http://www.bastaigatsikat.com/2013/04/cure-natural-aqua-gel-best-skin-exfoliator-review.html
• GLUTA-C Intense Whitening body lotion and body scrub - http://www.bastaigatsikat.com/2013/05/my-summer-essentials-plus-Gluta-C-review.html
  
• Céleteque DermoScience™ Acne Solutions Acne Spot Corrector Gel - http://www.bastaigatsikat.com/2013/05/review-celeteque-dermoscience-acne-solutons.html
• Shiseido Ibuki skincare line - http://www.bastaigatsikat.com/2013/09/review-ready-for-anything-with-shiseido-ibuki-skincare.html
• Colour Collection Vitamin E Sheer Lipstick in Pinkish Nude - http://www.bastaigatsikat.com/2013/08/review-Colour-Collection-Vitamin-E-Sheer-Lipstick-Pinkish-Nude.html
• Colour Collection Vitamin E Satin Lipstick in Red Wine - http://www.bastaigatsikat.com/2013/07/colour-collection-vitamin-e-satin-lipstick-red-wine-review.html
• Cynos Body & Thairaphy Morocco Argan Oil - http://www.bastaigatsikat.com/2014/02/liquid-gold-from-morocco-cynos-argan-oil.html
• Colour Collection Ultimate Wear Lipstick in Headturner - http://www.bastaigatsikat.com/2014/03/review-colour-collection-ultimate-wear-headturner.html
• Belo SunExpert Transparent Mist SPF50 and Face Cover SPF40 - http://www.bastaigatsikat.com/2014/04/stay-young-in-sun-beach-trip-with-belo-sunexpert.html

Current number of reviews I have posted at Sample Room.

 Please do follow me on Instagram to see latest products with mini-reviews I post from time to time.

www.sampleroom.ph

I really hope I can be part of Sample Room's Blogger Circle for 2014. As Simon Mainwaring once said, "More than ever before, consumers have the ability to unify their voices and coalesce their buying power to influence corporate behaviors." I want to join this circle and make it bigger so that our voices will be louder and the more we will be heard.

To be inspired is great. To inspire is incredible.

Can I get a thumbs up please? :)



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“Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give.”

As promised, here I am hosting another giveaway for my birthday! Whopeeeee! And this time I put together a beauty box containing 11 beauty items for one lucky Basta Igat, Sikat! reader. Check out this video below below to find out what's inside the box.



Excited to be the lucky winner? Please join via rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This contest will end on May 31, 2014. Open to my international readers as long as you have a valid PHILIPPINE address to join the contest so I can ship your prize if you are unable to pick it up. The name of the winner will be announced on my social media accounts. Be sure to follow me on FB, Twitter, and Instagram!


Good luck!


TWITTER ★ http://twitter.com/bastaigat_sikat
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INSTAGRAM ★ http://instagram.com/bastaigat_sikat
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BLOG ★ http://www.bastaigatsikat.com

The video that everyone's been waiting for is here! Finally, I got around to filming how I use my ultimate favorite concealer, Naturactor Cover Face. I'll have you know I'm not very good at editing videos so pardon me if I totally suck at it but don't worry, I'm trying my best to learn. This is also NOT A SPONSORED post so I'm not getting paid for doing this and I bought all my Naturactors with my own moolah. My only motivation here is to help others. If you are perpetually battling acne, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I feel you and I know how difficult it can be at times. Now if you're at a loss and have no idea what I'm saying, then why are you even reading this blog post?

RANT. Seriously, screw all those ads about showing your inner beauty and taking off your makeup. Dude, there's always a right time and place to paint your face! I say wear makeup if you want and don't let anyone stop you. Just make sure to wear the appropriate makeup, you know, day versus evening/night looks. I have makeup-free days during the majority of the week (because I work at home) but when I go out, you can't tell me it's okay and better to go out bare-faced. Hell, you don't know shiite about living in the province where people's noses are up in other people's asses all the time. FACT: People will stare. So make it worth their while! End of rant.

Story of my life.

Whew! Now that we got that out of the way...  let's move on. I've been using Naturactor since late summer of last year (see HERE for my previous step-by-step tutorial) and I still haven't finished my jar/s as you can clearly see in my YouTube video at the end of this blog post. There's really a lot of product in it and I use it very frequently.


Until I get that celebrity skin back (hopefully soon!), this concealer is my BFF for now. I'm all for the nomakeup-makeup look and frankly, you can't really tell I'm wearing makeup most of the time. That is, if you don't know what I look like with my bare face. Tee hee.

I started wearing makeup because I wanted to hide my pimples and consequently have people stop making those nasty remarks about my skin. I have feelings, you know. It's not nice listening to people stating the obvious. SAY NOTHING IF YOU HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO SAY, okay? Anyway, since I learned to cover and conceal all my acne, blemishes and other imperfections, I was able to do so much more. I got my confidence back and my self-esteem is much more improved. I don't have to limit myself and worry about people juding me anymore because, fuck you, I have mad makeup skills and I can come up with a million looks while you're stuck with that one face. So sad to be living in a world like this. But no worries, a little concealing here and there, and you can be as free as a bird!
 

Post by Maria Cecilia Tan Velásquez-Franco.

With no further ado, I present this video on HOW TO COVER AND CONCEAL your acne, blemishes, and other imperfections with Naturactor Cover Face Concealer and Foundation.

This is why I love makeup!

Stay tuned for the announcement of my upcoming birthday giveaway! It's coming up next... Bye for now and thanks for dropping by!

If taking pictures of oneself is linked to a mental illness then what does that make me? I've been doing this for more than 10 years, before selfies even became mainstream. We didn't call it a "SELFIE" back then. We had a more intense term for it and most of my friends basically know it as "CAMWHORING". Or when talking formally, we'd refer to it as "SELF-PORTRAIT". Yup, it began way before the days of Friendster, MySpace, and Multiply.

10-year old Selfies from 2004. :P

To tell you the truth, even before I had my first digital camera in 2001, I already took selfies and camwhored a lot. Was I crazy? You tell me. But I had so much free effing time on my hands. Guess I was just bored. Using my analog camera, I wasted a lot of film really. I think I have been quite narcissistic to begin with. But a mental disorder? Give me a break. I've never tried to kill myself over a silly picture nor did anyone else any harm. I take a picture not because I want people to LIKE my photos or seek approval. I collect these shots so I can have references. It's like a photo diary. After more than a decade, I have a good collection of photos that show the many changes of my face. Such as where little wrinkles have slowly surfaced, how my eyebrows changed over time, and even how my teeth seem to be moving apart! This way, it's easier for me to maintain or change my looks because I have documentation per se.

Circa 2002! Remember the ever popular SONY Night Shot mode? Ahem. Paris Hilton? Tee hee.

Eenie Meenie Miny Mo! Pick one and don't post everything in one go!

This is not an obsession you know. Why? Because I don't flaunt them or POST EVERYTHING ONLINE! I save them on my hard drive... for my personal use. Now, here's what I don't get. I don't understand why some people post ALL THEIR SELFIES in one album and share them publicly. I mean, SERIOUSLY!!! And then there are some who send me messages asking me to "LIKE" their profile pic. What gives??? You know, I take a series of photos and pick one or two I like best and I upload that. I don't post EVERYTHING. If you are guilty for doing just that, forgive me, but I think that's just a bit too much, isn't it? Pick one and be done with it! Honestly, nobody needs to see the 360-degrees of your face. Going back, it is not OK to ask people to "LIKE" your picture, unless it's a contest and you need votes. I do that and I'm happy to support anyone who needs support as well. But liking to gain popularity or to seek approval? Tsk tsk tsk. There's something wrong with you.

Make love to the camera. LOL.

If anything, taking that many photos sort of saved my life back in 2010... OK, I wasn't dying or anything but I had a tumor. Remember that, guys? I was doing my thing, you know taking a bunch of photos when I noticed, while choosing THE ONE to upload, that my left cheek or side of the face was not proportioned to the right one. Obsessive-compulsive, much? No. I was just curious. So I tried to palpate this "bulging" area and found out that there was something in there. To make the long story short (though you can read all about it HERE if you care), I found a growing quail egg-sized tumor on my salivary gland.

You can read about my submandibular gland tumor HERE.

It was a benign tumor and had been growing for like two years and was still continuing to grow. There was only one thing left to do. GET IT OUT! If not for me taking selfies and camwhoring, then who knows? My neck incision would have been much bigger if the tumor continued to grow! See? Even the doctors were amazed at how I found the tumor out just by taking pictures of myself and pointing out the difference between my old photos and newer ones with a lump on my neck area. Take note: SELFIES weren't very popular back then. I guess the doctors probably think I was just really narcissistic or something to be taking so many photos of my own face.

Well, what can I say? You have to love yourself first... because that's how you attract people. In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, "But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous."


With the advent of smartphones, taking a picture of yourself is now a cinch. Hello, front-facing cameras! Right now, I have a favorite angle. I know just the right lighting to get that perfect shot (NO FLASH!) and even the exact facial expression needed to complete the mood of the selfie (NO DUCK FACE!). I don't take THAT many shots anymore. I take less than 10 shots and pick THE ONE to post. If I can't decide which, then I make a collage. I really don't get why some people post an ENTIRE album of their SELFIES. Come on guys... are you mental? I can't stress this enough... JUST PICK ONE OR MAKE A COLLAGE. You weren't lazy to take a bazillion photos of your face, so I'm pretty sure you can spare a minute or two to pick a few favorites and create a collage, right?


Here are some tips I'd like to share with you after taking selfies and camwhoring for more than a decade. I love selfies. I'm not gonna stop right now even if they link it to mental illness and the like because look at me, I didn't go insane after all these years, in fact, at one point it pretty much saved my life and significantly improved my portrait photography skills. Tee hee.


1. Selfies are really best taken outdoors. But if you're inside a room, just find a spot with good lighting, like near the window. Also, do you ever notice why there are so many car selfies? The car windows provide great lighting from all angles, that is why. Additionally, do not under any circumstances, take a photo with lighting that's right overhead (fluorescent light, bulbs, etc.) because that will give you dark circles under your eyes. :) If you can, look for a reflector or a white sheet/board and place it on your lap to bounce the light. I also do not suggest using the flash from camera phones. It just make your photos really nasty. Eek!


2. Never take a selfie that shows your double (triple?) chin if you have any or take a pic from below the chin unless you want the world to see the cobwebs up your nose. It's all about the angle and that's why you'll need to find yours.


3. Take a selfie from above if you want bigger eyes and slimmer jaws. For a more flattering angle, contour your face with makeup if you can.


4. When taking a side selfie in vain atempts to make your nose look slimmer, don't turn your face too much that your other eye looks funny with your eyeball half disappearing or sliding into the socket. That's just weird. Turn your head ever so slightly so you can still see both eyes from the side view. Yeah, that's more like it.


5. Don't worry so much about framing. Just make sure you're inside the shot because you can always crop your photo afterwards. Use the RULE OF THIRDS when cropping your photo for better composition.


6. Over and again, if you can't decide what #selfie to upload or post, then please create a collage. You can use 2 or more photos if you like. Flooding people's feeds with your selfies is a big no no! I probably should start un-friending people who still do this. Hmm...


7. Use photography apps to enhance your photos. There are FREE ones like Snapseed, Line Camera, Camera 360, and WonderCam. Don't get excited with filters because then your photo will look "edited". Go #nofilter if you can. You know that if something bad happens to you, people will use your profile pic and if you want to be found in case you get kidnapped or go missing, who's gonna find you if you look nothing like your photo???


8. Use a tripod or monopod if you can to prevent blurring. Use a timer if it's available or a remote to press the shutter to avoid shaking the camera. Note: Did you know you can use your headphones volume button as a remote shutter?


9. Please ensure that your background is clean. The world doesn't need to see what a slob you are! Tee hee. There's just too many FAILED selfies out there. And if you do decide to take a mirror shot, please clean your mirror, too. Ahem. #OOTD #FOTD



10. Be comfortable. Forget anyone around who's watching you take a selfie. Show your killer smile and just have fun. Remember you should take a selfie for yourself, not for anyone else.


That's it! If I missed anything, check out this infographic below:


Now you're ready to take the perfect selfie... With all that's been said, just remember to SMILE. Because you never know who will fall in love with your smile. :)





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Before you embark on a far island getaway, have you ever stopped to think that paradise is just around the riverbend? I mean, the Philippines has 7,107 islands. I don't think I'll ever get to see all her wonderful tourist destinations in this lifetime, though I will try. You can bet your bottom dollar on that!

For now, let's stop and relax at nearby Macrohon, Southern Leyte. Just a 3-hour drive away from Ormoc City to Tatay Ade's Beach Resort. Don't worry. It's a pleasurable drive to the South... so unlike going to Tacloban which gives me motion sickness every time. There are no detours and the concrete roads are well-built! Dili jud substandard kay walay lubak2x! GOOD JOB! 

My two newest beach buddies, Belo SunExpert Transparent Mist SPF50 and Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF40.

Anyway, this place is a hidden gem alright. We were there on a Saturday and there were hardly anyone else. A beach that looks this good, so secluded and so clean! I guess, it's better this way because some (irresponsible) people who do come don't just take pictures and don't just leave footprints. *rolls eyes* I don't know why it's so hard for others to consider the next generation and just ruin everything now. Ahem, look at what's happening to Canigao Island! OK, but that's a different story.

Post by Maria Cecilia Tan Velásquez-Franco.

Open beach huts are at Php 150 and the closed ones with room for changing/resting is at Php 300. There's a toilet, too. Nothing fancy, but totally functional. There's electricity also if that's your concern. You can probably stay overnight and camp out on a tent. But guys, if you do decide to go on a little beach adventure to this place, please think about the children and our children's children so that they may enjoy the same wonderful spots as we have.

I was with my family during this beach trip and of course, my two newest beach buddies. Ahem, let me introduce you to B1 (not Bananas in Pajamas!). It's my favorite summer accessory! It is an "accessory" because you wear it... on your skin! Tee hee. Say, hello to Belo SunExpert Transparent Mist SPF50.

Happy to be with a new BFF!

And yes, it's a MIST! And that could only mean it's NOT a lotion that leaves an icky feeling or leaves a white cast on your skin, thus ruining those precious summer photos. Plus it is also cool to the skin! So it's very hydrating indeed.

Spritz! Spritz! For the ultimate sun protection!

Then it also gives your skin this certain glow because it seems to be oil-based so you're never left with dry skin under the scorching heat of the sun! I didn't know I could love sunscreen this much plus it smells good, too! OMG! I remember those summer days back when there was only this one brand of sunblock available... (Yes, it was called sunblock then but now these products are officially called sunscreen because you can't really block the sun. Doh!) Anyway, you can smell that sunblock even from a mile away!!! On the other hand, Belo SunExpert Transparent Mist SPF50 just smells so refreshing! It says it's fragrance-free so maybe it's a natural scent, but I really like it!

It's so easy to use, just spritz and go! No need to wait as well. You can hit the water in no time at all. Because it was so lightweight on the skin and we were on the water during the midday sun (Ooops!), I wondered if I'd be getting enough protection and if sunburns were going to be a pain in the neck, like literally, later on.


"But it's SPF50!" screamed the back of my mind. Wait, what does that really mean?  I read that SPF 50 stands for Sun Protection Factor 50, and I also came across this info that if the normal time to get burnt is 20 minutes, you will be safe for 50 times that. Let's do the math! That's a thousand minutes which like 16+ hours! WOW. JUST. WOW. But then it was also pointed out that SPF numbers don't really refer to how long you can spend outside without getting a sunburn. As a matter of fact, they refer to the amount of UVB protection offered by the product. Thus, sunscreens with SPF 15 filter out 93 percent of UVB rays, SPF 30 filters out 97 percent, SPF 50 blocks 98 percent, and SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB rays. Personally, I would still reapply sunscreen after an hour or two of swimming just to make sure. You know, better safe than sorry. :)

Next up, let me introduce to you my second beach buddy, B2. This time, I got my face covered because it's Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF40! Dr. Vicki Belo created this specifically for the face. Based on my horrible past experience, and you know I have acne-prone skin, sunscreens break me out like mad! This particular sunblock had been formulated with that concern being addressed because it won't clog your pores. Yay!!!

Non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested!

The best thing with Belo SunExpert is that these sunscreens offer broad spectrum protection! What's that, you ask? It protects you from both UVA and UVB rays! Accordingly, UVA not only accelerates skin aging, but contributes to and may even initiate skin cancers, while UVB is the chief cause of sunburn.

We got a sneaky sun alright! Summer makes everyone happy, you can't deny that. But like a good and responsible traveler that takes nothing but pictures, leaves nothing but footprints, and kills nothing but time, please also consider that your body, the vessel which takes you to these wonderful scenic places also needs enough protection. Your skin being the most exposed part, that is.



Oh, by the way, if you did not know that sitting on the computer all day and the heat from cooking can cause melasma, well, now you do and you can be protected anywhere and anytime with sunscreen made just for the face, as well as be protected even from bright reading lights that ultimately can cause harm to your skin. :)

Now that I have my two BFFs, I will be bringing them everywhere I go! Not just to the beach but during mountain treks and waterfall exploring, too! So what about you guys? Where are you heading off to this summer?

Take my advice: Wherever you go, do pick up a new BFF or better yet, stop by www.sampleroom.ph to grab your beach buddies, the Belo SunExpert Transparent Mist SPF50 or Belo SunExpert Body Shield SPF60 and Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF40 and don't be afraid of Mr. Sun anymore! Now you can truly have fun in the sun!!!


Enjoy the summer, fight skin aging with Belo SunExpert and stay young in the sun!




 
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Get ready to be prepped and primed! This year's summer heat wave is going to be pretty challenging as it is sure to melt our made up faces in no time, but fret not. every beauty problem has a solution. The MARCH BDJBOX got you covered! Here, let me show you with my #bdjbox7day challenge.

1. POREFESSIONAL PRO BALM. The first part in achieving a flawless face is to minimize pores and Benefit POREfessional Pro Balm is all you need to complete this mission! Such an awesome primer that also minimizes fine lines. Pretty cool huh? Now that I've tried it, I don't know how I can live without it!


2. STAY DON'T STRAY. This dual-action eye primer from Benefit works for both concealers and eyeshadows making sure they stay in place and last throughout the day. Perfect for those busy days that you can't be bothered to check the mirror. Notice how the eyebrow pencil has faded at the end of the day but my eye makeup seems untouched.


3. HELLO FLAWLESS OXYGEN WOW is lightweight and feels like you're not wearing foundation at all. Best for people looking for a natural (light to medium coverage) for that healthy-looking and luminous complexion. It is a brightening liquid foundation but I got the Ivory shade which was too light for my entire face. So instead, I used it to brighten the areas of my face that needs highlighting (eye area, top of my cheeks, and t-zone). Gotta try a regular shade to see how it lasts and actually performs as a brightening oil-free foundie.


4. AGENT ZERO SHINE. For instant touch-ups without moving your makeup nor adding more layers of foundation on your face, Benefit's The Porefessional Agent Zero Shine to the rescue! Zaps shine and even smoothens the look of pores for that naturally flawless finish! Gotta love makeup! Gotta love Benefit!


5. STAY FLAWLESS 15-HOUR PRIMER.  Used Benefit Stay Flawless 15-hour primer today and it did lock on my foundation like magnet superbly! The weather wasn't at all forgiving today that my fever spiked up again but my makeup is quite intact! Used with The POREfessional Pro Balm and Stay Don't Stray, I only needed very minimal foundation to achieve this seemingly flawless face!


6. Discovering this power trio from Benefit - The POREfessional Pro Balm, Stay Don't Stray, and Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow. The nomakeup makeup look is best achieved with a prepped and primed face for that super flawless finish! Mission accomplished!


7. It wasn't the dress I put on that made last night's stroll around the beach resort nor the wading among the crowds of beach party goers that resembled a rowdy bunch of college kids on spring break that completed an exotic and glamorous night. It was Benefit's woody floral scent called UNDER MY SPELL NOELLE eau de toilette. It's a pretty wild scent and a strong one that I wouldn't wear casually. But for endless summer nights, the smell of lingonberry accord spiced with black pepper and cardamom with floral scents of wild orchid, violet, vanilla flower, jasmine and rose that also leaves a strong trail with patchouli, oud, black amber, vanilla, benzoin and raspberry is probably the most enchanting thing there is. This isn't your first date perfume, but it's for sizzling hot summer nights alright.

So there you go! #BDJBOX rocks! Summer will be extra fun now that you can be equipped with these to combat shine and stay flawless throughout the summer season. Just remember, YOU DON'T NEED A MIRROR TO KNOW YOU'RE GORGEOUS. :)


Love subscription boxes? Subscribe at www.bdjbox.com and get ready to unbox your monthly beauty surprise!



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