BEAUTY BUZZ: EBAY FINED AGAIN FOR SELLING FAKE LOUIS VUITTON GOODS ONLINE

PARIS (AFP) - – A French court on Friday ordered online auction site eBay to pay 80,000 euros (118,000 dollars) to Louis Vuitton for selling fake luxury perfumes, LVMH said.

"The court found that in using key words from certain LVMH brands, eBay had commited several acts of counterfeiting," LVMH said in a statement.

It cited among the perfume marques top range Parfums Christian Dior, Kenzo, Givenchy and Guerlain.

The court ordered eBay to pay 80,000 euros to LVMH as compensation and order that it would have to pay 1,000 euros for any subsequent infraction.

In June last year, the Paris commercial court ordered eBay to pay nearly 40 million euros in damages to Louis Vuitton for selling fake luxury goods in a ruling that was cheered as a victory for copyright protection.

The commercial court had ruled in favour of six LVMH brands and also barred eBay from selling four perfumes -- Christian Dior, Kenzo, Givenchy and Guerlain -- on its websites.

**SO LET THIS NEWS SERVE AS A LESSON. THOUGH EBAY IS TELLING US THAT THEY GUARANTEE EBAYERS WITH PROTECTION FROM FRAUD, WE CANNOT HELP BUT THINK IF THEY MIGHT BE CONNIVING WITH THESE FRAUD SELLERS BECAUSE APPARENTLY, THEY HAVE BEEN FINED AGAIN. SO IF YOU'RE PLANNING TO PURCHASE MAC COSMETICS, LOUIS VUITTON, BALENCIAGA OR ANY HIGH- END BRAND, PLEASE, SAVE YOURSELF FROM ALL THE HASSLE BY BUYING FROM OFFICIAL STORES AND RETAILERS.

THE BEST HOT PINK LIPSTICKS

Here's an entry on the top 3 best hot pink lipstick that I've encountered (so far).

HERE'S A BIT OF INFO:

HOT SIDE OF PINK- MAGENTA- ISH AND DARKER FUSCHIA SHADES
COOL SIDE OF PINK- BRIGHT, ALMOST NEON FUSCHIA SHADES

MAKE UP FOR EVER LACQUERED LIPSTICK IN 203 (ORANGE FLUO PINK)

1150php

MUFE'S lacquered lipstick formulation are quite creamy, UBER pigmented and has this lovely perfume- like scent that's not irritating at all. It comes in an exquisite black tube. The actual product is kinda' short so frequent usage equates to a shorter life- span.

The shade is called orange fluo pink. It's fuschia lipstick with orange undertones. It's on the hot side of pink. I like that it doesn't make teeth look garish at all. When worn under artificial lighting, it will look like a light yet fluorescent pink lipstick but the true shade comes out under natural lighting. But nevertheless, it still looks pretty. This is the first fuschia lipstick that started my affair with fuschia Lipsticks. :D

Another thing. MUFE'S lipsticks are non- drying and they have an incredible staying power. One con would be, it's so pigmented and the staying power is so good, you're gonna have a hard time removing the lipstick stains off your lips. It might have a hot pink tinge if you would like to change your lipstick color. But at least it's worth it 'cos you don't have to reapply the lipstick over and over again, right?

This shade is currently out of stock here in the Philippines because MUFE's revamping their lipstick tube style.

MAC SATIN LIPSTICK IN HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS (HEATHERETTE COLLECTION)

1000php

The case is uber lovely and the lipstick, well, it's good. :D MAC's Hollywood lipstick is almost the same as MUFE's lipstick in 203. The slightest difference would be, MAC's lipstick is a darker fuschia shade but it's also on the hot side of pink. Mufe's sort of almost magenta-ish as compared to hollywood nights' hot fuschia shade (got it?:D). But nevertheless, both are 98% the same.

Staying power is good. It wipes off easily on your lips. One con of MAC lipsticks is the formulation. Though this is already in the satin variant, it still dries my lips, just like the matte variants. Just make sure to apply lipbalm underneath to prevent dry and flaking lips. :D

This shade is already out of stock and may be available in CCOs in the USA.

NARS SEMI- MATTE LIPSTICK IN SCHIAP

1250php

This is part of the new color selections of Nars. I managed to swatch this when I was in Rustan's Robinson's Ermita and I must say that this is truly a lovely bright pink lipstick. The shade is on the cool side of pink.

It's semi- matte so there's a bit of sheen (not shine). It's non- drying. How come I said this? It's because Niagara, my first ever Nars lipstick is also in the same variant so I could attest that their semi- matte variants are moisturizing. Staying power is good yet wipes off easily too.

**HOW ABOUT YOU GUYS? WHAT ARE YOUR HG HOT PINK LIPSTICKS? :D

TWO CATEGORIES IN ONE ENTRY! TOPIC: COMPACT BRUSH SETS

It's one entry for two categories. For this edition of Spend vs. Save and The Beauty Battles, let's look at two compact brush sets

CHARM'S TRAVEL BRUSH SET- 950PHP

HENRI CALAYAG SIGNATURE BRUSH SET- 1995PHP

So let's look at the two products in different categories.

BRUSH BAG 

HC's brush bag is thin yet longer than Charm's. Charm's may be a bit plumper but both can fit well in your luggage or bag without taking too much space or adding weight. Both have two brush pockets so your brushes will have more space. Both wins the category.

L- R: CHARM TRAVEL BRUSH SET AND HENRI CALAYAG SIGNATURE BRUSH SET

UP TO DOWN: CHARM AND HENRI CALAYAG

L- R: HENRI CALAYAG AND CHARM

Notice that the fluffy brushes of Charm have brush guards, while HC doesn't have any. I find it hygienic when my brushes come with brush guards. And besides, it prevents the thicker brushes from getting stuck on zippers. It also helps maintain the shape of the brushes. Charm wins in this category.

BRUSH COMPARTMENTS

Both have convenient pockets. Charm's has a small zippered pouch which prevents your make-up from getting lost or dropping but HC's mesh pocket has no zippers. Chances are, your make- up might drop or fall if you open the bag. Charm wins this category.

HENRI CALAYAG'S COMPARTMENT

CHARM'S COMPARTMENT

BRUSH BRISTLES

L- R: HENRI CALAYAG AND CHARM

HC and Charm's brushes are made of synthetic bristles. Both imitate the softness of authentic animal hair so both are uber soft, non- scratchy and helps make- up application become flawless. Both wins this category.

BRUSH COMPARISON

L- R: HENRI CALAYAG AND CHARM

Powder Brush

Notice that HC's powder brush head is thicker as compared to Charm's. It is because Henri's brushes are not really travel- size brushes. These are his regular- sized brushes that may appear too small to some. Charm's is specifically made for travel so it explains why HC's powder brush has more hair as compared to Charm's. Both deliver good results but HC's thicker brush head lessens the effort of applying and evening out the coverage of powder on your face. HC's powder brush wins this category.

L- R: CHARM AND HENRI CALAYAG

Eye Blender Brush

Charm's eye blender brush has thicker hair and is relatively bigger as compared to HC's. It proves that Charm's eye blender brush will define the eyes more and will make blending easier and more flawless. Charm's eye blender brush wins this category.

L-R: HENRI CALAYAG AND CHARM

Eye Liner Brush

HC's signature bent eye liner brush is a new innovation. The bent nature of the brush makes eye liner application precise, cleaner and more defined. But notice that the bristles are starting to look scraggy and most of the bristles are already out of place. I hate how you have to purchase this separately from the brush set making it seem as if it's a wonder product but it eventually proves to be a waste of money. The scraggy bristles messes up my cake eye liner application most of the time. I think the reason is the brush is too thick than the usual eye liner brushes. Eye liner brushes should be thin and pointy so as to prevent scraggy brush heads like this one. Charm's eye liner brush is pointed and quite thin. This is much better because in the long run, It won't become scraggy because it's not too coarse for an eye liner brush. Charm's eye liner brush wins this category.

L- R: HENRI CALAYAG AND CHARM

Concealer Brush

HC's concealer brush is big and fluffy, while Charm's concealer brush is small yet fluffy. What works for me more is Charm's because I find HC's too big for my under eyes. HC's concealer brush gives me a hard time filling the lines on my under eyes. Charm's small concealer brush just hits the right places. Charm's concealer brush wins in this category.

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

L-R: HC'S FOUNDATION BRUSH AND CHARM'S BLUSH BRUSH

HC's brush set has a Foundation brush and Charm doesn't have any. On the other hand, Charm has a blush brush while HC doesn't have any.

PRICE

HC is priced at 1995php and Charm is priced at 950php.

Overall, I still find Henri Calayag's brush a good purchase but truth be told, when you're traveling, less means more. I must admit you can't really use everything in HC's brush set. Charm's travel- brush set is more economical and convenient. And for a price of 950php, you get quite a lot of brushes. Both may prove to be your best bets for traveling but nowadays, we have to find alternative ways to save because we never know when we will need the money. Charm's will save you 1k. At least that amount saved makes way for more make- ups plus a new cosmetic bag. :D

FOR THIS EDITION, I SUGGEST YOU: 

SAVE

AND THE WINNER FOR TODAY'S BEAUTY BATTLES IS:

CHARM TRAVEL- SIZE BRUSH SET

A POST FOR SIS ELSA :D

Sis Elsa asked me if I could post a picture wearing my Prestige Wet/ Dry Dual Powder applied wet.

In terms of coverage, there's actually a big yet not that impressive difference as compared to applying it dry. The only slight difference is in the color pay- off. When you apply it wet, it provides a much better color pay- off. I've just found out that this powder has tiny bits of shimmer that enables your face to catch light, making it look glowing and healthy. When applied wet, the shimmer becomes less obvious as compared when applied dry. Plus, the staying power is much better as compared when you apply this dry. Another good thing is it's buildable quality when applied wet. For maximum coverage, wet the sponge over and over until you reach the maximum coverage.

The sponge smells like rubber and I don't like how the smell is transferred to my skin. If you don't wash your hands properly, the scent lingers. maybe it's the same case with my face, though I haven't tried smelling it yet or asking my hubby to smell it for me.

I prefer applying it dry, because I don't like it when wet powders dry up on my face. It just feels itchy and dry. 

A NEW KOREAN COSMETIC LINE THAT INTERESTS ME

I'VE NEVER BEEN INTERESTED IN KOREAN COSMETICS. EXCEPT FOR EYEKO, BECAUSE OF THE LOVELY PACKAGING. I'VE NEVER GONE OUT OF MY WAY TO BUY EYEKO NOR OTHER KOREAN COSMETICS BUT THIS TIME, I'M QUITE INTERESTED WITH IANTI.

I SAW IANTI IN COSMOPOLITAN'S AUGUST ISSUE. I SOOO WANNA TRY THEIR LIP AND CHEEK TINT IN HOT PINK. IT'S 330PHP. ALSO THEIR POWDER PLUS FOUNDATION. IT'S 490PHP.


THEIR ITEMS ARE QUITE CHEAP. I WISH THEY HAVE A COUNTER SO I COULD CHECK THE COLORS OUT. BESIDES, IT'S A HIT AND MISS WHEN IT COMES TO POWDER COLORS. I DON'T WANT TO END UP LOOKING TOO BURNED OR WHITE AS A GEISHA. :D


CHECK OUT IANTI HERE

A POST FOR SIS GEL :)

Sis gel asked me if I have any idea what lipstick colors Kim Chiu and Shaina Magdayao are using in their soap opera shows. Well, I don't actually know what they're using but i have an idea on what products will help you get their looks.

This is a presscon of their TAYONG DALAWA teleserye. I also checked some of their episode stills and saw that Kim is always sporting a nude brown lipstick that completely compliments her chinita look in "bahay" scenes. When her scene requires her to be made up, she uses pink- tone lipsticks. 

If you don't want to use pink lipstick and would rather use nudes, MAC Lustre Lipstick in Touch is your best bet. It's described as a peachy cinnamon lustre in the mac site. The color pay- off is good, but kinda' sheer as compared to their matte and satin variants. Don't worry, it's sort of buildable and it has a bit of shine that aids in moisturizing your lips so you don't have to worry about dry lips (which you'll usually encounter when you use matte or satin lipsticks). This almost flatters any skin tone. You can use it on top of a light l/s to darken it, without looking unnatural. This is totally an MLBB lipstick!

*YOU COULD ALSO CHECK OUT NYX LIPSTICKS. THEY HAVE GOOD QUALITY AND ARE VERY CHEAP (AROUND $2). I'M SORRY I CAN'T PROVIDE EXACT COLORS RIGHT NOW FROM NYX BECAUSE I'M STILL ABOUT TO START MY AFFAIR WITH THE LINE. YOU HAVE TO CHECK OUT THEIR ROUND LIPSTICKS. A LOT ARE CRAZY ABOUT THEIR ROUND LIPSTICKS BECAUSE THEY HAVE A GREAT RANGE OF COLORS AND EXCELLENT PIGMENTATION.

MOVING FORWARD...

Now let's look at Shaina Magdayao. This came from a promotional picture of her teleserye, KAMBAL SA UMA. As you can see, Shaina is sporting a barbie- pink lipstick that looks so natural, it's like it's her natural lip color. Even in person, Shaina loves wearing pink lipsticks because it really goes well with her features and skin color.

If you would like to sport a pink lipstick, almost like Shaina's, you could try MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Crosswires. It's described in MAC's site as a clean pinky orange lipstick. The color in actual is a vintage pink, with orange undertones. It's a one of a kind pink lipstick, but sans  the avant- garde- ness of St. Germain (MAC lipstick from the sugar sweet collection). It's wearable, buildable and it's such a girly color.

NYX will always be the cheapskate's paradise so if you would like to save, try NYX. Pink lipsticks are always lovely when you top it with gloss so go for a nude- pink lipgloss that would go on almost all pink lipstick colors. This is Nyx Mega Shine Gloss in Beige. It's a nude- pink lipstick with a blue undertone. It's a good dupe for MAC Cremesheen Dazzleglass in Melt In Your Mouth. You could also check out melt in your mouth dazzleglass

For a slightly strong barbie pink lipstick, try MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Profusion. It's a lovely pink lipstick with a red undertone. It's a slight strong pink lipstick (but not too strong; could sometimes pass off as a semi- nude pink lipstick). Top it with gloss for a dramatic look or blot your lips with tissue if you find it too strong. It's my MLBB pink lipstick. :)

For a stronger pink color that is not literally shocking pink, try NYX Round Lipstick in Louisiana. It's a pink lipstick with red and violet under tones. It's almost hot pink, but the color still looks feminine. If you want a mature look, try this color. Soften the color by applying a nude- pink gloss. Intensify it by applying a clear lipgloss.

**YOU HAVE TO CHECK EM OUT IN ACTUAL SO YOU COULD APPRECIATE 'EM. :) 

HAPPY LIPSTICK HUNTING!

**ANY QUESTIONS, CONCERNS OR STUFF THAT YOU'D LIKE ME TO REVIEW? POST VIA MY CBOX OR REPLY HERE. I'D GLADLY MAKE AN ENTRY FOR ANY OF YOUR CONCERNS, LIKE SIS GEL. :)

I'LL DO THE BEST I CAN TO PROVIDE YOU REVIEWS FOR ANY PRODUCTS BUT THERE'LL BE TIMES THAT I CAN'T BECAUSE IT'S EITHER THE PRODUCT WILL BE OF NO USE TO ME IN THE LONG RUN, OR IT WON'T BE OF ANY USE TO ME AT ALL. :)

MY PERSONAL AND FAVORITE BEAUTY TIPS AND TRICKS

For this edition of the beauty buzz, I'll share my beauty tips and tricks and my favorite beauty tips of all time.

SOME BEAUTY TIPS THAT I PRACTICE

HAIR:

1. I make sure I don't put too much chemicals on my hair (e.g. hairspray, hair gel, hair serums, etc.) because these chemicals have the tendency to strip your hair's natural moisture and smoothness in the long run. Some might promise your hair long lasting shine and softness but bear in mind that all of these effects are only temporary.

2. Whenever I shampoo in the shower, I don't put the shampoo gunk straight on my scalp (the topmost part of my head) because such practice can lead to hair thinning on the scalp area.

FACE:

1. I  wash my face twice a day. In the shower and before I go to bed

2. I use cold cream or cleansing oils to remove deep seated dirt because there are some dirt still left even after you wash your face

3. I always use a facial wash with scrubbing beads for dual action. It saves me time because I don't have to find another day to exfoliate my face. But I make sure that I don't scrub my face harshly because this could strip even the new skin, which can lead to redness and irritation.

4. I always tone and moisturize. If the weather is hot, I use a sunblock, which also serves as a moisturizer. If the weather is cold, I use a moisturizer only.

5. I wear make- up so I make sure I put on a primer first to shield my skin from make- up entering my pores. That's why my skin is smooth. :) If you're not fond and would not want to use primers, moisturizers will be good enough to provide a thin film as protection.

6. Make sure you let every product you put on your face to dry for at least 3 minutes. Applying one product after the next might just mix up everything on your face, making 'em lose their effectiveness. 

BODY:

1. I use a nylon or plastic- made loofah to scrub my skin. I find natural loofahs too rough and too scratchy for my skin.

2. I slather on some lotion after taking a shower.

3. I always put lotion on my feet and knees because these are the driest spots on my body. Make sure you put lotion on the dry parts of your body to prevent your skin from cracking further.

LIPS:

1. I wear lipstick because it works for me in terms of moisturizing more than lip balms. So whatever lip product works for you, use it to prevent your lips from chapping, drying and cracking.

MY FAVORITE BEAUTY TIPS AND TRICKS OF ALL TIME

HAIR:

1. Brush your hair 100 times a day for it to be forever soft

- Well, it might be an old wives' tale but I believE in this ever since I was young and my hair's forever soft and less prone to tangles even if I harass it too much by coloring and cutting it. Take note, I am not an avid user of any hair conditioner in the shower. :D Well of course, it could be also genes, But hey, there could be some truth to it as well. :)

LIPS:

1. If you want just- bitten colored lips, apply toothpaste on your lips then let it stand overnight.

- I tried this for 2 months and I must say, it's really effective! The menthol feeling stimulates more blood to flow on your lips so it would look more pinkish or reddish. Just apply a thin layer on your lips and let it settle overnight. In my experience, it works! I did this a long time ago because I was a chain smoker. So to prevent my lips from turning to black :D, I did this trick. My lips were a bit brownish, but not super dark. There is still a hint of pink-ness on my lips. At least it's not ugly dark. :)

HOW ABOUT YOU GUYS? WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL AND FAVORITE BEAUTY TIPS AND TRICKS? :)

UPCOMING PRODUCTS+MINI UPDATE

Hi guys! I've been MIA for the past few days. Honestly, I have nothing to post except for random stuff and going- ons in my life. I have upcoming products by the way. So that means reviews, eotds and fotds galore for you, my lovelies. :) I am also trying out cheap products for the benefit of saving moolah and for our budget beauties out there. :)

Hmm..mini update. Well, I just sold some of my MAC, Anna Sui and Kryolan stuff. I just realized that I wasn't using them that much so I decided to sell 'em and replace 'em with these. I also realized that these were the stuff that I really need and I seriously have to be a smart buyer. I'm done with my medication of my "Impulse Shopping Disorder" :D I just have to be smart because once I want something, I have to buy it instead of waiting for the time and chance to visit other make- up counters! :/

Here's a run down of the stuff that I'll be reviewing for y'all in the next few days. I'm just waiting for them to come to my hands. :)

NYX ROUND LIPSTICK IN CHLOE (HOPEFULLY, I'LL SCORE THIS VIA VOGUESTREET)

NYX CONCEALER IN A JAR MEDIUM (HOPEFULLY, I'LL SCORE THIS VIA VOGUESTREET)

PRESTIGE MULTIFINISH WET DRY POWDER FOUNDATION 

(I WAS LOOKING FOR A MAC STUDIO FIX POWDER PLUS FOUNDATION CHEAP ALTERNATIVE. I HEARD GOOD THINGS ABOUT THIS FROM A FRIEND AND I THOUGHT OF GIVING IT A SHOT. THIS RETAILS IN BEAUTY BAR AT AROUND 600-700PHP+)

BOBBI BROWN BLUSH IN PALE PINK

NARS BLUSH IN ORGASM

MAC MATTE EYESHADOW IN CHROME YELLOW

KRYOLAN TRANSLUCENT POWDER IN TL5

NYX MEGASHINE GLOSS IN BEIGE

NYX ROUND LIPSTICK IN TEA ROSE

MAKE UP FOR EVER EYESHADOW IN 168 (LAGOON GREEN)

MAKE UP FOR EVER EYESHADOW IN 92 (PURPLE)

KRYOLAN SILVER EYESHADOW (SORRY, I CAN'T FIND A SILVER EYESHADOW PIC. :))

MAC STYLE WARRIOR FROST LIPSTICK IN PURPLE RITE (THANKS SIS KHYMM FOR SWAPPING THIS WITH ME!)

IMAGINE HOW HAPPY I'LL BE IN THE FOLLOWING DAYS. YAY! :)