Etsy Love: Ready for a Fall

Fall is here and although we do not have Autumn here, these are still perfect for the rainy season. A few personal picks from various Etsy sellers:

1. Golden Feather Earrings by leoravon 2. Crochet Coffee Cup Sleeve by Jenco13
3. Amelia bag by Neiko Designs 4. Handcrafter Shea Butter Soap by Full Earths

Cosmetic Foundation by Dermablend

I came across this brand of cosmetic foundation called Vichy Dermablend. Is anyone familiar with it? Vichy Cosmetics offer a complete selection of products but their Foundation and Concealer seem to be raving great reviews.

The products are said to be formulated to provide expert coverage of mild to severe skin flaws such as age spots, bruises, birthmarks, eye-circles, freckles, even scars, stretch marks, tattoos, varicose veins, etc. I haven’t tried it and I’m not sure if it’s available locally.


Dermablend products are said to be dermatologist test, allergy tested, non-comedogenic , non-acnegenic, fragrance free, and provides long lasting coverage. However, I don’t think it’s equipped with a sun protection factor which is very important for day-to-day use. Have you used this product and would you recommend it?

Which Brand of Facial Toner Do You Use?

Why use a toner?

Despite its name, toners do not "tone" or thoroughly cleanse the skin. A facial wash or facial cleanser is used to clean deep-seated oil and dirt from the face. Nevertheless, beauty experts recommend, "toning" as part of the 3-step daily regimen - Cleanse, Tone & Moisturize!

Why is it important to use a toner? A toner helps remove the last traces of dirt from your pores. Some toners contain anti-oxidants and anti inflammatory ingredients which helps protect the skin.

Recommended Facial Toners

When it comes to brands, I particularly like Celeteque Toner or Godiva Toner because both are alcohol free and doesn't sting on your skin. Both are also priced reasonably so you don't really need to break your budget. Other good brands are Tea Tree Oil by Sensa, Eskinol Ice Pore Therapy,and Clean & Clear.

However, if you're the splurging type, try Neutrogena or Clinique or The Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil daily facial toner.

Some people prefer to use alcohol-free toners while others want a bit of alcohol for extra cleansing strength!

I personally like non-alcohol toners! But whichever you choose, don't forget to apply a moisturizer after toning your skin to avoid dryness!

*Which facial toner do you personally use? And which brands would you recommend?

How to Buy the Right Make Up

When buying make-up and cosmetics, there are four things you should remember. Always choose a make-up that:

1. matches your skin type

To avoid allergies or irritations, your make-up should match your skin type- whether you have dry, oily or combination skin. If you're not sure about your skin type, it's best to ask a dermatologist.

2. complements your skin tone

To get the best results, you should only wear the right colors. For example, if you have a fair complexion, nudes and pastels would bring out that glow. If you're tan or dark skinned, browns and bronzes would nicely complement your skin.

3. suited to your age

If you're a teen or in your 20s, you should take advantage of this time where you can freely wear colors, explore different looks, and be more daring with your make-up. If you're in your 30s or 40s, stay away from very dramatic colors that can make you look older. This is the time of your life, where Less means More. The natural look or nude make-up is best for your age.

4. of high quality

Don't scrimp on your budget. Branded make-ups like Max Factor, Mac, Mary Kay, Shu Uemura, Clinique, Skin Food, Estee Lauder, Revlon, etc. may literally be expensive but their definitely worth the splurge. Although these brands are pricey, you can be assured that you're using only high quality, dermatologically-tested make-up on your skin.

When it comes to beauty, taking care of your skin should be your top priority. Investing on a great brand of cosmetics means getting real value for your money. If you're on a tight budget, try to invest on the basics (liquid foundation, concealer, bronzer, lipstick). Avon and Maybelline are great make-up brands that are fabulous, chic and affordable.

My 5 Favorite Beauty Picks This Summer

Oil Control Films are my best buddies because I have a combination skin. My face tends to get oily, especially on the T-zone particularly on hot days! The Blue Oil Absorbing Sheets from Clean & Clear instantly gets rid of excess oils from my face.

I like this Blistex Lip Balm with SPF 15 because it doesn't only moisturize my lips, it also protects from the sun's harmful rays.









My Cousin gave me this Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Gloss and I just love it! I'm not a big fan of lipsticks and I don't wear lipstick everyday but this one is so fabulous you can wear it under a lipstick or on its own. It gives that frosted, glazed look that makes your lips shimmer under the sun.








For people who are often out in the sun, I recommend this moisturizer from Mary Kay. It has a Sun Protection Factor or SPF 20, and it gives your skin that extra glow. Great for everyday use!







I don't really use foundations that much but I liked this AngelFit Flawless Affinity Foundation from Maybelline. It evens out your skin tone, does not break out or make your skin look oily. I use this on top of the Mary Kay Moisturizer with SPF whenever I need to spend long hours under the sun.