2 Local Dupes to Kylie Burgundy Palette

August 30, 2017 In Beauty, Beauty Home, Reviews By Mikki Galang

2 Local Dupes to Kylie Burgundy Palette

Last year, I started buying eyeshadow palettes not available locally and one of my favorite is the Kylie Burgundy Palette (PHP 2100). It is just trendy yet wearable in the selection of colors and just truly pigmented, from mattes to metallics.

So I was receiving some new items from brands this year and noticed that there is something similar to this famous palette by Kylie Jenner. I mean, not truly similar as the famous BYS Berries palette is popularly known as a dupe for Modern Renaissance but you’ll get what I mean later, together with newly launched Peach Purrfect palette by local brand Colourette Cosmetics.

You can see how I just love this palette with how messy it is!

While not really so exactly the same shades as some vary in temperature, but I can definitely mix and match the shades to mimic the Kylie palette. The below arm swatch shows my favorites from all three palettes.

Let’s start with Berries (PHP 1200)*. This is one true favorite this year. The selection of colors, consistency and level of pigments especially from the matte ones are outstanding. There are nudes, oranges and YASSSS, a cool-toned purplish red as a surprise. It comes of a bit powdery but it’s creamy especially for the high pigments.

Using the key shades I compared above, see how pigmented and bold the color is! And blending is just easy. No wonder a lot of people love this palette.

Now using the semi-identical shades from Kylie on the other side of my eye, it really comes off kinda same except that the left is cooler, while right is warmer.

I’m kinda sure that if I have mixed some orange to the cool red on the left, it would have been the same. And see how the consistency and level of pigment of the two are close!

OK. Let’s move to the newly launched palette by one new brand in The Philippines that’s really doing well with its launches. This Peach Purrfect (PHP900)* palette doesn’t look peachy to me. It actually is kinda more like Kylie’s selection of colors and the winning shades from this palette are the metallic ones. See how beautiful that bronze and gold are!!! They’re creamy and color payoff is the bomb (especially for the price).

Mixing the bronze and burgundy metallic shades on my eyes, it looks sophisticated and well-blended!

Now applying the identical shades from Kylie, here I couldn’t see much difference really!!

So even if the arm swatch above (in daylight) appeared a bit different in temperature, upon blending, the below shows how great this palette is, especially versus a $42 product.

So when you’re thinking of buying the Burgundy palette, check these two affordable ones!! If you want that Burgundy red from Kylie or shades that you don’t have in your kit yet, you can consider buying Peach Purrfect or Berries for half the price. 😉

August 23, 2017 In Beauty, Beauty Home, Break My Spell By Mikki Galang

Peach ImPerfect

Peach is so hot right now in the beauty world. But if you have been reading my blog for 6 years, orange is one my go-to colors for eyes and lips as it just suits my warm undertone. When I tried peach on my eyes, I just got that instant blooming effect as I would usually get from orange. I think I’ll be wearing more of this color!

So my take is a monochromatic yet glossy and shiny peach. Just like a juicy tube! I started off with the newest release from BYS Philippines, the Peach palette which just screams all the colors I ever wanted in a palette.

The Peach palette compose mostly of really pigmented warm shimmer shades but there’s this one matte color in the middle that is my favorite!

On my eyes, with a bushy brow using the new MAKE UP FO EVER Brow product brow liner which has super sharp edges, the peachy orange color on my lid looks just so fruity!

I then decided to play! I thought of placing a lip gloss on top of the shadow on my lid and it turned out really juicy!

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For the cheeks, I used these orange-y monos from MAKE UP FOR EVER irridescent shadows in I-752 and I-745 , the new glitters from BYS, and top it all of with this LA SPLASH glitters in Fuzzy Flamingo.

The highlight is courtesy of this new Scult & Glow which made the finish a little but wet, and the lips with the new MAX Factor Matte lippy in 10 Sunkiss which is just so creamy matte and pigmented.

Of course, the look will be complete with my newest launch at www.mikkigalang.com/shop, The Peary lace front wig. It’s a salmon pink wavy (kinda messy) styled angled cut bob which makes the overall look not so polished yet so peach perfect.

What you think about this look? I just had fun creating this and I hope you can do the same as you join my blogversary giveaway! Good luck!

Peach ImPerfect. Don’t forget to join my Instagram challenge. Giving away up to 100k (typo in this poster 😭) worth of beauty items from my sponsors 🍑 #mikkigalang6thblogversary LINK IN BIO

A post shared by M I K K I G A L A N G (@mikkigalangdotcom) on Aug 21, 2017 at 6:05am PDT

August 8, 2017 In Beauty, Style By Mikki Galang

#MikkiGalang6thBlogversary GIVEAWAY!!!

There’s power in defining and living your look.

Last year’s blogversaries (In Green Sun, and The #BenefitLovesMikki workshops) were very successful and I would like to thank you all for the continuous support that you give this blog and all of my activities and brands. For my 6th year celebration, I thought of having an online activity instead that would showcase our identities and creativities.

Instagram has become a tool for self-expression for all of us – MUA’s, influencers, etc – but we can raise the bar higher by owning the trends and making it our own. As such, my giveaway and contest is all about that.

There are a lot of brands/sponsors that I got for this activity (THANKS TO THEM!!!) so the mechanics are below and don’t be afraid to be really creative BY POSTING YOUR UNIQUE BEAUTY LOOK OR YOUR OWN TAKE ON A CERTAIN BEAUTY TREND. There is a total of 100,000 worth of products that I will be giving away and I’m excited to share these all to you!

MECHANICS (End of contest: Sept 15, 2016):

Follow/Subscribe on my FB, FB, IG, IG, Youtube, Spotify, Twitter
Follow our supportive brands on IG: Sleek, NYX, BYS, Kilo-Off, Fresh, Kipling, Eika, Sample Room, Browhaus, Colourette, MikkiGalang Hair IG & FB, Mikka’s Closet IG & FB, Strip It, MAKEUPFOREVER, Nicole Cosmetics, Riot, Revlon Professional, Kanebo, GirlStuff Forever, K-Palette
Interact with me be sharing your thoughts on my IG (like a commenter of the month)
Repost the below campaign poster on FB & IG and end it with “ Happy 6th blogversary @MikkiGalangDotCom! Get the chance to WIN over 100K worth of beauty loot bags from her favorite beauty brands. Full mechanics on mikkigalang.com!” Tag 3 of your friends.
In support of my new brand, Repost any of my pics from my shop on your FB & IG and why do you like it. End it with, “Shop now at www.mikkigalang.com/shop”
THEN MOST IMPORTANTLY…
POST A MAKEUP LOOK OF YOUR OWN and caption how you are living that look, and why is it unique to you, using any products from participating brands. Tag the brands and mention products you used.
Don’t forget to tag me and use the hashtag #mikkigalang6thblogversary #mikkigalang100kgiveaway so I can track.
Most creative entries WIN!

The grand winner will get this loot:

5 winners will receive each of the ff (not included in photo: P500 voucher from Eika Swimwear)*lipstick brands will vary *Kanebo/Lunasol products will vary as well:

Good luck and again, cheers!

August 1, 2017 In Beauty, Reviews By Mikki Galang

REVIEW: Palmolive Intensive Moisture

It’s been a while since I review hair care because there are only just a few brands and products that work for my oily and thinning scalp. One of them is this pink variant of the Palmolive Intensive Moisture which I alternate sometimes with my staple hair care ever since college.

Sample Room sponsored me to review this line. The product claims: “Palmolive Naturals Intensive Moisture adds essential hydration to your hair for long-lasting softness. Intensive Moisture’s specialized formula with Coco Cream and Milk Protein extracts, instantly adds essential hydration to hair for long-lasting softness throughout the day.”

At first, the creamy texture of both the shampoo and conditioner (even years before) kind of hesitated me to use them because I usually get dandruff from these due to my oily scalp. But it has never been that way for this line, especially with the newest one.

If there’s one change that I noticed, that would the scent that has slightly strengthened but didn’t bother me even as a user of this brand. There’s a warm fruity floral scent that doesn’t get smell “maasim” throughout the day.

Now let’s review its performance. I stopped using my current hair care to make way for an honest review of this. As you all know, my hair has been damaged through lots of bleaching and coloring and it has become frizzy and dry since last year.

However, I can see that even after just a few days, the level of moisture it gives is so nice. I don’t like too creamy conditioners to make my hair soft and hydrated.

: Before

: After few days

Zooming in, I can see how the moisture is more visible without making it look dull versus other cream conditioners ive tried.

Even when I shot it yesterday with no straightener, I felt good about my hair.

Overall, I have always liked Palmolive Intensive Moisture. Both shampoo and conditioner have always worked for my hair type and in managing dryness. You can get your samples at SampleRoom.PH!

*sponsored post

August 1, 2017 In Beauty, Style By Mikki Galang

Abercrombrie & Fitch First Instinct

In the wake of its 2016 new fragrance for men, Abercrombie & Fitch is pleased to announce the launch of ‘First Instinct’ for Women, developed exclusively with Inter Parfums.

‘First Instinct’ for Women is inspired by that first moment of attraction, when two people’s worlds collide and a spark is ignited. It is the fragrant interpretation of that exciting first glance and initial connection. That very moment can’t be defined in words, nor can it be anticipated.

Like the Abercrombie & Fitch woman, she is truly unique, unlike any other in her originality, as well as effortlessly beautiful. She knows how to follow her first instinct with innate style, charm and femininity.

Developed by Fabrice Legros (Studio Pi), the design is “based upon a rectangular construction, yet with roundness that conveys femininity.” I like that the clear glass with a light pink metal cap is so feminine yet so stylish. I like these shades of pink!!

“I feel that First Instinct for Women is at once playful, feminine, and alluring says master perfumer Laurent le Guernec (IFF). “With a sensual opening, a sparkling development and a trail of irresistible yet effortless seduction, this formula was crafted to ensure captivation.”

The fragrance is definitely floriental. It may come off as strong floral, but I like that it has a nice fading to a creamy musky scent. Below are the notes.

Top: Sun-kissed Magnolia blooms coupled with uplifting Grapefruit Zest awaken the senses, while Passion Fruit adds a sweet dewy brightness. At once a sophisticated and playful opening.

Mid: Wild Orange Flower carries on the glistening floralcy while Butterfly Orchid blended with exotic Water Lily rounds out the heart of the fragrance. Femininity turns sensual and captivating.

Base: Warm Amber is heated by a contrasting blend of Creamy Tonka and Addictive Musk, brings an alluring trail of effortless seduction.

These are available at FRESH and select SM Stores. I’m excited to check out more of this brand’s fragrances in the future!

Thanks also to Style Weekend for the feature!

July 21, 2017 In Beauty, Beauty Home, Break My Spell By Mikki Galang

Bowie Royalty

For the #FaceAwardsPHFinale, NYX Cosmetics Philippines challenged us to rock our “Royalty” looks. I decided to interpret Bowie’s iconic makeup style with glitters and sequins. It was such a fun night with my To

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I decided to change the colors of the lightning bolt into red and black for a bolder look. I used pigments as base (and a strong black liquid lippy) with glitters on top.

Key Products Used:

BYS Glitter Set in Red and Black
Makeup FOR EVER Aqua XL in Red
Lit Cosmetics Glitter in Firecracker
Sephora Lip & Cheek Stain in 28 (black)

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The other half is a beauty eye- red mono shadow topped with a quad shaped sequin. It just instantly lifts the eye with the upward application of the sequin.

Key products used:

Kylie Kyshadow in Burgundy
NYX Ombre Blush (orange)
NARS in Audacious Lips in Catherine – a nude orangey lip that fits the strong eye makeup, to be also true to the Bowie hues

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July 21, 2017 In Beauty, Break My Spell By Mikki Galang

Jewel of Thailand

THE INSPIRATION: Thailand 2016. I was inspired by the bold beauty of #MissUniverse @namtanlitaa, the glamour and recognition for trans of @missinternationalqueen, the eco-friendly cultural music fest i attended last Feb in #Pattaya, and my fav Asian beauty blogger, @pearypie of Bangkok.

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KEY TECHNIQUES (Soft sexy smokey eyes): Create High thick brows with upward tail (as seen in most Thai celebs). Focus on brightening inner corner of the eye with primer and light pigments, and contouring the outer corner to make eyes look sexy and open. Use glitters on inner upper and lower parts of the eye. Use thick lashes and light contact lens to soften the look.

GET THE LOOK: Used mainly Cathy Doll products for this tutorial and review. The products below have amazing pigments, innovative formulas and ease of use. You can see from the pigment from the swatches and how there were no-minimal fall outs. Cathy Doll Sculpting Highlight & Shading Cushion SPF 50 in 01 Cathy Doll 3D Face Forward Nefertiti Contour Kit Cathy Doll Nude Me Smoky 01 and Pink Champagne Eyeshadow Cathy Doll Eyebrowcara in Milk Chocolate (MY FAV) Cathy Doll Nude Me Liquid Lip Matte in Rose Embroidery (love the flexi wand, perfect for lining/contouring the lip)

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July 17, 2017 In Beauty By Mikki Galang

Products That Address Changes in Skin & Mind?| Kanebo SS17

If you have been following my blog since 2013, you know that Kate/Kanebo is one of my trusted foundation brands. This Japanese cosmetics believes that “life is a masterpiece day by day” with products made with premium quality materials and advanced technology.

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Weeks ago, I attended the launch of their SS collection for this year but I’ve been receiving PR from them since last year. I’ve been trying most of their products and sharing them soon at this blog but below are innovative new products and updates from this brand that I would like to share to you.

For makeup, the idea is Defining Pure Grace. “The secret of beauty is simple. Inner allure – having soft and tender glow from within” with products that focus on skin as well.

3 things caught my attention: Selection Color Eyeshadows, Dual Radiance Foundation and the Light Glow primer.

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I have tried the Selection color eyeshadow and the elegant finish and texture is what I like the most. When it comes to both coverage/pigmentation and texture/feel, The dual radiance foundation (P2700) is the bomb.

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I have swatched this and as usual, Kanebo has one of the best foundation powders in the world, if not in Asia. This time, they have a radiant finish that give the face a depth, developed with two types of particles – soft proof powder and luster fit powder.

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Then the skin care which is really exciting and innovative in terms of discovery. Kanebo believes that everyone, amid the flow of time, is continually changing from one instant to the next. One day, one month, one year. The rhythm of beauty changes as life changes and the Chrono Beauty collection focuses on changes in the skin and MIND, providing optimal care and beauty.

Very true to the Japanese philosophy, and applicable in our tropical countries, these specialized product series with formulation developed over the last 80 YEARS address daily concerns (moisture, firmness) and even up to monthly or yearly ones like air, temperature that affect radiance, tone and pores.

It’s really about the rythym. As you can see below, there’s a calculation of how skin changes and is constantly influenced by many external and internal factors.

From the serums to toners and cleansers, the ingredients are made of natural ingredients like Rose hip oil, Althaea root extract, etc perfected by science and technology. Upon swatching, you can already feel and see how fine the products are, and that there is no strong fragrance. Kanebo has performed a thorough analysis of the “fragrance of tea flower”s from China and Japan that integrates comfort, not just scent.

Excited to try more of Kanebo products at this blog soon, especially skin care. Stay tuned!

July 17, 2017 In Beauty, Featured By Mikki Galang

Dive Into the deeper Dolce & Gabbana Mediterranean blue

Light Blue is my mom’s go-to scent since I was in HS and I remember she would gift me this perfume every time when i was still studying. Definitely had a lot of memories with this scent with such freshness and unique accent.

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Weeks ago, Dolce&Gabbana invited me to an event to announce the reinvention of its two cult fragrances: Light Blue and Light Blue pour Homme. Renewing their sensual freshness with unique accents. Making them even more irresistible, vibrant and long-lasting.

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Sixteen years after the launch of Light Blue, master perfumer Olivier Cresp writes a new chapter of the Light Blue saga with Light Blue Eau Intense pour Femme. The fragrance opens with a sharp, addictive duo of scents: luminous lemon and crisp Granny Smith apple.

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With its fruity and floral facets, elegant marigold blends this accord into heart notes: a wave of glowing, heady jasmine petals. Its signature trail of lustrous amber woods and precious musks melts into sun-kissed skin, unfurls into a vibrant, sensuously scented wake.

The packaging is almost the same (with a few more elegant and feminine lines) and I like my cult fragrances to remain the same but this one has a more fruity floral accent which I’m a fan of.

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Now also sharing the new Light Blue Eau Intense pour Homme .

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Launched in 2007, Light Blue pour Homme offers a magnetic, masculine alter ego to Dolce&Gabbana’s iconic feminine perfume. Today, master perfumer Alberto Morillas, continues to tell the story with Light Blue Eau Intense pour Homme, its signature contrast of freshness and sensuality becomes more assertive still.

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A chilled citrus cocktail of refreshing mandarin and frozen grapefruit gives the top notes a cool, elegant twist.Aromatic juniper dives into the heart of salty, aquatic accord, conjuring the translucent blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. An abundance of vibrant amber woods wrapped in musks extends the radiance and staying power of this masculine blend, leaving a potent trail that captures the innate sensuality of the Light Blue man.

Streamlined and modern, the design of the new Light Blue Eau Intense fragrances reflects the heightened intensity of the scents. Inside their cool frosted-glass bottles, both fragrances take on the evocative, light blueshade of the Mediterranean Sea.

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Shot on location at the Faraglioni in the Mediterranean Sea in Capri, Italy, the advertising film (which you can see previews here) features the lovers meeting again at the spectacular cliffs for a sensual tryst. The campaign also includes new images with Bianca Balti and David Gandy reunited in the scenery of a Capri natural “Grotta”.

More event photos and ambassadors below.

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May 26, 2017 In Beauty, Beauty Home By Mikki Galang

Meow!! J.Cat Beauty is Now in PH

The fun and fabulous cosmetics brand is already made available to makeup enthusiasts in the Philippines. Filipinas can now get to enjoy J.Cat Beauty’s extensive range of professional-quality cosmetics and makeup tools.

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Top billed by its celebrity endorser Arci Munoz, the brand opens the first of three stores in the Philippines. “J. Cat has everything! From the rich and wild colors to the classics and the nudes,” exclaimed Arci whose different looks including the sweet Girl Next Door, the sexy Rock Maiden and the fierce Glamazon were shown during the launch.

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Prolly the celeb that’s most experimental and bold in style (gray purple hair, black lippy, rocker chic vibez, anyone?) in today’s showbiz industry (kinda seeing Jolina in her who I loooove). Asserting that there’s no box when it comes to beauty, no pressure to look the same, and no limits when expressing one’s self.

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Since 2012, J. Cat Beauty has been providing affordable high-quality products to the international cosmetics market. Born in Los Angeles, California, J.Cat Beauty takes pride in their vast selection of professional-grade cosmetics and makeup tools that Filipina beauty junkies have been clamoring for.

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Well-loved among social media-savvy millennials, the brand’s phenomenal success is also credited to its high visibility on Instagram and other online platforms. International beauty gurus like Michelle Phan, Desi Perkins and Chrispy have featured J. Cat Beauty products in their tutorials.

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“J.Cat is a favorite among international beauty makers and makeup lovers. Globally, it has a massive online following from IG tutorials and Youtubers. That’s why we are excited to bring this brand to the Philippines,” said Erin Pacheco, General Manager of J.Cat Beauty.

Few months ago, I got the chance to experience the 1st J.Cat store in Uptown Mall BGC so let me tour you to the products that were calling me and my makeup creative self!

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The brand boasts makeup products that don’t require much retouching. They only produce high quality formulations that deliver comfortable and long-lasting pay off.

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Not only that, it has a myriad of colors and textures, more than the colors of the rainbow. This makes J. Cat Beauty core high in the wearability meter. Choosing from its selection of vivacious colors is something local patrons have been looking forward to. The highly-pigmented shades get any selfie-lover excited! J.Cat’s beauty arsenal make the wearer look gorgeously glammed up whether on or off cam.

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Since J.Cat targets creative and free-spirited women of all ages, the brand delivers products that are affordable and attractive. This color powerhouse is both wallet-friendly and an eye candy. With this, more people can enjoy the perks of having so many possibilities when it comes to their makeup looks.

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During the launch, I roadtested the wonder lip paints and the lipfinity matte shades. I like that both has a very wide variety of shades (from lime greem to black!). I’m leaning towards the wonder lip paints as they’re more consistent and creamy in formulation.

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I really love how they have a wide variety of shades, reflective in the mood and feel of the store. From nail polishes (above), to blushes (below), which are very pigmented and cute!!!!

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Every J.Cat beauty item is formulated without sulfates, phthalates , GMOs, triclosan and other toxic chemicals. I even saw mineral-based glitters which are lot better for skin and the environment. The chemical free-formulations, naturally are good for the skin. Not a single item has been tested on animals, making the whole range of products 100% cruelty-free.

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Since J. Cat Beauty embodies vivacity, creativity and endless possibilities, its brand ambassadors or “Makeup Kittens” were carefully chosen: Jessica Yang, Jach Manere and KC del Rosario. I love Jessica Yang’s quirky oriental features which made interesting match for J. Cat Beauty’s colorful products.

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I’m just so thrilled to play with more of J.Cat’s product for my looks and YT. My eyes are full of color and indeed, meowmazing!!