May 18, 2017 In Beauty, Beauty Home, Reviews By Mikki Galang

BLK!!

As in Black. True black. Weirdly, summer got me into collecting the darkest of hues. Like 50 shades darker!!

Kidding aside, I think i got some confidence in wearing the absence of color , black. They say it’s not an actual color but what I like about it? I gives contrast, definition to my face and volume to my lips!

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So last year, I got my first Kylie Lip Kit, Dead of Knight, which I only got to open this year when a lot of the department store brands started releasing black lippies too!

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A lot of these are matte and in liquid lippy format just like Kylie’s (so can be considered dupes actually) but there’s one also I found from Katy Perry’s collection which is semi-matte.

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On arm swatch under day light, these are just the darkest shades I’ve ever had! To be honest, all of them seem pigmented and very consistent despite the formulas. I haven’t had any other experience wearing black lippies but I’ve seen liquid lippies perform less as it goes darker so these are indicative of how good these brands/lines are.

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For the liquid lippies, I still like working with pointed than flat applicators on my lips. Not that flat applicators are not good but it takes more practice (slanting it).

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The thing is, while you can use eyeliner or a black pigment on lips to achieve these, it’s really the comfort and ease of use and consistency that you’re looking for in this kind of lipstick. You don’t want your black lippie to smudge easily as it’s very pigmented and can ruin lips with just one mistake. It’s also nice that the lipstick dry easily so you secure that dangeours shade easily! (see above photo for quick drying capabilies)

  • Kylie Lip Kit in Dead of Knight (matte) [$ 27] – very good consistency and intensity with a nice applicator that doesn’t require lip liner. Smells good too!
  • BYS Velvet Lips in Dark Knight (matte) [$ 7] – excellent pigmentation (quite bluish) despite its price but it takes quite a while to dry. But once it does, it seals and gives a perfect consistency.
  • Sephora Lip & Cream Stain in 28* (matte) [$ 14] – mid-consistency but buildable and dries easily. has a warm vanilla scent
  • Cover Girl Katy Kat Matte in Perry Panther * (semi-matte) [$ 8] – Semi-matte finish versus all but gives a nice sheen effect which makes the lips pop out more than deepen it.

Key Tips in wearing a Black lippy:

  1. I don’t agree that you need to put minimal eyeshadow or makeup on eyes and cheek when wearing a black lippy as it will eat all details of your face. Put rosy or warm shades on the eyes but not in full smokey effect.
  2. You can use a lip liner (like Kylie’s) for easier drawing but since these are really pigmented, you can actually do it without. Just practice.
  3. Place lots of highlighter!

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Now amongst all, the Kylie is the most difficult to remove, like real pigment prolly. I tried water, gel and oil. It just doesn’t come off easily which may be prolly good since a black lippy should really stay. It’s like you wear it or you don’t as you don’t wanna look like eating a cookies and cream donut hahah. BYS and Sephora are good dupes already for their price (though with different formula; Sephora is more creamy)

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See below photo of second attempt to remove the products.

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It’s kinda good and weird to say that most of them are not drying. I would prolly wear more black in my new posts. Have you tried any black lippie?

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May 14, 2017 In Beauty, Beauty Home By Mikki Galang

The#CherylBlossom of #Riverdale Lippie

I’ve been watching Riverdale prolly repeating it more than 3x because 1. I haven’t read an Archie Comics and it actually makes me want to now 2. I really like how they break certain HS stereotypes , and 3. It shows a lot of different kinds and personalities of women in a show and that’s amazing. One would be Cheryl Blossom.

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Is being the gay best friend still a thing? FACE

I really like how the women in this show are styled differently according to their personalities – good job to Cover girl, and their cool product placements! Aside from Veronica, Cheryl is one of those dynamic character (bitch on the outside, but reasonable and good), styled so interestingly with bold colors, red lip, intense blush and black eyes. It takes so much confidence and fierce attitude – remember that slow mo walk she had during Jason’s wake? YASSS!!! – to pull off that look I guess!

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Cheryl is a blossom and the family controls the maple syrup business which comes from maple trees. According to Wiki, Maple syrup is a syrup usually made from the xylem sap of sugar maple, red maple, or black maple trees, although it can also be made from other maple species. Much of her styling was derived from this.

 

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And so I researched. Since I haven’t seen any maple tree in my life, and since there are various species, I used google image to show me a pantone of the trees and realised that it’s actually a difficult kind of red. 

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It’s in between a warm orangey red and a cool pinkish one that’s of course, so bright and intense. I swatched all of the hippies at home and below are the closest, with Sleek as being the perfect one

On lips, they kinda look the same but Sleek has the perfect hue that has the warm-cool kind of balance. i like how it actually adjusts!

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So was I able to pull off the look with the side swept red hair (via Makeup Plus app), red lips and painted cheeks? letmeknow if you have dupes for this kind of hue? PS excited for the season finale which Im just about to watch! No spoilers please!

 

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May 13, 2017 In Beauty, Beauty Home By Mikki Galang

First Unboxing Video: NYX #FaceAwards Top 30

I still couldn’t believe it’s my first official unboxing video after years of blogging haha. Check out my vlog about the infamous NYX boxes that are being sent to the top 30 finalists of the #faceawardsPH. I included some first impressions and favorites too! Also featured my voice in this vid which I have to practice as this will be a requirement when we move to the next rounds of the competition.

Coming Soon: BTS video and Travel vlog!
Please dont forget to VOTE FOR ME at https://faceawards.nyxcosmetics.com.ph/. You can vote 3x per day per person/email until the 15th of May. Hope I get your support if you like the 3 looks I’ve done, the story I’ve created and the film we shot in #SanAntonio #Pundaquit #Zambales. #faceawardsph

 

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May 13, 2017 In Beauty, Beauty Home By Mikki Galang

2/3 Optical Illusion Garden Nymph | NYX #FaceAwardsPH (VOTE!)

One day, I was sitting in our sofa as my mom was fixing the sequined patches she’s selling at bazaars. They looked very pretty and kinda hypnotizing, especially the butterfly ones. And so I thought : Why shouldn’t I recreate this via glitters and metals on my face and create an optical illusion that’s so illuminating?  😉

If you like this look, please VOTE FOR ME at https://faceawards.nyxcosmetics.com.ph/. 3x per day per person/email until the 15th of May, hope I get your support if you like the 3 looks I’ve done, the story I’ve created and the film I produced by myself in San Antonio Pundaquit Zambales Philippines.

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Check full tutorial here:

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Key NYX products used:

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patches and mirrors available at Mikka’s Closet.

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May 13, 2017 In Beauty, Break My Spell, Featured, Tutorials By Mikki Galang

Metallic Fiery Forest Nymph

The challenge was enchanted nymph. I’ve been so in love with metallics (and glitters) since last year and gold and yellow, which are the colors of 2017. I was inspired by fire, the woods, and the birds. I hope you get inspired by my mood too!

If you like this look, please VOTE FOR ME at https://faceawards.nyxcosmetics.com.ph/. 3x per day per person/email until the 15th of May, hope I get your support if you like the 3 looks I’ve done, the story I’ve created and the film I produced by myself in San Antonio Pundaquit Zambales Philippines.

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Check out the full tutorial here:

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Key NYX products used:

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May 13, 2017 In Beauty, Break My Spell, Featured By Mikki Galang

Vote for Me: NYX #FaceAwards Top 15!

As you girls all know, I got in to the Top 30 of the 1st NYX Face Awards competition in the Philippines and I would like to thank you for the support and encouragement you’ve given me since I entered. I like how this has been challenging my creativity as an artist, how I want to take it further to vlogging, and also how I accept myself (like speaking, literally in videos 😉 and  sharing more about beauty and beyond. Now I need your help as you will decide who will move to the next rounds.

In the below video makeup tutorial and travel film, I made a story about a nymph that has the ability to transform herself in anything that her heart desires.

This is also kinda personal to me as a transgender and beauty guru so I really stretched my imagination and made it into something that I really would like to consider as my art. It’s DAY 3 already of voting and I really hope that I get your support. I placed so much effort and production in making this and I hope that you can vote for me! See below how you can do that, and share to your friends too =)

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VOTE FOR ME at https://faceawards.nyxcosmetics.com.ph/. 3x per day per person/email until the 15th of May, hope I get your support if you like the 3 looks I’ve done, the story I’ve created and the film I produced by myself in San Antonio Pundaquit Zambales Philippines.

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May 7, 2017 In Beauty By Mikki Galang

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: POND’S NEW REVOLUTIONARY LINES

Pond’s has been releasing lots of new products and it’s really nice that they’re sampling them also at Sample Room. I’ve been to a few Pond’s events in the past months and I finally got the time to review some of their new and revolutionary products the past year, or months. Today, I will be reviewing in detail the White Beauty Spotless Rosy white cream and Age Miracle corrector cream which are more fit for the skin that I have now

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But let’s talk briefly first about Acne Clear. I’ve detailed this technology in this post-event of the launch a few years ago, and I use these once a week to remove my dead skin cells and it has been working in that routine becauseI just get occasional acne in my age.

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Let’s start with White Beauty. I got this 20g sample from www.Sampleroom.ph. It is said that this product has ” double whitening formula with Vit B3 which helps boost skin’s natural whitening ability deep inside, but also clinically proven to fade away even stubborn dark spots for spotless rosy white skin on the outside”

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To me, it seems like this product is so hardworking to penetrate deep and reflect it outside. I’ll be doing some first impressions review on this one using the swatches I have below with Age Miracle.
Now, Age Miracle is something I need in my age now. According to Pond’s, the “NEW Pond’s Age Miracle, with Retinol-C Complex works 24 hours non-stop. It helps reduce wrinkles, for a youthful glow. Pond’s Age Miracle is the latest innovation from The Pond’s Institute, a pioneer of skincare since its inception in 1992. Today, NEW Age Miracle is Pond’s first ever gold standard anti-aging formula with the Retinol-C Complex, a new game-changing technology that works 24 hour non-stop for rapid wrinkle repair and boosted youthful radiance.”

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Since both are day creams or moisturizers, an arm swatch could be done. Below shows how at first, they look thick. Upper one is the White beauty which looks “marshmallowey” which is kinda trendy in skin care where bouncy formulations are seen better for absorption. Age Miracle is more like the typical day cream we would see.

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But, what surprised me is that it actually gave an illuminating effect on the skin which is cool for an anti-wrinkle product – it will save you a good highlight already. It feels soft, blends and absorbs easily with even application/consistency. The scent is less strong that the other Pond’s products Ive used which is nice.

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On the other side of my face, I put the White Beauty cream. Upon first application, it kinda is streaky with residues but Im really impressed with what followed after some blending and drying.

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It gave a brightened matte yet soft-to-touch effect on the skin. It also was YES, rosy and is just perfect for any prepping of skin for makeup. Versus Age Miracle which is dewy (which I think is needed for that purpose), I like how all these resulted after 5-10 minutes.

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I tried placing the White Beauty cream on my T-zone to test how my spots there will vanish and OMG, it made my nose look illuminated (but not so bright!) and more flawless.

After a few minutes of drying, the end result impressed me on how the formula and texture of these products worked on my dull, oily (kinda dry), kind of skin with pores and fine lines. Im gravitated towards using White beauty for everyday and Age Miracle at night since the latter is a bit heavier and treatment-oriented but Im very impressed with these so far.
Have you tried any of these? Share your thoughts below and on Sample Room so other girls can know as well!

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May 6, 2017 In Beauty, Beauty Home, Reviews By Mikki Galang

Nano-E Straightener

After my Thailand trip, I just completely got rid of wavy hair and curls (Chalita influence! haah) and I got a new friend after 4 years of sticking to my old straightener.

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Panasonic beauty is a Japanese brand and I just trust their products especially when it comes electronic or gadgets. My friend once bought a fake hair electronic product once and I saw how it exploded. I think I now have a phobia, and of course, the anxiety of burning my already thinning hair.

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The Nano-E straightener promises a to maintain color of hair moisture because of its Photoceramic coating plate. My last hair color was before my Thailand trip. When I got home, I got this and have been using this. My hair color still looks amazing now and haven’t had a retouch for months.

 

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But also, I really like how thin and flexible the structure is. My hairstylist friend uses this brand and Ive seen how she works wonders on celebrities’ hair (whether straight or kinda wavy). The thinner, the better to create waves and volumize hair.

So below is the BEFORE photo while my hair is wet. I really like that it also can be used during this stage, because I really hate blow drying my hair.

 

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Below is the after. It looks very sleek and fine with minimal split ends and frizz.

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I also like that I can control it to 5 temp settings. I usually put more heat on the ends than part nearer the roots to avoid damage on my hair.

 

 

This EH -HS95 model is worth P6999 and while it’s more expensive than my previous brand I bought in Watsons, I think it is worth the investment for the care it gives the hair. I’ve noticed reduced falling hair and it just looks more healthier and natural-looking.

 

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Overall, I would rate this a 5/5. Im excited to explore more hairstyles with this tool, and some new ones from below: brushes from Tangle Angel and Wet Brush (I use both for different techniques and needs – the former for blow-drying and curling because of its design while the latter for quick frizz-free straight hair needs ) and the rest from 1721 hair accessories which are very helpful in the looks I have been making the past months.

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May 3, 2017 In Beauty, Beauty Home By Mikki Galang

Strobing Sticks Below P400

I have always liked highlighting, but little on strobing. I thought that the latter is more about trends and I cannot define my face without contouring. Nonetheless, I like that new Strobing/highlighting sticks in the market make my highlighting more intense (my technique is to layer it with powder highlighter for higher staying power – as creams do stay longer).

Below are quick swatches of my favorite department store highlighter/strobing sticks in different colors and finishes. BYS’ give a solid pigmentation that can be blended (these are currently being given away at #bysdominatesfaceartistry events so make sure you attend a workshop!) while Maybelline has a beautiful sheer  and skin-like glowing effect. What are your bets?

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May 2, 2017 In Beauty By Mikki Galang

Store of The Future

Kiehl’s first Philippine store in Greenbelt 5 opened back in 2007, and has since accustomed Filipinos to their warm customer relations, beautiful aesthetics (apothecary feels ever since!) and of course, products that work, combining science and nature.Last week, Kiehl’s invited us to checkout the redesigned store. I like how these events go because I get to know how the brand thinks for its beloved consumers.

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“Quality is a defining characteristic of Kiehl’s, but so is discovery,” stated Sher Le Chua, General Manager L’Oreal Luxe Division. “It is our goal to infuse our stores in the Philippines with the Kiehl’s New York apothecary heritage, history of innovation, highly personalized customer service and generosity. The Kiehl’s retail store brings these company values to our customers in an immersive, inviting environment.”

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Aside from the store being IG-friendly, indeed, the Kiehl’s brand alongside its customers continues to grow and adapt into the ever-changing lifestyle of the times. I know a lot of corporate and busy women using the Midnight Recovery for example, to combat signs of stress on the skin. This line has expanded to a day concentrate as you can see below, that responds to a 24-H skin recovery.

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To constantly be working hard and being on top of their game is every power woman’s motto. Not once do they move forward without being prepared in all aspects of their life including their skin care regimen. Kiehl’s understood that need and has curated POWER SERUMS to match the lifestyle and needs of every woman.

My favorite is the Midnight Recovery Concentrate works perfectly for a night owl like me who work hard in the afternoon and party harder in the evening.
I haven’t tried the  Daily Reviving Concentrate but it is said to be Paraben free, Mineral oil free, non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic, and comes from 100% natural origin. Years ago, I’ve tried Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solutions which does wonders on my blemish or dark spots after a summer trip.
Also made with VitC, I alternated it with the Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate which also helped eliminate my fine lines. These are really effective serums that I switch back to depending on my skin care need.

To keep up with the pace, Kiehl’s reinvents and revamps their flagship store. What once was a quirky apothecary is now the Store of the Future with warm wood, marble accents, and vintage brass meets glass and stainless steel fixtures reminiscent of a modern-day lab. Reminded me of my Chemistry days, only in a much futuristic set up 😉

“From the minute a customer enters the store, we want them to feel welcomed. It’s common to see new customers pass by our store, make a double-take at the eclectic design before entering the NYC quirky world of Kiehl’s,” as stated by Joan Hwang, Product Manager for Kiehl’s Philippines. “This time, with our Store of the Future concept, we have elevated this experience for our customers with our enhanced store design and experience. We want our stores to tell a story about our history and formulas to foster a casual and fun environment for our customers to try our products. This is what makes Kiehl’s unique.”

The Kiehl’s “Customer Favorites” is now front and center in the revamped store, where customers can easily access what is loved by avid Kiehl’s users. Classic Kiehl’s fixtures such as the vintage Harley Davidson, and the beloved skeleton fixture “Mr. Bones” is still kept in-store for familiarity and ease for customers.

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According to Noelle Tiongson, Visual Merchandising Manager for Kiehl’s Philippines, “We designed around our products to invite exploration, like testing a product on the skin or learning about the origins of the formula’s natural ingredients. These moments let the customer pause, learn and discover what is best for them.”

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By bringing the Kiehl’s Store of the Future to their customers allows a better and enhanced overall service which I can personally recommend. In-store Kiehl’s Customer Service Representatives are highly trained to entertain and assist to every customer’s needs allowing them to prepare for their future.

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