A Gill and A Way

A lot of people liked the last post I made on my favorite lipsticks and it's nice that I write another makeup related post again since I don't do this often. This time, I want to talk about an item that's either overlooked OR overused: BLUSH!

My love affair with blush started when I was grade school. Studying in an all-girls school then, there were events where I had to wear makeup and since I inherited some used makeup from my older cousin, I used Bench's Prettywhenpinched (It used to be one word dati) and In2It's Lip and Cheek Stain. It really made my face come alive.

Now that I'm working, I outgrew those inky stains that leave indelible ink-level purple-tinted marks on my thumbs. These formulas also don't work well above the base makeup I wore regularly so I stuck to powders and creams...with only one tint that passed the test for me.

I can just smear lipstick on my cheeks and call it a look especially if I'm in a hurry or I need to touch up, but what is life without ACTUAL rouge for your cheeks?

Listed below are some of my favorite "UY BLUSHING" products, of which most are available and accessible!


1. Colourette Colortints - P299

These are not the same tint formula of the lip and cheek stains I used when I was younger: this one is pigmented and has an oil base, so you better shake it well and shake it good! (Their slogan lol). There are so may shades to choose from and it's tempting to collect them (I had to stop at 6) but a little goes a long way so you'll really have the product for a long time. It also comes in two finishes: Fresh and Matte.

I used to use these often (before I used the next one in this list regularly) because the colors are quite saturated and they really last. My fave one to use is Ava, which is described as a "Warm Nude" and which I also love to use on my lips and eyes as well! Another fave is Kelsey which was my first Colortint and I believe isn't available anymore and is this salmony pink that looks also good for a one color look.

Kelsey is such a pretty pink shade that looks great on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. However, it's super pigmented and it's easy to overdo it

Ava is not only the perfect flush of color on my cheeks but is also a great nude that doesn't wash me out

2. EB Advance Matte Color Stick in Rosy Hue

Okay this was an impulsive buy one night I commuted home from work and came across a Watsons that was still open at around 10:30PM and bought some makeup for the sake of it, this one included. Clay blushes used to be a craze back then and while I was scared to try the actual brand that started it all so I settled for this EB one. I was more drawn to the color, a light nude pink, than the fact it's a clay blush though.

But it really surprised me how long-lasting it was and just how natural-but-better the color was. It is also something I tend to wear when I use full makeup for the whole day since this doesn't move my full coverage foundations away when I apply it (Colourette has this problem). Nakakafresh talaga this blush and the fact it's available everywhere are reasons why you should pick this up.

Using this on your lips will make you look like the living dead but these come in two other shades (a bright red and a terracotta orange) in case you want a multi use product.

Rosy Hue just gives a, well, rosy hue on your cheeks! It's perfect for no-makeup days and days that call for a heavy face.

3.  EB Collection Blush To Go

I'm not sure if this is still available because it was a limited edition launch from last year exclusively sold in Robinsons Department stores. It comes only in one shade, which is this super light pink that has a shimmery sheen to it that isn't overly shiny. If you can find this, I suggest you buy it because it's such a  beautiful blush! It's not super pigmented but it leaves the right amount of "blush" on your cheeks. I use a stiff stippling brush to apply it on my cheeks to get most out of the color.

The formula is kinda weird too because it has this "putty" texture. It's powdery but at the same time, feels like a sorta epoxy texture. (Notice mine has lots of press marks? It's satisfying to press it lol)




4. BYS Powder Blush in Perfectly Peachy - P299

Another product of impulsive late night stress makeup buying in Watsons I come across while commuting home. It's something I bought last year but it's only this year I appreciated this product, which I thought I could used as a bronzer so I don't use up my Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer (Which, fun fact, has yet to hit pan despite me using it often for over a year). It didn't look peach to me since it's more toasty and tan BUT when you apply it to your cheeks, it becomes this perfect flush as if you were burnt a bit from the sun. If there's a powder blush I can recommend to everyone regardless of skintone, it's this one.

It may not be the usual pink flush I'm used to but there's something about Perfectly Peachy that makes the skin come alive.

5. Blk Intense Color Powder Blush in Flushed - P290

I recall walking up the Blk counter because I was eyeing Sun-kissed, an apricot shade I know I didn't have in my blush collection consisting of sheer pinks. But of course, old habits die hard, and I bought this Flushed instead. Flushed is basically the same color as EB Blush to Go but is much more pigmented; has a bit of golden shimmer; and is straight up a powder. You get a decent amount for the price AND the packaging looks more expensive than it looks. IT HAS A MIRROR, I REPEAT. A DECENT MIRROR.

I don't always use this blush but when I do, it pulls much peachy on my skin than pink. It's also easy for me to overdo this blush so it's best to use a fluffy powder brush.

Here's Flushed applied heavily here.

6. Unicorn Dream Dream Blush in Sweet Pea - P195

I've only used this for a few months and let me tell you how it's now my favorite. One, it's super affordable at P195 which comes with a free dense brush you can use to blend a dot of this blush on your cheek. Two, it smells like fruit gum which I can taste when I apply it on my lips. And three, the color "Sweet Pea" is a gorgeous peach.

The blush is not super pigmented which makes it user-friendly and it comes in an air pump so you can assured you're going to use it down to the last drop. The downside is you have to order online but there are numerous sellers in Shopee who sell this at a discounted price bu it's super worth it. This is the one out of everything I mentioned that I will highly recommend.

Sweet pea is that sweet lang color kahit bitch ka

7. Careline Play to Slay Palette -P275

Okay I wasn't originally intending to include a palette here but the two blushes in this one really surprised me. One, they're both matte and two, they're not super blotchy . They're quite pigmented too but I really like these shades, one's a light rose while the other is like a wearable fuchsia. It's actually  the blushes I'm wearing in the very top photo of this post and the very last. A trick I like to do is to apply a bit of the highlighter first on my cheekbones and a little on my apples and then I apply blush like I normally would. It's super pretty and this palette does give you value for your  money! The eyeshadows are not so bad, not really my favorite, but they're decent and I've used them countless times too.

Although I use the eyeshadows and the highlighter more since I prefer a cream cheek product, my favorite part of this palette  is its blushes!

Here are some additional tips from years of wearing makeup and learning to apply makeup since blush isn't always the first cosmetic a girl will choose and it sometimes makes or break a look:




1. For powder blushes, I find it easier to apply it when everything else in my makeup is powdered with setting powder. In lots of tutorials I see, I notice they usually apply blush after foundation or concealer which makes the blush look so patchy and blotchy. I follow this same rule too for bronzer and contour powders!

2. For liquid and cream blushes, it's best to use a dot or one small swipe for one cheek and build it up slowly.

3. Use tapping motions with your fingers when blending blush, especially if you have foundation underneath. I prefer  using a blending brush, too and just stipple stipple stipple.

4. Unlike my powder blush advice though, do your liquid and cream blushes after your foundation. Let it set a bit but apply this blush BEFORE powdering with a setting powder.

5. You can layer products to make them last longer such as cream/liquids first and then a light dusting of powder blush.

6. I agree with most experts that you shouldn't smile when you apply blush because when you don't smile, the color is placed in a lower part of your face and it drags it down, making you look older. I mean, if it works for you it's alright! People don't die from applying blush on their apples anyway.

What I do when I apply blush is place it a little under my middle part of lower eyelids and then sweep the color towards the temples. IT SOUNDS CRAZY BUT YOUR FACE LOOKS LIFTED AND YOU LOOK YOUNGER. You can also choose to swirl a bit of the color a bit closer to your nose if you want and in the fleshy part of your cheeks.

7. Blush is almost always the first to fade in your makeup look so bring it with you wherever you go. Of course, blot out oil from your face first and powder if you need to before you re-apply your blush.

8. If you apply too much blush, you can brush your foundation brush which still most likely has remnants of your foundation so it can decrease the pigment. Or you can brush powder to slowly tone down the color. To be realistic, it can only be toned down so much by both solutions so if they both fail for you, just brave out with you bright cheeks (I experience this all the time lol).

I only learned to appreciate foundation/base makeup later in my lifetime of being obsessed with makeup. I only wore liquid foundation once throughout my teens (MAC PA) and I hated how heavy and cakey it looked. I rediscovered it in college, fell in love, but knew whatever I used wasn't totally perfect.

But using the right foundation, I discovered that I felt prettier, BRIGHTER, and magical. All the times I used foundation, I only loved it because it worked for me to an extent, but never all the way.

But this feeling of foundation not making effort is over for I finally found the most BIGATIN, BONGGA FUNDA EVER.


L'Oreal Infallible Freshwear 24 Hour Foundation

I've always been intrigued with this product especially after Tati raved about it.

I'll be honest: I already tested the L'Oreal Infallible Freshwear 24 Hour foundation prior to these pictures and absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, I didn't take pics of the first few times I tried it but here are some documentation I made when I decided to do a formal review.

This is what the foundation looked like when I freshly applied it. I used Nichido Final Powder in Creamy Glow to set it.  Feel na feel ko pa makeup ko! Time check: 7:30AM

This was taken when it was almost 3PM--more than seven hours later! Mind you, I endured heavy commute in the  morning heading to a coverage in Adriatico, commuted again to DOH, and then commuted again to Intramuros. Only blotted my face right before I took this selfie so I must say it's quite impressive!

This final check up shot on my foundation was taken a little over 9PM. The foundation obviously faded a bit but in person, it still looked decent and just needed a little blot. MAS NAUNA BUMIGAY EYELINER AT SHADOW KO!Almost 14 hours of funda wear in this Philippine weather and traffic? Super sold! (Also, don't mind the lumpia. I was really hungry then)

Here's a rundown on things I observed with the foundation:

• It doesn't have a straight-up matte finish but this satiny one that makes me look like ang ganda ng skincare routine ko.
• Despite the non-matte finish, it smooths over my pores! Insta-filter!
• It sets pretty quickly so you better work fast with your application. Tried it with a beautyblender, cushion sponge, silicone sponge, and fingers and they all worked well for me. I prefer using a dense blending brush since it maximizes the coverage that way.
• I used primer the very first time I used it but the next times I used it--including this time of review--I didn't use anything to prime my face. Tibay!
• My shade is Radiant Sand, which is a touch darker than my skintone. Totally my fault here but it doesn't look that bad. Having a light powder or mixing it with a little lighter foundation worked for me. 
• It oxidizes a bit and if you use the wrong type of powder, the shade will look yellowy! (I used it a few times with my Kris Aquino x Ever Bilena Matte Powder Foundation in Lifetime and I LOOKED LIKE I USED TURMERIC POWDER TO SET MY FACE BY THE END OF THE DAY)
• The shade range is so bad here locally. Radiant Sand is already the darkest shade available.
• It obviously won't last for 24 Hours but it fades quite evenly and beautifully. Your skin won't look like the map of the world after the end of the day.

Wet hair, don't care. But look! Is my foundation there? (Sorry, I love rhymes hahaha)

If lashes could kill, then the world would be free from terrorism and be an even more beautiful place, charot!

Note: I apologize if mauumay kayo sa fez ko after reading this post.

Feeling riche with mah Color Riche lipstick! Charot!

LET'S TAKE A BREAK FROM MY LITERARY ESCAPADES AND TALK ABOUT MY OTHER PASSION...

Yes, this cover-up is just as affordable as my ice cream cone.

In highschool, I was able to check out a famous ukay in Pateros. This really got me excited and deepened my love for ukays! I was able to find a classic LBD for 50 pesos. Though I rarely go to ukays then, the few times I did were memorable just as my purchases were. From going rarely in highschool, I went to ukays more often in college. Being in a school that doesn't require a uniform, I find myself having to wear my usual clothes way more than I should. Every once in a while, I'd buy a whole new wardrobe from the ukay. I get more compliments on my ukay pieces than my mall-bought stuff! 💖💖💖

I've been asked by some friends on where is the best ukay or what are some tips to find the best deals. Think of the ukay-ukay experience as if you're in an Indiana Jones movie--except you don't hear action instrumentals nor Forever 21-esque music but odd country music in an undetectable local dialect. Basta! Kakaiba! So here are some things I live by whenever I ukay. 😁

1. First, BUDGET!

It is important to put a ceiling in how much you want to purchase. It's easy to spend a lot on crazy discounted stuff or maybe splurge on the full-priced new arrivals. We do not want another clinically diagnosed shopaholic! Maawa ka sa wallet mo at sa closet space mo! I've learned this the hard way, trust me. 💸💸💸

2. Know what ukays to avoid.

I don't believe there is a bad ukay since you will never know when that one perfect piece is waiting for you but I normally steer-clear from those ukays that NEVER(well, maybe never is too much but RARELY)go on sale. Yes! There are those ukays like this one ukay I normally pass by for years in Bicutan and only once in my life have I seen their pieces drop to less than 100 pesos. GRABE KAPITALISMO NILA, CHAR. Ukay-ukays in Harrison Plaza also don't easily go on sale but I tolerate them at times because once they do, you get good deals and their selections are usually great.

Another ukay I typically avoid but browse in caution if I have to are those ukays that sell mostly basic shirts and bottoms. Alam mo yung tipong Surplus Shop that sells mostly Abercrombie, American Eagle Outfitters or Aeropostale stuff but just rattier, dirtier and mustier? Not unless kailangan mo ng bagong pambahay or have a kilo of Tide to wash the dust out, I suggest not wasting your time. Also, these ukays smell the worst and I really do not know why.

3. Browse the cheaper racks first!

Some of the ukays I frequent have some racks of clothes that go as low as 10, 15, 20 pesos each. In most ukays, the cheapest racks would be the 3 for 100 ones or the 50 pesos each ones. Basta, unahin niyo ang mura! From there, you can proceed to the more pricier(but not as pricey as the mall)items. Since there will be racks and racks, it will exercise your patience! And you will need it because duh, you are reading this and wanna ukay probably.

4. Know the worth of the item.

Just like you should know your worth! Chos! (But not chos! Totoo! Love thyself, mga lodi ✌) Anyways, always, always know the item's worth. That is when you will now if what you bought is a steal or nah. Learn how to feel fabrics or check the item's brand. Check the item's tags, too! You might be spending more on maintaining the clothes than purchasing the item itself and if you're alright with that, bahala ka(I'm guilty of this lol).

As for brands, you'll be lucky to pick up the more branded stuff if you can look well but beware: some ukays price them higher than they're meant to be! I once saw this H&M dress in the ukay that sold for hundreds of pesos. A friend of mine had that same exact dress and bought it at that price from the H&M store. Ang daya, diba? But! When you do find that item that is cheaper than its actual worth, GET IT, AND RUN AWAY! Ay este, BAYAD KA MUNA, OF COURSE! 😆 (No to shoplifiting! Lumelevel up ibang ukay kasi may mga CCTV na sila! At sabi sa 10 Commandments Huwag Magnakaw! Puso lang pwede! 💁). I was able to buy Alexander Wang Frida booties for 400 pesos when its original price is $$$$ in Net-A-Porter(and I hear AW doesn't sell it anymore). Bongga, diba? 💯

5. Learn how to peruse the item for damage and stains. (Pag di mo alam ang peruse, GMG!!!)

This should fall under the item's worth but I decided to put it in a separate number instead. Ideally, you wouldn't want to buy something with a stain. It is convenient though to learn how to discern stains that are removable in case you see something you really want! I was able to score that famous Zara wide-strapped tank top in white before but it was filthy with brown stains! Brown stains are tricky because they could either be easily washable brown dirt marks or unfortunately, the indestructible wood or rust stains. It's really a gamble to still stick with something(or someone)you love! Charot! Some stains to look out for:

• sweat stains(EWW! HAVE RESPECT FOR YOURSELF AND GE RID OF THAT THANG!),
• makeup stains (Baka the person tried on the item before you and her foundation and lipstick are not transfer-proof. Pabigyan mo nalang, not the clothing's fault!)
• Paint marks (Not unless ganun talaga ang style niyan na tinalsikan ng pintura but nonethless maybe the former owner was a frustrated painter who needed to sell clothes for food)
• Ink stains or stains that you just know will never, ever get away--like your feelings! #Hugoat

For damage, you should be aware of some rips and tears. Torn stuff are unfixable. A damage that is fixable, though, are loose hems whose seams need to be taken up. You can ask a tailor to sew it for not more than 50 bucks or utilize your home economics education by repairing it yourself #IkawLangSapatNa

6. More than knowing what is fixable, know what's workable as well.

Maybe you super duper like those pair of pants that fit well around your waist and butt except they are just way too long for you or maybe they're too flared for your taste. You can take them to the tailor, you know! I purchased these Levi's jeans and they were super bootcut. I just asked the neighborhood tailor to alter them in a baston(tapered leg) cut and voila! These ultra flattering mom jeans! (Yes I know, super paradoxical sentence. Mom jeans are never flattering but whatever these look good on me oh yeah haute momma 👯). Same goes for tops! I've altered some really wide tops so they can fit me better. Normally I'd only do this to clothing I really like but other than that, I won't buy what won't fit me.

7. ...But learn to let go, as well.

Just like your bulok love life! *badum tsss* Seriously, ukay shopping can be heartbreaking. I've experienced seeing shoes that look gorgeous but they don't fit me since ukays, I notice, seem to be a haven for size 5 shoes. 😕I also rarely buy pants from the ukay because pants are either too darn big or just too damn tight. One of the most terrible things you can experience in the ukay is seeing a cool piece of clothing but they don't look good on as much as it looks good in the hanger. It's one of life's greatest scams but at least you get to save your money from something that doesn't look bagay on you. No more heartbreak!!! Philippine politics is already too much to handle, unflattering clothes pa kaya? 💔

8. Know some hacks in case there are no dressing rooms.

Your lola is right; in a pinch, you can tell if bottoms fit you by wrapping the waistband around your neck. You can also measure a blouse's sleeves to the length of your arm to see if it is too long or not. As much as possible though, do fit your clothes in the store whenever they have dressing rooms because I personally do not rely on these hacks. Sure, it fits in the waist but what if those pants fit oddly in the leg area? Or that long sleeved polo looks lousy even if the sleeve length isn't too long? It will spare you from bad purchases whenever you try it first in the fitting room. You'd rather have something you can wear no matter how cheap it is! 😊

9. Remove your disgust and doubts and search the unusual racks and boxes...

If there is a children's section, check it out! I bought a piña jacket from the kid's section of the ukay for a mere 25 pesos! Some large ukays have boxes filled to the brim with accessories. Don't be afraid to browse those, too! I've bought beautiful scarves for 25 pesos after unearthing them from the dusty boxes. Also, if you are adventurous try looking in the underwear racks din! One thing I'd never buy are panties(but then NEVER SAY NEVER CHAROT)but I did buy some lingerie in the ukay before and they were branded ones at that--probably my favorite was a La Perla bralette I had for 70 pesos! Just learn to wash them carefully. 😃


Some ~~Irrelevant~~ tips just because 

10. Never Haggle

I know, I'm saying the opposite of what others say. Maybe because from personal experience, whenever I make tawad for a shirt or skirt it is always met with a "DI PWIDI LAST FRICE NA YAN." (Frice? Watdapak? Pagkaen? Pagkaen, besh?). Be like me and avoid rejection because life is already hard in itself. 😂(Although I suggest you try making tawad with higher priced items like shoes or bags and whenever you buy a lot of clothes).

11. Bring alcohol

Isopropyl one for sanitizing your hands and champagne for a job well done lol joke lang! (But bacteria isn't a joke, though. To prevent sickness, sanitize your hands always).👌


Now for the question many ask: WHERE DO I GO UKAY?

To be honest, I go everywhere. I tend to frequent the ones below the EDSA station of the LRT because I pass by them a lot when I commute. Pateros has this really old ukay that has been there ever since and I like going there once in a while. I've gone to Libertad to check the ukays lined up there. I also dropped by the famous Anonas area and it's a goldmine. Harrison Plaza has some great ukays, too! The best ukay for me, though is this one store I only went to once in QC area. I remember going there and getting crazy because there are so much great stuff. I'm not sure if it is still there nor do I know its exact address. I have yet to go to the Baguio and Tagaytay ones but someday I definitely will.

I hope my tips will help you all in your ukay adventures! Below are some of my ukay-ukay purchases through the years:

My first ever ukay purchase! It took me 6 years before I first wore it, though.

The 45 peso loose black dress is used as a kimono(super uso in 2015 lol). I forgot how much that top was and my skirt was 50-60 pesos. Yes, head to toe(or above the knee lol)ukay.

A Uniqlo plaid flannel dress I scored for 70 bucks. Mas mahal pa ang Chickenjoy...

I bought this skirt back in highschool and I really loved its Aurdrey Hepburn-Roman Holiday vibe. It was 55 pesos, I think!

"Like, chyeah! Like, this #OOTD was from the ukay! This shirt? So cute! It's only 50! And this skirt? I know! Only a 100 bucks! I know, I'm a great bargain hunter like whatevahhh!"

Dress: 45 pesos. Class: I was born with it. Cheret!

These eyes be checking out my 50 peso kumot este poncho lol

Rat tails look good on a tux, not on your hair! Eww! One of my favorite finds is this tuxedo jacket for 120 pesos.

These are the Levi's I bought for 180 pesos and altered into a baston fit.

My most recent purchase. This top is just as cheap as your bus fare: 15 pesos! Lakad ka nalang!

Other recent purchases: This midriff(a Hanes sportbra, to be exact)I got for 20 pesos. The highwaisted pants are 35 pesos. O ayan may pang clubbing na ako!

I was excited when I bought these Jordache shorts last year(?) for 50 pesos! Tried them on and I realize I'm not Kendall Jenner lol

Another LBD that took me years before I finally wore it! Bought it back in highschool for 120 pesos.

This jacket is made of fur faker than your fake friends and cheaper than his cheap hoe for 20 bucks!

The jacket that launched a thousand compliments! My highschool self bought this for 160 pesos which I considered pricey then but I got so much use of it in college. The best part also is IT ISN'T LEATHER #NoAnimalsWereHurt #PeroIkawHurtPaRin #LooksLikeLeatherButFeelsLikeFeathers #WalangKwentangHashtagsMuch

A 25 peso piña jacket with capiz-like buttons I got from the kid's section! It was timely when I bought it because I wore it to this Filipiniana-themed event. #Tadhana