500 Peso Makeup Challenge

A lot of Filipina Beauty Vloggers on YouTube have been making videos of the "500 Peso Makeup Challenge" wherein you are tasked to make a Makeup Look out of the Php 500 budget, which excludes the makeup tools such as brushes. And so, I decided to go for it and see what look I could make with just Php 500.

It was quite easy for me to do this challenge since I have a lot of local beauty products that are cheap and inexpensive, nevertheless, it was still I challenge to actually choose the best products for such a low budget. At some part of the video, you will see that I actually had to experiment and stray away from the makeup "rules" in terms of products.

I used Kokuryu Summer Cake in Orange Blush as my foundation, not only due to the fact that it it the cheapest foundation that I own, but it stands as an all in one product: concealer, foundation and setting powder. Since it actually dries matte, there is no need for me to use a setting powder for my face.

Php 99

Another product I literally overused is the Pinkies Collection Single Eyeshadow in Deep Brown. Not only did I use it for my brows, but I also used it as my overall contour powder and my eyeshadow crease color. I definitely love this product for it's versatility and affordability.

Php 70

I used my Ever Bilena Mousse Eyeshadow in Opal to give an edge to the look for it's instant highlight and glow to the face. This was also useful on applying on my inner tear ducts to open my eyes and make me look more awake.

Php 75

The crazy part of this makeup look was when I used my HengFang Liquid Eyeliner not only to line my lids, but I also used it for my lashes! I had no choice since I don't own an inexpensive mascara fit to the left budget, so I had to experiment. It definitely did not lengthen my lashes but it did at a bit of volume and somehow made it stay still with the curl made by the eyelash curler.

Php 25

For my cheeks I used my San San Cheek Blusher in Peach Blush since I still have quite much budget left since I really saved a lot with the previous products mentioned. And I also wanted to use a peach toned blush since the lipstick I would be sporting has a pink undertone.

Php 105

I finished the look and used my Excel Paris Matte Lip Cream in 501 for a pop of color since the look was basically made of neutrals. Using a matte finish lip product is also helpful in toning down the reflection of light to the lip area and focusing it on the eyes.

Php 50

Computation:                             Kokuryu Summer Cake in Orange Blush   Php  99

Pinkies Collection Single Eyeshadow in Deep Brown   Php  70

Ever Bilena Mousse Eyeshadow in Opal    Php 75

HengFang Liquid Eyeliner    Php 25 

San San Cheek Blusher in Peach Blush    Php 105

Excel Paris Matte Lip Cream in 501    Php 50

---------

Php  424

(Php 76)

I really had fun doing this challenge since I got to use some products that I don't use so much nowadays, and I got to experiment and be resourceful. I actually ended up saving Php 76 which was cool.

I hope you enjoyed watching me do this challenge!

Thanks for dropping by!

Xoxo, Karla

How to: Contour and Highlight

Achieve a radiant, glowing face with dimension, and not matte and flat!

MakeupByKarlaMisa

In this tutorial, you will learn about my tips and tricks to achieve a slimmer looking face with dimension by contouring and bronzing, as well as having a radiant and glowing looking skin by means of highlighting.

e.l.f. Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder

 Brushes from the e.l.f. 11 piece Studio Brush Collection

Blush Brush

Fan Brush

Powder Brush

Unbranded Highlighter (gifted)

Using these products will definitely give an edge to your look by accentuating the hollow areas of the face to give more dimension, thus, allowing a slimmer looking face.

Please do SUBSCRIBE to my channel for videos on Beauty, Fashion, Food and Travel :)

For business inquiries, email me at karlamisa@gmail.com

Thanks for dropping by!

Xoxo, Karla

Brow Tutorial: Using Matte Eyeshadow

Don't have an eyebrow powder to create a natural brow look? Go ahead and scavenge into your makeup collection (or your mom's!) and find a matte brown eye shadow that suits your brows best! 

MakeupByKarlaMisa on YouTube

Products Used:

e.l.f. Beauty On-The-Go Palette

e.l.f. Angled Brush

Marionnaud N38 Brush

My favorite part of makeup application is outlining and filling in the brows. The brows always create the greatest definition to a look. It gives the greatest makeover to the face, hence, a lot of beauty bloggers say that the brows are the ones you should never skip, even if you only have seconds to run and you're in a hurry.

All you need is a Matte Brown Eyeshadow that suits your brows and hair color, and an angled brush, and you're good to go!

This is a very quick and easy brow tutorial that would give beauty and definition to your look.

Thanks for dropping by!

Xoxo, Karla

Full Coverage Foundation Routine

Attending any upcoming weddings? debuts? or even photo shoots and graduation? This Full Coverage Foundation Routine is perfect for such events that require flash photography. 

This will make you look your best on that special day as it provides a flawless coverage to the face without being cakey at all. Just make sure your applying product perfect for your skin tone so as not to have a white mask on photos. 

Products Used:

San San Matte Liquid Foundation in 02

Careline Oil Control Face Powder Refill in Natural

San San Concealer in Natural

Brushes used:

e.l.f. Foundation Brush

e.l.f. Complexion Brush

I love these products so much as they are very much blendable providing a matte flawless finish. However, I have yet to get a hold of the San San Matte Liquid Foundation in 03, as 02  seems too light on my skin when applied. I think it would be best if I would mix 02 and 03 to achieve the perfect shade for my skin tone.

If you want me to do a review on the products shown above, go ahead and comment down below, and I will provide a separate review for these products.

Thanks for dropping by!

Xoxo, Karla

Current Skin Care Routine

Makeup makes women beautiful. But above all, taking care of your face and apply skin care products regularly, makes women beautiful, even without makeup.

In this video, I have shown how I practically do my skincare regularly. An in depth step by step process of my routine I will be providing in this blog post. 

I actually have oily combination skin, which makes me pimple prone. I have been having breakouts for quite sometime and up to now, I am still in the look for the perfect skin care products that would minimize or even cure by breakouts, as well as my acne scars.

Recently, I decided to try out natural and organic products for my face. My skin is really sensitive and easily reacts to products  in terms of breakouts, however, a lot of anti-acne products do not work for me as I have ventured a LOT of products already, and nothing really cleared my skin up.

These products (except the Pure Beauty Super Brightening Eye Gel) I have recently hauled and featured in my latest haul video. These products I got from various brands that cater to providing natural and organic products. I mainly chose these specific products to try out since they claim to cater to pimple prone skin. The latter contains natural ingredients that may aid in acne and even pimple scars. Natural extracts contained in these products that are active ingredients for acne are Tea Tree Oil/Extract,  Witch Hazel, Argan Oil, and Strawberry.

(L-R)

All Organics Lemongrass Facial Toner

Aromacology Tea Tree Oil

Human Heart Nature Purifying Facial Scrub

Pure Beauty Super Brightening Eye Gel

Amir Argan Oil Moisturizer

After washing and Cleansing my face with the Human Heart Nature Purifying Facial Scrub, I basically begin with Toning. I use the All Organics Lemongrass Facial Toner and a cotton round and apply it all over my face, concentrating on areas I have breakouts. I proceed with Acne Spot Treatment, and I apply Aromacology Tea Tree Oil directly on my acne areas. I let it dry as it may also sting a little, depending on your acne. After I let it set into my skin, I go ahead to Moisturizing, using the Amir Argan Oil Moisturizer which contains Argan Oil and Acai Berry Extracts.

I have yet to purchase the 100% Argan Oil to try out, since it has been said to be a miracle oil that is versatile in terms of anti-aging, moisturizing and can be used for hair, cuticle and lash care. I will surely put up a blog post on Argan Oil once I already have it on my hands.

That's just basically how I do my skincare routine. If you want me to do a review on these products, just go ahead and comment down below.

Thanks for dropping by!

Xoxo, Karla

Haul: Skincare, Makeup, Hygiene Essentials

Another haul video for you guys! This is by far my Third haul video on YouTube. Aside from the fact that haul videos are surprisingly the ones with most views in my channel, it has been difficult for me for the past few days to beat the impulse and spending since I have been strolling in the malls most of the time, yes, I'm such a wanderer.

Nevertheless, most of the products I got were needs than wants which I think is very reasonable (I just had to say that).

Skin care has been one of the things that I have been busy researching on the past few days. Watching skin care videos, reading blogs and learning about the right and wrong ingredients in a product. I decided to finally go organic. I realized that I have been using a lot of skin care products in the market, looking for the perfect product that would cure my problem areas, but then again, I am missing out on caring on my skin. I realized I've applied tons of chemicals on my skin, and it is the right time to make it rest by using organic products which are almost a 100% Natural.

I have already started purchasing some organic products, and I have featured those in this haul video. Still, I have yet to purchase more natural products such as natural oils, but I have yet to rest my credit card for it has been overused for the past week (not to mention my huge Forever 21 Haul) for I have not been thrifty for the past few days.

I would definitely be purchasing more soon and I'm currently eyeing on Argan Oil & Rosehip Oil which are said to be really good on the skin for so many purposes and results to follow.

Products Mentioned:

All Organics Lemongrass Facial Toner

Aromacology Sensi Tea Tree Oil

Human Heart Nature Purifying Facial Scrub

Dove Conditioner

Dove Ultimate White Deodorant

Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Body Scrub

Smile Atomizers (Pink, White, Blue, Violet)

Kokuryu Summer Cake in Orange Blush

Kokuryu Super Summer Cake in Orange Blush

Kokuryu Summer Cake in Orange Blush

Unbranded False Eyelashes in 015

Exte Eye 2 pair Eyelashes

Hair Ties

San San Nail Polish in Blue Sapphire

Please do SUBSCRIBE to my channel for videos on Beauty, Fashion, Food and Travel :)

MakeupByKarlaMisa

Thanks for dropping by!

Comment down below if you want be to blog about my recent Forever 21 Fashion Haul!

Xoxo, Karla

Temptress in Teal

Photography by Jose Luis Pacquiao

Editing by Karla Misa

 Top & Skirt: Forever 21 | Shoes: People R People | Accessories: Forever 21 & Tomliz

Back in the day, people of the ancient times wear lipstick to hold a man's gaze and attract them. It has been thought that a woman wearing red lips are beautiful, that is why most women use red lipstick to draw a man's attention. Women became a temptress to men since then. 

The mullet top is inspired by the recent trend of tops with a shorter cut in the front than that of the longer cut at the back. A mullet top can be paired with jeans and shorts, but for a casual look, it can be best paired with a bandage/bodycon skirt. I've always loved floral prints, and this floral skirt gave an edge to the look.

Floral prints projecting feminism mediates with the red lips and nails, along with the sexy pointed stiletto, bringing a combination of aphrodisiac and feminism.

Xoxo, Karla 

Love & Beauty Forever 21 5-piece Makeup Brush Set Review

Never did I expect that I would be getting makeup brushes from Forever 21 until the day they went on SALE. 

During SM Lanang Premier's Mallwide Sale last February 1-3, 2013, I was able to pay my visit to the latter and go window shopping on the first day. Well eventually, it was not just a day for window shopping, but I ended up enjoying a spree and retail therapy.

One of the buys that I was able to pick up was this brush set from Forever 21 under their makeup line, Love & Beauty. This was originally priced at P330.00 ($8-9), then it was slashed 50% off the price, and I actually paid for P168.00 ($4-5) which was a great deal for makeup brushes.

These brushes, unfortunately, weren't named for their use according the merchandiser's preference, hence, allow me to name them according to the purpose they give to me.

I have already road tested these brushes, and a pretty much have something to share regarding how these help me in my makeup application.

(L-R)

Blush Contour & Powder Brush

I love the softness of this brush and its ability to apply blush and contour well. It can also be used as a powder brush fot those people who have a smaller face, because I prefer the bigger sized powder brushes for my face. This is not at all designed for liquid foundation for its minimal density.

Pencil Brush

The synthetic and stiff feel of this brush makes it great to work with lining the lashline on the under eye. It gives precise application of the product.

Concealer Brush

Amongst all these brushes, this is probably the one I like the least just because of its shape and the fact that I cannot really assure the purpose of this brush. I concluded it as a concealer brush as its hair is made to feel really synthetic to work great with concealer. However as a tried to apply it with concealer, it does leave streak marks on the face which can look not natural on the face. I have yet to experiment with this brush and venture on its real function.

Blending Brush

This brush is mainly the reason I bought this set. I have not found any fluffy blending brush here in our area (Davao City) that I could use for blending eyeshadows. It works really wel and is soft on the eyes, however, it does take time to really blend the eyeshadow really well. Patience is the key to this brush, but overall it does its job in blending eye looks.

Angled Flat Top Eyeshadow Brush

This brush is my second favorite in this set mainly because I don't own such brush yet in my collection. This brush works well in patting powder on the crease area especially on the outer v for precise application of crease color. This also works well with contouring the sides of the nose, and this brush blends the product well.

PROs:

Soft and Fluffy

Not scratchy at all

Functions well

CONs:

Not too dense

Quite flimsy

Stray strands evident (As seen on the photo above)

Takes time to blend the product

Overall, I'd give this brush set a 4/5 rating.

I definitely love this brush set and I am really able to use each of the brush well except for the concealer brush. These brushes really function and serve their purpose for the well defined makeup look.

I gave 1 off the rating since these brushes are not that high quality. For makeup gurus who already own high quality brushes such as that of Sigma, this brush set would definitely not be something they would appreciate. But as a newbie to makeup, I am able to work with these products well and I personally don't have any problems with it.

Thanks for dropping by!

Check out my YouTube Channel!
MakeupByKarlaMisa

Xoxo, Karla <3

Quick and Easy Everyday Face Routine

Those days that I want to apply an extra coverage for my face, I use this routine. I usually just apply powder foundation on top of my moisturizer as a makeup base at lazy days when I'm in a hurry. But whenever I have time to sit down and do my makeup without rush, I do this routine.

In all makeup application procedures, skincare will always be the first and most vital. That part should never be skipped at all. Primer is also essential to makeup application as it allows a flawless finish, and makes the look last the whole day. Foundation is applied to even out the skintone, and not to lighten it. Conceal your problem spot well and Highlight the highest points of your face. Setting the whole look with powder foundation will make you stay matte, otherwise if you choose to project a dewy look, just brush a teeny bit of powder to eliminate oiliness.

I hope this routine has helped you and maybe given you some idea, tips or tricks in application of makeup :)

Products used:

Amir Argan Oil Moisturizer

Tony Moly Baby Doll BB Makeup Base in Violet

4U2 Dream Girl Love Pink Faith BB Cream in Universal Color

San San Concealer in Natural

Maybelline New York Shine Free Foundation in Honey

Brushes Used:

e.l.f. 11 Piece Studio Brush Collection

Filmed with: Canon EOS 650d

Edited with: Sony Vegas Pro 11

Please do SUBSCRIBE to my channel for videos on Beauty, Fashion, Food and Travel :)

 MakeupByKarlaMisa

Thanks for dropping by!

Xoxo, Karla

Comfort and Style

Top: Bench | Skirt: Cache Cache | Bag: Long Champ Le Pliage | Shoes: Zanotti

Necklace: Gifted | Watch: Casio Illuminator Vintage Collection

After the long hiatus, here is now an outfit post!

Comfort and style at its finest. You don't have to suffer high stilettos or uncomfortable wear to achieve a stylish look. Just pair your comfortable top with a bandage skirt with your comfy platforms, and your good to go! This outfit can be worn out on a dinner with friends or family, a party with acquaintances, or even just on a visit to the mall to stroll and chill out.

This is what I wore during my mom's birthday dinner at Murray's New Orleans, SM Lanang Premier. It was interesting to have a taste of food from a cuisine that is quite new to me. We enjoyed the night with good food, fun chitchat and laughter.

I'm really lucky to have a fun and loving family.

For the past weeks, I have been really busy filming Makeup Videos and Tutorials for my Youtube Channel (MakeupByKarlaMisa) and I have look past my scheduled posts, lately have I noticed that I haven't been posting any fashion related post on my blog. So here it is!

I actually still have a lot in store for you guys for me to post here on my blog, but as always, I just do when time permits. Aside from filming Makeup Videos, I have been quite busy running errands with my mom, as well as Nanny-ing my adorable niece.

Nevertheless, I promise to myself to be more active with my blog and begin posting stuff that are not only links to my YouTube channel, teehee!

Watch out for more blog posts on the site soon!

Thanks for dropping by!

Xoxo, Karla

Excel Paris Matte Lip Cream Swatches and Review

Thumbs up for more Swatch Videos! :)

Products used:

Excel Paris Lip Cream

    Shades: 05, 08, 09, 12, 506, 510, 503, 501

Watsons Cleansing Wipes

EOS lip balm in Summer Fruit

Filmed with: Canon EOS 650d

Edited with: Sony Vegas Pro 11

Excel Paris Matte Lip Cream are becoming really a fad in makeup industry recently. It stands for dupes of a lot of good Matte Lip Creams, such as those of Nyx, Sephora, Miners Cosmetics and the like. 

Nevertheless, this product stands out by its most loved attribute, that is, it's affordability. It sells for around P50-100 in the market today, depending on what shop you would like to order it from. It stands out for its vibrant array of colors and its long lasting power.

For the past few days of using this product, I have observed my own Pro's and Con's of this lip cream, which are as follows:

PROs:
Vibrant Colors
Various Colors to choose from
Extremely Matte
Long Lasting
Does not transfer/smudge
Kissproof
Cheap and Affordable
Available

CONs:
No list of Ingredients for the 1st kind of packaging (e.g. 501)
Can be extremely drying to the lips during long hours of use
Contains Paraben

However, a major disadvantage of this product, as of the same, is also its price. Anyone who would be attempting to purchase this product would wonder why it is sold for a really low price. No one could really prove that Excel Paris Matte Lip Creams are guaranteed safe for use. It has been claimed to be Made in Germany, but we still aren't assured if these products sold in the Philippines are 100% Authentic.

Thus, unfortunately, I cannot recommend this product to my readers. But I can say that this product works for me and I have no problems with using it on a short period of time (since it can be really drying suring long use). I'd still use this product at times especially during photoshoots, as it looks great on photography.

Bottomline, it all depends on you whether you would risk using this product, or just settle for a much more expensive one not having any worries if it is harmful to your skin.

I can absolutely say that the "You get what you pay for" principle applies to this product :)

Thanks for dropping by guys! 

Please do SUBSCRIBE to my channel for videos on Beauty, Fashion, Food and Travel :)

Xoxo, Karla

Valentine's Day Makeup Look

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. It's one of the happiest days out of the 365 days of the year, where in people share love to one another especially to loved ones.

A lot of people have misconceptions & miscunderstandings with regard to the meaning of this occasion. I have noticed some people who are "bitter" as they call themselves for this event of the year. Let us not forget that Valentine's Day is not all about having a date with the opposite sex, or being in a relationship, Hearts Day is all about love - love that is not only shared between couples, but as well as families, friends and fellowmen.

So if you're single and not in a relationship as of the moment, do not be "bitter", this occasion is something you should be spending with the most important people in your life that you love, and it does not require to be a boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife.

Let us all enjoy this important event of our lives, a day spent for love, a day offered to our one true love - God.

Did you know the eyes are the windows to the soul?

This look is inspired by simplicity and real beauty. The eyes accentuates the whole presenting a smoky neutral eye with a pop of old rose on the lids. A soft and natural look is applied in all aspects of the face to invite all the attention to the eyes.

Whatever plans you have on the 14th, this look will sure make you look radiant and fit to the celebrated occasion. This look will definitely make you look fabulous all through out the day and even at night :)

Thumbs up for more Makeup Tutorials! :)

I am no expert in makeup but I love experimenting and creating beautiful makeup looks, hoping I could become Professional Makeup Artist in the future :)

For business inquiries, email me at karlamisa@gmail.com

Products used:

Kokuryu Summer Cake Foundation in Orange Blush

Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk

SanSan Eyeshadow Trio in 03

Love & Beauty by Forever 21 Ombre A Paupieres Eyeshadow

Fashion 21 Color Bar

Pinkies Collection Eyeshadow in 05

HengFang Liquid Eyeliner

Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara

The Face Shop Eyelash Curler

Nichido Mineral Kohl Pencil

e.l.f. Blush and Bronzing Powder

Nyx Round Lipstick in Tea Rose

Superhot78* Shine Sensation by SLG Beauty Debenhams

Highlighter used (Brandless)

Brushes Used:

e.l.f. 11 Piece Studio Brush Collection

Qingni Eyeshadow Brush (Landmark)

Please do SUBSCRIBE to my channel for videos on Beauty, Fashion, Food and Travel :)

Filmed with: Canon EOS 650d

Edited with: Sony Vegas Pro 11

Check out my YouTube Channel!

makeupbykarlamisa

Soft Natural Curls using a Flat Iron

Thumbs up to my first Hair Tutorial on YouTube! :)

In this tutorial I am using my holy grail hair straightener from JML which I use for straightening my hair as well as styling it in curls. I have always wanted to purchase a legit curling iron to style my hair but I always end up deciding not to, since I can use my straightener for the same purpose. What I love about this straightener is that it is so easy to work with when it comes to curls as it has a curved design at the sides, allowing creation of soft natural looking curls.

Overall, this is an amazing Hair Straightener. I've had this for about 4 years already as I can still recall and it still does its job. You can get yours at Watsons or SM Department Store for about P 1,500.00 ($38-40)

I am no expert in hair tutorials but I just wanted to show you how I do Soft Natural Curls using a Flat Iron :)

Disclaimer: This is not at all sponsored. I bought all these products with my own money.

For business inquiries, email me at karlamisa@gmail.com

Products Used:

JML ProCeramic Straightener

Hair Clip

Hair Ties

(Optional)

Heat Protectant Spray

Hair Spray

Please do SUBSCRIBE to my channel for videos on Beauty, Fashion, Food and Travel :)

makeupbykarlamisa on YouTube

Xoxo, Karla

Mini Haul

Thumbs up to my second haul on YouTube! :)

These are the products that I picked up recently after my previous haul. I have been abusing my credit card again and again, nevertheless, it's never to early for a haul, right? Well, I have been eyeing on these products I purchased anyway, and maybe it's about time for me to try these out!

For business inquiries, email me at karlamisa@gmail.com

Products Mentioned:

Forever 21 Large Hair Brush

Love & Beauty by Forever 21 5 piece Brush Set

Ever Bilena Duo Sharpener

Nichido Kohl Mineral Pencil 

HengFang Liquid Eyeliner

Etude House Eyebrow Razor

San San Matte Liquid Foundation in 02

Suesh Brush Guards

Excel Paris Lip Cream 501, 503, 05, 08, 09

Please do SUBSCRIBE to my channel for videos on Beauty, Fashion, Food and Travel :)

Filmed with: Canon EOS 650d

Edited with: Sony Vegas Pro 11

For comments, requests and suggestions just comment down below!

Check out my YouTube Channel:

MakeupByKarlaMisa

Xoxo, Karla

Simple Nude Cat Eye Makeup Tutorial

Thumbs up to my full makeup tutorial on YouTube! :)

Here's a makeup look that is wearable during day and even during night. 
You may opt to minimize the cat eye if worn on daytime and somewhat emphasize it suring nighttime. I wore this once on a photoshoot and the outcome of the photographs were great. 
I consider this one of the most versatile looks that I have ever created.

Products used:

San San Matte Liquid Foundation in 02

San San Concealer in Natural

Nichido Precise Mineral Eye Pencil in Chestnut

e.l.f. Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder

Ever Bilena 12 Shades Eyeshadow Palette

Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Trio (Walking On Eggshells)

HengFang Liquid Eyeliner

Trim Eyelash Curler

Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara

EOS Lip Balm in Summer Fruit

Clinique Vitamin C Lip Smoothie in Pink Me Up

Brushes:

Marionnaud N38 Brush

e.l.f. Flat Top Kabuki Brush

e.l.f. Eyeshader Brush

Forever 21 Love & Beauty 5 pc Brush Set

Please do SUBSCRIBE to my channel for videos on Beauty, Fashion, Food and Travel :)

For business inquiries, email me at karlamisa@gmail.com

Filmed with: Canon EOS 650d

Edited with: Sony Vegas Pro 11