If you're scouring beauty brands for an inexpensive red lipstick, you're definitely in for some treat when you check out the Nature Republic Petit Cherry Rouge lippie in H20 (H stands for high-colour). I bought this last November 2011 during the Nature Republic Grand Opening at SM Fairview and I've been reaching for this every time I'd like a pop of red on my bare face.

What I love about it:

• highly pigmented
• inexpensive at P220 (Nature Republic card holders get an additional 10% off!)
• does not dry my lips out
• very creamy and glides perfectly on the lips
• cute and compact packaging; true-blue petite!

Uh-ohs:

• not long-lasting; i reapply after an hour or two
• not a perfect red on my pigmented lips; more of orangey-red on me

You might notice alphanumeric codes instead of lipstick names with The Nature Republic Petit Cherry Rouge products. Very Korean, don't you think? FYI: 4 variants are available, namely, High-colour (H), Moisture (M), Glossy (G), and Creamy (C). 

I swatched colors from the Moisture and Glossy variants which resulted to my partiality to High-colour because of its relatively outstanding color pay-off.

I'm still thinking if I should repurchase H20. Sometimes, I find the color too bold for my personality, hee. But I'll definitely check out more shades from the Nature Republic Petit Cherry Rouge line so that I end up with a lipstick that's more, erm, ME. 

Nature Republic Philippines' Branches and Contact Numbers:

Festival Mall Alabang, G/F, 822-2953
SM North EDSA, The Block, 4/F, across Wade, 921-4781
SM Fairview, Main Building, G/F, across Chinabank, 921-3829

Please don't forget to join my Neutrogena Fine Fairness BB Cream Giveaway! Deadline's today, 3PM.

Like Nature Republic Philippines on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter to get updates on what's new and what's on sale!

Full Disclosure: Item reviewed purchased with my own money.

You can refer to my San san mascara review and tell that I have short eye lashes and that I can definitely find a good use for lengthening mascaras. Bare Minerals' Flawless Definition Mascara not only lengthens my lashes in a natural way, it is able to separate and coat my lashes sans the notorious clumping! 

The photo above uses one layer of the mascara (black). Quite perfect for an everyday look, don't you think?

Continue reading »

During the HBC Great at 88 Sale, I got myself San San's long-wearing Mascara in 01 (black). I have moderately thick but short lashes and this works well for me.

Price: 111php ($2.50), may go as low as 88php during sale

Availability: HBC stores; comes in 02, brown

Best for: naturally thick lashes with length problems

What I love about it:

• lengthens my short lashes without looking too made-up
• mascara consistency is neither watery nor too thick
• withstands our humid weather... truly long-wearing
• dries up in a few secs
• affordable
• smear-proof, no raccoon eyes

Uh-ohs:

• not ideal for evening affairs
• experienced difficulty in coating my very short inner and outer lashes
• below-average pigmentation (which may be the reason why it seems I'm not wearing mascara at all)

This is definitely a good everyday go-to mascara especially if one wishes to sport the au naturale look. With one swipe of the San San long-wearing mascara, I love how it gives people the impression that I naturally have long lashes.

San San Long-wearing Mascara 01 after 4 hours

The wand's advantage is its ability to separate my lashes beautifully so that it gives my eyes that soft, feminine look. However, due to its roundness and without the bristles tapering along the tip, I find it difficult to use when trying to coat my inner, shorter lashes. Girls with small eyes and short lashes might give this a thought before buying the San San's long-wearing mascara.

San San uses the old-fashioned wire-y wand (modern wands here)

I find that using 1-2 quick coats works best for me. Going beyond two coats gives me spider leg lashes. The formulation, which dries up fairly fast, never weighs my lashes down. I hate how this smells, though. 

Don't I look a little more girly after?

Recommendation. Skip this mascara if your focal points are your eyes in creating makeup looks. Also, this is a waste of money if you want glamorous, thick, stark black lashes. 

There isn't really anything beyond special about the San San long-wearing mascara except for its cheap tag and its ability to separate the lashes perfectly. I bet you already know that mascaras are the types of cosmetics that expire the fastest (3-6 months) and if you are on the hunt for a cost-effective one, then this is one product to consider.  If you have a tight budget and prefer a less made-up look, this may just be the one for you especially if it goes on sale!

I love how the 4U2 Glitz Shimmer Brow Mascara works wonders for me! I got the dark brown shade (which looked black to me) which suited me just fine.

I initially wanted to get shade 02, which is brown, since I felt it suited my colored hair better. However, it ended up streaking my brow with this weird whitish color at the tips. But it could've been the tester, i'll sure be back to give that prettier shade a second chance!

4U2 Glitz Shimmer Brow Mascara 01 swatch

4U2 Brow Mascara costs a fraction of a MAC browset. It delivers satisfactorily despite the cheap tag (not as marvelous as MAC's, though). This is available in all 4U2 Cosmetics counters in Watson's and SM Department Stores priced at P 234.00.

Will definitely recommend this to those who can't afford a MAC browset and wants to prettify the face further by enhancing the brows. I often use this after using the In2it or ELF Brow Kit to keep my brows in place but on lazy days, I plainly use a dash of the 4U2 brow mascara on my brows to frame my face.

1: Thick application of the Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner
2: perfect brows to frame the face (thanks to 4U2 brow mascara)
3: after 2 hours on my oily lids... smokey look na
4: effect of 4U2 brow mascara + maybelline gel liner
5: bare face: before Pure Anada Minerals+4U2+Maybelline
6: don't let the shimmers freak you out; not shimmery at all on the brows
7: brow mascara 6.5g, P234; gel liner, P449

Learning to apply the product properly on the brows for makeup newbs will definitely want them to repurchase. I discourage those who do not plan to use this often as I noticed that this brow mascara dries up in the bottle gradually over time.

I love the 4U2 Glitz Shimmer Brow Mascara to bits. It's cheap, effective and definitely something that can revamp the way your face looks!

What makes me not hate all that scorching heat and humidity when I commute to school? A functional sunblock that eliminates piling up too much stuff on the face!

My current fave, since my face is starting to oil up like crazy with the heat, ---- the Lab 46 Tinted Moisturizer! Label says it has plant-derived placenta and collagen. Interesting...

Lab46 Tinted Sunblock, 500php
got it from my derma's clinic (Doc Six Foronda)

- goes smoothly on my oily skin

- absorbs fairly quick

- SPF 45

- no breakouts

- acts as a primer to keep facial oil at bay (this sunblock may be too drying in the cooler months)

- does not leave the skin sticky nor sweaty (in comparison to MOST bb creams which act as functional sunblocks, too)

Battle of the SPF's: Lab 46 SPF 45, Neutrogena SPF 50, Hamilton SPF 80

Just watch out for the scent. It didn't tickle my fancy albeit bearable. Also, this does not result to a full coverage tint... it just evened out my skintone. 

Housed in a lightweight, plastic tub

To conclude, I love it and I'm using it alternately with my Hamilton SPF 80 sunblock!

The first time I laid eyes on a Clinique product was when I was four. I always snuck out mama's Clinique lippies from her purse since they looked glossier than my good old crayons on paper.

I now realize how badly I behaved. I should be putting on Crayola on my lips as penance since Clinique products aren't priced low here in the Philippines. The relatively steep price points (U.S prices are waaaay cheaper) are a bit prohibitive but since this is such a good brand, I still make sure that I spend on a couple of their products that made it on my Brand Favorites list:

1. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Relief

This has a gel-like consistency and does an amazing job in moisturizing my face. This tub is simply something that'll make you feel good about your skin while slathering it on. I hope I do not break out with this in the future.

If they only had it in a better packaging (bottle w/pump), I wouldn't have to worry about losing my spatula and keeping it bacteria-free.

2. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer

I stopped using this last year because it started breaking me out. I remember how I used to put the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel on a pedestal (for a good 9-10months) before the big zit fiasco. In fairness to the product, I really fell in love with its texture, finish, scent, pumped bottle and how effective it was in allowing me to wake up with softer and more supple skin the next day.

Also, I noticed that this is more easily absorbed by the skin compared to the Moisture Surge Extended Relief. This is something I will not be using for the meantime but will never stop others from getting their hands on this excellent moisturizer.

3. Clinique Superfit Foundation

This tops my list of the best liquid foundies I've ever used!

While it may not completely hide my deepest acne scars, I love the fact that it had the most blendable consistency and was able to even out my skin tone so naturally while gliding like a dream on my face.

This is the first foundation that allowed me to experience how the skin can actually breathe even with a foundation on top of it. I never got zits from this product.

I wore Neutral 07. The sad thing about this foundie is that it oxidizes on my acidic skin and I'm having a hard time getting a perfect shade match (my sister loves Neutral). I bought Cream Beige to replace Neutral but I still think that there's a better shade out there for me... I just need a PATIENT beauty attendant to really help me out and not act like the first shade she puts on me is THE ONE.

4. Clinique Clarifying Lotion

I've tried a couple of toners before (Dickinson'w Witch Hazel, Celeteque, L'oreal Pure Zone's, etc) and nothing has ever stepped up to how the Clinique Clarifying Lotion primps and prettifies my skin. It is part of the 3-step skincare I purchased but I have to say that this product is among those that can stand on its own despite being tagged as a part of a certain group.

I've already switched from Clinique toner 3 to 2 and I can say that both variants are working well for me. I can never deny the fact that my makeup never fails to looks prettier and fresh with this toner underneath it (versus a blah and boring and flaky look without toning the skin first).

5. The Clinique Turnaround Tandem

If I could splurge, I will never miss on replenishing my stocks on Clinique's Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer and the Turnaround Instant Facial Masque. Since these two are really priced sky-high at Clinique counters, I still wait for my expenses to lie-low a bit before I can put these babies on my to-buy list.

The Turnaround Concentrate Serum absorbs like the DDMG but finishes like Smashbox's Photofinish Primer. You can just imagine how the skin feels so soft and velvetty before hitting the sack (lucky pillow)! The serum gives my face a healthy, radiant glow the following morning like I'm on glutathione. I merely have words to glorify this product but they still fall short in describing how perfect this serum is as a part of any girl's skincare routine.

The Turnaround Instant Facial Masque (an exfoliating clay masque) is the last thing I'll be getting if I'm on a tight budget. Don't get me wrong, it's one of my favorites, but who needs to spend so much on masques, right? The turnaround instant facial is so dear to me that I use this sparingly (and only on the night before a special event!).

The masque's scent is absolutely regal and the microbeads in it are just the finest ones that ever touched my skin. These are just the kind of exfoliating beads I wished St. Ives Apricot Scrub had.

I always felt that masques are unnecessary add-ons to skincare (because I never saw instant effects!), but with this product, my skin exudes an eye-catching sheen after rinsing the face.

Looking back at that story when I was four, I'm glad that mama never scolded me (and my brother) for rendering her Clinique lipsticks and eyeshadows unusable. It's amazing to note too that by the time I was old enough for makeup, she advised me to get Clinique prods since I had sensitive skin. She added that I had to enjoy the brand before I get to have kids who'd possibly mess around with my purse someday.

For my readers who reside in the U.S., here's Clinique's treat for you. If you want to get a chance to win a Milly wardrobe and some fab bags, ENTER HERE.

In the spirit of Lip Ice (you must've bumped into Pammy's and Phoebe's reviews by this time), I'm also doing a review on one of its popular variants, Lip Ice Fruity.  

I was lucky enough to get mine from a giveaway that I won (Phoebe's).  

Lip Ice Fruity Lip Balm in Strawberry, 3.5g, 89php
Available @ Watson's and SM Beauty

Pros: First off, Lip Ice Fruity w/ SPF15 is a good lip product to to get your hands on if you want a colorless lip conditioner that's affordable and non-greasy. It works well on dry and chapped lips even in an airconditioned room, but as with most lip balms, apply when necessary.  It's not some miracle product that will turn your lips hydrated the WHOLE day with one application.

Lip Ice is brought to you by Rohto-Mentholatum Malaysia

I love the fruity scent/flavour! I got the Lip Ice Strawberry variant and the flavour is just right for my liking. It may appear strong when you first apply it due to the mentholated feature, but the entire thing dies down in a few minutes.

I compare it to: Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm; both lip balms have beeswax and are not icky sticky.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, P300+, 4.25g
Lip Ice Fruity, P89, 3.5g

I find that I need more application with Lip Ice Fruity than Burt's Bees
The minty feel also lasts longer with Burt's Bees

Cons: If you love some color on your lips, you ought to try their Lipcolor Balm or Sheer Colour variants instead. That'll save you a few bucks (that you can spend on Wish lip and cheek stain instead LOL). They also suggest pairing Lip Ice Fruity with the other colour variants for added colour, but I feel that doing that will already be too heavy on the lips (I tried my Sheer Colour+Fruity --- didn't like it).

Photo Edited from Lip Ice Facebook Page
available Fruity flavors are: Strawberry, Lemon, Apple,
Mandarin Orange and Grape Blackcurrant

Are you still swiping on some petroleum jelly on the lips (like my little sis... haha, I know what to give her this Christmas)?  Break free from it through Lip Ice products!

Lip Ice Fruity is a nice product that can fill in for your expensive balms when you run out of stock. It's a nice and affordable set to collect, too, either for your self or for gifting during the holidays!

I recently visited SM Malls and I was sursprised at how wide the array of their beauty brands have expanded to.  I feel that this revamp isn't new but I'm still giddy that SM Beauty Section has improved a lot.

I've spotted several drugstore brands, Wet n Wild included.

Wet n Wild is in the Philippines! Visit them @ SM Department Stores

I didn't nose around that much, but I managed to sniff through Wet n Wild's available foundation.

1. Wet n Wild Ultimate Sheer, 399php

Photo Source

Wet n Wild's version of a tinted moisturizer or bb cream.  Recommended for all skin types.

2. Wet n Wild Ultimate Match, 499php

Perfect for oily-skin.

3. Wet n Wild Intuitive Blend, 599php

The SA told me that this product is for dry-skin.  The label says that this is a Shade Adjusting Foundation infused with a primer.  That sounds promising for oily-skinned gals like me!

I also saw Mineral Powder Foundations available.

Foundation prices are relatively cheap, but a bit overpriced looking at how much they cost in the U.S. (sales tax+shipping included).

Have you tried this brand?

Malaysian beauty brand, Elianto, sells two variants of its BB cream: the Miracle Multiplex and the Miracle White Multiplex. These two Elianto BB creams have 3 shades each: #01 Soft Beige, #02 Natural, and #03 Warm Beige. (these BB creams are made in Korea, distributed by Malaysian Elianto)

Miracle Multiplex	Miracle white multiplex
SPF 25	SPF 45
Moisturizing	Whitening
Oil Control	Firming, Anti-Wrinkles
Brightening	Moisturizing

Elianto Miracle Multiplex, 50 mL, 699php

I am currently using the Miracle Multiplex in Natural.

(pics with flash)

you may click on image to see notes

What I love about it:

• surprisingly creamy despite its runny consistency (creamy means good concealing effect!)
• evens out my skin tone while giving my face a good kind of glow
• I only have to blot twice during a warm, humid day (no blotting on rainy days! weeee!)
• it is a photogenic make up
• lightweight, no heavy make up feel!
• photgenic make up
• gentle and non-clogging to my sensitive and acne-prone skin

click image to enlarge; notice how my veins are covered

Uh-ohs:

• the hole in the product tube is too big. I've wasted a couple of mL's since the bb cream has a thin consistency
• i can't brag about how it smells. it's too herbal for me.

Helpful hints in using Elianto BB Cream:

• I find that fingers work well in applying this BB cream. Brush application tends to use a lot of the product
• don't freak out when your face turns a lil too "white" after application. Wait a couple of minutes until it blends with your skin tone (check out the hand image above, 2nd & 3rd pics)
• apply sparingly
• not buildable
• make sure that the tube's cap initially points upward whenever you are opening it. i wasted loads of the bb cream because i was holding the tube with its cap facing down as i opened it.

In a nutshell:

FEATURES:
Make-Up Base Ability	great
Oil Control	good, had to blot after 6 hours
Drying time	Roughly, 2 minutes
Consistency	Thin, almost runny
Coverage	Sheer-to-medium
SPF	25
Price	699 php
Scent	Too herbal
Shade Range	wide
Advantages	Locally available Small amount needed Lightweight Cheap for a 50mL product Easy to blend because of its consistency

Elianto BB cream will be a staple face product for me! It gives me a healthy glow even after washing it off my face, and that feature earned its way to my HG list. I've tried other BB creams before, but decided to discontinue using them (either it broke me out, or it did nothing to-die-for). I hope you've found your HG BB cream, too, and I'd love to hear from you about it!

I've done a little experiment with dry brushing to check if it truly deserves an additional few minutes to my already long bath time.

I tried dry brushing for a week.

And then another week sans the procedure.

And then this past work week with it in my routine again.

The verdict: it's a must in my bath routine. Why? Primarily because I noticed how my skin looked softer and noticeably fairer when I combo-ed it with my fave moisturizing products. Dry brushing CAN boost my kikay products' effects!

Related effects of this healthy pre-bath procedure includes:

• Removes dead skin cells allowing you to see a finer skin texture
• Results to firmer and more radiant skin since it stimulates microcirculation beneath the brushed areas.
• Ample amounts of blood distributed in these areas via microcirculation will mean more oxygenation. Imagine how much spas and salons charge us for oxygenation procedures!
• Can serve as an adjunct to an alkaline diet program + regular exercise to ward off ghastly cellulites.
• Stimulates the detox process that stimulates the lymph canals to drain toxic muccoid matter into the colon.

You may want to check how I do dry brushing.

As narrated in my best oil-control products post, oily-skinned girly like me are sooooo prone to acne. And we hate it a lot! We're in an endless search for the best zit-zapping cream that can give us a big hug and tell us that the humongous pimple sitting on our cheeks will be gone by the morrow.

TCA Peels and steroid injections are my last hopes when all else fails (because they are quite expensive). Here are my before pics (the costs of sleeping soooo late! Lack of sleep+hormonal imbalance+being lazy for skin care routine are the culprits, I can tell) :

A closer view of what women's chins must never be: yes, there are pimples, and see how ugly and rough my skin is?

Acne-fied chin: In need of a good pimple treatment!

I never liked steroid injections simply because they're all about needles. And I'm just not a fan. But I needed those trapped pus out of my chin, and so I had to face my fear and give in to that sort of acne treatment. Gosh, of all the places, I had to get the needle right along my T-zone area! Great.

I received a 30% (or was it 40?) TCA for the entire face. I didn't take ibuprofens or anything beforehand, and so I took the burning sensation of the procedure like a man, erm, a woman. Boy, it really stung my face! To think that a cooling fan was already hovering at my face, it still felt like my face was against the gas stove.

45 minutes after, I got up with a harrassed look on my pimpled face. The TCA Peel and Steroid tandem did a good job in freaking me out, but I know they'll be giving me the results that I want. Cliche-ish, but... no pain, no gain.

3 days post-treatment:

Welcome to the jungle!: A not-so-resolved chin area where peeling adds up to the jungle theme

5 days post-treatment:

Minimal peeling, I'm itching to force em out, but that's a no-no! Can anybody see a difference now?

I should've taken a shot of my chin the following day after visiting my derma. I know most of you already know how steroid injections work like magic, but I should've archived a proof of its wonder! Anyway, the above shots were take 5 days after my derma trip, and I have to admit I'm happy. I do mind how obvious the peeling was on day 3 (and that people stare at you like you're some walking... well, peel girl. haha, i can't think of anything else to say!), but seeing a whole new "baby" skin relieved me. Plus the pimples shrank significantly and are already drying up!

Boyfie had his fair share of the experience, minus the steroids... he's got less complicated zits (If ever you're reading this... I'm sorry!):

such a darling to pose for me! xoxo

Acne and Pimple Treatment Review on:

TCA Peel:

• Painful Procedure? Yes, but tolerable.
• Length of Treatment: ~15mins
• Downtime: depending on TCA strength (x%), peeling may take up to 10 days max; I normally have 5 days down-time at 30%.
• Cost: 1,000 to 3,000php/session (it's a thousand bucks with my doc, buti'm paying 50% off...yipee)
• What you'll fall in love with: takes old skin out and a rosy, smooth skin in place of it; pimple-busting/drying; skin looks thinner (in a positive way)

(a review on TCA Peel by other peeps)

Steroid Injection:

• Painful Procedure? Terribly painful! (Hindi siya kagat ng langgam!! Grrrr!)
• Length of Treatment: a few secs
• Downtime: None
• Cost: 500-800 per shot
• What you'll fall in love with: instantaneous effect on acne/pimple

(L): Before Acne treatment (R): 5 days after acne treatment

A proof of my extremely imperfect skin (click to enlarge): The after pic isn't drool-worthy, but this is the best that my skin can get

I love my dermatologist to bits because she makes the cost part of my review inkling to the positive side! These above prices are the usual ranges you'll be quoted when you derma-hop around the metro. I'm a lucky gal to have found a good doctor who is passionate about her craft, and who is already rich enough to even think about dermatology as a business!

Have you tried TCA Peels and the dreadful steroid shot? Or do you prefer other acne and pimple treatment? Tell me about them and I'll try them out, too!

My MD, a fellow Thomasian: Sixta Foronda , M.D.

6F Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Center
14/F Medical Plaza, Amorsolo St., Makati City

=================================================

UPDATE:

Made a POST on how my entire face looks like 4 hours after threatment!

I know that I am not the only girl wishing I had a different skin type and that I knew the best way to control oil. Oily-skinned gals like me are dreading the oil mine trapped in our faces and it's such a difficult task for us to make sure that we're still pretty and fresh at the end of the day.

Here's our biggest problem: we need a face make-up with medium-to-heavy coverage to hide our acne marks and scars, but we can't keep that make-up sit on our faces because of excess oil.

Let me share with you my top 6 must-use beauty products to control oil in helping us keep our faces primped and pretty the entire day:

#6. Blotting papers.

J&J Clean and Clear Oil-Absorbing Sheets, ~118php ($2.50) at beauty stores and supermarkets

Oily girls need blotting papers since these are handy goodies to keep our faces fresh and oil-free. Just make sure you dab it on your face and not rub it in. It's a must to blot first before retouching with a finishing powder to make sure you're not trapping oil and sweat underneath your made-up face.

(my pick: J&J Clean and Clear Blotting Paper; also try: Gatsby's ~140php, Watson's <100php)

#5. Finishing powders.

Aromaleigh's Ultra reslution finishing powder, $13.75 at website, there are resellers over ebay.ph

These oil-control beauty products add to keeping the face clean and fresh-looking. It can also blur imperfections while giving us a radiant glow.

Oily girls need finpows because we don't want our face to look so flat with a matte make-up.

(my picks: Aromaleigh's URFP's, Bare Escentuals Tinted Mineral veil 500-1000+; also try: Monave's 600-800php, Joppa's 490-900php)

#4. Foundation powders.

Joppa foundies in Full/Soft Coverage, Morning Dew and Simple Radiance, $18-$22 for full-sizes

MMU's are by far, the best foundation powders that can perfectly set your liquid foundie! I will swear to this till I die.

Oily girls need foundation powders to make sure that their base foundies get an extra hold.

(my picks: Joppa's 700-1000php, Pure Anada's 1,000+php, Clinique Superbalanced powder 1,780php; also try: Monave's ~1000php, Lauress')

#3. A gel moisturizer.

Clinique's DDMG, 2400php 125mL at Rustan's; $24 at Clinique website

It's a let-down to know that there are millions of oily-skinned girls who skip on moisturizers. Let me tell you a secret: moisturizers that hydrate the skin send signals to our sebaceous glands to cut down on oil production since enough moisture is already achieved. We produce excess oil basically because our skin lacks the needed moisture!

Oily girls need a moisturizer in gel form to eliminate the greasy feel and replace it with a smooth and velvetty one instead.

(my pick: Cinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel)

#2. A good toner.

Most people say that it tightens the pores and remove excess oil. While this is good news for us, these claims are plainly untrue. The real deal with toners is that it removes unwashed dirt and cleansing residues (c/o our soaps) that may irritate and clog our pores. Since most traditional soaps (and even some facial soaps) are alkaline, toners do the job of restoring the pH of our skin to normal.

Oily girls need a good toner because we don't want more zits/acne adding up when we stuff our faces with make-up. (Tip: there are some toners, like L'oreal Pure Zone's, that contain salicylic acid which can help us with our acne problem)

(my picks: Clinique Clarifying Lotion #3 or #4 1,500-1,800php, my derma's glowing solution 400+php; also try: L'oreal Pure Zone Toner 300+php, Celeteque's 200-300php, Nivea's, Body Shop's Tea Tree Toner 600+php, Neutrogena's Alcohol-free toner ~500php)

#1. Primers!

Smashbox Photofinish (Original), 1800+php at Beauty Bar, $36 at Smashbox website

I've never realized the power of a primer until I started reading beauty blogs. Primers do wonders you just can't imagine. They provide a smooth slate for your make-up to glide on while blurring imperfections and pore size. The best thing about primers is that it keeps your make-up stuck on the face by keeping oilies at bay (which is later reinforced by your finpows)!

The best primers I've tried are silicone-based ones (Smashbox Photofinish), but since most of these can clog our pores, there are primers built silicone-free that may be to our liking!

(My picks: Skinhour's Mattifying Day Cream/Leyende's Face Canvass 400+php, Shu Uemura Mousse UV Base 2000php, Smashbox photofinish Light 2100php also try: Smashbox photofinish original (has silicone), Monistat Anti-Chafing Gel Cream 400-500php, Kryolan Invisi Matte, 800php, MUFE Matt-Velvet 2000+php, Skinfood Agave Prime Gel, 2000php)

I hope you learned a thing or two with these. There are hndreds of ways we can hate our oily skin, but the first step to busting the unwanted oil is to accept that we are what we are. I've come to love my oily skin now... partly because of these best beauty products to control oil!