I like the Shu Uemura UV Underbase Mousse because of how incredibly impressive it makes makeup stay all day despite the sweltering heat. I have combination skin and I prefer swiping the lightweight mousse primer along my T-zone area only as it tends to dry up my cheeks. Talk about a genuine face mattifier!

How much? 2.29oz of product for: P2,200 (limited ed); P2,000 (regular bottles); $35 on Shu Uemura website 

Where to buy: Shu Uemura counters (Trinoma, MOA, Rustan's Shang and Makati)

Sun Protection: SPF 30 PA+++

This can be a stand alone face base for those with already great skin (not for those with dry skin though). The primer is limited to gluing foundation to the skin, blurring pores to a significant degree, and keeping the face from excessively oiling up. It cannot conceal acne scars and pimples. 

Other cons to consider are:

• limited shade range: pink and beige 
• too mattifying even for those with combination skin
• face can feel a wee bit sticky before the product gets fully pushed into the skin
• mousse pump difficult to control (the bottle dispenses too much when all you need is a small dollop). To get the right amount, make sure to press the pump on its farthest side opposite the nozzle. Pump cautiously (the sneaking-in-the-house-way-past-your-curfew cautious type) in an upward direction.

Some helpful notes:

• The shades do not adapt to the skin color and tone. I remember my face looking beige and afloat my neck after putting this on. Its color does not overpower the foundation shade that sits on top of it though.
• I thought the Shu Uemura UV Underbase mousse primer smelled like beer.
• You get a velvety smooth face after letting the product sink in to the skin.
• Limited edition bottles are purely beauty blings and are in no way extra special inside than the regular bottles. 

Product wastage captured in photo (below). This is what happens when you treat the pump as you normally would a pump--pressing it on the middle. You will only need half as much to cover the entire face. And if you're arguing that you can use the remaining half to build coverage, don't be disappointed when you end up looking a lot more beige than covered.

Recommendation. Those who have oily skin with minor imperfections will enjoy this product. Makeup artists may also find this a reasonably priced primer--cutting down on touch-ups and beauty boo-boo's during events is after all, priceless. I also recommend this to those who feel like they will never find a face primer that will make foundation stick. This product is worth trying before totally giving up on primers. 

Despite the efficiency of the product, it is surprising that I rarely want to use it. The Shu Uemura UV Underbase mousse primer makes me look too made-up (for my liking). I can use it on its own to downplay the look but it lacks decent coverage to give my face the near-flawless illusion it needs. 

Time to buy back-ups and products you've always wished would go a few pesos lower!

Shiseido Trinoma Mall branch is having a 20% off sale on all Shiseido products

November 29 - December 2, 2012

I've had the Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation for almost half a year now and during these times, it's mostly just sitting on my dresser. Not that it's a horrible product (I actually like how it performs and find myself wanting to use it on most days), but it has consistently aggravated pustules every time I use it.

I know it's a serious problem and that I should just get rid of the black bottle, but the advantages I get from it outweigh its most unnerving flaw. I seriously don't understand why Shiseido foundations are acting funny on my skin (even the Perfect Smoothing foundation, which I loved to bits until the day it broke me out). 

• Enjoy Paris' review of the foundation
• Miss Glitzy's compares it to Clarins Skin Illusion
• See why Claire thinks it's at par with NARS Sheer Glow 

I give you an ultimatum my dear Shiseido Perfect Refining foundation. Today, I have an almost clear skin and if you mess with that one pimple persisting on my cheek, I have no other choice but to let you go.

Do you still remember Marnie from "Ang TV"? She's not as popular as most of her contemporaries but because I find myself singing to do-wah diddy-diddy dum diddy-do every after school during my younger years, I'm able to put a face to that name. 

(Her real name is Marie France Arcilla)

Marnie, or rather, Marie France, currently works as a stage and TV actress in New York. Her most celebrated TV stint to date may be her Gossip Girl appearance as Blair Waldorf's seamstress (she had lines!).

I learned she got married last year. While I usually don't click on nuptial videos of  people outside my circle, I ended up watching Marnie's and felt lucky I did so. Nakakapangarap.

     Julien: Nine years ago, on this island, we became a couple. I remember telling you at that time, "If you're ever going to marry somebody, please let it be me."

     Marnie: I remember one day when you came up to me to say, "You are so beautiful baby ko, i love you so much" ...but on that particular day, I smiled and turned to look at you and was reminded by the kitchen mirror that i was covered with chicken pox! And that's when i knew i would never find anyone who'll love me the way that you do-- absolutely, unequivocally and unconditionally.

The video is like a long trailer for an extraordinary love story movie:

By posting this, I thought I could share two things with you (and even a third one, too: Marnie's beautiful Pronovias gown) : a video done so beautifully and a partnership that has tied two cultures in genuine love. I hope you take time two watch the 6-minute footage. I promise you it's some few minutes put to good use.