Whenever someone I know is coming home from the US, I try and think of something I can have carried home.  I usually go online and check out Target, and manage to find something I want.

When it comes to makeup I read some blogs and check out Sephora’s  newest offerings.

For years now, since Rustan’s stopped distributing YSL, I’ve ordered Touche Éclat. It is best, of course, to buy this at Duty Free since it comes out cheaper. I even sometimes order Bulgari for babies to store as baptism or birthday gifts.

Recently I’ve been reading about Urban Decay’s Naked eyeshadow palette, and since I already love the brand’s eyeliners, I pegged it as my next order. Luckily,  my sister-in-law coming back from the US  gave me that.

In terms of color, it was great. But when I used it, it was a big failure—powdery, and didn’t stick easily on the lids. Also the pigmentation was a big disappointment. When my friend called, I had to apologize for recommending something only because it really looked good. First lesson when buying any beauty product—try it before taking it home or ordering it.

About YSL Touche Éclat—it is a good product, but I am also loving Benefit’s Ooh La Lift which can be bought at Benefit Greenbelt 5. I think I should really stop hoarding Touche, because Benefit is great, too.

We all want our makeup to stay, but before that, it should also be easy to put on. I was surprised to discover Lush has come up with a makeup line. My husband has gotten into the habit of using Lush bar soaps. Ever since he tried them he has refused to use any other soap.

Great pigmentation

Last week, I was able to try Lush’s makeup line and was happy to spin the wheel to find out what color I was supposed to be wearing today. Yes, a wheel, which Lush will have in all its stores.

The colors I picked out from the wheel were those that actually fit me. Aside from how interesting the philosophy behind the wheel was, the Lush products I got have great pigmentation, and they stay on the whole day.

I got lipstick that can also be used on the cheeks, and eyeliner that can double as eyeshadow. I particularly love two-in-one products because I don’t like having to think of which product to use with what. But just for the color wheel alone, you have to visit Lush ASAP.

In truth, I am obsessed with skincare more than scents and makeup. There are a couple of brands I follow very religiously, and one of them is Perricone. I am now using its Chia Serum and am happy with the results. My skin looks silky smooth and feels soft to the touch.

I have about four different serums, and I use them depending on what I feel my skin needs. When people ask me what skincare product I use, I can name only  what I used the night before.

Everybody should have a serum. Serums are more potent and concentrated than most creams.

 Chia seeds are one of the richest vegetable sources of omega 3 fatty acids. If your skin needs that extra boost of hydration, this  is a must-have. It will hydrate and moisturize your skin while giving it  an instant glow. It does  wonders on my skin.

For sensitive skin

For those with sensitive skin, or know someone who does, fear no more! There is a product made especially for you. Mario Badescu’s Seaweed Extract line is the answer to your prayers.

What I like most about this  is, it has a soap, lotion and night cream, so you won’t have to keep thinking or worrying about the product you put on your face.

Mario Badescu’s Seaweed Cleansing Soap contains Bladderwrack extract and small grains of mineral-rich seaweed that nourishes skin and gently exfoliates while cleansing. Its non-stripping formula removes makeup and pore-clogging debris on all combination-skin types.

This product reduces ingrown hair caused by shaving, given its gentle exfoliating properties.

Seaweed Cleansing Lotion is a mild, non-drying, alcohol-free toner that soothes and disinfects dry and sensitive skin. It gently cleanses and balances the skin with natural, mild astringents such as Seaweed extract, Aloe, Bladderwerack, Seamollient and Witch Hazel. Witch Hazel is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that can also clean oil and debris from the skin’s surface.

Seaweed Night Cream (for all skin types) is an oil-free night cream that leaves the skin feeling silky. It contains seaweed extract, collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, soften and nourish skin overnight, without clogging the pores. The two ingredients, collagen and hyaluronic acid, help hold in moisture.