I've moved! You can find recent hairstyles and hair tutorials on my new blog. See you there! :) 

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Review: Real Techniques vs Sigma Bunny Collection Brush Kit

Real Techniques Eye Starter Set and Base Core Collection

If you watched any of my makeup tutorials on youtube, you'll know that I love my bunny collection brushes from Sigmabeauty.com. They are so soft like my Ecotool brushes and they come in the cutest packaging ever! ^_^

Sigma Mrs. Bunny Collection Travel Size Brush Kit

I went to Walmart to do some shopping for home and somehow ended up in the makeup aisle... go figure. -_-"  I spotted the Real Technique Brushes for only $18.95 per kit.  I was excited to try these because I heard so many good things about them. The line was created by Samantha Chapman, a makeup artist as well as a beauty guru on youtube. Both the Sigma and RT brushes are made from synthetic/ cruelty-free taklon bristles.  I experienced no shedding with both brush kits.

Real Techniques Eye Starter Set

Left to right: deluxe crease brush, base shadow brush, accent brush, pixel-point eyeliner brush, brow brush, and panoramic brush case is a 2-in-1 case + stand ( I don't see myself ever using this but it would be nice if you don't have a brush holder or case)

Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush 

I love the color and design of these eye brushes but unfortunately, I wasn't all too impressed with this particular kit. The Deluxe crease brush is nice but it's much too big for my lid space. This would actually work better to blend in concealer. The base shadow brush is too fluffy to pack on eyeshadow, in fact, it would work better for blending. I also find that the brow and eyeliner brush are too big for their intended use. Out of the entire kit, I would probably only use the deluxe crease brush and the base shadow brush.

Real Techniques Base Core Collection  

Left to right: contour brush, buffing brush, pointed foundation brush, detailer brush, panoramic brush case is a 2-in-1 case + stand 

I was far more impressed with the Base Core Collection; in fact, I can see myself using three out of the four brushes in this kit. The contour and buffing brush are just fantastic. I use them for power, blush, highlight, and contour. They aren't as dense as the Sigma Sigmax brushes but you really get your bang for your buck! When you break it down, these brushes cost under $5 each. The detailer brush is small but it's the perfect lip/spot concealer brush. The only one I didn't like was the pointed foundation brush. I was going to use this for concealer under the eyes but it was too scratchy and irritating. If you can see from the picture below, I compared it to the Sigma foundation brush. The Sigma brush is just smooth but the RT has tiny bristles sticking out on top which makes it scratchy. I also find that the Sigma talon fibers are a tad softer than the RT brushes.

So how do these RT brushes compare to my Sigma Bunny Collection brushes? It's hard to say. Both kits come with completely different brushes that serve different purposes but in terms of quality, I think the Sigma's synthetic brushes are softer. Although the Sigma Bunny collection costs 3x more, I use every single brush in that kit. If you're on a budget, the RT brush kits are great for the price!

Above: Sigma Mrs. Bunny Collection Travel Size Brush Kit

Would you recommend RT brushes: Yes! If you love Ecotools brushes , you'll love RT because I find that their brushes are more for professionals. The Ecotool brushes are nice but a lot of them have very basic shapes for beginners. Real Technique brushes are affordable and better than the average "drugstore" brush kits. I can't say that I like them more than Sigma's bunny brushes but for the price, you're getting a good deal.

Canadians can get these brush kits at Walmart, Shoppers Drugmart, and London Drugs. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the individual brushes in stores but you can buy them online here.

Until next time, ciao bellas!

 Bebexo

The Balm Nude 'Tude Eyeshadow Palette Review and Swatches

Hey guys! Long time no blog! I really miss reviewing and sharing my experience with beauty related stuff so I decided to start getting back into the swing of things. Over the past year, I've tried many new products-- some I liked and others not so much. Today I'll be sharing my thoughts on the Balm Nude 'Tude eyeshadow palette. :)

This palette retails for $36 USD for 0.382 oz. but sometimes the Balm is on hautelook.com for 50% off so keep an eye out for it! The packing is made of cardboard but the built is pretty sturdy IMO. The double ended brush is a nice addition but I always travel with my Sigma brushes. I also like the fact that it comes with a nice big mirror inside! The Nude'Tude comes in two packagings-- Feeling Naughty and Feeling Nice. The eyeshadows are exactly the same but the Naughty palette (pictured above) has cartoon girls posing provocatively. I think I would really like this if I were a lesbian. ^_^" This palette reminds me of the Urban Decay Naked Palette and the Too Faced Natural Eye Palette because it consists of everyday neutral colors. The finish of these eye shadows includes satin, matte, and shimmery. Finger swatches below with no primer. I think they stand out pretty well against my medium skintone. :)

Top row: Sassy, Stubborn, Selfish, Sophisticated, Sexy, Serious

Bottom row: Snobby, Stand-offish, Sultry, Seductive, Silly, Sleek

Pros: 

- Nice variety of neutral colors for daytime and night time looks.

- Eyeshadows are very smooth and pigmented. I consider the formula on the high quality side.

- Matte shadows are usually chalky but these matte colors are so buttery smooth (i.e. Serious, Sultry, and Sleek).

- Good for the price. Especially if you can find it for $18! That would be a steal!

Cons: 

- Some eyeshadows look beautiful in the pan but don't translate well on my skin (i.e. Silly and Sophisticated)

- Not readily available in Canada. Sephora doesn't carry it and only some Rexall stores have it. You can always by it online though. :)

Would you recommend this: Yes! This is great for those who love their nudes/neutrals. The colors are nice and perfect for everyday wear. I don't own the Urban Decay Naked Palette so I can't really compare the two. But in comparison to the Too Faced Natural Eye Palette which I do own, I would say the quality is at par with the Balm having lesser fall out.  You can find this palette on the Balm website and if you live in Canada, you can find the Balm cosmetics at Rexall Pharma Plus and London Drugs. 

Do you have this palette? What are your thoughts? :)

Until next time, ciao bellas!

Bebexo

I've Moved!

Hey beauty bloggers. I finally got my own domain. It's not complete yet but it's almost there!

Follow me at justBebexo.com

See you there! xo

Rope Braid Bun Hairstyle

Here's a hairstyle that looks difficult to do but is actually quite easy! If you don't have enough hair, you can also create two rope braids instead of three like I did. It will still look good :)

Watch my How To tutorial here:


Bebexo

Trendy Hairstyles for Short Hair

Trendy hairstyles that work with short hair.

Faux Asymmetrical Bob 

Braided Fringe/ Bangs

Faux Hawk (Fohawk) Girl Hairstyle

Top Knot Bun

Flip Out Updo

Learn how to do these easy hairstyles on yourself!

Bebexo

How to: Princess Crown Braid Hairstyle

A simple french braid that takes the form of a cute little crown.

Watch the tutorial here:

How to: Faux Bob Hairstyle

How to fake a bob

Watch the video tutorial here:

bebexo

OOTD: Loose Fit T-shirt and Destroyed Denim + Handbag Giveaway

♥ What I'm Wearing:

Loose Fit Cotton T-shirt: http://www.atseoul.com/shop/item.php?it_id=1310945667

Destroyed Demin Skinny Jeans: http://www.atseoul.com/shop/item.php?it_id=1202718271

Silver Beaded Bracelet: http://www.atseoul.com/shop/item.php?it_id=1095635165 

Silver Braided Choker: http://www.atseoul.com/shop/item.php?it_id=1152171448

Audrey Cream Hobo: http://www.handbagheaven.com/audrey-patent-hobo-london-fog.html

Steve Madden Sandals: http://stevemadden.com

Only my nails: Essie - Mesmerize 

This is my favourite Essie Polish at the moment. It's not streaky and only requires one coat! Not to mention, the rich blue is just mesmerizing.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway :)

Review & Swatches: L'Oreal La Couleur Infallible Eyeshadows

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow

Claim: "24 Hour long lasting wear, waterproof formula. A breakthrough formula that creates a hybrid texture that lies between a creme and powder for an unprecedented velvety feel. Easy application with bold color, and enhances and heightens color for a dramatic, prismatic effect."

Overall: 4 out of 5
Packaging: 4 out of 5
Price: $9-$11 CAD
Size/Weight: 3.5 g
Would I recommend this? Yes

PROS:
- Hands down the best drugstore eyeshadow to date. (Believe me, I'd tried all the drugstore e/s and this is the best in quality and performance.)
- Cheaper alternative to Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadows but the colors are not dupes. (Some differences are: ETK comes in a glass packaging vs plastic, ETK is creamier, KTK colors are more multi-dimensional.)
- Very pigmented.
- The claim about the colors being long lasting only holds true for the darker eyeshadows. Time Resist White, Hourglass Beige, and Forever Pink faded on me within 3 hours. All Night Blue, Burning Black, and all the other darker colors stayed put for the whole day without a primer.
- Not as much fallout as regular loose pigments.
- Beautiful array of colors to choose from but they are all one-dimensional.
- Easy to blend.
- All shadows are shimmery with a satin finish. No chunky glitters.
- Cream to powder finish creates a bolder, more intense look.
- Great makeup for on the go because all you have to do it swipe it over your lids.

CONS:
- A bit expensive for a drugstore eyeshadow. $10 a pop.
- Lighter eyeshadows colors within this line don't last for 24 hours on my eyelids unless I use a primer underneath. Without a primer, it lasted for about 3 hours on my lids before the color started settling into the crease.
- The darker colors (All Night Blue, Burning Black, etc) left a stain on my lids so always use your primer as base.
- Have to use your fingers to apply this as it doesn't adhere to makeup brushes unless you wet them.
- Because you have to use your fingers, your nails have to be short, otherwise it will dig into the eyeshadow.
- Colors are one-dimensional and only a few of them stand out to me. (i.e. All Night Blue, Permanent Khaki)

I got 9 out of 11 eyeshadows. (I'm missing Eternal Black and Endless Chocolat.)

Pictures of the package:

Swatches:

L-R:  Time Resist White, Hourglass Beige, Forever Pink, Purple Obsession, Burning Black (which is actually a dark burgundy with magenta shimmers), Permanent Khaki, All Night Blue, Unlimited Sky, and Flashback Silver.

Unfortunately, these aren't available in the States yet but they are in Canada, Europe, and some other Asian countries. My favourite ones are Permanent Khaki and All Night Blue! Have you tried these yet? What are your thoughts?

*This post contains a product that was sent by a PR from the company. However, all opinions expressed are solely mine and were not influenced in any way.  

Back to School Hairstyles

Cute easy hairstyles to sport to school. Enjoy :)

Little pompadour and Side Braid

Flip-in Half Updo

Twisted Headband

Messy High Bun

Watch the tutorial here:


bebexo

Boho Chic Hairstyle Tutorial

Here's another cute braided summer hairstyle that has a nice bohemian feel to it.
Watch the tutorial here:



Bebexo

Mermaid Eye Makeup Tutorial

I really didn't know what to call this look. The colors are reminiscent of peacock feathers but I ended up calling it the Mermaid tutorial because it sounds more majestic lol IMO anyways ;)

Products used:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
BHcosmetics 120 eyeshadow Palette 1st edition (Golden shimmer, Green, Turquoise, Cobalt, Dark Navy blue)
Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner
Annabelle Smoothliner in Black

Face and lips:
NYC sunny smooth skin bronzer
L'Oreal TrueMatch Blush in Innocent Flush
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight
Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick in Nude Blush

Happy Friday!

Bebexo

Nicki Minaj Inspired Makeup Look

I've been meaning to do a Nicki Minaj makeup look for a while now and I finally got around to doing one. You can probably notice from her music videos that Nicki isn't afraid to wear all the colors of the rainbow. To be safe, I usually stick to my neutrals but this turned out to be nicer than I thought! Hope you enjoy the tutorial.

Products Used:

Eyes:
NYX jumbo pencil in Milk
NYX jumbo pencil in Strawberry Milk
BHcosmetics 120 eyeshadow palette 1st Edition
Maybelline Line Stiletto Eyeliner
Lancome Hypnose Mascara
Asian Brand Fake Lashes

Contacts: GEO nudy grey circle lens

Lips:
Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Pink Blush

Face:
NYC Smooth Skin Sunny Bronzer
ELF Bronzer in Luminance as a highlighter

Bebexo

Half Updo Hairstyle for Proms and Weddings

This romantic half up half down, side swept hairstyle looks great on those with shorter locks. Girls with long hair could try this out too! It's perfect for proms, graduations, weddings (brides, bridesmaids,guests), birthday parties, etc.
I hope you give this look a try.

How to video tutorial:

Review: HANA air Professional Hair Dryer

Most people could care less about the hair dryer they use. As long as it blows out hot air then that's good enough right? Wrong! I used to think that all hair dryers were the same until I tried the Velecta Paramount Hair Dryer, a professional grade hair dryer. What would normally take me 30 minutes to blow dry my long hair now takes me only 5-10 minutes depending on how damp my hair is.

Blow drying your hair with a professional hair dryer is faster because the air flow is always greater unlike the drugstore hair dryers which would only blow out hot air. When using a pro hair dryer, your hair gets less damaged and frizzy. Most pro hair dryers also have adjustable heat and air settings so you can change the settings to your preference. There is also a cool-shot button to release cool air which is great when you're using your dryer for styling. Professional hair dryers are truly awesome, the only thing stopping most people from getting one is the price tag-- most retail around $200. =O Do I think it's worth it? Yes! I believe it's a great investment.

In this post, I will be reviewing the HANA air Professional Hair Dryer from Misikko.com. I will also compare this with my HG hair dryer, my Velecta Paramount dryer.

This hair dryer has a black glossy finish which gives it a very sleek look. Like the Velecta, it's lightweight and has three button features: one button controls heat, another controls the air flow, and the last is a cold shot button.



Here are some features taken from the website:

• Ion Technology- condition hair & reduces static electricity
• Tourmaline & Titanium Oxide Technology- natural ions promote healthier hair
• Silver Nanotechnology- for antibacterial Protection
• Scratch Resistant Shell with black metallico finish adds durability and is easy to clean
• Long life motor with low noise
• Gyroscopically balanced for easy handling
• Fiberglass concentrator
• Italian Design

Both hair dryers have the latest tourmaline technology thats releases ions to add shine to your hair. I also find that both dry my hair in under 10 minutes.

One drawback about this hair dryer is that the control buttons are place right inside the  handle. When blow drying my hair, my fingers would slip and accidentally turn it off or change the heat settings. On the Velecta, the buttons are placed on top at the back which my fingers can't access.

Control buttons on my the Velecta Hair Dryer

The plug for the Hana air.

These hair dryers retail for $200 (well $194 to be exact). They both do an outstanding job and perform 10x better than your average hair dryer. I would recommend either one but if I had to choose, I'll most likely keep my Velecta because of the control button issues. Other than that, I think both are great. The ion technology makes my hair shinier and my hair is never frizzy anymore. What more can a girl ask for?

The hair dryer also comes with a sample bottle of Hana Shine Shield which is a serum that protects your hair and adds shine. This reminds me of my Chi Silk Infusion so I quite like it.

This pretty purple brush was also gifted to me. It's huge! Plus the barrel of the brush is made of wood so it's a bit too heavy for my liking. I prefer my hollow tourmaline round brushes.

So what is your favourite hair dryer of all time?


*This post contains a product that was sent by a PR from the company. However, all opinions expressed are solely mine and were not influenced in any way.  

Double French Braid Side Ponytail Hairstyle

French braids are so fun to incorporate into simple hairstyles because they make the do look more intricate and chic. Instead of just bundling up my hair into a regular side ponytail, I french braided both sides of my head to add a little pizzazz (is that how you spell it???)

Hope you enjoy this hairstyle. Watch the how-to video tutorial to learn how to do it.

bebexo

Wavy Bohemian Hairstyle

This is such a cute summer hairstyle that's perfect for any outdoor occasion. It would look especially nice with a long maxi dress! Watch how to do it here:

Bebexo

How to Make Artichoke Tea Drink for Clear Skin

Asian Secret:
Artichokes are said to be very rich in antioxidants which play a vital role in our health and physical actvities. My family has been drinking artichoke tea for as long as I can remember, in fact, a lot of South East Asian countries are familiar with this.  Artichokes help our bodies by increasing blood circulation and thus promoting healthy, radiant, younger looking skin. They also aide in digesting and reduce high cholesterol. Not to mention, they're delicious! I love them in dips and cold salads.

I haven't seen any youtube videos on the benefits of artichokes so I went out to buy more artichokes to make a video with my sister. Feel free to watch it. It's very quick and to the point. :)

Artichoke Tea Drink Recipe

1 Artichoke

Pot of Boiling Water (we never measure)

Honey (optional)

My Artichoke Drink served cold

We usually wait for it to cool down, add some honey, and put in a the refrigerator. It's such a refreshing drink and it tastes yum!

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I also bought some lychee because it's lychee season! It's so good to eat these sweet succulent babies cold on a hot summer day! I like the green ones better than the red ones because they're so much sweeter! I have to limit myself to these though because they give me nosebleeds :(

I love exotic fruits. ^_^ Too bad they contain so much sugar ;/

Some like it juicy ;)

~ Bebexo