Christmas and New Year's are almost here! Most of us are busy with parties and reunions. I'll be in California myself, so expect a (hopefully) short hiatus on this blog. In the meantime, you can look forward to features on the following, and more, in 2014. Do tell if there is anything you want discussed in detail. Til then, happy holidays to you and your loved ones. <3

I'm always on the lookout for quick ways to do my eyes. Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes is a cream-to-powder formula in a convenient pen shape. A great concept, but does it deliver?

I wanted to learn a new craft on my down time and I've always liked doodling and lettering during class. The poor man's calligraphy, if you will. Now that supplies are easily obtained, why not try the real thing? So I got the Speedball Lettering and Calligraphy Kit from Amazon. Luckily calligraphy has regained popularity in the Philippines the past year, and you can find materials at Fully Booked, Scribe, and Deovir the wasteland. Click through for the graphic review.

If you remember, I posted a sneak peek of seven Mario Badescu samples. This entire skincare line came by mail after filling out a questionnaire at the brand's website. Included were the Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Special Cucumber Lotion, Hydro Moisturizer, Hyaluronic Eye Cream, Strawberry Face Scrub, Drying Mask, and Drying Cream. That's a number of products so click through for quick reviews!

Last month QVC was running was an exclusive special on the Tarte Royal Flush 12-hour Amazonian Clay Blush Set, which is a set of four limited edition shades: Treasured, Honored, Imagined, and Meaningful. I figured it was a great chance to try the famed Tarte blush formula, so $29.12 USD and a few days later these arrived at the door.

I've long been interested in the iconic pink Beauty Blender but couldn't bring myself to fork up the money for a sponge. One day my sister randomly handed me a lollipop and this little egg from TJ Maxx. She bought it because she found it cute. I have to agree; I do too.

I don't have the Beauty Blender so I can't compare the two, but for my purposes this has been pretty much a game changer and I love it.

Hey y'all! Still alive, chillin in NYC for a few more days. I did Black Friday (and of course Cyber Week) online, no muss no fuss. We did stop by a few stores on the day itself -- or rather, Thanksgiving Day, because more stores started BF at 8pm Thursday instead of the usual 12am Friday. (Walmart went so far as to start at 6pm.) But it was pretty crowded and reminded me of being in an SM mall on a payday weekend so no, we got the hell outta there. The downside of shopping online is that you don't have a physical reminder of what you've purchased so before you know it, you've blown your budget. I am happy to report that my shopping list is complete except for the men in my family.

Anyway -- since INGLOT has come to the Philippines there's been an upsurge in posts about it, for which I am very happy for my friend. ;) I've noticed that people have trouble removing pans from the freedom system palette. It's super easy and doesn't need any extra materials like a pin or screwdriver or whatnot. All you need is the palette itself! Remember, it's all connected by magnets. Below is a short video tutorial I found. Hope it helps!