ANGELS SING...IN PINK! ; smashbox rapture travel brush collection

I'm an addict for makeup brushes. Seriously. I bought several this year, and have decided to invest on quality ones. I surfed the net for great finds, and have purchased a few. Then during a visit to SM Mall of Asia, I saw the limited edition Smashbox Rapture Travel Brush Collection at Beauty Bar window just as I left with my purchases in tow. I secretly wanted the set ever since I saw it at the Smashbox official website and they were OUT OF STOCK!!! *dies* I was surprised that Beauty Bar would have it (I just get to go home during my vacation...so sue me.) in the first place, and nearly fell flat on my face when I learned that it was worth PhP2,400 ($49 in the US)! It was more than my measly bank account could take, and it gave my wallet a heart attack.

I dismissed it once I got home, because it'll be gone after the holidays are through since it is a limited edition piece. *le sigh*

BUT! *drum roll please!*

The prettiness...haha! Pic taken on our leather couch. :D

My dad had gotten the last set that The Beauty Bar at Alabang Town Center had, and I was so thrilled that he did! It's an advanced 20th Birthday gift to me (which will be on April), and is my first Smashbox claim!

The brushes are a pink and cosmetic addict's dream come true! They come with a beautiful quilted carrying case that's perfect for beauty on the go. The package includes a face/blush brush, contour + liner brush, blending brush, eye shadow brush, and smudger brush. So for those who'd like to know my review, read on:

PROS:

1.) The carrying case is so lovely with the quilted design that it screams chic. It was really pretty along with the pink theme of the brushes that it'll glam up any travel bag!

2.) The brushes are of a perfect size, and the cost in comparison to other brushes is just right. For someone like me, its tag is a bit over the top, but in terms of other brands, its affordable. Believe me, I fainted at how much one MAC brush costed. So this set can be a great gift for any stylish girl in a budget!

3.) For beginners like me, the contents of this 5-piece set is just right for all your makeup needs. It isn't over the top, and you wouldn't be confused which to use where. :)

CONS:

1.) The feel of the brushes don't scratch or catch on the skin, but its softness still doesn't compare to those from MAC or The Body Shop. My TBS blusher brush is absolute heaven on my cheeks!

2.) Not really ideal for tree-huggers and vegan makeup junkies. I believe that according to the official Smashbox site, the face brush is made goat hair. So for those who want to use nothing but Taklon and synthetics, you'd might want to shy away from these. Plus, since animal hair can harbor bacteria, the brushes are a bit high maintenance when cleaning is involved in comparison to those with synthetic bristles.

Overall, my rating would be: 4.5 out of 5

POST-Christmas Shopping Swag Bag

AT LAST!!!

Before 2008 ends, I'd like to make a post, at least. I'm currently in Manila for my Christmas vacation with my parents, and on the 29th, I went to SM Mall of Asia with my dad. Thankfully there were no people on the road because everyone was still on vacation. The trip was on a whim, and I wanted to visit The Beauty Bar after friends and I had gone there a month ago.

I was on a quest to find great mineral makeup, and was in luck. My dad and I first went to Audiophile to get some parts for his guitar, and the he walked off to Pierre Cardin, and left me at The Beauty Bar to my own devices. We then had lunch at Cafe Mediterranean, because he knew how much I love all things Greek. He had the Beef Gyro (kinda like a burrito), and I got the Pollo, which was a chicken panini with basil. No pictures because I left my camera at home. *dies*

I then skipped to Lush before going home. So here are the pics of what I got:

My Beauty Bar and Lush babies...haha.

I bought a Loose Mineral Blush from Red Earth in Angel's Kiss for PhP1,175.

I got an Ice Blue Bar from Lush, but have yet to open it! Haven't taken pictures. XD

But then...I remembered. Once I left the doors of Beauty Bar, I saw it. What I've been longing for this Christmas. The Smashbox Rapture Travel Brush Set!!! OMG!!! It was out of stock at the Smashbox website, and I wanted it as much as I did the Eco Tools 5-Piece Set. I asked the lady how much it was, and told me it was worth PhP2,400. I didn't bring much money with me, so I was out of an chances with it. *le sigh* It was a limited edition piece, and will only be in the market for the holidays.

BUT! Today, my dad accompanied my mom to the supermarket at the Alabang Town Center. He visited Beauty Bar, and got me the last Smashbox Rapture Travel Brush Set that they had!!! That was an advance birthday gift since I'll be turning 20 in April, and the set will be discontinued by then. I'm so happy!!! Pics will be posted tomorrow! Yay!