Once in a while, a female chases after her goals and makes a difference in a society that is still largely male-centric. Isn't it surprising that in this modern day and age we are still amazed that a woman can excel in her chosen field? Hence, I thought about starting a series called #GirlBoss - I know it's not original but I was inspired to be able to showcase female influencers who chased after their dreams and turned them into goals. I'm all about building the fem-pire and inspiring fellow women to do better than what's expected of them. I know it's a little late for International Women's Day but we could all use some inspiration from time to time, right?
Such is the case with Doe Deere, the CEO and Founder of a popular cosmetics brand, LimeCrime. Before the Kylie Cosmetics became a sensation, there was LimeCrime who innovated a brand that empowered women to not only use makeup as a tool to conceal imperfections but also to express your freedom and individuality.
Case in point: the LimeCrime lipstick range that introduced unconventional color options. Aside from the usual reds, pinks and nudes, she introduced mystical colors to the beauty industry via her own beauty line. In fact, the first slogan used by the brand was "It's so bright, it's illegal." It speaks volumes about her personality and how she has used her brand and stayed consistent with her exuberant sense of style.
Despite the controversy that hit the brand sometime in 2015 with the data breach for its customer information following a website hacking activity, the brand has managed to get back on its feet again. The company's legal and customer support department was also hit with backlash for not handling the case well. Even Doe Deere herself did not evade the wrath of the customers; she too was bullied and attacked online.
Whether you like the LimeCrime brand or not, it's hard not to respect and look up to Doe Deere who dared pursue her dreams. For someone who started out small, she could be an inspiration for most of us. That you can achieve success on your own terms. To this day, she frequently uses her own voice to inspire other women, especially entrepreneurs, to build their own path to business success. In fact, on her Instagram, she encourages people to reach out to her for advice!
Who is your femspiration (aka a woman who has inspired you to pursue your ambitions)?
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Anyone who knows me knows that I am a sucker for lipstick... especially red lipstick! I love a good ole' statement on your lips and I think none can achieve that better than red lips can. Hence, I am overjoyed to share with you today that I have finally added the two shades from the MAC matte lipstick range that I have coveted for the longest time: Lady Danger and Ruby Woo.
First off, Lady Danger is described on the MAC website as a "vivid bright coral-red in a matte finish". I have been looking for a good coral lipstick and while I've invested on Coral Crush from Maybelline and Scarlet from Ever Bilena, I'm still left yearning for something a bit more on the dark and reddish side. I want coral, not a bright orange. And Lady Danger is one of those that was recommended to me by my friends whom I've asked about for an orange-based red lipstick.
Meanwhile, Ruby Woo... do I have to explain it? You cannot properly call yourself a red lipstick fanatic until you wear Ruby Woo on your lips! Glad to finally make it official!
What is your all-time favorite lipstick shade from MAC? If you want to see my other reviews on MAC lipsticks, check out my review on MAC Craving here and MAC Girl About Town here.
It might be embarrassing to admit it, but I don't know how to do my own makeup. I guess it's laziness but I just don't have the patience to spend more than an hour doing my own makeup. On most days, it takes me no more than 15 minutes to put on makeup. I often stick to the basics such as primer, foundation, lipstick, blush and minimal eye makeup. I mean - shouldn't we all?
Despite my lack of ability, that does not stop my love for collecting beauty products. In fact, I have a bunch of must-try items that I've been curious to try. My favorite brands for lipstick have been MAC, L'Oreal and Maybelline. For foundation, it's Revlon and MAX Factor. For blush, it's been Butter London. And for eye makeup, I've tried mostly Maybelline products. These brands are my go-to when I need to replenish my makeup stash. But I am also open to new ideas to try out some other brands and/or products especially if it meant getting them at more reasonable prices.
Tarte Cosmetics Water Foundation SPF 15
I love a good lightweight foundation that offers full coverage. And that is exactly what the Water Foundation SPF 15 promises to bring. The Max Factor Liquid Illusion Foundation is still my favorite and go-to foundation to this day. But this one has got me curious enough to try. It is also available in a wide range of shades so it is suitable for all skin types and tones. Check it for yourself:
Tarte Cosmetics Confidence Creamy Powder Foundation
As an alternative to liquid foundation, I also try to keep a powder foundation in my makeup stash. This is a 2-in-1 product that acts as a full coverage powder foundation that is highly blendable, but also offers skin care and anti-aging benefits. It also promises to never flake or cause your skin to dry - bonus!
Skin Twinkle Lighting Palette
Made from natural ingredients, this vegan highlighting palette is great for strobing. I'd love to try it to give that natural glow to my skin. Anyone tried this yet?
Herbivore Coco Rose Lip Conditioner
I have this problem with chapped lips so I always look for moisturizing lip products such as lip balms. But this is my first time to try a lip conditioner. It is also made with Moroccan rose oil so it is lightweight and nourishing.
NYX Audrey Matte Lipstick
I've been wanting to try NYX products for a while now but couldn't get myself to. When I found this lipstick at Lulu's though, the shade caught my eye. And being a matte lipstick, I got even more curious. If you have any review, I'd love to check it out particularly this gorgeous shade!
So Fine Micro Liner
Gone are the days when I'm scared to wear eye liner - I've been experimenting with its use lately. And I love and enjoy the process. Currently, I am using Maybelline Crayon Liner but I've been told to try a gel liner. Hence, I have this in my wishlist!
Sigma Beauty Midsummer Bronze Loose Shimmer
A hint of bronze hue is my favorite way to accent any makeup look lately. Hence, this loose shimmer powder caught my eye instantly. I love that it can be used to provide a subtle shimmer to the face and cheeks. Plus, it's paraben-free!
Which of these beauty products should I give a try?
When it comes to buying foundation, I am very picky. I dread seeing other women put too much foundation (especially those that do not match their skin tone) and how it looks so unnatural and unflattering on them. I would not want to subject myself to such horror. Finding a good product to serve as base for your makeup is something that all women should not take lightly. I found this product by accident - I was initially considering the foundation from Maybelline. But then I found out about its easy application formula, so I decided to give this a try.
The cream based foundation is indeed easy to apply. It comes with its own sponge but you can use your fingers to gently blend it into your skin. I picked the cream ivory color, which was a perfect recommendation from the saleslady because it looks like second skin to me. It is also a light formula so you do not feel like you are putting on too many layers on your skin. The formula glides on smoothly onto the skin when you apply without leaving any streaks.
My favorite part about this cream foundation is that it comes with illuminating particles so your skin has this natural dewy finish to it. Also, it does not require a powder to finish off - it's all you need to complete the base of your makeup. Even without a primer, it can last you for several hours. I have used it a few times and required little to no touchups (for light and day wear). Overall, you get a clean and even finish without the heaviness that comes with most foundations.
I have a fair complexion and a combination skin type (oily T-zone and dry sides) but it has worked perfectly for oil control without drying out the skin too much. Hence, I can recommend it for someone with the same skin type as mine. If there is any downside to this product, the packaging is somewhat uninspired and tends to look flimsy (especially the compartment that holds the sponge). However, the lid is solid and looks very secure. But I can choose to overlook that given how nicely this product has worked for my skin.
By the way, for those who are curious, I got this for around PhP 950 (approximately $US 22) in a local beauty store. You can find out more about this product at the official Max Factor website.
