Charm Essentials Vegan Brushes, just like Charm Travel Pro, were carefully designed by Sophie. Being a makeup artist herself, she very well knows the type and quality of brushes that could greatly help in achieving various looks. The main difference of her new babies from Travel Pro (aside from the size) is that Charm Essentials Vegan Brushes are all made from synthetic fiber. Hang on there, don’t judge yet. I know a lot of you, including myself, have this perception that synthetic brushes maybe soft on the skin, but don’t perform well like natural animal hair. Although synthetic brushes are best used for liquid and cream products, how can Charm Vegan brushes perform on powder? Here’s my review.

Powder Brush
(PHP 400)

This Powder Brush is ultimately soft on skin (no exaggeration!). It’s dense that it’s close to a kabuki brush. It’s multi-purpose. I use it to set my liquid foundation/ concealer with a loose powder and for pressed powder touch-ups. Plus, it can also be used as a blush brush. It can give sheer to medium coverage. This brush can also be used for cream or liquid. It doesn’t shed or bleed, even when washed several times. It takes a while to dry the brush though since the fibers are compact.

Blush / Contour Brush
PHP 400

Like the powder brush, this Blush / Contour Brush is very soft. It doesn’t shed or bleed even after several washes. The bristles are firm that you won’t get a fluffy brush after washing. As the name suggests, it’s dual purpose. Since it’s an angled brush, it’s easy to use it for contour to add dimensions on the face and for blush to give you that healthy glow. It can be used on powder, liquid, or even cream products. A clean brush can also be used to remove eyeshadow fall outs. It may not grab as much pigment as compared to natural animal hair, but the good side of it is you won’t end up with a blob on your cheeks. I just slowly build the color, until I achieve my desired result. In this way, the blush/ contour look more natural. There are no harsh lines and blending would be such a breeze!

Big Eyeshadow / Concealer Brush
PHP 250

This brush is great for packing eyeshadows all over the lids. It can be used for both wet and dry application. With its dense and firm bristles, it also doubles as a concealer brush, which is perfect to use under the eye or other large areas. The brush doesn’t shed or bleed even after several washes. It doesn’t pick up as much product in pressed eyeshadows compared to animal hair, but it’s good enough for me. It’s what I used to pack gold eyeshadows in this look. I also tried applying loose eyeshadow using this brush and it came out perfectly. I’ll share that in another makeup post. This brush may be quite big though for those with small eyes.

Small Eyeshadow / Precise Concealer Brush
PHP 230

This is the smaller version of the big eyeshadow brush. It can be used to pack eyeshadows (wet or dry) on smaller lids. With its firm bristles, it also doubles as a concealer brush for the sides of the nose, edges of the lips and other areas that need spot concealing. The brush doesn’t shed or bleed even after several washes.

Crease Blending Brush
PHP 275

This kind of brush would always be my favorite. It’s synthetic, but it works like my MAC 217 brush. It picks up the right amount of product. It can be used to highlight the brow bone, contour the crease, and blend eyeshadow. With this brush, harsh lines wouldn’t be a problem. It blends eyeshdow well, giving you a really nice and soft gradient. The size and length of the bristles are perfect even for small eyes. This Crease Blending Brush can also be used as a concealer brush as it lightly feathers out the cream or liquid concealer. The brush doesn’t shed, bleed or get fluffy even after several washes. It still stays really soft, like the other Charm Vegan Brushes.

Pencil Point Smudger Brush
PHP 250

This brush is perfect for smudging eyeliner to achieve smoky eyes. Since it grabs a good amount of product, I also use this to make my eyes more defined by intensifying my eyeshadow on the outer-v. It’s prone to harsh line though so I make sure to use the crease blending brush right after. I also set my eyeliner on my lower lashes with powder eyeshadows using this Pencil Point Smudger Brush.

Classic Blending Brush
PHP 250

This is quite a big fluffy brush, yet firm enough for better control. If you’re on the go and you simply want to dust some color on your lids, this can be your go to brush. It’s also a nice blending bush, leaving you with no harsh lines. Those with small eyes may find this too big though. I also use this to apply highlighter on my brow bone. It has soft bristles that doesn’t shed or bleed.

Angled Eyeshadow Brush
PHP 250

This brush can be used to apply all over the lids for a sheer color and to contour the nose. I love using this more for definition and contour of my eyes though. The synthetic bristles are soft, but firm enough for better control of the brush. It can pick up a good amount of product and it doesn’t shed or bleed even after several washes.

Angled Eyeliner Brush
PHP 250

I love using this brush when applying powder eyeshadow on the lower lash line. With its stiff bristles, it can also be used on gel or cream to line both the upper and lower lash line. It’s pretty easy to do a cats eye with this brush. It can also be used as an eyebrow brush. I just find it too thin to fill up my brows easily, taking me more time.

Pointed Eyeliner Brush
PHP 200

I love using this brush when applying gel liner on the upper lash line. It can also be used for liquid and cream. It’s perfect when you want a fine and precise line, though its softness might be a downside. It may not be too stiff for others, making it harder to control.

Overall

Honestly, I’m not a big fan of synthetic bristles as it doesn’t really deliver like brushes with natural hair. Charm Essentials Vegan Brushes though exceeded my expectations. Being animal-friendly is definitely a plus. I am very impressed with its performance. I haven’t experienced any of my brushes shed or bleed. All of them are soft on my skin even after several washes. I actually find myself reaching for these brushes more often these days when I do my own make up. I believe in the product so much that I ended up purchasing a set that I can use for clients too.

I once tried using this in one of my gigs and my client couldn’t help but ask where I bought my brushes. She loved the feeling of the brush on her skin that she felt relaxed while I do her makeup.

It’s nice that Charm is selling these brushes individually. The 14-pc brush set costs PHP 2,500 though, so you’ll obviously save more when you add up the cost of each brush (more than PHP 3,500). Plus, it comes in a really cute pouch already!

You can check out and purchase Charm Essentials Vegan Brushes at Beauty & Minerals.

Product Information

Conditioning formula helps strengthen and plump lashes for up to 200% instantly for maximum volume. Our precision tapered brush grabs every lash, individually, and coats it to plump perfection

Get the hypnotizing eye look:

Step 1. Glide Grow Luscious Lash Liner in Onyx along lash line from inner to outer corner of eye
Step 2. Apply Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara in Blackest Black to lash tips and allow to dry for 30 seconds
Step 3. Apply next coat starting from base of eye lashes extending to lash tips. Use tapered tip to easily reach corners of eyes and bottom lashes

I love it because…

• it’s easy to remove. I can take it off with a regular makeup remover, probably because the variant I tested is non-waterproof.
• it has a tapered edge, making it easier to reach those smaller lashes near the corners of the eyes.

• my lashes look full and thick. In just two to three strokes of mascara, I get volumized lashes. You can easily apply more to get the desired volume.

• I don’t get any allergic reactions during or after application.
• my lashes look natural even when wearing this mascara.

• it doesn’t flake even if I wear it the whole day.
• it doesn’t smudge. It lasts on me the whole day without smudging, even if it’s not waterproof. Just don’t cry on them, please.
• it has lash enhancing benefit, which helps lashes grow stronger day after day.
• it’s available in 3 colors- Blackest Black, Black, Blackened Brown.

I wish…

• the wand is smaller. Although it has tapered edge, the wand is quite big for those with small eyes.

• it dries fast. It takes a while before the mascara competely dries, so you’ll need to stay your eyes wide open for a few more seconds.
• it doesn’t clump. I guess almost all mascaras have a tendency to clump if you don’t layer it as quickly as possible.
• it also lengthens. Although it volumizes lashes, it’s not as good when it comes to the lengthening department.

Application Tips

• Keep your eyes wide open until mascara completely dries.
• Use the tapered edge of the wand when applying mascara near the corners of the eyes and lower lashes.
• Apply 2-3 coats of mascara to achieve full and thick lashes. Just make sure to do this quickly as possible to avoid clumping.
• Don’t “pump” the wand in and out of the mascara. It just pushes the air inside the bottle, which could let the mascara dry up easily.
• Remove excess mascara from the bristles before application to your lashes. This is the key to avoid clumping and using too much product.
• In relation to my previous tip, don’t wipe excess mascara from the wand to the container. You’ll end up having hardened mascara on the lid, preventing the cap to close properly. This will cause the air to get into the container, letting your mascara to dry up faster. Use a paper towel/ tissue instead.
• Curl lashes first before putting on mascara. If you are left with no choice and you have to re-curl your lashes after application, make sure the mascara has dried up completely before curling.
• When applying mascara, wiggle the brush sideways while sweeping from roots to tips. This will help you have an even application on the hair strands.
• If product accidentally falls on any part of your face, let it dry completely. This is very important because removing it right away will just cause smudging. Once it dries up completely, use a q-tip/ cotton bud to pick up the product.
• You can use a lash comb to get rid of clumping and separate the lashes.
• If you’re a makeup artist, use disposable wands instead of the wand that comes with the mascara. Sharing wands is a no-no.

Conclusion

I’d recommend this to those with long lashes, but wants them to look full and thick. It’s also for those on the lookout for an everyday mascara that’s easy to remove. You won’t have to tug your eyes every night because of hard-to-remove mascaras- meaning, wrinkle prevention! For long nights and special occasions though, go for waterproof. Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara is also available in waterproof formula. For those with weak lashes, this mascara might be good for you as well. As said, the lash enhancing complex complements the natural growth cycle of lashes, helping them grow stronger day after day.

Actual Results

bare lashes

with 3 swipes of Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara

For something more “formal” compared to cotton, wear a chiffon top. It’s equally light, breezy and comfortable to wear.

Since not all offices allow sleeveless tops, why not cover up with a relaxing kimono cardigan? They’re also fasyon like structured blazers.

I found this glittered kimono cardigan on sale at H&M when I was in Barcelona. It looked a bit weird on the rack, probably why there were a lot of stocks. Winter was also about to come so no one dares to buy such kind of clothes. Everything on sale was for me. Bwahahaha! Back at the hotel, I tried it on right away and it looked awesome!

Then, pair your relaxing top with tapered trousers. It can make you look taller too.

This pair of shoes scream OFFICE, don’t you think? Haha! I just found this in my closet and realized I’ve never worn it yet. It’s actually a vintage shoes from my aunt. I had this for more than 10 years. Prior to that, my aunt used it for years as well. Surprisingly, it’s still alive and kickin’- not one chip of leather! Quality shoes are really worth paying for. You can hand them down for generations.

If you feel that office wear is boring (just like what I used to think), accessorize! Trust me, it brings life to an outfit.

Yes, I’ve been using the Timex watch, as seen here, and the tote, as revealed here. Hehe!

Some pieces may look casual if you look at them individually. With the right combinations, you can transform that casual clothing to something smart. Over-all, it’s definitely not a casual day for me.

Chiffon top: Lush Angel
Kimono cardigan: H&M
Trousers: from Bangkok
Shoes: from aunt
Tote: Tory Burch
Watch: Timex
Bangles: mix of H&M and from mom
Necklace: from Greenhills
Ring: Chanel

You should probably know by now how much I LOVE accessories. “Love” is even an understatement if you’ve seen my outfit posts HERE. I’m almost always a maximalist when it comes to accessorizing. This is why when I saw the brand’s tagline, “You’re never fully-dressed without it!”, I was stunned for a moment. Geesh, that’s just so me when it comes to accessories. LOL! Now, it’s pretty obvious how excited I was for this Pinkbox Party- so excited that I was one of the firsts who arrived at Sweet Bella Cafe, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City Taguig.

Oh my, everything’s just sooo cute and colorful!

After a few minutes, food started coming. It was my first time at Sweet Bella and I never thought they also offer “real” food. From its name, I assumed they only served sweets, desserts to be specific. Surprisingly, the food is good! Yumeeeh!

Of course, their best seller- MACARONS! It’s TDF! Haha!

Okay, enough about food! While taking a bite, Nelly See (owner of Pinkbox) and Liz Lanuzo (brand manager of Pinkbox) introduced the brand. It’s so inspiring to hear how Pinkbox all started. Back in 2002, Mrs. See was just a normal housewife who was on the lookout for some cute, age-appropriate, reliable, and affordable accessories for her daughters. No store had such at that time, thus, the birth of Pinkbox. They now have 27 company owned outlets and numerous franchisees all over the country.

These pins and clips for kids are undeniably cute!

Some clips from their Basic line, which includes classic, uni-color pieces worn by women of all ages.

And this is what the fashionistas, stylistas have been waiting for- Pinkbox Chic Collection. Who said Pinkbox is only for the young? Now, they’ve got trendy accessories, even for the young at heart.

Statement earrings and necklaces…

Yup, they’ve got a mix of feathers, chains, pearls, etc.! Oh, everything’s just sooo lovely!

Let’s all bangle up!

We were all asked to come in pink and the best attire wins a prize. Verniece and Julia were awarded the prettiest pink outfit- that’s undeniable!

Everyone’s pretty in pink!

Here’s a mix of their collections- Thank you Pinkbox!

Follow Pinkbox on Facebook (http://facebook.com/PinkboxAccessories) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/ PinkboxPH) and check out these adorable accessories!

I received a lot of compliments with this nail art. It’s actually a head turner, even from a far. The first time my friends (and that’s a mix of boys and girls) saw my nails, they can’t help but ask for my hand. I mean, for my hand to touch my nails. Hehe! They find it amazing!

I guess it’s also the color combination that makes it attractive. You’ll never go wrong with the contrast of red and black. The white dots look like stones from a far. The silver-gold sparkles make it even more luxe.

It’s pretty easy to do it by yourself.

1. Put a red polish all over your nail and let it dry a bit.
2. Diagonally brush on a black paint on half of your nail.
3. Place some white dots on the edge of the diagonal line.
4. Use a silver glittered polish for the smaller triangle.
5. When everything’s completely dry, swipe on your favorite top coat.

You can also try other color combinations too!

Thank you Flirt Waxing Lounge for my gorgeous nails!

He looked like this. LOL! Everybody, meet my baby, Calvin. I know he’s mess in this photo. Finally, I had a chance to bring him to Pooch Park, a pet grooming and day care center at Ortigas Home Depot. He definitely needs a makeover!

Luckily, the owner, Oliver Tan, was there when I visited. I was already leaning towards giving Calvin a summer cut for two reasons- One, because I know he’d feel better. With that kind of hair, he feels so hot especially in the afternoons. Two, so there’s no need for me to brush his hair often. I’m not at home all the time so he gets tangles every now and then. It’s something I really hate since it takes time to remove them, at the same time, he feels uncomfortable. Just imagine the feeling of someone pulling your hair, isn’t that painful and annoying?! So, to get it over and done with, my solution is to chop off most of his hair. BUT… Oliver suggested to give him a puppy cut instead, which is a bit longer than the summer cut. He’ll look cuter, but will take them about 2 to 2.5 hours. To cut the long story short, I gave in. Well, I trust them 100%! Seeing these hanging around their walls, I definitely should! They know better.

While killing time, I took some photos around the place. Aside from grooming services such as Dog Spa Massage, Flea Bath, Milk Bath Moisturizing Hair Treatment, Revitalizing Shower, Nail Clipping, Anal Sac Draining, etc., they also sell pet’s must-haves- food, treats, shampoo, clothes, and many more. They even offer services such as Stop Over Inns (like day care), Doggie Gym (your dog also needs exercise), Dog Training (let your dog learn proper etiquette), Puppy Kindergarten (socialization is important for their development), and even Funeral Services (a respectable and rightful way to say goodbye to our loyal friend)!

Oh, and while Calvin is already inside the grooming area, I had a small chit-chat with Oliver. I learned that he even trained in Thailand to know more about pet grooming. He and his wife, Char, owns 4 Miniature Schnauzers, 3 Pomeranians and a Siberian Husky. Yes, they really are dog lovers bringing them into this business. They stay in their shops (they currently have 3 branches to date) most of the time to make sure customers go out of their doors happy and satisfied.  Having known Oliver’s passion, I didn’t hesitate to leave Calvin behind to grab some coffee next door.

Calvin usually turns wild when he feels even the slightest discomfort. I noticed how their staff take good care of Calvin. He didn’t complain at all! Look how brave and behave he is here.

After an hour or so, I went back and Calvin already looked like this…

Tihihi!!! Isn’t he sooo adorable?!?! Say YES, or else…! Kidding! Oh gawd, he was so giddy the moment he went out of the grooming room! He was running around the shop like crazy! He probably felt so light as a feather after his grooming session. He won’t stop kissing me. No doubt, he was definitely happy with his transformation!

Thank you Pooch Park for making Calvin so pogi (handsome)! We are definitely happy and more than satisfied with their service. Now, I’m scared of my baby having a girlfriend! LOL!

Calvin’s service: Full Groom (PHP 450) Includes a full relaxing bath, haircut, hair styling, nail clipping, and ear cleaning.

Pooch Park Doggie Day Care

ORTIGAS HOME DEPOT BRANCH
Store 181 Ortigas Home Depot Complex,
Julia Vargas Ave., Pasig City
Contact nos. : 9105036 or (0922) 9663320
Mondays – Sundays
9:00 am – 7:00 pm

METRO EAST BRANCH
Level 5 Robinsons Metro East
Marcos Highway, Pasig City
Contact nos. : 6477025 or (0933) 9348553
Mondays – Sundays
10:00 am – 9:00 pm

ALIMALL CUBAO BRANCH
Ground Flr Alimall P.Tuazon St., Cubao
Contact Nos.: 351-6079 or (0922)3185588
Monday – Sunday
10:00am – 9:00pm

Here’s how I achieved my eye makeup:

For my eyeshadows, I only used Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio BR 209 (Voyage)

Instead of using the sponge and the brush that come with the palette, I used Charm Essentials Vegan Make Up Brushes for seamless eyeshadow application.

L-R: Angled Eyeliner Brush, Crease Blending Brush, Angled Eyeshadow Brush, Big Eyeshadow Brush, Pencil Point Brush

1. Apply eyeshadow primer.

2. Using the big eyeshadow brush, apply the gold eyeshadow (middle color on the Shiseido palette) all over the lids. Do a patting motion to pack the shadows and then, do a gentle swipe to even out.

3. Using the angled eyeshadow brush, apply the darkest color (leftmost color on the Shiseido palette) on the crease. Then, add more of this color on the outer-v to have a darker shade on this area.

4. Using the pencil point brush, apply the lightest color (rightmost color on the Shiseido palette) on the inner corner of the eyes. Use the same color to highlight the brow bone. Touch the crease for the colors to blend and remove the harsh lines. You can use the crease blending brush for this.

5. Tightline your upper and lower lash line with brown pencil eyeliner.

6. On your upper lash line, do a slightly winged effect using a black liquid eyeliner to add more drama.

7. Using the angled eyeliner brush, line your lower lash line with gold eyeshadow. Also, add the dark eyeshadow towards the outer corner for more definition.

8. Curl your lashes and put lots of mascara.

Note that you can freely use other brands of gold eyeshadow for this look. I just used this palette for demonstration.

FACE:
Venus and Mars Mineral Primer Serum
Lancome Flash Retouche (under eye)
Revlon PhotoReady Concealer (for blemishes)
Shu Uemura Face Architect Powder Foundation
NARS Orgasm Blush
Make Up For Ever Sculpting Kit #2 (for contour)

EYES:
Red Earth Eye Make Up Base
Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio BR 209 (Voyage)
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner
Kate Liquid Eyeliner
Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara
The Body Shop Brow & Liner Kit
MAC Brow Set in Beguile

LIPS:
NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Perfect Red

I love its vintage feel- rectangular face, gold bracelet and digital watch.

It goes well with almost anything I wear. Some of the features are the following:

INDIGLO Night-Light
Digital Chronograph Measures to 1/100 Second
Daily Alarm
Month, Day and Date Display
Stainless Steel Expansion Band
Water-Resistant to 30 meter

I got it in the U.S. for about $40, a lot cheaper than the one being sold in Rustan’s Department Store (about PHP 4,000+). I just had to have the bracelet adjusted when it arrived. Thankfully, Timex boutiques here in Manila are so accommodating. They adjusted the band free of charge and even taught me how to make the knobs work.

You’ll be seeing more of it in my outfit posts!

I paired my houndstooth shorts with a chiffon top and a blazer to make the outfit look less casual and apt for my meetings that day.

Here’s a closer look of my accessories…

Maximalist it is! Haha!

Thank you Flirt Waxing Lounge for my nail art!

And it’s time to play!

I still can’t get over playgrounds, I know! Isn’t it obvious in my The Kid In Me outfit post? It’s a pure bliss to bring back those days.

Blazer: Lush Angel
Chiffon top: Lush Angel
Houndstooth shorts: Lush Angel
Necklace: Vincci
Watch: Michael Kors
Bag: Hermes Herbag
Bangles: H&M
Rings: H&M and from bazaars
Shoes: from China