Miyo Sia

I got a Swarovski crystal ring in Scarlet from Chunky Bling for review this week and I am so excited to share it with you ladies! I've worn it several times this week so I had enough time try and test it to provide a feedback for this product.



- The Swarovski ring is made of stretchable cord which makes it flexible and comfortable to wear. It can fit up to two sizes. Since this is made of a durable stretch cord this have a tendency to get a little loose over time so I suggest that you get one size lower than your actual ring size.

*I am not affiliated with Chunky Bling and the product was sent to me for free.

Here is my review of the Sigmax Face Kit. I forgot to mention that for the past months that I have been using these brushes, I haven't experienced any shedding yet. The only thing that I don't like much about the brushes, which I forgot to mention in the video is that they take a long time to dry when washed. Since it takes a long time for these brushes to dry up, I suggest you either purchase the Sigma Dry'n Shape with it or purchase a second brush which you can alternately use whenever you wash the brush.

Sigma Beauty sent me the Naughty in Black Travel Kit for review. I've been using Sigma Makeup brushes for more than a year already and since I tried these brushes I never really bothered to try out other brands.

The travel kit is one of the 2 types of travel kits available and one of the 2 colors available for this travel kit type. The Naughty in Black contains 7 essential brushes, plus a free extra brush, to achieve a flawless look on the go. You can bring this kit with you to your favorite travel destination or keep it in your purse for a quick touch-up during the day or a night out. The brushes are stored in a stylish black clutch with a convenient pouch to carry all your must-have makeup items.

Why I love Sigma?
1. They basically have all the types of brushes I need, well except for the fan brush.
2. Their brushes are of high quality and affordable price
3. I get what I want from these brushes (normally I check out other brands if I can't find a brush that would give me the result that I need).
4. Their customer support is efficient.
5. The company cares for their customers

I have a long list that could go on and on. These are also the same reasons why I chose to be a Sigma Beauty affiliate. I believe in the product and the company makes us feel special :)

Anyway, so much for the introduction.

It's time to give you an honest review of the product. I won't be discussing in details what I think of the quality of brushes in this kit since I have already posted a review on this. If you want to know what I think about each of the brushes, check out my Sigma Complete Brush Kit review. What I would concentrate more on would be what I think of the kit overall and how these brushes compare to the full size brushes and Nice in Pink Travel Kit powder brushes.


The kit has 4 face brushes + 1 complimentary face brush and 3 eye brushes. The face brushes were  the large powder brush, foundation brush, duo fibre brush, large angled contour brush and concealer brush. These 5 brushes are what I normally use everyday. I don't use a foundation brush in applying foundation but I find this essential for applying moisturizer and primer in prepping my skin. Then then I use the duo fiber to stipple the foundation on my face for an airbrush look. To set the foundation, I use the large powder brush. I then use the large angled contour brush to apply blush. You can also use this to apply bronzer. So with this kit, I am able to achieve a flawless and fresh look any time any day.


The kit also include 3 eyebrushes - eye shading brush, tapered blending brush and the pencil brush. With these brushes, you can already create simple to very dramatic look. The eye shading brush can be used to apply color on your lids as well as to apply highlights under your brows. Then the tapered blending brush is used to blend the colors to remove rough and sharp edges. This can also be used for subtly contouring specific areas like the bridge of your nose or under your lower lips. To define shape and add contour to your eye makeup for a more dramatic look, you can use the pencil brush.

In comparison to the complete set, the amount of bristles in the travel kit doesn't differ much from the full size brushes except for the large powder brush which only have almost 2/3 of the bristles of the full size brush. The handles of the travel size brushes are smaller but still big enough to give you control. For personal use, I prefer the travel size to use since it has shorter handle which allows me to take my face closer to the mirror without worrying about the brush handles hitting it. I had challenges using the full set on myself since I am near sighted and I'd like the mirror as close as possible to my face and the length of the full size brushes doesn't let me do that.



I also got 2 sample brushes from the Nice in Pink travel set that was sent to me by Sigma before, the large powder brush and duo fiber brush, and comparing the black travel kit brushes with the pink ones, I noticed that the pink brushes have even shorter handles. Also the pink brushes have more bristles compared to the black one. I am not sure if Sigma redesigned their travel brushes and made the handles longer but I personally prefer the shorter ones. Maybe it is just me (and my sight) but I find the shorter ones better for personal use.


Verdict: Overall, the kit covers all essential brushes you need to complete your look. If you are looking for a kit for personal use, this kit is definitely recommended. It is cheaper than buying the complete set without compromising what you can do. I am not a fan of black, so I would pick the Nice in Pink travel kit instead though, but this kit is classy and professional looking. Aside from that, it is indeed great for travel since the kit is almost the same size of a wallet or small purse which would fit your bag without taking so much space. This product retails for US$49 which is fairly cheap for a high quality makeup brush kit.

Areas for Improvement: I would've preferred if they included the small angle brush with the kit for lining the eyes and defining brows but I figured this is not that essential compared to the 3 brushes in the travel kit. Maybe they can have an option of choosing between the stippling brush or small angle brush. I am not sure if you still get a free travel size blending brush with this kit (you get this free for purchases over $30) since you are already getting the stippling brush for free. It would be great too if they consider including the travel size blending brush in the kit as well. Also, another idea for improvement on this product is since the Make Me Up collection is out, maybe it would also be cool to have these brushes in a travel size Make Me Up container. Sigma is always doing their best to improve their products so we never know in the future. It would be awesome if they do that and if they do, I wish it would be available in the same 4 colors as the Make Me Up collection. :)

Giveaway: Sigma Beauty is kind enough to give me an additional travel kit for my followers so I am giving away this kit too for you guys. The mechanics are simple, I will pick one winner with the highest entry points to receive the Naughty in Black travel kit by April 30.

To enter the contest, you must like my facebook page, Makeup by Miyo, and answer the question "Why do you want to win the Sigma Beauty Naughty in Black travel kit?" in the giveaway wall post. You can only answer once, giving you 1 entry point to the contest. This is required to officially enter you to the contest.

You can get additional entry points by doing the following below:

1. Like Sigma Makeup Official Fan Page. For me to validate that you liked the page, you need to post in their wall mentioning this giveaway and tagging Makeup by Miyo. You need to make sure that your post (for tagging Makeup by Miyo) would appear on my page to get credits. You only need to post once. 1 point.
2. For every "Like" on your answer is equivalent to 1 point.
3. Follow me on twitter @miyosia and retweet "Sigma Naughty in Black travel kit giveaway!! Check http://me.lt/4i0r9 for more details. #makeupbymiyo". Note that you must include #makeupbymiyo in your tweet. Post on my wall your twitter name so I can give you credits. 1 point per retweet per hour.

This contest is open to all viewers. Good Luck!

The products for review are provided and sent by Sigma Beauty for free. I am not part of the company and any opinion on the product is solely my own and not in a way influenced by the company.

I purchased the MAKE UP FOR EVER Best of Rock For Ever Limited Edition kit released for Holiday 2010 last December. After almost 3 months of using the products, finally time for a review :) The kit, packaged in a rock studded tin box, includes the five of the brand's bestsellers for the eyes and face - HD Microperfecting Primer in #0 Neutral, HD Microfinish Powder, Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in #0L, Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara and Sens'Eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser. The kit is no longer available for purchase but the products included in the kit are still available for individual purchase.

Individual Product Review:
HD Microperfecting Primer in #0 Neutral - the primer, being one of the essential must haves when applying makeup, is important to be able to control the oil levels of your skin, fill in fine lines and leave a soft dewy finish so foundation can be applied easily and flawlessly. One thing I liked about this primer is its consistency. It's not too thick and it's oil free. When applied to skin, it feels really cool which is great for relaxing tired skin. It dries quickly so there is less time to wait before applying your foundation. I've tried it in both oily and dry skin and it helped me achieve a soft dewy finish after applying foundation on. Also, another thing I like about this primer is that it doesn't have SPF and since it is designed for HD makeup, this is great to use for photography. On top of these, the HD Primer is a skin care product. It nourishes, moisturizes, softens and leaves the skin a glowing effect. Compared to the Paul & Joe primer that I have been using for almost 2 years already, I prefer this brand now. This product is also available in 6 color-correcting shades.

HD Microfinish Powder -  this setting powder is designed to match any skin tone, so as a makeup artist, this is very handy since I don't need to bring multiple setting powders to match my client/s' skin tone. I usually apply a very thin layer of this powder enough to set the foundation so it will last longer. As for oil control, I haven't really tested how effective this powder is to control oil since my skin is dry. I've used is few times with my sister who has extremely oily skin and it was able to keep her face oil free for few hours. For oily skin, I suggest to always keep an oil control film in your purse and NOT wipe it on your face when removing oil. Just lightly press the film on the area where you want to reduce oil that way your makeup would last longer. Also, remember that this product can be invisible to the naked eye (and also camera) when applied, so be very careful not to apply too much of this product. A small amount of the product on your powder brush and a single swipe of the brush is enough since the very purpose of these kind of products are to give you a flawless finish without letting anyone know you are wearing makeup :) Overall, I would keep using this powder as part of my kit and on gigs.

Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in #0L - What I like about this eyeliner is that it is easy to apply and very creamy. Unlike other eyeliner pencils that I have tried, this really gives me a deep matte black color so I don't need to add multiple coats of liner to get the intensity I need. Since it is very creamy and easy to apply, this do not tug the skin on your eyelids so it doesn't irritate your eye contour. Also this really makes tight lining very easy. However, even if it is waterproof and claimed not to run under extreme conditions, this liner has a tendency to smudge a lot if not left dry. It is important to let it dry and set it with a black eyeshadow to prevent having raccoon eyes. I am not much of an eyeliner pencil fan since I find it easier to apply cream liners but trying this product made me have second thoughts about only preferring cream liners. This is a good product to include in your travel kit since you can easily apply liner on without have to worry about bringing an extra brush to apply cream liner.

Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara  - Honestly I am not much of a fan of this product and I don't see anything special about this mascara except that it does extend the lashes making then look fuller and longer. So if you have really short lashes, I would recommend trying this. Be careful in applying the product since it clumps a lot. I had to use a disposable spool right after every application to remove excess product. Also when it dries, it tends to fall off as powder which messes up at times. This is not waterproof but there is a waterproof version of this which is the Aqua Smoky Lash mascara. Overall this product is OK, just need to make sure any excess of this product is removed to avoid fallouts. This can be pricey for a mascara and since I throw away mascaras every three months, I don't think this is something that I would purchase for personal use.

Sens'Eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser - If you are into putting so much makeup on your eyes, then this product is for you. I find this very handy specially when I use waterproof makeup on my eyes. Most makeup removers sting when used around the eyes and since this product is designed to be gentle on the eyes, removing mascara and eyeliners can be very easy. It has a creamy consistency so using a cotton ball with this is not really great so I use cotton pads instead. I would prefer this in liquid form tho, but I know it would be dangerous to use liquid products around the eyes since it tends to get in the tear ducts. For waterproof makeup, you can soak a cotton pad or wool in the product and place is over your eyes and let it sit there for few minutes so the makeup would be easier to remove. You can also put the product directly on your eyelids and wipe off with a cotton pad. It is recommended to use with Cool Lotion but unfortunately the other product was not included in the kit.

I had this rare chance of trying the Shu Eumura Skin Purifier for really cheap... and when I say cheap, compared to its original retail price, I got it for almost free! :)

How? In my project at work, there was a fund raising wherein people would donate stuff they don't need and then those stuff were auctioned. I don't know how they came up with the minimum bid but they auctioned the 150ml bottle of the Shu Eumura Skin Purifier Cleansing Beauty Oil (Premium A/O Advanced Formula) for only Php300 (~7USD)! NOTE: Retail price in US is $34 and Php2.5K++ in the Philippines. I got it for Php380 - that's like my 2-way cab ride to the nearest Shu Eumura booth from home! I really don't know why people didn't bid on it.. but I would bid for it even up to Php1K :D

Anyway, I have been using this for almost month already so I believe that it's time to write a review about it. Apparently, this product is claimed to be the number 1 selling Shu Eumura cleansing oil in the world. The cleansing oil's advanced formula has green tea and ginko leaf extract which contains flavonoids. It has a strong anti-oxidant and micro circulation properties which maintain the skin's radiance and transparency. The product is designed to remove oxidized sebum, usually found in long wearing makeups and accelarates aging, which leaves your skin soft and young looking.

Likes: First, removing makeup is not that hard specially when removing eye makeup. With just 3 pumps of the product, I am able to get rid of the makeup. I use a waterproof liquid foundation and a waterproof mascara. If I am using a regular makeup remover, it requires me to clean 3 times before I get rid of everything, not to mention using an eye makeup remover for the eyes. If I am wearing just an eyeliner and mascara, I could skip the eye makeup remover and just add ang extra pump of the cleansing oil.

Second, I have a really dry skin so I find this product works a lot for me since facial cleansers tend to dry my skin even more. So using this product reduces my cleansing time since I use it as a makeup remover and facial cleanser at the same time and prevents my skin from drying.

Third, this product is mild to the eyes compared to regular facial cleansers and makeup removers. Unless I rub it directly into my eyes, I can easily remove eye makeup without worrying about my eyes. It could hurt my eyes at times but if I am careful enough not to rub so much, using this to remove eye makeup is fine. It feels gentle and unlike other facial cleansers, which normally I find itchy and sometimes sting, this product doesn't. Also I love how it smells and it leaves your face smelling good with a very subtle fragrance (imagine what happens when your boyfriend/husband tries giving you a goodnight kiss and he smells your face :D).

Lastly, I find this a very good deep cleansing product. After I apply enough on my skin and remove the makeup, I emulsify it with water, rinse and use another pump to deep cleanse my skin. I've noticed my skin feel supple and soft after I shower. Also, the dry areas on my face feel less dry. I knew that this is very effective as a cleanser because usually when I use regular facial cleansers, when I start applying toner, I would see residue of dirt on my cotton ball. When I started using this product, I seldom see residue and if ever there is, it's usually from the eye makeup that I missed (usually when I tight lined with an eyeliner and the product could not remove the liner under my lashline).

Dislikes: During the first week that I've used it, I experienced breakouts. I am not sure if it's because my skin is reacting to it or it's because the oil level of my skin became higher compared to what my skin's used to. With continuous use, the breakouts were reduced and I feel my skin is less dry. Also, at first, I feel weird using this since it doesn't feel like usual cleansers because of the oily feel but I got used to it and started loving it! I have used 1/5 of the bottle and will keep using it to test out its anti aging properties :)

My experience with the product was great and even if I have to purchase this again despite its price I definitely would. I think if this was cheaper I would recommend it 100% but if you are someone who are not into spending so much for skin care products, then this might be too expensive for you. There are combinations of products that could probably give the same results as this cleansing oil but I find this more convenient to use. This is great for people who travel a lot, since it saves you space by just bringing one product to both remove makeup, cleanse and moisturize the skin.

I am not sure if this is advisable to use for people who love the sun, but I wear sunblock everyday so that isn't much of my concern. Since this has green tea then I am hoping its anti aging properties would work for me.

If anyone has tried this product, please feel free to comment and let me know what are the advantages and disadvantages of this product.

^_^

ingredients: paraffinum liquidum/mineral oil, zea mays/corn germ oil, polysorbate 85, carthamus tinctorius oil/safflower seed oil, sorbitan trioleate, isopropyl myristate, dicaprylyl carbonate, undecane, maris aqua/sea water, tridecane, squalane, glycerin, simmondsia chinensis oil/jojoba seed oil, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, propylene glycol, tocopherol, limonene, linalool, camellia sinensis extract/camellia sinensis leaf extract, ginkgo biloba extract/ginkgo biloba leaf extract, parfum/fragrance

Hi everyone :) I know I have been MIA for a while and I haven't posted so much lately. This has already been long overdue so I would like to make a short review of 2 cute items I got from Sigma Makeup - these are the Heart Shaped Mirror in Blue Lagoon and the Flat Top Retractable Kabuki in Purple.

Erin from Sigma sent me the mirror last month so I can review the product and help me with the affiliate program. How sweet is that? As for the kabuki, I am a purple freak so that didn't escape from me and I really had to buy it ^_~.

Hollywood Glamour Flat Top Retractable Kabuki - Purple

I remember myself posting in twitter how I wish Sigma Makeup would release purple brushes since I am so in love with the color. I got a DM from Sigma Makeup telling me that my wish might come true and 4 months after that they introduced the Hollywood Glamour Flat Top Retractable Kabuki in purple :)

The kabuki came in the same packaging as that of the first 3 retractable kabukis that they introduced. The only difference is that its top is flat, while the other three are round.

The kabuki is made of synthetic bristles, which Sigma just recently released as what they call the Synthetic Sigmax HD filament, designed for high definition, flawless makeup application. The site says that the "shape, density and height of the filaments were carefully engineered to perfectly buff products onto the skin, resulting in a high definition effect." Also, its fibers were claimed not to absorb product as much as other brushes do.

My Verdict: First, if you love the color then it will definitely be a plus since they chose a really posh purple shade which I think is the elegant purple shade. Second, if you already have purchased the F80 and loved it then you will fall in love all over again with the flat top kabuki when you see this one.

Even if this is made of synthetic bristles, honestly without knowing it is synthetic, I would have mistaken it for natural one. The brush is really soft, maybe even softer than one made of natural bristles. The first time it touched my face, I thought if it as a powder puff in a brush form. It is so soft that I developed this addiction of needing to brush it against my face even if I don't have to apply powder or any product on. Crazy, I know! ^_~

How the size of the brush was designed is alright- not too big and not too small. When I used to look at the brush in photos, I thought it was about a bit bigger than a lipstick and felt that the brush would be a miniature size of F80. So I have assumed that it would take longer for me to apply foundation or powder with this since the area it can cover will not be as much as the full size one. I was surprised to see that the amount of bristles on this is the same as the full size one.

The only difference that I noticed is that the full size is more compact than this. The bristles of the retractable kabuki are loosely bound than that of the full size one. I am not sure if this is something good or bad, but it depends on how you want to use it. I prefer density of the full size one when buffing and blending foundation, but I like the density of the retractable one when I am applying contours and blush. Even so, you can still achieve the same density as that of the full size with this small one, you just lift the retractable part to make the bristles compact and presto you have your full size kabuki brush to buff and blend :)

The only thing that I worry about this is if it would be rusty after some period of time. Also, I am particular with dents and since its case is made of aluminum (I think) metal, it is prone to scratches. So if you are very particular about that, I don't suggest throwing it in with the rest of the products that you have in your makeup kit. Put it somewhere in your purse where there are no hard or sharp objects.

Improvement ideas: It would be cool if its base can be something you can put a loose powder or blush pearls in. Then you only need to bring this and a lipstick with you. :)

Heart Shaped Mirror - Blue Lagoon

As I have mentioned, Erin sent me this product so I can review and use it as a sample for being a Sigma Affiliate. I have no idea what color she will be sending when I got the email but I was wishing hard that it would be the Pink Fire or the Blue Lagoon. I was so happy that she sent me the color that I want :D

Impression: OK when I first opened the box and took the mirror out, all I can say was this is jaw dropping! I mean literally! I don't know but maybe I am just easily amazed by anything that sparkle LOL. Anyway, I brought this as work to show to some girls and it was funny that guys also had to look at it too.

The mirror has rhinestones which is individually perfectly placed on the surface of its lid. The base has a Sigma engraving with a removable plastic protector to prevent it from scratches. I suggest you not remove the plastic if you want your mirror to look new and scratch free. Inside it has 2 mirrors, one with normal magnification and another with x5 magnification.

My Verdic: I find this mirror handy when you need to go on a formal event because it is like a jewelry and is available in different colors which can compliment your dress. It includes a black velvet pouch so you really don't have to worry about damaging it when you throw it in your purse with your other stuff.

Although, I think this mirror is only good as something you can use to check yourself and ensure that you still look OK during the day. If you are looking for something you can bring along so you can apply makeup on the go then this is too small to use. I definitely would love to bring this with me on a date :D

I think this is something that one color won't be enough. If you are into accessories, then I am sure you would won't be satisfied with just one color and you would have the need to buy at least 2-3 colors, or maybe all, to match your outfit. ^_~


*photos are taken from www.sigmabeauty.com
**This review is solely  my own and not in any way influenced by the company. The mirror is provided by Sigma Makeup for review and the kabuki brush is purchased by me.