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The Reluctant Stylista is a fashion and lifestyle blog written by Alex Lapa--the tomboy who suddenly discovered the joys and perks of dressing up. Original illustrations by Paolo Lazatin.
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Jan192010The kikay kit – generally regarded as a woman’s secret weapon, her little bag of mojo. The variety it contains is much like her closet: full to the brim with what she’ll usually wear everyday, but it also has options to transform her into a woman much more mysterious and rare.
To the reluctant stylista who is toying with the idea of assembling a somewhat serious kit (something that’ll make a real noticeable difference apart from that pressed powder and lipgloss you always tote inside your bag), the question is, where to start?
I remember accidentally parting with my own a while back and I didn’t realize how much I depended on it until that day. I had to make do with some borrowed eyeliner and the stuff I leave in my closet when I think my kit is too full. After that, I realized I should have an emergency kit at home, but at the same time, I don’t want to be too extravagant. So I figured I can afford to have only some key items on my second string team. And definitely nothing expensive this recession season.
Also, this entry was inspired by a friend’s call for help because she left her kikay kit inside a cab some weeks ago. She wants to rebuild a new one but requests no “fancy things”! I don’t really see myself as a make-up expert, but with that in mind, let’s see what we can come up with:
1. Tinted moisturizer
Preferably one with SPF. Call it magic for the lazy, since it’s practically fuss-free skincare. You want to be moisturized and sunscreened, why not have even-looking skin at the same time? And as it’s not as heavy as foundation, it’s perfect for girls who are cautious around make-up.
Recommended:
Nu Colour Tinted Moisturizer from Nu Skin (P1700). I love it because it’s lightweight and just a little bit goes a long way. It’s the lightest formula out of all tinted moisturizers I’ve tried.
Smashbox Sheer Focus (P1450). I love the dewy finish! And it gives off a healthy glow even if I’ve been doing late nights. Heavier than NuSkin, it may require some powdering for oily skin halfway through the day, although I wonder why since it says it’s oil-free.
You can also try:
Nivea Visage Tinted Moisturizer (much cheaper at P275, but heavier than other tinted moisturizers I’ve tried)
Maybelline Clear Smooth Aqua Gel Foundation (not really a tinted moisturizer, but lightweight. Provides ample coverage, but doesn’t have SPF)
2. Eyeliner
I think eyeliner was one of the first few things I played around with when I started wanting to look different. It’s definitely a staple, because it’s versatile when you’re desperate. I, for one, do not step out of the house until my eyebrows are filled in. You can use the eyeliner with brush for that. Also, something as simple as lining your lashes (upper and lower) can already change the way you look dramatically. And it doesn’t require that much effort or expertise.
Try:
Nichido Eye Pencil in Black (not really good as good for lining the lids, but nice for the eyebrows and incredibly cheap at P60).
Prestige Skin-Loving Minerals Eyeliner in Azurite (Eyeliner always ups the score when defining your eyes, but brown makes it look more natural and undetectable to the unpracticed eye)
3. Lip-cheek tint
I like how these things look natural, and how it makes you look young, fresh and flushed. Everyone wants to look pretty, but looking naturally pretty like you didn’t lift a finger is my favourite. I also have a problem with my lips looking lifeless and chappy, and lipstick doesn’t work for me (it cakes on my dry lips!). This does.
Recommended:
The Face Shop Freshian Real Tint in Cherry (P450.00) (real pretty color! For something darker, you can try it in Wine.)
You can stop right here, or you can take my word and add two more things:
4. Brown eyeshadow
I think brown is really flattering for Filipinas, be it in matte or shimmer. I use it for eyeshadow, eyeliner and even shaping my eyebrows. I’m a fan of anything this versatile.
Try:
Ellana Minerals in Wish or Intense (P130 each). For more information, visit their website.
5. Mascara
I think mascara falls under the category of intimidating for most women who are not as adventurous in the name of vanity. I was like that, once, until I found something I could really use well and saw the difference. I marvelled at how wearing mascara can make one’s whole face look softer and innocently…flirty. I’ve been a convert ever since.
Try:
The Face Shop Freshian Volumizing Mascara #01 Curling
Related posts:On the lookout for new models and facesShiseido Dual Balancing Foundation reviewMy Totally Sensible List of 2013 Beauty ResolutionsView the Post Gallery:
19 Responses to “Assembling a Starter Kikay Kit”
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this has my name written all over it. thank you for this, leki! i lost my kikay kit just recently and i need to build a new one from scratch.
particularly curious about ellana minerals and faceshop’s cheek and lip tint!
Yeah, this was for you! Haha!
There are lots of cheaper alternatives to the lip and cheek tint, particularly Japanese brands for less than P200, too. I usually use the Face Shop’s, though. If you’re buying, smudge it very LIGHTLY with your fingers to get most out of the product. Otherwise, it just colors your fingers.
And all my eyeshadows are from Ellana already! I’m loving it so far, and it’s cheap, too!
nice! i love this entry leki! kikay session part 2 please! hehehe
nice list! actually, i like ever bilena lip stuff. quite cheap yet versatile. a mac make up artist told me na ‘pwede na din’ yung brand, just dont expect it to cover you for hours and hours on end.
btw.face shop packaging looks unbelievably phallic to me.
Hahaha I agree about Face Shop packaging! From their mascaras to their lip stuff no? And yeah actually if we need to do some emergency make up retouching for photo shoots, we use Ever Bilena cos they’re cheap. I like that they’re sort of rebranding though. They seem to have added a lot of good stuff.
Alex, you have to tell me more about that Nu Skin TM. I’m so damn intrigued…;D
@Kira – I really should write a review about it, but I haven’t bought one for so long! Not that I don’t love it; I do–but I love TMs in general so I always like to try new ones. It’s possibly the best I’ve ever tried because I like how it’s so light.
You know what, totally by accident, I applied my Skin Hour primer (the one that Lauren and I love so much and which has SPF 15 too), and then applied my Myra Vitaglow. Oh wow, it made a whole lotta difference! My skin was significantly less oily, the TM stayed longer and did not oxidize on me. Amazing! Haha, just thought I’d share it with you. Cos that Myra TM does go oily on me big time :p
@Kira – I’ve always been curious about that particular Skin Hour product…I mean, is that the day cream? Cos I’ve heard really good reviews of that one from oily skinned girls. Maybe if I combine it with Smashbox TM, it’d be perfect already.
Thanks
Oops sorry I just checked your reply now. It’s the mattifying day cream which also works as a primer
It’s all natural/organic and costs only Php 250/20g. You can check it out here: http://skinhour.multiply.com/photos/album/4/Mattifying_Day_Cream
@Kira – you know, after reading your reply a few days ago, I ordered it within the next 5 minutes. I’m holding you responsible for reigniting my online shopaholic tendencies, haha! jk
Yeah I went to that page and it was funny cos I saw my inquiry there, dated TWO years ago. Grabe! I never got to buy it before. I read Lauren’s review about it a few months ago, but your reply really pushed me over the edge. I’ll let you know how it turns out 
Alex, I just read your reply lol. Your site should allow me to subscribe to comments so I can remember to send you a message back! Haha! How is it working for you so far???
@Kira – haha oo nga eh! Anyway, I’m writing a review about it soon. Hihi!
Hi! Aside from online, Ellana products ba are also available sa mall? If yes, do you know where? Thanks!
Hi! Yes, I’ve seen Ellana Minerals booths at SM Makati (just outside the supermarket) and Megamall (same thing). They used to have them there during the weekends only, but I’ve spotted the SM Makati booth even on weekdays especially Friday. But to be safe, visit them during Saturday or Sunday. Hope this helps!
BB cream would make a good substitute for the tinted moisturizer. Well, for me at least. =)
Hi! What particular BB cream are u using? Thanks.
I’m using Maybelline BB Cream coz it’s way cheaper than the others. I’m on my 3rd tube na. It’s ok naman so far, especially that I use it to cover my dark spots(left by acnes):(. However, I’m still worried, baka in the long run may bad effects sa skin ko.
Hi Estela! I’ve used BB cream in the past. It’s pretty okay, no harsh effects, but I’ve stopped using them when I tried switching to an organic routine. The one that had most people complimenting me on was when I tried the BRTC cream. My sister wrote a review about it in her blog and other BB Creams besides: http://www.skysenshi.com/2010/10/bb-cream-review-brtc-missha-maybelline.html
Hi, If you want to own a NU Skin beneficial tinted moisturizer SPF15 (Honey or Beige) You can contact me through text 09178972764
This is sooooo worth it! 
I’m a reseller and a user too! 