NARS

Cancelled flights could mean more expenses. I should let Air Phil pay for my Nars haul! LOL!

Seriously, all I ever wanted is to swatch Nars Foundation in Barcelona. Or a Nars Blush in Orgasm. Either of the two will do. But when I got to Rustan's at Robinson's Manila, I was smitten by the lovely salespersons (particularly Marlene) who were not only very accommodating but also offered to do me a mini make-over.

I was so tired at the time and wasn't really planning to buy anything. (Really!). I just wanted to look around and ask a few questions about my shade. I knew that I was a MAC NC 42 during my November visit at Rustan's Makati but wasn't sure if MAC is worth its price. I was on the lookout for another foundation suitable for my NC 42 shade. Liz of Project Vanity suggested Nars Barcelona. I actually had doubts about Barcelona and thought that my shade is darker than Barcelona. Paying a visit to Robinsons Manila (which is incidentally, and thankfully, near the hotel that the airline booked) could potentially answer my long-standing question on foundation shades.

So, I swatched Barcelona, first at the back of my hand, and then on my face. =) Due to my doubts, I protested and asked if they have a darker shade. Barcelona was the darkest in their stock. I was actually disappointed but Marlene insisted on applying Barcelona on my whole face! In fairness, Marlene used a clean and new sponge for me so I was happy while the foundation was being applied on my face. No swatching horror! I didn't look at any mirror while she was applying the foundation and I let my boyfriend decide whether Barcelona was perfect for my skin color. I was prepared to hear it wasn't my shade but I was more surprised when I heard the boyfriend said that the shade is actually perfect. Liz was right! Perfect!

Barcelona, you are mine! In an effort not to spend too much, I took the least expensive among the foundation variants. I'm still young but I could definitely use the anti-aging properties. Haha!

I couldn't let this opportunity pass without trying Nars Orgasm. I've read about it countless times, even up to the point of making an online purchase, but I have always backed out every single time, I couldn't seem to click that BUY button. I did not even have to ask Marlene about the blush. She applied some powder on my face and then automatically brushed some gold-speckled blush on my cheeks, so this is highly-acclaimed Nars Orgasm! And ohmygosh, it's so lovely!

Leaving Rustan's with my haul wasn't really on my plan but I'm glad that I purchased them. It's not everyday that I get the chance to be in Manila and try the product before the actual purchase. Product reviews and swatches will be posted on the following weeks. Stay tuned! (--,)