I once read a Courtney Cox quote that said, "I only have to do three things to look halfway decent: curl my eyelashes, fill in my eyebrows, and put some lipstick on." Now I know that I could only hope to look half as pretty as her, but I'd like to add one thing: a good base. I don't really have problem skin but on days I want to look more polished than usual, I rely on this trio from Ellana Minerals:

Ellana Minerals Loose Mineral Powder Foundation in Cafe Mocha, Ellana Minerals Let's Make It Last Makeup Primer, and tapered brush, also from Ellana Minerals

They are godsend for those who want to look flawless. Ellana Minerals products are also non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and non-comodegenic. Pretty affordable, too! For now, this post will focus on the Loose Mineral Powder Foundation.


The Ellana Minerals Loose Powder Foundation has a silky matte finish and offers medium to heavy coverage that downplays discoloration, blemishes, and fine lines. This one costs P460 only and can last a long time since you don't need much each time you use it. Did it live up to its promise of poreless perfection? Read on and see the [unedited and unfiltered] photos below.


My shade has always been Cafe Mocha as determined on my first visit to Ellana's then-office in Quezon City. Have you yet to determine your Ellana Minerals foundation shade? Fret not! You can request for free samples from Ellana and they will send you a sampler set containing samples of all their loose powders! You just have to pay a minimal shipping fee and that's it. No commitment, no nothing - just Ellana's dedication to help every Filipina find the shade perfect for her. Visit Ellana's website to avail of this.


As with other mineral makeup, applying the Ellana Minerals Loose Foundation can be a bit tricky or messy if you're not careful. Here are helpful tips from Ellana's website:

Tap out a measured amount on the cap of the jar. Swirl your kabuki or powder brush in the cap to pick up the product, then shake off the excess. Apply the foundation on your face in circular, buffing motions to get the best coverage. Add more layers on problem areas as needed.

I don't wear makeup all the time as most days I am good with just BB Cream, but I whip out my tapered brush and put this on when I want to look extra-pretty. Here are some photos to show you how it works on me:

BEFORE I was pressed for time earlier so I went to work without anything on my face except for the Burt's Bees Daisy White Serum and sunscreen. Yes, I go to work sometimes without anything on except skincare products and a swipe of lipstick heh.

AFTER Ellana Minerals Loose Powder Foundation in Cafe Mocha on my face

Did you notice the difference? My face certainly looked smoother and clearer! Here are some more photos after applying a little bit more color on my face:



Poreless perfection, indeed!

After work, I decided to check something in Greenbelt. Please note that it takes me about thirty minutes to walk to Greenbelt from the office and back. Here is what it looked like after that less-than-an-hour rendezvous:

My nose has always been the most oil-prone part of my face. It's good to see that aside from a little shiny action on that part, my face remained matte and well-covered.

To make the most out of your Ellana Minerals Loose Powder Foundation, apply the Ellana Minerals Let's Make It Last Makeup Primer first as base to make it last longer. It also makes the skin feel velvety-smooth to the touch and I swear it's one of the best feelings ever.


See it for yourself and request your Ellana Sampler Set now! Or, if you already know your shade, you may order your Ellana Minerals Loose Powder Foundation here. Those who purchase a minimum of P1,000 worth of Ellana products will also get a Lip Scrub in Strawberry Vanilla for free!

Disclosure: I am an Ellana Beauty Advocate but all opinions are mine and are not influenced by this. Affiliate links provided. Those who buy Ellana Minerals products using the banner ads in this blog will get 15% off their initial purchase. See my blog's complete disclosure policy here.

Have I ever told you how this blog came to be? I know I must have, but let me go Ted Mosby on you and tell the story again for good measure. ｡◕‿◕｡

It was the year 2008. I was happy publishing my day-to-day activities and thoughts through my Multiply journal. It was also around the same time I started getting interested with makeup (late bloomer, I know) and wanting to learn how to do my own. Aside from my Allure magazines, my resource were local and international beauty blogs, majority of which were hosted by Blogger. That's when I decided to create one. Good decision, too, seeing as how Multiply folded late last year. When you think about it, krissyfied.com has a very simple origin story, really.

Going back to the point of this post, I got interested with makeup around the same time mineral makeup was getting traction in the local beauty scene. When Ellana Minerals emerged, a lot of beauty bloggers raved about it that I just had to see what the fuss was about. Since I was living in an apartment in Quezon City during that time, it was not difficult for me to visit their then office and show room.

Needless to say, those raves were not unwarranted. Check out my first post about Ellana Minerals from 2009. I quote, "As all other mineral makeup brands, Ellana's products are non-toxic, hypoallergenic and non-comodegenic, but what really sold me to try them is that it is a local brand. I am happy that more Pinoy entrepreneurs are breaking boundaries and carving their own niche in the market. Best of all, their products are really affordable!" Over several visits, I was able to build quite a big collection of their products, from makeup to brushes. I even used to sell these to my former officemates! Some of my favorites were the Premium Blend Foundation, Silk Glow Illuminating Mineral Finishing Powder, Liquid Lip Color, and Powder Blushes.

Ellana Minerals Sheer Natural Mineral Powder Blushes in Happiness and Lust One of my favorite things about mineral makeup is that unlike regular makeup, it doesn't expire!

Throwback alert! My 23 year old self enjoying poreless perfection with Ellana Minerals Premium Blend Foundation in Cafe Mocha I never had problem skin but I relied on this product on days I wanted to look insta-pretty.

A little-more-glam-than-usual look using the same foundation This is a candid shot from a little shoot my friend and I made years ago.

As I moved apartments, I lost most of my Ellana Minerals makeup except for the brushes and blushes. Life happened and I lost touch with the brand as well even though I have always wondered what happened to it. I couldn't tell you how excited I got when I received an email from Liz of Project Vanity inviting me to its relaunch!



The new packaging features art by Soleil Ignacio. The team behind Ellana Minerals says their vision for the brand is that it is for modern goddesses. Sophisticated, smart, and confident, she knows what her assets are and knows how to enhance them. Liz says it best here. Please do check out Kira's post about the event here as well. It felt so nice to be surrounded by pretty things. (✿´‿`)

The whole look reminds me of these yummy cupcakes I got the other night ❤

Ellana Minerals may have reinvented its look, but it essentially remains the same product we knew and love. I am so glad it's back, with even more products to add to my growing personal beauty arsenal! I have drafted looks featuring the products I received as press gifts, kindly watch out for them. *wink*

This is a sample look I made using just five products, three of which are from Ellana Minerals! True to its Poreless Perfection promise and very easy to do, too.

Do you have an Ellana Minerals story? Do share!

Ellana Minerals is now available in The Ramp TriNoma, EDSA Shangri-La, and Glorietta. You may also purchase online here. For more information, please check out the following:

So I've confessed here that I am totally clueless when it comes to make-up. I used to just be a powder-and-lipgloss kind of girl and cannot be bothered about any other beauty products before. My philosophy (being a total shoe-addict that I am) was "I don't care if I don't have make-up, as long as I have my shoesss." And frankly, I don't have problem skin so there's no need to cover anything up.

But then, I realized I also want to learn how to apply make-up in case I would be needing it in the future. There's nothing wrong with being a powder-and-lipgloss girl but you have to admit that there are some instances where you really have to be presentable (like job interviews) and all-dolled up (like parties). Besides, how can you not love all those gorgeous colors?

In a little over a year, I am happy and proud that I've already learned (at least a little) how to apply my own make-up, thanks to the beauty blogs I follow as well as the endless magazines I pored into. :D

For the photoshoot I had with my friend and classmate-from-college Karlo for Project Barbie, I did my own hair and make-up. (I am so excited to post the rest of the photos but I do not want to spoil the fun :D)

Here are the products I used:

Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation in W02 Natural Buff

Ellana Minerals Premium Blend Foundation in Cafe Mocha

Ellana Minerals Oil Absorbing Mineral Finishing Powder in Pumpkin Pie Latte

Ellana Minerals Silk Glow Illuminating Mineral Finishing Powder in Pumpkin Pie Latte

Maybelline Clear Smooth Shine Free Face Powder in Natural

Ellana Minerals Powder Concealer in Whimsy

F21 Single Eyeshadow in #06

Nichido Eyeliner in Black

in2it Colourline Eyeliner in Black Glitter

Brown Shimmer and White Shimmer in Eyeshadow Pallette

Avon Mascara

Colour Collection Triple Treat in Infinite Peach

Ellana Minerals Powder Blush in Happiness

Everyday Minerals Blush in Back to School

Ellana Minerals Lip Treatment in Strawberry Kiss

NYX Round Lipstick in Louisiana

Ellana Minerals Liquid Lip Color in Tease

Ellana Full Powder Brush

Everyday Minerals Eyeshadow Brush

Ellana Baby Buki Brush

Ellana Concealer Brush
Non-latex sponges

Sneak photos from the shoot:

Krissy's note: No editing done in the photos except for the Vignette effect and Round Edges frame. :)

Project Barbie will be on February 3!! Click here to know full details ;)

I know I still have a long way to go, and I am excited to learn more!

Now if only the next thing I can learn is how to cook. :D

Working from home afforded me a little bit of extra time so I was able to dig drafts and stored photos, and I realized I haven't published my review of Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush despite it being my go to-blush for a year now. I am posting quick reviews and swatches of the first five shades they released here.


Please note though that I am not sure if they are phasing these shades out as these are almost always out of stock online, but you may also check Ellana's stores when the community quarantine is lifted.

I have since bought more palettes to hold all of them, tyvm

Perfect your tipsy flush with this super-moisturizing, cocktail-inspired drunk blush. Made for lips and cheeks! This multi-stain glides on smoothly, with a soft, natural-matte finish and creamy, hydrating texture that is infused with Camellia “Tsubaki” Seed Oil. Your Lip Drunk Blush is all you need to glow on the go. You’ll notice your skin just gets better and better every day!

You only need a couple of light swipes because these are very pigmented. You may apply using clean fingers or brush. Personally I prefer using my ring finger to swipe and blend.

From left to right: Autumn Martini | Mimosa | Sangria | Strawberry Daiquiri | Pink Flamingo

See how much color one swipe can generate?

Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush in Autumn Martini on my cheeks

Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush in Mimosa on my cheeks

Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush in Sangria on my cheeks

Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush in Strawberry Daiquiri on my cheeks

Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush in Pink Flamingo on my cheeks

I even used to swipe a little on my eyelids as a light shadow for a monochromatic look until I saw the note of Ellana founder/ formulator that there are pigments that may not be safe for the eye area. Eep!  So, yes, a word to the wise: the Ellana Minerals Lip Drunk Blush are only for your lips and cheeks! (You may use the Multipurpose Color Cream if you want an all-around product that you can use as eye shadow, blush, and lip color.)

At Php 449 a pop, these can be a little more costly than your average drugstore brand blush, but the quality is so much better than a drugstore brand's, and staying power is also A+++. You can get a lot of use out of one refill so your Php 449 can go a long way.

The only comment I might have is the scent. I don't mind and the scent fades after a while, but some people might find it too strong. I hope the new shades have addressed it.  

Last year I had the opportunity to customize my own Lip Drunk Blush shade and it was a lot of fun! There were plans of extending that service to the stores but I haven't seen it yet, although Ellana released four new shades, two of which I have already ordered: Peach Bellini and Espresso Martini. Give me another year and perhaps I will be able to share my review and swatches of those as well. Heh.

Did you like any of the shades I featured here? Do you have plans of trying Ellana's take on the drunk blush trend? Do you still do your makeup while working from home? Let me know in the comments!

By the way, if you did like this review and are thinking of getting your own, please use my referral link so we both get Php 100 Ellana coupon each. TYSM!

Disclosure: All products here were not sponsored. I bought them using my own money.

It's a rainy Saturday afternoon and I'm taking a break from resting by reading my old blog posts.

2009 me: Rest assured though that I will not hoard makeup products since I do not have any plans to become a professional makeup artist at all. 

2019 me: Welp 

It is timely that I should come across this now seeing as how I broke a supposed two month makeup-buying ban barely three weeks into it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ELLANA MINERALS WAREHOUSE SALE MADE ME DO IT! On a related note, that 2009 blog post also chronicles the first time I tried and purchased makeup from Ellana Minerals.

Ellana Minerals is my favorite local makeup brand and I will recommend their products to everyone who would listen. I love everything I have tried from them and the fact that their products are skincare and makeup in one, and I even got to be a face on their old website representing the shade Café Mocha!

Rainy Friday night + Makati = traffic and extra challenge in booking a Grab but I persisted and here is my haul:


I missed out on the brushes (we were told stocks ran out on the first morning of the sale!) but I am so glad I got to restock my favorites, buy backups, and even purchase some items that are no longer being sold online!

Here's a closer look at the products I got:

Ellana Loose Mineral Foundation in Café Mocha to refill my big Mirror Glass Jar

Ellana Sheer Velvet Matte Powder and small Mirror Glass Jar to house it in

Ellana Makeup Brush Cleaner for spot-cleaning my brushes

Ellana Multipurpose Loose Powders in Caress, Crush, Sensational, and Shine I'm planning to mix a little Sensational on my Sheer Velvet Powder

I hit the pan on my Ellana Pressed Mineral Foundation in Café Mocha a long time ago and haven't gotten the chance to restock until now

Ellana Pressed Multipurpose Powders Light Roast - a matte cool brown shade that may be used as a contour powder for cheeks and nose, eyeshadow Butter Rum - an iridescent gold satin shade that may be used as a highlighter for cheeks, nose, and eyeshadow Flirtation - a matte strawberry pink that may be used as a blush and eyeshadow Peach Passion - a warm earthy peach shimmer that may be used as a blush, highlighter for cheeks and nose, eyeshadow

I already have two Gaia Magnetic Palettes to house my Lip Drunk Blushes but I had to get my third one for this:

It looks so neat and pretty yet completely practical!

I got all these for only a litte over Php2,200! My face and wallet are so happy with beauty that does more, hee. The Ellana Minerals Warehouse Sale is happening until 9 PM tomorrow so if you have the chance, go visit their HQ at 3400 Gen Lim, corner Rodiguez Ave., Bangkal, Makati.

Special bonus when you visit: Ellana Minerals HQ is home to several adopted kitties so you may also see this super adorable cat!

Ellana also regularly holds special promotions so make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates!

Now I'll be back to enjoying the rest of my long weekend. I hope you have a restful one!

Every month Glamourbox releases a new box is a fun guessing game for subscribers. They tease us with the box's theme at least two weeks early and then we figure out if we will buy before its release or not. Those of us who have above average EQ wait until the boxes are sent out and the contents revealed before deciding whether to get one.

For this month, the theme is Flawless Beauty. I guessed it will probably come with skincare items and foundation or concealers, and it turns out I was only partially right.

... because it also contained cosmetics and hair care products! As you can see, it's a balanced mix. Here's a more detailed look on the products inside. 

OFRA COSMETICS

Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Laguna Beach

Creamy and soft in texture, this liquid lipstick moisturizes the lips with antioxidants and Vitamin E. With five hours of staying power, it gives a matte finish that does not feather!

Full size 8g/ P950

I have three OFRA lipsticks in my stash (see reviews of #205 and Fuchsia) and I love using them, but it's my first time to try the Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick. I am not a fan of liquid formulations when it comes to lipsticks but Laguna Beach is such a pretty nude pink that I don't mind using it as an everyday lip-color. I'm not really sure about its claim to be long lasting as the color faded after more than two hours, or maybe it's just me because I'm always eating. I wish it came in a better and classier-looking packaging to match its price tag, though.






Too bad my camera wasn't able to capture Halo in all its iridescent glory as it's very pretty in person. I'm glad I didn't get Brilliance in my box as I already have that shade! I'm sure I am going to get lots of use out of this.



I already have this and I love using it whenever my lips get extra dry, usually after a swimming trip. It is extremely helpful for dry lips. I love its scent, too, as it smells almost good enough to eat! Always good to have in my stash.



I've been hearing a lot of good things about this line so even though I don't exactly have problem skin, I appreciated having this set (of full-sized products!) in the box. I will give the facial wash and toner to my sister while I will keep the Pimple-Fighting Pimple Gel for when I get my monthly zit, heh.






I've already tried this line before and although it did not wow me as much as the Vidal Sassoon Color Care line did, it still did its job of cleaning and conditioning my hair. I am the worst in packing before a trip so this shampoo and conditioner set should come in handy.



I already have a BB Cream I rely on every day (review coming soon!) but these BB Cream blister packs are just too cute! I also read a lot of good things about this so I'm looking forward to trying it. I just wish they included at least three packs per box as I don't think you can form a solid opinion about a product if you'll use it only once.


Did you like this box? If you want one, I suggest going to Glamourbox's website and subscribing right away as boxes are limited. If you want to try the OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick badly, then I suggest you get this box as you only have to pay P595 for a product originally priced at P950, among other things! A lot of products are also on sale so go on, check this link to see the amazing discounts you can get! Enjoy shopping!

Disclosure: This month's box was given to me as a gift. Thanks again, Glamourbox team! All opinions are my own. Click here to read this blog's disclosure policy.