my new (and not-so-new) skin staples...

Clinelle Purifying Toner

my HG toner...I've used up 3 bottles already and surprisingly, it still works for me. my skin has this weird habit of messing up once it gets immune

PONDS White Beauty detox (lotion type)

weeks ago, I tried the yellow/gold one and found out that it works great as a moisturizer. I was scared that I might breakout but I didn't. So now I decided to give this pink variant a try and let's see. I've been using the moisturizer from Lancome Blanc Expert for quite a while now and I am no longer seeing results. Probably this is a great time to switch.

PONDS Flawless White Spots Blocking Serum and Mosbeau Cream
(ain't it obvious? I'm not into whitening...LOL!)

if you've been a reader of my blog since I started, you know that I suffered from nasty adult acne some 4-5 years ago and it left me with lots of pimple scars...and I mean, a LOT! I've tried a lot but nothing worked. until I gave in and bought Obagi. only then I was able to get rid of scars, you can check out my post here.

my skin still breaks out from time to time, depending on the season (i usually get problematic during -BER months) and when I get too experimental with other skin care brands. i honestly think I never learned my lesson..hahaha. so yes, I still get pimples and then get scarred after.

Obagi/Lancome aren't cheap, and I don't think it wouldn't hurt to find a cheaper alternative. Since I am already using the cold cream from PONDS (which is by the way my HG makeup remover as of the moment), and now trying out their moisturizer, I also decided to consider checking out their reformulated Spots Blocking Serum. Yes, I am being experimental again but I am trying to be positive...hehee! I've been using them for almost a week now and so far, so good.

and the Mosbeau cream? I am seeing great results from my continuous Laser Hair Removal from Flawless and since I am no longer using razors, I think now is the best time to deal with my post-shaving traumas before.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed and let's hope that these new products in my regimen would work for me. I'll keep you updated!

Product Review: Maybelline The Magnum Volum' Express Mascara

Maybelline Volume Express Magnum Mascara

It includes a Collagen Formula as well as a new patented oversized Magnum Brush to give this waterproof mascara the volume barrier for killer lashes.

The Collagen Formula plumps up and volumizes the lashes, giving that luscious thick look. The Magnum Brush seeks out even the smallest lash to ensure fine wax dispersion, with a generous and fast charge, ensuring ultra thick lashes with absolutely no clumping.

the wand

whenever Maybelline launches a new mascara, I make sure I get one. why? because, until now, I still believe that Maybelline has the best mascaras in the market at a very affordable price. i am still loving their Cat Eye mascara, so let's see if this one is as good, if not better.

uncurled lashes

lashes curled

applied 1 coat of mascara

lashes with 2 coats of mascara

what i like:

• waterproof
• cheaper than other brands
• no smudging, no clumping
• holds the curl
• unlike others who find that it's hard to remove, this waterproof mascara is no match with my current cleansing cream

what i don't like:

• i didn't see any of its "volumizing" promise. well, basing on my pics, did you see any?
• it's bigger wand makes it more difficult to reach the corners and apply mascara on the lower lashes

honestly, I am not really disappointed because what's important is that it holds my curl and that it doesn't smudge. but I don't think I'll love this as much as I am loving my Cat Eye mascara.

Having said that, nope, I won't be buying this again. Unless I get the trick on how to "properly" use this and get the effects I want. I've read in some blogs that there's a technique to make this mascara work for you. But as of now, maybe I'm just too lazy to spend too much time in applying my mascara.
^_^

BB Series: Missha Perfect Cover BB cream

I've been hearing a lot of raves on Missha BB creams...actually, this brand get the most number of rave from BB users out there. And the curious me gotta know why.

by the way, I won't be posting a before pic anymore since I am quite sure you've had enough of my horrible bare face already.
^_^

applied a layer of the bb cream all over face...no finishing powder.
(see how more matte it looks as compared to Skin79)

again, i didn't use any concealer but I built the coverage on blemished areas and undereyes by patting another layer of the bb cream.

applied the rest of my makeup and a layer of Shu Uemura finishing powder

comparing to Skin79, I didn't have to reapply my finishing powder but I did blot a few times the entire day.

after 10hrs:

red marks are again visible but not that much. i also still look like I have the bb cream on, it didn't totally slide off my face. again, I didn't use any primer.

hmmm...what do you think? looks like I have one candidate for a possible full size purchase huh?

another F21 loot...

it's been almost a month since Forever21 opened its first store in the Philippines, but I still remember how crazy it was during their private party and on their first few days after they opened their store to the public. I was one of those who went gaga during the private party. to be in their store for the first time made me feel like I am in heaven...where everything I see is beautiful.

I was able to get a few things, but I promised myself that I'll be going back soon. I did come back. But really, I get still overwhelmed with the huge store overflowing with so many pretty things. I still get confused where to go and what to check out first.

Then I realized, I never got the chance to check out what they have in their accessories section. I was able to get a necklace during my first visit, but I got that at the cashier. I didn't really plan to go check their accessories because I thought, they may not be any different from what we already see from other stores.

well, I was wrong!

and here's some proof:

got these first two for a little over than Php500. Not bad since the second one comes in 3.
yep, 3 pairs!

love the details of these next two:

got them for less than Php250 each

we were already at the cashier when I saw this ring:

and of course, I got it too! I love big rings...they make my little hands look not so, hmmm..small? LOL!

I must say I love their accessories, most especially their earrings! I wanted to get more but mom was at the cashier already and waiting for me to pay the bill ^_^ apparently, she and my sister went crazy too!

Now I can't wait to go back since I've noticed that they have a lot of new items. So if you're in Megamall, check out Forever21. There might be an item or two...or more that might make your heart skip a beat.

tata!

BB Series: Skin79 Super BB Cream Gold

as promised, here's my first attempt in trying out BB creams. as we all know, BB creams became famous (and it still is) because of its healing properties and the natural, dewy look it gives. a lot of beauty enthusiasts ditched their traditional liquid foundations and switched to BB creams with the hopes of getting the porcelain-white and healthy glowing skins of Korean women.

well, with the promise of more beautiful and blemish free, healthy skin, who wouldn't get enticed? i myself got interested and got 16 samples off Ebay..LOL!

anyway, the first BB cream to try out is:

Super BB Cream (Gold) from Skin79

left: bare face
right: applied first layer of BB cream

left: applied 2nd layer of BB cream and topped with Shu finishing powder
right: applied eye makeup and blush

applied lipstick and reapplied finishing powder

at this point, i was already beginning to oil up. i've been blotting my face for a few times already even before I reached the office. my face looked a shade lighter, probably I should've not applied too much. maybe a layer is already enough?

what i love about this bb cream is that it was able to cover up my red marks, take note that I didn't apply any concealer. I just built the coverage by patting the cream on blemished areas like my cheeks and on my undereyes.

and after day's work:

i've been blotting almost every hour and reapplied my finishing powder a number of times already. the red marks are again visible. i'm thinking if I should've applied primer first? I was just wondering if my skin would still be able to absorb the bb cream's healing properties if I am going to shield my face with a primer. so after my toner, moisturizer and sunblock, I went ahead with the bb cream.

i'm not really sure if I like this bb cream or not, maybe I would need to try it again but this time with a primer underneath. i've read a lot of raves on this particular variant and I was really hoping that I'd be able to make this work for me too.

(sigh)

oh well! it's too early to give up on BB creams, I still have 15 more samples to try out!
LOL!

NOTD: American Apparel in Manila

American Apparel
(Manila)

reminds me of yellow M&Ms...

another nail polish swatch, courtesy of Digitaltraincase.
To see more of her items for sale and pre-orders, click here.

Nuffnang and HEAVEN Ice Cream invite you to a special screening of ‘SALT’

Divine ice cream pleasure is HEAVEN Ice Cream.

Give in to the richest, smoothest, and creamiest by NESTLÉ Ice Cream. Revel in the exquisite goodness of its four sophisticated flavors—Belgian Chocolate Bliss, Strawberry Dream, Vanilla Almond Secret and Butter Pecan Obsession. HEAVEN Ice Cream is made with only the finest ingredients and contains no artificial food colors. Available in 800mL(Php 175) & 450mL(Php 115) tubs across supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores nationwide.

thrift shopping...

i was cleaning my closet last week when I realized that I barely have "pambahays" (house clothes). i usually sleep with PJs but because of the heat, i prefer shorts and sandos. i need to go shopping but i dont have much spare money so where do i go?

to tiangges (bazaars) of course!

to my readers here in the Phils and particularly in Manila, you might have heard of St. Francis Square already. it's at the front of Megamall and lucky me, i don't need to drag my fat ass all the way to Greenhills since St. Francis is just a few meters away from where i work. there, you'll find a lot of good buys if you'll just be patient in checking out stalls. some clothes are not of good quality, but if you're lucky, you'll find some really nice dresses/blouses just like the ones you'd find in the malls.

so here's what i got:

boxer shorts, sleeveless shirts and cardigans

i also got these pretty accessories:

and these:

an officemate find this pair cute and kind of formal so she asked me if she can borrow it for a wedding she'll attend...of course, i said yes!

all in all, i think i spent less than 2k. not bad for 12pcs of clothing and a handful of accessories!

i can't wait for next pay day so i can score more of those cardigans. it's the rainy season already but sometimes, it still gets scorching hot outside so this piece of clothing's just right (for me, at least hehehe)!

how about you, where do you shop for some good buys without making your wallet cry?
^_^

they are here!

my 16-samples of BB cream are here!
(booty shake)

I honestly got confused as to what brand to sample first. I checked some reviews so I'll have an idea what to get.

I have samples from Skinfood, Tony Moly, Baviphat, Missha, Hanskin to name a few. I've been sampling these past few days and I have one that I am getting in full size. Yey! but yes, i'll still (try) to sample all of them and post a bit of review here..and probably an FOTD? let's see..

the seller gave me some freebies too!

I can't wait to try everything...I'm again a willing guinea pig, LOL!

Beauty Tip: Pillboxes for your lipsticks?

I remember that mom bought me pillboxes that I can bring anywhere so I won't forget to take my vitamins (or medications) everyday. but I had something else in mind to put these pillboxes to use:

nope...

tadahhh!


yeah dearies, I went thru the hassle (but enjoyable and exciting) of chopping off a portion of my frequently used lipsticks and melting them in this pillbox. I got this idea from a dear friend when she heard me complain about bringing tubes of lipsticks for retouch during makeup gigs. of course, during touch ups, I won't be dragging my traincase anymore and a (little) pouch should do. now, having my lipsticks in this little pillboxes spare me a lot of space in my touch up pouch for my travel sized brushes, blushes and blot powders.

don't worry, this is fairly easy. just chop off a portion of your lipsticks and place it in on the slots of the pillbox. put it in your microwave, set timer to 30seconds and go! it's like having a lip palette with the shades of your choice, cool huh?

honestly, I was a bit hesitant to chop off my lipsticks. good thing I got over it and now I'm so happy that I did it. ^_^

now that you have your lipsticks in a palette like this, it doesn't mean you can forget all about sanitation. don't forget to bring your spatula so you won't have to double dip your brush! and of course, wipe that brush clean before using it on a different client.

i found out that some brands don't melt easily. MAC melts like butter in a few seconds, Maybelline in a few more seconds...but Revlon just won't melt. It did melt, but just a little. So, if you take a closer look at my palette, that's the one that didn't occupy the whole slot bottom. I tried leaving the pillbox for 60seconds but it still won't budge, so I just left it as it is.

I just so love this great idea that I now actually have 3 lip palettes like this: 2 for clients, and 1 for my personal use. Now let's just hope I won't be chopping off every lipstick I get my hands on.
LOL!

Product Review: Poshe Topcoat

POSHE Super-Fast Drying Topcoat

This fast-drying topcoat is the perfect insider product for busy lives. It dries to touch in one minute and is completely dry in 5 minutes, giving a glossy finish to your manicure whilst protecting from chips and breakage. Poshé is a high performance product containing only elements found naturally within the nail plate, thus focusing on nourishing and conditioning the nails and protecting the varnish, without using the potentially carcinogenic chemicals traditionally used in nail care.

Poshé Super-Fast Drying Topcoat is a five-time Allure Editor's Choice winner, which for an independent brand that doesn't advertise is a serious achievement and testament to its effectiveness. This protective top coat has an extremely diverse, loyal following of beauty addicts and celebs, from Kate Beckinsale and Elizabeth Taylor to Jessica Simpson. Poshé stops nails from turning yellow and is even safe for cancer sufferers and those in remission to use as it's free from Formaldehyde & Toluene.

(product description from CultBeauty)

I've been applying nail polish for a LOOOONG already. If memory serves me right, I think I started doing my own manicure-pedicure-polish way back in my 1st year highschool. I love wearing french-tipped nails, and if not, the colors beige or tan were the usual mainstays on my short nails. But I get frustrated whenever I would have to reapply my polish after it chips in just a day or two. I gave up and from then on, I only apply polish on special occasions. I dunno, maybe I'm just too frisky and I don't really take "extra" effort to keep my polish from chipping.

So if I had my polish today, I'm assured that I am to take it off tomorrow or the day after. But after trying out POSHE top coat, now it's a different story.

left: I had my manicure and the red polish on Friday morning, notice that the polish looks dull.
right: I applied Poshe top coat and the polish looked more smooth and vibrant.

likes:

• consistency is just right, giving me enough time to spread it on the whole nail before it starts to dry up
• dries up fast. I once applied my polish right before going to bed, waited a few minutes and dozed off. I was expecting to wake up with sheet marks on my nails in the morning, but no..my polish still looked like it has just been applied.
• makes my polish stay longer
• gives my nails that lovely, glossy sheen
• makes nail color a lot more vibrant
• no bubbles

dislikes:

• expensive at almost $9.49, but for a product that really works? this is worth your moolah!
• not available in local stores
  

and here's what my nails look like after 5 days. take note that I had a makeup gig last weekend where I kept on sanitizing my hands with alcohol, I also washed my undies (ehem ehem) and some other housechores and have been in the office typing all day since Monday:

there's a very, very minimal tip wear on the left since my right hand does most of the job. for me, this is very acceptable considering that it's been 5 days. Probably it would've stayed longer if I just stayed in one corner and did nothing...LOL!

will i buy again?
DEFINITELY!

good thing we no longer need to get it from a US store. Our very own Sol of Digitaltraincase (who's a nail polish addict herself) sells it for only Php480.

Do you have your own favorite top coat? Mine is this one. But should you have other recommendations, let me know! :)
tata!