Product Review: Herra Protect Hair Perfume...

Don't you just love the smell of freshly washed hair?  Whenever I wash my hair with the Bed Head Styleshots Hi-Def Curls shampoo and conditioner, my hair smells so good I want to eat it. Ugh, okay I might be exaggerating. (laughs) But sometimes I'd still do a chore or two after taking a shower…like say, cooking!  And so by the time the hubby comes home, gives me a peck on the cheek and catches a whiff of my hair, he'd be like, "what smell is that?" Imagine the worse when you'd be sauté-ing with onions or cooking fish.  Eww.  

I used to have the same issue when I was still working.  I get out of the office for my noon break and go back with my hair smelling exactly what I had for lunch. LoL!  I bet you've had those experiences too! So what do I do? Sometimes I'll just put my hair up in a bun, so nobody would be able to smell and start guessing what I had for lunch.  Or, I'll spritz some perfume on my hair…which is actually a no-no, because it will make your hair dry.   

Now, with Herra Protect Hair Perfume, I can finally bid goodbye to bad smelling-hair days!

Herra Protect Hair Perfume

My Medibac Facial Experience at Dermalogica on Burj...

Back in PH, I wear makeup everyday…sometimes, even on weekdays.  And no matter how diligent I am when it comes to cleansing and exfoliating, my skin would still get clogged and therefore would need professional help to keep those nasty breakouts at bay. Because of this, I try to get a facial and a diamond peel every month.  And yes, it ain't easy on my wallet but I'm pretty sure you'd agree with me not to scrimp when it comes to taking care of your skin. 

Before I left home, I made sure I had a facial and a diamond peel first.  My skin was not acting up at that time but I didn't get my hopes up for I know it will go gaga soon.  And it did.  Well, it did behave for a month when I was in the US. But when I got here in Dubai, my skin just went nuts!  When the cold season started to hit, it just got worse. Yes, that's how weird my skin is.  It gets more problematic when it's cold. Probably because it gets more clogged?  But the thing is, I haven't been wearing much makeup like I used to!  Sigh.

Come December, I just knew I need to get a facial…badly.  I asked around for recommendations but wasn't able to get much from the people I know.  It's not because they aren't as maarte as me (roll eyes), but probably because they just don't need it. Ugh, how lucky! 

I first tried setting up an appointment at Obagi MediSpa in Dubai Mall, but they were fully booked until the end of December!  Take note, that was around mid-month.  I googled, and googled some more until I came across Dermalogica, also in Dubai Mall and is the brand's flagship store.  

I was booked on a 4pm slot and arrived just minutes before.  A very polite staff greeted me as soon as I walked in, told her about my appointment and then she asked me to take a seat at the counter first.

Glambox's January Box...

Can you believe it?  We're almost done with the first month of 2014! Despite being not that busy, I was surprised that I didn't notice that days have been passing by so quick.  Now that I finally did notice, I am just getting a lot more excited…why, you ask?  Well, it's because I am going home in two months!    

 YES, I am going home but only for two weeks.  And if circumstances change, I might only get to stay for a few days.  My sister's graduating from college (can you also believe that!? 'twas just like yesterday when I posted her makeup look for her Senior Prom!) and I have to be there. So yes, I'm still not sure how long I'd be able to stay, but I'm 100% sure that I am coming home. 

Anyways, another thing that made me notice that January's almost over is that, I already got my January box from Glambox.   Unlike beauty boxes back in PH which arrive first week of each month, Glambox boxes usually arrive on the 3rd week.  I was also surprised to get mine earlier.  Well, I got the first two just a few days before the end of the month and this time, it arrived January 21.  

I only got a 3-month subscription and I just want to say that I am very much satisfied with this month's box!  Let me show you what's inside...

When I opened the box and saw the Benefit stickers, I was like "Oh wow, is this a Benefit-exclusive!?"

My Brazilian Wax Experience at NStyle Nail Lounge...

A few months ago, I posted my BW experience at Sisters Beauty Lounge. And though I liked it (except for the attendant not stepping out of the room when I was asked to remove my undies, LoL!) I decided to check out other beauty salons that offer brazilian waxing when it was time again for another session.  I initially went to Profile Salon inside  Harvey Nichols in MoE but their waxing service is already fully booked.  I asked if I can get a haircut instead and yes, they are also full!  Darn, this salon might be really good because they are really in-demand.  I was told to call for an appointment first,  so I can be sure to have a slot when I go there next time.

I was disappointed and thought of just going home instead, but I just hate not being able to do the things I intended to do on a certain day.  Besides, i'm already due (yes, it's that important! Hahha) for a brazilian wax.  I don't do it monthly just because I don't really have much hair down there (ugh, TMI!?) so I put it on schedule to be done every two months. And it's been two months since my last, so I just have to get it done! (insert frustrated face here)

^_^

But okay, fine..I guess I can wait for a few more days.  I just told myself that I'll drop by Profile Salon to set up an appointment for a brazilian wax before I go home.  I decided to   drop by Sephora first to check out if they have stocks of UD Naked 3 when I saw the NStyle Nail Lounge.  Ohh, I just remembered I am in a bad need of a foot spa too!   So I went in and inquired.  Yes, they do have available slots and guess what, they have waxing services too!  YEY!  "How about haircut?" I asked.  And whoa, they have that too! I think they need to change their name into something that won't make people think they only do nail services, no?  

via

Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Nude Eclipse and Nova...

Another Rimmel post!? What can I do, this brand is so addicting…and affordable too!  Ever since I got my hands on their eyebrow pencil years ago, I've wanted to try more of their products.  But Rimmel isn't available in PH, and though there are lots of online sellers, I still prefer to see and test the products first before buying.  So just imagine my joy when the nearest supermarket from where I live here in Dubai has Rimmel! If my favourite drugstore brand back in PH is Revlon and L'oreal, then it's got to be Rimmel here in UAE!

^_^

For today, let me share with you my most recent find from Rimmel. I'm sure you've read a bit (or probably, a lot) about this already because I think they have been around for a time now but I just want to give you my two-cents.    

 Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquers

Combines the colour of a lipstick and lacquer shine of a lip gloss. It's neither a lipstick nor a gloss…it's bigger than both!  The creamy conditioning formula features pure colour pigments, leaving lips vibrant and glossy. 

My "I'm just cooking dinner" Makeup Look...

When I was still working, one thing that I always look forward to everyday is…not going to work, of course (laughs), but putting on makeup. No matter how sleepy I am (because I would only get to sleep no more than 4hrs everyday), I always get perky when it's time to primp up.  It's like therapy for me.  I've always liked playing with my makeup. And I'm sure a lot of you can relate.  

Now that I'm just at home most of the time (in short, domesticated, plain housewife LOL), I don't get to play with my toys that much anymore. If they have feelings, I'm pretty sure they are getting tampo already.  So I asked myself, why not wear makeup even when I'm just preparing dinner? Hahah. At least, I'll be more inspired to whip up a good meal when I feel pretty. Right!? And so I did!  

For this look,  I used my Bobbi Brown Twilight Pink Lip and Eye palette.  The gorgeous palette have been sitting for a while now and so I figured, it's about time to give it some lovin'. 

The shades I used from the palette are:

1 - Nude, 2 - Twilight Pink and 3 - Espresso 

Pale Mauve

Product Review: La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Tinted Extreme Fluid SPF50+...

I may be skipping makeup these days, but only because I stay at home (in other words, I'm still unemployed…ugh) most of the time.  But if there's one thing I'm not gonna skip on any given day, it's gonna be sunblock.  

If you live in a place where there's too much sun, you ought to make friends with a very good sunblock.  I've tried a lot of sunblocks in the past (click here for reviews) but what I'm reaching out for the most would still be the one from Obagi.  I also use the Shiseido Multi-Defense UV Protector with SPF50 PA+++ which is also good, but since I find it expensive for its small size of 30ml, I just use it on say, special occasions.
^_^

I wasn't really planning of trying out a new sunblock but when I was at Boots getting my 2nd tube of La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, they were having their Buy 2 Get 1 promo on their skincare items. I've been meaning to get the Effaclar AI for my pimples too, so I figured it might be the right time to get both and well, get another product for free.  I looked around what else to get and I saw this tinted sunblock. I know I already have something like this from Shiseido but it's a foundation.  I want something lighter, something I can wear everyday even on its own and still look okay despite all the scars and pigmentation on my face. The kabayan saleslady at Boots also told me that it's one of the fast-selling sunblock they have.  Now, I don't know if that's true, but I did take her word for it and got this anyway. 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Tinted Extreme Fluid SPF50+

Rimmel London Salon Pro Nail Polish by Kate in Rock 'N Roll….

I left my collection of nail polishes at home.  And though it isn't that big, it took me years to come up such a collection.  I was not really into nail colours until I started getting samples from brands back in PH and also when Sol started having the most-sought brands of polishes available thru Digitaltraincase.  Well, she got addicted (aren't you still? haahha) to it first then she decided to help her fellow addicts get their hands on them too.  

Now, I don't think I'm gonna start with a nail polish collection again soon but I admit, I am checking out some brands that we don't have back home.  And of course, the most accessible to me would be those from Rimmel because it's available in Spinneys, which is by the way my favourite grocery here in Dubai.  If it's not yet our Market Day and I need a few stuff in the kitchen, I go to Spinneys.  But please don't let X know that I check out the cosmetics section first!

^_^

Since I can't wear red on my lips (I'm not used to it and X hates it), I'll wear it on my nails instead! So yes, I am starting my collection with this beautiful sexy red shade.  Oh, sorry, I did say I'm not starting a collection nga pala!  Geesh, I'm buking!

Rimmel London Salon Pro by Kate Nail Polish in Rock 'N Roll

According to Rimmel, this stays up to 10 days with no chipping and gives off a gel shine finish.

Cooking with Brigitte: Chicken Sopas...

Is it cold in your part of the world?  Here in Dubai, it is.  I think the temperature started dropping since November and though there's still a lot of sun, it gets really chilly even at midday and it gets more windy at night. Even with the doors going to the balcony kept closed, I can still feel the cold weather.  I do love the cold season, but my back doesn't…darn scoliosis!

This season calls for a lot of cuddling and snuggling with your special someone.  But what if you have none?  Now, don't fret.  All you need is a good, hearty soup to keep you warm.  Your best bet?  The good 'ole chicken sopas!  

Cooking it is easy, but the preparation can be quite taxing because of the boiling and all the slicing.  But it's all gonna be worth it in the end.  

Here's what you need:

Butter

1 medium sized onion

2 Boneless Chicken Breast, boiled then shredded 

5 cups Chicken broth from the boiled chicken breasts 

2 Carrots, cut into strips

1/2 small cabbage, chopped

2 Celery stalks , sliced

Green Onions, chopped for garnishing

2 cups Elbow macaroni

Salt, Pepper and Fish Sauce to taste

Just Another Perfect MLBB Shade: Rimmel London Lipstick in Undressed...

People tell me to always be positive.  Some would even say, "If you want something, claim it!" And so I tried.  But WTH, it does hurt so much more pala when you fail after. It's a lot easier when you don't expect too much, or have some doubts at least.  If you somehow think negatively, and things turn out to be positive, ang saya!  But if things still turn out negative despite you being so positive about it, well, it does feel like falling with your face flat on the floor.  

I was again hating myself a few days back because of another failure.  I felt like I'm the dumbest person on earth and that the universe is against me.  And so I told myself that well, maybe I'm better off being negative after all. I used to be like that, and things still turn out to be in my favor. Or maybe, my so-called "luck" has finally ran out?  Sigh. I don't know.  For now, I'm just holding on to the thought that HE has other plans for me. I know HE does…but I just wish everything gets clear soon.  I honestly don't like myself right now. 

Oh well…enough with the drama.  I don't want to spoil your day with my nonsense blabbing anyway.  For now let me just do what I do best…sharing with you another great find, and hopefully enable you to at least check it out too!

^_^

Rimmel London Long Lasting Lipstick in Undressed

The year that was and my New Year's Resolutions…way back 2008!

I've been reading my old blog posts and some of the entries I have on my old blog site, the emo one (laughs), and I can't help but to reminisce those days when a lot have been happening in my life. Well, it's still the same but at least now, I now where I'm heading to.  As for the resolutions? Well, let's just say until now, I'm still working on some of them.

^_^

I just wanna share it with you, and for a change not talk about makeup (or food). Sorry if this would bore you though.  I had fun reading thru it, makes me realize that I haven't really changed that much all these years. Hehehe!

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the year that was…

i remember posting a blog entry on another blogsite with the same title a year ago.  i think that was the first day of 2007, right after our usual Media Noche and when everybody else was sleeping.  that was when i want to have a recap of all the things that happened to me on the year 2006.  mejo senti, since i bravely posted all the good things and even the bad or maybe worst things that happened to me that year.  and i intend to do it all again this time. :)

hmm…so was the year 2007 been good to me?  let’s see..

Radiant Orchid: 2014 Color of the Year...

Out with the old, in with the new.  With Pantone, the global authority on colour, it simply means goodbye Emerald and hello to Radiant Orchid as the year's colour.  

Radiant Orchid, a harmonious combination of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, is said to symbolize confidence, power, sexiness and vitality.   

Aside from Emerald being my birthstone, another reason why I love the colour is that it looks so great on my eyes.  It complements my brown eyes perfectly.  But, purple (as I would simply want to describe Radiant Orchid), is the next best thing to match those brown eyes.  

Checkout a few of the makeup looks I've done in the past using purples.  I'm sure I have more but these are just a few of my favourites. 

Product Review: Vidal Sassoon Magic Style Activator (For Curl)...

I remember someone telling me in the past that curly hair is much more less maintenance than straight hair. She said at least you'd no longer have to blow/air dry or iron it if you have wavy hair.  And that you'll always have fabulous-looking hair, without the need to go to the salon.  Fortunately for her, I can't seem to remember who she was. Because honestly, I want to wring her neck for talking me into having my hair curled! 

Okay, I'm kidding.  

Or maybe not!

^_^

Anyways, now that I am stuck to having curly hair for a few months more..or maybe years, I am always on the look out for products that will keep my hair from looking overly-dry…or dead.  The water here in Dubai isn't helping either, making it more dry and prone to split ends.  I actually had to cut some 5-inches of my hair last month and quite happy about it because, it did help my hair look a bit more alive than it was for the past few months. Now my challenge is to keep it looking like that else, I would have to chop off more. Which is not really an option for me right now, considering my face grew twice its usual size.  Yeah, I am that chubbeeeh!

I've tried using different brands of hair mousse in the past and though they did help in giving me luscious-looking locks, I just hate when it makes my hair look dry after a few hours.  I also didn't like that my hair feels stiff and crunchy.  I'm also using some hair oils and they work fine, making my hair look shiny and all, but they fail in keeping the curls.  

My good friend, Phoebe, might have known that I am getting kunsumido with my hair that she decided to send me the Vidalsassoon Magic Style Activator for curly hair.  I'm pretty sure that by now you already know that Vidalsassoon is back in the Philippines.  I remember using their shampoo and conditioner in the past, but I can't remember if they also have this hair serum.  Maybe they do, but I just didn't care because I have straight hair back then.

Vidal Sassoon Magic Style Activator (for Curl), Php 349/30ml

Cooking with Brigitte: Ginataang Hipon with Kalabasa at Sitaw..

First, here's a disclaimer…I know how to cook. I'm not gonna say I'm a good cook like my Mama Wheng and my Lolo (who are amazing cooks, really!) but I do know how. Well, at least I know a couple of dishes aside from just frying.  I remember doing the cooking for the family when I graduated from high school and didn't go straight to college. Now, that's a looong story to tell and maybe I'd tell you about that on a separate post.  But all I want to say now is that I'm not new to cooking.  For someone who loves to eat, I guess it's almost mandatory that you also know how to cook.  But when I started living on my own and with my crazy schedule, I'd rather sleep or grab something ready to eat than to whip up a meal of my own. Besides, I don't think it's practical to be cook when you're living alone.  Unless of course, it's fine with you to eat the same thing for days.

Anyway, when I moved here in Dubai, I know I'd be back to cooking. I've seen the hubby eating canned food almost everyday when we Skype so I told myself that I'm gonna spoil him with home cooked meals when I get here.  Now, notice I didn't say "good" ha.  I just said home cooked. LOL!  

I've done a lot of cooking since I got here and for today, I'm gonna share with you one that has been my favourite even back in PH..the Ginataang Hipon with Kalabasa and Sitaw.  I'm just so lucky that the hubby isn't a picky eater, as he happily eats whatever I serve him.  So usually, I cook what I want to eat. It's no use asking him what he wants to eat.  He'll just say, "kahit ano, Mahal." So fine, ako ang masusunod.

The ingredients:

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, sliced

a bunch of string beans, chopped into 2.5 inches long 

kalabasa, cut into whatever shape you want to cut it

Bobbi Brown Twilight Pink Lip and Eye Palette: Swatches and Initial Thoughts...

I think one thing that I won't be able to change about me this year would be my love for makeup.  I started collecting makeup even when I still don't know how to use them properly.  (laughs) I don't know, but I just feel a lot better after shopping for makeup.  Ask me to choose between a new bag or clothes and makeup and I'll happily choose the latter every time.  Ask me what I want as a gift and I'll say makeup without blinking.  I'm not sure until when this "addiction" if you might want to call it like that would last, but what I know is that I love collecting makeup. Actually, it has been lessened a bit already because before, I would buy any makeup as long as it looks beautiful.  Now, I read reviews online or buy from brands which I know really produce good-quality makeup.  So I guess, I'm not as worse as before.

^_^

And what makes me even happier is when people around me support me, even though they would sometimes wonder when will this ever end.  They would say I have a makeup collection already enough to last me a lifetime (ugh, they are exaggerating of course!) but at the end of the day, it's always about giving me what I want.  I'm spoiled, me thinks.  But I guess, it's just because they love me. 

I first saw the Bobbi Brown Twilight Pink Lip and Eye palette when I was sent a PR material for the brand's holiday collection. I had my eyes set on this palette, and wondered how am I ever going to get my hands on it. Well, being unemployed somehow stops me to go splurging like I've used to.  So I told myself, I'm gonna miss this beauty and was just about to put it in my "…the ones that got away" list when I saw Mom post a photo of this in her Instagram.  I liked and commented how much I like it and she asked me if I want this or the Estee Lauder that I first requested from her.  I said both, and didn't hear anything more about this from her.  So I thought, she's not up for it.  And well, I can't be spoiled all the time, right!?

But then, I was too surprised when she sent it to me plus the Estee Lauder Makeup Artists' Portfolio palette.  Apparently, she really bought it for me.  Awww, my Mom really knows best!

Hello, 2014!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Oh boy, can you believe that it's 2014 already!?  Time flies soooo fast, it was just like yesterday  when I first greeted you a happy new year via this blog the first time. And now my blog has been running for more than 6 years already!  I am really keeping my fingers crossed that I'd be able to update more often or at least get back to how much I've been blogging when I first started.  I'm not gonna make a promise, but I will try…harder!  I'm still pretty new around here so I don't have much access to a lot of things I had access to back in the Philippines but I'll see what I can do to make you visit this blog and not be like "..she's so boring!" (laughs) 

Anyways,  I want to give you some of the highlights of my 2013..and the best way to do that would be thru photos.  I've already posted this in my Instagram and Facebook, but just in case you haven't checked it, here it is: