Unboxing my March Glambox….

My 3-month Glambox subscription ended last January and with their Bliss-exclusive box last month, I wanted to kick myself for not continuing with my subscription!  I love receiving beauty boxes, it's like Christmas morning when you get this lovely pink box with a little, or no clue at all as to what's waiting for you inside.  

For this March, I got a complimentary box from Glambox (thanks, Glambox Middle East!) and it was like Chrismas morning once again.  For this month, their box is yet another exclusive box and this time, it's from a brand that has been a household name for many years…NIVEA.

For this exclusive Nivea box, they are featuring 4-full sized products that are essentials, most especially if you are a skincare-junkie like me:

You are invited: Shiseido International Beauty Fair at SM Megamall Atrium...

Have you ever wondered how Japanese women take care of their skin and put on their makeup?  They have amazing skin and their makeup is always flawless.  

Now, wonder no more.  To welcome the Sakura season, Shiseido Philippines will be showcasing an International Beauty Fair on March 21-23, 2014 at the SM Megamall Atrium.  There will be a three-day beauty workshop that will be conducted by Momoko Ishibashi of Shiseido Japan, along with Shiseido Philippines Chief Makeup Artist, Carmel Villongco.

The coveted Shiseido Certificate will be awarded to the attendees upon completion of the 3-day workshop.  If interested, RSVP via the Shiseido Philippines Facebook page and get a special loot bag at the end of the workshop.

During the 3-day beauty fair, there will also be free skincare consultations, makeover counters, makeup demos, photo booths, Shiseido Cafe, nail art services and a glitter tattoo station.  You can also get exclusive gifts and treats with your purchases during the weekend fair.

OMG, I wish I've booked my flight going home a lot earlier so I'd be able to attend this.  

Sniff. Sniff.

But I am keeping my fingers crossed that I'd be able to witness the opening of Shiseido Philippines' flagship store this April at the Mega Fashion Hall! Geesh, the Megamall is one place I won't dare miss to visit in my upcoming vacation.  A lot have definitely changed since the last time I was there. 

To know more about Shiseido products and promotions, follow them on their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

Please like me on Facebook ( IambrigittePage ) and follow me on Twitter (_IAmBrigitte_) and Instagram (Iambrigitte)

Cooking with Brigitte: Ginisang Ampalaya (Sauteed Bitter Gourd)...

When I was a kid, I was taught not to be picky when it comes to food.  While most kids would hate eating vegetables, I on the other hand, would always want to have them for ulam (viand). I love mashing the potatoes from the Nilagang Baboy and mix it with my rice.  I particularly love pechay, talbos ng kamote and cabbage.  I think, I can eat all vegetables... yes, including the dreaded ampalaya (bitter gourd)!

I know most kids even some adults don't like eating ampalaya.  Well, I used to not like it too but thanks to the awesome cooking of my Lolo, I learned to like it.  Actually, it's one of my favourite vegetable.  So for today, I want to share with you how I cook this simple dish called Ginisang Ampalaya. And give you tips on how to make it less bitter, so your little ones (or maybe you as well) would like it.

The ingredients:

Garlic ( I love to cook with lots of garlic!)

Onions

Tomatoes

Pork sliced into small cubes or strips

Ampalaya 

(seeded and cut into thin slices)

To make it less bitter,  soak the ampalaya slices in water with some salt.  I soak them for about 10 minutes.

Product Review: Pevonia Silky Skin Body Scrub...

Don't you just love body scrubs?  When I was still in PH, I try to go to a spa and get a full body scrub (and a massage) at least twice a month.  It's my sort of reward/break for myself after all the craziness at work.  Now that I've been out of the workforce for months, does this mean I have to stop giving myself some good 'ole TLC?

Of course not!

Thanks to our friends from Pevonia PH for making sure I'd still be able to enjoy luxurious scrubs here in Dubai, without having to visit a spa, by giving me this:

Pevonia Botanica Silky Skin Scrub

This delightfully creamy scrub has Jojoba Beads, Rosemary, Sage and Allantoin to gently but effectively polish away superficial impurities for a radiant, silky-soft skin.

Product Review: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant..

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Gentle, daily use exfoliating powder for all skin conditions. Unique Rice-based powder formula activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter. Our unique Skin Brightening Complex helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation while a super-soothing blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal helps to calm the skin, leaving it extraordinarily clear and refreshed. Gentle enough to use on a daily basis. Not recommended for users of medically-prescribed exfoliation products. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.

I've had this product since January but have put off using it for a while because I've just started with my Obagi Nuderm regimen, and my skin is all raw and sensitive that time…not to mention peeling like crazy too!   

New Pond's Men finally in the Philippines!

Some years ago, I remember a male colleague of mine asking me if he can also use the whitening cream I'm using on my face. He looked embarrassed, probably because he's expecting me to ask him if he's gay.  (laughs)  But no, I didn't.  Like us, men also have skin issues.  They also suffer from sunspots and other skin blemishes.  And besides, we are no longer in the age when men who take care of their skin and overall looks are considered to be homosexuals.  I mean, c'mon! Looking good to feel good isn't exclusive for us women.  I don't think it makes them less of a man when they take care of themselves.  I personally like that in a man, as long as it's not too much!

^_^

Pond's, the skincare brand that has been trusted by women for more than 150 years, also recognises that even men need to take care of their skin and groom themselves.  And so they launched their first range of skincare for men - Pond's men, and it's now available in the Philippines!

The Pond's Men Energy Charge Skincare Range

The Pond’s Institute recognizes that men need skin care products dedicated to their evolving skin concerns. And with Pond’s Men Energy Charge, Pond’s harnesses the power of coffee

bean extracts for a multi-benefit approach in caring for men’s skin needs, leaving it brighter and energised. 

According to Dr Jason Harcup, Vice President of Personal Care Research in Unilever, “At the Pond’s Institute, we discovered that Coffee Bean extract, an innovative ingredient, has scientifically proven skin care benefits that can address male skin care concerns.” 

Unleash Your Wild Side with Max Factor's Wild Collection….

I've always loved Max Factor.  My first product from them is the Pan Stik foundation and I can still remember how amazingly it can cover my nasty blemishes when I first suffered from adult acne years ago.   I also used their Lipfinity, mascaras, eyeliners and even their nail polish! Their Face Finity liquid foundation is one of my favourite foundation, as it is a 3-in-1 product: primer, foundation and concealer in one! (Read my review here).

Max Factor has a lot of great products, but imho, it is one of the underrated brands out there.  Some also think the brand caters to the older mature crowd.  Maybe because their colour palettes are mostly classics?  Well, with the most recent collection called the Wild Collection, they are bound to change their minds.

The Wild Collection, Max Factor's boldest and most vibrant collection yet.

The collection, consists of the Wild Shadow Pots, Wild Shadow Pencils and the Wild Mega Volume Mascara,  has been designed for those who aren't willing to take a back seat when it comes to playing and creating limitless, high-impact looks.  This collection is all about mega volume lashes, techno-bright and taupe eye shades, to give you that fierce look and your trendy outfit a boost.

The Body Shop Spring 2014 Collection + More...

Hi, my loves!  And so I went POOF on a few days again.  But no, it's not because I'm back to studying for another certification exam but because of I've been..well, watching too much TV.  (laughs)  I've recently got copies of The Vampire Diaries and have been watching it like crazy for days.  'twas like I've been glued to my seat and nothing else matters!  LOL.  But the good thing about it is, I haven't been eating much. I guess seeing Damon (the hot Ian Somerhalder) is more than enough to keep me full.  Hahah!

Anyways, for today I want to share with you some of the awesome goodies I got as gifts from our friends from The Body Shop UAE (thanks!).  As you all know, their Spring 2014 collection is now out and so that's the first I'd be showing you…plus, some more! 

(Thanks to The Body Shop UAE for these gifts!)

Say Goodbye To Hair Fall With Pantene's Anti Hair Fall Collection...

For days now, I've been contemplating on whether to get another hair cut. I chopped some 5 inches off my hair last December to get rid of the dryness (even though the stylist actually recommended a few inches more), but I can still see and feel how damage my hair is now.  I know a lot of people have been complaining about an increase in hair damage after being here in the UAE for quite sometime.  They say it's because of the treated tap water, the increased UV exposure and well, the stress with all the adjustments one has to go through after the big move here.  I can say it's true, but I don't really blame it all on living here.  I had two perms last year, a number of root colouring for months and a full-head colour + highlights before I left.  So yes, it's also my fault. 

TOINK!

The hair fall doesn't stop and though it's normal to lose up to 100 strands a day, it still freaks me out!  I have thin hair to begin with and I don't want to be bald soon!  And yes, the dryness at the ends.  Sure, the treatments do help a bit but I'm thinking why not give my hair a fresh start instead.  And with that, I mean a short haircut…a really short haircut.

But I don't think I'm ready to let go of my long curly hair that soon. I'm thinking about it, yes, but with these double-sized cheeks that I have now, I don't think it would suit me just yet.  I did sport a pixie cut years ago, but you see, I was also 20lbs lighter back then! 

(laughs)

So the search for stuff that would help me with my hair problems is still on.  And this Pantene Anti Hair Fall collection came just right on time:

PANTENE Anti Hair Fall Collection

The Anti-Hair Fall Collection is a 3-step hair regimen with a unique Keratin-repair system which provides a complete solution against damage to get rid of the hair fall in 14 days. 

Product Review: Essence STAYS No Matter What Waterproof Eyeliner Pen...

FEBRUARY is over…so hello there, MARCH!  Time flies supeeeeer fast!  And I am counting the days starting today, because…I am going home for a vacation!  

Uhmm, technically it's not really a vacation because I've been on vacation since August.  I haven't been working since July and I must admit, I miss going to work.  I've worked for the last 13 years straight so being just a stay-at-home wifey is all new to me.  I know I've been so stressed from my last job, but I guess I've had enough vacation already!  I want to get my ass back to working soon!

(crossing fingers)

Okay, back to regular programming… 

I've been asked a lot of times already what makeup products I won't be able to live without. Well, an eyebrow makeup tops the list…and an eyeliner comes second. Had I known my eyes would look prettier with a liner, I should've learned using one way back school days!  (laughs) I've already found my HG eyeliner in K-Palette (check out my review here and also here) but unfortunately, they're not available here in the UAE.  I'm already running low on my favourite eyeliner so I need to find an alternative ASAP!  I also use a gel liner, but I find using a felt-tip liner easier and quicker. 

I was doing my grocery one day when I found Essence products.  I've heard about Essence and how good some of their products are, but haven't tried any yet.  I wasn't really planning to buy makeup but since my K-Palette is soon coming to its end, and this Essence liner is so cheap (AED 18, if I remember it right), I got one.  I've put my K-Palette liner to rest for the meantime and have been using this for weeks now.  So for today, I'll be sharing with you my thoughts about this eyeliner and if it's really something that could replace my beloved K-Palette.

ESSENCE Stays No Matter What Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Midnight Black