Nivea Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover

I know, I know...you'd probably be asking, "just how many makeup remover does this silly girl need?" I honestly lost count already as to how many makeup removers I've reviewed on this blog. While some are good, there's also a number of removers that didn't make the cut. And well, some made it to my favourites list. Maybe I'd do a post on my most favorite makeup removers of all time.  Hmm, what do you think?

For now, allow me to share with you my favourite eye makeup remover as of the moment.  Months ago, I was over the moon with the Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover.  But a makeup and skincare junkie like me just doesn't stop after finding a favourite, we continue to search for a new product to like (and love). Oh, I'm sure you can relate.  If not, then what the hell are you doing here reading my blog in the first place?

^_^

Nivea Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover

(less than AED 30)

Enriched with Cornflower extract, it: 

1) effectively removes even extreme waterproof mascara and makeup without any rubbing needed

2) protects the sensitive eyelashes with its caring bi-phase formula

3) does not leave any unpleasant greasy residue

Just like the Sephora eye makeup remover, this is also a bi-phased liquid in a lightweight, plastic container.  

My GlamboxME March 2015 Box

And the inevitable has come...it's Sunday once again!  And in this part of the world, that means getting our (lazy) asses back to work.  So how did you spend your weekend?  Ako, I joined the Color Run here in Abu Dhabi last Friday with my former officemates (will be blogging about this soon!) and then yesterday, kain-tulog lang.  

I really wish weekend comes in 5 days and weekdays in 2.  

Ang saya siguro!

^_^

Anyway, I got this month's Glambox last week so I'd be sharing you my thoughts on it today. 

 Glambox March 2015

After taking a peek of what's inside the box, I pretty much got excited when I saw the Glamgals lipstick.  I absolutely loved the Glamgals lip color that was inside the box last month so it's nice to get another chance to try more of their products.  Too bad, they don't have a store here in AUH (if they do, please let me know) because I would love to know the brand more.  

Enchanteur Perfumed Moisturizing Cream

(AED14 for 300ml) 

I love moisturizing creams, I use them on my neck, elbows and knees, but I'm loyal to Nivea. Pero I'm always open to trying out new stuff naman. I've checked this one out as soon as I opened the box and though it's really moisturizing, I didn't like the scent. Mabango naman siya but I prefer the subtle scent of Nivea.  

Dove Beauty Moisture Cleanser

(AED 24 for 220ml) 

My oh my, Glambox...I wish you threw in at least a full size of this. Stuff like this inside beauty subscription boxes is really disappointing. I love Dove cleansers but I look forward to getting more exciting stuff, stuff that you can't get easily in supermarkets. 

Working in the UAE: How Different Is It?

On this same day last year, I was preparing to go home for my sister’s college graduation. I was already losing hope of finding a job here in the UAE. I arrived sometime September and started applying for jobs in October. I attended a number of interviews and was able to be in the final shortlist on some but still, I remained jobless.  I honestly felt bobo that time.  I mean hello, I’ve been working for more than 14 years and I think I have a pretty good set of credentials naman pero bakit hindi ako makakuha ng trabaho? Maybe I am under qualified?  I tried applying to entry-level positions but then they told me I am over qualified.  On positions that I am qualified on the other hand, hindi naman ako makalusot.  Susmio, hindi ko malaman saan ako lulugar.

So when I went home for a short vacation, I told myself I am going to enjoy. Because when I get back, I am yet to face again the fact that I am still jobless and will be spending my day at home doing chores. Not that I hate or I don’t know how to do housechores ha, domesticated ata ang yours truly hindi nyo lang alam. But I can just say that since the time I arrived until early April of last year, I was a totally different me. 

But as they say, everything happens in God’s time. I was still in Pinas enjoying my time in Palawan when Mr. X told me that one of the companies I’ve applied to, called him and looked for me. Thank god for call-diverts. Hahaha!  The funny thing was before I left for vacation, I already got a regret letter from them saying that they will no longer push through with my application. In short, butata na naman si ako. Then they had a change of mind. So there, I went home 2^nd week of April and after a week of preparation, I was again back to working.

Ang bilis ng panahon, now it’s almost a year since I got back to working.  At times I still ask myself, bakit pa nga ba ako nagwork e mas masarap kumain at matulog (of course after ko maglaba, maglinis at magluto no!) sa bahay. But unfortunately, it’s not enough that only the husband works these days. In our case, there are a lot of things we need to prepare for.

After working for almost a year here in the UAE, let me just give you some things one has to remember when working here.  I'm pretty sure there's a whole lot more but for now, let me share with you the following:

1.  First and foremost, working here in the UAE is tax-free. Yes my friends, you get to bring home your salary in full.  Walang bawas, walang kulang. Not unless of course you have deductibles to begin with like loans, absences, etc. No need to pay for any personal or income tax.  After getting deducted by 32% on most of the years I’ve worked in PH, this is something I really appreciate from working here in the UAE. We all know where most, if not all, of our taxes go in Pinas. Masaya na lahat ng pinaghirapan mo nakukuha mo, at hindi napupunta sa bulsa ng mga buwaya.

2.  Typically, a workweek starts on a Sunday and ends on Thursday. While most get to have a two-day weekend, some gets only a one-day off.  In my case, I get a two-days off.  Yebah!

3.  During Ramadan, a work day of 8hrs (for some it’s 9) gets reduced by two hours.  So if you usually go home at 4pm, you can then pack up and leave by 2pm.  That is, if you can bear the scorching heat of the sun since Ramadan falls in summer.  I remember last year when I attempted to leave the office at 3pm, I decided to just go back and stay for another 2 hours just because I couldn’t take the heat outside. It really felt like I was in a sauna and that my life is being sucked out of me.  Hindi ko kinaya!

Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain in Shanghai Sizzle and Parisian Passion

It's a Monday once again, my loves!  And though today isn't everybody's favourite, let's try to be more positive here shall we?  I know it sucks because it's the start of another work week for others, mine started yesterday though I didn't come in to work, so technically my work week starts today as well.  But time flies so fast, it's gonna be the weekend again before we know it.  And it's gonna be payday weekend for me so yes, I can't wait!

^_^

If there's one drugstore brand that I have featured the most on this blog, it has got to be Revlon. It's no surprise since I really love the brand.  It's one of the makeup brands that I've played with when I started with makeup.  If I remember it right, my first Revlon product is the lippie in the shade Pink in the Afternoon.  Was it that or the Colorstay liquid foundation? Ugh, old age. Tee-hee!  Anyway for today, let me do the pleasure of featuring the brand once again. 

Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain
(AED 57)

Enriched with a new formula, these moisture stains offer the shine of a lipgloss, the hydration of a lip balm, the wear of a lip stain and the colour intensity of the lipstick.

Weekend!

Good morning from Ras Al Khaimah!

This week, we'll be spending the weekend differently. We are here somewhere in Ras Al Khaimah (Al Hambra, I think) where we spent the night camping in front of the beach. When Mr. X told me about this weekend plan, I gave out a desperate groan as I am not a fan of outdoor activities. 

 Lalo na camping!  I remember my first camping experience also here in the UAE last year.  My first question was, "Where's the restroom?" Then they pointed to me the beach. I can go to the water and pee or since it was nighttime, they said I can just put down my pants and pee while they make sure nobody's looking. QUE HORROR!  

Good thing this time, they brought this sort of tent where you can do your "thing." Not sure what it's called. At first I thought it was a portalet, but it's not. I actually expected to see a bowl or something inside, pero there's none. (weird ko bah? sorry, newbie talaga when it comes to camping) The tent is just to keep you from being seen while pee-ing or god-knows-what, then you cover it with sand. Parang pusa lang. Hahaha! Oh well, better na din than last year.

Later this afternoon, we'll be transferring to a hotel. Woohoooo!  Sorry talaga, but I don't think I'd be a fan of camping. I mean I do like the company of the people I am with, making kwentuhan under the moonlight and eating mala-boodle fight...but not until there's a real toilet nearby, I'd rather stay at home on weekends.  

How about you, do you like camping?

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Get To Know More About Me...

Today I’m going to post something non-beauty related. I’ll be telling you some random things about myself. No, I wasn’t tagged by somebody to do this. I just want you to know a bit more about me, beyond my addiction to makeup.  So if you want to know something more personal about me, read on. If not, close this page and go kill yourself. Hahhaa, I’m kidding!

Let's start...

1.  My name is Anne Brigitte, but my nickname is Jheng. Please don’t ask why or how it came to be. Should you insist, I’d give you my Mom’s contact number and go ask her yourself. Haha! This is just one of those things included in the “Eh-kasi-gusto-ng-nanay-ko” list.

2.  I don’t like my name. I find Anne too simple and Brigitte reminds me of a malanding bakla or nagbabata-bataang lola.  I wish my name is something like Rebecca or Margaux. Or a name with a boyish nickname like Georgina so I can be called George, or Josephine so I’ll have Joey for a nickname.

3.  I am not a 100% Pinay.  My mom is a mix of Filipino, Japanese and Spanish.  And my dad? Nevermind. ^_^

4.  In relation to #4: I grew up without a dad.  Mom said he died even before I was born, or was it a few months after? I can’t remember. She said lumubog daw ang barko. Ang tragic di ba.  I only know stories of him from my Titos and Titas, like how he’s fond of bringing a sack of toys and tons of food whenever he would visit. That I kinda look like him, that he’s mabait and that he doesn’t know how to speak Tagalog, only English. But no, he’s not an American. 

5.  I grew up with my grandparents and my Tita while Mom was in abroad working. Growing up, I get so inggit with my classmates whose parents attend PTA meetings and any other school activities.  It was my Lolo who attended PTA meetings and more often than not, he’s the only grandparent who attends.

6.  I was baptized in Catholic but I wasn’t able to attend my first communion. Heck, I haven't had my confirmation yet.  Why? My Lolo’s a Protestant and at that time, he didn’t want me to go to the Catholic church to hear mass. Lagi tuloy ako absent whenever our teacher in Religion checks for attendance during Sunday mass. 

7. I almost got baptized in Iglesia ni Kristo because that was my step-dad's religion. But when he died, Mom decided not to pursue it. Besides, the only reason why we thought of joining INC was my step-dad.

8.  I am the first apo, and the most favorite (assumera to the max!) Well, even my Titos and Titas said so.  I still remember how my Lolo used to carry me during floods even if I’m already wearing rainboots and raincoat. People in our street call me the “Prinsesa ni Senyor.” One time there was no water in the neighborhood and people had to use the posofor bathing and washing.  When it was my turn, I couldn’t see people around and so I asked my Lolo why, he said that he doesn’t want people to see his apo taking a bath in the public. So he told them to stay indoors while I’m at the poso. Mind you, I was only Grade 4 that time! Nene pa and well, I was wearing clothes while bathing pa. Ang protective ng Lolo ko.  He brings me to school in the morning and picks me up after, everyday. Kahit pa my school was just on the opposite side of our street. I was not allowed to cross the street by myself. But all of that changed when I was in highschool. I became the pasaway na apo, and had a number of arguments with my Lolo.  But despite everything, I loved my Lolo so much and I know he loved me too.

9.  I don’t know how to swim. I didn’t even bother taking up swimming lessons. Why? Because instructors require students to be in swimsuits. And I hate wearing swimsuits.

10.  I didn’t go straight to college after I graduated from highschool. Instead, I took up some computer lessons and also tried working at Jollibee, which only lasted for a month. Mom didn’t want me to study in Manila but sent me to Baguio after being a tambay for a year. Yes, weird ang Mom ko. LOL!

Bioderma White Objective Lightening Cleanser

If you have a problematic skin (acne-prone, pores easily clogged because of makeup and blemishes, among others) like yours truly, you'd need all the help you can get. I personally like my skincare to have AHAs or ingredients that can help exfoliate and brighten skin  (much better if it can lighten too) and prevent future breakouts.  

Geesh, I do sound like my skin has a lot of demands no?  Well, demanding talaga siya!  I wish I could go back to those days when my skin's a lot more normal and when I didn't have to worry about oilies or acne.  Oh god, I'd give anything just to have that kind of skin back.   Kung maibabalik ko lang, sabi nga ni Mareng Regine. But that's now impossible.  I mean, let's face it...I am on my way to being a lola (fine, exag na ako!) and my skin won't be back to its younger self so instead of wasting my time wishing to get that skin back, I'd rather do things that will help me sort of slow down the ageing process and make myself look younger than my actual age.

For today let me share with you my current favorite facial cleanser, the Bioderma White Objective Moussant Lightening Cleanser.

Bioderma White Objective Moussant Lightening Cleanser

(AED 62 / 200ml)

PRODUCT CLAIMS

Exfoliate, lighten, even out and brighten the complexion

Promote the disappearance of brown spots and keep them from appearing

Leave the skin comfortable and is hypoallergenic and paraben-free

Can be used both as a cleanser and as a mask

Urban Decay Spring 2015 Collection

The desert winter is over but I don't fret, for the gorgeous palettes of summer-spring have started to take the center-stage.  For makeup, I am loving what Urban Decay has to offer.   They came up with a few new product launches, which by the way are all permanent additions to the Urban Decay range!  

Naked Skin Ultra Definition Powder Foundation

AED 179

If you love their Naked Skin liquid foundation, you'd definitely fall in love with its powder counterpart too.  This promises 8hrs of weightless, buildable coverage with a luminous, demi-matte natural finish.  It comes with a special sponge where one side is for dry application while the other side is for wet application.

Available shades: Fair Cool, Fair Neutral, Light Warm, Light Neutral, Medium Light Neutral, Medium Light Cool, Medium Light Warm, Medium Warm, Medium Neutral, Medium Dark Golden, Medium Dark Neutral, Dark Warm, Dark Neutral, Deep Neutral

Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer

AED 139

Get instant full coverage with just one stroke and never worry about the product settling into those fine lines. It has ingredients like Matrixyl 3000, an anti wrinkle peptide to improve skin's youthful appearance and elasticity, Japanese green tea to revitalize and help reduce the appearance of fine lines, Litchiderm to protect skin against dehydration and sodium hyaluronate to retain moisture. With all that beautifying ingredients, this baby is indeed a makeup and skincare product in one!

Available shades: Fair Neutral, Light Warm, Light Neutral, Medium Light Neutral, Medium Neutral, Medium Dark Warm, Medium Dark Neutral and Dark Neutral 

Moondust Eyeshadow

AED 94

It was my first time to try out their mooniest eyeshadow and wow, they didn't disappoint.  They can satisfy ones cravings for anything sparkly. They have this beautiful iridescent and shift that will leave you in awe.  

New available shades:  Ether, Scorpio, Solstice, Cosmic

Do Your Own Gel Mani/Pedi with Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy

Have you tried wearing gel manicure/pedicure?  I did. While I love the fact that it is indeed long lasting (2-3 weeks), I just hate that I need to go back to the salon to have it removed just because you can't remove it using the usual acetone.  And if you happen to have a dark shade of color, you are pretty much stuck with that color for weeks.  So what I do is I try to get a shade that can be topped off with another color when I am starting to get bored.  And yes, only the top color gets removed with acetone.  

Another reason why I am not 100% involve with gel manicure/pedicure is that it takes a long time to get it done as it requires UV drying for every coat.  I usually get to spend more than an hour for cleaning plus gel manicure each time...twice that time when I want to have gel pedicure too!  And lastly, gel manicure/pedicure is expensive.  Here in UAE, it'll cost you almost AED300 (or more, depends on which salon).  

Good thing one of our favourite drugstore brands came up with easy to use nail paints that can give you that gel mani/pedi finish at a fraction of the price and yes, time!

Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy

(AED 40)

These babies are easy to use: Just brush on the nail color, no need for a base coat as they are color + base coat in one and top it off with the Diamond Top Coat for superior strength and shine.  That's gel mani/pedi at the comfort of your own home, my loves! How awesome is that!?

Hold 'Em

This is a beautiful purple with a hint of grey undertones and comes in a creme formula.  I love that it's almost opaque in just one layer, but I still go and apply another layer just because..who applies just one layer, anyway?  Do you? 

^_^

DKNY MYNY Fragrance: A Bit of New York in a Bottle

yours truly taking a selfie behind Lady Liberty

If there's a city that I would love to visit again it would be New York.  I've been to a number of places in that city during our 3-wk stay in NJ, but I know there's still a lot to explore. If only I haven't been so lazy to get up early and take the 1hr-bus ride to NY, I could've seen more. Ugh, regrets. Note to self next time: Grab each freakin' opportunity to explore a new place as you might not have a second chance.  In short, wag tatamad-tamad.

So while I can only dream of another trip to the city that never sleeps, it's good to have something available that I can always reach out for and be reminded of the good times I had in New York...the MyNy fragrance from DKNY.

DKNY MYNY

Top notes:  Raspberry, Pink Pepper, Galbanum

Middle notes: Jasmine, Freesia, Orris

Base notes: Patchouli, Vanilla, Musk, Ambergris

Glambox Middle East February Box

I woke up today and realized, we're on the last month of the first quarter of the year!  Oh geesh, ang bilis talaga ng araw.  I feel so pressured! Most especially because in a few days, it's gonna be my Mahal's birthday and until now I don't have an idea yet of what to give him. Though we've agreed we won't be giving extravagant gifts this year because we need to save up for something REALLY IMPORTANT (care to guess what it is?), I still feel like I need to give him something.  It doesn't have to be big, but gosh, I really am running out of ideas. Besides, we've been together for more than 21 years and I think I've already given him all possible presents I could give him (except for one..sniff).  Give me more gift ideas please.

Putting that aside for now, let me share with you what I got for the February box from Glambox ME.  

Glambox Middle East February Box 

When I opened the box, I honestly got disappointed to see not one, but two Nivea products. Not that I don't like Nivea, I absolutely adore their products. But for me the purpose of beauty boxes is getting the chance to try products that aren't available easily. I mean, I can easily get Nivea products even from the convenience store downstairs so why on earth would I subscribe to beauty boxes if I would only get products such as these?  Yes, I get these boxes for free (thanks GlamboxME and TishTashTalks) but I feel for the others who actually pay for the boxes. But maybe it's just me. Maybe I expect too much?  

Anyway, let's check what we have inside.