The Narcissus Project

NOTD: Etude House Petit Darling Nails PP903

2012-01-20T08:55:00.001+08:00

A while back, I made it a mission to find the perfect pale lilac nail polish. It was harder than it seemed, most of what I've seen were too pink or too dark. I even considered making my own by adding a couple of drops of dark purple polish to a bottle of white polish. I never got around to it because I found one I was happy with at Etude House. I should've known to look there first. They definitely know their pastels (I mean, look at their store!)

Petit Darling Nail Polishes cost PHP 48. I love the creamy formulation of this line.Love the cute, bottles, too. If you like flashier colors, VIP Darling Nail Polishes are the same price.

Sorry for the messy edges, I wasn't done.

As for me, I like my nails the same way I like my blog posts: short and sweet. (However, they do tend to become longer than I'd like, most of the time.)

Thanks for reading,

Jackie

Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis Ababa

2012-01-18T01:11:00.000+08:00

Killing two birds with one stone as I practice techniques on personalizing blog pics and update the blog at the same time.

Addis Ababa is my second Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream. The first one was Milan, which I reviewed here in case you missed it.

I don't have a lot to add to what I already said about the product in that review, so just check that out for more details. This post is going to focus on the shade in particular.

Product Code

Addis Ababa is a bright blue-toned pink. It glides on creamily then sets into a matte finish in seconds. However, if you look closely, you'll be able to see some fine silvery glitters, I guess to keep the color bright and not dull.

In my SMLC Milan post, I mentioned feeling intimidated by the brightness of this color. I think my taste has changed since then, because when I first tried it, I thought I'd be disappointed at its lack of oomph. Turns out, this gets brighter as it sets. Whew! I love all pink lippies, but this is definitely a favorite.

I got this at a bazaar sometime during Christmas season. It cost PHP 300, which is a little more than if you get it from popular resellers, but I was already there, so it was cheaper than having to pay for shipping, or going all the way to another store just to get it. Also, Addis Ababa is constantly out of stock. I was lucky to get my hands on it at all.

Swatches

no flash

with flash

Thanks for reading,

Jackie

Last Few Hauls of 2011

2012-01-11T23:45:00.001+08:00

Welcome back to the blog, lovelies! I hope that everyone's off to a good start this 2012.

Before I move forward completely, here are a couple of new stuff I got before the new year and a little something about some of them. Expect a more detailed review for the others in the future. Note that I didn't get all of this at the same time.

From eBay:

Baviphat Makeup Case- roomy and with compartments for brushes.
Korean Travel Brush Set- the brushes are kind of flimsy but usable. The brushroll is really pretty.
Beauty Credit Naked Balm- a kind of bb cream for the body. Have yet to use it.
Baviphat Sugar Girl Peach Sebum Solution Pact in Shade #2 (Natural Beige)

I also got a couple more samples but let's save those for later. More stuff after the jump.

From Sophie Paris:

Sophie Paris is a direct-selling company in the Philippines known for bags and accessories, but they also carry nice, affordable cosmetics and personal effects.

Magic Pink Cream- a color changing cream similar to Smashbox O-Glow
Copacabana Solid Perfume- I like solid perfume because I can take it with me without being burdened by extra weight from heavy bottles or worrying about leaks or spills. This smells wonderful, as well.
J'Adore Lipstick in Russian Red

from Tony Moly:

Tomatox Brightening All-in-One Fluid- a one-step product that cleanses, tones and moisturizes.
Vitamin Essence Mask- GWP (they give freebies for purchases if you spend at least PHP 200!)
Tony Moly International Membership Card- entitles you to rebates and other perks from Tony Moly. You can get one just by spending PHP 500 at any TM store.

From everywhere else:

Wet n' Wild deluxe blush brush
Sunsilk Damage Repair Reconstruction Serum- Great news! This product is BOGO at Meircury Drug. You can still probably get it at a branch near you while supplies last.
Lory's Hair Cream in duo Chocolate- This variant of the Lory's Hair cream was so hard to find! Been wanting to try this because of all the raves in blogs but I didn't want to get other variants. The idea of a chocolate-scented hair treatment got me obsessed.
Purbasari Soft n' White Lulur Body Scrub
Maybelline "The Magnum" Volum'Express Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline ClearSmooth All-in-One Shine-Free Foundation in Honey
Maybelline Baby Lips in Mint
Fanny Serrano eyelash curler pads
Moist Papaya Lotion- heard a lot of great stuff about this product. More on it soon!
Snake Brand Cooling Powder- I am a fan of anything with a cooling effect.
Ever Bilena Cream Foundation with Concealer
Cetaphil- because I like washing my face a little too often especially on hot, sticky days, I need a gentle cleanser to keep my skin from drying out.
Vaseline Deep Moisture Petroleum Jelly Cream
Sally Hansen Cream Hair Bleach for Face
Purederm Hair Treatments in Tea Tree, Chamomile and Jojoba

BTW, I got the MNY stuff at 20-30% off when they were on sale.

From HBC:

Hair Bleach Powder
9% Oxidizing Lotion
Hortaleza M.D. Puressence Facial Soap
Hair Coloring Cream in Light Havana
SanSan Liquid Foundation in 04

I also qualified for a free facial that I have yet to avail for spending PHP300

Shoutouts!

As you can tell, some of these purchases were inspired by fellow bloggers, so just off the top of my head:

Louise of Syry-Online (Hortaleza hair color, Sally Hansen hair bleach- gonna use it for the same thing, too)
Pammy of J'adore Rougit (Cetaphil)
Aya of Codename Aya (SanSan Foundie)
Martha of The Beauty Junkee (Lory's Hair Cream)
Jade of Sweethestia (MNY Baby Lips)

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for reviews!

Hugs,
Jackie

Work in Style: Join Pimp My Cube

2012-01-02T06:01:00.001+08:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Contest Factory for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

In order to be happy and productive at work, one needs to have the ideal working environment, and that includes your workspace. Even the greatest minds will have trouble producing quality output when all he has is a cramped cubicle, an uncomfortable chair, an ancient computer and harsh fluorescent lights.

In contrast, those who work at home have an equally tough problem: they might get too comfortable.They also have more distractions like the TV, the fridge and family. They need a workspace that'll keep them in business mode.

If you're in either situation and want to improve your office/cubicle/workspace, or if you know anyone who could use a workspace makeover, then check out the Pimp My Cube Contest They are looking for someone with the worst office/cubicle or workspace and want to hook him or her up with everything he or she needs for the perfect workspace.

Prizes:

The contest has a total grand prize value of approximately $1200 and the winner gets to pimp his or her workspace with one of three prize packages:

    * New high end computer system
    * New Desk, Chair and Decorations
    * New Entertainment Package with high end stereo, espresso machine etc.

A second sweepstakes prize of a $200 gift card will be awarded to the registered user chosen by random drawing at the end of the contest period.

How to Join:

Visit the contest website, register and upload a video showing your horrible workspace and tell the judges why you should be the one to win the workspace makeover of a lifetime. One you enter, get your friends, family or even co-workers who want in on prizes to vote for your video. Make your entry as witty and interesting as possible, so that even strangers might vote for you. The better the story, the funnier the video – better chances of winning. The grand prize of your cube being ‘pimped’ will be selected by CF judges based on various criteria including for the most votes, best (really worst) video and most compelling story. You get sweepstakes entry points for registering, voting, commenting and inviting others to register for the contest, as well.

Watch this video for more details:

No one has uploaded a video yet so the chances of winning are very good. Go check it out, and good luck!

A Quick New Year Tag For Everyone!

2011-12-31T02:43:00.003+08:00

Hey sexy peeps! Hope you're all enjoying the holidays.The year's almost over, so I just wanna share this activity we did at work just before I left. I'm really glad I got to do it, because it really made me look at the past year in a completely different light and helped me be more enthusiastic for the coming year. Without this, I wouldn't have noticed any difference between this year and all the past years of my life. Hopefully, it'll have the same effect on all of you who wanna do it, too.

The Rules:

Name 3 accomplishments/achievements/things you are grateful for in 2011.
Name 3 goals for 2012

3 Accomplishments/Achievements in 2011:

I received an award at my previous workplace.
I started getting paid to write this year.
I have let some new pets into my life and my heart. (I never thought I could again, since I lost Maddy.)

3 Goals for 2012:

Volunteer at an animal shelter.
Visit a place I've never been.
Double my life savings.

Those were the answers I came up with at the spur of the moment, but since I've had time to think about it, I'd like to add to my goals. I am determined to enhance my skills and develop my career, so something like enrolling in a gmat prep course like the ones they're offering at Veritas Prep is definitely gonna make its way into the master list of resolutions for next year.

I can't wait to read all your lists. Let me know if you did by sharing the link, or in the comments section,

Happy New Year!
-Jackie

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

2011-12-16T23:38:00.002+08:00

Hey lovelies! It's been a while but I have news! I am officially a freelancer!
Still busy as ever, though. I'm still not done with Christmas shopping, can you believe it? The holiday rush and all the preparations for the big move next year: packing, trying to unload stuff at home, and all that. But I'm ready to blog at a semi-regular basis again. Wish me luck!

Moving on, here's a product that's been making me happy recently: Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

image taken from website

Innisfree is another Korean brand I am interested in. Their products are said to be GMO, mineral oil, chemical, alcohol, triclosan, benzophenone and paraben free and most ingredients are derived from nature.The brand, as you can see is endorsed by Yoona of Girls' Generation (SNSD.)

As you can see from the picture, the full-sized product comes in a jar, but since this is me blogging, you probably already guessed it: I got mine sample-sized and off eBay. Oh yeah. I actually prefer it this way, too. You can stock up if you plan to use this regularly, get what you need every time, and the rest of your stash stays fresh and sealed until it's time to open a new envelope (or as we call them, sachets)

I am very impressed with Innisfree's packaging as well. Simple and nature-inspired.

Product Description:

The product is a light brownish beige in color. It's lighter than I expected.
It's used the same way as other clay masks, just spread it all over your face, wait for it to dry and wash off.

Price:

Samples online are around PHP 20
Not sure about the price of the full-sized jar locally but one seller from Korea sells it at around 14 USD.

What I Like:

Affordable!
Packaging is really attractive.
Leaves my face softer and smoother upon rinsing
gets rid of excess oil
refines pores
brightens skin

What I Don't Like

not widely available, hopefully Innisfree follows in the footsteps of other Korean brands and comes here soon.
the softer and smoother effect seems temporary
I'm not convinced this product is really all-natural

product on my face

et cetera

this product is highly recommended for people with oily skin, not sure about those with dry or sensitive skin
I really prefer wash-off type masks/packs over sheet-type, so I love this
aside from a mask, you can also use this as a spot treatment to dry out pimples.
Unlike other clay masks, this doesn't seem to completely harden, or crack off.
Aside from that, I don't see much difference between this product and other bentonite masks. I mean, it's nice to have but if you're already using a similar product that works, it would be redundant to get this, too.

Have you used this product? Let me know what you think!

Thanks for reading,
<3 Jackie

Gelleesh's One Year Web Hosting Giveaway

2011-11-30T18:37:00.001+08:00

Codename AYA's Giveaway: 8 Ways to a Happy and Beautiful Christmas (Week 3)

2011-11-25T15:24:00.001+08:00

Click the pic for details

Paris and Milan: A Tale of Two Lippies

2011-11-24T15:15:00.001+08:00

Three Things I Love:

themed posts
lippies
lame puns

Nyx RLS Paris

Nyx SMLC Milan

I got Nyx Round Lipstick in Paris and Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in MilanDigital Traincase at the booth during the Philippine Cosmetics Expo a few months ago along with Nyx Round Lipstick in Pink Lyric

Price:

PHP 150 for RLS
PHP 320 for SMLC (they're cheaper now @ PHP 280)

Some info:

Paris is a lovely pale pink and it seems to be very popular with bloggers I follow. It is one of the only two round lipsticks I own. Milan looks very similar but brighter and redder. It's my first Soft Matte Lip Cream. I planned to get Addis Ababa but I wussed out and got a safer color.

What I Like

(Paris)

It goes on smoothly and has a beautiful finish.
It's not drying
The color is really pretty.

(Milan)

Goes on smoothly when first applied.
Very pigmented and has a nice finish (I love matte lippies the best!)

What I Don't Like:

(Paris)

Gets kind ofmushy in our climate
The soapy smell NYX RLS is known for is pretty strong.

(Milan)

The cream dries out after a whileand settles into the lines of your lips (can be avoided by using lipbalm underneath.)
The vanilla/buttery scent is kind of strong (like original Carmex.) Not that nice, but tolerable.

ETC.

Paris doesn't look that nice on me. It makes me look a little ashy. It's pretty, but I really like brighter colors.
I didn't like the SMLC's at first, but it has grown on me. Looks like I'll be getting Addis Ababa after all!

Swatches:

(Paris)

opened

no flash

with flash

(Milan)

no flash

with flash

By the way, I'm trying out Twitter, guys. Add me @teacherjia and let's chat!

Random TV Babble: VicTORious

2011-11-18T19:49:00.001+08:00

Staying at home and watching TV for hours on end may seem boring and un-spectacular to most people but it's a real luxury for someone who never gets to do it. I am so looking forward to catching up on old favorites and discovering new obsessions. One show I recently got into is the Nick teen show VicTORious.

It's set in a performing arts high school called Hollywood Arts and the main character is a girl named Tori Vega who is a new student there. Anyway, there's a lot of musical numbers and showcasing of talent in every episode, it's really fun to watch.

I started watching this show because I ran out of iCarly episodes to watch (another teen show on Nick- a longtime favorite because I love Miranda Cosgrove. Also, I don't think I'll ever get tired of teen shows no matter how old I get)

I will also admit that one of the main reasons I enjoy this show is a character names Beck Oliver (played by Avan Jogia.) Beck is an incredibly good-looking guy who sometimes speaks with an adorable English accent and looks uh-MAZING in a gingham shirt like the cool ones available at Aeropostale .

In the show he has a girlfriend named Jade West who is kind of unpleasant and horrible but he loves her anyway and is faithful to her in spite of it all. He loves her even when she's at her worst, doesn't desert her even when she's in her moods and he doesn't go for other girls just because they might be easier to get along with. They are really sweet together in many scenes. I'm kinda too old to act like a giddy teenage girl and too young to act all cougar-y so I'm not gonna say that I have a crush on him, but if I could speak to my high school self or any high school girl, I'd say that Beck Oliver is the kind of guy to go for.

I'm not into the whole fandom thing but I know that there are some people who want Beck to get together with the main character who is much nicer than Jade. I'd be really disappointed if that happened. I might not like him as much then, because then he'll be just like every other boy, lol.

Thanks for reading,

Jackie

Baviphat Fruits Miniature Gift Set

2011-11-16T15:23:00.001+08:00

I've had tremendous luck with the Baviphat Fruit Magic line so when I saw this from one of my favorite online sellers, I could not resist.

The gift set incluces 4 miniatures (6 g each) from the "fruit miracle" line:

Apple AC Therapy Sleeping pack (click for review)

Mango Magic Brightening Mask (Will try soon. Stay tuned!)

Peach All in One Peeling Gel (my sister gave me hers before, but it dried out before I got a chance to use it. :o_O)

Lemon Whitening Sleeping Pack (I love this, too!)

It comes in a pink box with a picture of corset/bodice being laced up by the wearer (it would be cute, except said wearer who has no lower body! yikes!)

When opened, you'll see that the minis are packed inside two clear plastic boxes so they don't move around so much when transported. The boxes are also labelled so you'll know which is which.

Have you noticed how time seems to go so slowly when you're waiting for something? Another two weeks or so and this will be me:

Seriously can not wait!

Thanks for reading,
Jackie

Going Red for a Change

2011-11-15T17:45:00.001+08:00

I mentioned in a previous post that I'm probably gonna have more time for blogging soon. That's because I recently quit my job in preparation for moving another city.

It's kind of sad: I have lived in the same house all my life (minus a couple of years in college and some time with relatives on vacations) and I have worked in the same industry for about 5 years now. But I'm not gonna lie, I think it's a great opportunity to try new things. I love my job and I think I'm pretty good at it, but I have always wondered what else is out there for me.

Maybe I'll go to business school. I could sign up for a VeritasPrep gmat prep course first and see if it's for me. This course is taught by only the finest instructors and not only guarantees a great score but gives you the knowledge and the tools which are necessary for success in getting your MBA. Hey, anything worth doing is worth doing well.

We'll see. That's just one of the possibilities, anyway..

Here's another bold move (for me at least, because if you've been reading my previous post, you'll know how much love I have for pink lippies.): I got my first red lipstick: Ever Bilena Matte in Love That Red

I've had red glosses and tints before but never lipstick. I just didn't think I had the moxie to pull it off. I have always liked it on another people. It makes people look stylish even when they're just wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

These normally cost PHP 145 at EB counters but thanks to their Show Your Lipstick promo (you just need to show the SA any lipstick that you have with you, Part of market research, I guess) I only paid PHP 120.

What I Like:
- affordable at PHP 120- PHP 145
- widely available
- pigmented and I love the color
- no weird smell or taste
- glides on smoothly and non-drying.

What I don't like:
- wish they'd have more colors.

ETC.
- I think the formulation of this color is better than other EB Matte lippies I have. The other ones were kind of drying and not as creamy.

Swatches:

without flash

with flash

on lips

Thanks for reading

Enjoy Easy Cash Out with Globe GCash Card

2011-11-10T18:00:00.000+08:00

I just got the basic design. LOL. Lazybones.

In the Philippines, one of the most widely accepted modes of payment for online transactions would have to be Globe GCash. It's really useful for shoppers and sellers alike. Sending and receiving payment has become as easy as sending and receiving text messages.

One of the biggest inconveniences, however, used to be in cashing out. You had to go all the way to a Globe Customer Service Center, fill up forms, and stand in line. Not anymore. With the Globe GCash Card, you can just go to any ATM and get your money like you do from a regular ATM bank account. There is a transaction fee of PHP 20 every time you cash out.

Want one? Here's how:
.1. Fill up an application form here. You can even customize the look
2. Authorize GCASH to take PHP 100 from your GCASH account.
3. Wait for it to be delivered.

Mine arrived just yesterday via LBC.

black part for name and address of card owner

I'm really sorry I haven't been updating all that much. Been busy. I'll have more time to blog real soon. Stay tuned.

Thanks for reading,
Jackie

Do Detox Foot Pads Work?

2011-11-03T22:58:00.000+08:00

I bought the Kinoki Foot Pads online about 2 months ago. and I've had a chance to use it several times now so I think it's time I shared my experience.

Price: PHP 150 for 10 patches.

Product Information from the Seller (taken online:)

Detox Foot Patch contains all natural combination of wood vinegar, bamboo vinegar, chitosan, dokudami, loquat leaf, vitamin c,vegatable fiber, tourmaline, & dextrin. Simply apply the detox foot patch to the bottoms of your feet, before you go to bed, and remove foot patch when you wake up. You will feel vitalized detoxified and fresh the next morning.

Directions for use :
1. Apply Kinoki detox patch one hour before bed-time.
2. Wash and dry your feet or body part before applying kinoki Detox Patch.
3. Take one adhesive sheet and slowly peel off paper.
3. Place the foot pad on the adhesive where noted to "Put adhesive sheet on this side" and place onto the soles of your feet or the desired area of other body part.
(Socks can be worn if necessary)
4. Wear for 8-10 hours then remove pad.
5. Wipe surface with wet towel until it’s no longer sticky.
6. Used patches will appear dark greenish or grayish as they absorb toxins and waste matter from your body.
7. Continue to use each night until the discoloration of the pad subsides.
8. When used kinoki patches show signs of lightening, apply once or twice a week for maintenance.

Benefit of Kinoki Detox Foot Patch

1. To relieve heel and foot pain [ideal for those who always wear high heels and stand too long]
2. Help to lose weight
3. Help to treat acne
4. Help to treat sinus problems
5. Relieve back pain
6. More fresh and energetic
7. Reduce allergic
8. Increase the rate of metabolism in the body
9. Reduce joint pain
10. Enhance the immune system
11. Reduce high blood pressure
12. Improves blood circulation
13. Reduce foot odour
14. Release surplus toxins
15. Reduce tiredness
16. Reduce stress
17. Better quality of sleep
18. Speeds assimilation of nutrients to cells

My thoughts after the jump:

More info:

One of the ingredients, tourmaline, is a mineral which is pyroelectric (electricity from heat) and piezoelectric.(electricity from pressure. Thank you, Wikipedia!) It means that body heat from my foot) and the pressure of being stuck on my foot with a large sticker really might activate the ingredients to achieve the effects it promises.

My experience:

On the first night of using the patch, I woke up in the middle of the night feeling really weak and feverish. This must really be a side-effect of detox because I remember feeling the same way when I used a certain ionic feminine hygiene product (sorry, TMI) When I removed the patch, the powdery stuff inside the patches became a kind of blackish goo.and my foot was coated with a sticky slime (supposedly the toxins in your body.) The slime in the patches do become lighter with continuous use.

Why I think it works:

First, because I got sick. Think about it: if it's completely useless and ineffective, why would my body have reacted that way? Like they say in rehab (or TV shows and movies about rehab because I lack in street cred and junk food is my drug of choice) "It's gonna get worse before it gets better."

I'm a big fan of traditional and alternative medicine. Acupuncture and accupressure are legit to me. The foot patches work on the same principle as the former two, which is that the nerves on the feet are linked to every organ in the body,

Why I still have doubts:

The heat and pressure could also have caused a chemical reaction in the other ingredients which made the patch turn black. Any number of chemicals could have that kind of reaction, right?

No apparent weight-loss yet. (However, I think using this product should be continuous and accompanied by a major change in lifestyle.)

Etc.

Always keep an open mind. A lot of medical and Science-y people min\ght dismiss this along with other alternative cures, but always remember that there are still a lot of diseases which can not be cured by medicine and things left in the universe which can not be explained by Science.

Disclaimer:

This product was bought with my own funds and I was not paid for this review. Also, what works for me may not work for you and vice-versa.

Thanks for reading,

Jackie

My Bag Family

2011-10-29T11:12:00.001+08:00

I don't know what happened but I bought 3 bags that all look alike in a span of less than a month.

It all started with this peach Anya Satchel from Coconut Gold:

(smaller size)

I really wanted it but it was pre-order only. I knew myself well enough to know that I don't have the EQ for pre-ordering stuff but I wanted it badly enough so I placed the order. This is the Momma bag.

Then I saw this at Candy Bags (by The Fashion Factory) in Tiendesitas:

I told myself that it's not the same thing. It's much smaller and harder. This is the baby bag.

Finally, while browsing eBay listing, I came across this big pink one from Therapie bags:

It was good as new, much much cheaper and offered free shipping (well, cheap shipping for addresses outside the Metro.) I couldn't help myself and got it, too. This is the Poppa bag.

Finally, the universe decided to intervene and right after paying for the Poppa bag. I got a text which said that my bag had arrived. That put an end to the madness. I made a decision not to buy any more bags for a while.

And so the Poppa bag, the Momma bag and the Baby bag lived happily ever after. THE END!

Thanks for reading,
Jackie

Fashion 21 Aqualicious Lipstick in Little Mermaid

2011-10-27T18:59:00.001+08:00

The pink lippie obsession continues!

The Aqualicious line of lippies from Fashion 21 is water-themed.. The box is a combination ofblue and white which makes me think of a landscape of a very cold region. The tube is also a very pretty blue. (similar to the packaging of SanSan's regular cosmetics line) and the shade names have aquatic elements to them like mermaid, starfish, etc. It also promises extreme moisture.

I'd say Little Mermaid is salmon pink, but feel free to correct me. Anyway, it's a warm-toned pink and very pretty, and has a creamy, opaque finish.

Likes:
- creamy finish (not sheer at all!)
- non-drying
-super affordable at PHP 155

Dislikes:
-range of colors is limited (a few pinks and reds but most are nudes and browns, kinda like EB Matte lippies)
- doesn't seem to be long-lasting (but don't take my word for it, maybe it's all the eating I do. haha)

Etc.
- this shade is a bit off for my coloring, I usually have better luck with cooler pinks (not the lippie's fault, I bet it will look good on most people
- the nude shades look gorgeous, will get one soon.

Swatches:


no flash

Thanks for reading!

with flash

Lipgloss Love Affair's Most Popular Products in Japan's Giveaway

2011-10-25T16:07:00.000+08:00

Click to enter!

Thanks Lipgloss Love Affair!

Pastel Raindrops' Giveaway

2011-10-24T19:01:00.001+08:00

Click pic to join

Kikaysimaria and BBCreamAddict Pre-Holiday Giveaway Contest

2011-10-24T15:32:00.000+08:00

Click the pic to join!

Thrifted: Llama-face!

2011-10-23T13:30:00.000+08:00

Maybe you guys have noticed that I don't really post OOTD's or fashion-related posts. It's because I don't really fancy myself a fashionista. I do, however, like unique and quirky finds and this is one of the reasons I love thrifting.

I saw this sweater dress when I went thrifting and couldn't resist getting it. The llama and stripey clouds are appliques.

The llama is adorable. I loved the movie "Emperor's New Groove" (which is where Llama-face came from.) I love llamas and alpacas. I'd collect stuff with them on, if they were easier to find. (I have the same problem with Maltese puppy stuff, but I digress.)

It's in really good condition, too, maybe the original owner didn't have the nerve to wear it in public, lol.

Actually, I've already worn this. It didn't seem too outrageous. The neutral color and simple stripes toned it down. Fits me really well too, but the armholes are kinda big so I really need to wear something underneath.

What would you wear with this dress? Suggestions?

Thanks for reading,
Jackie

First look at Snoe Products and All Glammed Up's October Sale

2011-10-20T18:55:00.000+08:00

I am always happy to see local brands stepping up and I try to support them as much as I can. It's been over a week since I got these Snoe Products. I have used them a bunch of times already. It's too early for an in-depth review, but that doesn't mean I can't tell you what I think about it just yet.

First up: Magic Apple Whitening S-rub

Instructions from the label. (Click to enlarge)

Basically, it's a scrub/exfoliant you can use on your face and body. It goes the extra mile to say there's no need to rinse.

Yay:
- Cheap at PHP 170
-Leaves skin softer and smoother
- Instant whitening (temporary) and whitens permanently with prolonged use.
- nice apple scent
- minty cool sensation.
- uses natural ingredients
- no animal testing and no animal by-products

Nay:
- messy application and removal
- takes time to rub off
- can leave skin feeling raw
- after a while, the smell of apple, mint, clay, etc. combined gets off-putting

Meh:
- I really don't recommend not rinsing this product off. if you're not careful, residue will collect on crevices and you'll achieve a "libagin" effect.
- Always use sunblock after exfoliating.

Next: "Here Comes the Sunblock" Lotion

The key ingredient of this lotion is Bengkoang aka Singkamas. Singkamas is Mexican turnip, and in the Philippines, synonymous with fair skin (because of its flesh)

Yay:
- liking the scent
- feels light and non-greasy
- SPF 45
-instant whitening
- Cheap for a sunblock with high SPF (PHP 199)

Nay:
- nothing I can't live with.

Overall:

Me gusta!

Have you tried Snoe Products? Share your thoughts!

-----------------------

BTW, just gonna leave this here, for the chance to avail of a huge discount:

Click on pic to start shopping!

There's still time, sexy peeps!

Kisses, Jackie

Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in Bonbon Pink

2011-10-17T22:33:00.001+08:00

Shade P31- Pink Bonbon

The ColorSensational line of Maybelline lipsticks promises extreme moisture and color. It is available in many supermarkets and drugstores nationwide. and costs PHP 299. I recently got one in Bonbon Pink (P31)

opened

Pink lippies are a kind of obsession for me. I can't seem to get enough of them. This is a pretty pink with a slight sheen that makes your lips look hydrated and healthy. It comes in a lightweight metallic red plastic tube

Likes:

affordable!

widely available

cute shade name!

glides on smoothly

non-drying

no taste (has a faint scent, though)

- cute shade name! ^^

got so many bb cream samples from the SA for buying it. high-five!

Dislikes:

color is somewhat sheer. (not really a bad thing, but I was expecting a more intense color.)

has slight shimmer (not bad, either but unexpected. I thought only the Water Shine line had it,)

has a subtle sweet scent in the tube. It's not so bothersome,I can't even identify the flavor.
might be more flattering on fairer ladies.

ETC.

I'm not the best authority on a lippie's staying power because I am always eating. Always.

Swatches:

no flash

flash

on lips

As I mentioned, I got Maybelline ClearSmooth BB Cream samples for my purchase. I love it! Stay tuned for my review on that product as well.

Have you used this ? Thoughts? What other shades do you recommend?

Enjoy the week, sexy people!

Kisses, Jackie

Weekend Grabs

2011-10-12T20:29:00.002+08:00

I don't think this counts as a haul. I bought these at different times from different places but all last weekend. I noticed that I've been posting about weekend stuff during the middle of the week. So late, but that's how I roll!

HBC Body Recipe Hair Remover Cream- been wanting to get it because of Thiamere's post about it.

Snoe products: Apple Scrub and Bengkoang Lotion.

Cat envelope from I Love Envelopes

Floral kiss-lock purse

Plastic wallet organizer

More pocketbacs- Eucalyptus Mint and Rockin' Cotton- I got "umay" with my sweet pocketbacs so I got fresher fragrances this time. Eucalyptus Mint is my current fave. Smells like Irish Spring soap and it kinda clears up my sinuses.^^

Snoe products: Apple Scrub and Bengkoang Lotion. More on this soon.

Cat envelope

Floral kiss-lock purse- it matches the wallet I'm using now.


See? I love the way they look together.

Thanks to everyone who liked my page!

Kisses, Jackie

Facebook Page and Awards

2011-10-09T06:34:00.000+08:00

As you guys can see on my sidebar, The Narcissus Project is now on Facebook. This is huge, because I didn't even use to have Facebook. (Well, I did, but I deleted it and it was ages ago, before the new interface) I just realized that I want to really connect with blogger friends and readers, and there are so many cool things to get into on Facebook and I was really missing out.

Please like, and if you feel like it, add the sad single liker there at the moment. I want to be friends with all of you and I promise not to stalk you. Also, please bear with me, if I kinda suck at facebooking. I'm still getting the hang of the new interface, and I barely got the old interface. (ME = noob4lyf)

♥♥♥

Got these awards from Aimee (aMz Blog.)

The rules:

-Share 7 things about yourself and link back to the person who passed you the award.

-Award 15 blogs and drop them a line about it.

7 Things about Jackie

♥ Even though I always say that I am a big Koreaboo, I know next-to-nothing about their pop culture. I just love their food, products, and of course, the beautiful country.

♥ I write with my left-hand but I do almost everything else with my right.

♥ I think UFC-style fighting is fun and would like to try it!

♥ I love old kung-fu/wuxia movies.

♥ I don't like any kind of hot beverage.

♥ I really love reading creepypasta

♥ I love singing and karaoke, but I'm way off-key when I sing. ^^

I'm passing these on to the following blogs:

http://sweethestia.blogspot.com/
http://www.gelleesh.com/
http://ayanagrace.blogspot.com/
http://luckycitrine.blogspot.com/
http://monsterprettyinthecity.blogspot.com/
http://popblushing.blogspot.com/
http://missgennd.blogspot.com/
http://beekyoote.blogspot.com/
http://peachypinksisters.blogspot.com/
http://jesroque.blogspot.com/
http://www.crumpylicious.com/
http://candycoatedpaw.blogspot.com/
http://proud2bcurvy.blogspot.com/
http://lacesandtiaras.blogspot.com

http://thejaggedbarn.blogspot.com

Hope you all can do this. If you already have, then it's okay. Just wanna let you know I want you to have it, too. ^^

I'll drop by all your blogs later to give the news. Right now, it's time to sleep and internet's acting up again, anyway.

Thanks for reading!

Fashion Palooza: A Trendsetter's Bazaar

2011-10-07T22:53:00.001+08:00

Who's going? Can I come with? ^^

Review: Baviphat AC Therapy Sleeping Pack

2011-10-06T14:37:00.001+08:00

This is a miniature version (6g) which was a part of my minis and samples purchase from eBay.

Baviphat is a Korean skincare and cosmetics brand famous for their "fruit miracle" series ~~and infamous for their suspiciously familiar packaging designs~~. Some famous spokesmodels for the brand are Beyonce and Korean idol group F.T. Island.

Product Info (taken from seller)
An overnight mask extract suppresses melanin formation and prevent hyper-pigmentation. Arbutin then hastens skin whitening for a fairer complexion with beautifully even skin tone. Uniformly apply mask on cleansed skin before going to bed. Wash off in the morning. Regular use of sleeping mask diminishes the appearance of dark spots and freckles.

How to use:
After basic skin care in the evening, apply evenly over face. Go to sleep without washing out. Lightly rinse with lukewarm water in the morning.

Use it as a substitute for cream at night. Apply an appropriate amount to face and neck. Then gently massage and tab until thoroughly absorbed. Rinse off in the next morning.

Suitable For: All Skin Types

My review after the jump.

when opened. product is a light peach-colored, watery cream

Likes

-Affordable. Around PHP 70- for the mini and less than PHP 600 for the full-sized pot (100g)
-Economical. 6 grams goes a long way.I've been using this on a semi-regular basis since I got it and there's still quite a bit left on the pot. I already purchased back-ups, regardless.
- Consistency is light and not oily.
- has a pleasant, mild Apple scent
- Cute packaging. Comes in a red apple shaped pot. The mini is especially darling, not to mention handy.
- Effective as pimple treatment. (I have breakouts when I'm PMS-ing and they usually last forever, not to mention painful but they dry up quickly when I use this. My sister also had one giant painful pimple before but when I told her to use this, she said the pimple stopped hurting,)
- My face has become significantly less oily. I can go out without makeup on now (I just don't want to, lol)

Dislikes

- not locally available (but it's very easy to find sellers online)
- does not prevent acne, I still get breakouts when I use this, it just dries out sooner.

ETC.
I really like this sleeping pack, but if you're prone to breaking out or have dry skin, I recommend using this as a spot treatment instead. There's another sleeping pack from this brand I really like. Watch out for my review on that.

Disclaimer: Product bought with my own money. Not a paid review.

First Christmas-y Post!

2011-10-03T15:26:00.000+08:00

It's Halloween month! Traditionally for people in my country, it is really more of a sad/scary time than a fun/scary time. As I got older, remembering loved ones who are no longer in this world has become more meaningful to me, but when I was a kid, all the months ending in -ber were Christmas months.

This is not unusual in this country. In fact, you'll start to hear Christmas songs on the radio and see Christmas lights on the streets as early as September.

Whether foreign (spiced cider. candy canes, hot cocoa, sugar cookies) or local (puto bumbong, leche flan), I love most Christmas smells and flavors (except maybe fruitcake, but then who does LOL) Normally I have great Christmas spirit, but personally, September is always a hard month to get over. I needed something extra this year to really get into it. These scents, all from Bath and Body Works, usually did the job.

Shapeable Foaming Soap in Twisted Peppermint

Remember how much I love foam cleansers? This is a tightly packed, semi-solid mousse soap that smells like candy canes. And it leaves a minty sensation on the skin after washing. LOVE!

Pocketbacs in Vanilla Bean Noel and Winter Candy Apple

I'll admit, these overly popular anti-bacterial sanitizers didn't appeal for me before because I preferred 1) soap and water or 2) wipes when it came to keeping my hands clean and germ-free and I found the holders a little tacky, but I couldn't resist Christmass Pocketbacs, and they really are handy in a pinch.

So, what helps get your Christmas spirit on?

Mini eBay Haul

2011-09-28T11:49:00.000+08:00

In this country, imported products cost way more than they should. Taxes, expenses and the like all figure in, so stuff like cosmetics, even drugstore brands cost 2, 3 or more times what they do where they come from.

That's not necessarily bad. We should be thankful that there are companies willing to bring great products to us. It's definitely cheaper than going overseas ourselves. It also gives our local products a fighting chance.

Anyway, while it's true that it costs a great deal for companies to bring products, to our country, it must cost a lot less for individuals to do so, because you can get a lot of the stuff available in stores for much cheaper online, particularly eBay. Let me show you what I got on my most recent transaction:

* Hairbrush with ceramic barrel- I had been looking for a ceramic hairbrush everywhere. I read somewhere that it's great for taming unruly hair with or without heat. This brush also claims to have natural boar hair bristles and ionic tourmaline, which fights frizziness.

* Wet n' Wild Ultimate Brow Color and Set in Chocolate- A pencil and gel duo. our sisters on GT have been raving about the WnW brow kit and I wanted the Color My Brows gel from Etude House but it's always OOS. I'm hoping this will curb my lemming for both, at least for now.

* Cover Girl Eyeslicks in Midnight Metal (top) and Cover Girl Smoothers in Pink Ice (bottom) - both are gel eye color sticks but I'm not sure about the difference yet.

* Cover Girl Smoothers eyeliner in Slate

* Wet n' Wild Mega Eyes single eyeshadows in Sensual Sage (top), Cream (bottom left) and Fine Wink (bottom right.)- more single eyeshadows. Can't get enough of them.

* Cover Girl Eye Enhancers single eye shadow in Aubergine Queen- purple eye shadows are particularly irresistible

* Styli-Style Flat Lipliner pencil in Madison- I thought it was cute.

Watch out for reviews. Thanks for reading!

Shop n' Chomp's Missoni x Target Giveaway!

2011-09-26T17:20:00.000+08:00

Lisa of Shop n' Chomp is giving away this Missoni x Target train case!

Click the pic for details

Thanks Lisa!

Smells Like Teen Sprites (not a typo)

2011-09-22T20:20:00.000+08:00

Libraries, used bookstores and curio shops are irresistible to me because of all the stories and movies about finding something magical in them. (To name a few: Fushigi Yuugi, The Neverending Story and Gremlins, respectively.) I always go into those places hoping to find magic. I think that day has come.

Creating Fairy Garden Scents by Linda Gannon immediately caught my eye because the title and cover reminded me of my Vera Wang Flower Princess perfume. After some browsing, I made up my mind to buy it.

It's only a few pages long but it's very comprehensive. The book contains:

-some background on faerie lore

-fragrance recipes for all four seasons with cute names and presentation styles.

- even a section on how to see faeries.

- info on the materials you'll be using like herbs, flowers, essential oils and their health benefits as well as effect in aromatherapy.

-basic tenchniques like drying flowers.

- lots of pretty pictures.

This is definitely a good find, in my opinion. Of course, I will still frequent curio stores. I still want a Mogwai. =))

Disclaimer: No infringement is intended for copyrighted material.

Humpdate and HeartKristel's ELF Collection Giveaway

2011-09-21T15:23:00.000+08:00

I've been meaning to post this since last weekend and the week's almost finished again. ^^

Here are some stuff I picked up during the weekend: (Sorry if you can't make them out)

Top:

* Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Scrub- repurchased this many time. Loves it!
* iWhite Bath Soap- I''ve used almost all the iWhite products over the years, so I couldn't pass this up. Comes with a free Whitening pack sachet.
* Single Eye Shadows (latest obsession)- Ever Bilena Advance in Goldenrod (at 40% off) and Fashion 21 (forgot the shade numbers but one is purply and the other is off white-y. =)
* Sponge Cola CD-a freebie for buying Coca-Cola products. (I don't even have a CD player anymore!)
* Maxipeel Facial Wash- something I go back to using from time to time.

Bottom:

* Lolane Pixel Hair Color in Dark Golden Blonde-my current hair color =)
* Used Book: Creating Fairy Garden Scents- super interesting. More on this soon.
* Striped pink and white turban from Saizen- I use this at home to keep my hair out of my face. It's super soft and comfy. I love it to bits.
* Fashion 21 Aqualicious Lisptick in Little Mermaid
* Nichido eyebrow pencil in Dark Brown
* Brown eyebrow pencil from Saizen
* Marionnaud retractable face brush

Have you used any of this stuff? What did you think of them?

I will post swatches of the makeup stuff in the future, so please check back soon.

***

Heart Kristel's ELF Collection Giveaway

click the image for details.

Thanks HeartKristel!

Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of the week. =))

PopBlush's Giveaway

2011-09-20T16:39:00.002+08:00

Enter for a chance to win these lovely items.

Click the image for details.

Thank you PopBlush!

Random Beauty by Hollie 300 Followers Giveaway

2011-09-19T17:16:00.002+08:00

Congratulations to Hollie for 300 ++ Followers!

Join the celebration by entering her giveaway.

(click image for details)

Thanks Hollie!

Minis and Samples Save the Day!

2011-09-15T11:37:00.001+08:00

There are a zillion products out there I want to try. This wouldn't be a problem if 1) money grew on trees and 2) I used up everything I bought, because I really do hate letting stuff go to waste.

Unfortunately, I have ADD when it comes to prods. Unless it really wows, I won't have the attention span to finish a full-sized container of stuff. There are times when I obsess about products day in and day out- until I get them, then I forget about them completely.

My solution: think small. I like to get mini versions and samples of stuff I want to try just to get them out of my system. Or get the full-sized version next time.

I recommend this approach for choosing bb creams as well. I still haven't given up on these, but there are so many to choose from. They all sound so promising but like with other types of products, I know that only a handful would suit me.

Here's the latest batch of goodies I got:

MINIS:

L-R:

Baviphat AC Therapy Sleeping Pack

Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream

TonyMoly Tony Tint

SAMPLES (by brand):

Lioele

2 pcs. 3D Skin Fix Foundation

Secret Pore Rich Balm

Dollish Veil Vita BB

2pcs 3D Skin Fix Makeup Base

Beyond the Solution BB Cream

Triple the Solution BB Cream

Hanskin

Super Secret BB

Gold Caviar BB

Mineral Magic BB

Control Skin BB

Missha

Choboyang BB Cream

Wrinkle Filler

Signature BB Cream

Skin79

Hot Pink Super BB Cream

Baviphat Mango Steam Scrub

The seller included this in my package as a freebie, which is great because it looks really interesting. So happy!

I know some people don't like the idea of having to buy samples when they should be free. I'm actually glad that some people have made these available without having to make HUGE purchases first. I'm really excited to try these one by one and give my feedback, Stay tuned!

P.S.

King of 25,000 Megawatt Smile asked me to post a pic of NYX Pink Lyric on my lips. LOL, Sorry this was all I could come up with on short notice. (I used my netbook webcam) I'll try again when I'm fully made up.

Best. Movie. EVARRR!

2011-09-11T01:16:00.002+08:00

Martin Escudero's performance is FLAWLESS (bet ko na sha, lol)

Watch it if it's screening in your area.

Image taken from: twitchfilm.com

Nyx Round Lipstick in Pink Lyric

2011-09-08T03:04:00.001+08:00

Nyx Round Lipsticks are a cult fave among beauty bloggers. They've been on my wish list for the longest time, but they are not widely available (at least, not where I shop) and I haven't shopped online in ages. I finally got my hands on some, thanks to the recent Philippine Cosmetics Expo held in SM Megamall. It was so exciting to see the Digital Traincase booth.


Nyx Pink Lyric

Product Code: LSS 535A

Pink Lyric is one of the newer shades of the Round Lipsticks. It's a lovely bright pink. It looks shocking in the tube but is actually quite ladylike and wearable in real life.


when opened

Likes:

- So affordable! They cost PHP 150 at the Digital Traincase booth.

- There are so many shades to choose from. (Over 100 and counting) And they come in a variety of finishes.

- Cruelty-free!

Dislikes:

- Staying power is so-so. Disappears after like, an hour.

- some ingredient might be a turn-off for some.

- kind of gets mushy and melty in our climate.

- Mostly available online. There are lots of wonderful online sellers and they can be spotted from time to time at bazaars and stuff, but that doesn't for my buying style (I like to buy a few items at a time, but frequently so I would lose out on shipping costs.)

Etc.

- there's a distinct soapy/mediciney smell that a lot of people complain about. It doesn't really bother me because there's no taste.

- It's not hard to see why these are so popular. I'm definitely planning to get more.

Some swatches:


without flash


with flash

What are your favorite shades of Nyx Round Lipsticks?

Hippie or Hime?

2011-09-05T20:26:00.002+08:00

If I had to choose, it'd be a tough call. I like pretty, dainty things like bows, lace, bling and pink so hime style is a huge deal for me. BUT! I also like flowers (nature's bling,) peace signs and the laid-back attitude of the flower children.

Luckily, I don't need to choose- when it comes to fragrance, at least. Vera Wang's Flower Princess lets me be both princess and hippie-chick at the same time.

Flower Princess is lighter and fresher than the original Princess perfume. You can tell that's what they're going for because there are only minor differences between the two:

They both have the same super cute heart-shaped bottle but FP is lighter and more pink than purple;

And the bottle toppers which could be worn as rings are silver instead of gold.

As for scent, some might say that FP is a watered-down version of the original Princess but I like it because - not in spite- of that. It's subtle but long-lasting., more suitable for our climate, not sickly sweet or cloying and I can wear it on the hottest day without causing headaches. When I first tried it, it reminded me a bit of Clinique Happy (another favorite.) But when I did a side by side comparison, I actually liked this better than Happy.

:: HEADDESK::

2011-08-12T17:32:00.003+08:00

Welps, this is what the blog has been reduced to while I;'m trying to smoke out the culprit for the malicious code redirecting some of my guests. No more nifty widgets or dynamic elements. Boo.

Sorry for the disappearance of my blogroll for those I exchanged links with., Imma put you back once I sort out what I'm gonna do next. Stay tuned.

Nostalgiacat, Ho!

2011-08-10T19:51:00.001+08:00

Note: When I started this blog, I meant to post about anything and everything that catches my fancy but latey, it seems like all my posts are bath/beauty related. Blame my one-track mind.

Anyway, here's something I am as deeply into as beauty products: nostalgia. Hopefully related content will find their way to this blog on a regular basis from now on.

The rebooted Thundercats series premiered on Cartoon Network more than a week ago. Thundercats was my all-time favorite cartoon growing up. I used to watch it over and over on video (beta, if you really must know) and if there's one thing I am ferociously protective about, it is my childhood memories.

I had no idea this was even in the works. I'd heard about plans for a movie a couple of years ago but nothing came of it. This, new series completely escaped my radar. So when my sister came to my room and was all "Hey I have the new Thundercats. Wanna watch?" I was taken aback, threatened and resistant to the idea. Eventually, I changed my mind and agreed to watch but completely ready to hate it. Boy, was I in for a surprise.

Likes:

Better animation.
That's a given, if you compare the technology we have now to what they had to work with back then.

Tygra, Cheetara and Lion-O in the reboot. Source here

Characters
They are definitely better-looking now than before. They also look more like cats and the main male characters at least don't look like they were pumped with steroids. Snarf is totally adorbz.

Story.
I like how they're trying to give all the main characters a proper introduction one by one instead of throwing them all together in the first scene and making the viewers draw their own conclusions.

Also, hopefully this series won't have as many plotholes or hard -to-swallow elements as the original. We'll see,

Character development.
Lion-O is the future lord who is uncertain of his abilities to lead his people. Tygra is his adopted brother who is by all accounts a better choice for leader except for- y'know- that whole being adopted thing. Wileycat and Wileykit are street urchins who use their cunning ways to survive. Mumm-ra is an ancient enemy and the mutants also have a long-standing beef with the Thunderans, which I expect will be explained further on future episodes.

Nostalgia factor is high.
Claudus, the lord of Thundera, is voiced by Larry Kenney: the original Lion-O. He even did the whole Thunder, thunder bit. Also, I got goosebumps when I thought that Mumm-ra recited his bit and was about to transform into Mumm-ra the Ever-Living (he didn't)

Dislikes

No theme song.
Honestly, how could they leave it out? This show had he most kickass theme song ever. We sang it ourselves during the action sequences and anytime the Sword of Omens was in the scene.

I got bored.
The first couple of minutes really dragged on. I'm not sure about the precise moment when I got into it, but it was around the time Mumm-ra appeared (which was quite a bit later.) Also, how could I get into the action sequences properly when there was no kickass theme song to get the adrenaline pumping.?

OOC.
Sometimes the characters seemed completely different from the ones I knew and loved as a child. Tygra being a jerk rejecting technology? Hah! He was the Lancer of the bunch- the unofficial leader/second-in-command and he built the Cat's Lair. (He was my favorite male Thundercat because he was so smart and could turn invisible.) Also, Snarf is now just a common pet/animal companion who doesn't talk.

I miss the hammy acting of the original series!
The new one got some big names as V.O. actors but they act like normal people. It's not as much fun.

Etc.
So, how does the new whippersnapping series compare to the good ol' classic (LOL, still biased,)?

I think this series is interesting enough and I'd love the see the whole thing unfold. However, it could never take the place of the original in my heart.

What do you wear to work?

2011-08-08T19:49:00.002+08:00

One of my biggest concerns when Monday approaches is what I'm going to wear to work for the week. I have closets at home with clothes literally spilling out each time I open them and yet I never seem to have anything to wear.

Still, I'm luckier than others because my workplace is pretty relaxed when it comes to how the employees are dressed. Day in and day out, you'll see people making different fashion statements. It really is a sight to behold.

Of course, a relaxed dress code presents a whole different set of problems. Some people become sloppy, while others become burdened with yet another decision they have to make completely on their own.

Things were a lot easier when I went to school: I wore a uniform. I didn't always appreciate those when I had to wear them, but now that I'm over that part of my life, I kinda miss it. There is something very appealing about wearing prescribed clothing. It's designed specifically for the wearer's activities and.it helps give you a professional vibe. After all, the time one wastes worrying about whether or not what he or she is wearing is okay could be time spent on more productive things.

What's more, nowadays, uniforms are no longer limited to drab colors and solids. For example, if you take a look at this website http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/ you'll see a wide range of colors and designs for scrubs. Who knew they came is paisley? Or florals? Or houndstooth? The possibilities are endless!

What about you? What do you wear to work?

Weekend Haul

2011-08-07T22:08:00.000+08:00

How was everyone's weekend? I wasn't feeling well, but I was able to step out for a while and grab a few odds and ends.

From the department store:

Etude House Fresh Nailwash Safe
I'm almost finished with my big bottle of nail polish remover and this one smelled so nice at the store.

3 Etude House Petit Darling Nails Nail Polishes
I haven't tried other nail polish series from EH, but I love these because they're creamy and I love pastels and neutrals the most.

PK012

I made a mistake before. This was the shade I was eyeing online but I got it confused with BR301, Anyway, both are nice and I'm happy to have both,

BR309

Reminds me of chocolate milk. Yummy!

PP903

Remember how I said I was looking for a pale lilac nail polish? I think I found the perfect shade.

Cyleina Black Pearl Soap

Fashion 21 Perfect Stick Concealer in Milk Tea
I have a friend from work whose makeup always looks good. This was highly recommended by her.

Nichido Mineral Pencils

a dark brown eyeliner and a flesh-toned spot concealer.
The concealer could be used as a nude lipliner and eyeliner for ther waterline. These are supposed to be water-resistant.I was very impressed with the packaging of these pencils.In other words: Sushality.

From the supermarket:

(I only included my personal effects. The other things are nobody else's business. LOL)

Cosmopolitan magazine August issue

Dove Go Fresh Deodorant Spray

Chocolates

Yes, they are personal effects. Cadbury Dairy Milk Heap Tray and Chocnut. ^^

From the Korean convenience store:

Dried seaweed

I'm addicted to these. I like to munch on them.

Canned Shikhye

This is a traditional Korean sweet drink made from rice (not unlike our am.) Fun fact: this drink is manufactured by Korea Yakult. Yakult is <3. ^^

Aloe Vera drink

Rucy's Vanity Waterproof Mascara
Rucy's Vanity is a product line of DermPlus Korea. I saw these products being sold when I was in 168 a couple of weeks ago but I didn't pay much attention to it then. I was able to take a closer look at them in the convenience store because there weren't any pushy salespeople. I chose to get a mascara because I'm always on the lookout for nice cheap mascara. I don't wanna buy expensive ones because I can only use them for three months. Stay tuned for the review.

Curious about Rucy's Vanity Products? Take a look at their flyer. The nail polishes look nice.

click to enlarge

I also bought a slimming product I'm too embarrassed to post. Maybe if I get the results I want, I will.

Have a great week!

OC Collection: SanSan Nail Polishes

2011-08-05T20:53:00.001+08:00

Sometimes, if I really like a product and it's cheap enough, I try to get my hands on as many of its variants as I can. (See Careline Lipgloss Post) Not all at once, maybe 1 or two items per visit to the store. Gives me time to use the products first and prevents backlog.^^ Eventually the collection grows..SanSan Nail Polishes are no exception.

Where to Buy: HBC Stores Nationwide and on their website
Price: PHP 37- (Less than 1 USD) for a 12 ml bottle

Likes:

Big 3 Free*.

Price

It's cheap to begin with, but on top of that, HBC Stores are constantly on sale so I was able to score some bottles for PHP 30-34. Hey, a peso saved is a peso earned.

Color.

they have some really nice colors. from and the color payoff is great.

Consistency

is mostly very good* . I like thinner polishes and these go on very smoothly

Shelf Life.

These don't dry out quickly. It's normal for nail polishes to thicken upon exposure to air, but I bought my first bottle of SanSan polish more than a year ago and it's still good as new. On the packaging, expiry date is 3 years after manufacturing date.

Brushes

are nice and easy to handle

Packaging.

The square bottle not only looks good, but is great for storing, too.

Dislikes:

Inconsistent Formulation.

I'm not sure if it's because I got some bad batches but some polishes go on more smoothly than pthers.

Moar shades plz.

kthnnxbai

Etc.

Though it's Big 3 Free, I don't know you might still want to check the other ingredients in the list if there are other stuff you wish to avoid.

Ingredients

- Use a topcoat to make your polish last longer and to keep the colors vibrant.

- Some sistahs experience yellowing/discoloration of nail with prolonged use of these polishes,. As a general rule, I change my polish every couple of days, but if you want to keep it longer, I suggest a base coat just to be sure.

- Products bought with my own money. This is not a paid/sponsored review.

I will feature these polishes one by one in their own NOTD posts.in the future when I have time. For now, here are some quick swatches.

left hand

right hand

-----------------------------

I am having some problems with my blog. For instance, when I submit my link to some people for review. they say that the link redirects them to another site. Has anyone had this problem before? What should I do about it. I'd hate to have to move. Thanks in advance!

<3<3<3

Giveaways from all over

2011-07-28T16:29:00.001+08:00

Here's another batch of giveaways from the web you might be interested in joining.

Click the pics for details.

From Kiss n' Makeup:

From Adventures in Beauty:

From Ateenadj's Fashion and Beauty Blog:

From Closet Voyage:

Good luck to everyone!

Adding to the Mix (a series of mini reviews)

2011-07-27T22:39:00.004+08:00

Even though I'm pretty set in my ways when it comes to bathing, I still like to try new stuff every now and then. It's always fun to discover/try new stuff and see if they could become a permanent part of my regimen.

A Bonne Spa Milk Salt Shower Formula

I've used the other type of A Bonne Salt Scrub before (the dry kind.) I loved how my skin felt when I used it: moisturized and soft and I loved the milky scent. It was great except for one thing: It hurt like a biotch. Since the shower formula is in suspension form, I'm hoping it'll be milder.

Belo Whitening Facial Wash

I bought a sachet of this before and I liked using it. Now, I wanna see the effects of long-term use.

Caronia Renewing Foot Scrub
I always have tired achy feet at the end of the day. I really need to take care of them better. Hopefully, this will also take care of the dryness problem.

Careline Body Mist in Joy

I felt like changing my fragrance because I was getting tired of the ones I often use. I didn't feel like spending a lot though, because I'm expecting new stuff soon anyway. I like this scent very much. It's light and refreshing and at least doesn't have an overly familiar VS Garden/BBW inspired scent.

Nivea Express Hydration Lotion

Seen a lot of the blogs give this a thumbs up. I'm happy to say that I like the immediate effect of this and I can't wait to see what it can do after long-term usage.

Bought some nail polishes too.

Bobbie "Adored" from the Foil It Series

I don't usually go for wild, funky nail polishes but this caught my eye. At the store, I thought this was copper/rust colored but in certain lights it looks pink, too. I really like it.

Caronia Regular Nail Polishes in Joy, Cashmere and Delicate.

I love neutral nail polishes, okay? They look similar in the picture, but Joy is more flesh-toned, while Delicate is more pink. As for Cashmere, I'm looking for a pale lilac polish. This isn't it, but it's still pretty. ^^

We're having bad weather now, so stay indoors if you can. If you do need to go out, be extra careful, loves.

Weekend Cheap Thrills

2011-07-25T17:57:00.002+08:00

I went to 168 Mall with a friend last Saturday and I must say that I was very good on this trip- very restrained. Not my intention though, but I had really achy legs from exercising the night before and could hardly walk (I just sucked it up because my friend and I had planned this trip for weeks.)

Anyway, I didn't go home empty-handed:

Ever heard of Curlformers? I thought it was cute but -like most products featured on TV-Shopping channels- not really something I could take seriously.(Not to mention overpriced at PHP 2k++ on eBay) Anyway, this is a version of that product called "Magic Leverag" (No idea what it means) and I got it for PHP 150.

The requisite Engrish info and instructions.

One box contains:

18 pieces of the curl-formers (they look like colored wood shavings. cute ^^)
a stick used to thread the hair sections into the curl-formers

I have yet to try this. I'll let you know if it works. =)

I also got 3 nail decals for PHP 100.


vintage-looking w/ ivy design

pink polka dots and roses

dark background and roses

I also went thrift-shopping on Sunday. I didn't have much luck buying clothes or shoes but I found one bag I like.

It's big. The material PVC so it's easy to clean and perfect for this rainy season. Also, you probably already know that I like polka dots.

I bought other stuff too like toilettries and there are some new products I'm gonna try soon so stay tuned for that.

Have a great week!

Avon Simply Pretty Colorbliss Lipstick in Cool Coral

2011-07-19T15:33:00.001+08:00

For a lot of people, the Avon brand is synonymous with direct selling. One can't think of Avon without thinking of the "Avon Ladies." However, I got this from a dealer/distributor's store at a place near my home. They were on sale and I was able to get this for PHP 85 and the Super Shock mascara for PHP 150 (more on that in the future.)

According to Avon Philippines' Website:

Let your natural beauty shine through. Simply Pretty is a brand

that makes putting on makeup simple, easy and uncomplicated.

So you can always be pretty... naturally you.

In other words, Simply Pretty is Avon's makeup line for teens and those who go for a younger, fresher, more natural look. Their products are fuss-free and affordable- perfect for beginners and low-maintenance girls.

Swatches:

without flash

with flash

Likes:

- Cheap at PHP 85 (on sale this is also cheap at its regular price)

- color payoff is good

- staying power is pretty impressive

Dislikes:

- somewhat drying. make sure to apply lipbalm underneath

- taste and smell- not overpowering, but I can tell you that I'd be happier without it.

ETC.

- This lipstick comes is a black-brown plastic case that with subtle glitters/shimmers which curves in towards the middle. I'm not crazy about the packaging. Ah well, it looks the way teen makeup is supposed to look.

- Although the color is buildable, personally, it's better to apply this lightly because it looks more coral then. If you put on too much, it becomes kind of orangey-red and a little mature.

----

Received these awards :

from Aimee of aMz's Blog

from Hollie of Random Beauty by Hollie

The Rules:

Link Back to the Person who tagged you

List your 10 Favorite Skincare/Beauty Products

Pass to 10 other Bloggers**

My Top Ten* :

1. Himalaya Herbals Neem Cleansing Foam

2.Human ♥ Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil

3. Eskinol Classic w/ Clindamycin Capsule

4. iWhite Aqua Vita Moisturizer

5. Nivea Sparking White Night Cream

6. Godiva Lip Balm

7.Johnson's Cooling Baby Powder

8. Kojic Acid Soap

9. Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub

10. Dove Go Fresh Grapefruit and Lemongrass Body Mist

*Current Top Ten: because of the weather, I'm more into baths and skincare. Makeup is pretty much useless to me at this point.

**I'm tagging everyone. Yes, I cheated. Everyone I know seems to have been tagged but I also really want to see everyone's Top Ten. =))

Thanks a lot guys!

Cheap Thrill: Careline Vitamin E Lip Gloss and More Giveaways

2011-07-12T18:16:00.001+08:00

When this blog went on hiatus, I had somewhat "quit the internet" as well. I was on lurker mode on the few places I still went to.

But but BUT! I am so glad I went back to GT just in time to read the raves for the Careline Vitamin E Lip Glosses. Otherwise, I would never have given these babies a second look.

L-R: Shade #'s 101, 102, 103, 104, 107, 109, 110

with flash

This comes in 12 shades. I started out with 2, and then each time I pass by a Robinson's Department Store, I couldn't help but get more until I ended up with the collection above. And the two more below.

L-R: 108, 111


with flash

Likes:
- cheap at PHP 60-
- Yummy smell
- can be worn a number of ways: piled on , or thinly as a stain, or over lipstick for extra oomph.

Dislikes:
- flimsy and ordinary-looking packaging
- not widely available (sold exclusively at Robinson's Department Stores)
- staying power when piled on is so-so, but better when used as a stain
- chunky glitters that go (and stay) everywhere on some shades

ETC.

-Some of my personal faves:

104: bright bubblegum pink- one of my faves. it really brightens up the face.
107: mauvey nude with silver glitters (could be a favorite if not for the glitters. Worn on this FOTD
108: deeper blood red- very vampy
111: bright orange red- a hot color these days

Got an unwearable shade? Mix it with another gloss and create a brand new wearable shade!

Check out great quality swatches HERE and more in-depth reviews HERE HERE and HERE

----------------------------------------
Join Catmare's Giveaway!

Click HERE for details

----------------------------------------

Join HeartKristel's Giveaway

Click HERE

My Two Cents: Etude House Moistfull Collagen Balm SPF 42++ and AMZ Giveaway

2011-07-08T20:39:00.001+08:00

Here's something else I was able to get from the Etude House Grand sale a few weeks ago. I think that the Moistfull line is among the most popular from Etude House. Or maybe people just love saying the name.

Where to Buy: Etude House

Price: PHP 898 (less 20% when I got it)

Shelf Life: 12M

Anyhoo this is a bb cream + moisturizer in one that comes in a compact. I just wanna say that I love bb cream more than ever. To me, it's more than a fad. However, I hate using my fingers to apply it and using a foundation brush doesn't always work for me. I think that using a sponge is the best methohd for me. I love the idea of a bb cream in a compact.

The product looks pretty in the pan- like peppermint swirl candy. White part is moisturizer and dark part is bb cream and it's packaged in a compact I can only describe as newfangled: It's huge and bulky and has a nifty plastic compartment built in to store the sponge away from the product when not in use (for hygienic purposes)

The sponge also has entertainment value. The handle part is white but the part that goes into the balm is dark blue so that you can press the whole thing on the pan and come up with something like this:

You can stamp that on your face and it'll show up, too. Put one on each of the apples of your cheeks and you can cosplay as the puppet on those Saw movies. LOL. You'll notice, I don't have a perfect imprint on my sponge anymore. That's because I got overzealous one time and squished one side of my pan. Boo!

Likes:

- it's pretty!

- Shade 02 (Natural Beige) suits my skintone.

- Slightly-dewy finish

- The scent- it used to be too strong when I first opened it and made me dizzy but now I think it has faded a little so I like it. I also like scent of the other EH pact I got before which was the BB Magic pact.

- High SPF.

-No break-outs

- promises to be: anti-wrinkle, whitening

Dislikes:

- kinda expensive for this brand and for a so-so bb cream.

- I don't see any major difference after about 2 weeks non-regular use

- takes a long time to set/be absorbed by the skin. In other words, skin does feel "moist-full" but not in a good way.

- as with most products with hig SPF, beware of major white cast on photos.

- tends to collect particles and is hard to clean

Will I Repurchase?

Probably not.

Etc/Tips:

- I still like this product and I use it when I go out during the day because of the SPF. I wouldn't recommend it for touch-ups after the sun has gone down, though.

- Use this on ordinary days and stay away from impromptu photoshoots and paparazzi (lol)

- OC? spray your sponge and pan with sanitizer after use and wash your sponge often.

--------------------------

Join Amz88's Giveaway! Click the pic for details.

Have a great weekend!

Disclaimer:

This is not a paid/sponsored review.

Weekend Bits

2011-07-04T18:44:00.002+08:00

As you probably already know. there were lots of sales going on all over the metro this past weekend. I didn't feel up to the challenge of enduring the traffic jams AND THEN elbowing my way through the feeding frenzy at the major commercial areas, so I chose to take the road less travelled.

I managed to pick up a few stuff nonetheless:

From Watson's

1. Marrionnaud Eyebrow brush and spoolie- Still on the eyebrow thing and getting sick of the dinky eyebrow brushes that usually come with eyebrow powders.

2. Watson's Brand Cotton Pads- if you're a big cotton pad user, I recommend getting this. It's PHP 46 for a pack of 150 pads + 60 pads free. When I checked, you only get about 100 pads from the leading brands for that price.

3. Cyleina Kojic Soap- I'd heard that Cyleina soaps were already available in Watson's but this was my first time to see them. Prolly cuz they're always OOS.

4. Nivea Sparkling White Night Cream- I have a friend who swears by this night cream. She has the nicest skin of anyone I know so I thought I'd give this a try.

5. Pond's White Beauty Nature Naturals Facial Wash- Never had much luck with the brand in the past, but it's just a sachet. How much can it hurt to try, right?

6. Purederm Foot Mask- Repurchased this many times already.
7. Electric toothbrush heads

From HBC

1. Body Recipe Calamansi Roll-On Deo- heard good things about this and it's always OOS so I wanted to try it for myself.

2. San-San Blush in 03- a yummy bright pink shade.

3. Hortaleza Professional Keratin Hot Oil Treatment- another repurchase

4. 2-Way Cake Refill in 02- Already hit pan on my current 2-Way Cake foundie. Will test this soon.

And from the department store.

Ever Bilena Mousse Blush in Scarlet- Heads Up! The entire EB mousse line is on sale at PHP 99/each item. I'm crazy about their mousse blushes. This is my fourth one already. It's just too bad that their foundies are all too ligh for me. Included a swatch in case anyone's interested.

Cherry Nail Polish- it's a beautiful burgundy color. I got this for a number of reasons: I liked its long brush handle and it's dirt cheap (PHP 15+) but mostly I got it for entertainment purposes.

Check out the color name. LOLWHUT. (I'm so immature)

I also found this:

e.l.f. Studio Eyebrow Kit
- A personal triumph! Been looking for this for a really long time, but they always seemed to be OOS. I'm very happy with this but check back for the details.

Have a good week, luvs!

My Two Cents: Etude House Drawing Eye Brow Pencil

2011-07-01T18:56:00.002+08:00

One major disappointment with the Grand Etude House Sale some time ago was that their eyebrow kit was OOS. Well, I was never one to walk away from a sale empty-handed so (with a heavy heart, lol) I got this instead.

Etude House Drawing Eye Brow Pencil 05 (Gray)

PRICE: Approx PHP 120 (PHP 148 regularly, but I got mine at 20% off)

Likes:
- the color. I love gray!
- cheap! and discounted on top of it!
- goes on light, but buildable. perfect for girls like me who put on their makeup with a somewhat heavy hand.

- I love the shape of the cartridge- perfect for shaping and tapering.

- the spoolie brush on the other end is nice too. =))
- refillable (less waste material, and great savings when you buy cartidges instead of a whole new pencil.)

Dislikes:
- Kinda feels like I'm using a Bensia colored pencil on my brows (they still those still around or didIjustdatemyselfagaindarnit! ?)
- Vanishes without a trace in 1 or two hours on me. I think I need some kind of brow gel or primer for it to adhere to. I'll get back to you on that.

Etc.
It is amazing how much well-groomed eyebrows can do for a woman. She could be wearing very minimal makeup but still look pretty and polished, thanks to them.

Until very recently, I couldn't be bothered with mine but now I'm really into eyebrows. I long for those full yet light, feathery drawn-on eyebrows I've been seeing lately.

Oh, and I need THESE in my life.

-----------------------

BTW, Blair now has 1043 followers and counting on her blog. She is celebrating with a giveaway.

Click HERE for the details.

Enjoy the weekend!

Butterfly Award and MakeupDiary.Org's Giveaway

2011-06-28T20:55:00.004+08:00

Thanks so much to King of 25,000-megawatt smile for passing on the Butterfly Award to me:

Rules are pretty simple: Write something about yourself, link it back to the one who sent it to you and then pass it on to 7 people. :

About me:

- I would rather go without sleep altogether than get up early in the morning.

- When I was a kid, I was allergic to egg and chicken. I got yucky itchy things on my hands and feet whenever I ate stuff that had those as ingredients, but I still loved those kinds of food I ate them anyway and eventually I became immune.

- I have recurring Trichotillomania. I developed this habit in 6th Grade. I usually stop when the effect becomes obvious but I start doing it again especially during stressful times.

- I'm currently watching The Golden Girls on DVD. It's all I ever watch these days, quite frankly. It's really funny how the clothes they wore back then are showing up again these days. The remarkable characters make me look forward to growing older with my loved ones and remind me that I still have my best years ahead of me.

I would like to pass this award on to some of my latest followers and commenters. I hope to get to know you better, too!

- Lolita of The Good Lolita
- Julie of The Pink-Flavored Pen
- Nisa of Nisa's Beauty Room
- Amz88
- Charles a.k.a. wickeRmoss
- Rae of Scatterbrain Adventures

-Catmare of The Beauty Experiment

It's okay, if you guys have done this already. I just wanna show some love, too. ^^

---

MakeupDiary.org is holding a giveaway in to celebrate having over 250 followers. Click here for the rules. Congratulations MakeupDiary.org!

Cheap Thrills: Fringe Holders!

2011-06-27T01:23:00.001+08:00

If you follow a lot of beauty bloggers and makeup gurus, then you're probably already familiar with the Dariya Fringe Holders: They are scraps of some sort of material not unlike Velcro, which gently hooks onto the strands of your hair and keeps it in place without leaving any marks, It allows you to keep the hair out of your face while doing your makeup or whatevs.

When I first saw the fringe holders, I thought that they were cute and clever and that I wanted to get some. However, they were only available online quite frankly the markup seems a little unreasonable. I wasn't gonna pay PHP 200-400 + for bits of nothing when there were other cute ways of keeping hair in place.

However, while browsing the accessories display at Watson's last Saturday, I found these!

I must say, people who are selling these are pretty blatant in the way they copied this product. (They included images from the original and even the original's website URL in their package. Lulz!)

But but but! Check out the price- a whopping PHP 40- per pack of 2's. And just like the original, they have this in pink, blue and black, I don't really like black (yes, it's a classy color and everything but that's me) so I just got these 2.

I think the main difference (based on the product pics on the packaging) is that the edges of these fringe holders aren't rounded of and the way they're cut isn't so even or straight. Doesn't really bother me. And if it does, I can just cut them that way myself.

Hope you enjoyed the weekend!

A Mini Post for a Mini Haul

2011-06-22T17:50:00.000+08:00

Good news: I made it to the Etude House Sale!

Bad news: The store had been practically picked clean when I got there. I was only able to get a few things.

L-R: Moistfull Collagen Balm with SPF 42++ in Shade #2 Natural Beige; Soft Touch Auto Lip Liner (Nude Shade) Eye Glow Pencil in Pink (for the waterline) and Drawing Eye Brow pencil in Gray.

On the bright side, I'm pretty happy with what I walked away with.

Got a freebie for spending 1K: It's a lady assassin's weapon!

J/K. It's an eyebrow knife (shaver)

Since I was in Megamall already, I checked out the Ellana stall and got the Perfect Blend Foundation in Cinnamon Latte.

It's a great match for my skin tone, which, according to the bottom of the container says Medium with Cool Undertones. Great! I more or less have an idea how to describe my coloring. It might be helpful when I'm buying makeup online.

Happy Midweek everybody!

Starved for Shopping?

2011-06-16T20:24:00.002+08:00

If you're like me and the shops are always closed by the time you leave your office then I'm sure feel shopping-deprived once in a while. It's even worse when payday or the first day of sale period falls in the middle of the week. It takes a lifetime for the weekend to come and when it does, all the good stuff are already gone! Eventually, you end up spending more than you planned because you were indiscriminately picking up stuff just so you won't go home empty-handed.

Sound familiar? Then, I'd like to share some tips that could help tide you over a dry (shopping) spell until the next weekend or trip to the mall:

1. Go window-shopping: Even if all the stores are closed, you can always check
the window displays on your way home. See something you like? Get it the next day- before work if your shift starts late, or make a run for it on your lunch break,If you want it badly enough you'll have the energy to do so.

2. Check out what's open: It's not BCBG but browsing convenience store shelves is still good for burning up stored energy and a quick fix for shopaholics. You're likely to find some novelty items or something.

My friends from work and I often go to this Korean grocery/convenience store after work for ice cream bars and canned coffee drinks and I kind of lost it my first time there. I hoarded generic mask sheets and cute nail polish. They're still around my house someplace. I'll show them to you one of these days. ^^

Also, if you're lucky, you might stumble upon a night market from time to time.

3. Buy something online. It's just as fun (if not more) than buying at the store. Sites like bluefly.com lets you browse all the best brands and latest styles at the same time, compare prices in order to get the best deals, and find items that have been out-of-stock at your favorite physical stores. Best of all, they're open for business 24/7 so take as much time to think as you need (all 30 seconds of it) before purchasing those super cute BCBG shoes!

* images from bluefly.com

My Two Cents: The Body Shop Wise Woman Softening Toner

2011-06-15T19:29:00.003+08:00

Toners are a thing of mystery to me. There are as many differing opinions about this type of product as there are types of this product out in the market. Some say that it's merely meant to be a final step to cleansing because it removes traces of soap from the skin. If that were the case, then it's not always necessary especially for those who use non-soap cleansers. Others say that it's meant for treating skin problems and is absolutely necessary and must be used every day and every night.

A friend gave me this trial size bottle of Wise Woman Softening Toner (long name is long) from The Body Shop. It's meant for mature skin (I think she was trying to tell me something.)

Just kidding. It's never too early to start using anti-aging products, anyway.

I haven't heard much about this product before I got it so I did some research online and here is what The Body Shop Website says about the product .

Product Info*:
(*from the website)

Pamper your skin with a lightweight, silky-gel formula that removes the last traces of make-up and grime, tightens pores and softens skin, while preparing it to better absorb moisturizers. Organic Community Trade chamomile water soothes and calms skin. Witch hazel, a natural astringent, helps to refresh skin and reduce the appearance of puffiness. Innovative regenerating complex of skin-enhancing red clover, wild yam, star flower oil and organic Community Trade soy oil stimulates natural cell renewal and helps to maintain collagen levels for renewed elasticity and suppleness.

Sounds good, right? I had to try it myself.

Where to Buy: The Body Shop branches everywhere
Price: PHP 95 for the 60 ml bottle.I'm not sure how much the full-sized one costs in the Philippines.
Shelf Life: 12 Months

Likes:

- I love the serum-like (serous?) consistency of the product. Most products I've tried before are either watery (local brands) or like lotion or heavy cream (Asian brands.) Local toners usually contain alcohol and are used as astringent so they can be drying. Asian toners, on the other hand are just not suitable for our climate. It can also be economical because it's much easier to control how much product goes on our cotton pad/ball and a little can go a long way.

- Affordable! Yes, I got this for free. No, I don't have a habit of investigating the price of gifts I receive. My friend just didn't take the price sticker off.

- Effective! My skin definitely felt softer after the first use. I have been using this twice a day since I got it. It's not drying, and it doesn't cause breakouts.

Dislikes:

- Slight "old lady perfume" smell. It reminds me of those magazines with pages of perfume samples. (BTW, are those still around? I haven't gotten any lately.)

- Some ingredients might turn some of you off the product. (See photo) This is not really news anymore when it comes to TBS products.

- I think I've seen somewhere that this product is or will be discontinued.

Will I Buy Again?

If it's still around in the future, then yes. Also, I might still change my mind depending on the effects of prolonged use.

How about you lovelies? At what age did you start using anti-aging products and what are they? What's your favorite toner? Let's talk about it!

Disclaimer: "My Two Cents" posts are simplified reviews for products/services/etc. I've tried. I chose this title because I am a mere consumer offering her opinion. Unless stated otherwise, I have not received any compensation for these writings and the products I review are all bought with my own money.

Etude House is On Sale!

2011-06-14T14:24:00.002+08:00

Shop at Etude House from June 15-21 and get 20% off on all items. This is your chance to try their must-haves for less.

See you there lovelies!

Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with the company featured on this post. Opinions are honest and true. The image was sent to my via email because I am a subscriber to their newsletter..

Cheap Thrill: The "Bunny-Ears" Headband and Vintage Love

2011-06-10T15:01:00.000+08:00

I am a fan of everything vintage-y and retro. I can't explain it, that kind of stuff just appeals to me instantly. Just like this red polka-dot headband I got from Saizen (PHP 85.) It was love at first sight.
Isn't it cute? It reminds me of the headpiece those women in WWII motivational posters.

The bestie doesn't like it because it reminds her of Minnie Mouse. LOL

It's great. It's got wire inside so you can shape it anyway you like: upright ears, droopy ears or put it on the other way around, hide the ends behind your hair and wear it as an ordinary headband. Also, because of the wire it's easy to put on it'll stay in place for sure.

I don't wear it out, but it's great for keeping my hair out of my face when I'm doing my makeup.

And speaking of makeup, I also used "old school"-type makeup in these pics: Pancake foundation applied with a wet sponge. I know that with the kind of advancements in makeup nowadays, this can be considered outdated, pancake foundation for me will always be considered "moviestar makeup" because of its presence in classic movies.

Also, don't these pictures look aged as well? Haha. Blame my poor photography skills, but I like the effect I got. I used natural light from my bedroom window. The patches are from the light spilling in through my lacy curtain, not Photoshop. It's almost hipster-y, in my opinion.

Here's a pic of the (all affordable and mostly local) products I used:

Face:
Ellana primer
Kokuryu Summer Cake in Orange Blush
Ever Bilena Mousse Blush in Cinnamon

Eyes:
Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer

Nichido Sing Eye Shadow in Gold Foil
Fashion 21 Dipliner (Brown)

Lips:
Careline Vitamin E Gloss in 107 (will do a post about this soon!)

What about you? Do you like vintage things What's the latest accessory that you bought? Tell me about it.

Thanks for reading!

Madiha's Makeup Blog 2000+ Followers Giveaway!

2011-06-08T15:06:00.001+08:00

Click picture for details

Congratulations Madiha! And thanks for this lovely giveaway!

My Two Cents: Himalaya Herbals Neem Foaming Face Wash

2011-06-06T21:50:00.000+08:00

Foam is a lovely, fun and effective way of cleansing our faces.

Himalaya Herbals Neem Foaming Face Wash's formula is much gentler on the skin than facial washes I had been used to. It is soap-free and uses the power of natural ingredients. Neem has been used to treat acne for centuries. It is also known for its ability to keep skin elastic. It is also used as insect repellent, which is a real plus in our country's environment. Turmeric is a popular ingredient for beauty treatments as well. It has anti-aging and anti-microbial properties, and is also used for depilatory purposes. (I know someone who uses turmeric powder on cystic pimples.) The bottle also lists Vetiver as one of its main ingredients, but I think it's mostly for the fragrance.

Where to Buy: Watson's
Price: About PHP 140+ (Bought it on sale) for 150 ml of product.

Likes:
- Effective. Did a great job of cleansing my face. It even washes away light makeup including non-waterproof mascara.
- Gentle. Doesn't dry out my skin, doesn't make me break out, and I love the soft and elastic feel of my skin after washing.
- Economical. One pump is enough to get the result I wrote about.


one pump gives this much product. lovely foam. so much fun to use.

- Scent is quite lovely.

- Price. Similarly priced as- if not more affordable than- other face washes in supermarkets.

- Widely available
- This product was not tested on animals.*

Dislikes
- Not ideal for travel. Some of the product got spilled when I brought this home. Turns out, the cap got a bit unscrewed and my other purchses got doused.

- Some of the ingredients listed might be a deal-breaker for some of you. (see photo)

- I can not vouch for this product being completely cruelty-free.**

Will I repurchase?
There are many other products (including the other types from Himalaya Herbals) that I want to try, but eventually, I might.

"My Two Cents" is a new feature on my blog. These posts are simplified reviews for products I've tried. I chose this title because I am a mere consumer offering her opinion. Unless stated otherwise, I have not received any compensation for these writings and the products I review are all bought with my own money.

Thanks for reading!

Squeeze the Pug's Chanel Giveaway

2011-06-02T14:32:00.001+08:00

Check out this amazing giveaway from Squeeze the Pug

Get the details HERE

Thank you Squeeze the Pug!

Jbreezybaby's 450 Followers Giveaway

2011-06-01T15:53:00.001+08:00

Get the deets HERE

Congrats Jbreezybaby and thanks for the generous giveaway!

GPOY: My First and Last Pair of Circle Lenses (for now)

2011-05-30T11:58:00.003+08:00

Circle lenses are all the rage (especially among Asians) because they instantly make the eyes bigger. Also, wearers are given the option of changing their eye color from the color they've had all their lives into something extraordinary. They're cheap, too, at least, compared to cosmetic surgery.

These lenses are a staple in creating most looks for cosplay and popular styles and subcultures like gal/gyaru (Japanese) and ulzzang (Korean.) With the right makeup and outfit, the wearer could look like a living doll.

Personally, dolls are lovely but they creep me out. Fashion dolls are okay, I guess. I had Barbie dolls and such as a kid (I only played with them when I had friends who wanted to play with them over) and I wanted one of those Pullips for a while, but those lifelike BJD's give me nightmares.

But I digress. My point is, I would never have bought into the whole circle lens fad except for one thing. I have pretty okay eyesight for someone with the kind of daily activities that I do. I have never needed to wear glasses. The things is, I have a lazy eye. It's not so bad in person but itmakes me look kind of cross-eyed in photos. I'm embarrassed to take my pic because of it. I had the idea that circle lenses would make my eyes look even. (They did, I guess..)

Ta-dah!

I got the 14.8 mm Geo Super Angel Brown. I am aware of the risks that come with wearing these and I have taken necessary precaution. I bought them from a reputable online shop. I've seen them around for a while and have been selling these lenses long before the boom of fake/unbranded lenses in tiangges. They were also able to certify the authenticity of their lenses, which is why I chose to buy from them. Also, I always make sure to clean and disinfect them properly after taking them off.

This entry's getting pretty long so I'll just list the rest of my thoughts in bullets:

Likes:

I like the way they look in pictures
Not so obvious (to some people)
Uncomfortable at first but I got used to it

Dislikes

Not that easy to put on (for a noob like me)
looks unnatural

In conclusion:

I don't wear these everyday. Only on special occasions or when camwhoring, and never for too long.
I will probably buy another pair/other pairs but only if I can find a optical shop that carries prescription circle lenses
I will choose something less conspicuous- smaller in diameter (I'm not sure what the standard size is) and in my natural eye color (very black.)

Also, in case anyone is curious, these are the mostly local, affordable and widely available products I used for my look:

Face:
- The Face Shop Clean Face BB Cream
- Fashion 21 Two-Way Powder Foundation with Tea Tree Oil no. 3
- Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Cheek

Eyes:
- San-San Gel Eye Liner in Brown
- Avon Super Shock Mascara
- GEO Circle Lens Super Angel 14.8 mm in Brown

Lips:
- Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick in Skin

Tool/s:
- Marionnaud Angled Blush Brush

Have a good week. Hugs!

EH Pink Card + NOTD

2011-05-25T03:27:00.002+08:00

Here's a quick haul post just to get the ball rolling.

It had been ages since I last went to Etude House (since they first got here, I think) but I found myself in SM Megamall recently and was able to pick up some of the stuff I've been meaning to try. Sorry for the crappy pics, I didn't have a lamp.

Proof 10 Eye Primer. This review really sealed the deal.

Color Me Nude Lip Concealer.

Good-bye Dark Circle Under Eye Patch.

They were out of the Collagen Eye Patch I tried before, but I liked this even better.

Petit Darling Nails in BR301.

I'm in love with this color. I've been lemming for it and staring at pictures of it on the website for the longest time. Even if it costs only PHP 48, finally getting to buy it was like a dream come true.

...aannd since I spent a little over PHP 500, I was able to get the Pink Membership Card, which entitles the bearer a 2% rebate on purchases (minimum of PHP 100) and certain perks. Oh! And this:

Sweet Dream Facial Tissue.

Is it just me, or has EH been phoning it on the GWP thingy lately? I don't really mind. It's cute and is a nice addition to my kikay kit.

Before I end this post, here are pics of BR301 on my nails.

without flash

with

Thanks for reading!

Hey there! Remember me?

2011-05-23T02:16:00.002+08:00

It's been a long time since I posted here, but don't take it personally. I haven't been doing much of anything since I last checked in here.

I'll be honest, I've been in a really bad place since then, and the reason has something to do with my last entry. I'm still dealing with that and not really ready to talk about it here in detail.

forever in my heart

However, I am back to trying to find bits of happiness anywhere I can. I love small delights and I love sharing them with others. That's really what I miss most about blogging and why I could never give it up completely.

Talk to you guys real soon.

Please Pray for Maddy

2010-09-20T18:44:00.000+08:00

She's getting a blood transfusion.

OC Behavior

2010-04-25T20:52:00.003+08:00

I don't know about you guys but I actually find doing something repetitive comforting:

Murano heart necklaces.

pearl bracelets.

cellphone charms. Design first used here.

pearl headbands.

crystal headbands.

There's just one of this bracelet, but I've made something like it before but using another color scheme. I really like how this turned out, though. It looks really yummy and makes me think of berries.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Papemelroti Beauty in a Box and here's someone I'd like you to meet.

2010-04-22T22:29:00.008+08:00

Papemelroti is a well-known specialty store in the Philippines that sells paper products and knick knacks. Its name is practically synonymous to country-style crafts. This store has always had a special place in my heart since I was in grade school and avidly collected stationery (admit it, you've gone through that phase, too). It was also one of my go-to places for emergency gifts/tokens of affection for years.

I was at one of their stores recently with my sister recently because she was looking for cutesy local products to send in a love package to her friends abroad and I got this:

It says: Beauty in a Box- Easy & natural ways to shine using homemade remedies.

It's a small craft box which contains a stack of cards roughly the size of your standard Post-It note. The cards contain miscellaneous beauty tips, DIY treatments, recipes and the like.

Sample cards. Clockwise from top left: tip for deodorizing any strong stench, remedies for tired eyes, goodbye crow's feet, for shiny hair, and fresh breath fast. There's more where these came from. The stack's pretty thick. I think I'll scan them and share them with you as I give them a try.

A lot of the tips seem interesting and easy enough to try at least once but there are also a few that feels like too much work. Mind you, some of the cards also contain stuff that's basically common knowledge especially to you beauty experts. For instance, there were quite a few cards about ACV. I'm no beauty guru, but I'm not stranger to the benefits of ACV, either. All in all, this is PHP 40 (less than 1 USD) well-spent. For non-beauty enthusiasts, they also have other themes of this box like Psalms, Bible verses, quotes, other Inspirational stuff, etc. There's a box for everyone!

***

Everyone, meet the Store Kitteh:

My friend and I were closing up our (still budding) shop the other night when I saw this kitteh crossing the street to a vacant lot beside the building where our shop was. It was so small that I feared for its life, so I checked the lot if the mommy kitteh were there but it wasn't so I took it home.

When I looked at it more closely, I could see that its eyes were still milky so I'm guessing it's really really young and its eyes were not completely open yet. My sister gave me a can of Fancy Feast cat food (pictured, so if you're familiar with the brand and how small that can is, you'll have an idea how small Store Kitteh is) for it the night I took it home. I was planning to just give it some milk because like I said it was so small I didn't think it could eat real food yet. Boy was I wrong. The cat gobbled it up and even made "om nom nom" noises. It must have been starving. I tried to give it dry cat food, too, and even though it tried to eat the dry food, her teeth must not have been strong enough for it yet,

I don't need to be told that my house is not the place for a practically newborn kitten (We have overly excitable dogs) so what I do is I take the kitten with me back to the shop and let it out where I can see it, in case it decides to go home or its mom comes back but at night I take it back home with me. I use a shoebox to transport it, and the system has worked for three nights so far.

(Personally, I think Store Kitteh has brought us luck at the shop. I consider it our living Maneki Neko. As of now, the business partner still needs further "convincing." Haha.)

Thanks for dropping by!

I ran out of steam.

2010-04-20T22:25:00.005+08:00

How's everyone? I know that it seems like every time I make a promise to blog more frequently I disappear off the face of the internet soon after. I'll try not to do it this time.

Anyway, I'd like to thank everyone who has not stopped following me as well as new friends who still followed even though I haven't posted in a while. I look forward to getting to know all of you better, too. ^^

So here's a recap of stuff of what's happened since I last posted here: I quit my job! It's one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make but I felt like it was time. I did love doing my job, it was everything else that came with it that I hated.

NOT what was written on my resignation letter.

After that I took it easy for a while and in the process developed new obsessions and rekindled old ones I thought I'd forgotten about (I won't go into too much detail but HINT: See image above.) and there's also something exciting in the works: A friend and I opened a small shop together. It's hard to describe it but it's meant to have everything I love. It's part thrift store/curiosity shop, part candy store and would occasionally also sell dimsum. haha. It's my hippie dream/quarter-life crisis project. It's a work in progress.

EH Duo Fibre Brush + mini eyelash curlers

2010-02-28T14:25:00.004+08:00

Paying a visit to Etude House during its first couple of weeks in Manila had been frustrating because everything I was interested in getting was sold out but when I got back from vacay, the hype had died down so I was finally able to get their stippling brush!

The stippling brush costs PHP 428 and I was urged by the SA's to get a little something extra because I was so close to PHP 500 which entitled me to a freebie.

I got the collagen eyepatch for PHP 78 and so I got a folder with the guy on Boys Over Flowers (I'm not a fan, but my niece watched this series and might like it.)

What I didn't know was that for a PHP 500 purchase, I could have gotten the pink card instead. More info on the pink card here. Why wasn't I told about this earlier?

Actually, I had a different goal that day. Remember this?

I have always wanted to get a backup before in case something like this happened:

See that white line on the left? I kinda pressed it a little too hard one time and it snapped. It's not completely broken but I don't know what to do to repair it.

But it was too late when I got back to EH. The curlers were gone. Now a PHP 1K purchase gets you a mini bb cream thingie. I didn't want it.

Luckily, I found the perfect replacement:

The Allue mini eyelash curler works just as well as the EH Code B one, plus you can get one at any HBC store. I got mine on sale, too. (PHP 50- about 1 USD.) The barbie pink color might be a plus for some of you girls out there, but I still think the EH one is prettier.

I think mini curlers work better on me. Here's another one I got recently:

The Fanny Serrano mini curler costs PHP 125 (less than 3 USD). The width of the curler is about half of a regular eylash curler which makes it perfect for curling just the outer lashes for a kind of cat-eye look. It pinched a little when I first started using it, but it works great when you get used to it.

Thanks for dropping by!

P.S. Big news next week. Stay tuned!

Lancome Juicy Tube Charms

2010-02-23T21:13:00.007+08:00

Hi everyone! How's everyone doing? Been a while, right? I went on vacation a few weeks ago, and I just haven't had the chance to blog again since I got back.

Here's a short post just to get the ball rolling again. I have recently made my first ever blogsale purchase. It's been a long time since I bought anything online, but I think this was too sweet a deal to pass up. Here's what I got:

Lancome Juicy Tubes Juicy Charms Mini Trio

L-R: 1. Bewitching ruby - A delicate and shimmering pink gloss - Cherry flavour / 2. Crystal shine -A translucent gloss with festive sparkles - Raspberry flavour / 3. Hypnotic sapphire - A Lilac gloss with pale pink sparkles.- Grapefruit flavour.

Originally, these mini (7 ml) tubes are charms on a silver (toned?) bracelet. I looked online and it retails for about 20-45 dollars depending on where you look. I got all three glosses (brand new) sans the bracelet for PHP 200. (Less than 5 dollars)

Here's what you'll get if you buy the actual product and it comes in a box.

It's all good, though. Even though I've been been lemming for this for the longest time, I probably would never wear it like a bracelet. I'd feel silly.

I have absolutely no problem with using them as cellphone charms, though. I couldn't resist adding a little embellishment:

Bewitching Ruby + cellphone lariat + crystal heart + acrylic flower + peach pink pearl

Hypnotic Sapphire + cellphone lariat + crystal heart + blue enamel "J" + marbled blue and white acrylic star

Crystal Shine + cellphone lariat + crystal heart + silver-toned snowflake + milky white pearl

Thanks for looking!

Product Review: Sanli Super BB Cream Blemish Balm Essential

2010-01-05T22:19:00.005+08:00

As you may have noticed, I don't usually post product reviews. Most products I've had are nothing new and have been reviewed by users who are more knowledgeable than me in this area. However, I googled this BB Cream which I bought recently and have not found any reviews. It seemed like a good topic to blog about.

I bought this product at a Chinese Drugstore. Makes sense in a way, I guess since BB Creams were originally developed to treat serious skin problems and aid in healing. It costs PHP 700 for 50 ml (about 15 USD). It is manufactured by Sanli International Cosmetic Group Co. which is based in Hong Kong.

Promises: Good coverage, sunblock, wrinkle-care and whitening effect.

I find the packaging very pretty. It comes in a textured gold box designed with vines and flowers. The tube has a similar design, but its color is a greenish gold. One side of the box has the list of ingredients and the other side has a brief description of the product.

What I don't like is its use of Engrish. No biggie, but for me it kinda makes the product dubious. On the other hand, its information is a bit more helpful for me than say, those products that only have Korean or Japanese characters. Haha.

Likes:
- Price. Cheaper than premium or even most popular brands, but not so cheap it's scary to try.
- No breakouts!
- Good coverage but does not feel heavy. It looks a little strange on me when first applied, but after a while it adapts and looks natural.
- The girl who sold this to me said this suits all skintones. Not sure if that's true but I gave samples to 2 of my sisters (we all have different skintones) and it looks fine on them as well.
- Pretty packaging. The magpie in me likes the shiny gold box.
- Oil-controlling ability is amazing. The first time I used it, I was amazed that I still looked fresh and hardly needed a touch up even after several hours of playing with my hyperactive niece.

Dislikes:
- Has a faint medicine-y smell (but like I said, that is what BB Cream is.) Reminds me of joint cream but the smell is not as powerful. It's not unpleasant, mind you, but when it comes to products for the face, I really prefer fragrance-free stuff.
- The product as well as the manufacturer is so obscure. Even a Google search for Sanli International Cosmetic Group came up with the following results:

Click to Enlarge

The first result- a question on Yahoo! Answers that goes "Is Sanli International Cosmetic Group of Hong Kong a real company?"- does not exactly inspire confidence.

All in all, I would consider this a good buy. I'm definitely satisfied with it. ^^

Thanks for dropping by!

Etude Hizz-ouse!

2010-01-02T00:00:00.008+08:00

Happy New Year lovelies!

Here is my first haul post for the year 2010. Bought these last week, way way back in 2009, haha.

As most of you have probably already heard, Etude House opened in Manila a couple of weeks ago. Like most girls in the area, I had been dying to go.

Thoughts:

The store was smaller than I expected or seemed from the pics I've seen on the web, but it was so cute and totally the kind of style I go for. I also got a kick from being called a "Princess." Ha-ha.

This is my first time to purchase Etude House products, so I chose my items based on what struck my fancy.

Here is a pic of my Etude House mini-haul:

55 Kissful Tint Chou no. 3 (Strawberry)

This is a sheer baby pink lip gloss with a faint yummy scent. I've pics of this online before and have always wanted one in this shade. Perfect for "natural makeup" days.

Fresh Cherry Tint (Red)

This is a lip tint which has a creamy consistency but feels light on your lips. It gives you healthy and natural-looking color which is also long-lasting. It also has a very light and yummy scent. I love it! I wanna get the other shades, too.

I'm not good at making swatches but here's what the two lip stuff look like.

w/o flash

w/ flash

BB Magic Pact

The compact is pretty

Inside.

BB Magic Pact is a pressed powder pact that gives good coverage. I was planning to get the Peach Pact because I've been hearing good things about it but when I got there, I had trouble choosing among three types: BB Magic Pact, Peach Pact and Secret Beam. Secret Beam had lots of shimmers which I liked and cost a bit less. In the end I went with BB magic pact because it was the one without talc.

Freebie: Code B Mini Curler

The store was offering various freebies depending on how much the customer spent: PHP 1000 gets you the mini-curler (which was the only freebie I wanted) PHP 2000 gets you a cat plushie (do not want), and PHP 3000 gets you a skincare trial kit (will wait for reviews).

I do have a teensy rant about my first EH experience. I asked one of the SA's about the Fresh Cherry tint because the peach shade was the only shade on display. She said that was the only shade left but after a couple of minutes, another SA brought out more red Fresh Cherry tints.

Oh well, I still had a good time. I'm probably not the only girl who feels this way, but I was missing Etude House and planning my next purchases the moment I stepped out of Etude House.Will buy skin care prods next, and I really wanted the display stuff such as the Romantic box and stand, but I'm saving it for when I move to my new home. ^^

What are your fave Etude House prods?

Farewell 2009!

2010-01-01T23:15:00.001+08:00

Get your Twitter to look nice with aCustom Twitter Backgrounds

Yoinked Gift Items

2009-12-29T19:24:00.009+08:00

Hope everyone's Christmas rocked. I finished my Christmas shopping at literally the 11th hour. Haha. I was a mess.

Of course, I think I would have finished sooner if I hadn't been sneaking in my own stuff with the presents. Ha-ha.

Take-sies back-sies allowed.

Actually, these were things I was considering to give to certain people for Christmas but ended up keepin for myself. Ha-ha.

Neutrogena Wave

Included this in my Christmas shopping under false pretenses. I never planned to give it away. Been wanting to try the Neutrogena Wave cleanser for the longest time, but was holding out. I didn't want to seem too lazy to wash my face with my own two hands. Ha-ha.

The Face Shop Cushion Touch lip plumper in PP 401

I might review this in the future.

Sleep Mask

It was pink satin with the words "Sleeping Beauty" embroidered. How can I resist?

The Face Shop "Anti-Aging" Gift Set

The Face Shop gift sets are quite nice. They're "themed" so you can choose a person's gift based on the recipient's (or your own) main concern. This set comes with 7 sheet masks and a trial kit and what's cool about it is that you can mix and match the masks you'll get. The kit originally had 7 COQ10 masks but I took the opportunity to sample various masks which I'm curious about.

2 pcs Hyaluronic Acid- for ultimate skin hydration

2 pcs COQ10- for supple skin

2 pcs Ceramide- for greater skin hydration and elasticity

1 pc Collagen- for firm, hydrated skin.

LOL, at the lonesome collagen mask. I don't like uneven numbered things (OCD haha) but most beauty products already contain it, and I even drink it so I don't think my face will miss it.

Then again, COQ10's a pretty common ingredient, too. Oh well.

Flebeaute' Collagenic Trial Kit

includes:
Light Skin toner - 40 % improvement in skin texture
Firming emulsion- 75% improvement in skin firmness
Eye Contour Serum- 90% improvement in skin moisture level
Collagen 70 Cream- 64% improvement in skin resilience.

A 5-peso coin was used for size comparison. I haven't tried this as I'm on a different treatment right now. I'll give feedback when I do.

I have leftover gift items lying around, such as stocking stuffers and the like... dunno what to do with them now.

See you later! ^^

10.1 inches of awesome

2009-12-27T11:56:00.004+08:00

Did that sound dirty to you? Don't worry, it's not. hee-hee.

I was talking about this:

Acer eMachines emd250

Just sharing another Christmas present. I'm probably the laziest netizen in the world. You've probably noticed the sad lack of updates on this blog, right? I've even abandoned most of my social networking accounts because they were full of fail. It's because I can't be bothered to tote around a proper notebook or go to a desk when I'm not at work.

Came with (from the flyer):

- Intel Atom N270
- 1.6Hz/1.0 Gb DDR2 800 MHz
- 160 Gb SATA HD
- 10 in. screen/camera/wireless LAN
- 6-cell Li-ION battery

It's about an inch think and really lightweight: small, slim and really sexy. I used an Ipod Touch as a reference for size comparison. One of my sisters thought that this would be the solution to my problem. I hope so, too. I'm planning something like an online venture by next year, and this would really come in handy then.

Hopefully, this would also mean more comments, eh?

One of my favorite things

2009-12-26T12:39:00.005+08:00

I am a sucker for lucky charms. Maybe they work and maybe they don't, but with all of the stuff that's going on these days, I think it can't hurt to have a little extra good luck on our side.

I especially like the lucky cat that we can usually see in front of some shops because not only does it bring good luck, but it is freakin' cute. If I'm not mistaken, it's called a "Maneki Neko" in Japanese. There's a Chinese Version, too, which usually has a mechanical waving arm.

Here's something I got for Christmas:

O HAI!

I can has cheeseburger?

Yay for huggable lucky lolcats.

'tis the season

2009-12-26T11:08:00.001+08:00

Grab a new Myspace Layout