E-Sanctuary

Betty Crocker's Creamy Vanilla

2012-02-11T01:02:00.000+08:00

So it sounded familiar and yummy but no, its not edible. Betty Crocker's recipes and ready mix desserts are absolutely delish, but here's something tempting for the olfactory nerves instead.

I actually thought I would not find an affordable scented candle that I can truly enjoy. Most scented candles smell good when sniffed at the store. But come the actual part of hoping to indulge in its aroma, turns out it's just like any ordinary candle. Or its just me...

This deliciously sweeet smelling one was Php60 at Metro Supermarket. I thought I might give one fancy looking scented candle, another chance...

At first I was a bit disappointed. The scent was only obvious when I smell it from the candle itself. Well, what more can I do but continue to light it up during those weary nights.

Surprisingly after a couple of days, I can finally smell the delightful vanille aroma inside my tiny room. I find the scent refreshingly sweet and relaxing at the same time. Somehow its just in there waiting to be ignited, bringing out its essence. After almost 4 months now though I don't light it everyday, its about to hit the glass. Definitely going to buy another one soon. It comes with a lot of fruity scents but it was the vanilla that I really liked. I might be trying out another gourmet style scented candle from the same brand. I spotted another amazingly nice smelling one with Coconut at Parkmall sometime ago. I just hope its still there when I have the chance to go back..

It's been a tough and scary week but thankful to have made it. God is still in control.

Hope everyone have a safe and blessed weekend.

Dani

Skinfood Mushroom BB Cream #2 Sample Size

2012-02-09T23:26:00.001+08:00

The Good: Medium coverage, blends easily, shade almost matched my skintone, no breakouts

The Not-So-Good: No oil control

Rating: 4/5

So sometime ago I have yet to try another Skinfood BB cream in trial size after liking the Skinfood Aloe. Though I may have only used it for a week, its pretty good and I find it a bit lighter on the skin and easier to blend compared to the Skinfood Aloe BB. It was a nice try but I'm still on the hunt for the one with an effective oil control. Still got this from Cutie Beauty Shoppe. I have recently purchased trial sizes of BB creams and she was just too kind to include some more sample packs. Can't wait to try them out.

Dani

Peek: Ulta 84-Piece Beauty Portfolio

2012-02-03T23:31:00.002+08:00

The long awaited order has finally arrived! The Ulta 84-Piece Beauty Portfolio!

I was supposed to use this during the Christmas season, but too bad it didn't came as promised. Anyways its finally here and I'm excited to try all the pretty colors of the collection. Some of my friends and I pre-ordered this Ulta Make-up Collection from the US for Php 1500.

I chose the chocolate brown portfolio

When opened, it looks like an organizer, only with mirror.

And here's how it all looks when fully opened

Eyeshadows and lip colors

E/S quads, powder, lipsticks, lipgloss, eyeliners, and brushes

It also includes blushes and a bronzer

The eyeshadow quad that I tried is really pretty, I will definitely be posting swatches and some reviews of the different products in this collection once I get to try them.

Lovely weekend to all you lovelies out there!

Dani

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Lip Liner in Eastend Snob

2012-01-27T15:21:00.000+08:00

From the web: Rimmel Exxagerate is a soft-textured, automatic lip liner that delivers rich color and precise definition

bare lips

with Rimmel Eastened Snob all over lips

The Good: Beautiful nude pink color, glides smoothly on lips, automatic liner - no need of sharpening, good staying power

The Not-So-Good: A bit drying on the lips

I'm really loving the color of this lip liner, its unbelievable how easily it can be applied not just to define but to color the lips all over. I have been looking for the perfect nude color and I think I can consider this as one of them. The drying effect can be addressed well by applying gloss or balm which what I usually do, and even without lipstick your already good to go! Highstreetlady Shop at Facebook was selling this for only Php100.

Enjoy your weekend ahead Lovelies!

Dani

Some Bits of the Sinulog That Was

2012-01-23T10:29:00.006+08:00

Every third Sunday of January, the whole Cebu, local and foreign tourists flock on the streets of Cebu City to witness the Grand Parade of the Sinulog Festival, in honor of the feast of Child Jesus, Sr. Santo Nino. I was not supposed to be in the streets this year but eventually I just did. And boy was I thankful to be there because of the biggest surprise of my life. Before I share about that, here are some of the scenes I got to witness along the way

To my biggest surprise? Guji Lorenzana! The company that I work for have a float and he was also there with us! I had no idea. He is a local singer, radio DJ and actor who I adore since the time I saw him on television years ago as Kaye Abad's partner. I know not too many people recognize him which is a good thing. He is just as charming and down to earth as I thought he is. I'm never the type who's fond of asking photo ops from celebrities, this was absolutely the first and definitely for keeps!

I still can't stop smiling looking at the photos with him. :)

Dani

Etude House Precious Minerals BB Cream #2 Sample Size

2012-01-14T13:59:00.002+08:00

The Good: Lightweight, blends with skin easily, doesn't look washed out, no breakouts

The Not-So-Good: Light coverage, no oil control

Rating: 3/5

The sample size was about 2 grams I think and it can last for 3 days. I got 2 packs so my feedback was fairly based on just a weeks use. I like how it blends well with my skintone, and it gives a dewy finish. I was supposed to buy the full size bottle but I saw that there is a new All Day Strong line, which has better reviews. It would be great to find something with real oil control effect though. I'll just have to keep hunting and trying for that.

By the way I got this from Gail of Cutie Beauty at Ebay.ph some months ago and only got to post the review now. She's based in Cebu and I love buying original and affordable Korean products from her. Do check out her Facebook Cutie Beauty Shoppe.

Until next time,

Dani

Ecotools 6-pc Eye Brush Set

2012-01-13T23:47:00.002+08:00

This is the Ecotools Bamboo 6 piece eye brush set. I got it from Ebay Philippines for Php540.

Info at the back of the packaging:

-Handles made from bamboo, a high sustainable plant

-100%% cruelty-free, soft taklon bristles

-Recycled aluminum ferrules.

-Natural cotton and hemp travel case.

-Reusable storage pouch

It claims to be made of soft, cruelty-free bristles, natural and recycled materials in a convenient travel case.

The handy dandy case also comes with a mirror

The large eye brush to apply and blend shadows

The angled crease brush to softly apply color to crease for definition

Petite Eye shading brush to apply deeper or accent colors for a bold look

The highlighting brush perfect for the brow bone and inner corners of the eye

The smudge brush to smudge shadow and liner along lash line for a smoky look

Each brush handle is engraved with the brand name and the corresponding brush names

I am absolutely loving this brush set. I simply like that its so convenient to have in the make-up kit for personal use. They're generally soft, but some brushes I have noticed to be just a bit scratchy. Though that might change by using a lighter hand while blending shadows. So far after almost 2 months, I've only noticed very minimal shedding. It's actually the shading brush and smudge brush that are the most useful for me, and its the crease brush that I use the least. Nonetheless, this is a really good set to play around with in applying shadows.

Have you tried this set or want to share some tips in using these? Please do let us know.

Happy weekend lovelies!

Dani

Looking Back

2012-01-08T23:24:00.003+08:00

Hope everyone had a great first week of the New Year. I know I have a lot of catching up to do. Who wasn't busy during December? Even if I have lots photos to share, they still need to be edited. So I will do my best on that for the next few days. Before facing this years new challenges and uncertainties, let me look back at last years few little feats. I would have loved to share this earlier on but I have always been hesitant, I don't know.

Having friends who loves posing for the camera, styling, and modelling has been a good thing for me to practice the make-up tips I learned. I had a wonderful time doing the girls make-up for all the fun shoots that we had this year and also during our Costume Christmas party.

Who doesn't know her? lol Fashion Blogger Mildred of Dred Reveries and also the woman behind the great styling of Marlon Capuyan Photography. I owe her all my professional looking photos and their DSLR cameras.

Emely

Rose

-During last November's afternoon casual fun shoot-

Early September, it was the first fun shoot (with me) which we took seriously. Prepared for the styling, make-up and endured the scorching heat of the noon time sun.

It was with the same girl friends and the shoot was leaning towards a vintage theme. Whatevs, we had fun anyways... :)

This was our Costume Christmas Party. I couldn't believe I helped 8 girls with their make-up in a course of 5 hours. Make that 9 including yours truly.

From December 17th to 23rd, it was a total of 4 presentations for a Christmas Cantata, with a choir of 100 singers. This was one of the 4 looks I ended up doing, though the others have been quiet similar to this. The key to the look in performing, especially singing is the red lips. Some of the schedules were really hectic, I have to go straight to the venue right after work so it has been really useful to have learned and acquired the things that I needed to do the make-up myself.

I could not generalize how the year was for me but I have been always thankful for whatever has come my way, be it good or bad. As the new year started, I never really thought of having a resolution. One thing that I would try to always remind myself though, is to be positive in everything and to just do what has to be done.

Have a great week ahead lovelies!

Dani

Mango Cream Parfait Recipe

2011-11-30T17:33:00.001+08:00

This is an absolutely delish mango cream parfait I whipped up some time ago. I first found the recipe at the back of a Nestle Cream pack, but I also found this recipe below from the Nestle website.

Ingredients

2 cans 160g NESTLE Cream, chilled
2 tbsp confectioner`s sugar
1/4 cup mango puree
2 medium ripe mangoes sliced into cubes
1 cup NESTLÉ Cornflakes

Procedure

1. Whisk NESTLÉ Cream, confectioner`s sugar, and mango puree.
2. Place cream mixture, fruit and NESTLÉ Cornflakes in layers. Repeat layering for remaining ingredients ending with cereal on top.
3. Chill very well before serving.

Here are the actual ingredients I used:

Nestle All Purpose Cream

Confectioner's sugar

Unsweetened mango puree

Ripe mangoes

I used Oishi's plain cornflakes and the choco-coated one instead. The Choco plunge stayed crunchy even after chilling unlike the plain cornflakes. I will definitely be using the Choco Plunge only next time.

It's so easy to prepare! You can also adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste. A really yummy treat, try it!

Forever 21 is Finally Open in Cebu City!

2011-11-27T22:53:00.001+08:00

Just a few days ago, Forever 21 has finally opened at the Northwing of SM City Cebu.

Fashionistas and Shopaholics alike have been very excited about the store's arrival in the Queen City of the South. And its just perfect around the Holidays season...

I'm not that excited though and I was just around the mall looking for something else, so I never took time to get in the store. Luckily I have a camera with me. Probably one of these days, I'll definitely check it out...

Another attraction in the mall is their Magical Christmas theme, I just find these clowns a little creepy though. (IMO)

See, don't they?

I think it was also the same day when I was there that the Christmas Village of Hope was revealed.

It's 28 more days to go and its already Christmas!

Skinfood Aloe Sun BB Cream #2

2011-11-08T22:40:00.003+08:00

It's been a long time ago since the BB Creams bandwagon came out, but it is only this year that I finally braved to give one a try. I was at first hesitant for many reasons. The very first would be the possibility of more breakouts as what some bloggers have experienced, and I have pimple-prone skin, it's so hard to decide which one to try first. I find them too pricey as well and if there are any good brands as per many reviews, they are not available locally.

Then the ripe time to try a BB Cream came. After reading reviews I decided to get the Skinfood Aloe Sun BB Cream #2. I have been using it since March.

Blends well with the skin

Application on the face

The Good : No break-outs, evens out skin tone, improves skin texture, medium coverage

The Not-So-Good: A bit heavy consistency, needs effort in blending

The Bad: Caused milia (tiny white bumps on the skin)

Rating: 3/5

I've had some milia before but haven't noticed them for a while since I was using daily to weekly exfoliating products. When I started seeing nice results with Skinfood BB Cream, I think I have been lazy exfoliating thus I would conclude the development of milia. I tried to exfoliate a lot, even if it didn't remove a single milium at least I haven't noticed new ones coming out. I really like the product though, many people have noticed the improvement of my skin after a few months of using it. For me, the coverage is pretty sufficient for daily wear. Its been almost 8 months since I bought it and I think the contents will still last for another month.

Check out Cutie Beauty Shoppe, where I got this BB Cream and a lot more korean products for very affordable prices.

XOXO,
dani

The New Metro Gourmet

2011-11-06T10:35:00.000+08:00

I usually buy groceries at Metro Supermarket in Ayala Center Cebu, and since I noticed that there's a gourmet shop in the works at the spot where the Pharmacy was previously located, I was thrilled! So we didn't let another chance pass by when I saw that the place has finally opened.

Frankfurter with rice Php 80

Carbonara Php 185

Chicken sandwich Php 85

The verdict? So much for the thrill, cozy set-up, accomodating staff but I was dissappointed with the food. The carbonara was bland and not even creamy. the sandwich was boring.

I had a little of the sausage, it was okay. Php 185 for that much and that taste of a Carbonara? Not worth it.

Pizza hut's version is a lot better for Php 100 that already comes with drinks and appetizer. And I would still go back having the sandwiches from Suisse Cottage.

Well that was just my palate, and it was nice to give it a try. There are a lot of other stuff that I still might be trying out there, some other time...

dani

How Sbarro It Is!

2011-11-05T23:28:00.000+08:00

Chicken Penne Salad

Green Salad with Thousand Island dressing

hmmm, Emely's dinner. :D

Penne Carbonara with garlic bread

It was just another date night with Emely and this time it was at good ol' Sbarro in SM City Cebu. I wanted salad, she chose something with rice then craved for Carbonara. Good food and good laughs...

dani

A Peek at ELF Beauty Book and more!

2011-10-29T02:02:00.001+08:00

How's everyone getting ready for the long weekend? I'm not gonna be doing much but I am just so excited with the goodies that I just got. They're not a lot but I'm still sharing them anyways.

Just a quick post of these ELF products that I got recently. The Two-Way cake foundie in beige has been with me for a few weeks now actually and its pretty good. More feedback about this product in a separate post.

This has been my 2nd Clarifying Pressed Powder in Honey. It's a little darker than my skintone but I still love it as a contouring powder and I even use it as a blush sometimes.

My third Luscious Liquid Lisptick. Trying out different shades everytime.

And what I am most excited about is The BeautyBook Smoky Eye Edition! Thank you so much to my dearest Emely for the sweetest birthday gift! I actually helped her decide what to get for me. lol!

12 beautiful eyeshadow colors, 1 eyeliner, 1 e/s applicator and it also comes with a step by step guide for that perfect dramatic look.

I can't wait to try these out! I will surely be posting swatches, reviews and see how it'll work for me...

Have a safe weekend everyone! Enjoy!

dani

Swatch: NYX Round Lipstick in Indian Pink

2011-10-24T00:44:00.001+08:00

Bare Lips

With Nyx Round Lipstick in Indian Pink

The Good: I so love this pretty color, it's a nudie peachy pink shade with golden frosty shimmer.

The Not-So-Good: It's moisturizing but my lips seem to appear dry and peeling . It emphasizes the lip lines. Doesn't last that long.

I tend to have this issue with light colored lipsticks, they make my lips appear dry. That is somehow a major "but" for me, though application of a lipgloss can help a bit. Also, there's a little difference if its applied thinly. Still glad that I've tried this shade though. Got this from Ms Kazie of Krozer Fashion Online for PhP 150 ($3).

Good luck for another weekday ahead!

dani

Dakong Bato Beach and Leisure Resort

2011-10-23T03:50:00.002+08:00

I'm lucky to be one of the few people to see Dakong Bato transform into the beautiful resort that it is now. About 4 years ago, we just called this place Mr. Wong's resthouse. We used to spend summer outing, Christmas party, and team-building activities there while the resort's development was still on the works. Even then we already loved the place.

A glimpse of the over-looking view from the restaurant in the resort

The infinity pool and cottages

A different view of the pool and the crystal clear sea water

Emely enjoying the infinity pool

Karaoke and activity area near the infinity pool

Another pool with a slide

Our delicious lunch after a tree planting activity. The banana leaves made it extra special. This was bought outside by the way.

A random tiny flower

Top view of the infinity pool

Sea water enclosure in between the two pools

Sea water enclosure showing the sea wall

Enjoying the view

So Dakong Bato in English means "big rock". The resort is built in a rocky cliff overlooking the sea. It is located in Coro, Dalaguete Cebu which is about 4 hours ride south of Cebu City. What I like most about the place is the serenity and privacy, beautiful sunrise, and the cool clear sea water perfect for snorkeling . This may not be the place though for those who would expect of a white sand beach. I still do enjoy the sea most here especially now with the sea water enclosure. As for the fees, it may be a little heavy for some but the place is still worth checking out. For more information about the resort visit their site, Dakong Bato .

Dani

Sizzlin' Pepper Steak and Nonki

2011-10-22T22:36:00.016+08:00

I'm just the worst person to share food trips ever. Not only do I post so late, I don't take notes of the menu or dishes that we've tried. Oh and also the prices. If only I posted this sooner, I would have remembered. It would still be nice to share the photos anyways. They look too delicious to be put into hiding.

So this was at Sizzlin Pepper Steak at the Terraces Ayala Center Cebu a few months back. This was from their Sizzlin Pepper Rice menu, I'm just so sure now if this one I ordered was pork or chicken.

It was really cool to wait for your meal getting cooked right in front of you on the hot plate.

It was sizzling hot and really good, that I can honestly remember. :D

My partner in food crime Emely, went healthier with her choice of a Tuna dish. Sorry, no idea with the menu name too. :(

It was light, creamy and yummy as well.

On a different day, we had the chance to try out Nonki Japanese Restaurant in SM City Cebu. We just opted for their bento dishes. Our orders came with complimentary tea, appetizer and miso soup.

I had tempura bento. This was actually too much for me, I had a hard time finishing and I just have to stop forcing myself because I was in the verge of throwing up. Well I wasn't feeling well that night. We might just go there again when I'm really starving.

Emely had this chicken something bento, nothing special with the chicken but it was good. Among all the other Japanese bentos we've tried, Nonki so far had the best value for money. It was sumptuous, affordable and offered great ambiance as well.

I still have a few food photos hanging around, I definitely would be posting them soon. And I should better be taking notes next time.

Dani

Swatch: Nyx Round Lipstick in B52

2011-10-21T22:31:00.001+08:00

actual color is almost the same here

Bare lips

With NYX B52 Round lipstick

The Good: Smooth application, creamy, no shimmers, color compliments well with any skin tone

The Not-So-Good: Doesn't last long, can get too soft with the Philippine weather

This is not my first NYX round lippie, but finally this is the first one that I have been using for a longer time than the others that I've tried. Please excuse the photo actual application does seem a bit weird, though it was taken with natural lighting. Another thing I liked about it, it somewhat makes the skin look bright, thus the effect of the last photo I guess. In person, its almost like my natural lip color, and more even. I don't know but I couldn't seem to like NYX lipsticks with shimmer finish. It might just be me but outcome of color pay-off and texture are not the same. I may also be just too picky.

Anyways, I bought this from pretty Ms Kaz of Krozer Online who's based in Cebu City Philippines, and who is also selling her NYX lipsticks and other make-up for wholesale prices. So you might want to check her site Krozer Fashion Shop before it runs out!

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Dani

IN2IT Waterproof Eyebrow Colour

2011-09-12T01:38:00.000+08:00

Cute packaging design

Comes with a tiny applicator brush

I was blessed with naturally thin and very sparse eyebrows. Never learned to do anything with them until I started working and basically use any eyebrow pencil my mom would suggest. I haven't really found that one good eyebrow pencil after many tries. Well, I've heard of eyebrow powders and kits but thought to myself those are just for the professionals. Until I was at Watsons one time, just looking around and the IN2IT SA just talked me into trying out their Eyebrow Colour. I was actually eyeing on the Skinfood and Nichido Brow kits but its good to talk to someone who's nice and friendly enough to tell you more about the product, so I gave it a go.

The IN2IT SA taught me to swipe the brush from the lightest color to the darkest color in a slant direction. In this way the brush picks up all three shades of the brow powder, then apply to redefine the eyebrows.

SWATCHES

First three swatches from the top: The individual colors of the brow colour, from lightest to darkest

Bottom swatch: Brush swiped on all three shades

Bare Eyebrows

Pardon my application, I still need more practice. Just wanted to show how the powder goes on the actual eyebrows

Conclusion: I love it! It took me a few days to get used to the brow powder to replace my usual eyebrow pencil routine, but I can really say that its definitely worth it. Eyebrow powder gives a more subtle look than most pencils. It gives me more control during application. The brush applicator is handy but I found a different a slanted eyeliner brush with a spoolie (Marionnaud) at the end which works perfect for the eyebrows as well. I have combination oily skin and with this, my eyebrows can last all day. I also like to use the darkest shade as an eyeliner which works pretty well. I bought this at Watsons for Php 299.00 ($6.8), and I think this is the only shade available, I might try to check. I'm not sure how long will this last me but for sure, I will repurchase.

So I thought brow powder application is hard, but with this I'm going to surely try other brands especially that it is one product that I will always use everyday.

Have a great day everyone!

dani

Dark and Heavenly

2011-09-11T18:50:00.000+08:00

Chocolates are one of my guilty pleasures. I grew up too prone of tonsillitis, so I'm always warned of the possible outcome whenever I eat them. Came the sort of independent years, I just eat whatever I want, given its in moderation and right way so I still give in to my chocolate cravings. But I may have outgrown my sweet tooth because I no longer crave for the milk chocolate types. For a few years now, I just heart the dark chocolate varieties.

The cocoa content of dark, semisweet, bittersweet or black chocolates may vary from brand to brand but it basically has zero or less milk than milk chocolates. Though a true dark chocolate contains at least or more than 65% cacao. I've tried one long time ago, I can't remember the brand but still familiar with the packaging, just couldn't find it recently. So here are my latest grabs of locally available dark chocolates, Meiji. Toblerone, Goya and Dove.

I am just delighted to share that many brands have finally come up with dark chocolate varieties. There's the Snickers and Kitkat bars as well, which are sadly out of stock during my supermarket visit.

I could not decide on a single favorite but my top picks are the Almond Goya, Meiji Black Choc and Snickers Dark Choc.

I love this black choco! The right bittersweet taste and very satisfying...

I only eat Toblerone if its this dark choco! The others are just too sweet...

Since there are not a lot of these babies available locally, I'm not too keen with the cocoa content. As long as its labeled dark, I'm good. It's somehow good to know that the higher the pure cocoa content, the better benefits we get from it. Dark chocolates have shown to lower bad cholesterol, lower bad pressure, contains serotonin and stimulates endorphin which are responsible for enhancing happy moods. But it should be remembered not all chocolate brands carries the same nutritional value. Nonetheless it's definitely worth indulging..

Good luck for another weekday ahead!

dani

Tony Moly Mini Lip Tint in Cherry Pink

2011-09-08T06:25:00.001+08:00

This is just going to be a quick take on my experience with the Tony Moly lip tint. Bought this off Ebay for Php50 and this is the sampler size of about 7g. Thought it would be good to try it out since its just small. The tint is almost watery and I just find it too drying on my lips, thus I have to skip the application for this post. On the other hand, applying lip balm first doesn't give the expected color pay-off and doesn't last long. It might just be me but overall I was disappointed. Not fond of cheek tints either so haven't applied the product as such. So I think tints of this kind is just not for me.

Another long weekend ahead! (Cebu) Lovely day everyone!

dani

Pure Beauty Essential Eye Cream

2011-09-02T12:36:00.000+08:00

Product Info:

Bon Voyage Essential Eye Cream is specially formulated to help reduce dark circles and smooth fine lines. It contains Sepilift lipo-amino acid, which helps stimulate the self production of collagen and restore the natural firmness to your skin. The resealable sachet pack makes it convenient for travelling.

For Daily Use: In the morning and evening, apply a small amount around the eyes using fingertips. For best results use continuously for a minimum of 2 weeks.

For Intensive Treatment: Apply a thick layer of cream over upper and lower eyelids and leave on for 10 minutes then wipe off. Complete the treatment with a massage starting from the inside, going towards the outer part of the eye contour.

My Personal Take:

Got this product from Watson's for Php 79.00 ($2). My main concern are the puffy eyebags. Though it's not that dark, I find it somewhat wrinkled.The instructions suggests continuous use for 2 weeks, but forgetful me or just being plain lazy, haven't really religiously followed the regimen.Good enough though I can actually say that the product works. There was a time that got to use it for 5 consecutive days I have noticed slight improvement with my wrinkled under eye area. What I like most about the product is its refreshing effect upon application. Not a substitute for cucumber slices or cold eye packs, which I love btw, but I am definitely lobing the coolness the cream gives. Overall I like the product, I still use it whenever I have the time and the 10 mL cream goes a long way.

Stay Happy and Pretty,

dani

Swatch: Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint 1 & 2 Trial Size

2011-08-15T23:44:00.001+08:00

Fresh Cherry Tint #1 (Red) / Fresh Cherry Tint # 2 (Pink)

Fresh Cherry Tint #1 / Fresh Cherry Tint # 2

After wiping off the excess product
(About 5 mins after application)

After 6 hours, washed hands with water twice

Bare Lips With Fresh Cherry Tint #1
(note: photos taken at daytime)

Bare Lips With Fresh Cherry Tint #2
(note: photos taken at night)

Observations:
No doubt that this product has great staying power. After 6 hours on my hand and even tried to wash it off, some pigment is still left behind. I even noticed a little left after I took a bath a day after. Removing it from my lips with a wet cotton really took some time. It has a light pleasant cherry scent. The red tint reminds me of a cherry candy aftermath , but a little toned down . :) Unfortunately, if these are to be worn alone, it is somewhat drying to my lips. A gloss or balm may help a bit in the dry feeling but since the tint made the direct contact with my lips, I already felt uncomfortable. While applying balm first prior to the tint will make a difference with its staying power. I bought this trial size at Ebay for only P20.00 Overall, I find the Pink Tint more wearable for me but not planning to try a full-sized product any time soon just because of its drying effect on me.

One Cebu Expo Aug. 5 - 15

2011-08-12T23:04:00.004+08:00

The One Cebu Expo 2011 kicked off last August 5 at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City. Finally had the chance to check it out this evening before it closes on Monday

The Expo closes in two days but if you're in Cebu at this time and wanted to check out the place, here's a glimpse of what it has to offer...

Accessory-lovers will definitely have a feast of all the variety of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings etc which are locally made, export quality, and good buys.

Bags

Ornamental plants

Cactus landscape I guess, its pretty neat though

Home decors

Christmas decorations

There is also like a food at clothes bazaar at the lower ground area

Unique furniture pieces

And most of all, The Expo promotes tourism and culture of the Cebu Province and other provinces who have participated in the event. Their booths let visitors take a peek of what each Cebu town has in store

The sarok

The town of Consolacion features Sarok making

Argao is popularly known for their Torta de Tuba

No need to go to Argao, delicious torta are available on site,

Bantayan

Badian

Moalboal

I've always wanted to try trekking at The Osmena Peak in Dalaguete. One day.

There is still a lot more to see at the Expo. I know I just don't have enough space to cover all of the attractions. It's definitely worth a visit, if not in the remaining days, for sure it's going to be at the CICC once more next year.

Bonga Festival 2011

2011-08-11T22:33:00.002+08:00

So I visited Sibonga last Tuesday to witness my dear little sister participate in the annual

Bonga Festival.

Five Elementary and Five Secondary schools showcased their dancing talents and colorful costumes to vie for the major prices of the Festival.

Aren't they the cutest rats? :)

At the town plaza

Finally, to commemorate the Festival's success, a beautiful firework display! And of course the day's tiring and humid experience was all worth it because my little sister's school nabbed the first place and two other major awards! We are just proud of her as she used to be so shy but now she is slowly coming out of her shell.