Carizza Chua - Beauty and Fashion Blogger from the Philippines

Sporty Once

2016-06-18T23:26:00.000+08:00

Did you know that 'Doing Nothing' has become a sport in South Korea? That's one sport I'll definitely excel in! And this could be my uniform.

To be honest, I'm no good at any sport (except for shopping, if you would consider) and I don't even dream of acquiring such skill. But defensively speaking, I think I have been overworking my brain to the point that I don't want to exert any effort moving a single muscle anymore. Let the brain do all the work, y'know. Uhm, chess? Maybe next time. XD

Dress from H&M // Bag from SM Parisian // Shoes from Something Borrowed

I can't say that I am a full-blooded introvert - yet. More likely, just socially reserved and it's also true that creative people tend to shy away from sports. See, that should be the reason for all of these. And of course, my doll interest possibly affects me as well. I can't do anything about that. Probably, dolling in a corner could be my sport?

Strange thoughts at night.

Cantonese Food Festival at Hyatt City of Dreams

2016-06-16T17:47:00.000+08:00

I started my week with Chinese food trip at Binondo (to be posted soon) then after two days, I found myself and my partner, Eton, dining at The Cafe, Hyatt City of Dreams to experience the real Cantonese Food Festival!

Yes, the Cantonese Food Festival has already started, bringing authentic flavors from the region of Guangdong, China, where Cantonese cuisine has its roots. I just learned that Cantonese cooking is one of the most refined and celebrated cuisine in China!

This culinary experience is brought by Hyatt City of Dreams and Hyatt Regency Dongguan through mild, fresh and natural flavors with the help of their guest Cantonese chefs Xi Qing Hui and Zhao Pan Fei.

The place turned into a live cooking show where chefs would cook your dish right in front of you. On the photo below, I was waiting for my bowl of hot Cantonese Laksa to be served.

Roasted duck, anyone?

Okay, I picked up a tray for my picks!

This Snapper in XO sauce is the bomb! One of my most favorites!

And this Crispy Crab Claw is something you shouldn't miss! It became a crowd favorite during the first day!

The Simmered Boy-Choy with Bamboo Piths and Pork Balls may look common in shabu shabu restaurants but it is actually the best that I have tasted! If only the soup was hotly served, I would have went back to that section and asked for more.

Every dish with vegetables, mushrooms, and/or seafood was my favorite. Super biased but hahaha I love them! Just like this dish of Asparagus with Black Fungus.

Cuapao with Pork Barbeque is similar to siopao. This one has a similar taste of atcharo inside, some sour paste that I am not really into.

But their version of Buchi was a truly delectable treat! Served soft, warm and mildly sweet. Waaayyy way different from what you normally know.

Really impressed with these chefs! Thanks for sharing the real Cantonese Food experience with us!

Lastly, I happily ended my meal with a coffee jelly and creme brulee.

Buffet rate starts at Php1,388 for lunch and Php 1,888 for dinner. The Cantonese Food Festival at The Cafe of Hyatt City of Dreams will happen until June 19.

Me and Joy Wong Sy of www.joyfullyurs.com

This would be a great treat for your dad this coming Father's Day! Lunch on that very special day is at Php2,288 with a special treat for your dad. :)

Learn more about these upcoming Asian culinary celebrations at The Cafe by visiting codmanilahyatt.com or calling +632 691 1234, extension 1162.

Olay Skin Whitening Bars

2016-06-16T14:24:00.001+08:00

Hello there! So there is this "whitening" issue roaming around the net, specifically around bloggers. If you are one of those who got affected, well, don't be. If you want to achieve that rosy white skin, then go ahead. No one should stop you if that's what you want. In the end, we all have our own preferences.

In choosing the right whitening product, make sure you do a patch test first cause whatever works for some may not work for you as we all have different skin types and sensitivities. Have you ever experienced trying out a whitening soap then got allergies? That could be traumatic but there's this new product which revealed itself to be the #OneWashWonder that promises fair, radiant skin without causing any harm. It's the new Olay Skin Whitening Soap Bar.

It actually comes in three variants - Rose and Milk, Papaya and Vitamic C. I got the Papaya and Vitamin C variants in my mail.

This soaps have Triple Whitening System that gently exfoliates, brightens and evens the skin tone. Nothing to worry as these soaps are dermatologically and clinically tested to be gentle on skin with naturally-derived ingredients. It has long lasting yet very light scent which doesn't cause any dryness on skin. It's a moisturizing and whitening soap bar actually. Olay only proves that #OneWashWonder can be both effective and gentle.

Olay Skin Whitening Bar with Papaya

Ingredients: Sodium Palmitate, Tapioca Starch, Water, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Glycerin, Fragrance, Palm Kernel Acid, Sodium Chloride, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Ethanol, CI 15510, CI47005, CI45410

Olay Skin Whitening Bar with Vitamin C

Ingredients: Sodium Palmitate, Tapioca Starch, Water, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Glycerin, Fragrance, Palm Kernel Acid, Sodium Chloride, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Ascorbl Phosphate, Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate, Morus Alba Root Extract

What I like about these products:

Instant radiant effect on skin

Natural whitening ingredients

Moisturizing

Skin feels fresh and squeaky clean after use

Rich and creamy lather

Easy to rinse

Light scent that lasts long

Non-drying, non-irritating

Bar doesn't melt easily

What I don't like about these products:

Plain packaging

I’ve yet to try its long-term efficacy but if you want to find out for yourself, get one of these now at the nearest supermarket, grocery or any drugstore nationwide. Each bar soap retails for Php34 (60g) and Php46 (90g).

Tony Moly Goat Milk Moisture Toner + Cream Review

2016-06-14T19:26:00.000+08:00

Look what I've got from Tony Moly recently - skincare products to keep my skin hydrated and healthy! I recently realized that when you reach the age of 25, you really need more moisture on your skin. So I am doing everything to keep my skin hydrated and healthy.

Since face masks are now part of my nightly routine, I grabbed two interesting variants. Tony Moly I'm Real Tomato Mask Sheet - Radiance and Seaweeds Mask Sheet - Skin Purifying. I love eating fresh cold tomatoes and arosep so I thought I should feed my skin with these as well.

Tony Moly Moisture Toner has been part of my beauty regimen since last year. It contains raw goat milk which helps make the skin healthy and provides gentle skin-friendly moisture care. Full review of this product here.

I really love the milk bottle inspired packaging. It makes me want to drink it. And the cap has a vintage yet really cute layout too!

It doesn't contain any harsh ingredients or even alcohol.

Now I am trying out Tony Moly Goat Milk Moisture Cream. I use this after the toner since some parts of my face still needs additional moisture. It contains shea butter, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and of course, 50% goat milk extract from New Zealand.

Surprisingly, this cream doesn't only give moisture but also tightens my skin. Really love the toner + cream combo so I am applying this on some parts of my body as well like on my neck, elbows and knees.

The toner and cream moisture combo on my face is quite too much given that I have oily/combination skin so I just dab a little amount of cream for my face. Then, I apply the cream generously on extremely dry areas of my body especially on my elbows. I don't wanna be kulubot.

So far, I am happy with the results and no breakouts at all. :)

Want to know more about the Goat Milk collection? Visit Tony Moly Philippines' official website at www.tonymoly.ph. Like Tony Moly Philippines on Facebook, follow @tonymolyph on Twitter and Instagram for more updates and promos.

Mondays with Smart C+ Dalandan Burst

2016-06-13T19:27:00.001+08:00

Phew! It's Monday once again! It could be the most busy day in a week but let's not allow any negativity in the air. I know the summer heat has simmered and the clouds are about to burst with the rain. This affects our daily activities but this change in our weather doesn't mean life should stop and take a backseat.

Get a head start. Start your day as early as you can so you can get more things done. The more things you can accomplish, the better. Doing this will definitely boost your mood, reduce your stress levels, and improve your memory. I am very strict with time and schedules. As for me, I always want to shift to work mode at 9 in the morning.

Power up with food. Eating right will nourish you enough to keep you going for the whole day. Stick with anything nutritious and packed with essential vitamins to make you focused and alert. Me and Eton recently started eating cereals at oatmeal for breakfast and added more leafy greens to our meals and I could really see the difference.

Keep yourself refreshed.Keep yourself properly hydrated by making sure that you take in enough fluids.Whenever we hydrate, we give our cells enough energy to perform better plus it flushes out the different toxins in our body.

And of course, stock up on Vitamin C! Protect yourself from damage caused by free radicals and amp up your Vitamin C intake so your body can keep up with the ebergy you need. A healthy dose helps in battling immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, and even skin wrinkling.

Make your daily adventures a deliciously refreshing one with Smart C+ in its new flavor, Dalandan Burst! This refreshing juice drink has a sweet yet tangy taste that only dalandan can offer. Each 350ml bottle is already equivalent to 82 regular-sized whole fresh dalandan. That's almost 700mg worth of Vitamin C enough to power you through the day! So whatever your plans may be, rain or shine, Smaart C+ Dalandan Burst will keep your body ready for whatever surprise each day might bring.

It comes in 350ml, 500ml and 1 liter bottles and will be available in all leading supermarketsand convenience stores nationwide.

In Contemporary Art

2016-06-13T00:00:00.000+08:00

I planned to take a little break after Art Fair before sharing my own splendid experience here in the blog but I keep on forgetting about it until we received an update about the preparation for 2017 recently. So here we go...

Coat from H&M // Top from Mango// Shorts from Korea // Sling bag from SM Parisian

When I was younger, I was only into renaissance art (Hello Frans Hal, I miss looking into your masterpieces - he's my favorite) which opened me up to admire the distinct styles of some of our national artists such as Juan Luna and Amorsolo. I don't know, but everything from the past, like my love for vintage dolls, is my thing. It's a hard shift but I am now taking a journey to appreciate contemporary art and so far, it's a wonderful ride. We, at Siamese, are really grateful for this opportunity. My oh my, so that's what I am missing in the Philippine art scene!

Aside from the fun and inspiring experience, I love working with the people behind Art Fair. They're so hardworking and highly creative as if I am taking a crash course in modern and contemporary art!

I do want to share more about it, but it would be better if you simply follow them on IG @artfairphilippines to learn more about the best in Philippine contemporary art.

Travalo and Perfume Pod Review - Keep Your Perfume With You, Wherever You Go

2016-06-11T09:53:00.000+08:00

I always make sure to wear my favorite everyday scent just so in case I have emergency meetings, I'd make a great first and lasting impression. However, the smell during lunch sometimes stick on clothes and can be such a downer. There were times that I needed my Kenzo to get rid of the smell of the food but bringing this heavy, bulky bottle of perfume isn’t the most ideal way to deal with it.

Transferring a little amount to a small atomizer eats up a lot of my time. Here comes Travalo and Perfume Pod to the rescue! These are stylish, handy and easy to use spray bottles for your perfumes!

Travalo - Php999.75 | Perfume Pod Php349.75

Perfume Pod, a must-have for fashionistas on the go, is an alternative to fragile perfume glass bottles that comes in a sleek and minimalistic design with eight classic and trendy colors to choose from: Black, Blue, Gold, Hot Pink, Pink, Purple, Red and Silver. It is a fashion accessory that can be matched to an outfit of the day.

Excuse the curious cat

It comes with the patented Genie-S refill system that allows users to “pump to refill” their favorite perfumes into the travel-friendly Perfume Pods without any leaks and without exposing the contents into the air.

The atomizer is durable, scratch-resistant and shatterproof, and is crystal clear so you can see the perfume inside. Very handy and is safe to cram into a clutch or into the pocket of your jeans, you can bring it practically everywhere.

For a more stylish and sturdy atomizer, use Travalo. It has a lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum body. It actually looks like a lipstick tube and can blend well in your makeup kit.

It stores up to 5ml of perfume but absolutely gives no additional hassle for women on-the-go as these atomizers can spray between 65 to 80 times before needing a refill.

Now, keep your favorite perfume with you, wherever you go with Perfume Pod and Travalo!

Available at the 2F of Travalo SM North Edsa, Lazada Philippines, and at 4L SM Aura. Follow @travaloph on IG and Like them on Facebook.

#PerfumePodPH

Hyatt City of Dreams Buffet at The Cafe

2016-06-11T00:42:00.001+08:00

Me and my boyfriend, Eton are currently craving for Chinese food! We've scheduled a trip to Binondo this weekend but as we're always pressed for time, we'll continue our Chinese food trip next week on a serious level during the Cantonese Food Festival which will be celebrated at The Cafe of City of Dreams Manila from June 14 to 19!

They'd be inviting over Cantonese chefs Xi Qing Hui and Zhao Pan Fei to bring this culinary experience and I can't wait for that! Some of the dishes which will be featured next week during the Cantonese Festival includes stir-fried Vermicelli with prawns, Snapper filler in XO sauce, authnetic Pork Asado, and Crispy Pork Macau Style.

If you also love Cantonese cuisines or if you want to try flavors from the region of Guangdong, China, then this one is something you shouldn't miss!

Aside from the festival, I think their buffet is distinctively amazing! The chefs are not only involved in food excellence, they also express their creativity on the wall menus.

They don't serve the same dishes all the time and you can ask their chefs to have it cooked the way you want. If you wanna try something new, you can ask them for suggestions and they'll serve it for you.

You can order a la minute on each food section. All food presented are fresh then ask them to cook it the way you like it. This also ensures that the food is always freshly cooked and served hot.

Make you own salad or choose their salad of the day. Love the Thai salad here!

You can also find some some unfamiliar dishes at the Japanese section which are so enticing to try!

And who doesn't love tempura???

Buffet rates are pretty impressive too, ranging from Php1,188 to Php1,988. With that price, I wasn't really expecting a lot from the dessert section (my favorite part) but lo and behold, their sweets and pastries are exquisitely wonderful - starting with truffles!

Their dessert of the day was Green Tea Truffle. My, oh my!

I can't believe I filled my plate with all of these!

Yes, all stuffed in my tummy before the real meal.

After a full stomach of buffet, wash it down with their fruit infused water. Interesting combinations!

There were so many new things to try and one day of feasting isn't enough so I definitely have to go back for more. Their food are all fresh, mild and clean. No dish would easily stick on clothes, even the Indian dishes! I've also learned that as much as possible, they would get local ingredients and they are highly supporting small fisheries in the country. Isn't that wonderful?

Want a glass of Iced Tea? Mention the promo code CIT1701-H to any of their staff and follow/like all their social media accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HYATTCityOfDreamsManila/?fref=ts

Instagram: @hyattcityofdreamsmanila

Twitter: @hyattcodmanila

For reservations, contact (632)691-1234 ext 1162 or visit The Cafe at Hyatt City of Dreams Manila Official Website.

Adam Levine reveals secret to his confidence

2016-06-07T18:38:00.001+08:00

Most women go crazy with Adam Levine. In fact, he got the title “Sexiest Man Alive” of 2013 because of his hot looks and remarkable talent. Now, everybody gets curious about this singer/model that even men aspire for the same kind of charisma and confidence that he evokes. Little do they know that like most of us, Adam Levine struggled to regain confidence during his teenage years. He suffered from severe acne breakouts, which took away much of his confidence and forced him to stay away from the crowd.

“I was just ashamed of my acne,” Adam shared. “I had horrible breakouts. I would hide from cameras, hide in my room. Acne just shows up and causes trouble and it messes with my confidence.” And even today, when his schedule gets busy, the astress can take a toll on his skin. “I am a very active person and it kind of lead to zits, which is unfortunate but a reality for me,” he chuckled.

“My life for now is unbelievably busy and I feel fortunate and blessed every day,” Adam said. He also shared that unlike most people’s belief about celebrities having to look so good on screen or otherwise, they also suffer from the same skin problems that make many people lose their self-confidence and hide away from many of the good things in life. “I always want to make sure that people understand that even though we are celebrities or successful, we are no different than anybody else.”

Fortunately, America’s #1 acne treatment system, Proactiv Solution, gave him the answer to his acne problems. Proactiv’s 3-Step System is dermatologist-developed and is designed to help clear existing acne and prevent future outbreaks, while gently taking care of the skin. “It is so great that there is something out there now, that is legitimate,” Adam added.

It takes no more than five minutes to complete this system, which is great for busy people like Adam Levine. It starts with the application of Step 1, the Renewing Cleanser, which contains Benzoyl Peroxide to help kill acne-causing bacteria. The ultra-fine, micro-crystal BPO penetrates pores fast while being gentle on the skin and tiny exfoliating beads help to unclog the pores of impurities, such as excess sebum, keratin and dead skin cells.

Step 2 is the Proactiv Revitalizing Toner which refines and purifies pores through gentle exfoliation. It contains soothing botanicals to gently remove excess oil for refreshed, clear skin.

Finally, Step 3, the Repairing Lotion, is a treatment that helps to heal breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. “You have got to take these steps if you want to take care of your skin,” Adam emphasized. “It has your skin in mind and in fact a lot of it is restorative and healthy, which is great.”

Each Proactiv kit comes with a free Refining Mask that helps keep skin clear and acne-free. Formulated with sulfur, a proven acne-fighting ingredient, reaches deep into the pores where blemishes begin. The Refining Mask unclogs pores, pampers inflamed skin, and softens the skin’s texture.

Now with clear skin, Adam Levin no longer feels the need to hide. “It is game changer; it treats acne and treats your skin right,” Adam said. “As a guy, I don’t like a lot of male acne products. But with this, its three easy steps and you’re doing all you need to do.”

For more info, please visit my.proactiv.com.ph

Bioré Cleansing Oil Facial Sheets

2016-06-06T12:23:00.000+08:00

We are so happy with the outtakes from our photoshoot last week! I was never the makeup artist but this time, I had to. I have limited shades in my rack so I had to research a little more before the shoot. For my first client, I used this Bioré Cleansing Oil Facial Sheets to sweep away dirt/oil and prep the skin before makeup.

The wipes are actually soft and impressively stretchable. There's light oil and moisturizing content but it doesn't feel greasy at all. It DOES clean up stubborn makeup gently and effectively. But if you are wearing heavy makeup, it's a different thing. If that's the case, it would be better to use the cleansing oil in a bottle to avoid wiping off the skin repeatedly.

I like this product because it is very convenient to use. I also used it to removed my client's makeup. I was also really tired after the shoot so I ended up using these wipes to remove my own makeup as well instead of washing my face with a cleanser. Tamad lang talaga hahaha.

This makeup remover is for:

Girls-on-the-go

Quick Makeup Removal

Travel

All Skin Types

They actually have facial sheets specifically made for men. My boyfriend has that but he got it from Japan so I am not sure if that is now available here in the country. For more info about Biorè Philippines, LIKE them on Facebook.

What's the best treatment for acne?

2016-06-03T18:34:00.002+08:00

There are so many options in clearing up acne. Different gels, injectible, topical solution, peels or items you can even find in your kitchen, but what do you think is the best treatment for your acne?

It depends on Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) has been known to be a compound that fights acne from getting worse. What most people are afraid of are the misconceptions that surrounds it, such as, “your skin gets addicted to it” and more popularly, “quitting its application will make acne faster and with a vengeance”. These are just some of the reasons why people tend to shy away from a relatively cheaper and effective way in treating acne. The only probable and logical reason to avoid BPO is having an allergic reaction to it. To better understand why people should have it as an option for acne treatment, an understanding on how it works, what it does, and how to use it properly, should take away all the misconceptions that surrounds BPO.

Acne happens when a pore blocked by excess keratin, sebum, and dead skin cells comes in contact with bacteria which cause the inflammation. What BPO does is that it breaks down into benzoic acid and oxygen, and the oxygen acts as a free radical destroying the cells that blocks the pores along with the bacteria growing on it. During the early stages of acne formation, BPO is known to be effective in preventing these outbreaks on the skin.

The BPO scare however, comes from its misuse. Having too much of it on the skin, making sure that the acne-causing bacteria is eliminated from the surface, gives the skin unnecessary stress than protection. That stress leaves the skin more vulnerable to more acne outbreaks after quitting from BPO treatment.

Using BPO the right way, meaning more strategically, on skin could help drastically minimize the formation of acne and prevent future outbreaks. Fortunately, America’s #1 acne treatment system, Proactiv Solution, offers a 3-Step System that is developed and recommended by dermatologists. This skin care regimen helps clear existing acne and prevents future outbreaks while gently taking care of the skin.

It only takes no more than five minutes to do this 3-Step System, starting with the application of Proactiv Renewing Cleanser that has Benzoyl Peroxide that kills acne-causing bacteria. It has ultra-fine micro-crystal BPO that penetrates pores fast while being gentle on the skin. Tiny, round exfoliating beads unclog the pores of impurities, such as excess sebum, keratin, and dead skin cells.

Next is applying alcohol-free Proactiv Revitalizing Toner which refines and purifies pores, exfoliating the skin further by removing more dead skin cells and keeps pores unclogged. It also has soothing botanicals that gently balance the skin tone, removes excess oil for a refreshed, clear skin.

Finally, Proactiv Repairing Lotion is an as-light-as-feather treatment that heals the blemishes off the skin and also helps in preventing new acne from forming. Each Proactiv kit comes with a free Refining Mask that makes sure to keep skin clear and acne-free. Formulated with sulfur, a proven acne-fighting ingredient, reaches deep into the pores where blemishes begin. The Refining Mask unclogs pores, pampers inflamed skin, and softens the skin’s texture.

And besides, Proactiv has only 2.5% of BPO, which is lower than other over-the-counter acne treatments so it is safer to use daily. Moreover, at this concentration level BPO can already effectively kill acne-causing bacteria so there’s really no cause for worries--really.

So not be afraid of whatever misconceptions BPO has and set your skin free from acne. Use it strategically, and you will never have to worry about acne again.

Proactiv Solution comes in 30-Day kit (Php 2,495) and 60-Day kit (Php 3,995) and is available at all Watsons stores nationwide.

Maybelline Rosy Matte - Time to go Nude

2016-05-31T18:02:00.001+08:00

Oh my, there's something new to lust over and collect from Maybelline New York! It's their newest lip collection, a combination of matte and nudes - Rosy Matte by Color Sensational.

We’re going nude… on our lips, that is. If you're going for a sultry, smoky eye makeup or aiming for luscious, long lashes nude-hued lips were originally worn to downplay a beauty look. If you're like me, who wants to wear pastel all year round, then rosy nude lipsticks would be your go-to lip shades for a fresher and younger look.

Take a look at this beauty kit sent over by Maybelline New York. The lip colors all turned nude as I tore the lip part.

I am starting to love all these new lip shades from Maybelline. From the power lip franchise, Color Sensational, that brought us the hottest-selling Creamy Matte and the most vivacious lip colors with Vivid Matte – the World’s No. 1 Makeup Brand, Maybelline New York, unveils a universally flattering rosy nude lip collection for the Filipina skin tone with Rosy Matte.

“Most Filipinas shy away from nude lipsticks because they believe nudes, more often than not, don’t match against the Filipina skin.” shares Kat Diaz, Product Manager of Maybelline New York. “Maybelline New York, being the World’s No. 1 makeup brand that offers Filipinas the trendiest lipsticks for all women, understands this specific need of Filipinas and with this, we proudly launch Rosy Mattes in the Philippines. Never look dull, never look washed out with our five sensational Rosy Matte shades!”

Maybelline New York’s ever-popular lip franchise, Color Sensational, has always delivered the best of lipsticks with amazing colors, finishing it with superior formula – and Rosy Matte is no exception to this.

Get fully sensational lips with Rosy Matte’s high pigmentation, lasting power, hydrating, and light-weight features in just one swipe. With five lustful and obsession-worthy shades to choose from: Natural Beige, Soft Pink, Rosy Peach, Apricot Beige, and Salmon Pink – get the right shade for your skin tone and get ready to embrace the nude lip trend you’ve always wanted to try!

Here are the swatches:

Which shade is your most favorite?

Dare to go nude for only P299 starting tomorrow, June 1, 2016. Products are available at all Maybelline counters nationwide.

Tony Moly The Oriental Gyeol Goun Two-Way Pact

2016-05-27T17:39:00.001+08:00

Found a gem at Tony Moly recently. It's Tony Moly The Oriental Gyeol Goun Two-Way Pact!

I still remember the old sakuraish packaging of Oriental Gyeol line and I was a little surprise that it now look like Etude House Moistfull Collagen with its peach box. It's refreshing, actually. I love the effect of the Oriental Gyeol emulsion, so I gave this one a try. Aside from that, their Beauty assistant told me that this product can solve skin problems of women in their 30's and 40's. I am no way near that age yet but its anti-aging properties got me as well.

Php 1,348.00 (pact volume 14g/BB Cream 20g)

Description: High moisturized oriental medicine two-way pact that presents moisturizing gloss. It gives skin care effect by hiding the trouble of skin and showing the skin's natural color and texture at the same time. This oriental medicine makeup highlights your skin's class. This one has Cheongyeol Boyundan, a herbal formula that soothes skin and makes the skin texture smooth while giving a bright and transparent look.

The product is available in three different shades. Since 01 was way too light for my skin and 02 was not available at SM Megamall, I picked 03 Dark Beige.

It includes a compact powder with SPF48 PA+++ and a BB Cream with SPF46 PA+++. The floral scent is really nice. Yes, both product has high SPF so better avoid the paparazzi (or too much camera flashes) when you wear this one or else, your face will be overly highlighted on photos! On a positive note, I think the floral fragrance was blended well with some herbal scent. It really smelled luxurious and not too over powering.

The BB Cream looks really small but a little amount of the product goes a long way. It has full coverage and glides on skin smoothly.

The powder is velvety smooth on skin. It may not cover totally all the blemishes but I like the fact that it still allows the skin to breathe.

How to Use: After using Gyeol Goun BB Cream, apply the pact using the equipped puff and adjust the amount on back of your hand. Make sure you don't get too much powder and gently press the puff on your cheeks, forehead, nose and skin.

Check out the improvement on my skin:

If the weather is too hot, the staying powder might not be too long. As for me, I needed to retouch after three hours as I can already feel oil on my skin but you're going to stay in an air-conditioned room the whole day, I think it would hold longer. You can also apply primer before this product for longer staying power.

Recommended for:

- People who want full coverage

- People who needs to cover up heavy skin blemishes

- People who wants fast cover makeup

- People in their 30s and 40s

What I like about this product:

Sun protection

Makeup and Skincare in one

Wrinkle Care

Moisturizing and Firming

Lux but not too strong scent

What I don't like about this product:

Can't cover-up all blemishes

This product has medium to full coverage but doesn't feel heavy at all. Really satisfied with this product and I might use it everyday for work too!

To see the whole Oriental Gyeol line, please visit www.tonymoly.ph

Pretty Guardian Sailormoon Tamashi Buddy

2016-05-25T09:55:00.000+08:00

Still on a Sailormoon hype so I thought it's also good to share this Pretty Guardian Sailormoon Tamashi Buddy figure from Bandai I got a year ago. It was a gift from a friend.

Tamashii Buddies 005 Sailor Moon PVC Figure Bandai Japan

Box Size: 15 x 11 x 10cm

Figure Size: Around 9cm in height

Manufacturer: Japan Bandai (2015)

Tamashii Buddies are the 'pop' version of Bandai. These figures has a stacking feature where you can connect the figures and display them together. This what makes them unique, in my opinion, as I've never seen other collectibles that can be merged together. It's really good for crazy collectors who doesn't have a lot of space to display their figures.

The product comes with a character/series moon background which is made from cardboard, 4 long connectors and 1 short connector.

Build your frame then slide the background card into it from the bottom. You can keep the other two connectors if you don't have Tamashii Buddy to place on top of it, just like what I did.

It's like a chibi version of Sailormoon. The figure is not posable but really cute for display. Other characters available are Sailor Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Venus.

The paint job is not perfect but pretty decent compared to Funko Pops and the details are impressive. Tamashii Buddies are also available in different characters from other animes but if they could complete all Sailor soldiers, I'd be really happy to stack them all in my room!

Two Asian Culinary Traditions at The Café, Hyatt City of Dreams

2016-05-24T19:04:00.000+08:00

Hyatt City of Dreams Manila will celebrate two great Asian cuisines this coming June and July! Step on a wonderful culinary journey through China and India as we enter the half of 2016 and go back in time to the origins of Silk Road and the spice trade, arguably responsible for the complex flavor profiles that the whole world enjoys today.

During the food tasting event, Chef Mark from The Café charmed us with some Cantonese and Indian cuisine.

From June 14 to 19, they would introduce flavors from the region of Guangdong, China, where Cantonese cuisine has its roots. Hyatt City of Dreams Manila and Hyatt Regency Dongguan come together to bring this culinary experience to guests through mild, fresh and natural flavors with the help of visiting Cantonese chefs Xi Qing Hui and Zhao Pan Fei.

One of my favorites is Deep-Fried Parrot Fish with Cantonese Chili Sauce. Its flesh is so tender and delicate and I think the sweet and sour sauce was perfectly mixed as it left me drooling.

The dish above is best paired with Fried Rice with Scallop, Shrimp, Carrots and Asparagus.

Wok- Fried Prawns and Asparagus with Black Fungus in XO Sauce

Stir-Fried Vermicelli with Prawns

Pork Asado

Crispy Pork Belly Macau Style

While on July 17 to 24, Chef Ajith Kumar from Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, New Delhi joins the team at The Café, bearing spices and recipes for Indian favorites rich with aromas and complex

tastes. Enjoy Indian gustatory discoveries such as south Indian thali and other Indian

delicacies.

My first experience with Indian cuisine wasn't really good because of its strong and pungent flavor which hugged my dress the entire day but because of this Hyatt experience, I've had a change of heart.

We started with Kachumber Salad, an appetizer made with mixed vegetable diced and tossed in olive oil, then we tried Aloo Chat, a potato dish laced with Chat Masala, onion and tomato, and Chana Chat, chickpeas dish tossed in shallot tomatoes and green chilies. The scent were not too strong but the spices were all present in my taste buds.

Paneer Makhani Soup - Cottage Cheese Simmered in Tomato Sauce, Spike with Fenugreek

Chicken 65, the one I am holding with my left hand on the photo below, is another favorite. The chicken meat is really soft and its garlic chili paste glides over your taste buds like it's the best sauce to exist.

Maes Ke Sooley was really impressive. Compared to other smoked lamb meat, this one is wonderfully seasoned with different spices and not malansa. If you happen to spot this during the festival, you definitely should try it!

Planning to dine at The Café and experience these food festivals? Use the promo code

CITI701-H
to get a complimentary iced tea when dining in. Guests must LIKE and FOLLOW all Hyatt COD Manila's social media accounts and show proof upon dining in.
Facebook: HYATTCityOfDreamsManila
Instagram: @hyattcityofdreamsmanila
Twitter: @Hyattcodmanila

Definitely enjoyed the entire afternoon filled with Chinese and Indian flavors. Thank you so much Digital Hog and Hyatt City of Dreams Manila!

To know more about these upcoming Asian culinary celebrations at The Café, please visit

codmanilahyatt.com or call +632 691 1234, extension 1162.

About The Café

The Café is the main dining space at Hyatt City of Dreams Manila. The bustling 315-seat

venue offers a range of seating options, from cozy circular booths to private and semiprivate

rooms to standalone tables in the heart of all the action. Open 24 hours a day, The

Café is an interactive show-kitchen restaurant where experienced chefs perform live culinary

theater at vibrant cooking and buffet stations, with hot dishes prepared à la minute to ensure

freshness and optimum flavor. Each of the counters — Italian, Grill and Griddle, Asian, Deli,

Comfort Food and Favorites, and Pastry — showcases a different culinary production.

Sailor Moon Miracle Romance Makeup Powder

2016-05-24T09:28:00.000+08:00

Yay, I finally had time to open my Sailor Moon Miracle Romance Makeup Powder. I ordered this directy from Japan and it took me a month to receive it. It's Sailormoon so it's definitely worth the wait.

Php 2,440 from a friend (Original selling price is 4,093 yen)

It comes in a cute pink box with a silver laminate of Sailormoon on it. It looks so pretty together with my other Sailormoon charms from Bandai.

On the flip, it says "Moon Prism Power Makeup". I can totally feel it!

This was actually part of the 20th anniversary Miracle Romance line, made by Creer Beaute. It's the second compact powder they made. Details about the product are written in Japanese on the sides of the packaging.

The prism brooch is made of plastic. It kinda looks like a toy but the cosmetic product is made specifically for adults.

It includes a sheet separator with a nice print on it and a cute powder puff.

The face powder itself is a marble mix of pink and beige. It can be used as a finishing powder for a brighter and matte finish while it also minimizes the appearance of pores and evening out the skin tone. No strong scent and it can actually absorb oil from skin. Perfect for touch ups throughout the day. It looks too pretty so I won't be using this product. Goes to my collection!

Etude House Berry Delicious Collection

2016-05-23T10:29:00.000+08:00

I am so in love with Etude House Berry Delicious Collection. Finally, a strawberry collection! Each shade sounds really sweet and delicious and it came to a point when I got tempted to taste them. Sugar rush! The packaging is a bit fancy. It's not pink but it's strawberry so I'll give it a 92% grade!

Let's check out the products!

First is Berry Delicious Strawberry Body Milk. Some won't like the sweet scent and opt for a more refreshing one but it actually made bath time more exciting for me. I wish I could also get a body scrub & wash and the bread sponge for myself. That is actually the ultimate combo from this collection.

See what I mean?

Next, is Berry Delicious Lip Jam. It's a lip tint jar that keeps lips moist and give lips a sweet pink tint.

Yum!

Here's Berry Delicious Cushion Foundation. It has the same formulation with their current cushion makeup but this one gets a strawberry revamp.

Then my most favorite from this pack, Berry Delicious Fantastic Color Eyes!

This product is available in two palettes – Strawberry Mojito and Strawberry Fondue. Yummy names for eyeshadow palettes, right? Not only that, each shade has a witty name as well!

Strawberry Fondue is a mix of matte and shimmery eyeshadows. The shades are all girly and perfect for everyday look.

Let's move on to Berry Delicious Color in Liquid. It comes in 10 shades and I am so glad I got a shade nearest to strawberry. This product is a thick juicy liquid lip tint with a lovely strawberry scent.

Makeup wouldn't be complete without mascara. So here's Berry Delicious Curl Fix for you! It is similar to their Lash Perm Curl Fix only ina special Strawberry packaging.

And lastly, complete the whole look with strawberry inspired nails! Berry Delicious Strawberry Souffle Nail has really cute shades to try.

Ahhhhh I think they're too cute to use. Do you like Etude House Berry Delicious collection? Which makeup product is your most favorite here?

Leaders Active AC Spot Serum

2016-05-22T22:48:00.001+08:00

Pimple Alert! Yikes! My skin is so sensitive. A slight change in the weather can wreak havoc on my skin, leaving it confused, unbalanced, and prone to acne. Now that it started raining, pimples started to appear once again so I tried using this Leaders Active AC Spot Serum.

Php 828.00

Quick and easy, highly concentrated spot serum.

The packaging is neat and simple. Sometimes, I think it looks like a medicine! The product itself is a click pen, pretty big for a pen but this type of pump is quite hygienic. Just make sure you don't apply the pen directly on the affected area.

The product disperses out at the tip. Be careful when pushing the bottom part though as it might release too much serum.

Press the bottom to bring the serum out. It has a twist lock so you won't accidentally press it.

It has a transparent gel-like consistency and absorbs to skin right away.

Dermatologist tested

Controls oily skin

Calms skin

No skin irritation

Fast Facts:

- Salicylate controls sebum secretion and madecassoside cleans sensitive wounds

- Organic chamomile and willow bark’s natural herbs comforts sensitive skin

- Does not contain any irritating chemical ingredients

- No paraben, artificial pigments, benzophenone, mineral oil, avobenzone, para-aminobenzoic acid, talc, trichloroacetic acid, or phthalate

Eye area after 4 days

It took me 3 days before the pimple started to fade. Not an overnight cure. I was this close to go to my derma to just have it (and its peers) injected but it was such a hassle so I just trusted this product and waited until the redness is reduced. In all fairness, pimples didn't get worse and I like the fact that it didn't dried out my skin. Also, it doesn't sting so I'd be keeping this product as long as I see pimples around!

Recommended For:

- Often troubled skin due to excess sebum

- Dull and Sensitive skin

- Reddish skin and acne scars

Goodnight for now!

LASH EM: Makeup For Longer Lashes and Thicker Brows

2016-05-22T20:42:00.002+08:00

Ever dream of having natural, full, long lashes and thicker brows? Scroll down below and be amazed.

I have this bad habit of rubbing my eyes which leads to losing a few strands of lashes. Sometimes, I pull out some strands by accident as well when I try to remove my eye makeup at night. How careless, I know, but good thing there's a product which could help lengthen and regrow lash hair.

Lash EM is a luxury range of lash and brow products that have been launched recently and is making waves amongst beauty loving Filipinas. The formulations of all its products are composed of expert hair technology and a mixture of nature-derived products that aim to fortify the growth and beauty of hairs in the lashes and brows: Sympeptide lengthens, thickens and strengthens the hair, plant-derived ingredients block off free radical damage on hairs, natural flower distillate makes the lashes appear more lush, and LashEM’s patented technology, QuSome, seals ingredients together so the skin’s nutrient absorption is improved, causing optimal results. In just 4- 6 weeks, see your lashes reach new heights and your brows get thicker than ever.

All Eyes on You Eyelash and Brow Enhancing Serum

Php 3,599.75/ 3ml

This is the star product which claims to lengthen lashes and thicken brows. It contains amino acids to nourish and condition hair strands. Opthalmologist tested and has patented delivery system which enhances ingredient absorption.

The packaging reminds me of Rejuva but this one comes is a matte black box where you can read the description and ingredients of the product. The cursive font on the box and tube is a bit off and I thought the packaging would be better if the used one consistent font.

You may use this once a day, before bedtime or apply it every morning, before you proceed with your usual eye makeup regimen

Simply clean and dry the eye area and apply one thin later along the base of upper lashes. Remember to remove your contact lenses before using this product and allow the product to dry before putting on makeup or moisturizer. For your brows, Clean and dry brow hair then apply 1-2 thin strokes along the brow.

Double Trouble Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara

Php 1,029.75/ 4.2ml

It lengthens and volumizes lashes with this anti-smudge and water- resistant formula. Infused with the lash serum and plant-derived waxes for a glossy shine. Oooh so that's why it glides smoothly upon application.

Here’s how the mascara looks on me. I applied the lengthening mascara first and I love how natural looking it is.

Then I applied volumizing mascara for a more dramatic look. It doubles the definition and the volume for a seductive sultry-eyes.

Eye makeup has never been this amazing and caring! Lash EM is eye makeup that gives you healthy, thick, and long lashes and brows that make you feel confident about yourself for life. Start a healthy lash habit today with Lash EM!

Lash EM also have other products to complete your eye makeup such as Colour Strokes Liquid Eyeliner, Extensions in a Bottle Fiber Lash Extensions Mascara, Colour Strokes Brow Tint & Lift, 3 in 1 Eye Bright Lifts + Firms + Brightens and Picture Perfect Instant Wrinkle Reducer.

LashEM is exclusively sold at the SM Beauty Store, Ground Floor, SM Makati. For more information about LashEM, visit @lashemph on Instagram #LongLushLovely #LashemPH.

Good bye Summer!

2016-05-21T13:19:00.000+08:00

So I am officially bidding farewell to summer! But first, let me have my mango shake...

I know how hard it is to let go of the thought of warmer days, swimsuits and ice creams but think about the brighter side. Rainy days would allow us to wear our coats and fluffy clothes once again. I am so excited! To tell you the truth, I am not a summer person but since the El Niño game was strong, I was forced to embrace the hot weather.

Maxi dress from Sugarlips // Eyewear from Sunnies Studios

So glad it's over. See you next year, summer!

Speaker Hacks from Pringles

2016-05-20T18:23:00.001+08:00

It's FriYAY! Time to turn up your party playlist. Pringles shows you how to be the life of the party with its new party speakers! With these speaker hacks, you can now turn up the flavour and party!

This speaker is so handy but it surprisingly has a crisp audio. Better than in-built laptop speakers. It also comes in three visually stunning designs, promising added fun and spontaneity to any party!

Compatible with all smartphones so you can set up an on-the-spot music station after enjoying your can of chips!

Last Summer Hurrah with Belo SunExpert!

2016-05-20T16:06:00.002+08:00

So it already started raining here in Manila (oh my goodness, thank you!) but some still prefer to travel for some adventure under the sun and make the most of summer. Same feels? Then, don't forget to bring these Belo SunExperts with you!

Whether it's an all out trip or just a hop to the mall, I'd still recommend to wear sunscreen. It's not 'okay' to skip it, seriously. Here's a sunscreen box I got from Belo recently containing Belo SunExpert products!

Belo SunExpert Body Shield SPF60

This sunscreen and anti-aging lotion for the body effectively provides superior broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays. It provides superior broad-spectrum protection, PA+++, without drying skin.

Php 446.00

I like this compared to other brands because it's NON-GREASY, no annoying scent, it's paraben-free, expertly formulated, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. It works on skin as soon as you apply it too so you don't have to wait for an hour before braving the sun.

Aside from that, this product has Cell Protect ® Technology,the natural cell shield that strengthens the skin’s defense system while preventing accelerated premature skin aging.

If you feel uncomfortable with lotions, try Belo SunExpert Sheer Spray! I think this one is a good replacement for the transparent mist. It's ultra gentle and it is safe for kids.

I think the one who invented spray-on sunscreen is a genius! This product is goot for the outdoor enthusiast, who needs to reapply every two hours during the day, and also for people who don’t like the feel of lotion on their body, just like me. Their lotion is lightweight but lotion is still lotion for me so whenever I have this spray around, I still opt to use this one.

Loving the new Belo SunExpert Tinted Suncreen. It has SPF 50 and you can easily see the shade of the product in the packaging. This hue works and blends in any skin tone near beige actually. This sunscreen and anti-aging lotion for the face works as a sunscreen and BB cream in one and effectively provides superior broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays without drying the skin.

It's non-comedogenic, so it does not clog pores. No Makeup Look at the beach is a yes for me!

Have you tried any of these Belo SunExperts? Let me know your thoughts on the comment section below. :)

End your summer on a wonderful note with Belo SunExpert! Available at leading drugstores and supermarkets.

4U2 Lipaholic Lipstick in LAX09

2016-05-19T16:59:00.000+08:00

When in doubt, WEAR RED. I always love pink, and I love staring at lipsticks in different hues of pink but not all shades of pink are for me so whenever I feel unsure about the world, I wear the usual white or black dress and put on some red lipstick.

This month, I choose 4U2 Lipaholic Lipstick in LAX09.

First of all, I picked this one because it is sooo affordable. One tube is for only Php 160.00! Something any girl would buy in a blink of an eye. What a steal!

The packaging is very simple. It comes in a standard black tube with an acrylic see-through cap where you can see the shade of the lipstick easily. I find it very helpful especially when I need to get it quickly in my makeup stash.

There are other colors available in store but I highly suggest you get LAX09. :)

The formulation is rich and creamy. It glides on smoothly and I am very glad it has no scent at all. Look at the two swatches below:

I'm pretty amazed at how pigmented it is! I've got the creamy swatch on the left and matte one on the right. So the trick here is to dab your lips on tissue to achieve the matte effect. Better than the completely matte lipsticks which makes my lips very dry in the middle of the day. I can say that it has an all-day wear formula without the usual dry finish that feathers and cracks.

It stays pretty long too. Would you believe I needed to use argan oil to completely remove the swatches on my arm? Eating and drinking could reduce the staying power of this lipstick but in all fairness, it didn't dry out my lips. My lips felt comfortable and hydrated the whole time.

As for me, I can totally see myself purchasing LAX09 over and over. I highly recommend 4U2 Lipaholic Lipstick in LAX09 if you are looking for an affordable pigmented red lipstick.

Available at all SM Stores and Watsons nationwide. Don't forget to get one!

For more information, like 4U2 Cosmetics on Facebook or follow @4u2cosmeticsph on Instagram.

Achieve Lashes in Full Bloom with Lash Sensational by Maybelline

2016-05-18T15:17:00.000+08:00

For Filipinas who love their makeup and who can’t live without their mascaras, there can only be one deal breaker when it comes to their relationship with their best eye makeup tool: messy clumps on their lashes.

Lash lovers, Maybelline New York’s got sensational news for you! Perfect for creating the freshest and most blooming summer eye looks – say goodbye to clumps, flakes, and smudges and meet the newest mascara favorite in town.

From the World’s #1 Makeup Brand, Maybelline New York, achieve lashes in full bloom this summer season with newest eye makeup sensation to hit the Philippines – Lash Sensational mascara. “We are very happy to share with all the Filipinas our newest mascara to help bring their most sensational lash game yet.” shares Maia Ang, Senior Product Manager for Maybelline New York. “Maybelline NewYork’s Lash Sensational is the perfect go-to mascara for women who want to achieve volumized, full flared lashes with zero clumps, perfect for everyday wear. Instant drama, with zero mess.”

Unlike other regular mascaras in the market, Maybelline Lash Sensational’s unique fanning brush is innovated with 10 layers of bristles, giving you a clean and flared volume effect – one that will still leave your lashes looking sleek and natural after application. With a liquid ink formula that coats from all sides and opens up your eyes from corner to corner, the sensational brush and formula combination by Lash Sensational separates and lengthens lashes with just a few swipes. The result?

Clean, flared, and volumized lashes with zero clumps and zero mess.

Give your lashes a sensational bloom plus get layers and layers of compliments this summer with the newest Lash Sensational mascara by Maybelline New York. Grab your Lash Sensational mascara for only P429 at Maybelline counters nationwide starting this May!

#BeSensational

The sea, the sun, and the beach

2016-05-18T11:09:00.000+08:00

So I decided to leave the comfort of my home and head to the beach. It was one peaceful morning. No shops, loud music, and almost no people around. Just the sea, the sun, and the beach make me feel like I'm in a little paradise.

I felt like the whole island is mine!

Hat from H&M // Dress from ASOS

Just a little story behind this, I changed outfit in the middle of the day. I left this floral one on the side to let it dry in the sun then, totally forgot about it 'til we got home. Oh well. Still, I enjoyed the stay and my jumping in the waves.