Product Arena by Celline08

Review: Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream

2013-05-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

Few days ago, I asked some of you on my Facebook page if you think I should start reviewing products, may it be skincare or makeup, that didn't really work for me - not to badmouth the brand of anything but to give an honest to goodness review. Most of you said yes, so let's start with this Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream in 02. I've been using this for months but I never posted the review; now you know why.

Skinfood is a Korean brand that is well-known for their food themed skincare products and makeup. This specific line, Salmon Dark Circle, contains a concentrated formula rich in omega 3 fatty acid and vitamins that are known to improve blood circulation and lighten skin discoloration particularly the under eye area. If I'm not mistaken, this line also includes eye creams and setting powders especially made to address the problem with dark circles.

Product Description:

(Taken from www.glitteresque.net)

Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream

A dark circle concealer containing salmon oil ingredient that helps cover dark circles flawlessly to brighten and moisturize under eye area. Concentrated & creamy, it effectively covers dark eye circles and wrinkles. Can be easily applied without irritation.

The name of the line is very fitting, if you ask me. I remember reading from one of Bobbi Brown's books that a salmon-colored concealer is ideal for covering the area around the eyes. So when I heard of the name, Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream, I immediately associated it with the book and the perfect concealer, so to speak.

This 10g of Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream is housed in a vintage-looking glass jar. The packaging as a whole is not very appealing to me. It's quite bulky and heavy which makes it difficult to bring every time I leave the house. Also, because of its jar-type packaging, I have to dip my fingers in every time I use it. As you all know, this comes with hygiene and sanitation risks. I could use a spatula to scoop out the product but that could be time-consuming if done every day. As for the amount of product, I think 10g would be enough to last a little less than a year despite daily use. So I'd say that the "price-to-amount of product" ratio makes it a good buy provided that this particular product works for you.

The summer heat really took its toll on this product. I started using this around January. However, because of the heat during the summer season, both the consistency and texture changed. It was particularly thick and hard at first but when summer came, most of the product melted. Thus making it ridiculously smooth when applied. It also glides on better than before. As a result, spreading and blending became so much easier. Although it became greasier and less creamy, it still retained its scentless properties.

Here's a quick recap: During colder weather, Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream is thick and requires a great amount of tugging to blend out. It takes a while to spread but easy to build up the coverage. When it melted, it's greasier, softer and easier to blend BUT the coverage dwindled down significantly. As for the scent (yeah, no fish smell :P) and color, they remained unchanged. :)

SWATCH:

The coverage did change a lot. It's barely able to cover the mild discoloration under my eyes. Needless to say, if you have bigger, darker circles under the eyes, Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream's coverage would most definitely disappoint you. The coverage is a bit too light - maybe this has something to do with the shade. It has very limited shade selection; 01 and 02. I bought the shade 02, being the darker on of course, but it's still too fair for my morena skin.

So in my case, I prefer using this as a "brightener" instead of a concealer. I just use this to highlight some areas of my face before setting with powder just so it won't go to waste. The risk of using this over the concealer is that this makes the whole makeup more prone to caking - with all the layering and stuff.

Another thing about SF Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream is that it's very likely to crease and settle to fine lines unlike other cream concealers. You probably all know by now how I'm bugged by the tiny lines under my eyes and it's awfully disappointing that it easily settles on the lines and accentuate them even more. Even after setting it with powder, it still emphasizes my horrendous lines. The only good thing about Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream is that it stays put for more or less 3-4 hours even under the hot and humid Philippine weather.

I really wanted to like this product.. I did a lot of research before buying this and it seemed like a great buy at that time. Too bad it didn't work for me. :( But I won't give up on Skinfood products just yet!

Price: Php 900+ Mall Price (I got mine for Php 500+ online)
Available at: Skinfood Outlets or online (Seoul Catch)

Like I always say, when you're going to buy Skinfood products, it's best to buy them from your trusted online seller to save a couple of bucks. The price difference will really surprise you.
That's it for this review and I'll see you on my next post! :)

Change Up Your Style with Firmoo Free Glasses for May!

2013-05-23T07:49:00.001-07:00

Hi guys! I just came home from a super short vacation. 'twas short but really relaxing. How are you, my dear readers? Hope you're having a good week too.:) Anyway, I just got an email from Firmoo saying that they finally updated their New Arrivals for May and you may have the chance to get yours for FREE! Awesome, right?! By the way, if you don't know, Firmoo is the World's Most Popular Online Eyeglasses Store. They have always been committed to offering customers the best quality products at the most affordable prices - majority starts at 8 dollars.

Spring and summer always has great fashions, however it can be frustrating when you already have a nice dress or outfit to wear but can never seem to find the right pair of accessories to go with it. Wearing glasses is another new trend, so don't be shy to rock your prescription lenses in very cool frames this season!

Firmoo is here to make your life easier! With their innovative First-Pair-Free program wherein new customers are entitled to receive their very first pair of Firmoo glasses for free! Isn't that an amazing deal? You can find the new arrivals added for May. You only need to pay shipping costs!

Check out some small samples of the new updated shades for May here.

Oversize Frame:

Rectangle Frame:

Vintage Style:

Nerdy Style:

Still not sure that eyewear can be fashionable? Then check out how some of these fashionistas style them:

(The above model photos are all derived from Firmoo+.)

Firmoo really has glasses for every taste, so what are you waiting for?? Hurry to get yours, cause limited quantities will be offered!

For more info, please visit: http://www.firmoo.com/

Like Firmoo on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirmooGlasses

May BDJ Box: Fun, Fresh and Fierce!

2013-05-21T05:06:00.001-07:00

Last week, I was extremely envious (to say the least) as I browse through May BDJ Box unboxing posts and videos online. Please don't judge me! :P I badly wanted to subscribe; obviously because I really enjoyed my first ever BDJ Box experience last month. But since BDJ Box is apparently a big hit, their pre-sold boxes would always go out of stock in just a matter of days after they open it for reservation. I was so frustrated that every time I try to subscribe, that following month's box is already OOS. *sob But amidst my self-pity drama, this May BDJ Box came by surprise. Yehey! Talk about being blessed! :D

By the way, I got an email from BDJ officials few weeks back announcing that their monthly subscription would go from Php 480 to Php 580. The first thing that came to my mind was that I should've subscribed for a whole year before the price hike! It was sad, really. But knowing that I would get products worth 4 to 5 times the price I paid made it all okay. So far, I love everything from my April and May BDJ Boxes.. I can't wait for my next boxes to come! I'm sure it'll be super awesome. :)

Like my April BDJ Box, this month's box also came with BDJ Box's signature black and pink box, only this time around, it has this cool sleeve cover with the theme and the sponsors' logos printed on it. I've always been amazed by how they pack these boxes - how did they make all those things fit in a box just an inch bigger than my hand? I mean, seriously. It's like a talent or something. LOL! I really appreciate how neatly everything was packed and how they are always able to include inspirational stickers!

This month's theme is, you guessed it, "Fun, Fresh and Fierce!" - three words that describe Filipina ladies nowadays. Basing from the theme alone I know I'll love this well-curated box. If you ask me, this box is better than the exclusive boxes BDJ Box came up not too long ago. Kudos, BDJ Team, for always undoing your previous boxes! <3

First up is FUN!

Ralph Lauren Big Pony Women #2 (Sample Size | Php 4300, 100mL) – “Get an irresistible flirty mix of cranberry and tonka mousse scent with Ralph Lauren Eau de Toilette: Fruity Sensual! “

Ralph Lauren Big Pony Women #3 (Sample Size | Php 4300, 100mL) – “Got free-spirited character? A woman who loves the thrill of discovery, that’s how a floral green scent with natural radiance of pear notes and mimosa is reflected through Ralph Lauren Eau de Toilette: Radiant Floral! “

Ralph Lauren Big Pony Women #4 (Sample Size | Php 4300, 100mL) – “Be daring, be dynamic, have a flair for the dramatic. Be fragrant with Ralph Lauren Eau de Toilette: Delicious Oriental! Express your unique personality with a stylish blend of wild cherry and purple amber.“

YSL Opium Vapeurs de Parfum (Sample Size | Php 3615) – “Here comes a spicy oriental harmony of Mandarin, Carnation, Jasmine and Vanilla for a feel of extreme sensuality. Opium by YSL opens your senses on a fantasy world, a trip to the unknown or to an extraordinary elsewhere. Indulge in an oriental-inspired addiction."

Next is FRESH!
This may come as a shocker to most of you but this is my favorite category among the three. :D

Garnier Pure Active Anti-Imperfections Cooling Roll-on (Php 229, 15mL) – “Visible redness on your skin? Imperfections and dark marks? Reduce them instantly with Garnier Pure Active: Anti-imperfections Cooling Roll-on. Experience the proven action power of Purifying Salicylic Acid and HorbaRepair from Day 1 of use. In 5 hours, reduce redness on your skin and in 2 days, witness imperfections and marks visibly reduced. Use this to dry out impurities on your skin!"

Garnier Light Intensive 3 in 1 Whitening Essence Mask (Php 89, 19 ml) – “Recover a naturally healthy-looking glow with Garnier! This Whitening Essence Mask reveals radiant and hydrated skin with its three major contents that help lighten skin tone, remove dead cells, refine texture, retain water inside your skin. Use this 2x a week.” Read review HERE.

Garnier Light Complete Multi-Action Whitening Cream (Php 75, 20ml) – "Achieve fairer and brighter skin with Garnier’s Light Complete Multi-Action Whitening Cream. It has salicylic acid derivative that diminishes acne and dark spots! Perfectly made for Asian women, it has an oil trapping formula that visibly reduces excess oil, leaving you with 8-hour shine free look! Use this as makeup base for a matte finish look."

Garnier Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream (Sample Size | Php 229, 50ml) – "Night-time is the most ideal time to reinforce whitening action since you’re free from external aggressions. With its natural peeling fruit extracts, Garnier’s Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream exfoliates dark cells and reveals fresh and dewy skin in the morning! Use this regularly for blemish-free results."

Garnier Light Gentle Exfoliating Scrub (Php 140, 100ml) – "Garnier Light Gentle Exfoliating Scrub will help you get that radiant glow. Its Pure Lemon Essence and Micro beads effectively cleanse your skin for optimum brightening result. Use this daily along with Garnier Skin Naturals Daily Moisturizer for best results."

Last but not the least, FIERCE!!!
I know everyone's been waiting for BDJ Box to finally include makeup in their boxes and it's finally here! <3

Maybelline Baby Lips Color Lip Balm (Php 89) – "Get soft, kissable lips in vibrant translucent colors from Maybelline Baby Lips Color Lip Balm of Maybelline New York is formulated with vitamin E and jojoba oil that help shed away dryness for supple smooth and cushioned lips all day."

Maybelline EyeStudio LuminEyes in Gray (Php 599) – "Ready to party? Highlight your eyes with dazzling party-perfect shades that comes with 4 brand new palettes. Maybelline EyeStudio LuminEyescomes with illuminating color-control primer that makes your eyeshadow color last longer – now you’re ready to party all night!"

Maybelline The Hyper Curl Volum Express: Waterproof (Php 250) – "Want some drama to your eyes? Maybelline The Hyper Curl Volum Express: Waterproof Mascara allows an instant dramatic lash look. Plus, its Curly fix formula fixes and curls your lashes for 75 degrees that will last for 18 hours! Now you’re up to have head-turning lashes!"

Maybelline Color Sensational Lasting Lipstick in 235 Warm Me Up (Php 399) – "Smooth and sensational lips – have it with Maybelline. The freshest, most fabulous color of Maybelline Color Sensational Lasting Lipstick has exclusive nourishing honey nectar that hydrates beyond perfection. Try it, and feel it."

Maybelline Clear Smooth All-in-One Shine-Free Foundation (To Go), (Php 199, 9g) – "Always on the go? Maintain the clear smooth finish with Maybelline New York’s Clear Smooth All-in-One Shine-Free Foundation. Keep your skin matte and wonderfully fresh, conceal blemishes and have visibly smooth complexion while being protected from UV rays. This long-lasting foundation is perfect for your to-go kits! This is suitable for everyday use."

That's a total of 14 products (5 samples and 9 full-sized products). Now let's do the math, shall we? We have Php 1,536 of Maybelline makeups and Php 533 worth of Garnier products for a total of Php 2, 069 - excluding samples! That's a slightly less than the amount of products in the April BDJ Box but, personally, I think the products in this month's box would be put to better use than last month's. Also, I's like to stress how much I love the theme. It goes from typical skincare to makeup essentials which is great especially for teens and those who are new to makeup.

I already paid for my 3-month BDJ Box subscription but like I said, their June box is already out of stock since mid-May so the next unboxing post would probably be on July. Look at the bright side, at least I have time to review everything, right? :)

P.S If you want to see a review on one of the products posted above, let me know through the comment box below so I can prioritize it. *wink

How about you, what do you think of this month's BDJ Box contents?

Comment them down below and I'll see you on my next post!

For more info, please visit: www.bdjbox.com

Follow BDJ on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BDJBox

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bdjbox

Review: Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser

2013-05-21T03:45:00.002-07:00

Normally, I wouldn't review a skincare product without using it for at least a month. But I guess there will always be an exception to the rule. And that exception came in the form of Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser. I've only been using this for a little over 3 weeks but I'm really surprised by the results that I decided to share it immediately so that my readers could also take advantage of the introductory sale/prices. To be fair, I'm also using a whole lot of other skincare products aside the ones I got from Hayan Korea (some products from Clinique and Ponds too).

Another reason for the quick review is that this tube already ran out yesterday. Apparently, both my younger brother and father were intrigued by the product and were surprised by the drastic change in my skin. Honestly, I think they were just jealous that my skin was clearing up. So they also decided to use it. Talk about a vain family. LOL! I can't blame them, can I? Although I must admit that it was also a big shock for me because they rarely use my skincare products - voluntarily, that is. :)

Product Information:

(Taken from Hayan Korea's E-brochure)

HAYAN Solutions Foam Cleanser (100g)

Deeply cleanses and hydrates leaving skin refreshed and smoothed

Benefits: Dissolves and removes any makeup residue and environmental impurities gently and thoroughly. The smooth fine foam, suffused with natural plant extracts, lessens skin irritation as it purifies, revitalizes and moisturizes your skin.

How to use: Moisten your face with water, then massage a small amount of the cleanser gently over the skin to form a rich creamy lather. Rinse thoroughly.

Korean brands are known for their cute and girly packaging like Etude House and Tony Moly. If not for those, it would be for their high end and very luxurious product lines like Laneige. I'm positively sure I'm not the first one to admit that I've been lured by those factors into buying Korean products so I'd say it's pretty effective in terms of advertisement.

But Hayan Korea is nothing like that. Based from the Hayan products I've seen and tried so far, they don't really focus much on their packaging. Maybe their motto is "let the product speak for itself" or something like that? I dunno so don't quote me on that. *wink Personally, I never gave Hayan's packaging much thought because I already know it works for my skin. But I think the minimalist packaging is to their disadvantage. It's way too simple to get the attention of their target market.

Like most of their products, Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser comes in a white box with a small tinge of purple where majority of the product information is printed. Inside is a simple white, easy-squeeze tube with the same purple accents to set it aside from all Hayan's other products. There isn't anything special about the packaging. It looks very simple, if you ask me. Although I'd give it a plus point for the sealed nozzle. I like buying things that have foil seals on them as this gives me the assurance that what I'm getting is new and absolutely unused. This might sound petty but it's important for me especially when it comes to skincare products.

Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser is thicker compared to my usual Pond's Facial Cleanser, consistency-wise. Even the foam is thicker actually. It's like the bubbles it creates are pressed together. It feels smooth on the face and has absolutely no beads or scrubs - just pure foam. Speaking of the foam, it takes slightly longer to rinse off than my other facial washes. As for the smell, it has a hint of soap-y smell that is almost unnoticeable. It easily goes unnoticeable, for me at least. I don't know what's wrong with me but I usually get some of the foam in my eyes.. good thing they don't sting or hurt that much. LOL!

This facial cleanser has aslo proven to be every effective in removing non-waterproof makeup residue. I always make sure to use a decent makeup remover or cleansing cream before washing my face. But apparently, some residue is still left because when Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser starts to foam up, I can see it turn to a light beige color which indicates that some of my foundation was left. By removing these dirt and residue, Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser is actively preventing any future breakout.

Before I started using Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser, I was experiencing a mild breakout. I remember going to Nisce Skin 'n Face's event with a huge pimple on the bridge of my nose and another one on my cheek. I was about to finally accept that summer time brings out the worst of my skin and there's nothing I could do about it when I tried this. I'm not trying to sound melodramatic but that's how I felt then. I still have the pimple marks from my recent breakout if you need proof that my skin went through a rough patch.

Immediately after I started using this, I noticed that my skin became less oily. Less oil = less breakout. Even my t-zone became less prone to oil accumulation and shine. No new pimple dared to pop up since I started using this which I found really amazing since the week I started using it was also the week I had my period. I normally get pimplier during that time of the month but no, not a tiny pimple came. Also, it doesn't dry up my skin even if I wash my face with it 3-4 times a day. It keeps my skin smooth and radiant too.

I honestly think this [my skin condition now] is the best my skin has been since summer started. The results just blew me away.. especially when you consider how affordable it is.

Let's see how my skin reacted to Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser.

From the photos above, it is obvious that Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser did an amazing job clearing out my skin. It is, however, important to note that the overall result is not solely attributable to Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser. The result was achieved with the help of a brigade of skincare products I specifically used address my mild breakout. Of course, Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser still did an awesome job in keeping my skin less oily. If you want a complete/update list of skincare products I've been using, don't hesitate to ask. *wink

Now my only problem is that I still have a handful of facial washes from different brands to review but I'm having a hard time convincing myself to switch. I genuinely love the results Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser has given me.. I will, without a doubt, repurchase it. Especially because my little brother is already asking for his own tube of Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser. :)

Price: Php 198 (Introductory Price)

Available at: Hayan Korea Stalls (SM, Starmall and Victory Central Mall)

Have you tried anything from the brand, Hayan Korea, before?

What Hayan product do you want me to review? Let me know and I'll see what I can do. :)

See you on my next post!

JewelOcean Bridal Sets Collection

2013-05-21T00:55:00.002-07:00

Every other girl dreams of having the perfect wedding - beautiful flowers, gaudy wedding gown, a pool of family members and friends, an extravagant ring and of course the love of her life waiting on the altar. All those things are just so dreamy and very fairytale-like. I can't wait for it to happen to ME.. don't get me wrong though, I don't plan on getting married anytime soon. LOL! So for the meantime, let's just feast our eyes on this flashy display of elegant bling blings that would surely make other girls die of envy. *wink

JewelOcean.com is already a major retailer in selling bridal sets at affordable prices. However, the company does not want to take its success for granted. JewelOcean has now announced that it would revamp its bridal sets collection further to continue to attract customers.

Bridal Sets consist of matching engagement rings and diamond wedding bands. Bridal sets have been worn by women for over 100 years. Most women prefer to own bridal sets, because having a collection of matching engagement rings and wedding bands enhances the beauty of both the rings together. Men also love to purchase bridal sets, as by purchasing the 2 rings together, they can save more on such a big purchase. JewelOcean.com has always attracted customers to its bridal sets collection. The company offers more than 100 different designs of bridal ring sets, which retail at very cheap and affordable prices, starting from only $449 onwards.

However, JewelOcean has now announced that it will further update its bridal sets collection, in a continued effort to make the collection more attractive to its customers. JewelOcean would add few new designs of bridal sets, in accordance with the new trends and styles. Some of the new designs would feature three stone bridal ring sets and antique bridal sets. The three stone bridal sets will start from a price of only $599 onwards whereas the antique bridal sets would retail from of only $799 onwards.

JewelOcean allows customers to customize all the Wedding sets that are sold by the company. Customers can choice their choice of center diamond, such as either princess cut, round cut or even pear shaped diamonds for the engagement ring. The company also allows customers to choose their choice of Gold for the wedding sets, where customers can choose between 10k, 14k and 18k Gold karat. Customers can have their wedding sets made on white gold, yellow gold or rose gold.

The luxurious TRIO WEDDING SETS!

JewelOcean.com would further enhance its wedding ring sets collection by offering many wedding ring sets on sale at affordable prices. Customers visiting the company website would find at least 10-15 different wedding ring sets that would be offered on sale at any point. With many wedding ring sets sold on JewelOcean.com, customers would be able to order an extra band to make them trio sets. Customers can choose the between men’s or women’s band, as the extra bands for their wedding trio sets.

JewelOcean is a leading retailer of diamond engagement rings and rose gold engagement rings. The company offers free shipping and refund policy on all bridal sets purchases.

For more information about the bridal sets sold on JewelOcean, please visit http://www.jewelocean.com/bridalsets.php

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and most of the content is from the press release material.

Review: Garnier Light Intensive 3 in 1 Whitening Essence Mask

2013-05-21T00:12:00.000-07:00

I've always been a fan of sheet masks. They're a convenient way of pampering yourself at home while relaxing, watching television or reading a book. I'll let you in a little secret - I always make sure I have more or less 15 different sheets masks in my stash just in case my girl buds decide to hangout for some "girl time". Just like my eye cream and sun block, I prefer refrigerating my sheet mask 10-15 minutes before using it just makes it even more relaxing when used. Am I really that weird? LOL! Anyway, now that you know these weird stuff about me, I guess I can now shamelessly share what I think about this new sheet mask I've tried - this Garnier Light Intensive 3 in 1 Whitening Essence Mask from my April BDJ Box. And another one from my May BDJ Box. :)

Product Information:

(Taken from BDJ Pamphlet)

Garnier Light Intensive 3 in 1 Whitening Essence Mask
Glowing Beauty. Reveal radiant and hydrated skin with Garnier’s intensive 3 in 1 whitening essence mask. Its three major contents help lighten skin tone, remove dead cells, refine texture, retain water inside the skin for hydration. Great refresher for tired, dull skin, may be used before makeup! See a blooming, glowing YOU. For best results, use this 2x a week.

Garnier Light Intensive 3 in 1 Whitening Essence Mask contains:

Scutellaria Extract (also known as the “Golden Root”), a Japanese plant extract is known for its whitening properties. It helps lighten the skin by reducing melanin production and also, its antioxidant action combats free radicals from the skin, leaving it looking brighter and fairer. Pure Lemon Essence, the brand's signature ingredient for its Light product line, a famous citrus essence that helps restore the skin’s radiance with its brightening properties and by removing dead skin cells for an even and refined texture. And lastly, Tanggula Glacier Water, a luxurious aqua ingredient that delivers instant moisture and retains the hydrating power of rich minerals to the skin.

For the record, I'd like to say that for once, I found a mask sheet that fit my small face snugly. Great news for me but this makes me wonder how this would fit those with much bigger face.. Oh well. The sheet mask itself is incredibly thin and almost transparent when worn - not that the sheet is really important. I have to remind myself that it's the essence/serum that makes the product effective, not the mask per se.

Moving on to the serum, I appreciate the fact that the pack doesn't contain too much essence. I really hate it when the mask keeps dripping when worn. Plus, they can't expect our skin to soak in hundreds of milligrams of essence in 30 minutes, right? So I think the amount of product in this sachet is just right, for me at least. Next thing to consider is the consistency of the essence. Garnier Light Intensive 3 in 1 Whitening Essence Mask contains a light, mildly scented, clear essence that's easily absorbed by the skin causing the mask to almost completely dry out after 20 minutes.

Anyway, did you know that after removing the sheet, you're supposed to let the skin absorb the essence for a couple more minutes? I've known that from the beginning but since I couldn't tolerate most of the facial masks I've tried before that had thick and heavy essence, I always rinse off the excess - wasting the very thing I actually paid for. But for the first time, I was able to endure it this time because it's lightweight and non sticky. It only took my skin 3 minutes to fully absorb everything!

BOO! >:P

I've already used up 2 sheets of Garnier Light Intensive 3 in 1 Whitening Essence Mask and so far, I did not notice any skin brightening effect - not even temporary results right after washing. However, I did see that my skin became so much softer and suppler after using the sheet mask. My skin feels so hydrated and it looks refreshed too. I'm not entirely after the skin whitening so the results I've got are enough for me. But if you purchased this mainly for its whitening claims, I guess you'd be a bit disappointed to know that 2 sheets didn't do me any good. But who knows, maybe with continuous use, this could do wonders for the skin. :)

I have a couple of new Garnier product from my May BDJ Box. And I have to say, this Garnier Light Intensive 3 in 1 Whitening Essence Mask made me really excited to try out other products from the brand. I've never really tried anything from the brand before but they look promising - especially their roll-on eye cream. :)

Price: Php 89/sheet

Available at: Watsons/SM Dept. (I got mine from April BDJ Box)

Have you tried this before? What do you think?

Let me know and I'll see you on my next post! :)

Review: Etude House Happy Teatime Cleansing Cream in Milk Tea

2013-05-18T23:32:00.001-07:00

A lot for us here are very fond of makeup - this is a beauty blog after all - but I think it's safe to safe that only a handful really knows how to properly remove makeup. This is actually one of the bad habits I aim to break together with my nasty habit of rubbing my eyes and forgetting to put on sunscreen every day. I spend 20-30 minutes in the morning doing my makeup before going out but at night, I try my very best to remove my makeup as fast as I could. I normally just wipe everything off without even checking if I really did remove everything much less be cautious in tugging on my skin.

Product Description:

(Taken from www.mybeautycity.com)

Etude House Happy Teatime Cleansing Cream in Milk Tea (180ml)

This Etude House Happy Teatime Milk Tea Cleansing Cream is formulated with Milk Protein to remove dirt and makeup while keeping skin moisturized with the pleasant fragrance of tea.

How to use: Apply cream to all areas of the face. Massage thoroughly and wipe clean with cleansing tissues or rinse with warm water to remove excess.

Etude House Happy Teatime Cleansing Cream in Milk Tea is contained in this humongous brown plastic jar with a very detailed screw-lid top. The packaging is quite heavy; although sturdy, it's difficult to bring when travelling. Inside the simple yet very cute jar is a rich white cream. It feels soft against the skin and it glides on like butter. It's easy to spread and as it is rubbed on the face longer, it picks up the makeup thus making its change color. I'm not picky when it comes to smell of makeup removers as long as they're not overpowering - which in this case is not. It has a mild milky, almost talc, scent if you ask me.

When removing makeup, it is almost impossible not to get the makeup remover into the eyes. This happened to me several times before. And knowing how sensitive my eyes are, it's really a relief that Etude House Happy Teatime Cleansing Cream doesn't sting or irritate the eyes. Although it does make my eye sight a bit blurry for a couple of minutes but that's it.. no major fuss. After wiping off the cleansing cream with Watsons Baby Fresh Wipes, it is important to rinse it off entirely because the cleansing cream itself is extremely oily on the face.

Let's put Etude House Happy Teatime Cleansing Cream to the test, shall we? :)

Basically, what I like about Etude House Happy Teatime Cleansing Cream is that it melts away majority of my makeup in just one go. It removes almost everything with the exception of water-proof mascara. Well, actually, it can remove water-proof mascara but it takes longer and needs much more effort. As far as light to medium coverage foundations and water-proof eyeliners go, Etude House Happy Teatime Cleansing Cream really does an excellent job. So what I do for to remove the mascara is that I use the ordinary baby wipes and pinch my lashes per section to remove the mascara residue - this is where CanMake Eye Lash Care Essence (Read review HERE) becomes useful. *wink

Overall, I'd say that Etude House Happy Teatime Cleansing Cream is really worth buying - it's affordable and effective at the same time. It makes the dreadful process of removing makeup after a long tiring day more bearable. The only thing that could make this even better is if it came with a spatula. I really don't like dipping my fingers in the container. As for the "flavor", Milk Tea, I really can't say much because I haven't tried the other variants yet. I'll update you when I get the chance to try 'em. :)

Price: Php 198

Available at: Etude House Branches

What's your current favorite makeup remover? Is it as nearly as good as this? :)

Definitely another great and affordable find from Etude House!

Review: Candi Nail Polish Remover Wipes

2013-05-18T22:56:00.001-07:00

What I hate most about applying nail polishes isn't the tedious application itself. No, I hate the removing part even more. It's very boring, unproductive and the smell of the acetone bugs me. So when you see me around with chipped nail polish, don't even bother asking. It's obvious that I was too lazy to remove it myself or even go to a decent nail spa to have it removed. LOL!

When I saw this in my April BDJ Box, I was intrigued, to say the least. It looks promising but I never really bothered rummaging through my stash to get this Candi Nail Polish Remover Wipes whenever I need to remove my worn out nail color. I only decided to give it a go when I had troubles removing the indelible ink after voting. Apparently, my usual Php15/bottle acetone couldn't remove the ink from the sides of my nails so I tried this one out.

Product Description:

(Taken from BDJ Pamphlet)

Candi Nail Polish Remover Wipes

Nail Buddy! No mess, no spill – just easy to use. Meet your nail polish remover buddy! Candi helps you remove your nail polish hassle-free. It doesn’t just help you but it keeps you from dry nails and fingers. Its acetone-free feature transforms your nail time into fun time.

Candi Nail Polish Remover Wipes come in a small white plastic container. It has a screw lid top that closes really tightly to make sure that the chemical in the remover won't evaporate. At the back of the container are the product details and the manufacturing date. Inside the container is a stack of thin wipes drenched in the acetone-free remover itself.

One cool thing about Candi Nail Polish Remover Wipes is that they smell nothing like acetone - absolutely no harsh odor! It has a strong artificial citrus-y scent though. The scent it highly tolerable - just don't use it inside the car or other closed/isolated space. I once used this while inside the car.. the smell made my brother dizzy. LOL! Each wipe is extremely thin. Although I have to admit that despite being thin, never did it get ripped into pieces when used. Kudos for being super sturdy!

It works at par with other nail polish removers that contain acetone. It did very little to the indelible ink but it does a decent job removing nail polishes. They're very easy to use. Need to redo a nail but you're scared of using acetone as it may damage the other nails? Well, these wipes solve exactly that. I can remove nail polish from one nail without getting acetone on the others because each wipe contains only the needed amount. It doesn't drip with nail polish-removing chemicals when pressed. And like ordinary nail polish removers, this doesn't leave those nasty white stains after use.

The downside is that it's hard to use when removing nail polish from specific areas like the sides of the nail or under it. I tried folding it but it's still a bit tricky. Another thing about this is that, it dries up incredibly fast so always make sure to close the cap tightly to prevent air from getting in.

TIP: Wrap a sheet around each nail and let it soak for a while before rubbing them. This softens the nail polish thus making it faster to remove. Just don't leave it on a nail for too long before rubbing because the sheets/wipes dry out relatively fast.

Overall, I like how convenient it is to use and how it doesn't affect the other nails. It's also a great thing that is it relatively affordable. What more can I say, BDJ Box does well in introducing new brands and products that are really worth repurchasing. I'm definitely stocking up on this nail remover wipes when I continue my "Nail of the Day" segment. If you like painting your nails, I'm sure you'll appreciate this too. :)

Price: Php 65 (30 pads)

Available at: Watsons (I got mine from April BDJ Box)

"Like" Candi (Nail Polish Remover Wipes) to know more. Click HERE.

Have you tried Nail Polish Remover Wipes before?

What do you think? Let me know below and I'll see you on my next post. :)

P.S What do you think of my new blog layout? <3

BCK Makeup + Giveaway!

2013-05-14T03:09:00.001-07:00

Beauty Crafts by Kiran (BCK) is founded by Kimberly Ann, an award-winning makeup artist and airbrush specialist. Kiran finished her professional airbrush course at Make Up For Ever academy, Singapore and pro makeup artistry course at Maquillage Professionel (supported by Makeup For Ever, Paris) specializing in facial beauty, high fashion, bridal and photography makeup. She is a certified hairstylist too, having finished her training in David's Salon Academy and a member of Philippine Make-Up Artisits Association (PMUAA).

At present, she is now an instructor at Golden Success Aviation School in Manila for flight attendant trainees on their beauty class, makeup instructor at Infoguide Traning Center located at Ortigas and instructor at her own makeup studio located in Makati, She's also the brand developer of BCK Cosmetics & Tools and a freelance makeup artist specializing in weddings, photo shoots, events, TV ads and more.

I'm soooo envious right now. I wish I had the guts to pursue professional artistry. Anyway, take a look of Ms. Kim's unique works.

Check out more of her breathtaking works HERE.

If you're a makeup enthusiast, you might want to consider enrolling to one of Ms. Kim's classes.

Here's her June Makeup Workshop for your reference:

Now for everyone's favorite part, the giveaway. Ms. Kim, the lady behind BCK, was generous enough to share these awesome loot to ONE (1) lucky winner. Who knows, maybe with this set, the winner can start practicing and could someday become a great makeup artist like Ms. Kim. ;)

Here's a closer look on what ONE (1) lucky winner will be receiving from our sponsor:

ONE (1) BCK CONTOUR/BLUSH PALETTE

ONE (1) BCK PURPLE EGG SPONGE

ONE (1) SET OF BCK FALSE LASHES (10 pairs)

ONE (1) BCK BLACK EYELINER GEL

ONE (1) BCK CONCEALER WHEEL

This giveaway will start today, May 14. It will run for one (1) month, ending June 14.

Announcement of winner will be posted here. Open to Philippine-based readers only.

Shipping will be handled by our lovely sponsor from BCK, Ms. Kim. Yeah, FREE shipping!

Now, everything else you need to know about this giveaway is in the Rafflecopter widget below.

It takes a while to load.. be patient. ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All entries will be closely checked and verifies so please follow them carefully.

You could also check out BCK's site here: www.beautycraftsbykiran.com

That's it. Good luck ladies!

See you on my next post! :D

WISHTREND: "As You WISH To Be Beautiful, You Will Be Beautiful"

2013-05-13T08:35:00.001-07:00

Ever since I've been exposed to the online blogging community, my love for Korean products has grown more and more. I remember how much I admired Song Hye Kyo from Full House because of her radiantly flawless skin. Come to think of it, I guess that's what started my obsession over Korean skincare products. Although I have to admit, luxury Korean products are insanely expensive here in the Philippines so I usually turn to online shopping. Now that's when I came across Wishtrend.

Basically, Wishtrend is an online shopping site selling different Korean products from different brands. What I like about the site is that they're trusted by many and they're totally legit! This removes the stress and worry of buying online. Affordable products and worldwide delivery, what more can you ask for? :)

Wishtrend aims to share Korean cosmetic brands that are not well-known globally. Currently, they made available 400 products from 30 different brands to 50 countries worldwide. And through their effective and timely delivery, they were able to establish trust with their long-term customers.

Want to try Korean products but live nowhere near Korea? No problem! Wishtrend ships to anywhere on the planet that receives regular postal services.

Skincare Products.

Cosmetic Products.

And more girl stuff...

Hair care products.

It's difficult to find skincare products for men.. and I personally don't like the idea of men neglecting their skin and looks. They should not be as vain as girls but they should also not neglect it. So it's great to see that Wishtrend dedicated a whole category for guy needs like facial foams and whatnot.

Skincare products for MEN!

Another cool thing about Wishtrend is their unique Wish Boxes...

The Wish Box consists of very special products not easy to get in abroad, which have Korean theme. It's like a subscription for me; you get random products in one box for a much cheaper price. Only difference is, you know exactly what you'll get which makes it even better! :)

From all the exciting products Wishtrend offers, I know you're wondering what's on my wishlist and what I'm interested in trying out the most. It's none other than O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum, of course!

This famous red bottle has created quite a stir in the online community recently with a number of reliable bloggers talking about it. O.S.T Original Pure Vitamin C20 Serum claims to whiten skin through removing dead skin cells, tighten pores, remove blackheads and recover trouble scars. It got me extremely curious and I wanted to try it out for myself. Who knows, maybe someday.. *wink

What's on your Wishtrend wishlist? Care to share?
Comment them down below and I'll see you on my next post!

LIKE them on Facebook: WISH Company
Follow then on Twitter: @WISHtrend
Check out their site HERE

My Picks: Top 5 ELF Products

2013-05-13T07:22:00.002-07:00

Last night I spent hours and hours catching up with 2 of my best girls buds from high school. We were talking about a lot of new stuff and reminiscing our glory days when they started asking about my blog. Apparently, they've visited this humble page of mine several times before and they have quite a lot of questions about which products I would recommend. I've always been fascinated with makeup and it's always my pleasure to answer beauty-related questions. So when my friends asked me about ELF and which ones are worth trying, I thought of sharing them here too. If you want me to make a list from other brands which I've tried before, just let me know. *wink

Eye Lips Face (a.k.a ELF) is a relatively new brand in the Philippines but I've been using it years before it became available locally. Whenever I'm asked to recommend an affordable brand/product, ELF is honestly the first thing that comes to mind. I genuinely feel that amongst the cheapest brands available in the market today, ELF offers the best quality for its price. Although they are a bit more expensive here - they're still affordable though. I usually buy my ELF supplies from the US because the $1 products there cost Php129 (more than $3) here. Not to mention their insane US sales and promos!

Anyway, I think I've tried quite a number of ELF products already to have a feel of its overall quality and things like that. So without further ado, here are my PERSONAL favorites from ELF.

12 pc. Studio Line Brush Set ($30 ELF | Php 1,500 online)

This is actually the very first brush set I've ever owned. I bought it using my allowance and never did I regret it. It is a great starter set for makeup enthusiasts for it has all the basic brushes. I never got around to reviewing my set because they're a bit worn out already but even with my newer sets, I still use some of the brushes from this set. My favorite would be the flat top brush, powder brush and of course the blush brush. I did encounter a bit of shedding with this set but it was all good. Their bristles are fairly soft and they've been in my collection for almost 5 years now. Definitely a great investment! :)

Mineral Infused Face Primer ($6 ELF | Php 499 Mall) and Eyelid Primer ($1 ELF | Php 129 Mall)

Choosing 2 products for 1 spot isn't cheating! LOL! For the price, ELF really has very good primers. They're both easy to spread, soft against the skin and didn't cause any allergic reaction. Mineral Infused Face Primer was able to keep my makeup intact despite the heat and controlled oil pretty well. It glides on really nicely and the packaging is commendable too. Eyelid Primer is one of the first ELF products I've tried even way before I started blogging - and I still keep repurchasing it. It makes my eyeshadow last longer and at the same time, it makes them look more vibrant.

REVIEWS HERE and HERE respectively.

Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder in St. Lucia ($3 ELF | Php 249.75 Mall)

The packaging is sleek and simple but it contains highly pigmented cheek products in two very big pans. The blush is a peachy shade with gold specks while the contour one is a medium matte brown shade - they complement each other really well. Both shades aren't too chalky and they last for a decent amount of time. They're both easy to apply and with very minimal fallouts. I'd love to think that it's a cheaper alternative for the famous NARS Orgasm & Laguna Duo.. but what do I know, right? LOL!

Read review HERE.

Credit to Owners: Top/Bottom

Powder/Pressed Eyeshadows (in general)

ELF is one of my favorites when it comes to drugstore eyeshadows. The first one I got was their eyeshadow quad for only $1 and I was really surprised how pigmented each and every shades were. They're a bit chalky and with a significant amount of fallouts but when used with primer, the color really lasts for hours. For that price, I would have expected a lot less..

Photo Source: HERE

Lip Balm SPF 15 ($3 ELF)

Is it weird that I got my first ELF tinted lip balm from my lola? LOL! Anyway, when I was staying with her last month, I had extremely chapped lips because of the hot weather. It was also unfortunate that I left my trusted Carmex lip balm at home.. so I rummaged her things looking for petroleum jelly. And that's when I saw this in her drawers. I asked if I can have it and of course she said yes. It gives the lips a nice natural hint of color and at the same time it moisturizes the lips really well. In 2 days my lips were crack-free and it was incredibly soft too! Not to mention it has SPF which makes it perfect for summer. ;)

If you're new to makeup, I would really recommend ELF. It's cheap but it still offers great quality. Even with my growing makeup collection - with high end makeup brands - I still keep my ELF products; that's how much I like 'em. :)

That's is for my faves from the brand. What's your top 5 ELF products?

Comment them down below and I'll see you on my next post.

P.S If you have other requests, please don't hesitate to ask.

Review: Pond's Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream

2013-05-13T04:22:00.000-07:00

I know most of you are aware that collagen helps in tightening hair follicles, preventing Osteoporosis, alleviating shrinkage and maintaining skin elasticity as it maintains our skin's moisture. Ideally our body should be able to productively generate collagen by itself until the age 30, and then the production rate gradually declines as we get older. Now I'm sure if there's something wrong with the part of my body that's supposed to produce collagen because apparently, the area around my eyes is lacking collagen. I hate to admit it but at such early age, I already have fine lines settling in and they're a major pain because they're almost impossible to cover, unlike dark circles. So I turn to eye creams.. hoping I'll find something effective.

Product Description:

(Taken from www.global.ponds.com)

Hate those saggy dark circles? POND’S Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream refreshes tired eyes while diminishing puffiness and dark circles. Enriched with 99% real gold microparticles, Vitamin B3 & CLA, it soothes and smoothens the area around your eyes for a brighter, younger look!

Special Ingredient: Gold

A natural mineral that boosts cell renewal and gives your skin an instant glow.

Pond's Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream is contained in a sturdy little pump bottle. And like the name of the line, the entire packaging is luxuriously covered with gold shades. The packaging as a whole is very compact and light; not a pain to carry around. It's a plus that the cap doesn't pop out accidentally but the best part of the packaging is the pump. It's very easy to dispense and control the amount of product and it does so little by little. It doesn't squirt the product all over like other pumps. Yeah, little things matter. *wink By the way, what I don't like about the completely opaque packaging is that I never know exactly how much product is left. :(

Compared to Pond's other product lines, the Gold Radiance line is apparently more expensive. This anti-aging line, I think, is the high-end part of the brand. Well, seeing how they claim that "gold" is one of the ingredients, it's easy to understand its price tag. Anyway, with Pond's Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream, you can stretch your money a little more. Believe me, a pea-sized product is more than enough for both eyes. You've heard me say this before but with this eye cream, a little really does go a long way. I've been using this for more than 3 months and I still feel the bottle has enough product inside to last me 3-4 months more. :)

When it comes to eye creams, I generally like them light and scentless - a characteristic I luckily found in Pond's Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream. I have dry patches around the eye area but I couldn't stand heavy eye creams so I usually opt to get those with lightweight formulation. Good thing Gold Radiance is thin, consistency-wise. It glides on smoothly and it's easily absorbed by the skin too. I like how soft and slightly soothing it is when applied.

As for the so-called special gold microparticles, I did see flecks of gold mixed in with the cream itself. They're tiny and higly unnoticeable when blended but they're there. I tried the Gold Radiance serum once before and the microparticles are more obvious in that one.

Now for the results,

After more than 3 months of continuous use, Pond's Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream was able to address my major skin problem - fine lines. I can leave with dark circles because they're easy to conceal. But the lines under my eyes make it very difficult to find a good concealer as creamy concealers with good coverage usually tend to settle on lines. From my photo documentation above, it's obvious that the deepest and most prominent line under my right eye was significantly relieved over time. New lines inevitably started showing up because of my late night bloggings and some other stressful stuff but they're not as deep and obvious as the ones before.

In short, if your concern is the fine lines or crows feet around the eyes, Pond's Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream would be a great option. But if your problem is more on the discoloration or the dark circles, I would not recommend this. Overall, I think Pond's Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream would work best for older women or those with advance setting of lines, like me.

Price: Php 699

Available at: Watsons/SM Dept.

What's your current eye cream? Would you trade that for this one? :)
I'd love to hear what you have to say. Let me know and I'll see you on my next post!

Review: San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

2013-05-10T11:56:00.001-07:00

People usually say that you get what you pay for but San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen did nothing but defy that saying. I've probably all know by now that I moved on from my lipstick obsession and that I'm currently going gaga over eyeliners. Honestly, if I got this few weeks earlier, I won't have wasted my money on Peripera Very Nice Pen Eyeliner. San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen is at par with my other liners but at a very affordable price... definitely something makeup newbies and enthusiasts would love! Yey!

San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pens come in sky blue pen-like packagings that are slimmer and lighter than normal pens but a bit bigger than Peripera Very Nice Pen Eyeliner (Read review HERE). And because its size closely resembles that of a typical pen, it gives me a better grip on the liner thus resulting to better control. It's travel-friendly and lightweight too. The cap that covers the felt tip closes securely - so as to not allow air to get in and dry out the product - but without any struggle to remove.

This comes in two shades, I think. One in black and the other one is in brown. The shade indicator can easily be seen at the bottom part of the pen; so as its label. This may sounds petty but I really appreciate the tiny color indicators for they have proven to be very useful when I'm in a hurry.

San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen has a very pointed felt tip that allows me to create lines with varying thickness. I can go from very thin "barely there" line to an intense dramatic line. Compared to MeMeMe Eye Sweep Liner (Read review HERE), San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen's tip is stiffer and more pointed which allows thinner lines to be created effortlessly. When placed side by side with Peripera Very Nice Pen Eyeliner, I noticed that San San's felt tip is shorter (more control on the lines) and broader (less variety in terms of thickness of lines when used diagonally). So in a way, San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen's differences come with both advantages and disadvantages. By the way, let me know if you want a detailed comparison between the 3 liner pens mentioned above. ;)

Another great thing about its tip is that in spite of being stiff and pointed, it doesn't feel scratchy on the lids. Nor did it irritate my eye when the color accidentally went into my eyes as I line my lower lash line. In terms of pigmentation, San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen is relatively good. It's pigmented and it doesn't take a lot of effort to use. However, when I feel like going for a stronger, more intense looks, I need to go back and forth with the liner to really build up the color.

Oh look! It has Vitamin A, C & E!<3

Now let's put San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pens to the test!

I first tested the black liner the day I went to an event in the morning and 2 more meetings in the afternoon. When I went home, my perfect line looked perfect, still. It didn't run nor smudge despite constant sweating and eye-rubbing. It's definitely smudge- and water-proof! No cracking and fallouts too. Just look at how it aced my usual eyeliner tests. Cool, huh? :) Well, you could also expect it to be a pain to remove. LOL! If you plan to buy this, don't forget to buy a heavy duty eye makeup remover. *wink

What they look like when worn,

Some might find this a slight turn-off but San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Brown has a tinge of red to it. It's not super obvious but it's there. I usually layer it on to get the true brown shade that I like. Also, I don't know if it's just me or the formulation for black and brown are slightly different. The black one stays on much longer and is more pigmented. I don't know why.. probably just because black is darker. :) Anyway, considering their price point, San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen is definitely a great steal and I'm not just saying that to persuade you. It's really a great product especially if you're in a budget. *wink

Price: Php 85, I think.

Available at: HBC Branches

What's your current favorite eyeliner? Have you tried this one?

Let me know and I'll see you on my next post!

Review: Celeteque Hydrolized Moisturizing Mist

2013-05-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

With the constant heat and sweating, putting on skincare products after every bath is becoming more and more bothersome. Imagine layering expensive pore serum/moisturizer only to wipe it off after a couple of minutes because of sweat. Good thing BDJ Box included this Celeteque Hydrolized Moisturizing Mist in their April box (Read what other products are in the April Box HERE). Honestly, I didn't know what to do with this at first. I seriously lack common sense sometimes. LOL! Well, at least now I finally unravelled the mystery and I'm currently using it non-stop. :)

Product Information:
(Taken from www.sampleroom.ph)

CÉLETEQUE DermoScience Hydration Hydrolyzed Moisturizing Mist contains Hydrolyzed Liquids and NMF that restore moisture to the skin and improve its elasticity and softness. Water from Fuji has trace elements that rejuvenate the skin to make it feel more supple and refreshed. It can also be used over make-up.

Direction for use: After washing the face, spray the mist once or twice on the selected areas of the face and tap dry with a soft cloth. It is best to use before make-up or sunscreen application to moisturize and awaken the skin. Use as often as needed.

Celeteque Hydrolized Moisturizing Mist is contained in a typical white plastic spray bottle. The cap that covers the spray locks securely and the bottle itself is indeed very sturdy - dropped it loads of times already and it's still fine. However, I have a bit of a love and hate relationship with the packaging because the spray tends to concentrate the entirety of the product it dispenses in one particular area. So I have tons of mist on one portion and little on other parts. What I do is place it farther from my face than what is advised.. but by doing this, I waste a good amount of product. Oh, I might as well buy a different atomizer/spray bottle.

Some people use this as setting spray of some sort - I know Donna of My Lucid Intervals uses this before setting her foundation - but personally, I use this as a substitute for moisturizer. I still use my usual moisturizer at night but during the day, I like using Celeteque Hydrolized Moisturizing Mist after every bath just to give my skin some moisture. It's easy to use, refreshing to the skin and it's easily absorbed. I tend to wash my face 3-5 times a day (including bath); not that I plan on drying out my skin to death.. I just can't stand all the sweating. Good thing the facial wash I'm currently using isn't too drying, this mist is enough to hydrate my skin for the meantime. At night I still slather on my heavy duty moisturizer to make up for all the washing. :)

So basically, it makes my skin soft, supple, well-hydrated and leaves it feeling very refreshed. The only thing that would make this even better if it has a slight cooling sensation while the mist dries - like a splash of cold water! Oooh that would make it such a joy to use especially during times like this.

I like keeping my Celeteque Hydrolized Moisturizing Mist beside my laptop whenever I blog. Whenever I feel sluggish, I just reach out for it and then spray it on my face and neck a couple of times to give me an instant boost. Now you know my "blogging secret". LOL!

Price: Php 349

Available at: Watsons/SM Dept. Stores (Got mine from my April BDJ Box)

Let's beat the heat with lots of water and this hydrating mist from Celeteque!

What's your favorite Celeteque product? Let me know and I'll see you on my next post!

Review: Hayan Realize White Natural Sun Block Cream SPF 40 PA++

2013-05-10T09:26:00.001-07:00

Here comes the sun la la la la~

Sun block is often the most neglected step in any skincare routines. I know, I know. I'm guilty of this too. That's easily understandable because unlike eye creams or serums, we can't really see the effects brought about by use of sun block. But let's keep in mind that sometimes the most important things only bear fruits or show its result after a very long period of time. If you don't know, sun block not only prevents sunburn but it also helps prevent early signs of skin aging and reduce the risk of getting skin cancer. Like what they always say, prevention is better than cure.

When do we need to wear sun block? Most of you probably use sun blocks during outings and trips that are expected to have prolonged sun exposure. But did you know that even on cloudy days, 80% of the sun's UV rays can slip through the clouds. So using sun block on a daily basis is definitely a must, for me at least!

If you remember my review on Hayan's Auto Eyebrow (Read review HERE), I said that Hayan is a relatively new Korean brand in the market. And from what I've gathered, this authentic Korean brand was established early in 2012. Not too long for a brand to establish their name, I'd say. That's probably why their products are very affordable! Anyway, regardless what their reason is, I plan on taking advantage of the introductory prices and sales. LOL!

So what's the correct SPF level? Articles online would recommend a minimum of SPF 15 on normal days and SPF 30 or more when you plan to stay under the sun for hours. But since we're living in a tropical country and the sun seems to be harsher than ever, I prefer using products with SPF 40 on a daily basis and something with SPF 60 or higher for swimming and outings.

Because I seldom go out, I'm actually sharing my Hayan Realize White Natural Sun Block Cream with my father who loves biking every morning. He would usually leave the house at 4am and return before lunch. According to him, the amount of SPF is pretty decent but the finish and effect Hayan Realize White Natural Sun Block Cream gives is very commendable. He never encountered sunburn or sore patches ever since he started using this. That's all the details I could get out of him.. you know how inattentive guys can be on small details. LOL! So here's my personal take on Hayan Realize White Natural Sun Block Cream. ;)

Hayan Realize White Natural Sun Block Cream comes is a silver metallic box with the instructions, list of ingredient and expiration date clearly printed on the sides of the box. One side has all these in Korean writing while the other side has these information roughly translated to English - this actually is a major plus since I've seen a couple of Korean products with little to no English translations. Inside the box is an easy-squeeze tube with the same silver metallic foil packaging.

It has this thin foil seal that covers the narrow nozzle to reassure the user that it is indeed a new product. I remember buying a pencil liner before from Nichido and the saleslady gave me a used one. :( Plus, this makes sure that no foreign object has contaminated the sun block. Overall the packaging is lightweight, travel-friendly and very hygienic.

Unlike other sun blocks, Hayan Realize White Natural Sun Block Cream comes in a creamy white lotion-like consistency. It's very rich and thick but at the same time, it glides on smoothly. It doesn't feel weird - by weird I'm talking about the awkward "lotion combined with water" feeling - on the skin. It's very easy to blend and spread although it takes a few minutes longer to fully absorb. Before going on with your normal makeup routine, I suggest you allow the sun block to dry first to avoid caking. What I like about Hayan Realize White Natural Sun Block Cream is that it doesn't feel sticky, greasy or oily even after sweating like a pig. No white cast or streak too! Well, in the contrary, it even gives my skin a hint of radiant glow as it brightens my face a bit. It's much like an ordinary lotion but with superior sun protection properties to boot.

For those who are extremely sensitive to strong scents, I think you must know that, like typical sun blocks with high SPF, Hayan Realize White Natural Sun Block Cream, too, has a strong soapy smell that is common to majority of sun blocks. It's a bit bothersome at first but it grows on you.. I've been using this for weeks and I hardly notice the smell anymore. :)

It's not the best nor the cheapest sun block in the market right now but you really get your money's worth with this one. Plus, the SPF is just about the right amount for daily use so I'd say Hayan Realize White Natural Sun Block Cream SPF 40 PA++ is truly worth buying. ;)

Price: Php 282

Available at: Hayan Korea Counters

How about you? What do you use to protect your skin from this summer sizzling heat?
Despite the humid weather, let's try to enjoy summer! See you on my next post! :)

FIRMOO International Giveaway!

2013-05-10T07:01:00.002-07:00

I love love love sunglasses! I don't have much but I always make sure to have one in my bag when I leave the house. It protects my eyes from the sun and at the same time, makes a simple outfit look stylish and super chic. I'm still in the process of expanding my collection of sunglasses. When our house renovation is over, I'll them show 'em to you. ;) If you love sunglasses too, I'm sure you'll be very glad to know that I'll be giving away free sunglasses and E-vouchers courtesy of Firmoo! Exciting, isn't it?

Photo credit to: www.firmoo.com

Firmoo is the World's Most Popular Online Eyeglasses Store with 580K+ fans on Face book. Their mission is to offer varieties of unbelievable cheap yet fashionable prescription & Plano eyewear to the consuming public. All of their eyewear are directly from affiliate factory, so our price is 85%~90% lower than that in the traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Now for the exciting part; the giveaway! :D

The prizes:

For the grand prize winner (1 person), he/she will get a pair of fashionable sunglasses, shipping is included. (if there are more then 50 participants). Consolation prizes (6 winners), will receive $20 sunglasses E-voucher each. The vouchers can only be used on Firmoo sunglasses at http://www.firmoo.com/wrap-around-rx-sunglasses.

Here are some of my top picks,

Check out other styles of Firmoo sunglasses HERE.

If you want to have Prescription Sunglasses, Firmoo recommends to choosing a pair of eyeglasses frame on http://www.firmoo.com/all-products.html, and tint the lenses into sunglasses lenses. You may visit http://www.firmoo.com/prescription-sunglasses.html to know how to make Prescription Sunglasses.

All the contestants have to be located in the area Firmoo's delivery can reach. Please visit http://www.firmoo.com/help-c-10.shtml to get the countries Firmoo ship to and details of the postage.

Some of my favorite looks featuring Firmoo glasses:

Aren't they fabulous?! They look so classy and chic!

Now for the mechanics...

Mechanics:

1.) Be a public member of my blog thru GFC.

2.) "LIKE" my blog's fan page on Facebook (Product Arena by Celline08)

3.) Follow me thru NetworkedBlogs

Widget is on the sidebar or click HERE

4.) Follow me on Twitter and Instagram (@celline08)

5.) Post this publicly on your wall: *Make sure you tag my Facebook fan page and your friends

“@Product Arena by Celline08 is giving away free Firmoo glasses and vouchers! Join now @Friend @Friend2 [link].”

6.) Tweet this: *Make sure you mention me and two friends in your tweet.

“@Celline08 is giving away free Firmoo glasses and vouchers! Join now @Friend1 @Friend2 [link]!”

and lastly,

6.) Go to Firmoo's site and choose the eyewear you'd love to win. Then go back here and let me know by commenting it down below. Including the link and item code would be great!

Then comment the following below: GFC Name, FB post link, Tweet link and the eyewear you want.

It's as simple as that!

This giveaway will run for 3 weeks (ending May 31). This is open INTERNATIONALLY!

Winners will be announced thru this post. Please follow all steps carefully to avoid invalidation of entries.

Keep on joining.. good luck!

See you on my next post, lovelies! <3

Firmoo Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FirmooGlasses

Firmoo Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/firmoo

Firmoo+ Page: http://plus.firmoo.com/

CanMake Makeup Session with Toshimi Itabashi

2013-05-09T23:07:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I was invited to CanMake's exclusive makeup workshop at The Wine Museum. I was really excited to attend especially when Ms. Arbee told me that they will be launching the brand in the Philippines soon. If you take a trip down memory lane, I did a review on CanMake's award winning product, Eye Lash Care Essence (Read review HERE) a while back. That essence is now a staple part of my evening routine and it's great to know that when it runs out, I can easily repurchase it locally. Yehey!

CanMake obviously aims to bring the Japanese quality and the kawaii concept to all over Asia and the rest of the world. Just look at their set up for the event. Their centerpieces were filled with colorful candies that truly matched the concept and packaging of most of their products.

Few information about the well-known Japanese brand as discussed by Kaori Anzai, Merchandise Section Chief of CanMake Japan.

CANMAKE started in 1986. It is a brand endorsed not only by teenagers and young office workers, but also by professional makeup artists. The reason lies in our consistent concept of "Cute, High quality, and Reasonable prices. The number of repeat customers is increasing daily. In the past few years, Canmake have expanded into the Asian markets, and moreover as part of our promotional activities, we operated local websites, placed magazine ads, and conducted in-store promotional campaigns for new product launches.

Currently, Canmake is available in most Asian countries; 64 stores in Hong Kong, 412 in Taiwan, 35 in Singapore, 29 in Malaysia, 212 in Korea, 49 in Thailand, 8 in Myanmar, 16 in Russia and of course loads more in Japan. Canmake will soon open its first exclusively distributed store in the Philippines this 2013!

After a short background about the brand, Japanese Makeup Artist, Toshimi Itabashi, begun demonstrating how to recreate the famous Sweet and Natural Canmake looks. Like Korean makeups, Canmake's goal is to enhance one's natural beauty without looking too made up.

My usual problem with foreign Asian brands, particularly Korean, is that most of the time, their darkest shade of BB creams and foundations are still tad lighter than my skin. So it's really awesome that CanMake has foundation shades that would fit my morena skin. I know because they used a model with almost the same skintone as mine and her face makeup looked so natural.

With the lovely and talented ladies behind CanMake and my friend, Minerva.

It's fun to see how enthusiastic they are about the brand. Ms. Kaori Anzai introduces the product while MUA Toshimi Itabashi teaches us how to use it plus some other tricks in applying them. Then two other ladies (again, sorry I didn't get their names) try to explain the product further. I like how the tall Japanese lady shares the trend in Japan and how she tries to explain them in English. I remember her saying, "this mascara will make your lashes taba". What she meant was that it gives volume to the lashes. It's super cute how she runs out of English words then she uses Tagalog instead. So adorable! <3

After the workshop, we were given the chance to play with ALL their products. A roll of Bdellium brushes and other makeup tools were available too so we didn't pass up the chance to try everything. To say it was fun was really an understatement. Allowing me to play with that much makeup is like taking a 5-year old to Toy Kingdom and telling him you could open and play with everything. LOL! They had a lot of promising products especially for the face and eyebrows. While I tried them on one by one, I kept adding more and more to my "to buy" note for myself. If you must know, my list includes their BB cream, eyebrow gel, liquid liner, the mascara in the pink tube, candy wrap lip gloss and the eyebrow setting thingy that looked like a clear nail polish - sorry I forgot the name.

I already had makeup on but I decided to do a quick retouch for my meeting. My dark circles were already showing so I used ONE layer of CanMake's BB cream as a concealer. Look at the difference! I'm seriously blown away!!! <3

Aside from their amazing products, it was said that their price point will be between Php 250- Php1,000. That's pretty affordable, if you ask me, especially if you consider its quality and cute packaging.

Feast your eyes on the delicious-looking products of CanMake. :)

I love the power finish of this cream blush. It's very soft and pigmented.

One thing I noticed from yesterday's swatching is that their BB cream offers better coverage than their foundation. I don't know why exactly.. but I'll try to review both when it comes out in the market. ;)

I got to try the other shade, Honey Brown, I think. And it was very pretty. That one's definitely on my "to buy" list.

I didn't get to try these but their Candy Wrap Lip Glosses was really nice. :)

They won't be available until June. But here's a picture of their proposed concept for their store here in the Philippines. Sorry about the blurry photo; I just grabbed it from their PowerPoint presentation.

Very dreamy, isn't it? The carousel setup for the eyeshadow display reminds me of Cinderella's pumpkin ride. I honestly can't wait for their launching. I hope their stores would look as pretty as this. <3 It would be like I'm shopping for makeup in a fairy tale land. LOL!

Did this post make you all excited for the launch? Well, I for one am excited to get my hands on their BB cream. I can't stress how amazed I am with the coverage. As in seriously!

For the meantime, see you in June, Canmake! *wink

Like CanMake on Facebook: CanMake Philiipines
Follow them on Twitter: CanMake Phils (@CanMakePhils)

Review: Japan's Class A Hair Extension + Tutorial

2013-05-08T04:21:00.000-07:00

Ever since I cut my hair short last summer, it never grew long again. I've tried several hair lengthening products but they've all proven to be useless. My hair has been shoulder-length for months now and still no sign of growth. Now it's stuck in this stage where maintenance is nothing but a pain in the a**. I can explain how frustrating it is in my part. If you know any hair product that could help me, please let me know. I'll be forever thankful. :)

Last February, Mhisha, the owner of MhiShoppe and The Touch of Yellow blog, offered to send me hair extensions. It was timely too because our annual Org event was just weeks away. I was super excited to show up at the venue with long luscious curls. But much to my dismay, when I fitted the hair extensions with my full sequined dress, the hair kept sticking to my dress. I should've bought a different dress. :( Needless to say, I wasn't able to wear it to the event. *sob

Japan's Class A Hair Extension

Available in 4 colors: Black, Brown, Light Brown and Dark Brown.

Dimensions: 10 inches wide and 23 inches long

Washable but NOT Heat Resistant

It has a total of 5 clips on the net part to keep it in place throughout wear. They're small but really effective in making sure the hair extension doesn't slip down. Like a comb, these clips are toothed to give a better grip on the hair. Plus it's made up of metal so it's definitely sturdy.

The hair extension itself is very smooth, silky and obviously shinier than my damaged hair. It looks very healthy and the color is just extremely vibrant. It's fairly easy for me to run my fingers through it to fix it and remove tangles. However, it becomes harder to maintain after a while. If I were you, I wouldn't dare try to use a brush or fine-toothed comb to remove the tangles - especially the curls. This will ruin the hair extension. Just use your fingers or a big comb; that will do the job. As for storage, I keep mine in the long but narrow plastic it came with. So far I don't see any problem with it. :)

Just look at that luscious curls! <3

As promised, here's a simple tutorial on how to put on hair extensions:

One quick note before we start, I'm really bad in curling hair. I do apologize in advance. :P
I used my little sister as my model, by the way.

To start, curl the hair just like how you normally curl it then divide it in the middle. Using a teasing comb or just an ordinary comb with finer bristles, tease the part of the hair where the clips will be placed. This gives the hair more volume and more "handle" for the clips to hold on to - to avoid it from slipping off. Secure the placement of the extension using the clips and then put the rest of the hair down. Using your fingers, run it through the hair to mix the extension with the real hair - to make it look less fake. Viola! There you have it. Longer hair in an instant! :D

TIP: If you want the extension to look longer, divide the hair closer to the nape. If you want it shorter, divide the hair and pin the hair extension near the crown.

Now for the end result,

Used: Vidal Sassoon YouCurl (Read review HERE)

Again, sorry for the messy-looking curls. As much as I would like to say that I intended it to look "messy-sexy" like that, I didn't. That was the best I could do given my complete lack of skills. I'm really sorry. LOL! Oh well.. there's nothing I could do about it now. *wink Anyway, as you can clearly see from the before and after photo, the extension is way more obvious than how I pictured it would be. And to be honest, it's not the hair extension's fault. You see my sister's hair to too thick that one layer of extension would really look out of place.

Bottom line is, if you have insanely thick mane like my sister and me, hair extensions of this type may not be for us. But if you have thinner hair, well, good for you. I envy you for being able to rock hair extensions and change hair styles in a whim. I'm sure this would look gorgeous and extremely natural on you. *jelly much!

Price: Php 750

Available at: MhiShoppe

Don't forget to use my code "PABC1106" to get 5% off your purchase!

By the way, I don't get any incentives or monetary commissions from these codes so please don’t ever think that I'm writing positive reviews for my sake. I have nothing to gain from that. *wink

See you in my next post! :)

Review: Benefit Cosmetics Cabana Glama

2013-05-07T09:41:00.001-07:00

Summer will be over in a few weeks but before it does, let me just share with you my go-to summer kit I bought last year in preparation for this summer. Can't believe I said the word "summer" three times in one sentence. LOL! As I see it, summer brings out the hottest most vibrant lip colors; but for the rest of the face makeup, I prefer to have a clean, flawless-looking canvass paired with earth-tone eyeshadows. If you don't have it, fake the "natural glowing" look with barely-there makeup! *wink

Product Description:

(Taken from www.benefitcosmetics.com)

This vacation-ready makeup kit has everything you need for a gorgeous glow all year long. It’s the ultimate brightening & bronzing collection! Kit includes: Hoola (4.0g), Some Kind-a Gorgeous Medium (3.5), Posietint (2.5 mL), Peach Fizz, Bronze Buzz & Cocoa Pizzazz eyeshadow palette (3.5g)

Like what I said on my review on BC's How To Look The Best At Everything set (Read it HERE), I'm really a big fan of BC's packaging. They're unbelievably pretty and the names are downright witty. The box isn't as bulky as it looks; it's rather light and easy to tote around during travel. I like that it has majority of the basic things I'll need for a vacation. I would do just fine with just this set plus a powder, mascara, lip balm, a couple of brushes and an eyelash curler - that may sound a lot but believe me, this box slashed my "to bring" list to half. It's really convenient for traveling - I can't stress that enough.

Another great thing about this kind of sets from Benefit Cosmetics is that I get to try the products first before I commit to buying the full-sized ones as this kit contains deluxe mini samples of the brand's most coveted products. Imagine my joy when I saw that I could finally try the famous Hoola and Posietint for a very reasonable amount of money! This is actually great for bloggers since we tend to switch from one product to another.. this way we could try and review the products without actually spending for the full-sized ones. LOL! By the way, this set also comes with a reusable box, a mirror and loads of tricks and guide pamphlets.

Now regarding the shade. Benefit Cosmetics Cabana Glama is only available in ONE shade which is highly understandable. Girls with fairer complexion tend to go tanner during the summer while morena girls like me would prefer keeping my current skin tone. So I guess this shade, Medium, is the midpoint where the extremes meet. I really don't have anything to rant about the shade because as far as my skin color is concerned, it fits me perfectly. :)

Let's head on to the quick individual reviews of each product... I'll keep 'em short and concise, swear. ;)

Hoola

Next to the famous Nars Laguna, Benefit Cosmetics Hoola bronzer is the cult's favorite. I've always wondered why since matte bronzers are all the same to me. Well, now I know exactly why. Hoola is the kind of matte brown bronzer that could give the skin a sculpted tan but still natural-looking. It's finely milled and nicely pressed so very minimal amount falls out or goes all over the place unlike other bronzers I've tried before. It's velvety smooth on the skin and it goes on nicely. If you're new to contouring and bronzing, this is a great product to start with. It's easy to use and is very forgiving as it is fairly easy to blend out and blur mistakes.

Posietint

If you've read my review on Lioele Blooming Pop in Pinky Tint (Read review HERE), BC's Posietint is very much like that. It's runny in consistency, glides on easily, doesn't have any pungent smell and it leaves a nice bubble pink stain. The only differences lay on the staying power and on the pigmentation; Posietint excel in both aspects. A couple of dots of Posietint definitely goes a long way regardless whether it is used on the lips or the cheeks. Again, it is super easy to apply using the narrow brush that it comes with.

Some Kind-a Gorgeous in Medium

If you look at the swatch below, you'll know that this is the exact match for my skintone which is totally amazing. I was never able to swatch it personally before buying this kit, by the way. So yeah, the shade Medium is perfect. Some Kind-a Gorgeous is a cream-type foundation that is surprisingly thin and feels light when applied. It offers medium coverage and is still buildable although it could be prone to caking when not set properly. Unlike the Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation, this particular foundation doesn't oxidize or change color as much which I really like. It gives a slightly dewy finish. I personally prefer to top it off with loads of powder to make it matte. My only problem with this is that I find it a bit too waxy for my preference and it has a strong plastic-like smell. I'm not sensitive to scents but it does bother me.

Eyeshadow Trio (Peach Fizz, Bronze Buzz & Cocoa Pizzazz)

Benefit Cosmetics is not really known for their eyeshadows (correct me if I'm wrong) and I don't know why. These three shades are just lovely! They're soft against the skin, pigmented and absolutely zero fall outs. They're a joy to blend, not chalky and even the shimmer looks really natural. Cocoa Pizzazz and Bronze Buzz look exactly the same when swatched. However, I can't say the same for Peach Fizz. From the box it looks pinkish, almost mauve, but when swatched it becomes almost champagne-like. It's still gorgeous but very different from the one in the box. Still love it though. With these 3 shades, it super easy to create an easy-going smokey eyes. Perfect for beach parties! <3

... brush included in the kit.

This travel-efficient brush that came with the kit is definitely an awesome contour brush. Just load it up with the Hoola bronzer, give the hallows of your cheeks and jaw line on quick swipe and viola! a sharper looking jaw and more prominent cheekbones. If you wish to make it more subtle, just dust of the excess and blend the product ever-so-slightly to blur the lines. This brush is incredibly soft. I just love it!

SWATCHES:

Everything is just extremely pigmented and the overall look it creates is just amazing. It's soft, subtle and natural-looking. The application is a breeze. I definitely got my money's worth with this one. Such a perfect set for summer outings.

I'll try my very best to create a look using this set but I really can't promise you anything. As you can probably see from the swatches above, the color looks "natural" - or as I call it "skintone" - on me. So even if it looks really nice on person, it won't translate as well in photos. Boo! Don't worry though; I'll still give it a try... for you. *wink

Price: $36 - I think it's on sale now!

Available at: Sephora

What's your favorite Benefit Cosmetics product? Would you try this kit?

Let me know and I'll see you on my next post!

Press Release: This year’s blockbuster movie is on us, Ayos di’ba?

2013-05-07T03:46:00.002-07:00

Hey there ladies! Let's take a quick break from all the beauty-related posts and just relax for a bit, ok? Here's a press release from the AyosDito.ph team. Read on to know how to score movie passes for FREE.

Iron Man 3, The Wolverine, Man of Steel, Fast and the Furious 6 –are all movies to watch out for in the coming months. Now you can get a chance to watch them for free by simply posting an ad on AyosDito.ph. This May, Team AyosDito.ph, in cooperation with SM Cinema, will be giving away 100 Free Movie Passes weekly beginning April 30 to June 2, 2013. This really makes it a “Mas Ayos Dito!” selling experience on AyosDito.ph.

“AyosDito.ph aims to build a strong and educated Online Buy and Sell culture in the Philippines,” AyosDito.ph General Manager, Jon Santico said. “Our purpose is to attract quality advertisers, both private and professionals, and to provide a safe, convenient and memorable buying and selling experience for all our users.”

“We want to teach our advertisers especially our private sellers to talk about their ads more so they can also sell their items fasters. To achieve this, we partnered with SM Cinema, to reward out popular ads weekly,” Santico added.

1. To join, simply post an ad on AyosDito.ph.

2. Once your ad has been approved, publicly share it on Facebook via the Share on Facebook button on your ad page.

3. Each week, the Ten Most Viewed Ads will be selected by Team AyosDito.ph. The ten (10) winners will then be announced on AyosDito.ph Facebook Page every Tuesday at 4PM. Winners will be announced following the schedule below:

Week 1: May 7, 2013 | Week 2: May 14, 2013 | Week 3: May 21, 2013

Week 4: May 28, 2013 | Week 5: June 4, 2013

4. Anyone can share AyosDito.ph ads but only the ad owner will be qualified to win FREE Movie passes.

5. Metro Manila (NCR) winners can claim their passes at AyosDito.ph Makati office. Provincial winners’ prizes will be mailed.

6. The movie passes may be redeemed at any SM Cinema.

7. Employees of 701 Search Inc. and its suppliers, partner agencies and relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity are not qualified for this promo.

For more information, visit www.AyosDito.ph.

Like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ayosdito.ph

Follow on Twitter: @ayosdito.ph

Follow on Instagram: @ayosdito.ph

Haul: Silver Lining

2013-05-07T00:21:00.000-07:00

Silver lining may be an unusual title for a beauty haul post but I'm sure you'll understand it later on. You see, I was having a very uneventful, unmotivated and overall boring week last week. I felt so apathetic that nothing could excite me. It went on for days.. if you ever feel like back-reading, you'll see 3-4 days gap between my posts. I felt so drained even if I wasn't really doing anything. And even without expecting to see a silver lining towards the end of the week, there it was - a downpour of blessings waiting for me. I feel so blessed and loved right now that I'm honestly so pumped to blog! LOL!

Let me show you what presents were waiting for me in my so-called silver lining.

Blogger Kit from HBC (San San liners & mascaras)
I've been exchanging emails with HBC's communication manager, Ms. Lorie, since last month and finally it came. My first ever Blogger Kit from HBC filled with San San liners & mascaras. It's official.. I'm now a part of HBC's exclusive blogger group. I'm more than excited to try out there products. It's timely too since I'm currently going gaga over eyeliners. LOL!

Whitening Facial Cream set & Gluta Berry Soap from iWhite Korea

You've probably all know by now that I, along with other fellow bloggers, am part of iWhite Korea's blogger circle. I've always been a fan of their Whitening Pack so it's my pleasure to try out their other lines too. Not only that, iWhite Korea also gave us the privilege to host giveaways to reward our readers. So along with my new Whitening Facial Cream set and Gluta Berry Soap is...

... of course a huge loot of iWhite Korea Whitening Pack (Read review HERE) for my readers. Be ready for another giveaway, lovelies!

Newest Sun Block with SPF 80 and Niscenssa Face Powder with SPF 15 from Nisce Skin 'n Face

These are obviously the contents of my loot bag from our intimate lunch with Nisce Skin 'n Face Brand Ambassadors (Read more about it HERE). I was able to try the sunblock ONCE before my father asked if he could have it. Papa is totally loving it. He goes biking every morning to Tagaytay and he said his skin doesn't feel sore even after prolonged sun exposure.

Hayan Solution Foam Cleanser, White Effect Cream & Crystal Peeling Gel
Ever since I posted on IG the Hayan products I hauled, I've been receiving a great deal of product review requests. Apparently, no blog reviews are readily available online for Hayan products. So like the obedient blogger that I am, I acquired a couple more Hayan products for review. By the way, I think they're still on sale! I'll be posting some by next week so keep an eye out for that! :)

MySlim Yerba Mate Drink from Vida NutriScience Inc.
I was offered to try this product months ago but it never came. So I wasn't really expecting it to arrive.. but as fate would have it, it came when I needed some cheering up the most. LOL! I've tried this before - the bottled one from 7 Eleven - and I have a good feeling about this one too!

And lastly,

Skincare Products from b·liv by Cellnique

Few days ago, I was contacted by a PR representative b·liv by Cellnique, a Malaysian skincare brand, asking if I was willing to try out there products. Of course I said yes. I gave them details about my skin and my usual problems and then they came up with a set specific for my needs. I'm still amazed how my humble blog reached their radar; but regardless of how and why, I'm still very thankful.

That's it for my silver lining haul. If you're feeling down, don't worry.
I know something good is waiting for you too. Like I always say, AJA LANG! *wink

Review: Hayan Auto Eyebrow in 001 Gray Brown

2013-05-06T07:03:00.001-07:00

It's no secret that I've been struggling to create the perfect brows to frame my eyes. And in my journey to the promise land filled with beautifully arched and perfectly tinted brows, I often feel the strong urge to buy brow products to practice with. If I'm not mistaken, this is my 3rd retractable brow liner from a Korean brand. Last summer I tried Etude House and Skinfood - I think the review is somewhere in this blog. Now let me introduce to you a new Korean brand in the market, Hayan Korea.

I came across their stall in SM Southmall last month and like the crazy shopper that I am, my eyes immediately zoomed to the sign that says "40% off". That's a deal I can't say "no" to! I went straight to the side with all the makeup products and started trying them on the back of my hands. I wanted to tryout majority of their products but, of course, I needed to check reviews online first.

In the end, I just bought this Auto Eyebrow liner and a sun block.. but I plan on going back before the sale ends. As I posted my small haul on Instagram and Facebook page, I received a lot of queries and product review requests. Apparently, a lot of my readers are also familiar with the brand Hayan Korea.. but they never really dared to try it because they couldn't find reliable online reviews. Worry not, I was able to acquire a couple more products from the brand to make reviews for you. *wink

So without wasting any more time, let me share with you my thoughts on Hayan Korea's Auto Eyebrow in 001 Gray Brown. :)

When picking out brow liners, I normally prefer medium brown shades. But according to Senior Makeup Artist Archie Tolentino during BDJ Social Event, brow products with a hint of gray in them would look best for Filipina girls, unless you had your hair dyed. The gray shade mimics the color of the shadow between the brow hairs thus making it look more natural when filled in. So when I saw that Hayan Korea have the shade Gray Brown, I immediately reached out to buy it. :)

Mascara spoolie on one end...

... and retractable liner on the other.

Unlike the retractable brow liner from Skinfood, Hayan Auto Eyebrow has a pointed tip. Personally, I find this easier to use when filling in my brows. I just place the tip on the highest point of my brow arch and start drawing short lines from there. This way I can create the precise arch that I love. <3

SWATCHES:

What I love about this brow liner is that it's highly pigmented - I sometimes even use it as an eyeliner - but it's not waxy. It doesn't make my brow hair stick together or create clumpy parts like other cheap, waxy liners. It glides on smoothly and effortlessly too. However, if you use it over a cake-y, full-coverage foundation, you can expect it to be a bit clumpy - just use the spoolie end to remove clumps. It looks best on barely-there FOTDs especially on days that I don't feel like putting on too much. Also, it stays on nicely despite my constant sweating. Thumbs up for its staying power!

I've been using Hayan Auto Eyebrow in 001 Gray Brown on a daily basis ever since I bought it. It is my current go-to brow liner because it gives me the most natural-looking brows. Just look at my brows! It looks neat but not overly done, right? I really did well in buying this. Plus it's super affordable!

By the way, I think Hayan Korea is still on sale. Check out their branches and take advantage of their introductory prices! Honestly, their products are so affordable.. you really have nothing to lose in trying out their products. I'm currently using 5 products from the brand and I'm loving all of them to bits! *wink

Price: Php 90 (Introductory Price)

Available at: Hayan Korea Stalls (SM, Starmall and Victory Central Mall)

Have you tried anything from the brand, Hayan Korea, before?

What Hayan product do you want me to review? Let me know and I'll see what I can do. :)

See you on my next post!

Review: Avon SSS Glutathione Lotion with Marula

2013-05-06T05:53:00.002-07:00

With the number of baths I take in one day, it is not surprising that my skin feels a little bit drier than usual. Not only that, I've been struggling to even out my skin tone every since our last outing. This is actually why I'm willing to try whitening products again - just to bring back my old color. If I go slightly fairer than before, that would be great though it is not my ultimate goal as of the moment. :)

Before switching to this lotion, I was using Vaseline Cocoa Glow Lotion. And let me tell you this, Avon SSS Glutathione Lotion with Marula is like a breath of fresh air compared to the former. Not that I hate the Vaseline one. It's just that it's too sticky and greasy for summer. Avon SSS Glutathione Lotion, on the other hand, is very light, soft and isn't sticky when applied. It feels great on the skin and doesn't cause any feeling of uneasiness when I sweat - which I do.. a lot actually.

Product Information:

(Taken from BDJ Box)

“Feel the difference! Infuse your skin with a powerful moisturizer! Avon’s #1 Skin So Soft Lotion is now enriched with Africa’s Miracle Oil – Marula, that deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin. Use this twice a day and feel the difference.”

Packaging-wise, there's really nothing fancy about the white plastic bottle that Avon SSS Glutathione Lotion with Marula comes in. It's just your average typical lotion bottle. Although I would appreciate it if it came with a pump. :) As for the smell, I'm having a hard time trying to describe it but let's see what I've got. Hmm.. the smell is very clean and refreshing - slightly minty - but nothing too overpowering. It is mild and yet it stays on the skin for a decent amount of time. How's that? :)

As for its whitening claims, I'm already nearing 2/3's of the bottle and I did notice a change in my color. After our Batangas beach outing last month, I came home with this very unattractive tan line from the shirt I was wearing. So if I ever choose to wear sleeveless tops, the world would see that the part near my shoulders is 2-3 shades lighter than the rest of my arm. Again, very unattractive. But after using this - along with other whitening products - I did see a great difference. The lower part of my arms is now almost the same color as my shoulders. I couldn't ask for more given that I've only been using this for weeks. Overall I'd say that this is a great body lotion for summer as it is very light and refreshing to the skin. If only they could have added a teeny bit of SPF.. this would be perfect. *wink

Price: Php 350

Available at: Avon Distributors (Got mine from my April BDJ Box)

Have you tried this before? Any thoughts?

Let me know by commenting down below. See you on my next post, lovelies! :)

Review: Diana Stalder Clean & Tone Lotion

2013-05-05T09:40:00.001-07:00

During Diana Stalder's event about Ideal Protein Launch (Read more HERE) earlier this year, we were given a loot bag with a couple of their skincare products and gift certificate to tryout their service. Most of the products included in the kit was for oily skin so for the longest time, those product was in my "to giveaway" box. But as fate would have it, I run out of toners and I saw it, I thought I could probably give it a try since my skin is becoming slightly oilier than usual because of the weather. So try it, I did.. and I'm glad I did. :)

Diana Stalder Clean & Tone Lotion is a typical pink toner, a lot like Ponds White Beauty Toner, in a clear plastic bottle. Being a "derma" product, it is expected to have a strong chemical scent distinct to clinical products. The bottle contains 60mL of products.. in my case, that's just about 3 weeks-worth of toner.

Basically, this toner is that it removes makeup residue and excess oil that would eventually clog the pores and become pimples. This is actually very critical especially during summertime when our skin tends to produce more oil than usual because of the weather. One usual mistake of girls is that they over-clean their faces to combat the oiliness. Believe it or not, this is actually proven to cause even more problems. When you wash your face too often, you strip out its natural moisture and oil balance. As a remedy, your skin would only do 1 of 2 things; either produce even more oil OR the skin would be all dried up - both are not the outcome anyone would like, I assume.

So what I particularly like about Diana Stalder Clean & Tone Lotion is that is it able to remove the excess oil without drying up the skin. It helps keep my face oil- and shine-free even under this intolerable heat. It also aids in drying out pimple, all thanks to its salicylic acid content.

I'm currently loving this and I think I'll be repurchasing few more bottles using the GC from the event. Diana Stalder Clean & Tone Lotion has proven to be very useful this past few weeks.. no new pimple in sight. Yey! Although I think I'll be going back to my previous toner once my skin returns to it's normal dry state.

Overall, I would recommend this Diana Stalder Clean & Tone Lotion to those with combination to oily skin. Simply because, as I said earlier, it help in removing excess oil. However, I think the salicylic acid in this isn't strong or concentrated enough for those with acne-prone skin. On the other hand, it is too drying for those with normal to dry skin type. So yeah, if you have combination to oily skin, try this! :)

Price: -

Available at: Diana Stalder Clinics

Have you tried Diana Stalder products before? How about their facial services?

I plan to get a facial there sometime soon, any recommendations? :)

Let me know and I'll see you on my next post!

Review: iWhite Korea Gluta Berry White Soap

2013-05-05T06:39:00.003-07:00

With this hot and humid summer weather, can you guess how many times I take a bath everyday? A LOT! I find it irritating that just a few minutes after I get dressed, I start sweating like a pig again. *sigh If only I can just stay inside the bathroom and submerge myself in water. You can only imagine much our water consumption increased since March and how many bars of soaps I've used up in just since April started.. good thing I have a couple of products to try. Teehee. I'm currently on my second bar of iWhite Korea Gluta Berry White Soap.. and so far, these are what I can say about it.

I personally think that the packaging for bar soaps has little to no bearing at all. But if I must.. iWhite Korea Gluta Berry White is came in a very chic pink and black box with clear list of ingredients and manufacturing details. Moving on to the most important part; the smell.

A lot of people are very picky when it comes to smell. Those who have sensitive skin usually reaches for organic, unscented soaps while those who aren't very particular to products often choose soaps with lovely floral scents which, most of the times, signal artificial ingredients. In the case of iWhite Korea Gluta Berry White, although it contains mainly of organic ingredients, I'd say its smell is somewhere between the smell of Dove and Camay. The smell is apparent and hard to ignore though it isn't exactly overwhelming. My brother actually likes the smell as it stays on the skin for about an hour after taking a bath.

If you have sensitive skin, I don't think you need to worry about the scent since as per the ingredients listed, it's mostly organic stuff that would unlikely do any harm to your skin. :)

Product Description:

(Taken from iWhite Korea FB Page)

Formulated with skin lightening agents and natural anti-oxidants that protect the skin against premature aging and further cellular damage, giving it a healthy and fairer complexion.

iWhite Korea Gluta Berry White Soap contains Glutathione (known to act as a natural antioxidant and detoxifying agent that protects skin from premature aging, giving it a whiter and more radiant complexion), Kojic Acid (a famous ingredient that whitens skin and prevents acne-causing bacteria), Mulberry Extract (another well-known natural lightening agent as it inhibits melanin production for an even-toned complexion), Vitamin E (protects skin from free radicals for a younger looking skin).

Like all other whitening soaps, iWhite Korea Gluta Berry White Soap doesn't work overnight. It's no miracle product, of course. I did notice a slight skin lightening effect after almost 2 bars but nothing major. Although with long-term use, I'm pretty sure this could really help the skin brighten up a bit. Personally, it's enough for me that iWhite Korea Gluta Berry White Soap was able to bring back my normal skin color after 3 swimming trips and loads of sun exposure. :)

Also, it's important to note that unlike the Kojic Soap sold in most grocery and department store, this doesn't melt easily with water and it's surprisingly moisturizing to the skin. Soaps that contain kojic acid are usually drying to the skin so it's quite a pleasant surprise that iWhite Korea Gluta Berry White Soap is NOT drying at all.. even if it contains mostly whitening agents. It's refreshing, hydrating and slightly whitening to the skin. So yeah, that's good enough for me! Honestly, of all the soaps I've tried since April, this was the only one worth blogging. *wink

Price: Php 89
Available at: Watsons, SM Dept. and other leading dept. stores

Looking for a whitening soap that's effective and affordable? This could be the one for you.Ever tried iWhite Korea Gluta Berry White Soap? Any thoughts?

Let me know and I'll see you on my next post! :)