Top 4 Summer Essentials

It's the last day of March and officially the start of the summer season! I'm sure most of you have something planned for the coming summer months; whether you're gonna hit the beach or visit beautiful places in and out of the country, you should never forget to pack items that will help protect you from the heat of the sun!

I've rummaged through my things and decided to share with all of you my Top 4 Summer Essentials. These are the things I always make sure I have, use, and bring with me on most days, but more so during this time of the year. :D

                               Sunglasses/ Eyewear, Sunblock, Lipstick/Lipgloss, Headwear
   

        Beach Hut Clear Spray Sunblock SPF75 and Beach Hut Lotion Sunblock SPF 100++

1) Sunblock/ Sunscreen
    Now, this is the most important item in my stash. Sunblock should not only be used during this season, but every single day (though I'm guilty of this :( ). Sunblock protects the skin by absorbing and blocking UVA and UVB radiation. All forms of Sunblock have a corresponding SPF or Sun Protection Factor. SPF indicates the length of time the sunblock would be most effective, all you need to do is multiply the SPF rating by the time you are most likely to get a sunburn. For example, if all it takes is 10 minutes for your skin to burn, multiply the SPF rating to 10.

   There are many forms of sunblock (sticks, gels, sprays, oils, lotions, etc.). You may use whatever works best for you. Although it has been proven that lotions and oils work best because sprays don't stick to the skin as much as these two types do. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure (to allow the product to settle/ absorb on the skin) and reapply every two hours, especially when you're swimming.

  Suncreens can only do so much, do not solely depend on it. Use other methods to better protect your skin from the sun. The next two items will help you do just that :)

                                                          Wide Brim Hat from Aldo

2) Headwear (Hats, Caps)
     Wearing a hat or a cap with a wide brim is best, not only will it be able to protect your face but also other parts of your body such as your neck, your hair, your ears, the back of your neck and even your shoulders. There are already lots of inexpensive and stylish hats in the market, so you won't have a hard time looking for one!:)

                                                          Both Sunglasses from Aldo

3) Sunglasses/ Eyewear
    Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun and prevent cataracts. This will also help in preventing forehead lines as sometimes when we walk under the heat of the sun, we tend to make our eyes smaller to fight the glare causing lines in the middle of our eyebrows. Choose an eyewear that would perfectly suit the shape of your face.

                      BYS Lipstick and Lipgloss Duo in Dusty Rose, Nyx Lipstick in Thalia

4) Natural/ Light-colored Lipstick or Lipgloss
    Imagine wearing a thick layer of foundation, eyeshadow, mascara to the beach, under the heat of the sun. After a while, your make-up starts to wear off and your foundation melts. That ain't cool right? This summer, all you need is a tinted moisturizer, a little blush and a nice lip shade that will brighten up your face and give your lips that nice pop of color. Choose lip shades that are closest to your natural lip color and if you can find a lippie that is waterproof and won't easily slip off, that would be best.

So, these are my summer essentials! I hope you enjoyed reading this entry!

What are yours?? Please comment and share, I would love to hear from you!:) 

LUSH Sultana of Soap

I've long been wanting to review this soap, but I thought I'd give it a few more uses before I do.
It's inside the bag!:D

LUSH is definitely one of my favorite stores because of their eye-catching, colorful soaps and the scents of their products leave my olfactory sense satisfied. One of my favorite scented soaps is the Sultana of Soap :)

The sultana is a "white" (pale green), oval seedless grape variety also called the sultanina.
In some countries, it is also the name given to the raisin made from it; such sultana raisins are often called simply sultanas or sultanis. (wikipedia.com)

Product Description:
Get fruity all over nutritious berries, rejuvenating olibanum and a sumptuously smooth lather.

Sultana of Soap isn't the most pleasant-looking soap in the store, but its scent grabs the attention of many. It is white with chunks of apricots and raisins. The white part lathers really well, it's very creamy and smooth on the skin. It makes the skin really soft to touch! The big chunks aim to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. The scent, as I have been redundantly mentioning, is the best asset of this soap. It's fruity and lingers on your skin, it will make your bathroom smell great, too!

The soap easily melts though, NEVER EVER use the whole bar of soap when bathing with it. Cut the soap into small pieces (I cut a small piece every time I want to use the soap). Place the soap in a container with holes so that water won't be retained inside, which could most probably dissolve the soap. You may use a bath lily or a loofah to lather the soap with.

Another problem is that the chunks fall off easily, it fails to achieve its purpose (to exfoliate the skin). Any suggestions of what I can do to solve that?

This product costs Php275.00/100grams. It's kind of expensive; if the soap wouldn't melt so fast it would be okay.

Will I repurchase? Yes, but not as frequent as I do with other products. The scent just caught me and I can't let go of it! Plus, it moisturizes the skin well!

What's your favorite LUSH soap? :)

The Body Shop's Strawberry Shower Gel and Body Butter

Hello everyone! How are you celebrating your Holy Week? I hope you are having fun spending time with your loved ones! :)

Anyway, I would like to share with you my new found bath and after-bath time babies! I adore them to bits that I couldn't keep it to myself!

Strawberries are known to be beneficial for the skin, hair and teeth. Strawberries can help clear skin control sebum, make teeth whiter, and make the hair glossy and soft.

                                           (photo from vineyardgardencenter.wordpress.com)

Good thing The Body Shop developed skin care products derived from this great fruit! Now,  it doesn't only taste good, it also feels great when put on the skin!

Here they are, The Body Shop's Strawberry Shower Gel and Body Butter :)

I use them in tandem and they make me feel and smell so good!!

Let's look at each item one at a time :)

1. The Body Shop's Strawberry Shower Gel 
A student gave this to me as a Christmas present and I want to thank her for giving me the chance to try this one out! I use this with my bath lily; I only need a few squeezes for it to lather well. It smells like strawberry lollipop I just want to eat it!! I move the bath lily all over my body and I now realize that every time I use this, my bath time just extends so much because I don't want it to be over! It makes bath time so much fun and delicious! hahaha :) The only thing that I am not much fond about it is its moisturizing ability. It doesn't really dry up the skin but it neither hydrates it, thus the need for the next item :D

2. The Body Shop's Strawberry Body Butter (Php 695.00)
I don't know the right way to express how much in love I am with this product! My favorite Youtube beauty guru missglamorazzi  conveyed in one of her videos how much she adores this product and that got me so intrigued. I went to the store, smelled it and tried it out, and I.FELL.IN.LOVE right then and there.

This Body Butter is made with strawberry seed oil to moisturize the skin. It's creamy, skin-hydrating, the smell will linger on your skin (you'll be a walking strawberry with this!), and it's not sticky at all! Your skin will absorb the product right away. :) I love using it during the day and before I sleep.

Check out The Body Shop for these two items and you'll never regret it!:)

Do you have bath time loves also? Please share! :) Thanks for reading and have a great vacation!

Clinique Repairwear Intensive Eye Cream

Good Morning dear lovely readers! I was supposed to write this blog entry last night but I was so tired I couldn't anymore put my thoughts into writing. Anyway, the product I'll be reviewing now is a product I have used long way back but stopped because I tried other eye creams. A number of days ago, I started using it again and I regained my high hopes for it!

It's the Clinique Repairwear Intensive Eye Cream, the product looks like this...

Product Description:
Allergy-tested. 100% Fragrance Free. Ophthalmologist Tested. U.S. and International Patients Pending. Focuses skin's energies on repair of eye-area wrinkles.

I am requiring myself to use eye creams because I have mini lines under my eyes and I don't want them to multiply. I love using eye creams as well because it somehow brightens my eye area when I wake up in the morning. Having read that this eye cream helps in reducing lines, it's allergy-tested and fragrance free, and is also proven safe for the eyes, I said why not give it a try right?

The product comes out white, creamy with a thick consistency. Even though it's thick, it is easily spread and gets absorbed by the skin right away. You won't need too much for every use, you'll only need a little less than a pea-sized amount. The scent is a little too strong though, since it's fragrance free, you can smell the raw ingredients.

It hasn't completely erased my mini lines but I can see that it's working gradually! I wake up to brightened and moisturized eyes and that makes me happy!

It isn't a perfect product. When I accidentally put it too near my eyes, it hurts and stings and it makes me cry haha! yes, it makes me release a few tears. So, I always have to be careful with my application. One more thing that makes me sob? This product costs about $41 or Php 1,700.00 for a 5 oz./15ml tub.

What I like:

• creamy but light-weight
• easily absorbed
• easily spread

What I dislike:

• have to be careful with my application; as when it gets too near my eyes, it stings!
• price!

Will I repurchase? I'm almost out of it, I'm about to hit the bottom of the tub. Perhaps I'll repurchase, but not now as I have other eye creams to finish!

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo

Wee I'm so excited! I want to share with all of you my new lippie love! hehehe :)

It's the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo!

I have long been checking out and reading beauty blogs and never was there one beauty blogger who hasn't tried at least one NYX product.  NYX products are very popular to beauty/ make-up enthusiasts and it had always received great feedback, especially their lippies. I have always wanted to try out their products but it was only available online before, and I cannot express how happy I am that it's now being sold in some outlets in the metro!

A friend of mine informed me about Digital Traincase having a stall in ETON Cyberpod in Ortigas. We visited their stall (of course!) and this was what I chose! I have long been searching for the perfect pink lippie and this one passed my standards.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream: It's not lipstick, nor is it gloss. It's like nothing you've ever experienced before. It's lipstick cream that goes on silky but looks soft matte.

The description says it all!

It's matte but not dry, it's super creamy and very easy to apply and spread. It has this soft scent that makes me want to smell it before I put it on (one of my many weird moves haha!). It's great for everyday use, too! The color is very flexible; I can wear it during the day and I can ever wear it on a night out, it just depends on how much of it you will use. It's affordable (I bought it for Php 280.00) and I think this would last a long time on me! The only problem with it is that it doesn't stay on the lips after eating so you'd have to reapply.

Tokyo isn't Barbie Pink, it's that pretty pinky rose color that exudes sophistication.

Here I am wearing it!

I am very happy with my purchase! Would like to try out the other shades soon! :)

Price: In Digital Traincase: Php 280.00 (Nt. Wt.0.23oz (6.5g))

Digital Traincase has moved to a new location; it's at Unit G109 Corinthian Executive Regency, 7 Ortigas Ave. San Antonio (check out their facebook page for more information) 

What's your favorite NYX product? Let me know please!:)

Fanny Serrano Eyelash Curler: A Great Alternative to Shu Uemura's Eyelash Curler

Good day everybody! I'm sorry it took me a week to write another blog entry. A lot of thoughts had been running through my mind lately. But anyway, I'm ready to jot down about my beauty "escapades" haha!

Shu Uemura's Eyelash Curler had long been receiving a lot of great reviews from celebrities, make-up artists and beauty bloggers. Having quite a number of these positive reviews, who wouldn't be intrigued right? Who wouldn't want to have one?? It's great, it curls the eyelashes well, but it is EXPENSIVE. A thousand bucks for an eyelash curler?? We would think twice. But honestly, I've been using it for a long time and believe me when I say that it's worth every penny!

But why spend so much when you can buy a cheap alternative?Yes, I have found an eyelash curler that gives the same outcome!

I present to you, Fanny Serrano's Eyelash Curler!

 

What it says on the box:
Enhanced precision design for comfortable and easy use

Direction for use: 
Use eyelash curler before applying mascara. mascara-laden lashes may stick to your curler and tear your lashes. Place curler as close to the base of the lashes as possible.

I've used both the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler and the Fanny Serrano Eyelash Curler and they produce the same result! Both SU and FS fit my eyes perfectly, they don't hurt my eyes when I use them (other eyelash curlers pinch the skin around my eye area), they give the right amount of curl that I need, and the silicone pads work like magic! SU comes with an extra silicone pad when you buy one, while FS doesn't but you can avail a set of silicone pads for only Php 45.00.

Pictures (no mascara)

With Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler:

With Fanny Serrano Eyelash Curler:

Close up:

The curl lasts about 7 hours without the use of mascara! I'm impressed with that! Just don't rub your eyes or wet your eyelashes :)

Remember, achieving the right curl also depends on the manner of using the tool. I attended a make-up workshop and the make-up artist gave a tip in using eyelash curlers.  Squeezing the curler on the base of your lashes and moving it upwards towards the end (still gently squeezing) is the best way to do it.

I hope this blog helped you! Enjoy eyelash curling!

Fanny Serrano Eyelash Curler costs Php 175.00.

Human Heart Nature Sunflower Cleansing Oil

One commandment in proper skin care is to remove all traces of make-up before going to sleep. Sometimes, using our facial cleanser isn't enough to remove the make-up we've worn during the day (or a night out), hence the need for a make-up remover. I've been searching for effective make-up removers and cleansing oils have been receiving great reviews. I've tried the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil before and it didn't work out for me (will review it one of these days) and I've recently tried the Human Heart Nature Sunflower Cleansing Oil.

Here's my take on it!

                                             (photo from humannaturegensan.wordpress.com)

Product Description: (from www.humanheartnature.com)
Take it all off with our premium cleansing oil. It gently erases all traces of makeup, even the most stubborn waterproof mascara! Just apply on your face and wipe off. It works double-time too – whereas most cleansing oils and make-up removers are packed with chemicals that strip your skin, ours is a naturally healthy oil which actually conditions your lashes and nourishes your skin.

How to use:
Massage 2-3 pumps of the Sunflower Cleansing Oil on your face with a gentle circular motion, paying particular attention to areas with hard-to-remove makeup, and the hairline. Use tissue or a warm facial towel to gently wipe away the oil and makeup.

Ingredients:
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, natural fragrance

I bought my 200 ml. bottle in Rustans Fresh Market in Rockwell for Php 375.00. I thought of giving this product a try since natural products contain less irritating ingredients, and what's best about it is that it only consists of sunflower seed oil and its natural fragrance. It comes in a transparent plastic bottle with a twist, pump cap. You just twist the cap to be able to use the pump and it will pop up.

Unlike other cleansing oils, this one does not emulsify. You put it on your skin as oil, and you take it off as oil. I used it for 3 days and unfortunately, my skin didn't like it as it caused itching and redness (my sensitive skin just reacts to almost anything :( ). I used one pump for my whole face and used a facial tissue to wipe the oil off.

Looking at its ability to take off make-up, I'd give it a 3/5.

I tested it again for you to see. I used my VOV Oligo Eye Liner that I got from Korea; this is really waterproof and hard to remove with facial cleanser alone.

I put a half pump of the cleansing oil on it...

And got a tissue to swipe it off. I swiped it twice...

I finally got the liner off my hand with 5 swipes. (I don't want to wipe my eyes with a tissue so many times using a lot of pressure)

What I like:

• inexpensive, the bottle has a lot of product in it
• few ingredients

What I dislike:

• caused irritation
• doesn't remove waterproof make-up too well

Will I repurchase? No not anymore. It doesn't work for me!

The Body Shop Aloe Gentle Facial Wash

Aloe Vera, the miracle plant, is on the spotlight!

Aloe Vera, a plant belonging to the lily family, has been proven to contain natural therapeutic and beautifying properties. It has been widely used as an ingredient for herbal medicines and cosmetics.

                                           Aloe Vera Plant (photo: www.medicinehub.org)

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Aloe Vera is very beneficial and I honestly believe in its effectiveness. I even have 2 Aloe Vera plants at home and whenever I have scratches or bites, I just get a leaf and slice it, and use the juice by rubbing it on the irritated part and it heals in a matter of days, without leaving scars! 

I visited The Body Shop and felt ecstatic when I saw their Aloe Vera product line! The Aloe Vera line is specially formulated for people with sensitive skin. It is made mostly with ingredients that are less likely to cause irritation and it doesn’t have any fragrance in it. How great is that? I tried it first on my hand and I guess you know what happened next! Haha!

So, here it is…

Packaging:

The product is placed in a green and white pump bottle with a transparent cap. The green part of the bottle lets you see how much product is still left inside. The pump bottle is easy to use, just one pump gives you an ample amount for the whole face. 

Product Description:

For Sensitive Skin. Skin-comforting foam proven to cleanse without irritating.

Rich, ultra-mild foam rinses away make-up, impurities and daily grime. Leaves skin clean, not tight. Dermatologist approved, clinically proven suitable for sensitive skin. If product gets in eyes, rinse with clean water.

Complete list of Ingredients: (www.thebodyshop.com)

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Aqua (Water) (Solvent/Diluent), Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera Gel) (Skin Soothing Agent), Sodium Cocoamphoacetate (Surfactant), Pentylene Glycol (Solvent), Sorbitol (Humectant), Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate (Surfactant), Butylene Glycol (Humectant), Glycerin (Humectant), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Surfactant), Coco-Glucoside (Surfactant), Glyceryl Oleate (Emulsifier), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (Surfactant), Dimethicone Copolyol (Skin/Hair Conditioning Agent), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Antioxidant), Lecithin (Stabiliser/Emulsifier), Tocopherol (Antioxidant).

I loved it from the very first time I used it! I only needed one pump for the whole face, so that means I won’t easily run out of this product. The foam feels heavenly as it melts on the skin! The ingredients list does not include any fragrance in it but perhaps the citric acid is what gives it that special smell. Don’t worry, it’s not bothersome at all!  I love using it morning and night; it removes make-up without over-drying the skin (I only use face powder though, I'm not sure how it will work on liquid or cream foundation). What’s the best part about this product? It did not cause any skin irritation like redness or itchiness! It’s a mild cleanser that does its job and fulfills what it promises. 
 

What I like:

• Mild, did not cause irritation
• easy to use
• nice packaging
• reasonable price

What I dislike:

• None!!!

Will I purchase again? Sure, I will! When I finish what’s still left!

Available at all The Body Shop stores. 125ml bottle costs Php 656.50.

My 3 Favorite Lip Moisturizers

I am crazy about body moisturizers and when I'm feeling lazy to slather some on my body, I remind myself how it would be like when it is dehydrated (itchy and red :( ). Just recently, I've noticed that I've been putting so much attention on moisturizing my skin that I've almost neglected my lips. Yes! lips need moisturizing, too!

When my lips feel dry and chapped, I do not worry because my 3 friendly lip products come to the rescue! Here they are!

 From left to right: MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink, Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm Honey, Beeswax and Propolis Lip Balm, Nivea Med Protection Lip Balm

Let's look at each product one by one shall we?

1) Nivea Med Protection Lip Balm

What it says on the box:
With natural ingredients bisabol and wheat germ oil that support that lips' natural moisturization process and protect them before they crack. NIVEA Med Protection lip care is a must-have in dry conditions.

• Strengthens the resistance of your lips against external influences
• Gives long lasting moisture
• provides extra care and protection
• Contains SPF 15, protection against UVA and UVB rays

I was in a hurry when I bought this and wasn't able to compare it to the other lip balms that were also there, but no regrets! I'm so thankful I got this! For just P89.00, you get hydrated lips that is protected against the harmful rays of the sun. I use this in the morning before my lip tint and it works great because it doesn't feel sticky but still gives the moisture your lips need. I sometimes also use this at night before I go to sleep, and my lips feel wonderful in the morning. This is a must-try!

2)  Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm Honey, Beeswax and Propolis Lip Balm

Product Description:
For soft kissable lips with fresh minty twist. Made from refined beeswax, Propolis Gold, Virgin Honey and a medley of fruit oils. Simply yummy. Excellent for wind-burned, cracked, dry and bleeding lips. (www.ilogmaria.com)

My friend gave this to me and I want her to know how thankful I am to have tried it! I love natural products and this here is another one that won't disappoint! It's non-sticky, it feels great on the lips as it gives that minty kick, and... this is gonna be weird for others... but I love inhaling it because it makes me feel better and relaxed! seriously! it's like my lip balm and VapoRub in one! The scent is so relaxing! A lot of product is also in the container so I know this would last for a long time.

3) MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink

If you want moisturized lips that lasts and give your lips a little bit of tint, then this product is for you! I love using this lip conditioner because it has SPF 15, it brightens up your face as it gives your lips some color, and it smells like vanilla I wanna eat it and sniff it all day! The only downside is the price (Php 950.00 is a little expensive for a lip balm); but don't worry, you won't run out of it right away as it contains a lot of product!

So, these are my favorite lip moisturizers! Keep your lips healthy and moisturized always :) Do you have favorite lip balms, too? :)

ELF Studio Cream Eyeliner

Hello everyone! It's time to blog again! Summer is fast approaching and I'm sure most of you have a lot of stuff planned already, while I'm in the midst of budgeting my finances to be able to have some out-of-town fun this April!

Because of all this scrimping, I've decided to start on writing about the products on my AFFORDA-BEAUTY list! Yep, this list really exists! haha! I'll start writing about them one at a time and I've decided to begin with one of my favorite products :)

I love using pencil eyeliners because they are easier to use as compared to the liquid ones. I've tried using a liquid one before but it was such a hassle for me as I'd have to wait for it to dry and the moment I open my eyes after applying, the product would literally splat on my lids and it was just messy. Too bad, I really liked its effect. Been reading lots of reviews on cream eyeliners and majority had been saying that it's easy to use. And almost all the beauty blogs I've read recommended ELF Cream Eyeliner; I have a number of products from ELF and I think their products are promising and their prices are reasonable.

The product comes in a small transparent, plastic (that looks like glass) container with a black, twist cap. It also comes with a small angled brush. I lost my brush :( got this photo to be able to show you the brush it came with.

                                                 (photo from www.thebeautybranch.com)

Now, my Cream Eyeliner without the brush hehe :)

This eyeliner gives you a great number of reasons to love it! The packaging looks like glass, but it's just actually plastic, which is nice because it's very light and handy. The brush that came with it WAS fine to use but since I lost it I now use a different small, angled brush and it still works great.

It's very pigmented, and the best part is it's smudge-proof! I've worn this a lot of times already and it really doesn't smudge, it just stays put. Despite being smudge-proof, it's not difficult to remove at the end of the day. An ordinary make-up remover will do the job.

Tip: Wet the top of the eyeliner brush and swipe it against the product, the effect will be like that of a liquid eyeliner. 

The only downside I saw was that when the eyeliner is left open and when you've already had it in your drawer for a long time, the product dries up. Now, I cannot use the product as it is, I always need to wet my brush first.

What I like:

• pigmented
• nice packaging
• smudge-proof
• price
• available in black, coffee, and midnight blue

What I dislike:

• dries up easily

For a product that is worth Php 249.00/ about $3-4, I'd say it's definitely a great buy!

This product is available in all E.L.F. counters nationwide.