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. 

Olay Regenerist Night Firming Cream

I cannot stress enough how important moisturizing is, most especially at night!

I've been searching for a night cream for a long time now; a night cream that is effective, something that is not too rich and thick that could possibly clog the pores, something that is not too fragrant or fragrance-free and something that won't put a hole in my pocket.

I've browsed the net and found great reviews on Olay Regenerist Night Firming Cream. So, of course, the curious in me reigned once more and I tried it out! Here's how it looks like...

Product Description:

Olay Regenerist Night Firming Cream has amino-peptide + B3 complex and is suitable for daily use. Add it to your skin care routine to replenish your skin.

How to use:
Smooth over cleansed face and neck every evening.

Ingredients:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Polyethylene, Niacinamide, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Petrolatum, Sucrose Polycottonseedate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Benzyl Alcohol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Fragrance, Allantoin, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, PEG-100 Stearate, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Betaine Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Sodium PCA, Proline, Sorbitol, Serine, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Lysine, Alanine, Arginine, Threonine, CI 16035, CI 42090.

My experience with the product:

The product comes in a glass container with a shiny, silver twist cap. Since it is placed in a thick glass, this makes it inconvenient for traveling as it is heavy! And since you also have to dip your finger in the container everytime you use it, this makes the product open to contamination.

The texture of the product is thick but it glides well unto the skin. It is absorbed easily and it's matte! Rarely will you find a cream-based product that is not greasy, so that impressed me. I used a little more than a pea-sized amount for the whole face and when I woke up in the morning, my face still felt soft and moisturized! It also did not cause irritation, although it may be perhaps I only used it twice. Why only twice, you ask? Here's the reason: THE SCENT. THAT OVERPOWERING SCENT. Yes, I don't like products that are too scented. The scent is so fragrant I can't even take it, I'm sorry. If it wasn't for the scent, it will be a great product for me. But it smells like perfume!

What I like:

• fast-absorbing
• matte finish, non-greasy
• inexpensive for a good quality night cream

What I dislike:

• the scent!!!!!!!!!
• packaging is unhygienic

I still use the product, but not on my face, not anywhere near my nose! I use it as a neck cream; I also use it on my elbows and knees. But after this one is done, I won't buy again!

Price: Php 950.00

My 5 Make-Up Kit Staples

Hello everyone!

I was arranging my on-the-go make-up kit today (yes, I have another make-up kit that I don't always bring with me), and I realized that it would be great to share with all of you my 5 product staples. These are beauty products/tools that I bring with me when I go to work, to school, to go do some errands, etc. I chose to feature these 5 products because these are things that prep me up easily, make me look presentable without doing too much or exerting too much effort.

Here's the make-up kit! It's just a simple kit I got as a freebie when I bought stuff from Stila. Its storage capacity is big enough for my essentials.

And here are my 5 make-up kit staples!

1) The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Tint

I know, I know! I should buy another one! haha! But see how much I love it and how much I use it? It's a lip and cheek tint but I only use it on my lips. Its consistency is thin, it's spreadable, and it has a light scent. I've been using this product since it was still packaged as a small bottle with a roller ball! It's very affordable, too!

2) Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Believe me when I say that this eyelash curler is worth splurging on! It may be worth a thousand bucks but you will get what you pay for! I only use this once in the morning but it holds until the afternoon (and that's without using mascara). I just love it because it holds the curl for a long time and it's very durable. Definitely a staple! But I think I've found a dupe for this, I'll review it soon!:)

3) Gatsby Oil Control Sheets

I'm not that choosy when it comes to the brand of oil sheets because I think they work just the same. I just picked this one because it's cheaper than clean and clear! haha! This is a staple as I have oily skin and I usually use this in the middle of the day when I need to freshen up. I like the original one compared to the powdered one.

4) Clinique Powder Blush in Giddy Pink

I love this blush so much I've already hit the pan! The color of this blush suits my skin tone well, it doesn't look chalky, and most importantly, it doesn't irritate my skin. The packaging looks really nice, it's durable, and I love that it has a big built-in mirror inside. It comes with a small blush brush which I LOVED because it was really soft, unfortunately I lost it :(

5) Marionnaud Angled Brush

You think you need to spend so much to get yourself a good quality brush? Think again! I love this Marionnaud Angled Brush because it's really soft; it doesn't hurt my face when I use it. It has been with me for a long time already but it still works a-okay! Some cheap brushes are made of handles and ferules that easily break, but not this one! You can buy Marionnaud Brushes at Watson's stores :)

I hope you enjoyed this post! What are your 5 make-up kit staples? :)


   

Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Eye Contour Cream

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What’s the best thing about having a mom who gives great importance to skin care? GETTING FREEBIES! Yep that’s right, freebies!

One freebie I got from her is this Shiseido Eye Cream I fell in love with the moment I first tried it out. Read on to know the reasons why I love this eye cream to bits!

Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Eye Contour Cream

Product Description (taken from www.sephora.com)

What it is:

A powerful, time-fighting, multibenefit treatment that recharges the eye area for youthful-looking vibrancy.

What it is formulated to do:

This fast-absorbing, non-sticky treatment reduces the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, and dullness as it effectively hydrates and energizes skin.

What else you need to know:

Excellent for all skin types, it features advanced Shiseido technology and ingredients including Wrinkle-Targeting Complex and Super Bio-Moisture Network.

As of the moment, this is definitely my HG Eye Cream! Its texture is creamy; it doesn’t have a thin consistency but it feels really light on the skin! It absorbs fast I can use it anytime of the day! I use it only at night though, I feel that it works best when I'm sleeping. When I wake up in the morning, the area around my eyes aren't oily but it sure is still hydrated and moisturized! It reduced some of the lines around my eyes, though I don't think it does enough for the puffiness! I gotta use it more and give it time hehehe!

And can we just take a look at the packaging? It's so sophisticated and hygienic!

The product is doubly locked in to ensure its freshness and to prevent contamination!

Here's a low-quality photo of a hand swatch haha!

What I like:

• fast-absorbing,  light on the skin
• reduced majority of the lines around my eyes
• scent is not overpowering, just enough
• the packaging, I give 4 stars. Why not 5? See the dislikes!

What I dislike:

• the price!!!!!! 
• I cannot see how much product is left inside

Hoping to get another freebie!! haha! I love this eye cream. But the price... oh well. Still on the lookout for an eye cream with the same effect but more affordable!

Available at all Shiseido Counters for $63/ Php 2,500+. Don't know the exact price I'm sorry. :(

L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Cleansing Foam

Immortelle- noun. mostly widely cultivated species of everlasting flowers having usually purple flowers; southern Europe to Iran; naturalized elsewhere (www.dictionary30.com) 

Could you imagine the earth without flowers? How dull would our surroundings be without it? Not only could flowers make the world a joy to live in but it could also do your skin good! 

I've always been curious on how mousse cleansers felt on the skin. I would usually only use cleansers that don't really lather and cleansers that foam up a bit, because I have that mindset that the lesser soap included equates to lesser irritation. 

I got my L'Occitane Immortelle Foaming Cleanser about 3 months ago and I would only use it once in a while and only every mornings. 

Product Description:
This gentle foaming cleanser lathers away impurities, make-up, and accumulation of daily or nightly residue. A combination of Immortelle flower water and citrus peel extract leaves complexion evenly toned and more radiant. Skin is gently but thoroughly cleansed, skin is left soft and comfortable. Suitable for all skin types.

The product comes in a blue transparent packaging with a pump and cap. 

The product looks like plain water inside the bottle but few bubbles form on top when shook. The bottle looks durable and with just one pump, a huge blob of mousse/ foam comes out. You only need one pump for the whole face so the product would last a loooong time. 

I tried using it day, mid and night everyday for a week because I got hooked! The foam is so soft, the product smells flowery and citrus-y at the same time, and it just really felt so good, I am not kidding! The smell of the cleanser even clings on your face for a long time! But then it came to a point when my face would itch every time I would use it and I realized that it may be drying my skin too much. :(

So, I lessened my usage and would limit it to once or twice a week and only every mornings. But now, I only use it once a week because I love my other cleanser more hehe :P It doesn't cause any more irritation. It's true, too much of anything is bad bad bad!

What I like:

• the scent is amazing and addictive, I just love it!
• you only need one pump for the whole face
• packaging is nice and durable
• cleansing the face with it is just.. heaven! haha (exag?)
• gentle on the skin (if used in moderation)

What I dislike:

• too much of it can cause irritation (well, maybe it's just me) 
• the price boo!

Final verdict? It's an OK cleanser. It's fun to wash with; there are better cleansers out there, I'm sure.  But for a mousse cleanser, this is one great option!

Available at all L'Occitane stores for Php 1,450.00 (150 ml)

The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner

One of my favorite brands when it comes to skincare, make-up and bath tools is The Body Shop simply because...
a) most of the time, their bottles and tubs contain lots of product
b) I love the smell of their body moisturizers! It smells so good to eat!
c) they are AGAINST ANIMAL TESTING!
d) the prices of their products are reasonable
e) and when they are on sale, it really means THEY ARE ON SALE! They offer great, great deals!

They were on sale one time and I decided to check the items on promo. I have tried the Seaweed Facial Wash before and I liked it, that's why when my eyes caught a glimpse of the Seaweed Clarifying Toner and learned that it was on sale for 70% off, I decided to try it out!

Product Description:
For Combination/ Oily Skin. Pore-minimizing toning liquid to remove impurities and reduce excess oil.

I have oily, sensitive skin (great combination right??) and I am on a look out for a good toner that would somehow help keep oilies at bay while of course, won't cause any kind of irritation (redness, itching, all the bad stuff). Since the facial wash worked fine with me, I thought the toner would be okay as well.

The product comes in a clear bottle with a plastic cap that you just pull up to open and push down to close. I think it's very handy because it's lightweight but I'm not sure if it won't leak especially when brought for traveling. The clear liquid smells flowery (it's really good actually) and as you can see, bubbles form on top.

At the back it says...
Removes excess traces of cleanser, make-up and grime, and refines the appearance of pores. With Community Trade Seaweed. Oil-free. Leaves skin purified and shine-free.

What I like:

• lightweight packaging
• transparent bottle (you can monitor how much product is still in there)
• used it for 2 weeks, twice a day and still a lot of product is left 
• alcohol-free

What I dislike:

• too fragrant for my liking
• does not control/ lessen oil
• leaves a thin film (I hate it!)
• irritated my skin (caused redness)
• I feel like this product can't seem to clean my skin enough

Final verdict? Sorry, won't purchase again. So thankful I got it 70% off!
Regular price is Php 695.00

Lesson learned: If one product from a line works for you, it doesn't mean that the other product from that same line will work just the same!