REVIEW: The Face Shop LOVELY ME:EX ANGEL SKIN POWDER PACT

Okay, my search for my first powder compact is over! I've found what works for my skin.
Because before, back in high school, I have tried pressed powders from Pond's, Clean & Clear, Johnson & Johnson's, etc -- yung mga usong brands nung high school. PLUS Careline, Ever Bilena, etc when I got to college.

And sadly, ALL of those broke me out. So I swore off putting powders on my face (not even baby powder). 

But after I graduated college, I started to NEED having something that will make me look less haggard and shiny and all that icky stuff. No more nene-look. Since those brands mentioned above are what we have here as the cheap drugstore brands, I tried to go a little more expensive -- I tried a Korean brand, The Face Shop.

I use the foundation and the primer (Phytogenic Infinite Line) from Face Shop too and it works for me so I just assumed their pacts will work for me too. Since I'm just trying it out first, I went for the cheapest one. 

This is what you'll see when you open the pact.

Has the puff inside, a little plastic cover, and it has the product name on the powder itself

A photo of my face with it is not needed. It just does its job, makes your face shine free without making you look too cakey.

I am in shade NB35, and it blends perfectly on my skin.
I use it as an everyday powder and as a setting powder for my stage makeup.
This retails for Php395.00 atThe Face Shop -- not bad.

The label at the back

 
And it lasts a long time too. I've been using this for several months already -- the start of the year I think?  And I've only hit pan the later part of August? Sulit!!!

Lasting power is so-so since I have EXTREMELY oily skin so I don't see it as unusual if I find my face oily after a few hours -- retouch retouch na lang if needed.

Coping with CHICKEN POX at 21.

Chickenpox (varicella) is a common illness that causes an itchy rash and red spots or blisters (pox) all over the body. It is most common in children, but most people will get chickenpox at some point in their lives if they have not had the chickenpox vaccine.

 Chickenpox can cause problems for pregnant women, newborns, teens and adults, and people who have immune system problems that make it hard for the body to fight infection. Chickenpox usually isn't a serious health problem in healthy children. But a child with chickenpox needs to stay home from school. And you may need to miss work in order to care for your child

(http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/tc/chickenpox-varicella-topic-overview).

Chicken pox has got to be the last thing you'd expect to get when you're 21 years old already! It IS possible to get of course, but c'mon, it had to be the day before a very important show?! I was supposed to dance in the Stars of Philippine Ballet gala, but I had to get this stupid chicken pox instead!?

This is how my back looked like on June 1 (the day of the gala). Since I was diagnosed the day before, of course I didn't dare to go to work anymore. If you are unfortunate enough to have also contracted this disease in this point in your life (I'm assuming you're also an adult like me), let me help you in coping with this 2-week nightmare.

It all started on Thursday, May 30, I got a slight fever for no apparent reason. When I say "apparent", I mean I didn't have a cold, or my throat wasn't sore or anything like that. I just had a fever. I got it after my rehearsals in the theater, so I just waited/slept it out and took Paracetamol.

The next day (May 31), my fever was gone but I did notice some red patches on my back. I asked my mom what they were and she said maybe they were just rashes because it was hot (like bungang-araw/prickly heat?). So I ignored it and drove to Aliw Theater. When I got there, the rash wasn't getting any better so I asked Sir Jay (one of my teachers in BM) if he had any idea what they were. He said those "spots" were beginning to look like blisters (as in they had fluid inside) and I might have chicken pox. He told me to have it checked after taking barre (because yeah, I had to warm up for the run-thru that day). So I still took class. I wore a jacket the whole time so the people won't see (and PANIC) cause it might be chicken pox.

BIG MISTAKE! Sweating just made the spots A LOT redder and more prominent. So I rushed (as in I drove) to the nearby hospital with my boyfriend to have it checked. And yeah, for sure, I HAVE CHICKEN POX.


This is the start of my 2-week nightmare. It got worse everyday. It's really depressing. Those blisters got so big that looking at the mirror was really heart-breaking. I worked really hard to get nice and smooth skin (painful visits to the dermatologist and all), and it'll all be for nothing because of this. :(

Total quarantine. I literally lived in my room. I only go out to use the bathroom. Everybody in the house is avoiding me (duh! I'm contagious.)
My meals are "delivered" to my room and I had my own set of plates, glasses, and cutlery. The good thing is my parents let me turn my air conditioner on the whole week. It was bad for our electricity bill, but it was good for the itchy skin.

This is my setup for the whole week. Just zoom in for the details. I've been so bored ang dami ko nang nagawa na hindi naman productive. hekhekhek

My only regret is I didn't take antivirals immediately. It could have helped a lot in shortening the span of my chicken pox. So if you get chicken pox, take your Acyclovir early!

I BEGGED my mom to get me the cream version instead. I was told it helped avoid scars and it does make them dry faster. And damn, it's so expensive for a little tube! The tube was smaller than my pinky finger!! So tipid tipid. I mainly use it on my face where I'm most scared in getting scars. O_o



Here are the things that you should do when you have chicken pox:

• Take regular showers. Avoid getting sweaty cause it'll be itchier.
• Avoid eating eggs and chicken. (The doctors in Manila Sanitarium said it was okay to eat anything, but my doctor/grandpa said it'll make your blisters WORSE. I didn't want to risk it. Wag na lang.)
• Aircon room. Freezing myself prevented any itching. Really.
• Don't scratch your blisters. They'll get itchier when they start crusting, so DON'T SCRATCH!
• Drink a lot of water. (Duh. Get rid of all the toxins in your body!)
• Keep yourself busy. You will be BORED because of your isolation, believe me. (Thank you for the internet!)
• Take your antivirals early! They help. (Doctors in my family thought otherwise. LIES. Shouldn't have believed them. Should have taken antivirals early on)
• Avoid people who have not gotten it before. (But heck..MISERY LOVES COMPANY)

Singapore Vlog.

This was our March 28-30 Singapore Vacation.

We stayed at the Robertson Quay Hotel and the whole trip was...quick but awesome.

Review: VMV HYPOALLERGENICS Armada Face Cover 30

When I started going to a dermatologist, I was "scolded" for not having a face sunblock in my skin regimen. I know.. I know... you should NEVER ever go out without your sunscreen. My dermatologist really stressed its importance.

As per behealthyandrelax.com :

The long-term effects of not using sunscreen

When you don’t use sunscreen lotions, your skin [has] no sun protection and you are exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR).  Whether from the sun or tanning beds, you invite skin damage, skin cancer, immune suppression, and cataracts. The increase in the number of diagnosed cases of these problems is primarily the result of our lifestyle choices as well as environmental carelessness, such as ozone depletion.

Given this knowledge, which is backed by decades of scientific studies, you can and should take measures to protect yourself by following these steps:

• Avoid unprotected UVR exposure at any time but particularly between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM which are the hours of peak ultraviolet radiation

• Wear sun protective clothing, including a long-sleeve shirt, a hat with a three-inch brim and sunglasses.

• Apply sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher to all unprotected skin 15-20 minutes before exposure and reapply it every two hours while exposed.

So okay, I had to go and find one. The problem is my skin is REALLY REALLY sensitive to sunscreen. Of course I have tried several brands already in my life, but most have caused very bad breakouts. So no sunscreen for me.

The search for THE sunscreen begins...
And this is the first one I've tried. Judging from the brand name, VMV Hypoallergenics...maybe it caters to more sensitive skin. I bought this one from Watsons in SM Mall of Asia for I think Php 780.

The product is this big (reference: my hand) and has 1.06oz of product in it. Just the right size, I think, for trying a face product. 

Consistency is a bit creamy but not oily. It's matte when it dries (on my hand).

The problem is when I put it on my face. It makes your face really really shiny -- sticky shiny (because of its SPF ingredients), so blotting and putting on face powder after is A MUST.

Fortunately, it doesn't give a "white cast" in flash photography which is good if you're the type who takes a lot of photos throughout the day (with flash).

At the later part of the day, I wasn't comfortable with it -- felt really sweaty and oily, so retouch retouch retouch. (Or maybe I'm just not used to wearing sunscreen in our already hot & humid weather?)

Overall, it's a good sunscreen since it didn't break me out (first time!). But I'm still going to be trying other brands -- I haven't had that "THIS-IS-DEFINITELY-IT" moment yet.

 

REVIEW: My Favorite Everyday Go-to Products -- Maybelline HyperSharp Liner, Maybelline Magnum Volume Express Waterproof Mascara, Etude House Drawing Eyebrow

Here's another review..or rather, reviewS. This will be a 'collective' review on my favorite trusty everyday makeup products -- my favorite liquid eyeliner, mascara, and eyebrow pencil.

Eyeliner: MAYBELLINE HYPERSHARP LINER

 

To be honest, I just came across this particular eyeliner when I was randomly looking for something to buy in Watsons. I was just starting to "explore" in using makeup and I thought I needed a liner that's much easier to use (than a pencil liner) for everyday. I searched through Watsons and wandered through the Maybelline area. I asked the lady there if she had an eyeliner that she could recommend and this is what she insisted that I buy.

Ho ho! She was right. It was easy to use (perfect for a newbie like me) and it was thin enough to make a nice cat-eye.
It has been in my bag ever since. :)

I usually use an Ever Bilena pencil eyeliner for stage makeup and comparing that one to this:

• When it sets, it doesn't smudge when you rub your eyes (but don't rub your eyes! you'll have wrinkles, sige)
• Wet enough when applied to
  
  correct little mistakes (c'mon, who doesn't make the occasional "lagpas")
• Easy to use; has a very thin brush.
• Pigmented enough (you don't have to go through your lines several times to get the opaqueness you want)
• Relatively cheap (P399 -- it's cheaper than other imported drugstore brands [of course the local brands are much much MUCH cheaper -- but the quality!? No.])

Mascara: MAYBELLINE the MAGNUM VOLUM' EXPRESS WATERPROOF

When it comes to mascara, I just hear one brand: Maybelline. I bought this one the same day as the liner in Watsons. I was originally just going to buy this one, but heck I ended up buying a liner too.

We don't really have much choices in Watsons, there were only three Maybelline mascaras there: the non waterproof version of this one, this one, and the Falsies (which was more expensive by P100). I just opted for this one since this is my first Maybelline mascara. Haha noob.

I really like the brush in this one. The brush is slightly curved. I found that the "convex" side is the side that builds up the product on your lashes and the "concave" side is the one that lifts up your lashes. Cool, right!? :D

This does the job, makes my lashes longer and more volumized. Up to this writing, I haven't had any problems with it.

Eyebrow Pencil: ETUDE HOUSE DRAWING EYE BROW in #02 Gray Brown

My favorite eyebrow product as of the moment! It's cheap (P149), easy to use, and the color matches my eyebrows perfectly. It has the retractable eye pencil on one end and a spoolie at the other! A 2-in-1 product in your hand right there!

Again, usually I use an Ever Bilena eyeliner (Brown) for my brows for stage makeup since it's more pigmented and creamier -- I need thick & OA brows on stage. Comparing that one to this one:

• Color is great for everyday use. Very light which gives you control on the darkness of your brows (No to bushman eyebrows!)
• No need to sharpen -- since it's retractable. It's refillable too (although most Etude Houses here are always sold-out of its refill).
• 2-in-1 with the spoolie at the other end. You need that end to lighten your brows and make them look more natural.

*If you're used to brown eyebrows (it just looks more fake to me, it might be just me), better get the #01 Brown. I just opted for the color closest to my natural eyebrow color which was Gray Brown.

So use them all together, this is how you'll look like. Forgive the low quality photos, they all just came from my phone. These 3 products just makes me look more put-together, and I really like it. :)

First Vlog.

First time to vlog. Just a day-with-me video. :)

My Life as a Dancer and Makeup.

From the left photo clockwise: Black Swan Pas de Deux; Don Quixote Pas de Deux; Mercedez variation; Alamat tavern girl

Yep. That's me in the middle of the photo 

.

If you've noticed, I work as a ballet dancer. And as a dancer, the stage is my workplace. The studio is my office. And along with all my dance stuff like pointe shoes, ballet shoes, hairpins and tutus, makeup is also my instrument.

Everyday I take class to warm up for rehearsals, rehearse, and then do shows. We have shows AT LEAST once a week, so heavy stage makeup is just normal for us. 

Before and after photo - before a show.

And because we're so used to HEAVY makeup, I'm not so keen on putting on makeup everyday like normal girls. Usually I go out REALLY bare. Until recently...

I think I'm in this phase in my life where I really want to experiment with stuff (like my face). I used to have REALLY REALLY bad skin when I was in high school, so I think that also contributed to the reason why I don't really wear makeup. 

But I have salvaged my skin in the recent years (salvage -- because, yes, it was THAT bad). And I have learned to use skincare regularly.

Before the show. I'm dancing Sleeping Beauty here.

So what's the next step? Naturally, I would go and play around with makeup!

I have to admit, finding the products that actually work for you is really hard. It involves a lot of trying and a lot of pimple breakouts. But the pleasure and satisfaction you get when you finally find that product is really really worth it.



It kind of started with my stage makeup kit. When I finally discovered how to use foundation properly (yes, I used to just go with concealer and powder. OMG). I got hooked. And I also discovered that really... YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

I am currently experimenting with a lot of products. From just using cheap local drugstore products to high-end brands...who knew it's gonna get so addicting? (bad for my wallet)

Join me in my search for the perfect products. We'll all learn from this too!

Review: Tony Moly Kiss Kiss Lip Scrub and Lip Essence

Okay, I was strolling in Mall of Asia yesterday when I remembered there was a Tony Moly counter in the department store and I was currently looking for a nice lip treatment for my abused lips anyway (given the many shows and the cold weather). And I asked about the Kiss Kiss Lip Scrub which I have been reading many reviews about. So I decided to give it a try.

This is the Kiss Kiss Lip Scrub. I tried it last night after brushing my teeth and before putting on my regular skincare stuff.

It comes in a pink (giant) lip container which is really cute (hehe) and you just have to twist it to open. It smells really good, like cherry-ish cinammon-ish scent.

It has micro-beads in it which exfoliate your lips and get rid of the icky dead skin cells that have accumulated there. The beads were actually smaller than the average facial scrub and they're small and gentle enough -- they're not painful!

After scrubbing this, my lips instantly felt really soft and smooth (ooh la la)

I asked the sales lady if they have any good lip balms that you can use after scrubbing, lo and behold, Kiss Kiss also has a Lip Essence that you're SUPPOSED to use after the scrub!

Looks almost the same as the Lip Scrub..it just comes in a red lip container. When you twist it open, there's an almost butter-y but not oily balm inside. 

It also smells good, smells more cherry/berry than the scrub and it instantly makes your lips feel moisturized! What I like about Tony Moly lip balms (I've tried 2 so far), they're not butter-y so they don't go over to the top of my lips. They're a bit more sticky than the Nivea Fruit Shine lip balm/gloss, so it stays in place. I had this on overnight, and boy, did I wake up to smooth and moisturized lips! :)

I got these at Php348 each, which is fine. I think it'll last a long time anyway since you only need a little for each use. And they're cute to carry too, if you want to bring them with you wherever.
 

My First Ever ONLINE SHOPPING Haul!

Forgive me if I'm ever so late in discovering the wonders of ONLINE SHOPPING, but thank God I tried it out nevertheless. The ease and convenience is overwhelming and it' s really scary 'cause you kinda get addicted to it after your first few orders. Haha

Now let me share what I accumulated this past WEEK through online shopping:

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in STOCKHOLM


It's neither a lipstick nor a lipgloss. It's a matte lip cream in a very natural nude color. I got it for Php295, but you can still get it in Multiply for Php270 (ewan ko ba) This was the first ever online purchase I made. And good 'cause it really arrived the next day. So from this "trial order", I got hooked. O_o

 

So there's the lip cream in Stockholm. And there's the swatch.

Two days after, I ordered again. I liked the Korean bun maker I found in one site (also in Multiply) so I got it finally, anyway it's just Php100! I didn't take any photo of it but it looks like this.

 

Next is the Charm Retractable Flat Top Brush and my J&C Super Clean Solutions Makeup Brush Cleaner. I read really good reviews on these, so I couldn't help but get some of my own. Multiply offers free shipping for orders Php400 and above by the way, that's why I opt to go for that as my minimum when I order. (excuse to shop some more) HAHA!

These are both AMAZING products! The brush is so soft on your skin, and the brush cleaner really does its job quickly, plus it smells really good! I got them for Php600 and Php400, respectively.

Now I got my Ellana Mineral Cosmetics package already. I've been wanting to try this for some time now, and I was happy it finally arrived yesterday (after 3 business days since I ordered) I got the Ellana Mineral Foundation Intensive Coverage in Hazelnut  Latte (just the 1g sampler size) and the 6g Refill pack for the same shade.

 

I love how it looks on my face! It makes everything look so smooth and even. It hasn't made any bad reactions with my skin so far (I would have to update you guys on that), so that's a good thing since my face reacts badly with anything I put on my face (except for my stage makeup, that is) 

This is great for everyday use. And I'm really excited to try to be a decent-looking young woman when I go to school as compared to the haggard I-don't-care-how-I-look look that I usually sport.

Last for this week is even MORE Ellana products! I loved how everything looked and felt so good when I tried out their samples (you can ask for free samples from their site, you just have to pay the shipping fee of Php50 -- this is really good, so you can find out your shade before ordering the full sized products)

I ordered from a reseller this time, and I got: 1g Mineral Foundation Intensive Coverage in Hazelnut Latte (again!?), 1g Mineral Foundation Intensive Coverage in Caramel Latte (it's a bit darker, but it also works for me), Ellana Mineral Blush in Happiness, and Mineral Blush in Lust. This hasn't arrived yet, I'm expecting it to arrive today (yay!). I got everything for Php400 (Php100 each)

When I think about it, I kinda ordered a lot, I get packages everyday. HAHA

So maybe I'll get a little break from this first to try everything out then I'll start ordering again especially when I find something interesting (damn these beauty blogs, they make me want to order a lot of stuff!)

  

REVIEW: The Secret Super Power of INDIAN HEALING CLAY!

It has been almost a year (I guess) since I found this hidden treasure in Healthy Options. 
Presenting the Aztec Indian Healing Clay!

This has been my big skin secret for the past n months, and I've given it enough time to say that I SWEAR BY IT!

I got this at around Php400~, and for the price and the amount of product, it's a steal. :)
Google the benefits of clay masks, here's what you'll get

Mineral clays naturally absorb oil and dirt, cleansing pores and providing a deep clean. They also exfoliate. Regular exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells from the surface and making way for new, healthier skin to form. Also, removing dead skin cells can help to prevent blemishes.

Another benefit of clay masks in general is to improve circulation. This may seem like a simple thing, but increasing blood flow to the surface of the skinis essential for an optimal glow. It means more nutrients and oxygen are circulating to the skin, which is important for skin repair and for the prevention of premature lines. (Stone, www.dailyglow.com)

 

 It's been a LONG time since I got this, and I haven't even finished half of it. :)

So here's what you need:

The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay and Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar

This is what it looks like when you open the jar.

Get a container for the mixture, then mix equal parts of the powder and vinegar, or until you get the consistency that you want.

You'll look like green monsters, but it's all worth it. :)

  Alright. It says on the jar that you only leave it on for about 20mins, but when I follow the instructions, I don't get the pulsating feeling that you're supposed to get, or even the redness that's expected when you wash it off.

So what I do is I leave it on for longer (waaaay longer), about 3hours -- I usually fall asleep while waiting for it to dry..hehe

And I found that when I leave it longer, it works better for me.

This is my secret weapon -- the reason why my skin improved so much (along with my other skincare stuff). I think this contributed a lot to the improvement. Weee!~

You would only need to do this weekly, and then say hello to pimple-free skin!