Review: Tony Moly Cristal Blusher (Bronzer)

Bronzers are actually in the limelight nowadays. I don't know why, but count me in for being so addicted in contouring my cheeky face. I used my Elizabeth Arden eyeshadow palette (darkest shade) for contouring my jaws, sides of my nose, hollows of my cheek, temples, and on the sides of my chin to make my face a little thinner. But I'm actually not satisfied with the result because it can really look dirty after just 2 hours. So I went gaga looking for that perfect bronzer. I'm actually digging for the TheBalm's Bahama Mama, but it's too expensive. And while I'm at SM Cubao, I spotted this cutesy blusher that is actually awarded as the best bronzer in Korea.

 The shade is 07

 pretty diamond cut embossed onto the product

 L: swiped once; R: swiped twice

L: w/o; R: with

This product is just so smooth and silky to the touch. I have no problem during application, but it can turn into a bit orangey by midday. It is also matte which is what I am looking for (if you want a natural look, go for matte ones, but if you want to be literally bronzed, go for shimmery bronzers just like the Betty-lou Manizer, and Prestige Glam Tan Bronzer which is freaking awesome!). Plus, it's not powdery/chalky, so no worries with fall-outs. Lastly, the pigmentation leans toward subtle to none at all. I prefer my bronzer to be like that, than being highly pigmented, just to save time from all the blending. Over all, I like this, but not love :)

Pros:

• glides smoothly and velvety
• subtle pigmentation
• feels lightweight
• easy to blend
• sealed upon purchase
• sturdy packaging
• pretty embossment
• has a lot of product
• affordable for only P298.00

Cons:

• can be a bit orangey
• staying power is so-so (approximately 2-3 hours)
• Tony Moly Cosmetics aren't widely available

Rating: 4/5

Merry Christmas! :)

*I saw Mommy kissin' Santa Claus!* So now I'm ecstatic. Merry Christmas guys! May you all have a wonderful Christmas to spend with you loved ones. Take care guys. :)

Review: Nichido Blush in Sunkissed

Another blush review for you girlies! :) I also bought this together with the Careline blush I just reviewed earlier (click here to see review). I usually reach for this more often because I think it compliments my skin tone. So here it is, the Nichido Powder Blush in Sunkissed.

 Well, it's really a powder blush :D

 In real life, this is actually darker, or toasted, if you know what I mean.

light swatch blended

 Lovely deep toasted pink color

Heavy swatch blended

I adore this one because it looks good on me. Although it's really powdery, I can just brush this all over my cheeks even without a mirror, not being afraid of looking all made up because it's blendable. This leans just in the middle, not too subtle, and not overly pigmented. And staying power is decent, maybe because the color is deep, thus leaving a lovely tinge of toasted pink on my cheeks. Me likey! :) 

Pros:

• a mesmerizing deep toasted pink color, really sunkissed
• can be easily blended
• decent staying power (approximately 3-4 hours w/o primer, just pressed powder underneath)
• inexpensive for Php88.00, 4g
• locally available

Cons:

• not a fan of twisty packaging
• powdery
• no mirror and puff included (but then the price is really cheap so I think I better keep my mouth shut :D)

Rating: 4/5

Review: Careline Oil Control Blush-on in Peach Glow

Peach-toned blushes are really occupying my thoughts these past few days. I really don't know but there's something in it that makes me giddy, you know, being so tied up with the mediocre pink blushes, I think it's about time to come out of the box! Careline wasn't actually one of those that hit my mind. But then I tried it, sold with the price, and now's the time to share with you my take on this super cheapo blush.

 The puff included is so small yet so soft!

Swiped it thrice to show the color, but it's still as subtle as it can be.

Whenever I use this, it makes me look a tad dark/toasted. Thus, I think the hunt for that perfect peach blush continues. But for the price I won't be complaining since it's really inexpensive. Mind you, this one's only Php80.00 or less than $2 (5g), that they still included a super soft sponge that I am actually saving from using. Plus the fact that it has oil control and Vitamin E that's good for the skin.

Pros:

• affordable!
• has oil control and Vitamin E
• available locally
• if you're looking for a subtle, natural finish, you'll like this one
• soft puff included

Cons:

• if you're looking for great pigmentation, this one's totally out of the list
• poor lasting power
• packaging feels a little flimsy

Rating: 3/5

Review: Lip Ice

Chappy lips? I was born with it. I've always thought that wearing lip balms will just make your lips sticky and shiny, and that it wouldn't help condition dryness. But then I was wrong. I ran out of my Sheene lip moisturizer that's why I was on a hunt the last few days for a good lip balm to address my sucky dry/cracky lips. But I was actually itching with Mentholatum's Lip Ice since it also gives a pinky hue on the lips when I first tried it from my sister.

 I got the Strawberry variant

What it says:

• Changes color to a natural sheer pink according to individual lips.

• A gentle Beeswax formation suitable even for very sensitive skin.

• Contains natural ingredients of Shea Butter Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Nut Oil, Jojoba Oils and Aloe Extract to keep lips moisturized, smooth, and healthy.

• Contains effective anti-oxidants of Vitamin E to soften and protect lips against the harmful environment.

Who wouldn't love that? I mean, the oils stuffed in it are pretty catchy, and I am just a sucker for beauty oils, just like Virgin Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, and Olive oil to name a few (and yes, I put olive oil on my skin). However, it can't really UTTERLY make my lips super soft the way I want it to be - it does, but for a matter of few hours. But then again I have dry lips since then. And it's frustrating. But I love how it turns my lips into a sheer pink color that can be intensified with just a few swipes. How adorable. :)


Pros:

• true enough, lips turn out to be a sheer pink
• can make lips softer and smoother (according to one's lips)
• combination of oils that are known for addressing dryness
• fairly lengthy
• affordable at Php145.00

Cons:

• staying power is so-so.
• the packaging. Mine broke actually. It can't be rotated back now. 

Rating: 3.9/5

Review: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Love That Red

A few days ago, I spotted Revlon at sale in Watsons. I've actually been craving to try their lipsticks since the reviews are pretty good. And then I saw myself swatching the red ones. Torn between the True Red and Love that Red shades, I then got the latter. It's from the Super Lustrous line and as its name, the effect is like a luster of satin.

 Swatched once, twice, thrice

 Under flash lighting

Pros:

• highly pigmented
• non-drying
• glides smoothly
• doesn't bleed
• packaging feels sturdy but might be improved for a classy/sossy one (hihi)
• lasting power is pretty decent (3-4 hours w/o eating/drinking)
• available nationwide

Cons:

• can be a bit pricey for cheapskates like me. Retails for Php450 but got it for Php350. Yeah baby!
• turns orangey on my lips. :(

Rating: 4/5


Have you tried this shade? How about the others? Let me know! :)

Review: Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream

It's been so long since my last review, but fret not because today's review is certainly a hit product that most girls are raving. It's none other than the Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream. Again, this purchase was unintentional (hihi). We were just roaming around Landmark in Trinoma when I bumped into Missha's booth. Of course I looked at the products, particularly their bb creams (that have definitely the widest range to choose from) which have been in the hype and that's when I discovered BB creams (BB stands for blemish balm). And the SA was so accommodating and helpful that she also swatched this on the back of my hand. And it's a fine sight to see! But then, the price is steep so I just let it pass. Then my boyfriend told me to buy it (thanks again dear!) so I did (harhar). So let's take a look.

What Missha says:

             Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream offers a novel skincare concept with B.B cream, which lightens skin tone by healing visible wrinkles and blemishes with excellent skin-cover ability, and prevents skin aging through effective whitening and anti-wrinkle properties.

  Got mine in shade 21 (Light Beige) which the SA referred to be the lightest shade, but then again I searched and found out that there's the shade 13, which is the Milky Beige and definitely the lightest.

 I like how the nozzle doesn't dispense too much amount, unlike the 4U2 bb cream to which a lot of product just spilt when opened

Has a tad gray undertone to it

 It slightly covered my veins with just one layer

 After 10mins

She also gave me samples of the Dong Baek Gold shampoo and their Immortal Youth Serum, which I haven't tried yet.

It's really hard to ignore such good sales talking, and the SA really got me into purchasing this product. She even applied this on my face and put some blush on (and voila! I'm now a firm aficionado of instant gratification. Chos!) I really liked how it turned out, and when I got home, there's not much of a trace of oil in my face (I have normal to oily skin type). And I love how it addresses all that needs to be addressed: has SPF42 / PA+++, provides Whitening, Wrinkle Care, and supplies Moisture and Nutrition at the same time. Talk about multi-purpose product! A makeup not only just a make up, but a skin care product too. :)

Pros:

• Multi-functional! Sunscreen, Skincare, and Makeup
• Dewy (not oily) looking skin (semi-matte if set with powder)
• offers medium coverage, but can be buildable
• Lightweight
• Blends well and glides smoothly
• Not runny nor gooey, just in the middle
• Can conceal blemishes since it's really buildable without caking up
• Doesn't cake
• Oil control is great
• Makes my face look and feel smooth and soft. (like a baby, bwahaha!)
• The scent is pretty much okay, not really a big deal for me, but some might not like it. Smells flowery?
• Available in five shades: 

                   #13 Milky Beige
                   #21 Light Beige
                   #23 Natural Beige
                   #27 Honey Beige
                   #31 Golden Beige

• Sleek and cute packaging
• Dermatologist tested

Cons:

• The price is not so affordable. Php799 or $19.34 for 20ml. (Got it with 10% off, so it's Php 720.00)
• May not be widely available locally. (Got this in Landmark, Trinoma)
• After 3-4 hours, my face looks darker. Maybe because I'm acidic.
• Has two forms of parabens

Rating: 4.5/5

Have you tried this one? How about the other variants? Let me know! :)

A heart-clenching story..

I was scrolling down my facebook timeline and then I came across this. It’s worth reading you guys, worth sharing too! :)

I am just sharing this picture of a very humble guy named ROLDAN JIMENEZ PINEDA, 63yrs old, from Isabela. You don’t need to read everything if you are lazy, but all I need to ask you is pray for his safety. I am not a writer, but I will try to tell you the story.

Here’s what happened:
Just this windy and rainy morning, I was in my friend’s canteen. It is just beside the subdivision where I live. I was chatting with my friend’s dad about some business. This humble guy came in front caught my attention. He was not asking for money nor anything. Instead, he ordered P5 worth of rice. He cannot even look directly because he feels so shy.He said, “Maaari po bang bumili ng limang pisong kanin?” His hair is so wet that’s why he covered it with a small towel. His clothes are kinda wet too. When I heard his shaking voice, I can feel that he is tired, cold, and starving. He has a green backpack and a sack with old boxes and plastic bottles. I suddenly felt sorry about him, that my heart was telling me that I need to do something. Instead of me just sitting on my chair, I decided to stand up and tried talking to him. I asked him if that small amount of rice would satisfy him. He said that he was planning to eat some of it and save some, then continue walking til he reach Nueva Ecija which is more than a hundred miles I think. His destination would be Isabela, where he lives. He asked if he can fill his bottle with some water. I said, sure. While I was putting water in his used old bottle, I told him to order some more food so he can eat. Told him not to worry because I will pay it for him. Mang Roldan never asks for money. He earns his own by selling bottles at the junk shops. His eyes turned red, while he was trying to hold his tears. He said that he can’t thank me enough.

MANG ROLDAN: Nahihiya po ako kasi ganito lang suot ko.
ME: Akong bahala po sainyo. Ano pong gusto nyong kainin?
MANG ROLDAN: Wala po ako sa posisyon para pumili. Kahit gulay lang po o yung pinakamura.
ME: Kailangan nyo pong kumain. Order po kayo kahit ano, yung siguradong mabubusog kayo.

I took his hand so he can walk beside the stand where he can choose. While they were giving him his food, I told him that I need to go home and get some money so I can pay his bill. At home, I grabbed my old camouflage jacket which I gave him.
We talked about his tragic story and his plans. Years ago, he needed to sell their house and lot because his wife had a bone disease. Sadly, everything was spent but his wife didn’t make it. He had 3 children. The first born were twins, died because of bronchopneumonia. While the youngest was ran over by a bus. He tried putting a small business by selling fishballs in Manila, but in the time of Bayani Fernando, MMDA took his carts and destroyed them. Mang Roldan and his family are church people. You can tell with the way he speaks. He visited Pampanga to see his sister/brother. Too bad he wasn’t able to meet the only family that he knows. Hearing his story broke my heart.

I also noticed that he cannot walk straight because of his swollen left leg. “Lumipad yung bato na nadaanan nung gulong ng jeep, tumama sa paa ko” he said. He thanked me for the food and jacket. I handed him some money so he can ride the bus and buy food. He said that he cannot give me anything in return. Seeing him wipe his tears made me feel super sad that it made me cry too. I was speechless. I shaked his hand and told him that his story was enough for me to learn things, and I was happy that I was able to help him. I gave him my umbrella so he will not get wet on his journey. He didn’t want to take it, but I insisted. (I hope my mom won’t notice that her umbrella is missing)

While Mang Roldan was crossing the street I was looking at him. I noticed that he was walking towards a corner. He saw a beggar on the side. You know what he did? He did not share the food that he had, HE GAVE EVERYTHING! Rice, bread, and water. That’s it! That was priceless! I knew that this man is special. He touched my heart. I realized that what I gave him is not even enough. Salt water fell from my eyes. (even while I’m typing now). I decided to go to him when I noticed that busses and jeepneys were not stopping because of discrimination. So we waited for a bus and I took his picture. He smiled and said, “half-body lang ha, nakakahiya may dala akong sako. Hehehe!” What a guy! He can still smile after all the things that he went through. Finally, a bus stopped. I told him to act as if he is my uncle. Before he stepped on the bus, he thanked me again. I waved goodbye and said “Ingat Tito, text mo ko kaagad.” I said it loud so the conductor will hear me.
I don’t know, but he was like an angel that was sent to teach me and realize lots of things. That is why I decided to put it on FB, hoping that you will learn from it. If only I am wealthy enough, I would love to do more things just to help more needy, homeless, poor, deserving people. I also hope I could meet Mang Roldan again, and give him a fishball business or have him help me helping others.

I remember a book written by Father Jerry Orbos, that we should not be just good Samaritans but we need to be Better Samaritans.

You can share this if you want. If not, just please pray that God bless the people like Mang Roldan. May God Bless you too =)


(c)Joey Zeyer


source: gianology


Realizations. You know how it feels when your mind is filled with thoughts of unnecessary mundane things? And then suddenly you were hit by reality. Oh Lord, I shouldn't be asking for more. Just reading his story made me realized how blessed I am. Giving my utmost prayers and guidance for him. Made me almost cry. :'( 

Zac Efron's Penshoppe Press Con

I still can't believe I saw him personally. What should I say? That he is hot, no, really hooootttt! Last Saturday, September 29 to be exact, was his fan conference for Penshoppe. It was held at Mall of Asia Arena where it was also my first time to see the gorgeous arena that was newly built. I went with my sister of course, and we were both screaming ang giggling like highschool girls. It was fun, despite all the disaster we've gone through during our trip going to MOA. He's just worth all the hardship.

Didn't really had a decent picture of him since the crowd was getting crazy! When I had the chance to take some snapshots, I just froze. Seriously, Zac up close and dashing? How can I keep up? Jeez! Really, ano ba talaga sya? Aparisyon! Ang gwappppooooo! :D

Review: Tresemme Hair Mask

After my endeavor to have soft and smooth hair with Lorys hair cream (see review here), I searched and searched for another product again that would really save my hair from all the frizziness, or total ugliness, you know what I mean. Hence, when I saw the newly released Tresemme line here in the market, I succumbed. Mine's the Smooth and Shine variant formulated for dry, frizz prone hair.

An intense conditioning treatment that penetrates deeply and replenishes moisture to help tame frizz. For silky, soft and smooth hair that shines.

Has a protective cover

I've been using this for less than a month I think, and I'm pretty much happy with how my hair turns out everytime I use it. Makes it less frizzy, less tangled, and less ugly :D Onto the product, it's definitely dense, so you can be assured of a longtime use. It's not runny nor super creamy, in fact it's more of a 'compact' kind of cream. The smell is more like the regular conditioner. And it's housed in a sturdy packaging, so fret not if you drop it. Moreover, I love this product. Whenever I use this, my hair is straighter, smoother, shinier, and softer. Are you sold now? Haha! And it doesn't weigh down my tresses, which is also a plus point. Really, I'm in love with this product, in fact I'm on my second tub. :)


Pros:

• affordable. P169.00; 180ml
• works effectively! 4s baby - straighter, softer, smoother, shinier hair :P
• sturdy, minimalist packaging
• density of the product
• available now in leading supermarkets. Got this in Watsons

Cons:

• wish it's in a bigger tub
• difficult to rinse (due to slippery hair)
• beware not to use it for more than 5-10mins since it has the tendency to dry up your hair. Remember, too much isn't good. :)

Rating: 4.9/5

Go, try it! :)

Review: Snoe Star Night Star Bright Night Perfecting Toner

Haven't used a toner before, and now I'm amazed how it can actually make a drastic change in your life, chos! haha! My HG toner as of now, is none other than the Snoe Star Night Star Bright Night Perfecting Toner.

What it says:

     Contains powerful whitening ingredients, antioxidants and vitamins that are clinically proven to visibly reduce wrinkles, heal acne and removes spots. it promotes clarity and revitalizes skin's appearance while you sleep.

 It was sealed with a scotch tape, but it's still leaking when I got it.

It is also as small as the Clinique makeup remover which is 50ml, though sleeker than the latter.

First things first, I laid my eyes on this from a beauty blogger too, Ms. Helen of Lucky Citrine (check out her review here). Luckily, my sister frequents in Trinoma which also carries Snoe products particularly in Landmark. Ok, so the first time I used this, the scent was so strong, by all means overpowering. Smells like alcohol, but to the point that it's so strong you don't want to use it again. But then, it's good to see some remnants on the cotton balls, which are the ultimate reason why you still develop pimples even after thorough washing and all. Been using this for a month now, and I must say that acne is now history. Again, this is my HG toner for the moment! No pimples, but there are times that I still get small bumps that vanish right away. I'm totally inlove with this product. And I'm on my way to the 2nd bottle. :)

Pros:

• effectively prevents pimples!
• an all in one toner- Anti-aging, Whitening, Anti-acne, Exfoliating, Pore refining, Spot remover. What can you ask for? :)
• Proudly Pinoy product
• lightens dark spots caused by acne
• brightens skin, making it fresh-looking

Cons:

• not 'properly' sealed upon purchase
• the scent was an off for me the first time I used it, but eventually you'll get used to it. ;)
• the price is rather steep for just a toner, and it only has small amount of product on it. (Php 179.00)
• not widely available. bought this at Landmark, Trinoma.

Rating: 5/5
Despite of the cons, I still love this product because it works! No pimples baby! :)

Review: 4U2 dreamGirl Faith BB cream

Again, this one's not mine. :D My sister told me to make a review of it, and who am I to refuse? I was actually the one who recommended this to her since I saw positive reviews, and she was looking for a good yet not so expensive product.

From 4U2:

Wanna Blemish-Free Complexion? Have Faith in this One Stop Make-Up base, Foundation and Powder. Long lasting protection, soothing, and moisturizing. Be a dreamGirl!

It looks a little dark for my skintone.

 Under natural light

Under bright sunlight

I still think that it's slightly dark for my liking. Though I would say that I shouldn't be ranting since this one's so inexpensive, yet does the job.

Pros:

• affordable! P184.00 or $4 for 30ml
• can cover imperfections with two applications
• glides smoothly on the skin
• the smell is nearly faint to undetectable
• it adjusts to your skintone if well blended
• cute packaging (it's PINK!)
• dewy-looking skin for the first few hours
• available in Watsons and in leading department stores

Cons:

• has only one shade that is said to be the universal color which they say, would fit on any skintone
• slightly dark on me (I still don't know what my shade is :| )
• accdng to my sister, this made her face oily and dark after 3 hours of use (she has super oily skin, mind you)
• stocks are limited

Rating: 3.5/5

Fifty Shades of Grey

Source

The culprit of everything. The reason why I get up late. And why this blog doesn't do its job. Oh Christian Grey, will you ever be real? You completely disarm me just how you never fail to disarm Anastasia. And you, Ms. Steele, can you feel my greed? Please Mr. Grey, COME TO LIFE.

Sophie Paris Lipstick in Ice Pink

This one's totally not mine, haha, but for the sake of blogging, hell yeah! Today's review is a pink lippy that's from Sophie Paris. Take a look.

The packaging actually feels pretty nice, not flimsy nor feels like literally made of plastic. 

The shade is Ice Pink which is a bright pink color that totally reminds me of Barbie.

 L-R: swatched once, twice, thrice in natural light

 under bright sunlight

after constant rubbing under running water

Pros:

• nicely pigmented
• super affordable! This one's P79.00 or not more than $2
• decent staying power (can last 3-4hours without eating or drinking)

Cons:

• has the tendency to dry up your lips (depending on your lip condition). lip moisturizer/balm is a must!
• not widely available, but you can get this online or at the main branch of Sophie in Mandaluyong, and in Sophie resellers. Got this in Sophie's booth at Farmers, Cubao

Rating: 3.5/5