Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D

Most girls and (even boys) adore Katy Perry! From her quirky costumes, stunningly gorgeous beauty and physique, and powerful voice - most would think that this is the formula for overnight success. But Katy Perry worked hard to achieve where she is right now and this movie would show you the story.

Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D was like an intimate look at what really happened before and during Katy's meteoric rise to fame, and a backstage pass and front row seat combined to her sold out world tours. While Katy had her fair share of rejections (as there were some people who said that she couldn't do it), she proved them wrong. Katy is the first woman to have five #1 singles in one album! It's amazing on how she composes songs that are connected to her life - and most, if not all, songs we can relate to.

I wasn't able to watch her concert here in Manila, so I enjoyed the parts of the movie that had highlights of her concert. The production in all her concerts are so colorful, fun, and lively - everything Katy is all about! (Another trivia: Katy is very hands-on when it comes to her shows; she works behind the scenes, including the stage set-up and things like that.)

And if you're curious on how she looks like without makeup, this movie has loads of scenes where Katy looks au naturel. She still looks pretty and fresh! (But being the kikay girl that I am, I prefer her looks when she's all glammed up!)

Another thing, one part that struck me the most was the part when her marriage got over during her world tour. It was heartbreaking to see her cry a lot (even before her fan meetups and concerts). All I can say is that she tried to make it work. But then, through tough times, there are lots of lessons learned, and she emerged to be a stronger, better person.

After watching this movie, I came to appreciate more what Katy is as an artist. Her one goal is simple: with every performance she gives, she wants to be able to make people smile. But she did more than that. She's inspired. She touched lives. She dared us to dream and live our dream.

Watch Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D (in cinemas August 29, 2012) with your girl friends or sisters for some ultimate girl bonding experience!  I've watched this together with my fave blogger friends at Gateway Cineplex - one of the comfiest cinemas in town. :)

Love,

Helen

Tony Moly Clean Dew Broccoli Sprout Cleansing Cream

My makeup artist friend once told me that it's not makeup that causes pimples, but it's the leftover makeup that hasn't been properly removed that causes clogged pores. While I love playing with makeup, I used to think that makeup removal was the most hassle part of the entire process. Imagine being dead tired, and all you want to do is sleep, but you'd still have to clean your face. I used to just use facial wash and nothing else, and wonder why my skin perennially had small bumps/pimples around my cheeks. It wasn't until I started being consistent with my skincare regimen that my skin cleared up and looked as it is right now. Everyday, I double cleanse my face at night. I use a cleansing cream (or cold cream) to remove my makeup, and use a facial wash afterwards.

I got this makeup remover sample from my Tony Moly mini haul. It's Tony Moly's Cleansing Dew Broccoli Sprout Cleansing Cream - veggies for your face!

Tony Moly Clean Dew Broccoli Sprout Cleansing Cream (P478.00)

This cleansing cream contains Broccolli sprout extract and vitamin E capsules that melt on skin.

See those green dots? It looks like veggie bits, but I think that those are the moisturizing capsules that burst when it comes into contact with the skin.

What I Love About It:

• This cleansing cream has vitamin E that moisturizes the skin. For those who find foaming facial cleansers drying, then you might want to add this to your regimen. It makes my face feel clean and soft after every wash. Softer than if I had just used facial wash alone.
• I'm fond of the fresh scent. It's not overwhelming or too fragrant for a face care product.
• It thoroughly removes all traces of makeup; even my waterproof gel liner comes off easily with this! No tugging required.
• It makes my face look more radiant (compared to other makeup removers that I've used before, which basically just removes makeup) - probably because of the broccoli extract and vitamin E.
• The packaging of the full-sized product is super adorable! (The leaves move!!! Haha!)

It might be a tad pricier than the current makeup remover I am using, but this one is more creamy and less watery than Etude House's Happy Teatime Cleansing Cream. Both of them does their job well in removing all traces of makeup, but I liked the effect of Tony Moly's Broccoli Sprout Cleansing Cream better (in terms of skin softness and radiance). I'm halfway through with my second tub of cleansing cream from Etude House, and I'm considering making the switch to this one.

How about you? Have you tried this one from Tony Moly? If not, what are you using? I'm would love to know. :)

Love,
Helen

The Body Shop All-In-One Face Base

I've always used liquid makeup as base despite my oily skin type, because I find that that type of makeup works best when it comes to evening out my skin tone. For the past 4 months, I've used my trusty BB cream everyday when I go to work. Sometimes, I top it off with powder to make it last longer, but there comes a point where I don't like to overwhelm my skin with too many layers of makeup. (My skin needs to breathe after all!) So then, I decided to streamline my makeup routine with this handy little product: The Body Shop All-In-One Face Base in 035 (new shade).

The Body Shop All-In-One Face Base (P1,295.00)

This combined foundation and powder gives a velvety, matte base. Use this product dry for a light matte finish or wet for higher coverage. Includes sponge and detachable mirror. Dermatologically tested.

    Matte finish
    Velvety feel
    No added fragrance
    Includes sponge and mirror
    Dermatologically tested

My previous shade from this range was 02. The All-In-One Face Base has new shades released, and shade 035 was recommended to me by the SA as a better match for my skin - and it is! This range has 5 new shades released, and now there are more darker shades for our gorgeous morena sisters.

This powder foundation compact comes with a sponge applicator and mirror (which separates the applicator and the product). I haven't used the sponge yet, since I use a big, fluffy brush as applicator.

The compact has a decent amount of product, 9g of face base goodness, but it's kind of pricey for a face powder on its regular price. Good thing it's on sale now - P200.00 off plus additional 10% off for Love Your Body members!

035

At first, I thought that this would just be another pressed powder. I would just use this as a finishing touch over my makeup. One day, I decided to use this alone (with just sunblock underneath), and I fell in love with it! It kept my face matte all day - and no other product ever did that to me.

Pros:

• The packaging looks posh and elegant.
• It gives light to medium coverage when used dry.
• It can be used with a wet sponge for heavy coverage (but I haven't tried that yet).
• It looks perfectly light and natural on my skin. If there's a "my lips but better" shade for lipsticks, then this is indeed "my skin but better".
• The silky powder melts on to the skin to even out discolorations, and I love the coverage it gives.
• I apply it only during the morning, and it lasts ALL DAY, even with my oily skin. I have to blot once by afternoon to freshen up.
• It does not oxidize or turn orange on my skin.
• It made my skin look radiant and fresh all day!

Cons:

• It's pricey if not on sale. (But then, The Body Shop holds sales regularly, so the next time I chance upon this at 40% off, I would surely buy!)
• While the packaging looks nice, it can easily be scratched, and fingerprints stick to it.

When worn

This is one of my lazy makeup looks for work. I just used sunblock (as my moisturizer and makeup base), a little bit of concealer on my undereyes, and the All-In-One Face Base in 035 on my entire face. It managed to keep my skin matte but still glowing all day.

While the All-In-One BB Cream is the star product of the All-In-One Makeup Range, the All-In-One Face Base is my favorite. To each her own, after all! While I could go on and on raving about this product, but it's better if you try it out in-store. The friendly SAs of The Body Shop would gladly assist you in finding your perfect All-In-One Face Base shade!

Love,
Helen

Pupung Goes Solo

It's nostalgia attack this coming September, as Solo brings us their newest installment on their yearly Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia Series. This year, Solo proudly features Tonton Young's Pupung.

Most, if not all, may be familiar with Pupung. This iconic comic strip is close to the heart of the Filipinos, mainly because it features similar lifestyle of the typical Pinoy. From Pupung's family's lugawan, to the fascination with basketball, as well as current business trends - Pupung delivers all this and more with winning punchlines and humor. This iconic family-oriented comic strip still appears in Manila Bulletin, never failing to make Filipinos laugh everyday.

Pupung and all your favorite characters like Mommy, Daddy, Lolo Dom, Day, Jordan, Lelong and Larry Bird will be immortalized in a pop collection! This collection comes with His & Hers graphic tees, varsity jackets, polo shirts, woven tops and dresses, men’s long sleeves and shorts, and adorable accessories such as necklaces, toilety pouches, and coffee ceramic cups with covers. The Pupung collection will be available in Solo stores starting September,  which makes it perfect for early Christmas shopping!

Here are some of the items from the collection. Take your pick and go get some for your family and friends, too!

Varsity Jacket (Men - P1,695, Ladies - P1,595)

His and Hers All Over Print Tee (P695)

His and Hers All Over Print Tee (P545)

His and Hers Graphic Tee (P595)

His and Hers Graphic Tee (P645)

His and Hers Graphic Tee (P595.00)

His and Hers Graphic Tee (P645)

Fuschia Ladies Oversized Graphic Tee (P745)

Leggings with Print (P745.00)

Coffee Mug (P495)

Desk Clock (P695)

Necklace (P495)

Pouches

In true Solo fashion, this collection will be simultaneously launched with the 4th Solo Online Model Search! Starting September, the search is on for the newest faces of Solo for their Spring 2013 campaign. Visit www.solo.com.ph for contest details.

Aspiring models can enter the Solo Online Model Seatch via Facebook or website. Take your favorite piece from the Pupung collection, stike a pose, and submit your creative photo entry together with a complete entry form. Contest and voting period starts September 1, 2012 and ends on November 30, 2012. The grand winners will receive cash prizes and gift certificates from Solo. They'll also have a fabulous photoshoot wherein their photos will be featured in all Solo stores in 2013.

Also, check out this behind the scenes video of the Pupung shoot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNvVp1TmbR0

My pics from this collection would be the his graphic tees and the sabon-sipilyo-tsinelas pouches. What's yours? :)

Love,
Helen

FINE Hyaluron & Collagen - Now Available In Watsons!

Finally, Japan's finest anti-aging and beauty secret is now locally available in Watsons!

We all know that cosmetics applied on to the skin can make us look and feel better, but FINE Hyaluron & Collagen is a new kind of edible cosmetic that works from within to make us combat aging and other signs of physical weakness. I know some might be iffy in trying out health and beauty supplements and such, but not me. I'm open to trying out new things provided that they're safe for my health.

FINE Hyaluron & Collagen is a big hit internationally, especially in countries like Japan, US, Europe, Hong Kong, Signapore, Malaysia and more. Some testimonials include the product’s benefits like growing sturdier nails and more radiant hair, to freedom from arthritic pains, to firmer breasts, to lessening of wrinkles. This product is also a bestselling item (Editor's Choice) in sasa.com.

FINE Hyaluron & Collagen contains Hyaluron (60mg), Collagen (5,250mg) and Elastin (15mg) as its main ingredients give a synergistic toward healthier and more beautiful skin, plus, Vitamin C (100mg), Biotin (45mcg) and Pearl Coix extract (450mg) for more radiant and glowing skin.

This is a "lifting supplement" is meant to be consumed daily. Dilute a sachet (7g) of FINE Hyaluron & Collagen with warm water or other drinks (such as orange juice or milk). You may also consume with desserts (such as yoghurt or ice cream). It is safe even for pregnant women, and can be consumed with flu tablets. (Source: sasa.com)

For more information on FINE Hyaluron & Collagen and all other products by Fine Company Limited, Osaka, Japan, visit www.fine-kagaku.co.jp. Fine Nutrition Trading International is located at Unit 224 Garden Heights Condominium, E. Rodriguez Sr., Quezon City. For inquiries, you may contact them at 09175218698 (mobile) or  5423842 (landline).

Love,

Helen

Weeknight Fun: Gym Class Heroes & Nelly Furtado

Last Thursday afternoon, I received an unexpected (but very much appreciated) phone call from my friend Ria, asking if I could go to the concert of Nelly Furtado and Gym Class Heroes later that evening. Well, of course I had to go! It was my first time to attend a concert ever, which made me all the more excited. So then I had 3 hours left to rush home after work, freshen up, and get all dolled up, before dashing off to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for some weeknight fun.

I actually did not know earlier that Nelly Furtado and Gym Class Heroes were going to perform here in the Philippines. I found out only on the same day, while watching the TV during our lunch break in the office pantry. Later that day, I found out that I was going. Haha!

For the first part of the concert, the Gym Class Heroes (an American rap-rock band) pumped up the crowd with excitement with their catchy songs. The audience went wild when they sang the more familiar songs such as "Billionaire", "Stereo Hearts", "Ass Back Home", and "The Fighter".

After the Gym Class Heroes' performance, came the very much anticipated part when Nelly Furtado finally hit that stage. "Maneater", which is one of her more popular songs, jump-started the crowd's energy level. The crowd also sang  and danced to "All Good Things Come To An End", 'Promiscuous", and 'Like A Bird".

Despite the lack of publicity of this concert, everyone had fun!The crowd might be small, but Nelly said that she liked how intimate it was. And the audience loved how the performers connected with them.

My fun first concert experience with blogger friends!

It was a great experience to watch the concert in the Smart Araneta Coliseum. If you're up for fun, here are the other upcoming concerts/performances to look forward to.

A great news I'll share with you now is that you can have the chance to watch concerts (free Patron seats!) and movies at the Araneta Center for only P500 with the VIP Pass Promo!

• A P500 single receipt purchase from any establishment in the Araneta Center (Gateway Mall, Coliseum Circle restaurants, Shopwise Arcade restaurants, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza, New Frontier Arcade, Telus Arcade, SuperCenter, Araneta Center Bus Station, and Farmers Market), can get you one raffle coupon so you can join the promo.
• You can also get raffle coupons when you purchase three Cineplex tickets from the Gateway or Ali Mall cinemas.
• Get more raffle coupons and increase your chances of winning by doing either of the following: purchase two Bibbo! Cheesedog on a stick or on a bun; or buy two of any Coca-Cola products at the redemption booths located at Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza.

The next time you want to shop, dine, and enjoy, head on straight to the Araneta Center. Luck might be on your side, and you may be one of the ten (10) winners to be given 6 months’ worth of tickets to shows at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, movie passes with free popcorn and drinks at the Ali Mall or Gateway Cinemas, and free parking passes! The lucky ten also get to take home P50,000 worth of Araneta Center Gift Certificates!

For more information, visit the Concierge at the 1st level of Gateway Mall and Upper Ground Level of Ali Mall Hurry! Promo starts now and ends on September 3, 2012.

Another great news I'm sure frequent patrons of TicketNet would surely appreciate is that you may now pay online and print your own tickets. TicketNet Online uses a technology that allows customers to buy the tickets in a matter of minutes! No more hassle of lining up and waiting, and not to mention the EDSA traffic that adds to the hassle of it all. Now it's convenient to purchase the tickets for the shows you'd want to watch. You may also opt to get the tickets via your phones or tablets. Visit www.ticketnet.com.ph now!

See you soon at the Araneta Center! :)

Love,

Helen

The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream

Every beauty brand seems to be bitten by the BB craze! Even I myself am. I used to be into liquid foundations, but then I discovered the skincare wonder that is the BB cream, and it has officially replaced my liquid foundation as my everyday makeup base. It's healthier for my skin but it has the same great coverage, so who wouldn't want that?

But then, most BB creams in the market are available only in light shades. Maybe because most of them originated from Korea where most ladies have fair skin. Wouldn't it be wonderful to find a BB cream that would be an exact match for your skin?

This recent beauty find will thrill you to no end. The Body Shop officially launches their newest product, the All-In-One BB Cream!

The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream (P1,195.00)

Finally, a BB that transforms!

Introducing the All-In-One BB Cream! The star of The Body Shop's All-In-One make-up range. A masterpiece of make-up and skincare, All-In-One BB Cream possesses a lightweight formula that provides 24-hour hydration and colour-adapts for a perfect match and a smooth, undetectable finish. It's make-up and skincare in one! 

This BB cream comes in a squeeze-tube packaging, which reminds me of toothpaste. Haha! I like it because it's sanitary and handy, because it's easy to dispense the product with this type of packaging.

It's also sealed, which is a big plus. But then once you remove the seal, you'd have to store this product upright to prevent the cap from getting messy.

Swatches:

It comes out white from the tube, with small micro-capsules that burst when it comes to contact with the skin, releasing the pigments inside.

It adjusts and blends into the skin like magic!

But even if I got the lightest shade (which is 01), it's still a shade darker for my skin. But it's workable, I can top it with a lighter shade of pressed powder, and it would even out.

This BB cream has a build-able light to medium coverage, and doesn't feel heavy on the skin. It works well in evening out the skintone, but not so much for very red acne marks and dark circles (as you'd need a separate concealer for that). Aside from having the color-adapt technology, it also comes in 3 shades: light, medium, and dark. This is very ideal for those with darker skin tones, since it won't make the skin look ashy (compared to too light BB creams). Since this BB cream has a 24-hour hydration claim, it would work better for those with dry to normal skin, because of its nourishing Vitamin E and marula oil content. Oily-skinned people (like me) can opt to top this off with a pressed powder (like the All-In-One Face Base) to make it last longer.
 

Get a chance to win the new All-In-One makeup range by joining The Body Shop's Facebook contest here!

Read more about the All-In-One makeup range here.

Love,
Helen