Too Cool For School After School BB Foundation Lunch Box in #2 Moist Skin

I love it when makeup comes in cute, quirky packaging. I think Too Cool For School is a pro when it comes to that!

Too Cool For School After School BB Foundation Lunch Box (P219.00)

Sensational 4D BB foundations. This product allows your skin to look beautiful in an instant.

What I have is the sample-sized version of Too Cool For School's best-selling item, After School BB Foundation Lunch Box.

The full-sized one comes with a concealer and highlighter and costs P989.00.

Too Cool For School After School BB Foundation Lunch Box comes in 2 shades: #1 Matte skin (lighter) and #2 Moist skin (darker). The one for matte skin (#1) comes in a lighter shade maybe because oily skin has the tendency to oxidize and appear darker later during the day. The one I have is for moist skin (#2) is ideal for dry to normal skin types.

The way it's packaged is cute, but it would have helped more if there were English translations on the cardboard and on the tube.

What I understood from here was only "2" which was its shade, and 4D. I've read online that this product is a "4D BB Foundation that saves your heart-shape facial line", but I have no idea how to work that out.

Swatches:

This BB Foundation has a creamier and thicker texture compared to most Korean BB creams, but it does not feel heavy on the skin when worn. This is the reason why the full-sized version comes in a packaging that makes use of a spatula instead of a pump, since the thick formula would have to tendency to clog the pump (in the long run) and render it impossible to dispense. As for the sample-sized tube, the small tube with a narrow opening on the tip works fine to dispense a controlled amount of product.

When worn:

Pros:

• This sample-sized tube comes in a hygienic packaging.
• The tip of the tube is sealed with a silver foil.
• This small tube is perfectly handy for travel, or for those who want to sample around before committing to the full-sized version. (Like me!)
• Manufacturing date is indicated on the crimp of the tube. Mine reads 20130501.
• Shade #2 Moist skin is a nice match for my light skin tone.
• It has SPF 37/PA++.
• It has a thick, creamy consistency, not runny or watery.
• Despite its creamy consistency, it's not hard to blend.
• It has a light to medium coverage, ideal for everyday wear.
• It wears comfortably on the skin, no heavy feeling.
• It covers my pores. Gotta love that!
• It cancels out minor redness and makes my face look even without looking too pale.
• It makes my skin look healthy and glowing with its dewy finish, but because I have oily skin, I have to always set this with powder unless I want to look like a greaseball by midday. 
• I had no breakouts from using this product.

Cons:

• No English translations on the packaging.
• Since this one is made for dry to normal skin, don't expect oil control from this variant.
• It comes in only 2 shades. The one I have is already the darker shade so this may be too white for morena skin.

Neutral:

• It has a mild floral scent. I'm indifferent to the scent, but others may want their BB cream to be unscented.

Tip:

• After I apply this, I set it with pressed powder, but skip powdering my cheeks for a luminous glow.

Will I repurchase? No, since I have oily skin. I'd recommend this for those who have dry skin, though!

Price: P219.00 for 15g

Available in Too Cool For School in SM North EDSA (Main) and SM Mall of Asia.

I love how the Too Cool For School After School BB Foundation Lunch Box makes my skin look really healthy and as if I had no makeup on, but dewy in the morning can turn to oily in the afternoon. My skin bets that the #1 Matte skin will indeed be a better match for my skin, but I have yet to try it.

Like Too Cool For School - Philippines on Facebook for more information, updates, and promotions on their too cool products!

Love,

Helen

McDonald's Hotcakes with Blueberry & Chocolate Syrup

I think it's only during Sundays when my family could really enjoy eating breakfast without feeling the morning rush. Our parents usually gets us breakfast during the weekend, and we're used to having hotcakes from fast food chains so we don't rush to the dining table. Except for this week, since our hotcakes from McDonald's now have blueberry and chocolate syrup to go with it! Now, that's something to be excited about!

Since it was my Dad who got this, I have no idea how much this costs since it's been so long since I last ate at McDo.

All I know is that you can add a sachet of syrup (in blueberry or chocolate) to your hotcakes with just P15.00. Or just get the 3-pc. hotcakes set with these syrups for just P65.00.

McDonald's Hotcakes with Blueberry Syrup

This one was mine. I tried to be creative, but obviously failed. Haha! I immediately picked blueberry between the two because its novelty got the best of me. This one was sweet, as typical syrups are supposed to be, but it didn't wow me as much as chocolate did!

McDonald's Hotcakes with Chocolate Syrup

I didn't pick this one because I thought that chocolate was common anyway, but then again this one goes so well with hotcakes. The chocolate syrup was so thick and gooey, not a bit watery. I think this one has the same taste as the chocolate syrups in McDonald's Hot Fudge Sundaes!

I read on their ad that these hotcakes with blueberry and chocolate syrups are available for a limited time only. So, which one do you like better? :)

Love,

Helen

Snoe Poudre Phenomenon Pore Erasing HD Powder

HD makeup are on the rise lately. One that's wildly popular is Make Up For Ever HD Powder (which is heaven-sent especially for makeup artists), but I'll share with you one that's more affordable, locally made, and works just as well!

Snoe Poudre Phenomenon Pore Erasing HD Powder (P899.00)

Sebum control. Anti Acne. Skin Brightening

With Shoozit’s Purefix-DC Bamboo Silk. Witch Hazel. Sage

About the product:

• Translucent powder
• Matte finish
• Blurs skin imperfections and pores
• Absorbs and controls oil
• Doesn't clog pores
• Inhibits bacteria that causes acne

You'll be glad to know that this product is dermatologist tested, and free from talc, fragrance, paraben, and oil.

How to use:

I love using BB creams and liquid foundations, but I have oily skin so setting it with powder is a must. Whenever I'm experiencing breakouts, I try to skip makeup so I just use my moisturizer with SPF and top it off with this, since I'd still want to keep my face matte and I'm confident that this product won't further aggravate my skin.

I love how Snoe packages their product, and this is no exception. This look of this one actually reminds me of Benefit! The only thing I don't like is that the powder finds its way of spilling/seeping out of the packaging when you bring this around in your bag, no matter how tightly you close it.

It comes with a mini powder puff which I don't use. Even if you won't use the puff, don't remove it as this helps to lessen the powder spillage.

The sifter is detachable, so you can easily transfer the product to an even smaller container for when you travel.

Snoe Poudre Phenomenon Pore Erasing HD Powder comes in 2 shades: white and lemon (new shade). The one I have is the white shade they've originally released - similar to Make Up For Ever HD Powder.

When worn:

Face:

Etude House CC Cream in #01 Silky

Snoe Hyperfunction Fond de Tient + Serum in X1 Ivory Beige

Snoe Poudre Phenomenon Pore Erasing HD Powder

Lips:

Snoe Rouge Deluxe Complete Lip Care in x8 Chili Pepper

Pros:

• It can be used to set liquid foundation and/or to retouch your makeup during the day.
• It's completely translucent. The white shade of this HD powder brightens the skin and adapts to every skin tone/foundation shade. It won't change the existing shade you're wearing.
• The powder has a super finely-milled texture, and your skin will feel super smooth after application. Guaranteed!
• It keeps my skin matte for a longer period of time compared to other powders I've used before.
• It blurs the appearance of imperfections and large pores, giving the appearance of smooth, poreless skin.
• On lazy days, this one can just be used on bare skin for oil control.
• It does not cause breakouts, and yet it helps battle breakouts. Amazing!

Cons:

• Some of the powder can seep out of the container if it gets moved around in your bag or kit, even if the lid is tightly closed.

Tip:

• I use a fluffy powder brush to apply this one. Application is easier that way, compared to using the puff that's included in the packaging.

Will I repurchase? Yes! This is a product regular girls (like me!) and makeup artists would appreciate.

Price: P899.00 for 12g

Available at Snoe stores/kiosks and online at www.snoebeauty.com.

I've mentioned before that I don't like makeup in loose powder form since I hate the mess, but I love this one, so I don't mind at all. Don't be intimidated by the price tag, even if this is a locally-made product. It's affordable considering the quality of the product, which is at par with other more expensive brands.

Like Snoe Beauty Inc. on Facebook for more information on their products, updates, and promotions.

Love,

Helen

Must Join! Solo’s His & Hers Graphic Tee Design Competition Year 2

Get your creative juices flowing again with another round of SOLO His & Hers Graphic Tee Design Competition!

Following the success of last year’s contest, Solo definitely spotted a lot of talent in today’s growing generation of graphic artists with the numerous wonderful entries that poured in.

Emerging as the official grand winners of last year’s contest with their fun and very relatable graphic presentation of the theme Dekada 90’s, here are the 3 winning His and Hers designs:

90’s Romance by Michelle Santos

90’s Time Machine by Juan Paulo Manalo

90’s Mixed Up by Raymundo Perez

Their designs, modeled by Solo Online Model Search 2012 winners Derek Espinosa and Ganiel Krishnan, are already in stores this September! Grab one of these winning tees for a trip down memory lane to Dekada 90's!

So do you think you also have what it takes to become the next set of His and Hers Graphic Tee design winners for 2014? Test your skills and find out! All you have to do is download the t-shirt template at solo.com.ph and create a His & Hers design featuring the theme Musika. Then, you must log on to Facebook and upload your entry at Solo’s Facebook page under the His & Hers Graphic Tee Contest Tab/App together with the online application form. That’s it! Sounds easy, right? Just make sure you focus on the following criteria: 30% creativity, 30% originality, 20% theme relevance and 20% for online votes. Doing so will help you gain a better chance of winning! Remember, submission of entries will begin on October 1 until November 15, 2013. Voting period is until November 30, 2013.

It gets bigger because 5 grand winners will be chosen this time! Each will receive cash and Solo gift certificates. Best of all, their designs will become part of Solo’s summer collection in 2014! So are you ready to join? Show everyone your design talent and have fun in the process with Solo’s His & Hers Graphic Tee Design Contest Year 2!

For more information, please log on to solo.com.ph or like their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MySoloOnline. You may also follow Solo on Twitter and Instagram @MySoloOnline.

Love,

Helen

Too Cool For School Angel Hand Cream in Shea Butter

I've always thought that hand creams were just conveniently packaged body lotions we can bring around everywhere we please. Wrong! Hand creams have a thicker and richer consistency compared to body lotions, and some body lotions have the tendency to feel greasy on the hands.

Too Cool For School Angel Hand Cream in Shea Butter (P329.00)

Say hello to the first hand cream I actually bought! :D To think that I bought it because of its cute packaging. I got it for my Mom, but I am the one who is actually using this. (Sorry, Mom!)

About the Product:

Angel Hand Cream: Attractive fragrance, soft angelic hands

 

Available in Grapefruit, Moringa, and Shea Butter

Since everything on the packaging is in Korean, I think this illustration from Tester Korea could help in deciphering the benefits of this product.

The packaging is simple but cute! I like that it comes with a box. The variant I got is Shea Butter, since its scent appealed to me the most. I like that it smells fresh and powdery.

It comes in an aluminum tube packaging with a twist off cap.

 

I personally like this type of packaging since it's hygienic and I can control how much product I actually want to use. The only downside to this packaging is that it can be squished inside your bag, and it won't look pretty anymore. Actually, even if it's not squished it won't look pretty anymore once random parts of the tube are flattened with use. Haha.

Swatch/Texture:

Since I am a sucker for body care products, I am very fond of lotions or creams that can soften my skin. The Too Cool For School Angel Hand Cream is easily absorbed, in 1-2 minute tops! It leaves my rough and dry hands instantly silky soft.

Pros:

• I love the fresh, powdery scent.
• It has a light, thick texture. Never watery.
• It's definitely non-sticky and non-greasy.
• It is easily absorbed by the hands - within 1-2 minutes upon application!
• It leaves my hands feeling softer.
• My ragged cuticles looked better and "relieved" after I use this hand cream.
• It provides instant relief and moisturization for when my hands feel very dry in an air-conditioned environment.

Cons:

• The softening effect is temporary, and reapplication is required after about 3-4 hours.

Tip:

• Apply this every time after washing your hands to bring back the moisture to your skin.

Will I repurchase? Yes.

Price: P329.00 for 40ml

Available at Too School For School in SM North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia.

I'm happy to report that Too Cool For School Angel Hand Cream in Shea Butter is a current staple on my office desk. I use this every time after I wash my hands. It keeps my hands soft and and I am really enjoying the scent of this one. :D

Like Too Cool For School - Philippines on Facebook for more information, updates, and promos!

Love,

Helen

Haul: Trinoma Green Light Sale + Dice Game Prizes

When Trinoma had their Green Light Sale last September 16-15, 2013, it was actually the first time that I felt the real feeling of being excited to shop. Like, I arrived the mall at 10:30AM! I was really planning on just buying more slacks for work from Landmark, but this time around I tried on like 6 or 7 pairs of "office worthy pants", but to no avail, as everything were loose and/or ill-fitting.

Even if my initial purpose of going to the mall was in vain, I found joy with these semi-impulse purchases. :D

Of all places, I dropped by Toys"R"Us! The first time I saw this set of beads, I immediately thought of my youngest sister so I got it for her.

Dream Girl Beads Set from Toys"R"Us (P200.00)

This set looked like the ones I used to play with as a kid. Throwback Thursday material!

Personalized Mini Flashlight Keychain from Powerbooks (P120.00)

This one's for my youngest sister, too, since keychains and trinkets are her kind of things.

Maybelline at 20% off at Landmark

These ones are my sisters' purchases. Note that I don't use eyeliners and waterproof mascara, but these are staples in their makeup kits.

While they were buying makeup at Landmark Department Store, I went down one level towards Landmark Supermarket, where I bought some boring and "unnecessary" stuff (as I would like to quote my sister). Haha!

Fluocaril Healthy Whitening (P157.65) & Oral-B Essential Floss (P151.90)

Aside from slacks, my planned purchases are toothpastes and dental floss. Boring, but necessary! :D Landmark Supermarket is my go to place for items such as these. I find that they carry the lowest prices - cheaper by P10.00 per toothpaste or floss compared to when you get the same product from SM/Watsons. Now you know!

Hershey's Cookies 'n Cream at Buy 2 Get 1 FREE (about P83.00)

I stopped buying this a long time ago since each bar was priced above P40.00, but now it's on sale, too!

I also dropped by Mercury Drug outside Landmark Supermarket to buy some Vitamin C.

Bewell-C Sodium Ascorbate (P55.00 per 10 pcs.)

I'm actually not choosy with the brand of vitamin C I take since they all have the same ingredient (Sodium Ascorbate), but this one had a Buy 10 Get 2 promo so I bought it anyway. I'm taking Sodium Ascorbate (instead of Ascorbic Acid) since it's a non-acidic version of Vitamin C.

Gladiator Sandals from Celine (about P1,400.00 -> P700.00)

This one is also my sister's purchase. Almost all her sandals are gladiator sandals! :o

Black Animal Print Loafers from Tomato (P500.00 -> P250.00)

It funny how we found this one. We were actually planning to go home, and the "50% off" sign from Tomato's kiosk distracted us. We looked around and saw that they were selling all their flats at 50% off! I've been to Tomato's store earlier that day and saw no sale signage, so I just ignored all the shoes. So, my sisters and I went back to the store, and got 4 pairs of shoes in 4 minutes. (Word play, but you get the idea!)

We also dropped by Forever 21, which was located in the mall next to Trinoma. The items we got weren't on sale, but we still got them anyway.

Forever 21 Black Polka Dot Peplum Skirt (P605.00)

This one's my sister's skirt. It's cute, but I wouldn't buy it. But since she bought it, I'm wearing it. >:)

Forever 21 Black Short Length Dress (P715.00)

When we got home, I realized this this dress was rather overpriced and loose around the torso. Perhaps, I just got carried away in the fitting room, since the fit looks like the dresses Taylor Swift would wear. But I wore this with a skinny belt to work, and everything was a-okay.

Forever 21 Black Cardigan (P455.00)

I found a crazy cheap cardigan in Forever 21! It's even cheaper than the cardigans in Landmark, but the fabric is soft and the fit is nice so this is a GREAT buy. I'll be abusing this one frequently since it goes well with my work clothes.
 

Prizes from Mooncake Festival Dice Game

My teammates and I played the Dice Game after work last week, and these are the prizes I won! Pretty fair for the P250.00 "entrance fee". :D

Any hauls you'd like to share? :)

Love,

Helen