Saturday, November 30, 2013

(Secret) Eyewear Obsession

I'm not a fan of most girly accessories like earrings or necklaces. The most I would wear on a normal day is my citrine bracelet (which I've been wearing since 2009) and my trusty Veloci watch.


Lately, I find myself buying sunnies for no reason and with no occasion. But if I find one that looks good on me, I buy it ASAP! (Most of the time, I find my match at Forever 21, but I hate that they don't come with their own cases.) I now present to you my humble but growing eyewear collection!

Round Blue Plastic Sunglasses from Forever 21

Say hello to my nakakafresh na shades! I think this is the first time for me to fall in love with something blue! It also has this ombre-ish design, clear on the center then sky blue on the sides.


This is my nakakayaman na shades. It's cheaper than it looks. It's been with me for a few months already but it's still good as new.


Lastly, is my nakakasmart na glasses, which I wear when I'm in front of the computer. I hope this investment would last me years.

Do you also collect eyewear? :D

Love,
Helen

Friday, November 29, 2013

Gifts: November 2013

I missed doing haul posts, but this time it's going to be a bit different. These are from brands, some of which I received as for review, as prizes, or as gifts. Thank you for the blessings and trust! :)

CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara



Physiogel Cleanser & Cream

Sensodyne & Astring-O-Sol

Ribena

Caronia Delicate, Blue Chill, and Pink Frost from Caronia Philippines
(Caronia Music Festival tickets from Carizza)

Tamarind: Sweet & Sour & Salty
From my world-traveling colleague who came back from Thailand

The Body Shop Lipstick Holder

Max Factor Creme Puff Pressed Powder

Dermax NanoWhite Body Lotion SPF 50/PA+++

Physiogel & Oilatum

This is a sneak preview on the upcoming products that I'll be reviewing soon! :)

Love,
Helen

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

hbc Natural Body Recipe Milk and Papaya Bath Soap

One of my favorite thing from Dawn's 24th Birthday Loot was this bright and cheery bar of soap from hbc.

hbc Natural Body Recipe Milk and Papaya Bath Soap

Ingredients:


This soap may not be organic, but it's made of a whole load of natural ingredients, like coconut oil, papaya extract, almond milk, sweet almond oil, hydrolyzed sweet almond protein and wheat protein. It also has glycerin (to moisturize the skin) and titanium dioxide (which is inherent in products with sun protection). Fragrance and colorants are the last few items on the ingredients list, which meant they were used minimally.


Pros:
  • Manufacturing/expiry date is indicated. Shelf life is 2 years.
  • It lathers abundantly.
  • It has white ribbons around the bar, which looks like milk.
  • It's gentle, and did not trigger any skin allergies.
  • Skin feels soft, smooth, and nourished after every wash.
  • It's very affordable.

Cons:
  • The soap has a soft texture that easily melts.
  • The orange color might stain white tiles so wash any drips off the bathroom surfaces after every use.

Neutral:
  • It smells natural - like real fresh papayas. Some might like this, some might not.

Will I repurchase? Yes.
Price: P52.00/135g
Available in all hbc stores nationwide.

This was the only papaya soap I've encountered that didn't boast of any whitening benefits. I actually liked that fact, since it does not make exaggerated claims, even if we know that papaya does have innate skin lightening benefits. It's just marketed as a good ol' bath soap, and it does its job of giving that fresh, clean feeling, plus soft skin!

I'm a bath product junkie, but I can't believe it's just my first time to try a bath product from hbc! I'm looking forward to cheking out more products from their Body Recipe range. Which ones can you recommend? :)

Love,
Helen

Monday, November 25, 2013

Etude House Bling in the Sea Proof10 Bling Eye Stick in Bling Coral

When it comes to makeup, I just usually focus on the skin and lips (because that's where I'm good at). Eye makeup is the last thing I'd do (because I suck at that). Haha! I usually just go for 1 shade of vanilla or champagne eyeshadow for most of the time, but this eye stick from Etude House is too cute to resist.

Etude House Bling in the Sea Proof10 Bling Eye Stick in Bling Coral
Waterproof eye-stick with glitters for twinkling tear effect

About the product:


Bling in the Sea Proof10 Bling Eye Stick is a glittery waterproof eye-stick that can be used as an eyeliner and an eye shadow. Glide the stick on your eyelid or on your lower lash line to create a teary-eyed effect!


Bling in the Sea Proof10 Bling Eye Stick comes in a seafoam green pen-type packaging, with the shade indicated on the cap.


 It comes in 5 shades, and the one I have is #04 Bling Coral.


The pen might look big, but it actually just contains this much of product. But then, a little goes a long way with this.


The manufacturing date is also printed on the packaging.

When Worn:


Don't judge me, I tried my best. Haha! I love that this one makes it very convenient to highlight the inner V of the eyes, to make them appear more bright and awake. Even if the stick is white, the coral (but more leaning towards pink) shade is seen when applied on the skin. But, I don't think you can use this as an eyeshadow alone. It's not that opaque and it's kind of hard to blend. Just use this as an eyeliner, and you're good!

Swatches:
 
Black Eyeliner (alone) | Black Eyeliner + Bling Coral | Bling Coral (alone)

My favorite effect of this one is when you use it on top of black eyeliner! ♥ It transforms the shade into one with unique pinkish sparkles.

Price: P398.00
Available in all Etude House stores nationwide

Check out the rest of the products from Etude House's Bling in the Sea Collection here. :)

Love,
Helen

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Cafe Monaco

Today, I'll be sharing you once more a restaurant that has won my heart (and stomach) from the first try. I've actually been to Cafe Monaco just twice, but that was enough to get me hooked. Cafe Monaco is a Korean-fusion restaurant, by the way.

Kimchi and Radish (Free)

Cafe Monaco serves kimchi and radish on the house as appetizer. I never touched the radish, but loved the kimchi! It tasted like the ones my colleague brought back from Korea. It was spicy and tangy at the same time, enough to whet your appetite.

Bibimbap (P140.00)

I haven't personally tried this dish, since I'm not into spicy food. This one's really spicy, and my friend loved it. For it's price, the serving is huge!

Ebi Tempura (w/rice 4pcs) (P230.00)

I think I am easily pleased when it comes to tempura. I've always raved about the tempura I've tried from various restaurants, but this one is on top of my list for now. The breading is light and crisp, and the shrimps are soft, tender, flavorful, and HUGE! My stomach is a bottomless pit during brunch, but I was so full with just this order. Definitely a must try!
 

Cafe Monaco has 2 branches (Banawe and San Juan). I believe their San Juan branch is newer, bigger, and with more parking spaces (yey!) compared to the Banawe branch. 

What I love most about this restaurant are the food (yummy but pocket-friendly), the good service, and the cozy ambiance (gotta love that zebra-print couch). Give this hidden gem a try, and let me know what you think! :)
 
Cafe Monaco
Phone: 02 6547952
Adddress: 368 Sekai Center, Ortigas Avenue cor. Madison Street, Greenhills, San Juan City, Philippines

Love,
Helen

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Super Steal: Hair Velcro Clips from Landmark

I was walking around Landmark Trinoma's department store with I chanced upon this pack of hair velcro clips.


Though this wasn't really on my shopping list, I can bear to put it back on the shelf since it's dirt cheap and I know I will use this whenever I put on makeup and have to push my bangs to the side with a clip without "deforming" my bangs.


It's actually just a simple one, not like the ones that really look like bows, but it works so I'm good with it.


This pack containing 12 pieces of hair velcro clips is just P19.75! Where else can you find that?

Love,
Helen

Friday, November 22, 2013

Physiogel Beauty Experts Fair

In order for makeup to look great, having good skin is a must! Everyone must know how hard it is for makeup to blend fully on flaky skin, and those with sensitive skin almost always have that dilemma.

Just recently, I've been introduced to Physiogel, the skincare brand most prescribed by dermatologists in the Philippines. Why is it most prescribed, you ask? For now, I'll be giving you 2 quick reasons: (1) Physiogel's gentleness is next to water, and (2) even babies can use it!


Last November 20, I attended the Physiogel Beauty Experts Fair at Makati Shangri-La Hotel. This event was all about skin care tips and make-up forecasts for 2014 from  make-up artists Krist Bansuelo, Carla Avancena, and Pong Niu!


Last time I went to the same venue was for Andi Manzano's Bridal Shower, and the place was decorated pink. This time, it's blue!


Before the main event started, we had a sumptuous buffet dinner first.



Plus these "too cute to touch" desserts.


The event opened with an interview, where some guests shared their sensitive skin story. 

Sensitive skin is characterized by subjective complaints of discomfort without predictable classical visible signs of irritation and without an immunologic response. Dry, sensitive skin is also caused by a damaged skin barrier; water tends to escape and cause dry skin.

I couldn't come up with one on the spot, but remembered when I got home that I had dermatitis before from harsh detergents found in most conventional shampoo and soaps. (Tip: Stay away from sulfates as much as possible.)


Here's my blogger friend Eyah telling our gorgeous host for the day, Nicole Andersson, about her sensitive skin problem.


During the skincare talk, we learned the difference between conventional moisturizers and Physiogel, which makes use of a patented Derma Membrane Structure (DMS).
  • Conventional moisturizers makes use of oil and water, which when seen under a microscope, have a spherical structure. This spherical structure works by filling the gaps of the skin and masking skin dryness with transitory moisture, which can easily be washed off by rinsing or washing.
  • DMS has a lamellar stucture, or layers that look like blocks, which resembles the natural building blocks of the skin. This lamellar structure works by repairing the skin's barrier and helping to prevent moisture loss. By mimicking the natural lipid composition of the skin, Physiogel hydrates and keeps skin moisturized for up to three days, even with washing or bathing.


Physiogel products contains ingredients that are similar to the naturally occurring substances that make up our skin. I think this is the part when having too much of something isn't really that bad. Your skin can never have too much of something that blends right in, mimics the natural lipid composition of the skin, and hence, feels just like skin.


More so, gone are the days when people have the notion that Physiogel products are expensive. Prices of Physiogel have been reduced by as much as 29% to cater to more people who are on a budget but still want to have good skincare products within their reach.


After the informative talk were live makeup demos by beauty experts, Krist Bansuelo, Carla Avancena, and Pong Niu.


Here’s a beauty insider’s tip: It’s great to use Physiogel Cleanser as a makeup remover for those with sensitive skin.


Krist Bansuelo was the first to do the demo. He opened with the statement, "The Philippines is a powdered nation." Most people laughed but agreed, because the typical Pinay believes that oiliness is next to ugliness. But then, when you see photos of Hollywood stars, they have this enviable radiant, dewy, healthy looking skin. Not flat-out powdered matte. Healthy, dewy (but not oily and shiny) skin is the way to go.


Krist then proceeded to the demo, by first removing the model's makeup using Physiogel Cleanser. What's amazing about this product is that you can use opt to use it to clean your face by just wiping it off with tissue, or doing it the conventional way by rinsing it off with water.


From this demo, I learned that you can mix Physiogel Cream to your liquid face bases like BB creams and foundations, for it to blend easier on your face.

For Spring/Summer 2014, the no-makeup look will be dominant. It will all be about raw, natural beauty. Complexions will be understated, flawless, fresh, well-groomed, but effortless. The pure, organic, natural beauty of the face will be celebrated. Keep everything neutral, but emphasize a radiant, glowing skin with a defined and elongated brow.

The desired effect: ethereal and super natural.


Krist swears by Physiogel, and even recommends it to his celebrity clients.


For Fall/Winter 2014, a sensual look that highlights cherry red lips; metallic eyes are back but with a lightened overall effect with flawless skin and a hint of gloss. It will all be about a natural flush with blush darker than your skin tone and a little pearlized shadow to add depth to the eyes; natural-looking skin with shimmery pigments; and gloss and a structured, statement brow.


Though this is the forecasted Fall/Winter 2014 makeup trend, I believe that it is wearable even now. Holiday season are all about parties and photos, so we have to make sure we're picture perfect every time.

Mhisha, Celline, I, and Eyah


This is the Physiogel advantage: Healthy, moisturized skin through repairing. With Physiogel, you can maintain beautiful, smooth, supple, and soft skin this season and beyond. For more information, like Physiogel Philippines on Facebook, or visit www.physiogel.ph/.

Love,
Helen
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...