Althea Petal Velvet Powder

Althea Korea has been my go-to place for Korean beauty, since I find it very convenient to just shop online as I barely have time to stroll around the mall anymore. The prices of the products there are sometimes even lower than SRP here in the Philippines! 😍 (For example, I was able to buy the bestselling Laneige BB Cushion for only P1320 + free shipping, while the SRP in our local mall is P1,950.) 😮

Just this month, Althea launched their own product range, and their first release is the Petal Velvet Powder. 🌺
 

The press kit it came with is the prettiest! 💖
 

The powder comes in a simple but pretty packaging. The soft pink cap is reminiscent of the classic pink Althea boxes, and the base where the powder is contained has a frosted look. It's compact, lightweight, and feels sturdy. You can be sure that this won't suddenly cause a mess in your bag. 👍

 

Hello Beautiful! Please remove this sticker before use.
 

It comes with a thick, fluffy, ultra soft puff. It's such a treat to use, though I only use the puff in the morning when my skin is clean as I'd like to preserve it's pristine state. You can also use a brush to blend it better.
 

This translucent powder comes in only 1 shade (white), and it does not alter your face base. I had my colleague join me in a wear test, and she compared this to Innisfree No Sebum Powder. Both powders similarly have a very finely milled texture, but Althea held up longer on her very oily skin. Also, this powder was able to prevent makeup from oxidizing and turning a shade darker by midday.

Before & After
 

The powder has a lightweight and soft texture - just like flower petals! It has a very mild and pleasant scent.
 

When worn

As for me, I skip my oil blotting sheets the whole day when I use this powder to set my makeup! This powder blurs out pores and fine lines and gives my skin a velvety soft feel. This powder is infused with oil from Althea seeds that keeps oil at bay without drying out the skin. You can use this to set your makeup and also for retouch. 😊
 

This powder is non-comedogenic, made for all skin types, and is cruelty-free. It gives me a radiant, airbrushed finish which I am very happy with. It didn't cause breakouts, and I've been using it everyday since I got it. Oh, and it's very affordable, too! 😍 I'm crossing my fingers that they would expand the Althea brand products, since their first one is really good.

Price: P210
Exclusively available at Althea

Facebook: Althea
Instagram: @AltheaKorea

Love,
Helen

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Jordana Sweet Cream Matte Liquid Lip Color - Love It or Leave It?

My makeup storage has more liquid lipsticks vs the conventional bullet lipsticks. I love matte liquid lipsticks and I cannot lie! 💄 Just recently, I finally did a kikay kit upgrade - I now have a hot pink makeup traincase for personal use. 😍 I like seeing all my lippies lined up, and I now use a different shade of lipstick every few days just so they'd go on  rotation and see the light of day. I also realized that I want to stop spending on makeup and focus more on skincare nowadays since I'm not getting any younger. 😂

Today's review will be about Jordana Sweet Cream Matte Liquid Lip Color. I have two shades, and I'm feeling strong emotions for each. Read on to know why!

Jordana Sweet Cream Matte Liquid Lip Color

I have with me two shades that look absolutely pretty in the tube - 07 Tiramisu and 08 Sweet Marsala Wine.

The packaging is simple. It's sealed via shrink wrap. It contains 3g of product and is good for 12 months after opening. (I don't think I'll be able to finish mine, but I'm keeping it for longer anyway. LOL)

07 Tiramisu

A noteworthy thing about this product is its curved applicator. It hugs the curves of your lips nicely during application, and the slim tip makes it easier to lightly color the sides of your lips.

07 Tiramisu Swatch

For this shade, the creamy-whipped formula feels a lot like mousse so it's really lightweight. It goes on smoothly and evenly. It doesn't dry too quickly so you'd have ample time to blend it evenly, and you end up with a beautiful velvety matte finish. It has a nice sweet scent that reminds me of dessert. Tiramisu is a perfectly flattering pinkish brown shade that would suit any skin tone. It makes my pale skin look alive without being too much, and it would also look great on darker skin.

What I like about it is that once it dries and sets (usually in less than 30 seconds), it stays on all day. It doesn't transfer to cups and it's water-resistant. The only enemy is oily food - it would erase the lip color on the inner part of the lips so it ends up looking uneven, so there is still a need to retouch.

If you were to get just one shade from this line, pick THIS. It's one of my favorite lip colors on rotation, and I use it as a default shade when I can't think of which shade to use. It's great for everyday use, and I've been using this for months.

08 Sweet Marsala Wine

08 Sweet Marsala Wine Swatch

It was love at first sight when I saw this shade. Just look at it on the tube - it's deep, dark, and mysterious. I thought it would give me that same effect when worn. I tried it first on my arm (swatch below) and it went on smoothly, but on the lips, it's a patchy mess. One coat makes it look plum (not wine!), two coats and I end up with this uneven mess. If I want it to look decent, I'd have to just use a small amount and use my pinky to blend it, which I didn't do for the photo above. It's too much trouble to deal with. I hate it. As much as I like singing praises for the 07 Tiramisu shade, I won't recommend you getting 08 Sweet Marsala Wine. 😞 I think darker shades are more difficult to formulate, so I'm still keen on trying their other lighter shades such as Rose Macaron.

07 Tiramisu & 08 Sweet Marsala Wine

Price: P399
Available at SM Beauty/Watsons

Facebook: Jordana Philippines

Have you tried Jordana Sweet Cream Matte Liquid Lip Color? 💜

Love,
Helen

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For quick updates or any questions, just shoot me a message on IG!

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Ballet Manila's 22nd Performance Season + Show Schedules

"Ballet Manila is entering a new age."

These were the words that Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, CEO and Artistic Director of Ballet Manila, uttered to her ballerinas and danseurs when plans for the 22nd performance season of the country's leading classical dance company were made earlier last year. Named Flights of Fantasy, the new season will debut two all-original productions, which Macuja-Elizalde is proudly working on with a team of internationally-award winning dancers, musicians, and costume and set designers.

"Ballet Manila has always been known as a company that strictly adheres to the Vaganova technique and Russian style of dancing. That's something that we've always stressed out by staging classical ballets that highlight our technique's strength. However, we understand that times are changing. And while we shall continue to stick to our technique—which is widely-accepted as the best in the world—we understand that we need to up our game if we want to appeal to more people," she explains.

This season, she works with two classic tales—one Filipino and one foreign—to create world-class productions that will further solidify Ballet Manila's position as the premiere classical dance company in the country.

Ibong Adarna

Ibong Adarna, one of the two original productions mentioned by Lisa, will open the 22nd performance season this August. Choreographed by the one of the company's principal dancers and multi-awarded choreographer, Gerardo Francisco, the show will bring to life the magical kingdom of Berbanya with modern production techniques, flying sequences, and impressive routines that can rival even those of the most well-known classical pieces. It will feature Gia Macuja Atchison, a West End star, as the voice of Ibong Adarna, and will also showcase music by Diwa de Leon, set and costume design by Make It Happen Workshop, and script by Angela Blardony Ureta.

Ibong Adarna makes its world premiere on August 26 at 6:00 PM. Other show dates are September 2 at 6:00 PM and on August 27 and September 3 at 3:00 PM. 

Swan Lake

Following Ibong Adarna  in October is one of the world's most enduring classical romantic ballets—Swan Lake. Featuring music from master composer Peter Tchaikovsky, the production is a showcase of the company's commitment to have at least one classical ballet in its repertoire every season—so as to uphold its Vaganova Academy roots.

For its version of Swan Lake, Ballet Manila's production features the original Lev Ivanov choreography for the white acts and a brand-new set design by Miguel Faustmann. It will also make use of new costumes created by fashion designer Michael Miguel and live accompaniment from the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov of Russia's Marinsky Theater.

"Swan Lake is, for me, the ultimate test for a classical ballerina. To dance the dual roles of Odette and Odile is one of the most difficult roles to do because you need to be vulnerable and lyrical as the white swan and sharp and steely as the black swan."

Swan Lake goes on stage on the following dates: October 7 and October 14 at 6:00 PM and October 8 and October 15 at 3:00 PM.

Snow White

Come November, the company will stage its second original production this season, and Lisa Macuja-Elizalde's second full-length choreography work—Snow White. Aimed at making the holiday season more magical for everyone, Ballet Manila promises to bring everyone a heartwarming take to the classic tale. 

"We are making Snow White a more magical and musical experience for everybody—from toddlers to the lolos and lolas," says Macuja-Elizalde. "I won't reveal much, but we are working so hard to make sure that our version leaves a mark that will make the holidays more memorable and spectacular."

The Snow White world premiere is set for November 25 at 6:00 PM. Other show dates are  December 2 at 6:00 PM, and November 26 and December 3 at 3:00 PM.

Ballet & Ballads

And to close Flights of Fantasy, Ballet Manila will stage another installment of its widely-popular Ballets & Ballads. Happening in February 2018, this edition will feature live music by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.

"Ballet is a form of dance that is usually accompanied by music without words. By dancing to popular ballads performed live, we are showing another side to our storytelling—one that is more appealing and relatable to the modern audience. And again, this is in line with Ballet Manila's vision of bringing ballet closer to the people, and the people closer to ballet."

In addition to the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, Ballet & Ballads will also premiere British choreographer Martin Lawrance's Aria. Lawrance has collaborated with Ballet Manila many times in the recent past, most notably in the the highly-acclaimed original, Rebel.

You can catch Ballet & Ballads on the following dates: February 10 and 17, 2018 at 6:00 PM, and February 11 and 18, 2018 at 3:00 PM.

For more information about the shows, including ticket prices and schedules, you may visit www.balletmanila.com.ph or follow Ballet Manila on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Tickets are also available through all TicketWorld outlets. Please call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph for more information. In addition, those who are planning to watch all the shows may take advantage of the company's Season Subscription Programs, which offer up to 50% discount on ticket prices. For more information, you may visit www.ticketworld.com.ph/balletmanila/Online/ and click on 'View Details' under 'Season Subscription Program'.

Love,

Helen

Let's keep in touch!
For quick updates or any questions, just shoot me a message on IG!

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Healthy mornings start at night with Quaker Oats + Recipes

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it's also the most skipped meal of the day. I'm guilty of skipping breakfast, but whenever I do have a heavy, nutritious one, I definitely feel the difference. More energy, less sluggishness throughout the day. 🌞

FACT: Within the first 30 minutes of waking up, it's important to start up your metabolic system with a good meal so that you can get the strength and endurance to go about your day.

With busy schedules and the constant morning rush, often people don't have time to prepare breakfast, or they simply don't have the time to sit down to eat it in the morning.

With Quaker, healthy morning start at night.

Now, there is no excuse. The night owl me who finds it hard to get up in the morning now sets aside a 5 minutes at night just to prep a simple but delicious breakfast AKA overnight oats.

A lot of people actually think that oatmeal is hard to prepare, but it's actually really easy. You don't even need to cook it! 😮 You can use a mason jar or any other glass container for this. You can get one for free whenever you buy a 400g pack of Quaker Quick Cook or Quaker Instant Oats – available at supermarkets nationwide. (I spotted the promo here!)

All you need to know are three steps:

(1) Place the oats in the jar

(2) Soak oats in milk

(3) Add your toppers

That's it!

For a single serving, 1/2 cup of oats will do. You can choose any variant - Instant, Quick Cook, or Whole Grain Rolled Oats. For the milk, usually 1/2 cup. 🥛 As for the toppers, I just use whatever fruit I spot in the house! 🍎 One time, I did the apple + peanut butter combo. If I'm really pressed for time, my favorite combo is 1/2 cup Quaker oats + a small tetra pak of fruity yogurt drink (such as Bear Brand Yogu). It's SUPER GOOD! Parang dessert narin, pero breakfast. 😍

Tip: I always give the toppers a quick stir with the oats + milk mixture so the oats "absorb" the fruit's sweetness. It's not that IG worthy, but it tastes way better this way!

 

The colorful breakfast craze is popular for a reason:

• It's easy to make with items you likely already have on hand.
• It requires zero cooking and can be prepped in 5 minutes.
• It can be easily customized according to your taste.
• It's healthy.
• It's convenient.
• It's delicious!
• It's grab and go.

Here are some overnight oats recipes you can try! 💛 Quaker Oats are high in fiber, source of protein, vitamins and minerals that would give you the energy to start the day and keep you going.

 

As for me, I'll be experimenting with different toppers. I personally like my oats mixed with yogurt drinks more than fresh milk, but I'll try mixing it with matcha soy milk or Quaker's Good Start drinks, too! 👍

Share your healthy mornings and be a part of the Quaker Overnight Breakfast Club with the hashtag #QuakerOvernightBreakfastClub. You can also win prizes from Quaker if you upload your healthy morning overnight breakfast oats creations on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag.

For more healthy morning inspirations follow Quaker's Facebook page @QuakerOatsPhilippines or visit the website www.quakeroats.ph.

Love,

Helen

Let's keep in touch!
For quick updates or any questions, just shoot me a message on IG!

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NEW Rice Bowl Lunch Sets at Kushikatsu Daruma

Don't you just crave for authentic Japanese grub, especially the kind that won't make you sweat your daily budget while also filling you for the rest of the afternoon?

You’re in luck, then! Tracing its roots from Osaka, Japan and world-famous for its deep-fried skewers, Kushikatsu Daruma now brings you a meal set that will fit right into your lunch plans.

You’ll have a bevy of donburi options to choose from:
 

Katsudon

Oyakodon
 

Gyudon

If you prefer it grilled:
 

Yakiniku

Chicken Teriyaki

Get the new donburi lunch sets with miso soup, ice cream, and iced tea for only P265! Available during Monday to Friday, 11AM to 2PM.

Kushikatsu Daruma

Uptown Place Mall (2F), 36th Street Corner 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Telephone: (02)946-7374

Facebook: Kushikatsu Daruma Philippines

Instagram: @kushikatsudaruma_ph

Website: www.tasteless.ph

Love,

Helen

Let's keep in touch!
For quick updates or any questions, just shoot me a message on IG! 😉

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