Getting inked with freakynine

 I finally got inked... 🌹

 

 

Temporarily though! 👀 I love how cute and artsy Korean tattoos are, so I'm thrilled to share with you my new discovery - freakynine Temporary Tattoo!

 

Just look at how pretty and dainty the designs are! Each pack contains 2 sheets of temporary tattoos.

 

From Left to Right:

• Nan Chun(爛春) - Dizzy Spring by Tattooist 242 (USD 6) - Simple, black flower drawing tattoos with full of petals
  
• Soft Tulip & Möbius’ Rose & Sparkly Tulip by Tattooist Doran (USD 7.20) - Small flower tattoo, Rose & Tulip mini tattoo
  
• soak in red by Tattooist Wana (USD 6) -  A butterfly-shaped pink ribbon fine line tattoo
  
• Blue Moon on the Mountain & Romantic Cat by Tattooist Doran (USD 7.20) - Cat & Mountain cute doodle tattoo
  
• A Brilliant Moment by Tattooist Haesi (USD 6) - Clear blue ornament dreamy tattoo
  

 

These are premium waterless tattoos. Just clean your skin with the alcohol pads provided, cut the desired tattoo from the sheet, stick it on your skin, press for 30 seconds and viola! You are now inked, and the tattoo will last from approximately 2 to 5 days (or even longer, depending on the friction encountered).

 

I have a bias towards the lovely and colorful designs of Tattooist Doran.

Tip: Apply the tattoo on your inner wrist if you won't be working on a laptop, otherwise, friction will cause it to rub off.

freakynine ships from South Korea. Their tattoos are safe for the skin, and I never got irritations from it. You can use oil to remove the temporary tattoo. As for me, I shared my tattoo haul with my office friends and will be sharing more "when worn" photos of my freakynine tattoos on my Instagram account @luckycitrine. See you there! 💋

Love,

Helen

 

Let's keep in touch!

• Instagram: @luckycitrine
• Facebook: Lucky Citrine

Cathy Doll Deo Launch Party

Last Thursday, Cathy Doll launched their new Mineral Deodorant line. As a brand that's dear to me, I took a half day leave from work and braved the rain and traffic to attend the event. I usually avoid crowds and physical events since we're still in a pandemic, but I'll always make time for Cathy Doll. 💕

 

💚 Cathy Doll Whitening & Moisturizing Mineral Deodorant Stick 💚

💚 Cathy Doll Whitening & Moisturizing Mineral Deodorant Spray 💚

💗 Cathy Doll Whitening & Smoothening Mineral Deodorant Spray 💗

💗 Cathy Doll Whitening & Smoothening Mineral Deodorant Stick 💗

 

These are 2x natural whitening deos in spray and stick form. I've tried Cathy Doll whitening products before, and in my experience, they take their whitening claims seriously! Choose between moisturizing or smoothening variants, whichever suits your underarm care needs more. Best part - they're priced at below PHP 200 each! These will be available in November 2022.

I got the chance to play fun games at the event:

This is their "Arms Up To Dice" game, wherein I had to roll either 1, 3, or 5 to win a prize. Thankfully, I rolled a 3! I won this cute teddy holding the new Cathy Doll Whitening & Moisturizing Mineral Deodorant Stick. I gave the cute stuffed toy to my youngest sister. 😍

 

Ah, the claw machine! I took my sweet time to position the claw accurately to an egg that there were 5 seconds left. OMG! When I successfully caught it, the staff told me to check if there was a paper inside... and I won this super adorable Cathy Doll x Hello Kitty Cotton Shine Blusher in 01 Frozen Strawberry! This is a shimmery pink blush and I can't wait to use to at work tomorrow.

Thank you, Cathy Doll team, for always preparing fun games at your events! 😗

 

Great food at Luxent Hotel

 

 

Mr. Lance Lee, President of Lifestrong Marketing Inc.

 

 

Cathy Doll through the years - we looked back at their Grand Launch in May 2016

 

 

Cathy Doll's 1st Anniversary | All Dolled Up with Cathy Doll event in May 2017

 

 

Cathy Doll Ready 2 White Product Launch with Elisse Joson in September 2019

 

 

Rooting for my beauty blogger friends Nikki (event host), Genzel, and Kaycee

 

 

Hello, lovely seatmate Genzel!

 

Nikki with Precious Paula Nicole

 

Divine Divas in the house!

 

I check the ingredient lists of the Mineral Deodorant Sticks, and they were as short as natural products can get. The Whitening & Moisturizing variant was made of ammonium alum, water, aloe vera leaf juice, perfume, and two colorants (to give the stick a green appearance). The Whitening & Smoothening variant had pomegranate, mangosteen, and cherry blossom extracts instead of aloe. These are non-sticky, non-staining, and free from harmful chemicals.

 

Cathy Doll White Milk Shine products

Cathy Doll cosmetics - love that they're of good quality and budget-friendly at the same time! I can imagine my younger self spending my allowance on these.

Beauty Queens Alison Black and Tracy Maureen Perez 👸👸

 

Ms. Margaret Lee, General Manager of Lifestrong Marketing Inc. who ages in reverse

Thank you, Ms. Margaret and Cathy Doll, for having me! My heart and beauty arsenal are full. 😆😗

 

Cathy Doll is available online in Lazada, Shopee, Watsons, Zalora, etc.🛒🛍

Love,

Helen

 

Let's keep in touch!

• Instagram: @luckycitrine
• Facebook: Lucky Citrine

Introducing GANCube

You will know that a product is great when it is created by none other than the master. Everyone, meet Ganyuan Jiang (江淦源), also known as GAN. He is the founder of his namesake brand GAN, which is a speedcubing brand.

 

What is speedcubing anyway, you might ask? Well, it is sports for the mind which involves solving combination puzzles – most common being the Rubik’s Cube! A speedcuber is one who solves the cube as fast as possible. Did you know that GAN’s founder was the 2006 – 2007 Chinese Champion of 3x3? Coupled with his degree in civil engineering, he delved into the world of designing speedcubes in 2010. Now, the brand gan cube is well known for their innovative engineering and revolutionary designs.

 

GAN356 X

 

 

gan cube 356 x is the spinoff of the brand’s 2018 magnetic flagship product. This new release makes use of a Reinvented Magnet System with patented magnet grooves and magnet capsules (Patent number: CN2017214429505). The magnet capsules can be replaced according to your desired magnet force (Strong, Medium, Weak, or None). Overall, this technology results to the best handfeels, smoother turns, and cube pieces landing in the right position every time.

 

GAN356 Air Ultimate

GAN 356 Air Ultimate is a top speed cube which boasts of its light weight – only 66 grams! Each cube takes more than 2 hours to make by their highly skilled technician – all handmade to boot! Each cube is finished with ORACAL German full bright stickers for that eye catching look. shop here 🛒

Speedcubing is a terrific hobby that can improve reflexes, keep your brain active, and therefore slow down cognitive deterioration that comes with age. With this generation of children being glued to their phone and tablet screens, GAN’s goal is to have more people, especially the younger kids, to love cubing.

 

Love,

Helen

Wellspring Extra Snooze Melatonin Review

I've long been curious with Wellspring Melatonin but I can't justify the purchase, because the original variant only contains 1mg melatonin and 2g sugar per gummy. At that rate, I'll have to eat 2-3 pieces and get 4-6g sugar, so no thanks.

 

The newer variant Wellspring Extra Snooze Melatonin contains 2.5mg melatonin and 1.5g sugar. The dosage is reasonable so I gave it a try, and I LOVE IT.

 

 

This stuff really works, as compared to Natrol 3mg which I used to take (which was not effective at all). My sleep is also not disrupted in the wee hours of the morning. It has a nice, soft texture and it tastes like blueberry gummy with no hints of medicinal taste/smell. It's so good, I have to restrict myself from taking more than one piece. Super happy with this purchase!

 

Price: ₱649 (for 60 pieces of gummies)

Available at Wellspring's Flagship Store in Lazada

 

You may backread my Wellspring Collagen review here.

 

Love,

Helen

Let's keep in touch!

• Instagram: @luckycitrine
• Facebook: Lucky Citrine

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Rose Water Review

Back to office is real so I had to buy a new makeup remover. It's the first time I've seen Garnier Micellar Cleansing Rose Water as I've never encountered it in stores. Turns out, it's online exclusive here in the Philippines. While I'm oily and the blue variant was the "correct" variant to get, I bought this because it's pink. 🤪 

 

 

This variant is made for normal to dry skin, but it cleanses my oily skin well and leaves it hydrated. It's made of rose water with 0% alcohol. It makes my skin glow - I was surprised too! It smells so relaxing, and I look forward to removing my makeup with this. This can remove liquid lipstick well, but it's a struggle to remove waterproof mascara with this. I don't use eyeliner/mascara on a daily basis, so I'm fine with it.

 

Each 400ml bottle is good for 200 uses. 

 

Price: P306

Available at Garnier's Flagship Store in Lazada 

 

Let's keep in touch!

• Instagram: @luckycitrine
• Facebook: Lucky Citrine

 

Hello Glow Papaw Balm Review

My go-to VMV Hypoallergenics Boo-boo Balm (₱870 for 8g) is forever out of stock so I had to look for an alternative. Hello Glow Papaw Balm (₱165 for 25g) is a pretty nice and dirt cheap replacement.

 

 

I use this for itchy mosquito bites, dry cuticles, minor cuts/scrapes, and as lip balm. It provides relief but takes a while to be absorbed - don't put too much so it won't feel sticky. The main ingredient is petrolatum (petroleum jelly), and it also contains marula seed oil, papaya enzymes, hyaluronic spheres, and Vitamin E. This is antimicrobial as papaw balms are. Hello Glow states that this product is Philippine-made and is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. ❤️ 

 

I got this from Hello Glow's Flagship Store in Lazada. You may also backread my detailed review on the Hello Glow All-Natural Whitening Set. 😉

 

Love,

Helen

 

Let's keep in touch!

• Instagram: @luckycitrine
• Facebook: Lucky Citrine

Review: Yobick Prebiotic Yoghurt Drink

Weekend relaxation with a cute book and wholesome drink 🌸

 

Yobick Sakura Prebiotic Yoghurt Drink tastes lighter than Yakult - a bit tart and flowery, too. I like it! ❤️

 

 

If you're not a fan of flowery drinks, try the Original variant, it's also good! I have tried freezing it for a slushy texture for instant yoghurt shake! 😁 

 

 

The difference between Yobick and Yakult: Yobick contains oligosaccharides (prebiotics) that serve as nutrition for the good bacteria in your gut. While probiotic drinks (like Yakult) contain the good bacteria itself, which is why Yakult always needs to be refrigerated and has a shorter shelf life.

 

Take prebiotics when you've taken antibiotics or when you get sick often. This is also helpful when you have constipation, upset stomach, food poisoning, yeast overgrowth, mood issues, or skin conditions.

 

Price: PHP 240/box of 6

Available in Lazada

 

Love,

Helen

 

Let's keep in touch!

• Instagram: @luckycitrine
• Facebook: Lucky Citrine

 

Loving my personal Ellana compact

I've been loving Ellana Minerals since 2014! 💖 It's definitely one of my fave homegrown beauty brands.

 

 

🌺 Ellana Gaia Palette

This magnetic palette has a 50mm x 100mm refill area. So versatile! I will certainly keep this even when I use up the Ellana makeup pans.

 

🌺 Ellana Pressed Mineral Foundation (Chai Tea)

I never break out from Ellana powders. This pressed powder foundation range comes in 5 shades, and my shade match is still Chai Tea. Love that it has SPF 50 and looks great in photos. My skin is oily and I wear this under a face mask during errands. While some of it rubs off, it still looks decent overall and has good oil control. I heard that the Stay Fresh mist locks in the makeup, but I have yet to try that.

 

🌺 Ellana Lip Drunk Blush (Mimosa)

Look at the swatch! This bronze shade with shimmer is so pretty! It also has delicious fragrance of orange and vanilla with notes of chamomile. This can be used on the cheeks and lips, but not on the eyelids.

Ellana has an Official Flagship Store in Lazada.

 

Love,

Helen

 

Let's keep in touch!

• Instagram: @luckycitrine
• Facebook: Lucky Citrine

This Korean coffee tastes like Christmas!

I can't stop raving about Maxim Kanu Mint Choco Latte since last year - it tastes like Christmas! 🎄☕ 

 

 

I love mint choco everything so I'm so happy to discover this variant of Maxim coffee. This is already a repurchase! 😍 This one's mild, creamy, minty (but not overpowering), and doesn't trigger my hyperacidity. Each sachet = 100ml water, but I prepare it in my tiny teacup with around 180ml of water, and it is still so delicious! If you are into Starbucks' seasonal Peppermint Mocha, this is a good and way more alternative.

 

Got this from Buy Buy Market in Lazada.

 

Price: ₱599/box (24 sticks, around ₱25 per sachet)

Available in Lazada

 

Love,

Helen

 

Let's keep in touch!

• Instagram: @luckycitrine
• Facebook: Lucky Citrine

I bought real gold from Lazada!

I got this pair of dainty Saudi gold earrings from Silver Kingdom. Because it's in LazMall, I'm not worried about its authenticity.

 

Metal: 18K Saudi gold

Length: 3 inches

Approximate weight: 0.37g to 0.42g (as declared on the listing)

 

 

They sell gold on a per piece basis (not per gram), so it's more pricey this way. However, there were discounts and cashbacks which made the price better.

 

I bought this pair because I liked the disc design of the tictac earrings. This is not common amongst Saudi gold sellers. I like that the discs are textured so they catch light and sparkle better than plain ones. Its delicate but beautiful. Also, it came in a red velvet box which is good for gifting.

 

SRP: ₱1,499 but there are vouchers, 10% cashback, and free shipping vouchers so I was able to buy this at ₱1,360 + 10% cashback during Lazada's clearance sale last January 2022

 

Silver Kingdom is available in Lazada.

 

Gold prices have risen again, so it's a good buy! Just make sure to purchase from a reputable shop.

 

Love,

Helen

 

Let's keep in touch!

• Instagram: @luckycitrine
• Facebook: Lucky Citrine

Review: Katinko K Essentials Gift Set

Sharing a very tita budol! Katinko came out with an essential oils set (under the K Essentials line) with 6 10ml rollerballs + 1 T'nalak pouch, which was handmade by T'boli women weavers of South Cotabato. The color of the pouches are given randomly. I hoped for the pink one but received the purple one instead which was also nice. I like this set because it smells wonderful and is very relaxing. This may well be the perfect gift for the stress titas in your life. The pops of colors on the roller balls also make me really happy!

 

Scents (from left to right): 

💙 Uplift - cedarwood, rosemary, basil, patchouli, tea tree oil 

💜 Relax - lavender, cedarwood, cypress, tea tree oil 

💚 Refresh - peppermint, menthol, ginger, tea tree oil 

🧡 Detox - lemon, frankincense, peppermint, turmeric, ginger, tea tree oil 

❤️ Revive - green tea extract, fresh bamboo extract, lemongrass, vetiver, tea tree oil 

💛 Focus - orange, lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree oil

 

I bought a mini set from Pili Ani before (₱280 for 5 1.5ml bottles), that was also cute but that set was rather small, so this one from Katinko gives more value for money.

 

Their newer sets have a free Inabel pouch, which was designed and handcrafted by Ilocanos.

 

Price: ₱500 + ₱38 shipping fee

Available in Lazada

 

Love,

Helen

Let's keep in touch!

• Instagram: @luckycitrine
• Facebook: Lucky Citrine