Freebie Alert: FREE Dove Original Deo at Bayo

Raise those arms up and #ReachHigh with Dove! Get whiter, smoother underarms in 7 days with your FREE Dove Original Deo, in partnership with Bayo.

Mechanics:

1. Like Dove on Facebook.

2. Register on the Dove Sample app. (This may not work on mobile devices, it's best to try this via web.)

3. After registration, you'll receive a mobile coupon, which you'll show at any Bayo store to claim your Dove Original Deo (mini roll-on, 25ml).

I claimed mine last weekend at Bayo, SM Mall of Asia. I was 100+ on the list, but the saleslady told me they had about 1000 stocks to be given away (per store) so I think there's enough for everyone. Let me know if you've gotten yours. Enjoy! ;)

Love,

Helen

Etude House Water Color Blusher in No. 4 Lilac

My standard go-to shades for blush are pink and peach, but I have a newfound fascination with lilac! Blame it on the purple (radiant orchid, to be exact) makeup trend. I've been to Etude House x number of times already, but it's my first time to notice this cute little Water Color Blusher from their shelves. My sister has been raving about how lilac blush makes one look younger, and so I was sold!

Etude House Water Color Blusher in No. 4 Lilac

The packaging is super cute. It looks like a real water color tube! The tube is soft so you only need to squeeze gently for the product to come out.

Swatches:

This lilac shade is a cool pink-purple tone that would probably look best on fair skin. Purple decreases the look of pale, sallow, and yellowish skin.

When worn:

I love the outcome of lilac on my skin. It's so fresh! On these photos, I used a bit of the product also on my lips.

Pros:

• Cute, hygienic packaging
• Sealed upon purchase
• Gel cream (somewhat liquid-y) formula
• Very easy to blend
• Fool-proof to apply, good for beginners
• Buildable color
• Available in 4 wearable shades (pink, coral, apricot, and lilac)
• Subtle powdery scent
• No breakouts or skin irritations
• Affordable

Cons:

• Doesn't last all day, 3-4 hours tops especially if you're oily

Price: P348.00

Available in Etude House stores nationwide

To remedy the not so long lasting power of this blush, I can top it off with a similar shade of lilac powder blush. I've seen one from Etude House and another one from Tony Moly (the Milky Violet shade of the Cristal Blusher). Have you tried them?

Like Etude House Philippines on Facebook for more information. :)

Love,

Helen

Freebie Alert: Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup Sample

Whenever my friends ask me to recommend a good long-wearing foundation that's perfect for oily skin, I almost always recommend Estee Lauder's Double Wear Makeup (if budget isn't the concern). While some might balk at the price (P2,100.00 for 30ml), it's worth the price provided you're going to finish the entire bottle.

Trivia: My sister has finished 2 bottles already. Hit Pan at its finest!

If you want to try it before buying, now's the perfect time as Estee Lauder is giving away a 10-day sample for you when you visit their Metro Manila counters until the end of the month.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup Sample

The sample is really small and cute, and a little goes a long way with this foundation. I like it because it stays on even through hot, humid days. It doesn't transfer as much whenever I wipe my face with tissue. Despite its lasting power, it feels really lightweight and isn't harsh on my skin. No breakout, irritations or whatever here. Try it!

Photo Credit: Estee Lauder - Philippines

Perfection that lasts. Experience the power of three: Micro Essence Lotion, Advanced Night Repair, and Double Wear Foundation for your best skin ever.

Promo Period is until April 30, 2014, until supplies last only.

You may visit any Estee Lauder counter to redeem a sample: 

• Rustans Makati +632 817 1884
• Rustans Shangri-la +632 633 4636
• Rustans Alabang +632 850 5532
• Rustans Gateway +632 912 9959
• Essenses Rockwell +632 890 6273

Have you tried Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup? :)

Love,

Helen

GWP Alert: Ellana Multi-Purpose Powder in Brilliance

I'll admit, I'm a late bloomer when it comes to discovering mineral makeup. Imagine, it's my first time to try it early this year! Now, Ellana Minerals is a staple in my makeup kit. My best bet for daily wear is their Loose Mineral Powder Foundation and Pressed Mineral Blush Duo.

Mineral makeup is highly pigmented and versatile, so I'm excited to share with you an exciting freebie for all of you Ellana lovers out there. Ellana Minerals has a special GWP promo this summer!

For every P1,000.00 purchase online and in their counters (The Ramp Trinoma, Glorietta, and Cinderella in Megamall), the customer will get a free Multi-Purpose Powder in Brilliance.

Brilliance is a gorgeous shade that can be used on the eyes, cheeks, lips, face, and body.

The promo runs until May 31, 2014. Who's excited? :D

Like Ellana Cosmetics on Facebook for more information and updates about the brand.

Love,

Helen

Unboxing: Perfectly Pristine Glamourbox [April 2014]

Welcome to Lucky Citrine's first unboxing post, featuring the Perfectly Pristine Glamourbox! (Gah, now I know how Subscription Boxes Queen Tellie feels!) It's just really like Christmas in April (or whatever month you get your box) because of that lovely element of surprise and mystery that surrounds each box.

Now Unboxing: Perfectly Pristine Glamourbox

If you're not familiar with Glamourbox yet, let me just give you a brief background. Glamourbox is an online beauty subscription service that lets you discover and try premium and niche beauty brands. For a subscription fee of P595, you'll receive a curated box with at least five deluxe beauty samples delivered to your doorstep. If you liked the products you samples, you can buy from Glamourbox's online boutique or at the brand's actual stores.

This month's box was heavy and jam-packed, hence no seal. (And I think this is a happy problem. Haha!)

This box's theme is Perfectly Pristine - so fresh and perfect for summer! It covers everything you'll need to keep fresh during the hot summer months.

Curation Card

Here's the looong list of products, description, and prices.

Time for the big reveal! I know Glamourbox promises at least 5 deluxe samples per box, but look at this! The box runneth over with full-sized products and BIG deluxe samples. :D

In the order of my favorites, let's discover what's inside the box!

Barenaturals The Mane Event Nourishment Hair Mask
in Macadamia Nut and Argan Brazilian

Get ready for an all-natural hair mask that truly delivers! Infused with oat proteins and oils of macadamia nut, argan oil and colza, it helps condition, detangle, fight static and rebuild damaged hair.

Full Size 130g/P380

Sample Size 100g/P293

My hair's acting up lately, and it's not as wavy/curly as I want it to be. I think Mr. Sun dried it up, so I am really happy to see a natural hair mask in this box! It comes with a small spatula inside (surprise!), and it contains no silicone, paraben, phthalates, petrochemical, and SLES. It smells nice and has a thick texture; I'm just hoping it won't weight my hair down. We'll see about that soon!

Avon Skin So Soft Fast Hydration Body Gel Lotion

Instantly hydrate & revitalize your skin with the refreshing sensation of this fast-absorbing gel lotion. Enhanced with watermind oil & vitamin E, it leaves skin touchably soft all day.

Full Size 200ml/P330

I love lotions and I seriously have a hard time sleeping at night whenever I forget to apply it, so it's no surprise this one also came as a favorite. I'm used to thick body butters, but a light gel lotion is more appropriate for the hot weather we're having now.

Barenaturals Sexy Back Scrub with Sacha Inchi Oil

This back scrub made with lulur exfoliants and antioxidant-rich sacha inchi oil fights and sloughs off bacne and other common skin woes. It's all you need for a smooth and sexy back.

Full Size 170g/P290

Bacne is not really a big issue of mine, but it's lulur so I'm tempted to use it all over my body. Anyone ever had the same evil thought? Haha

Belo Intensive Whitening Bar

Get fairer, rosier skin quick! Belo expertly combines tranexamic acid with kojic acid for this soap that has 64% more lightening power than a product with kojic acid alone.

Full Size: 65g/P59.75

I've read a lot of people aren't too thrilled with the idea of having a whitening soap in the box, but I am! I'm a fan of Belo skincare products and I think they're really promising (yet affordable). I'll be using this after summer though to bring back the fairness that was. (No, I am still not regretting any of my day trips! Haha)

Zen Zest Anti-Mosquito Room Fragrance

Feel instantly invigorated with this wondrous combination of citronella, lemongrass and eucalyptus. Its citrusy scent keeps mosquitoes out too!

Full Size 250ml/P250

Sample Size 50ml/P50

I've actually tried the 2 other variants of Zen Zest Room Fragrances before (Kitchen Fragrance and Cabinet Deodorizer). This one's a welcome addition to our home since mosquitoes seem to love the taste of our blood. Eww. Zen Zest Anti-Mosquito Room Fragrance has a strong scent, but I can take it as long as I don't get new bites.

Vanilla & Co. Moisturizing Witch Hazel Beauty Tonic

Quench skin with vitamins anytime, anywhere! This beauty tonic will recharge and protect skin from constant exposure to the sun, dust and pollution.

Full Size 150ml/P199

Sample Size 50ml/P67

At first, I wasn't sure what this was for. Is it a toner or face mist? But then I decided to settle with face mist. I wish they included the list of ingredients though, since I'm iffy when it comes with experimenting with new skincare products. Just like Pat, I am so relieved I didn't get the foot blush. LOL.

Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Dandruff, begone! Restore the natural balance of your scalp with this mild shampoo with PH 5.5. It removes dandruff flakes and reduces any irritations without drying it out.

Full Size 200ml/P425

Sample Size 20ml/P42.50

Plus points for the super cute bottle! Can't get any more travel-sized than this, huh? However, I'm not having major dandruff problems so I might just set this aside first.

Venus & Mars Naturals Smooch Lip Detox SPF15

Break free from chemicals! This lip butter is made only of the finest natural oils to make your puckers smooch-worthy! Charged with SPF15, it protects lips from sun damage.

Full Size 10g/P205

Sample Size 5g/P102.50

I love how this lip balm smells like peppermint! It's all natural to boot. It comes with SPF 15. Check, check, check. Almost perfect, but it would have been perfect if it came in a stick! No to dipping fingers in pots, especially during hiking or beach trips.

Add-ons:

Clean Fragrance Shower Fresh

Inspired by the uplifting, nostalgic scent of soap, this juicy fragrance exudes a "just stepped out of the shower" freshness.

Full Size 30ml/P2,000

It has been said that French women are all for perfumes that spell seduction, so they can't understand why their Yankee sisters are all for the clean, shower fresh scent. I somehow agree that you definitely can't seduce anyone using soapy scents, but I find myself liking Clean's clean scent. Therefore, that makes me un-French. Haha

Aloe Derma Pure Aloe Vera Gel

Tote this on your next adventure! With 99% organic aloe extracts, this multipurpose gel gives soothing relief to sunburn, minor cuts and wounds, insect bites and even acne.

Full Size 114g/P460

Sample Size 15g/P61

Korean brands sell tubs of Aloe gels with 92% aloe, while this one has 99% organic aloe vera juice. These sachets are very handy! I'm bringing a pack or two to my next trip just in case anyone's sunburned skin is in dire need of aloe relief.

Valda Pastilles

For instant cooling relief and fresh breath, just pop on of these chewable pastilles on your mouth!

Full Size 50g/P150

Sample Size 20g/P60

This one's so freakin' nostalgic. I was also one of those 90s kids who got really excited at the sight of a Valda Pastilles gold tin! But my excitement wore off when I opened this pack. My jelly pastilles were all "melted", so it turned into one big minty blob. It's hard to eat it like that, but I can't deny, it's still delish!

Subscription Fee: P595

Box Value: P1,355.75 (excluding the sample perfume vial and voucher)

Glamourbox doubled the amount of the subscription fee, which is a good thing since you certainly get more than what you pay for. Perfectly Pristine Glamourbox does not have as many makeup as I'd like it to have, but the bath and body care junkie in me just had a mini heart attack because of sheer excitement (upon opening the package), so I'd say it's pretty much worth it!

Like GlamourboxPH on Facebook for more information. There are still slots left for the Perfectly Pristine Glamourbox. You may subscribe here! :)

Love,

Helen

Solo’s His & Hers Graphic Tee Design Winners | Call to Join

They are here! The winning tees of Solo's His and Hers Graphic Tee Design Contest are out! It was no surprise when the recently held His & Hers Graphic Tee Design competition last November themed Musika received over creative 200 entries.

Solo is psyched to present the 5 winning entries and its creators!

Eargasm by Gino Jardinico

featuring earphones dancing to good music

Gitarista by Randy Pagatpatan

equally interesting guitar graphic

Musikang Pinoy by Jennieca Paulene Dayrit

taking us to the early meaningful years of pinoy music
 

Rock My World, Hear My Heartbeat by John Theli Bien

all about a man and a woman’s music diversity design

Music Love and Astronauts by Vincent Mark Baquiran

a vivid illustration of astronaut lovers keeping in touch through music

Inspired? You can be Solo's next His and Hers Graphic Tee Design Contest winner!

The challenge is to submit 2 designs for a His version & a Hers version of graphic tee design with the theme Pinoy Prints and Patterns! Get the chance to win cash prize, gift certificates, and bragging rights as winning designs will be produced by Solo as part of its Holiday Collection 2014. 

Submission of entries is from May 1 to June 15, 2014! So what are you waiting for? Turn those ideas into an actual wearable tees by being one of the 3 winners of the next His & Hers Graphic Tee Design Competition!

Learn more about His & Hers Graphic Tee Design Competition mechanics and rules at www.solo.com.ph. Like Solo Online on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @MySoloOnline. Do shop online, it's easy and reliable - plus, the current winning tees are available, too!

Love,

Helen

Create moments under the sun with Dermplus Sunblock!

Who doesn't love a little fun in the sun? The beach can be a perfect place to spend the day and get some summer moments with your loved ones. Summer means sun, shorts, sandals, bathing suits, and bronzed skin. But with beach hair and shorter hemlines comes the dangers that not only instigate the probability of skin cancer, but the aging process as well. Sun exposure is, essentially, subjecting yourself to sun damage – but in the same note, avoiding the outdoors altogether is both impractical and nearly impossible.

Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock is the answer to your skin problems this summer. It is formulated with unbeatable UVA and UVB filters to protect your skin in the harsh ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Dermplus sunblock physically blocks and reflects light and it also helps heal skin damage caused by over-exposure to the sun. Dermpluss sunblock is available in different SPFs like SPF 24 that is recommended for morena skin and for indoor use, SPF 35 for fair skin, and SPF 80 and 130 for extreme outdoor activities. Use Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock and worry no more about the harmful Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Whether you will spend your summer in Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, or Bohol, never forget your number one sun defense partner.

Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock is available in all leading drugstores, supermarkets, and department stores nationwide. For more information, call 8173303 or like them on Facebook.

Love,

Helen

Maybelline Baby Lips SPF 20 Lip Balm in Energizing Orange

Remember my feature about Maybelline Baby Lips SPF 20 Lip Balms? I first saw them over 2 years ago, and now they have tinted and even color-changing versions already!

This summer, I wanted to use a lip balm that had a high SPF for my outings. (But then, SPF must really be used everyday.) I have with me my trusty Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, but it has no SPF so I decided to finally give Maybelline a try.

Maybelline Baby Lips SPF 20 Lip Balm in Energizing Orange

Adult strength care for baby soft lips

Instant 8 hour moisture

Shed away rough dryness for supple, smooth, and cushioned lips all day long

In one week, rejuvenated lips

Centella essence increases cell turnover to literally transform your lips. 

• Fine lines reduced
• Elasticity increased
• Suppleness increased

I think the packaging is simple but really cute, even if it has my least favorite color in the world (orange) on it.

Pros:

• It has SPF 20 - which is my main purpose of buying this!
• The packaging is cute and bright.
• It has a very smooth glide.
• It moisturizes my lips well.
• It's not tinted or color-changing - what you see is what you get.
• It's very affordable.

Cons:

• "Energizing Orange" effect not felt. The scent is too subtle and is barely noticeable.
• It doesn't really last for 8 hours, more like 3 hours.

Price: P82.00

Available in department stores, supermarkets, and drugstores nationwide.

My lips aren't chappy to begin with, so I barely noticed the "cell turnover" or exfoliating property of this lip balm. But, it's able to do what a basic lip balm does which is to moisturize the lips and keep it cushy soft all throughout the wear.

I'm looking forward to trying out the other variants of Maybelline's Baby Lips, especially the US version (with the different kind of packaging) which I see in bazaars. As for the ones we have in the malls, the tinted versions are interesting! Have you tried them?

Like Maybelline Philippines on Facebook for more information.

Love,

Helen

The Body Shop Brow & Liner Kit in 03 Dark Brown/Black

Two things I would never skip when going out: sunscreen (for my face) and brown eyebrow powder. I can do without the rest, especially when I'm pressed for time. When you have perfectly groomed brows, you look polished instantly!

I've been using (and abusing) the dark brown shadow from my The Body Shop 4-Step Smoky Eyes Palette in Golden Brown (which I've already had for more than 2 years), so it's about time I upgraded to an actual eyebrow kit, also from The Body Shop.

The Body Shop Brow & Liner Kit in 03 Dark Brown/Black

This handy compact contains everything you need to create perfect eyebrows: a double-ended brush and light and dark shades to fill and define.
 

• Includes a double-ended brush
• Dermatologically tested
• Ophthalmologically tested
• Suitable for contact-lens wearers

From the outside, the packaging looks like a smaller version of the All-In-One Face Base. This one's smaller and more compact. The underside of the cap doubles as a mirror. This kit includes a double-ended eyebrow and eyeliner brush, but I still prefer using my trusty angled brow brush. The small one inside the kit is handy for travel though.

This kit includes 2 shades, dark brown and black. I believe there are 3 shades of kits available, and the one I have is the darkest. I only use the dark brown shade for my brows, since black can be too harsh. The black shade can be used as an eyeliner, or to set your eyeliner. 

Swatches:

Dark Brown | Black

When Worn:

I used the dark brown shade here. You may check out my previous easy eyebrow tutorial post as a guide on how to fill in the brows.

Pros:

• Sleek packaging
• Includes a mirror and brush
• Easy to use
• Pigmented
• Long lasting
• With 3 shades available

Cons:

• Expensive
• Brush isn't of the best quality (the brow brush as thick and stiff bristles)

Price: P995.00
Available in all The Body Shop stores nationwide

Here, I'm just wearing BB cream, the dark brown eyebrow powder, and mascara. Groomed brows really frame the face so you need less makeup elsewhere. The Brow & Liner Kit is a worthy investment, since it will last you for years! You just have to pick the right shade, and that's not a problem since the makeup experts in store can help you with that. If it's too pricey for your budget, then I suggest you wait for promos, since The Body Shop goes on sale often anyway.

Like The Body Shop, Philippines on Facebook for more information.

Love,

Helen