Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Belle de Jour Power Planner 2019 + ALL Coupons Inside!

So many planners to choose from, but if you ask me what's the most sulit to get, my answer will always be BDJ. I first discovered the Belle de Jour Power Planner way back 2009, and now I have my own 2019 edition. (Where did 10 years go?!) I ordered this last week from their website, and it finally arrived yesterday! 😍


I chose the limited edition cover because I want the less tweetums version, though I admit that I still like the girl illustration in front of the regular version. It's just that I'm turning 30 next year and I want to feel more grown up. LOL


I won't be showing you what's inside the actual planner because BDJ already shared it on their Facebook page - a very detailed album of it! You can check it out here.


What I'll share with you are ALL the coupons inside so you can see for yourself if it's worth it or not. Plus, I've always wanted to search for these before buying but no one's posting it so here I am helping you decide.

Spoiler: For me, it's worth it!


Each planner comes with a free BDJ 2019 Lifestyle Card which you can use repeatedly, apart from the single-use coupons worth over P40,000 below! As for the lifestyle card, my favorite perk is the FREE UPSIZE everyday on any beverage at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. 💜 Hello, diabetes!😂

All 2019 coupons:


This year's planner is amazing because you can get free upper lip wax from Strip (worth P250) and brow threading from Browhaus (worth P698). The brow threading alone is more expensive than the entire planner at P598!

My favorite coupons are from Ace Water Spa (buy 1 take 1 on 4-hour hydrotherapy massage worth P600) and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (all 13 of them). I'm also loving the free iced coffee coupon (with any purchase) from McDo. There are also very practical and usable coupons from Frankies, Parisian (15% off), Jcat (a whopping 30% off), and Goldilocks. The coupon that forever needs improvement is Serenitea - 5% off on any drink, 5% off on any snack won't get you that much savings. Sana kahit free sinker man lang. But that's the only con I can think of. 😂

Go, get your own BDJ 2019 planner! You can buy this from shop.ilovebdj.com. 💝

Love,
Helen

Follow @LUCKYCITRINE on Instagram 💖

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Human Nature Pollution Defense Review

Whenever I have a long day running errands, my face would literally be covered in dust and grime by the time I get home. Proof is on my cotton pad whenever I'd use makeup remover - it's gray! 😑 Studies show that regular exposure to polluted air can increase hyperpigmentation and wrinkles by 20%. And whenever the skin is stressed, it has the tendency to look uneven and dull.

But then, did you know that indoor air pollution can be much worse than outdoor air pollution? Some pollutants may be 2-5x more concentrated indoors due to enclosed spaces leading to poor air quality.

The first time my curiosity got piqued with anti-pollution skincare products was when my BFF told me about an anti-pollution serum she just tried. It was from another (imported) brand and it made her haggardness disappear with just one use. I made a mental note to look for it when I went to the mall, and saw why it was effective. It costs over a thousand pesos even at 50% off. So pricey! 😝

Early this month, Human Nature sent me a potted Variegated Snake Plant to absorb indoor air pollution and their newest Pollution Defense skincare products. The story behind the plant was actually amazing. I had been wanting a small indoor plant to clean the air. Okay, even a tiny one will do. But the Lord provided me with more than what I wished for. The plant is huge - almost as tall as my 8-year old niece. 😁

Now back to skincare! Human Nature just released the first genuinely natural and safe anti-pollution range in the Philippines. These are proudly Philippine-made and cruelty-free.


Because it's Human Nature, I edited my entire skincare routine for these. I used the face cleanser and hydrating emulsion everyday, while I used the face mask once a week. I also used a gentle anti-acne toner from another brand, which I will review soon.


Human Nature Pollution Defense Face Cleanser (P245, 100ml) is a gentle cleanser that targets pollution particles 20x smaller than our pores. It is infused with NaturProtect Actives: skin-refining bentonite clay, oil-absorbing bamboo charcoal, pollution-fighting moringa seed extract and passionfruit seed oil and vitamin E which helps combat the effects of free radicals. It's very mild with a refreshing feel because of the menthol content. It leaves my skin feeling balanced, never dry or tight. I think this one's suitable for all skin types. However, I only use this in the morning. I feel that it's too gentle to remove all the makeup I wear at the end of the day. Because it doesn't contain sulfate, it doesn't bubble up so I tend to use up more product per wash vs regular cleansing foams.

I recommend this as an AM wash, but this one's enough at night when you're not wearing makeup during the day. Think: Cetaphil level of gentleness, but with a fresher feel.


Human Nature Pollution Defense Face Mask (P450, 100g) can be used 1-2x a week to draw out stubborn dirt trapped deep inside your pores, thus preventing breakouts along the way. I like using it after a long day outside or to deeply cleanse my face when I wear long-wearing foundation. (I don't use long-wearing foundation on a regular basis.) It's the local version of Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask at 1/3 of its price. Both products have kaolin and bentonite on top of their ingredients lists, plus bamboo charcoal that acts like a magnet to draw out deep-seated dirt.

It's easy to use and relatively easy to rinse off. Just spread an even amount of product on your face, wait for 15 minutes or until the mask hardens, then just wash it off.


Human Nature Pollution Defense Hydrating Emulsion (P345, 50ml) is my favorite product from the range. Let me be honest by telling you guys upfront, it smells bad. It has a waxy scent that's not fragrant, because it's made that way this product is fragrance-free. But I am willing to ignore the scent that goes away in a few seconds or so for the benefit it gives my skin. Emulsions are ideal for my oily skin because they're lightweight, water-based moisturizers. My skin's actually dehydrated but oily, and this moisturizer has kept my skin smooth and looking healthy the entire month. As in, I'm glowing even without makeup. I used to need my go-to serum just so my cheeks would not feel tight and flake, but now, I do not need it anymore. My skin is comfortably moisturized all day, and makeup application is a breeze because of the smooth canvas it has made of my skin.

Each use of the Hydrating Emulsion delivers optimal hydration with jojoba, protects skin against air pollutants with moringa seed extract, and restores healthy-looking skin with free radical-fighting passionfruit extract and vitamin E. This one's super effective, and I will definitely repurchase.

Human Nature Pollution Defense
Face Cleanser, Face Mask, and Hydrating Emulsion

Human Nature's Pollution Defense line is genuinely natural and has no harmful chemicals. It is free of SLS, PEGs, dimethicone, silicone, and synthetic fragrances. The complete Pollution Defense range is available via Human Nature stores nationwide and https://humanheartnature.com/buy.

Love,
Helen


Follow @LUCKYCITRINE on Instagram 💖

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

All TAIWANT for Christmas: fun gift suggestions for the family!

What's your love language?

Mine is gifts - giving and receiving them, and there's really no shame admitting it. For me, it's not really all about material possessions, but more of the thought, effort, generosity, and love behind each gift. I express my love by giving gifts not just during special occasions but also during random moments when I am reminded of my loved ones whenever I go out.

Which reminds me, there are only 61 days left before Christmas! It's very fun to shop for the perfect Christmas present for each family member, and that eureka moment is so rewarding when you are able to get the exact thing they want! The slightly stressful part is thinking of what gift to buy though. 💡

Here are some gift suggestions that may help you on your next shopping trip. Better start your Christmas shopping as early as now!


For your little brother or sister 

The 8-megapixel Papershoot Wood - TW Cypress Camera Set can be their buddy in capturing family fun at home. It is thin and lightweight, so your younger sibling can bring it anywhere. Moreover, it has three lens modes they can play with: fisheye is best used for dramatic wide shots; wide angle will be great for that formal family picture during Noche Buena, and macro can give you Instagram-worthy shots of gifts, decors, and sumptuous dishes on the table.

This kid-friendly device uses heavy stone paper made from inorganic mineral powder, making it safer for them to use. Despite its light materials, the product is water-resistant and durable.

For Ate and Kuya 

Make a joyful Christmas for your siblings by giving them the Acer Predator X27. Equipped with HDR ultra monitor, this high-grade playing rig can provide realistic visuals to make them feel planted on the gaming terrains. This product can help ate and kuya further make their battlestation more immersive.

For Mom

The Tatung 11-Cup Stainless Steel Multi-Functional Cooker is a perfect home partner for your mom to help her prepare warm meals for the family. It has four modes: Braise is ideal for cooking food that only require light frying. If your mom wants to make dumplings or rice cakes for noche buena, she can use put it in Steam. Cooking can handle up to 11 cups of uncooked rice. Lastly, since the weather will be cold, encourage her to make porridge for the family using the Stew mode.

For Dad

And for dad who is always on the go, the latest Asus Zenfone 5 series (5, 5Q, and 5Z) suit him. It can be his companion when working or just unwinding after a tedious day.

These phones have clear cameras that can be used when reporting at work. Equipped with large storage of 64 megabytes, dad can also download games he can play and films he can watch during his breaks. 


~*~
 
Getting these for your loved ones can help you score more luck and love this season. If you buy Taiwan Excellence seal items from participating PC Express stores, you stand to win more awesome devices.

From October 22 to December 3, 2018, customers who purchase Taiwan-based products with a minimum value of Php 2,000.00 from PC Express branches will be given a chance to join the Dice game where you must correctly guess the outcome of the dices to be rolled. Lucky participants can take home Christmas giveaways from Taiwan Excellence.

You will also be given a chance to win premium-grade devices when you join the All Taiwant for Christmas Promo. The raffle draw will be on December 14, 2018, at 4 PM at PC Express, Gilmore Plus, New Manila, Quezon City.

Christmas won't be the same without the family around. Unwrap bliss and surprises at home this Yuletide Season with these gifts from Taiwan. These are specially tested and evaluated by Taiwan Excellence with guidance from the Bureau of Foreign Trade to promote Taiwan's revolutionary products.

For more information on Taiwan Excellence accredited products, visit taitra.org.tw/ or like Taiwan Excellence on Facebook.

This story was brought to you by Taiwan Excellence.

Love,
Helen

Follow @LUCKYCITRINE on Instagram 💖

Monday, October 8, 2018

My 30-minute workout at Curves Magnolia

I started exercising just this year, right after I turned 29. My fitness goal is to have a more active and healthier lifestyle. I may look skinny, but my body fat percentage is high so I have to lose the fat and gain some muscle. At the current gym where I am a member of, I regularly attend dance classes because I surprisingly enjoy them very much despite having zero dancing background and skills. I also like the elliptical machine more than the treadmill, but I noticed that I burn only a little over 100 calories with my 30 minutes at the machine. In search of a more efficient workout, I was recommended to try Curves. By the name itself, you'd have the idea that this gym is made for women, and it is exclusively for women.
 

"No makeup, no men, no mirrors" is the motto of Curves, the world's #1 all-women gym. While I don't really mind because I only brush my teeth, wash my face, and change into my gym clothes then go straight to the gym, other ladies are more shy and prefer to fix themselves up a bit more before leaving the house. Gone are the days you'd be self conscious with your appearance while working out, because there's no judgement happening here. 👌


I arrived Curves Magnolia (just across Robinsons Magnolia) in time for the 7:30AM Tai chi class. It's my first time to try Tai Chi by Curves, and this workout helps to improve your balance control, flexibility, and overall fitness. Partnered with the Curves Circuit, Tai chi by Curves is appropriate for all ages and fitness level.


During my Tai Chi workout, every 30 seconds we would be doing Tai chi, then for the next 30 seconds we would be working out on the different Curves equipment specifically designed for the chest, core, and legs. By the end of your 30 minute workout, you would have gone around all the equipment twice. There are 12 stations and each workout class can accommodate up to 24 women at a time.

The machines work at least two muscle groups and as many as four at one time because you push and pull, rather than lift and lower weight. Alternating upper body, lower body and core muscles, the Curves circuit provides a full body workout in just 30 minutes.

Curves equipment
 
Tai chi

then Curves equipment again
 

The coaches are friendly and not intimidating at all. You have a supportive environment and one on one coaching with no extra cost. Because it's my first time here at Curves, Coach Irene guided me every step of the way, from how to use each equipment to the correct form and posture.

Stretching to cool down
 
In regular gyms, unless you hire a trainer, you have to DIY stretch after working out to prevent or minimize muscle soreness. Here, they have a stretching equipment! There are instructions on each part of the equipment, but the coaches can assist you too.
 

I was amazed because my muscle soreness was only minimal the next day after Curves workout. Now why don't all gyms have this? 😀 (I know why! Para maghire ka ng trainer.)


Also, let me tour you on their locker room. Gosh, it's beautiful here. I honestly felt spoiled.


The lockers are equipped with combination locks. I thought I was prepared when I brought my padlock, but I didn't need it here.
 

Even the shower area looks super clean and nice!


And look, they even have lemon water and cucumber water. 🍋 Ganda diba?

You can workout in the circuit anytime, but they have specialty group classes you can join:

Curves Class Schedule 2018
  • Yoga by Curves: Monday 7:30am-8:00am | Tuesday 7:00pm-7:30pm
  • Cardio by Curves: Tuesday 7:30am-8:00am
  • Tai chi by Curves: Friday 7:30am-8:00am
  • Arms and Core by Curves: Monday & Thursday 5:30pm-6:00pm | Tuesday & Friday 9:30am-10:00am
  • Curves circuit with Zumba: Monday & Wednesday 6:30pm-7:00pm | Thurday & Saturday 9:30am-10:00am
  • Kickboxing by Curves: Wednesday 9:30am-10:00am | Thursday 7:00pm-7:30pm

I cannot wait to go back to Curves. I'm bringing the BFF to work out with me next time. 💜

Oh, I'm giving away 1-month membership worth P3,490 to Curves Magnolia to 1 of my followers! Mechanics will be posted on my IG @LUCKYCITRINE. 😊 Promise, it's super easy, but the winner has to be based on Metro Manila because this branch is located in Quezon City. 💕

Facebook: Curves Magnolia
Instagram: @curves.magnolia

Love,
Helen

Let's keep in touch!
For more beauty snippets and food reviews, do me on IG! 😗

@LUCKYCITRINE on Instagram
(I microblog here! 😉)
Lucky Citrine on Facebook

Monday, October 1, 2018

[Go Bloom & Glow] Korean Skincare Haul

Korean skincare products bring so much joy to me whenever I'm doing my skincare routine. 💖 My younger sister who's even more kikay than I am (she went to a legit makeup school, you guys) was the first to mention the online store Go Bloom & Glow to me. Go Bloom & Glow is a Cebu-based Korean beauty product store where everything is 100% authentic. When I'm not getting my products straight from Korea, I want them to be from a legit and trusted source. They have brands such as COSRX, Klairs, Innisfree, Pyunkang Yul, Heimish, Laneige, and more!


Go Bloom & Glow sent me a package full of skincare products to try! From what I noticed upon browsing their site, they have a pretty range of products under one brand - you have to check out their COSRX listings! Pricing is also at par and sometimes even lower than other Korean beauty stores, but it's wisest to canvass first to get the best deal.

💝 Go Bloom & Glow Haul 💝

COSRX Clear Fit Master Patch (P200)
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (P200)

I lost count on the packs of COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch I've consumed. I place it over pimples with heads (yuck) at night and I also use it during the day (no shame), until I realized that they do have a less visible version that's specifically for daytime use, which is the COSRX Clear Fit Master Pouch. It's not available in Althea and it's always out of stock in Watsons, so I'm happy to finally have one! Not saying I'm excited to use these because I don't want to break out, but in case I do, I'm armed! 😉

COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Kit (P220)
COSRX One Step Moisture Up Kit (P220)

These are so cute!!! I love the concept of having a facial cleanser, toner soaked in cotton pad, and a face mask all in a single pack. It's definitely a travel essential.

  • COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Kit contains Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, One Step Pimple Clear Pad, and Holy Moly Snail Mask.
  • COSRX One Step Moisture Up Kit contains Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, One Step Moisture Up Pad, and Holy Moly Snail Mask.

Also, if you've been meaning to try these separate products from COSRX, these kits are a good way to "sample" their products.

COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream (P1,250)

This tub of moisturizer is gold for those with dry to normal skin, including sensitive skin. It contains 3% polyhydroxy acids (PHA) to gently exfoliate and provide intense moisture for the skin. Oh, it comes with a spatula too!

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner 100ml (P695)
+ Pyunkang Yul Sample Pouches (P45 each)

My sister has a huge bottle of the same toner in her skincare stash. 👌 I have yet to try this brand for myself, but the brand story is interestingly nice. Pyunkang Yul is cruelty-free, and they've removed all unnecessary chemical substances from their products that are merely for texture or scent. Each of the products are made using only the minimum, most gentle and safe ingredients for your skin.

Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner (P350)

Another bestseller in the K-beauty world! Super cute bottle too - it's the perfect size for sampling or travel. My sister raves about this one as well, and the also has a big bottle of this at home. 😮

Let me know in the comments section which product you'd like me to review first! 😊

Email: sales@gobloomandglow.com

Love,
Helen

Let's keep in touch!
For more beauty snippets and food reviews, do me on IG! 😗

@LUCKYCITRINE on Instagram
(I microblog here! 😉)
Lucky Citrine on Facebook
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