Haul: BDJ Box Beauty Social Loot Bag

Last September 29, BDJ Box had their 2nd Beauty Social event at SM North EDSA Skydome. Since it happened on a Sunday, and Sunday was family day, I made my sister sign up and come with me during the event!

BDJ Box Beauty Social

We were supposed to attend the first 2 talks, but we had lunch with our Dad first at Cafe Breton in Trinoma. Good thing we made it just in time before the Shiseido Talk started! During the talk, we were introduced to the new Shiseido Ibuki skincare range which is all the rage right now amongst beauty bloggers.

BDJ Box Beauty Social Loot

Everyone who pre-registered via e-mail received a loot bag after attending a talk. This is my first time to attend a BDJ Box Beauty Social event, and my, they gave away so much stuff!

 

Back issues of Cosmpolitan and Women's Health

I don't have copies of these issues yet so yey! :D

Contractubex Sample from Women's Health

This one's included in the back issue of the magazine.

Bifesta Cleansing Express Cleansing Lotions 

in Sebum (for oily skin) and Moist (for dry skin)

I loved these makeup remover wipes. They're handy for sleepovers or travels!

Bifesta Hairband

I got this from participating in the Bifesta booth. Just sign up and pick a prize! My sister did the same and took home a green Cose pouch.

Celeteque Dermoscience Brightening Tri-benefit Power Cream

Celeteque Dermoscience Advanced Anti-Aging Anti-Wrinkle Ultra-Hydrating Cleansing Oil

Celeteque Dermoscience Acne Soutions Acne Cleansing Gel

Celeteque Dermoscience Acne Solutions Acne Clearing Facial Moisturizer Gel

Why do they have to have such long names? :o Now I have too many Celeteque samples, and I love that they're not in sachets or near expiry. These ones are also so handy for travel! My favorites would have to be the cleansing oil and the moisturizer gel.

Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy Energizing Facial Foam

I was so happy to see Garnier's newest product in FULL SIZE inside the loot bag! I have yet to try this, but it smells so fresh.

Goody Hair Tie

Weirdly enough, my sister was most excited for this Goody hair tie among all things inside my loot bag!

Revlon Nail Art Neon Nail Enamel in Ultra Violet

This one made me really happy! :D I would have preferred the green and white one (Hello, school spirit!) or one in red or pink, but I like this anyway. My sister got the yellow and white version of this.

Yves Rocher Naturelle Eau de Toilette Sample

Ralph Lauren Big Pony Women #1 Eau de Toilette Sample

I got this at the Ralph Lauren booth, where we did a fragrance consultation and tried out the scents 1, 2, 3, and 4. I like 1 best, it smells really fresh! :D

Too Cool For School Samples

My sister and I also dropped by Too Cool For School's booth, where we played Yutnori. It was easy since you just dropped 4 wooden sticks and got cute samples along the way!

Too Cool For School also had a nice photobooth, where we had this souvenir shot! :D

We didn't stay long, although I would have loved to, but we had fun at the 2nd BDJ Box Beauty Social! ♥

Subscribe to the BDJ Box here!

Love,

Helen

Haul: Birthday Gifts ♥

It's now time to unwrap the presents I got for my 24th birthday!

Nah, I've actually unwrapped and ate most of them a few weeks ago, but they're worth sharing so here goes! ;)

A portrait, letter, and The Body Shop Colour Crush Eyeshadow from Dawn

This one's probably one of the most priceless and sweetest present I received! My friend actually drew me! Haha! :D I'll be putting this in a frame, that's for sure! Dawn and I both love The Body Shop, as you can see. Don't forget to join our giveaway! :D

Cara Mia Brazo Gelato cake from my colleagues

Christer, Jeffery, Kurt, Bailey, Ness, and Anne

My teammates/lunch buddies surprised me with this during the weekend before my birthday. They're as sweet as this gelato cake. :D

A birthday card also from my colleagues

The card design is so me, don't you agree?

Figaro Devil's Mocha Cake from my boss, Achi V

I've already told you before, I've got cool boss. :D

Cosmopolitan dress from my sister, Melissa

Since we like the same clothes, she has another dress like this, only in a different color. Don't worry, we won't wear it both at the same time!

Starbucks tea tumbler from my sister, Vivian

My sister hates the ancient water bottle I use at the office, so she gave me this! She was planning to give me a regular coffee tumbler, but then she remembered that I'm more of a tea person, hence this one! I love that it has a leaf design where I can fasten the string of the tea bag.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers from my sister, Cindy

She got me this because she knows that I want this, but I won't be buying this for myself anytime soon. (Hey, I was waiting for National Book Store to go on sale so I could get this at 20% off!)

OMG Nail Colors by Klik in Tiara from my sister, Ann

This was a half-hearted present from my sister! I just know. Haha! She got this for herself, but then she remembered it was my birthday that day, and handed it to me instead, and borrowed it right after a few minutes. (I said no! No using until I've taken a picture of it.) But still, thank you!

Krispy Kreme doughnuts from my friend, Pan

I love Krispy Kreme. You've witnessed it all in my blog. If you're curious, my favorite doughnut from them would be Original Glazed.

Frostings cupcakes from my friend, Lala

She's as sweet as these cupcakes! ;) This came as a surprise during our dinner at A Veneto, where the crew couldn't even sing a decent birthday song. My friends sang instead.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Skin Essentials also from my friend, Lala

Because she know that I love The Body Shop! I'm excited to try this new skincare set. And it's pink - what's not to love?

Beauty Bar's Lavender Luxury Hand Cream from my friend, Jeanne

My friend was thinking if she would give me another lippie, but figured that I already had lots. (Good thing!) She gave me a fancy hand cream instead. Much appreciated! :D

Green Tea Kit Kats from my friends

Because they know what my all-time favorite chocolate is. :D

Uji Matcha Green Tea Kit Kat from my friend, Jat

He found this in a Japanese store. Now, I want to go there and hoard!

Matcha Green Tea Kit Kat + Ghirardelli chocolates from my friend, Tope

This pack is similar to the one I received from Hong Kong, only this one he got from Japan.

Birthday cake from HEAT

Last but not the least is this birthday cake from HEAT, where my family and I celebrated my birthday dinner.

That's all for now! This one's probably my favorite haul posts, since everything here are special and from my loved ones.♥

Love,

Helen

On A (Fragrance) Roll

Early this month, I realized that I'm on a roll when it comes to luck with winning fragrances (not just colognes, but designer fragrances!). This had led me to think and sniff (whether I smell bad or not). Haha! Just kidding! It's no secret that I love reading magazines, and I don't really care from which publication it is, whether local or international, as long as it's good and I get my money's worth! I get my monthly dose of kikay goodness (plus a little loot on the side) from these magazines.

I bought the May 2012 issue of Cosmopolitan with Anne Curtis on the cover (which was their 15th anniversary issue). I had to get it because anniversary issues of magazines are good and jam-packed (most of the time). While this one from Cosmo was half-filled with ads and semi-naked hunks, I'm not complaining because of this.

Being the contest junkie that I am, I had to join! They gave away prizes from different brands every 2 days, and I joined on the days that I liked what they were giving away.

And then one day, I received an e-mail telling me that I won a Carolina Herrera Eau de Parfum! Even if I had no idea how it smelled like, I was still excited. Who wouldn't be? :D

Carolina Herrera 212 VIP Eau de Parfum and Clutch Bag

Thank you, Cosmo!

For the month of June, I bought Meg with Marian Rivera on the cover because it's their 14th anniversary issue. (See? I'm all for the "anniversary issues"!) I wasn't really paying attention to the ads, but then I saw this page at the last minute (which was the last day of the month, and the deadline of the submission of entries). 

 

I composed an email answering this question, and saw an announcement on iammeg.ph after a few days, with my name and answer on it (together with 2 other lucky ladies)!

J. Del Pozo HWN Fever Eau de Parfum

Thank you, Meg!

My mom who once told me that magazines were a waste of money now tells me that I can buy them every month. Haha! Now the question is, which one to use first. What do you think? :)

Love,

Helen

Kim Chiu for Cosmopolitan June 2012

Here's a bunch of teasers on why you should get this month's copy of Cosmopolitan. When I found out that Kim Chiu is on the cover, I immediately went to the nearest newsstand to purchase my copy!

Cosmopolitan June 2012

Cop Kim's gorgeous look with these beauty items!

Lots of colorful and interesting items were in this month's happy list. I like the Country Cutting Mat set since it livens up the kitchen, plus it's very hygienic. I also like the Zen Zest Mosquito Repellant that comes in a reed diffuser - an eco-chic way to keep nasty bugs at bay this rainy season.

I also the feature article on Kim Chiu because I could relate to her when it comes to talking about weight. She has evidently gained some curves, and I envy that since I myself have a hard time gaining weight. Kim doesn't like being called "payat" (thin) over and over again. While this Cosmo cover of hers received some negative comments like "she's too thin" or "give her food", I think that it's not her fault that she's skinny. Her body is just built that way, so people just have to accept it and focus on their own bodies and areas of improvement instead.

This month's hot debate is about signing a prenup before getting married. My take on that is that I would. Better take proactive steps like this, even though it might seem unromantic. I wouldn't want money matters to be the cause of a failed marriage (if ever, since you can't really predict the future).

Of these 3 ballsy trends to try, I like the peplum dress trend the most! I don't think I can rock the print on print trend since I'm a minimalist when it comes to dressing up. (Forever 21 has LOTS of these 3 trends and more!)

Accessories overload! Choose from glam, quirky, girlie, edgy, sporty, and boho!

Beauty loot that are proudly Filipino! Read my reviews on the Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil and the Belo Essentials Sun Expert Face Cover SPF 40 - 2 great local beauty products that you HAVE to try!

This is a very interesting and eye-opening read. When it comes to making crucial decisions such as marriage, it pays to trust your instincts or gut feel.

And for working ladies, here are some tips and solutions for that sometimes inevitable wrong move. Bouncing back has never been this easier because of these Cosmotized tips!

These "shameless" money-saving tricks are practical. Look for the magic line that can bring you freebies on your next restaurant visit. (Don't abuse it though!)

 

Of course, the month wouldn't be complete without a hefty dose of fashion. That metallic flowy skirt is to die for! If only I had the long legs to wear it with.

A handy article meant for me. I've been feeling so tired lately (but I'm not complaining!)

An inspiring post that motivates me to save up for my next Asian trip. Gotta beef up that bank account!

And lastly, this months list of must-dos, the Cosmo way!

Don't forget to grab your copies this weekend! Show Cosmo some love.♥

Love,

Helen