Maybelline Watershine Pure Natural Water Lipstick

My first encounter with this lipstick was a few years ago when I received a mini-sample tube of it that came with a magazine. It was named "Dragonfly Red" back then. I think Maybelline renamed their shades, and now it is called R22. I bought this because of its bright red color (and I love bold lipcolor!) and smooth texture that glides easily on your lips. This color is like a bright red popsicle/lollipop stain when worn, and it looks very fresh and dewy. My only gripe is that it comes off too easily.

Maybelline says:

Lipstick infused with micro-droplets of water that give lips moisture and mirror-shine.

R22

Pros:

• I love its nice, sleek, aqua blue packaging (perfect for their "Watershine" collection).
• The manufacutring date is printed on the sticker below the tube.
• It has a lovely smooth texture that glides easily on the lips.
• It is very versatile.
• - For daytime, dab/pat the lipstick on your lips using your pinky finger or a lipbrush and blend in the lipstick for that natural, just-bitten look.
• - For nighttime, apply straight from the tube for a splash of dramatic color. You may blot with 1-ply tissue first to stain the lips, and reapply for added staying power.
• No need for lipbalm prior to lipstick application as it will just make the lipstick slide off.
• It has a glossy finish, so there is no need for lip gloss.
• It is very affordable.

Cons:

• Because of its watery smooth texture, it has VERY poor staying power. I accidentally touched my lips, and the color was gone.
• It settles on the wrinkles of the lips.
  
• It bleeds out of my lip line.

Would I repurchase? No.

Price: P299.00

Available at Landmark, SM Department Stores, Watsons, and Robinsons Department Stores.

Love,

Helen

From Bacolod, With Love

My sister's dear friend came back from Bacolod and bought us lots of sweets. I just love our local delicacies; they can definitely compete in the international market.

Virgie's Homemade Products Mango Tart

This is the cutest little tart. It looks like a little empanada with mango filling inside.

Virgie's Homemade Products Caramel Tart
Gotta love that meringue toppings on these caramel boat tarts!

BongBong's Special Cheese Tart
My favorite. It has the perfect blend of sweet and salty in it - plus the meringue topping!

BongBong's Special Butter Scotch
These sweet little chewy, buttery bars are bound to tickle your taste buds.

BongBong's Special Barquillos in Strawberry
Too cute. It's not everyday you get to eat a pink barquillo.

What is your favorite local delicacy?

Love,
Helen

The Body Shop Olive Shower Gel & Bath Lily

I have a new found obsession with shower gels, and where else to get them but from The Body Shop! I wanted to try something new (and not the usual fruity scents I use), so I got one in Olive.

The Body Shop says:

Best if you want to: Cleanse and moisturize your skin using a soap-free gel that leaves your skin feeling soft and fresh with a brisk green scent.
Best for: Normal to dry skin
How it works: Community trade organic olive oil helps to condition skin. Glycerin is a water-soluble moisturizer that enriches foam and lather.

The Body Shop Olive Shower Gel 250ml (P325.00)

This shower gel smells so clean and fresh - more like grass and cucumber than olive. This scent appeals to men also because it is not too sweet-smelling, but just mildly fragrant. It does not leave my dry skin drier, but it does not feel so moisturizing either. I still have to use lotion (for day)/body butter (for night) afterward. I like that it keeps my skin clean, and I look forward to taking my shower every time I know that I'll be using this!

Since I would love to preserve the lifespan of this shower gel, I had to have a bath lily! I got this for free during an event (thanks to The Body Shop). I used to think that this was overpriced for a bath lily, so I would just get those bath lilies from the supermarket or department store for just P30.00. But those never last for so long and had to be frequently replaced. After using this bath lily, I now know why it is priced as such. It's more durable than the cheaper versions, so you won't have to keep on buying a new one.

The Body Shop says:

Best if you want to: Increase the lather of your favorite shower gel with a lovely bath lily that gently exfoliates to remove dead skin cells.
How it works: Suitable for all skin types, particularly dry skin that needs regular exfoliation. Product lathering benefits mean that you only need a small quantity of shower gel each time, so your product will last longer. Prepares skin to better absorb moisturizer by removing layer of dead skin cells.

Bath Lily (P195.00)

The bright orange color of this bath lily will surely brighten up your day! I like how dense this bath lily is, perfect for creating lots of lather from your shower gel. With this, you'd only need to use a 5-Peso coin sized amount of shower gel, pour it on your hands, and rub the shower gel to create a rich and foamy lather. Your shower gel will then last longer!

Would I repurchase? Maybe. The Olive Shower Gel is worth repurchasing, but I want to try their other variants, too. Satsuma or Watermelon & Eucalyptus from their new Earth Lovers Shower Gel line.
Available at all The Body Shop stores nationwide.

By the way, The Body Shop is hosting a contest up to May 5. Like their Facebook page to know more about it.


Mechanics:

"Get a chance to Win A COMPLETE SET OF EARTHLOVERS SHOWER GEL PACK!

• All you have to do is FIND ADAM in our stores!
  
• CLUE: You can FIND ADAM in 47 participating The Body Shop stores nationwide starting TODAY until May 5, 2011 ONLY!
• *10 Adam-finders with the most number of likes on their uploaded photo will each win a COMPLETE Earthlovers Shower Gel Pack!

Good luck and Happy Adam-Hunting!"

Do join the contest. The Body Shop is very generous to their loyal customers and Love Your Body members. I loved the Olive Shower Gel and Bath Lily duo. It makes for a more fun and refreshing bath experience! What is your favorite shower gel? :)

Love,
Helen