Kikay Haul + New Shade of Etude House Bubble Hair Color

Last weekend I did a beauty haul where I replenished some of my skincare must-haves. These are actually repurchases of my stash at home. Here's what I got!

Etude House Bubble Hair Coloring in Gold Blonde (P398.00)

I got shocked (in a nice way) when I saw this in Etude House! I hesitated buying it at first because I don't want yellow hair, but then realized that it was impossible for my dark hair to turn into a Gold Blonde, so I went back for it the next day. Good thing it was still in stock. They also had a new shade named Mocha Pink, but it went out of stock after less than a week they appeared on display (according to the SA). Etude House Bubble Hair Coloring in Mocha Pink and Gold Blonde retails at P398.00, versus the old shades that are at P378.00 each.

Etude House Happy Tea Time Cleansing Foam in Green Tea (P148.00)

This is my favorite facial wash (as of now). I've finished a big tube of this, and this one is my second tube of the same variant. I don't plan on changing variants anytime soon since this one in Green Tea works well for me.

Snoe Star Night Star Bright Night Perfecting Toner (P179.00)

I visited the Snoe stall in Landmark Trinoma and I loved how friendly the SAs (Andi and Jessica) are. Their names are so cute, parang DJs Andi and Jessica lang from the radio. I bought this toner as a backup since my first bottle is almost finished. (Watch out for the upcoming review!)

Belo Essentials SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40 (P299.75)

My everyday face sunblock. It's non-greasy and my oily skin agrees with it. No breakouts here!

Vegan Retractable Makeup Brush from Landmark (P89.75)

These ones are not mine, but for my officemates. They loved how nice and soft the brush is so they asked me to buy them some the next time I go to Landmark. (Well, I am almost always in Trinoma so that was easy.)

So that was my kikay haul! Shopping makes me feel good and gives me a high. Haha! Have you done any hauls lately?

Love,

Helen

Neutrogena Fine Fairness BB Cream

If you're an avid user of Neutrogena's Fina Fairness range, then you'd love their newest product, Neutrogena Fine Fairness BB Cream. I've been using this BB Cream in lieu of my liquid foundation everyday for almost a month now, so here's my review.

Neutrogena Fine Fairness BB Cream

About the product:

Ingredients:

Pros:

• The pump packaging is hygienic and is easy to control.

• The manufacturing and expiry date is printed on both the box and the base of the product. The shelf life of this product is 2 years.

• It's oil-free and it works well in keeping my face look brighter and fresher (but not shiny) for a longer period of time. It sticks on my skin and does not melt off easily even with super humid weather.

When worn

• I don't use face powder anymore since I like the dewy glow it gives. I just use an oil-blotting sheet by mid-day to remove excess oil.

• This BB Cream looks very natural-looking. I can still see my skin's undertones even if I have this on. The coverage is sheer and it brightens up my complexion instantly.
• It has only 1 shade, but it adjusts to your skintone because of the skin-matching minerals it contains.
• It's non-comedogenic and it lives up to its promise. I didn't get breakouts from this BB Cream even if I use this everyday. (I still use a makeup remover at the end of the day.)

Cons:

• Because of the packaging, you can't see exactly how much product is left inside. One day you'll be surprised that you're already out of BB Cream.
• The first time I used this without moisturizer/sunblock, it was so hard to apply and blend. I used Belo Essentials SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40 as my moisturizer/sunblock prior to applying the BB Cream, and it makes the BB Cream glide more smoothly and evenly on my skin. You have to use a creamy base under this BB Cream for it to work.
• Warning: Don't use a gel-based moisturizer under this BB Cream; they don't mix well. Using one then applying this BB Cream will cause the product to "peel off" or "exfoliate" from your skin.
• It can't cover dark circles or very red marks. You still have to use a separate concealer for that.

I'd recommend this BB Cream to those who are after a natural and dewy look. I've stopped using my liquid foundation for the meantime because of this, which I use everyday. I like the coverage (because I feel that it is enough for me) and the fact that it has skin care benefits (such as Lily and Vitamin C that control melanin production) and UV blocking properties. Neutrogena Fine Fairness BB Cream is priced at P720.00 and is available in Watsons.

Love,

Helen

Inspire Eau De Toilette by Memo

When it comes to fragrances, we choose what goes well with our body chemistry and what makes us feel good. Fragrances have a power that can affect one's emotion and evoke memories. One that makes me feel good and inspired all over is Memo's newest fragrance, Inspire.

Memo Inspire Eau de Toilette (EDT) for Women is a very fresh and lovely scent. It's subtly sweet and never overpowering - no matter how much you spritz it on. This one is like the younger sister of D&G Light Blue EDT, only a lighter and sweeter version, which makes for a great daytime fragrance. This is one of the rare fragrances you'd find that everyone would love. It's just impossible for this perfume to smell bad or off, just as how it is impossible for Jessica Sanchez's voice to crack in the middle of belting out a tune. This is how good this EDT is. This would be a perfect scent if only it lasted longer, as the staying power is not that strong. It's more like a cologne in a fancy bottle, but I don't mind reapplying because spritzing it always brings a smile to my face.

There's also a male version of the Memo Inspire EDT. Sometimes I feel like a boy because when there are fragrances for both men and women from the same line, I gravitate towards the one made for men because they almost always smell fresher, cleaner, and less flowery! (Too strong or heavy floral scents make me dizzy.) Well, that was the case before, until I tried Memo Inspire EDT for Women, which turned me into a girl instantly. This one has a fresh out of the shower, squeaky clean (but not soapy) scent; very much like a sexy man's aftershave which I really like.

If you're curious on how these fragrances smell like, do visit your nearest Memo store and experience Inspire for yourself. (You'd see these fragrances on their store window display, so it is impossible to miss.) Memo Inspire EDT for Women and Men is both priced at P349.00 each. If you're the cheesy type and into couple things, this would make for a cute gift with its matching box and bottle. And since Father's Day is just around the corner, why not get your Dad one too? :)

Love,

Helen