The Body Shop Lily Cole Pearl Radiance Primer

The Body Shop recently launched their limited edition Lily Cole cruelty-free makeup range, and this primer was one of the products that I was most excited about. I've always heard about how great primers are when you want your makeup to last all day, but it's my first time to actually try one. And this one's no ordinary primer because it has beautiful pink pearls in it for instantly glowing skin!

The Body Shop Lily Cole Pearl Radiance Primer (P1,295.00)

Perfect and illuminate your complexion with this pearlescent make-up base. It gets its shimmer from mineral mica.

    Adds radiance
    Use before foundation or alone
    Dermatologically tested
    Gives a flawless finish
    Limited edition

This primer has an easy to control pump dispenser that dispenses the pink pearls and gel together. I like that the packaging is clear so you'd get to see how much product you have left.

Swatches:

Before

It looks weird, as I was expecting some pearly liquid mixture (like liquid highlighter) to come out.

During

Apply a pea-sized amount to your face in circular motions so it would blend into your skin. It would take a little effort for the pearls to blend into your skin, but then it's not a problem for me because the result is so worth it.

After

This primer gives a subtle, beautiful, radiant glow. It's not shimmery which is great, since I have oily skin and I wouldn't want my skin to appear shinier than it already is.

When worn

I used this product alone (with no other makeup except for eyebrow powder). I used this product all over my face and I like how it made my skin feel velvety soft and look healthier and hydrated instantly. My complexion looked well-rested here (even if I slept late the night before). It's like a quick fix to radiant skin!
 

The Lily Cole Pearl Radiance Primer can actually be used alone, as a makeup base, and also as a liquid highlighter to illuminate the forehead, temples, the front of the nose, and the center of the chin, but I prefer using it just as a makeup base. I'm more used to highlighter in powder form.

I used this under a BB cream and I loved how the radiance peeks through my makeup, which looks as if it's lit from within. This primer made my BB cream glide on like a dream. I find that I use less makeup whenever I use this primer beforehand, as it makes my skin look better than it really is. Plus, makeup like BB creams or liquid foundations usually last only half a day on me, but when I used this under my makeup, my skin looked extra glowy the entire day and my makeup still looked fresh even until I went home after work. (I have oily skin, and my makeup managed to stay on even with my commute to and from work. Because of that, I don't retouch anything (aside from lipstick), I just blot using an oil-control sheet by midday.)

For more information on the Lily Cole makeup range, do visit The Body Shop's new and revamped website! I'll be reviewing other products from the Lily Cole range, so do watch out for it!

Have you tried out The Body Shop Lily Cole makeup yet? Which one do you like best? :)

Love,

Helen

Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates

For many years, I though that good ol' chocnut was the most proudly Pinoy chocolate created, until I met Theo & Philo.

Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates is the only bean to bar chocolate from the Philippines. By bean to bar, it means that ALL ingredients used in the chocolate bars are sourced locally here in our country (with cacao sourced from Davao, and sugar from Bacolod).

I got to try their Milk Chocolate with Barako Coffee variant, which I got from Human Nature's flagship store in Commonwealth.

I love the packaging. It's simple but classy. From the color choice, to the kalesa detail - it shows a strong sense of Philippine pride.

I love how this bar gives just the right kick of Barako coffee. Even if it's a milk chocolate (and not dark chocolate), it still has a bittersweet taste to it. The texture has a little bit of graininess in it, which resembles crushed coffee. However, I find that it easily melts in room temperature or even on your fingers while you're eating it. (Tip: Eat it at home so you could lick your fingers right after! Haha!) If this bar of chocolate doesn't wake up your taste buds, I don't know what else will.

Speaking of Theo & Philo being proudly-Filipino, their other flavors will surely tickle your tastebud, like 70% Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate with Labuyo (Chili), Dark Chocolate with Green Mango and Salt, Milk Chocolate with Organic Barako Coffee, Milk Chocolate with Pili Nut & Pinipig (Toasted Rice), and Dark Chocolate with Calamansi.

I'm craving for more Theo & Philo chocolates, particularly their Labuyo and Green Mango and Salt flavors! What are your picks? :)

Love,

Helen

Michelis

One rainy day, I decided to go to the mall after work and buy myself some big-girl jewelry as a pick-me-up (and reward for working hard). While I love accessorizing with big and bright baubles, there's just something so elegant and timeless about silver jewelry that attracts me to it. I went to Michelis in SM Megamall for some silver shopping.

Upon entering the store, I saw all the fine silver jewelry that they had to offer. Shelves and tables filled with sparkly necklaces, bracelets, rings, and charms! I had a hard time choosing since they were all so nice. I ended up getting a ring since I wanted something that I could wear everyday (if that makes any sense).

I like that the packaging is very well though of. The white box has an orange cushioned lining, plus a small cloth bag for the jewelry, which was carefully wrapped in onion-skin paper.

 

I got the sterling silver rope ring. The unique design is simple with a twist (literally) - just the way I like it. By the way, Michelis also offers free lifetime cleaning to all their silver jewelry.

Their friendly staff who helped me choose what to get also gave me this discount voucher for my next purchase!

I'm so happy with my new ring! I have Belle De Jour Power Planner and Michelis to thank for that. :)

Love,

Helen