facebook twitter instagram linkedin pinterest
  • Home
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
      • Makeup review
      • Kbeauty
    • Skincare
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Fashion
      • Street style
      • Shopping
  • Entertainment
    • TV
    • Music
    • Press
    • culture

From Manila with Love Blog

Hmm sounds like a pretty blog name.
Fashion21 blush stick cream blush review

I've tried one to two creme blushes a long ass time ago and couldn't quite remember how I felt about them. I currently have two in my collection a Korean one that feels like Maybelline's bouncy blush and this one.

Fashion21 blush stick cream blush review

Fashion21 blush stick cream blush review

Fashion21 blush stick cream blush review

TEXTURE | PIGMENTATION | WEAR

I quite like this brand's matte lipsticks and a lot of people in general like their lipsticks as well. This one though doesn't get the same enthusiasm as the former.

It's pigmented and you really only need a little so it won't end up looking cakey on the skin. Blending it out is easy as well if using a brush or your fingers. The finish is natural, isn't glowy and sits well on my skin. It also lasts quite well I find. A little over four hours would be a fair estimate then it starts to significantly fade. Maybe because it was such a light color to begin with and I only put a very small amount.

Fashion21 blush stick cream blush review

That being said, it doesn't feel nice on the skin or to rephrase it's not comfortable to wear. I also think the color doesn't suit me all that well. It's a blue-based light pastel pink which I thought would be a nice break from all the corals and peaches I tended to wear.

In the spectrum of light and dark I'm in the middle. I find this will work well for people with light skin and dark skin but not medium (with warm/olive undertone). If your undertone leans a little more pink or you're neutral I think you can try it out but for the most part the two extremes of skin tone range will pull this one off better than I.

And the scent! Sometimes I like the nostalgia of "old-school" smelling makeup on certain products but I can't stand this one. It does linger on the face for a while and you can smell it on you (until such time that your nose gets used to it).

It's not bad per se. I wouldn't say it's a must-have though. It's cheap so if you want to explore some cream blush options try to swatch this at one of their kiosks as they also have four or five more colours to choose from.


xx,
CJ


PS. Will give this one to a friend.
PPS. I paid no more than Php 200 for this. Don't remember the exact price. I also don't remember the exact shade name or number. Hehe.


"Ugh it's morning". When that's your typical reaction to a work day apart from the fact that you don't look forward to work/school it might be also because you don't want to get READY for that day.

Lord knows how long I get ready in the morning. Or get ready period.



This month's BDJ box is aimed for breezing through getting ready when all you want to do is laze around all day on your bed wearing pajamas (or nothing at all!).

I'll list these products in order of excited-ness on my part and tell you about my thoughts about it at the very end.



  • Benefit They're Real Mascara 8.5g / 0.3 oz - Php 1300 (30g sample size) 
  • Carmex Tube (10g) & Carmex Click Stick Lip Balms (4.25g) - Php 110/ea 

Carmex has never dropped from people's lists in terms of effective lip care and after always hearing about it on YouTube I finally have the chance to try it out. (Gave the click stick to my sister.)

Ah the ever coveted They're Real mascara. I think 30g of this deluxe sample isn't bad at all. I excitedly tried this out the day after I got my box and it gave me a false lash effect. A bit spidery (not that I mind) but I think that was just because I was in front of my fan when I was applying this. I didn't like that it stayed tacky throughout the day though. Will continue my investigation...



Oh yeah. I'm currently growing out my brows just so I can try out Benefit's brow shaping game. I mean, that's what brow consultation means here right? A brow shaping session and not just actual talk-y talk-y consultation? :\



  • Celeteque Advanced Anti-Aging Cleansing Oil 50ml - Php 199
  • V10 Plus Serum 30ml - Php 4750 (Sample size)

Cleansing oils has always had a special place in my cleansing routine ever since I first tried one. I recently tried this Celeteque one night and while I do think it's does the job okay, 50 ml isn't enough for a month especially if you're like me who needs around 5 ml every time. It also doesn't completely remove semi-waterproof mascaras well. Which I find odd seeing that it is oil.

Wow this serum's pricey as f. I'm not one to scrimp on skincare but dang. V10 Plus is an award-winning serum in Japan. It comes in 10 variants to suit your skin needs from oily, acne-prone to dry and mature skin. Ok. Fine. The fact that it's coming from Japan and has won awards IN Japan lessens the blow a bit.



  • Dove Oxygen & Nourishment Shampoo and Conditioner 180ml - Php 115
Has Oxyfusion Technology that gives soft, nourished hair with 95% more volume. Note: Shampoo is super runny so be careful when dispensing. Accidentally squeezed out a ton and my hair has never been shampoo-ed this long except in a salon.



  • Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar 127g - Php 441 (Sample 28g)
  • Canmake Nail Polish 3.8g - Php 330

Cetaphil has been my go-to for un-harsh cleansing.

Canmake polishes are said to dry fast and go on evenly with its formula and fine brush. A little tempting but I'm gonna give this away. I'm not pretty keen on the color plus I'm not that into polishes anyway.

NOT PHOTOGRAPHED : FS Luscious Lipstick in Primrose 4g - Php 299

Oh my god. I have no idea where my picture went or if I even took a picture of it. I'm sorry!!! I'll probably end up giving this away since I don't need it.


Thoughts

In my opinion this box is a little more thoughtful as it featured what products a person (who wears makeup) needs when they need to bolt out the door especially since they featured multi-tasking products (soap bars, lipstick).

From cleansing products to makeup and nail polish to makeup removal. This box certainly fits that bill. It certainly is a giant step up from last month's box and obviously a lot more varied in terms of content.

In terms of actual utility, I'm definitely enjoying the cleansing oil so far and the hair stuff so I'd say it's a good box. Not bad. But not great. What do you think?

Subscription : Php 580
Value of box : Php 1278 (samples excluded)



Website : http://bjdbox.com
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/bdjbox
Twitter : https://twitter.com/bdjbox
Instagram : @bdjbox


Disclaimer : BDJ kindly sent this box to me as a gift. I was not asked nor compensated (monetary or otherwise) to post this in any of my social media or to make a blog post about it. All my opinions about the box - its contents and companies mentioned are my own unless someone steals my account, pretends to be me and continues the blog in my stead. Or someone pays me a lot of money. #shade #jk #orAmI?
Physiogel Free in my Skin Movement

To be honest while I do know about Physiogel, I've never used it before. I have sensitive skin but Physiogel has never crossed my mind as a possible solution to my skin dilemmas (dry patches, allergic reactions, redness/rosacea etc). One major reason being lack of information.

Good thing I was invited by First Tier Branding Solutions (thanks guys!) to learn more about the brand. #IgotSchooled

Last July 15, 2015 at Shangri-La Manila - Makati, I was invited to the unveiling of the new Physiogel look and introduction of the #FreeInMySkin movement along with a fun quiz. (more about that later)

Shangri-la Manila Makati

I'm seriously obsessed with this butter
Free in my skin. Physiogel

I was formally introduced to GSK (Glaxo Smith Kline) and its flagship skin health brand Physiogel and what they stand for.

  • GSK is one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare company and is commited to improving helping people do more, feel better and live longer.
  • Physiogel is no. 1 most-prescribed brand by Dermatologists.
  • Contains Physiogel Biomimic Technology® that works to soothe and repair the skin's natural moisture barrier.
  • Non-comodegenic and Free from soap, preservatives, colorants and fragrance.
Physiogel's latest campaign aims to enable Filipinas to be self-aware and free themselves from skin insecurities like dry and sensitive skin.


71% and 61% of Filipinas have sensitive face and body skin, respectively.

Patti Grandidge and Bianca Valerio



Patti Gradidge (TV host, model/entrepreneur and blogger) admitted that having dry and sensitive skin held her back a little as she would always be thinking of what others see/ would say about her skin. Needless to say Physiogel changed all that.

Justin Lladoc and Dr. Maria Teresita Gabriel


Physiogel Old Look

Physiogel's New look!


The fun little quiz they added to their campaign gives you a list of things (ala bucketlist) to do to be more confident and free. Took the quiz twice just to see if I'll get a different result. Take the quiz too!

My results!

Freedom List challenge
Still got the same result but I don't mind at all. I like it! Although the list changed a little so that's nice. It doesn't have the same five items for each personality.

Physiogel Loot



Thanks for the invite! Currently loving the dermo-cleanser and my sister is thoroughly enjoying cream.


xx,
CJ


PS. Have you heard about Physiogel?
PPS. Do you have sensitive and/or dry skin? What have you used to remedy it? 
I've been so obsessed with this web drama lately because...


  • It has 2NE1's Dara and Winner's Seung Yoon.
  • The second guy is SUPER adorable. SUPER ADORABLE.
  • The acting is nice. Most of the time it falls in the typical "K-drama style" of acting and the sound effects are most of the time completely unnecessary but I get it (it did come from a web-comic after all) I think they wanted the show to be edited "comic-style" hence the sounds effects.
I don't know for how long this show will run but I'm enjoying it, more than I initially thought I would.

Edit : I just watched the ending. It was cute.

READING
Facebook. It has really become my news portal. Not just for news about who got married, who broke up and who got promoted in my friends' list but daily tidbits regarding politics, disasters, science (Hey Pluto!) and gender issues.

WEARING
A shift dress. Fancy-speak for daster.

THINKING
About the weather. How come it was so hot yesterday?

LISTENING TO
Jazz for sleep on Spotify aka the best player in the world which has forever trumped iTunes in my laptop.

FEELING
Mellow. Must be all that jazz... ♫And all that jazz♫

LOVING
That there will be a lot of movie releases this year and the succeeding year.

WANTING
The Kat Von D Shade and light eye palette, Stila's Mind palette and Tarte's Tartelette palette.



NEEDING
A solid matte palette. Or a palette with a lot of mattes in it. Any suggestions?

WISHING
For calmer but windier weather.


xx,
CJ
Shawill Coloring Eyebrow Pen Review


It's been a while since I posted my first impressions on this cheapy eyebrow pen. (here) And I decided it was about time I make a full review on it after testing for more than a month already.


Shawill Coloring Eyebrow Pen Review



If you're not familiar with eyebrow pens, think eyeliners but watered-down and made for the eyebrows. It's supposed to be easy to apply, easy for the brows (no hairs sticking to waxy pencils) and natural looking. (you can mimic hair strands because of the pen tip)

NOTE : Ingredient list is nowhere to be found even online.


As one can expect from Asian beauty companies, cutesey is something we do quite well. The stripe design and pastel pink evokes the sailor-vibe and I quite like it. The pen itself is pretty typical, plastic with a brush tip and ball bearing inside to mix the product.

Shawill Coloring Eyebrow Pen Review


According to the Sales Attendant there're only two shades — dark brown and light brown. The dark brown is in a blue pen.

Despite being light brown, I find the formula really pigmented for an eyebrow pen.

"But hey isn't the fact that it's pigmented, good?"

No. It's a different ball game when it comes to eye brow products, namely pen types. The "sheer-er " the better. Also when doing brows, you want to slowly get into it so it won't look harsh and too drawn-on.

USAGE / PERFORMANCE

I go in with a light hand and start outlining the outer edges of my eyebrow. Then with a spoolie in hand (or a cotton bud or finger) I spread it out. It tends to dispense a LOT of product especially if you press down or shake it beforehand.

Shawill Coloring Eyebrow Pen Review


I sweat quite a bit but I wouldn't classify myself as oily so this lasts on me the whole day. Not saying that this is oil-proof though because this melts on my sister (she has really oily skin).

It looks a little patchy because if I keep on lining it it just appears darker and darker almost black so I confine it to the outline of my brows and the ends. I completely gave up putting "hair-like" strokes to the front. To blend everything, make it budge-proof I put on Wet N Wild waterproof black mascara.

Shawill Coloring Eyebrow Pen Review


VERDICT

Pass on this one. I don't "hate" it but I did try to like it. I really did. It's cheap. The color is natural (if sheered out) and I think it looks okay on the ends of my brows but when I try to draw "brow hairs" on the inner part of my brow it just looks like I DREW brow hairs on the inner part of my brows.

Shawill Coloring Eyebrow Pen Review


It doesn't come off as natural (in person. Looks quite nice in pictures though.) at all. I don't know if I haven't gotten the right way to do it or I just suck. Apart from not looking natural, it's not oil-proof, waterproof or smudge-proof. (I think the whole point of eyebrow pens are that they're waterproof and/or smudge-proof)

Ugh...I hate wasting money. Anyway, I'll keep playing around with it from time to time, just to annoy myself but for the most part I'm going back to my trusty old pencil.


xx,
CJ

PS. Have you tried this or any other brow pens? What do you think about brow pens in general?


Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/shawillcosmeticsph
Online : http://www.lazada.com.ph/shop-makeup/shawill/ 

fake etude house cushion makeup


I was in Tiendesitas a couple of days back and came across this store that sell makeup. So like a moth to a flame I found myself walking in that direction.

I could tell within the first few seconds that a lot of the items were counterfeits / replicas. (Naked 5 anyone? How about a Naked 6 palette?) There were some authentic makeup as well, like Physician's Formula, Maybelline and L'oreal and I know 100% they're authentic but I believe they've been tampered with because when I was trying to look for the expiration dates, curiously they're nowhere to be found.

It's pretty easy to guess why no?

fake etude house cushion makeup box


Anyway, as there were a lot of counterfeit US makeup there were counterfeit Korean makeup as well. I wasn't surprised about that since I've seen a lot of sellers with counterfeit BB creams, lip tints, powders etc in their product lists. What I was surprised about was that there's a replica of an Etude cushion compact.

Color me impressed.

fake etude house cushion makeup box

fake etude house cushion makeup box

fake etude house cushion makeup box

fake etude house cushion makeup box
I've only seen images of the boxes online but I'd say to an untrained eye, they're completely identical. The only obvious factor in the box design (and the compact) is that the gold element of the design in the front is skewing a little to the left when it's supposed to be centered with the rest of the elements.

fake etude house cushion makeup compact

fake etude house cushion makeup compact
Now I'm gonna tell you straight-off, I'm not adventurous / reckless / stupid enough to actually try this on my face. Because

  1. It's fake.
  2. Even if the cushion was sealed, which it was, it wasn't a very secure seal. It was haphazardly slapped on just to be "as close to the original one as possible" I bet.
  3. It smells nice like really fragrant shampoo or fabric softener.

fake etude house cushion makeup compact
The cushion case feels very much like the Authentic one. It also has the same matte finish and of course inside you can find the standard Etude cushion puff.

Luckily I bought a real one way back so I can compare. The angle is off, but they're really the same size in reality.

fake etude house cushion makeup puff


fake etude house cushion makeup compact

fake etude house cushion makeup swatch

This concludes my sort-of review, sort of ramble post. I really wanted to get this out there because I myself prefer online shopping and getting deals in general. I hope this post will make people aware that there are such things out. So if you think you're getting the real stuff and a lot of my points were ticked off in your head. Dance the macarena then walk away.

I hope you guys found this post informative. Until next time!

xx,
CJ

PS. I bought this compact for a whopping Php 350. Such money. Wow. Much cheap.
PPS. There are only three makeup stores in Tiendesitas as of writing this. Two of them have store signs. And those two sell authentic as f*** makeup. 
PPPS. I've cleaned out the compact and put in my concocted base. Yay.
june_bdj_box_2015_Bioderma_Unboxing_1

This June, BDJBox decided to partner up with Bioderma for an exclusive release this month. I literally received it today and wanted to post the unboxing as soon as possible because I was feeling a little meh about this.

june_bdj_box_2015_Bioderma_Unboxing_2

Product list:

  • Sebium Moussant (5ml / 200ml - Php 1,238) - Face and Body cleanser. Soap-free and non-comodegenic cleanser with Fluidactiv sebum-correcting complex.
  • Sensibo Eye Contour Gel (2ml / 15ml - Php1,248) - Lightweight eye gel that reduces puffiness and makes eye area resistant to attacks thanks to the Toleridine complex.
  • Sensibo DS+ (5ml / 40ml - Php 1,628) - Calming moisturizer designed for people with sebhorrhoeic dermatitis.
  • Sensibo Light (5ml / 40ml - Php 1,548) - Formulated with Toleridine complex the ideal treatment for sensitive skin.
  • Atoderm Intensive (8ml / 200ml - Php 1,418) - With Zinc and Betasitosterol to provide intense anti-inflammatory care and helps to stop the itch.
  • Atoderm Preventive (8ml / 200ml - Php 1,998) - Created with infants and children in mind. This strengthens dry skin of young ones and keeps them from aggravating the dryness.
  • Photoderm Max (5ml / 40ml - Php 1,348) - Has UVA and UVB maximum protection (100) and Cellular BIOprotection complex to effectively shield against cell damage from the sun's rays.
  • Sebium Pore Refiner (5ml / 30ml - Php 1468) - The astringent and pore minimizing properties of Fomes Officinalis helps to tighten pores, imperfections and mattifies immediately and over the long term.
  • The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain (Full size 8ml - Php 795) - With Vitamin E in Shade 01.

Thoughts

Okay first things first. This is my first time to receive almost all sample sizes in a BDJbox. It's new but I don't necessarily dislike it.

I wasn't really that impressed. For a Php580 box this wasn't what I had in mind mainly because of the stellar previous boxes. In terms of skin care, I see the efficacy of a new regimen within 2 weeks. That's also about the time my skin will adjust to the new skincare I'm using. For 5ml of product it's hard to see if it will tide me over for a week to be honest.

My mom hasn't received her first ever BDJbox yet and I know she won't have the best-est reaction for a first-timer. Hell hath no fury like a woman duped.

Okay so looking at the prices, the tint basically paid for the entire box. But how would you feel to get almost everything in trial size? This is skincare, for makeup I'll take it like last year's Benefit Box exclusive, but for skincare I just don't think the sizes permit a generally pleasant reaction to people getting this box especially first timers.


xx,
CJ

june_bdj_box_2015_Bioderma_Unboxing_3









PS. I'm not sure what the exact value of the box is because usually I don't add in the value of the sample sizes but BDJ has stated it's still triple the subscription amount as it's always been. :) Love this month's sticker. Never stop making them BDJ!

PPS. The BDJ team is currently getting cooked by some of their customers for this month's box. Just look at their Facebook page. Yikes.

PPPS. Gave the whole box to my tita. :)


Website : http://bjdbox.com
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/bdjbox
Twitter : https://twitter.com/bdjbox
Instagram : @bdjbox


Disclaimer : BDJ kindly sent this box to me as a gift. I was not asked nor compensated (monetary or otherwise) to post this in any of my social media or to make a blog post about it. All my opinions about the box - its contents and companies mentioned are my own unless someone steals my account, pretends to be me and continues the blog in my stead.
Rosie paints exactly what I feel like

I've been feeling a little dismayed peppered with a pinch of annoyance because I have to go through interviews again. If you've been in employment for the past few years you've gone through at least a handful of interviews some of which were absolutely dreadful.

Aside from the fact that you need to answer the most stereotypical, trite and flaccid interview questions 100 times, you get sized up by receptionists and/or other interviewers who look totally uninterested and act vapid. You know the types right?

I've been lucky to come across good-natured fellows who are up to snuff about the recruitment process, but man you really get to know the term "backwards" when you've been interviewed in the Philippines, by a Philippine company.

It's come to my attention that what the hell, am I really attracting these types of jobs or am I not looking hard enough...am I even good enough? I've literally went for careers I wanted and made sure I was the perfect candidate. Still...ughhh.

Sigh.

READING
Prelude to Foundation by Isaac Asimov. Science Fiction is definitely one of my go-to genres. I'm into Adventure and Fantasy and Thriller but Science Fiction definitely has my heart.

WRITING
This (slightly depressing) freaking blog post.

LISTENING TO

I love the very very 80's - Early 90's vibe this has.

WATCHING
Watched Jurassic park 1 & 2. Looking forward to watching Jurassic World after I'm done with the 3rd installment.

WEARING
My flowy bohemian top with Spiderman pajamas. Don't worry, it looks as ridiculous as it sounds.

THINKING
About repercussions of actually going to one of my interviews.

FEELING
The opposite of elated.

LOVING
Being in bed. All. The. Time.

WANTING
A place of my own.

NEEDING
A place of my own.

WISHING
For my own island. You know what I mean?

Someone needs to tell me "You go Glenn Coco". I need a pick-me-up.


xx,
CJ
Newer Posts
Older Posts

Featured Post

LET’S BE FRIENDS

Popular Posts

FROM MANILA WITH LOVE

  • About
  • Media Kit
  • Inquiry

DON'T MISS A POST

* indicates required

TRANSLATE THIS SITE

Created By SoraTemplates | Distributed by GooyaabiTemplates
© 2023 From Manila with Love