I've shaved my legs before. I've also done the duct-tape-on-legs thing when I was younger (don't ask me why. I don't know). And the feeling of leg waxing, for me as a noob, is more akin to the duct tape scenario. Not exact, but very close.
Please give a warm welcome to Glenn Domingo who will be giving us a list of restaurants to try! So if you ever find yourself hungry in Pampanga read on! - CJ
Fast-rising KBeauty site Althea Korea turns 1 today! To make this birthday more memorable and fun *ahem* free makeup *ahem* Althea has some amazing contests and freebies and more! Read on to find out what you need to do.
Prevention is better than the cure. I think I've said that already once here. In terms of skincare I do try to keep it clean and healthy by using products that cater to my specific skin type and skin needs. As much as I can, I make sure that un-needed chemicals aren't present (or in small quantities) and it incorporates as much plant-based ingredients as possible if not all-together organic/vegan.
As part of any makeup wearer's routine, makeup removal is priority in cleansing. Before your head hits that pillow your skin should be clean. There are different ways of taking off makeup but you're no lazy girl. You don't need "A Lazy Girl's Guide to Cleansing". If you're like me, you take makeup cleansing seriously.
So my penchant for Kbeauty has always come hand-in-hand with Korean cuisine. I'm always on the lookout for food and restaurants that I haven't tried. I wanted to try one of the many Korean restaurants/cafes in Ortigas and I decided on Sopoong Food House. I wanted something cold that day (we went there during the heat wave here in the PH around March or April) so cold desserts were the goal.
Goopy, sheer, thick and extremely sticky. This was really popular in the early to mid-2000s. And I didn't really care for them. The smelt nicer than the typical lipsticks at the time. Came in cuter packaging and cool (Lizzie MacGuire a.k.a. life peg) people wore them. But I just couldn't get over the constant hair sticking to the lip scenario. Not to mention it looked like I ate something really oily because most lip glosses available to me were reaaaaaally sheer. So I stayed away from them.
It's really a Do-It-Yourself kind of DIY, not the Hey-I-need-your-help-sis/mom/bro/pet-to-put-this-mixture-that-smells-a-little-like-piss-on-me-DIY.
A lot of people have coloured hair here in the Philippines. And why not, it's a sure-fire way to revamp your look. I mean I've changed my hair's colour countless times whether at home or at the salon. Really good salons can get expensive, especially if you want something more than the typical shades of dark brown and sometimes salons can get it wrong too. Plus you're a busy superwoman juggling 10 things at once who has time to go to a salon anyway?
I put a cute little bird because it's cute, like this line. And because...why not?
The search for a nice affordable base is never done. I've had this for quite a while. The tube still has some product inside but I gave up on making it work on my skin. It just doesn't look right. Read on for what I think.
BelAir Cosmetics, the company that made the brand 4U2 (and this BB Cream), is a US company but made in Thailand. Understandably it's quite popular in Thailand as well as Malaysia and the Philippines.
Packaging | Price
I quite like the simple tube packaging. The whole "Love Pink" line is very affordable. The packaging is pretty evident that it's catered to the much younger (teen/pre-teen) crowd. I don't really care that much about the teeny-bopper-ness of the packaging as long as the product performed to my standards.
Texture | Scent | Application
It's creamy, smooth and mouse-y (not runny). On the skin it feels very lightweight. It kinda has this medicated scent to it. I prefer this type of scent than the generic makeup or foundation smell.
Application is easy. Using a dense brush it gives a medium coverage from the get-go. Opting for a sponge (or a damp one) yields a lighter coverage. You can build up the coverage, but I feel like it won't be legitimately "full coverage". It's close though. It sets pretty quickly on me, so I can easily touch my face right afterwards and not feel any stickiness. It also doesn't dry out my skin. It can make dry patches look a little obvious though.
As for the colour-match. Oy vey. The dreaded BB cream dilemma especially for Asian brands. This BB cream only comes in one shade. And it's a very peachy-pink-neutral leaning to cool one at that. So it looks off on me and you know from 10 feet away that my face doesn't match my neck. I look pink and ashy. Yes it's possible.
Experience
Looking at the swatch you'd think that there's a decent amount of warmth or yellow in it. I believe it oxidizes to a more cooler tone or maybe that's just on me. Either way there's only one shade and it won't be a one-size-fits-all thing, it rarely is. If you're a fair, light or NC/NW 20-25 in shade you might match with this.
For wear/longevity, it lasted well (around 5-8 hours) on my normal-dry sensitive skin with oily t-zone. It has a tendency to cling to dry patches as I've said because of the texture. It did significantly fade at the end of the day but in a graceful way. It didn't crack, coagulate (whut) or separate on me. It just lost pigment and I think it's a really nice aspect of this.
For wear/longevity, it lasted well (around 5-8 hours) on my normal-dry sensitive skin with oily t-zone. It has a tendency to cling to dry patches as I've said because of the texture. It did significantly fade at the end of the day but in a graceful way. It didn't crack, coagulate (whut) or separate on me. It just lost pigment and I think it's a really nice aspect of this.
I also have a problem with how it's marketed as BB cream. "Real" legitimate BB creams, at the very least Korean ones, always have SPF in them plus other nice ingredients for the skin. Always. Otherwise it's called foundation. So I was pretty bummed that this didn't contain any sun protection at all. I feel like I wasted my money with this. It's not a lot of money but for something that I didn't like and was never going to use again (not a bb cream people) it's still money.
xx,
CJ
PS. Wore the foundation for about 6 - 8 times. I tried to make it work by mixing it with other foundations but the gray and ruddiness still shows through.
PPS. I know there are foundations with SPF and/or firming/moisturizing/anti-aging claims. It's just that when you say BB cream (or CC cream) it's supposed to be a "supercharged", "next-level" tinted moisturizer. This 4U2 one, for me, is just foundation. Suffice to say my faith was eradicated with this BB. Eh?Eh?Eh?*nudge**nudge* *hint**hint*... :'( Ok...
http://www.4u2cosmetics.com/
https://www.facebook.com/4U2-Cosmetics-Philippines
I always get a nice surprise whenever I hear about a locally-available brand that's cruelty-free AND vegan. There's a couple now in the market, mostly indie online-centric brands that you can only shop at through Instagram or Facebook.
I'm not crazy about nail polishes to be honest. I have a few in my vanity and I rarely use them. I'm more into nail strengtheners and nail oils. Part of the reason why is because a lot of readily accessible polish brands have toxic chemicals in them that damage my already brittle nails. This where this brands' 5Free promise comes in.
What do you mean by "5 Free"?, you might ask. It means that these polishes are made without formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and toluene along with the allergens camphor and formaldehyde resin—all potentially dangerous ingredients that could do everything from disrupt your endocrine system to cause cancer. (via)
Being already familiar with toxin-free vegan polish brands thanks to Picture Polish, I'm happy to share with you guys that you don't have to buy abroad to get some because...Weens. :)) (Seriously though isn't the name so interesting to say?)
Posted are some of Weens polishes from their latest collection— QT Nail Magic. (Php 66) I'm partial to the Emerald green one (Voyage). But which one do you like best? Do you use vegan/cruelty-free polishes?
xx,
CJ
Images via Weens.
Facebook : www.facebook.com/WeensCosmeticsPhilippines
Instagram : @weens_nailpolish
Weens Cosmetics Philippines is the 1st and only brand, manufacturing 5 Free Non-toxic formula, Cruelty Free and Vegan nail polish locally. Made from imported raw materials and FDA approved. - Weens Cosmetics Philippines
I'm not crazy about nail polishes to be honest. I have a few in my vanity and I rarely use them. I'm more into nail strengtheners and nail oils. Part of the reason why is because a lot of readily accessible polish brands have toxic chemicals in them that damage my already brittle nails. This where this brands' 5Free promise comes in.
What do you mean by "5 Free"?, you might ask. It means that these polishes are made without formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and toluene along with the allergens camphor and formaldehyde resin—all potentially dangerous ingredients that could do everything from disrupt your endocrine system to cause cancer. (via)
Being already familiar with toxin-free vegan polish brands thanks to Picture Polish, I'm happy to share with you guys that you don't have to buy abroad to get some because...Weens. :)) (Seriously though isn't the name so interesting to say?)
Posted are some of Weens polishes from their latest collection— QT Nail Magic. (Php 66) I'm partial to the Emerald green one (Voyage). But which one do you like best? Do you use vegan/cruelty-free polishes?
xx,
CJ
Images via Weens.
Facebook : www.facebook.com/WeensCosmeticsPhilippines
Instagram : @weens_nailpolish
If this adorable salon's name and motif isn't enough to remind you of cotton candy, lollipops and rainbows you will when I tell you they use sugar for all of their services. Melted (pulled? taffy-like?) sugar for waxing and scrubbing. Yes like the sugar you eat. Interested? Read on.
A little disclaimer, I don't pluck my underarms. I've been using razors or removal creams but it's been a years since I've plucked them. So my tolerance for pain in this regard is pretty damn low. What more waxing.
Guuurl there was blood and pain, not going to lie. But the my attendant or sugar technician was very kind and accommodating. She decided to switch to plucking when the bleeding wasn't stopping. I was glad to switch to tweezers let me tell you, I barely felt it #numb.
One thing to note though, you're supposed to have your underarms waxed when there's about an inch of hair not less, to make it easier to pull out and to make it more comfortable for you. Blame me for going there with a 5 day overgrowth, my sugar attendant did mention it was harder to pull out because of the short hair.
For those who haven't tried underarm waxing at Whipped, it goes like this:
- Polite sugar techs asking for your reservation.
- They'll show you to an enclosed room and ask you to lie down.
- Maybe ask a few questions here or there about your hair removal.
- A wipe-down to clean and to remove deodorant residue.
- The waxing itself using the soft pliable cold sugar wax.
- Plucking smaller and/or thinner hair that didn't get caught by the wax.
- Then another wipe-down.
- Smooth armpits :)
They didn't get ALL my underarm hair, but seeing as the ones left were very thin and small like peach-fuzz—too thin to be plucked, I guess it's understandable.
As for the eyebrow waxing that was leagues more tolerable, very similar to my experience with brow threading here.
Quiet atmosphere (I believe I was the only client at the time), comfortable and charming decor. If you're thinking of where to get waxing done maybe you should check them out. They're popular with guys as well (which I like) so guys please don't let the decor deter you! (they're just colours, c'mon)
Branches
3rd Floor, Ayala Fairview Terraces
2nd Floor, Commerce Avenue Wing, Alabang Town Center
2nd Floor, Eight Forbes Town Center
xx,
CJ
PS. After a week (around 6 days) I noticed the hairs growing back are thinner than what they used to be. Usually the strands are thicker. Heeeey. :)
https://www.facebook.com/WhippedSalon/
Well one-brand for the most part. I did stray here and there (eyebrows and the powder). I'm also putting a dedicated review on some other products mentioned and not mentioned here (powder, lipstick).
I finally get to tackle the brand-spanking re-brand FS did with some old favorites and new additions. If you've seen my previous post about the newly re-launched FS Cosmetics or Features & Shades here you might be wondering what's really worth checking out and what can you pass up on. Here's my "one-brand" face of the day /makeup of the day with their products with quips on what I think of them.
Let's start with primer.
Aptly named "Primer" this pre-foundation base comes in a squeeze-tube (nice) and has 20g of product in it. That's a pretty decent amount since you really don't need a lot of this all over the face. This one especially tends to ball-up with the foundation if you use way too much.
Texture and appearance-wise it's very similar to Benefit's Porefessional. It's a silicone primer and it performs (I assume) as most silicone primers do. This does blur the pores and smoothes the skin leaving it velvety.
I personally don't subscribe to the notion that silicone primers or face primers in general makes makeup last long. I haven't seen a difference. I've tried the Maybelline and the Quick FX primers and they're all the same to me. One thing I can say is that this primer is heavily fragranced. The scent is very floral and "perfume-y".
For my actual base, I chose to go with FS's BB cream in Oriental. There are 3 shades available, this being the middle one. It claims to be a sun protectant, foundation, concealer and moisturizer. Basically an all-in-one product (as most BB creams tend to claim) but the concealer part is pushing it a bit.
I do really like this. It's smooth, blends in well, looks natural, feels light on the skin, moisturizing, has at most a (well...almost when you build it up) medium coverage and has an olive undertone to it (perfect) BUT...
It appears slightly ashy on me. I blame it on the spf for the slightly walking-dead appearance initially but it does adjust to your skin a little in about 10 - 15 minutes especially when set with a powder of your shade. It also has this light citrusy-floral fragrance that I don't mind unlike the primer.
I find it a little annoying that they didn't put exactly how much sun protection you get with this, so I suggest using a separate SPF. I also wouldn't suggest this to people with oily skin as this is quite moisturizing, glowy and tacky and stays that way if you don't set it. People with dry patches (me) would do well to exfoliate prior because this BB clings a little. Other than that, it's a nice everyday type of base for people who are okay with light coverage foundations (BBs/CCs).
This pretty "I'm ready for summer" blush in Twinkle Tan is gorgeous on the skin. It's like a bronzey blush with fine gold shimmer. It's smooth and very pigmented. If I had to recommend one thing out of everything here I'd suggest this one. The finish is this very gleamy highlighted-satin sheen — You won't need a separate highlighter with this for sure.
I haven't tried this for over 12 hours but for a typical 8-hour day it lasts well. Especially since it's less than P500, as with every product in this post.
This amazing True Light Liquid Lipstick in Glossy Peony is very pretty. Half of it because of the nice matte packaging and the light inside when you open it.
I would consider this more of a lipgloss than a "liquid lipstick". I think my perception of liquid lipsticks have been escalated because of the numerous liquid lipsticks that have been coming out for the past 2 - 3 years or so. It's not sticky like a typical gloss and it's decently pigmented as well. I would go as far as to say it's slightly moisturizing. Lip prep is important though because it settles in the cracks.
The colour is a pretty milky medium-peachy-rose with golden shimmer. Don't be put off by the shimmer though, it's really really nice on the lips. Not chunky "glitters" at all. It feels comfortable on, no strong scent nor taste and THE LIGHT GUYS. THE LIGHT!!!
For the eyeshadow I have their single eyeshadow in Ash Brown. It's a pigmented matte cool-toned dark brown. Rubbing my finger on the pan, it feels slightly gritty but for the most part it's smooth and blends well with a brush.
There's also a wide selection of colours and finishes. You can pop these in a four pan palette that they sell so you can customize your own palette. Richly pigmented, versatile and affordable for a whopping 4g, this will last long.
The black Mascarade Volumizing Mascara is okay. It builds up okay on itself. The pigment is really black and the brush is the normal bristled mascara brush I prefer but it only yields a natural lash look even after numerous coats. As you can see from the picture that's the extent of the the volumizing part it can do for my sparse lashes. For 10g, it's a decent pick for the price when you don't know which brand to go for.
It's not smudge-proof and waterproof, though it doesn't claim to be. But it's water-resistant so there's that. Like I said. It's okay but not something I'd purchase on my own. I like mascaras that give a lot of volume.
Final result. A very no-makeup makeup look. After running errands and being out for more than 5 hours, the bb cream and blush performed really well. I guess the primer also did its job? The mascara and shadow were still there too. But the shadow faded a little bit maybe an eye primer would do the trick next time. I was most surprised about the blush though, I only put a little but it still held on at the end of the day.
I also didn't break out. To be honest though I only used the primer twice but I had the sinking feeling it would break me out if I used it consecutively. I also couldn't stand the scent so that's the only thing I used twice.
Other products used : Palgantong/3WC Powder in #23 as setting powder and for eyebrows I used Pinkies Collection brow pencil in black, Glam21 pencil and Maybelline brow mascara in Dark Brown.
[Reference : Sensitive, dry-normal skin, slightly oily t-zone and dry patches. Sweaty boy.]
Like I mentioned, everything here is less than Php 500. So the brand on the whole is pretty affordable. What would you try from this brand? Which FS product would you like an in-depth review on? My personal picks are the gloss, shadow and blush.
xx,
CJ
http://www.fscosmetics.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FS-Cosmetics
https://twitter.com/FSCosmetics
https://www.instagram.com/fscosmetics/
xx,
CJ
Bonbon Festival - Celebrate Art, Environment and Community!
Now on it's second year, Bonbon Festival is back to celebrate Arts, Environment and Community in a one of a kind one-day event which will be participated by young professionals, students, different artists in Batangas Province, and invited guests from other places.
Bonbon Festival is the first eco-green festival in the province which aims to support and sustain the environment by using arts and culture as one of the tools for preservation and development.
The festival will be at Sitio Tagbakin, Brgy. Halang Lipa City, Batangas this coming May 21, 2016 from 6am onwards!
Gala at Pasyal sa Lawa/ Knowledge Tour
Know the story of the lake region and eruption history of Taal Volcano via boat ride from Sitio Tagbakin, Lipa City to San Nicolas to Volcano Island and back. Enjoy the horse ride and trek with local tour guide and the rest of the team.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Know the story of the lake region and eruption history of Taal Volcano via boat ride from Sitio Tagbakin, Lipa City to San Nicolas to Volcano Island and back. Enjoy the horse ride and trek with local tour guide and the rest of the team.
Mananghalian/Lunch
Savor a sumptuous lunch of Batangas fusion cuisine and local refreshments.
Huntahan sa Lawa/ Talkback
Join a series of meaningful talkback and discussions about Art and Environment with interactive community workshops that culminates the afternoon activities.
Hapunan/ Dinner by the Lake, Art Installations and Performance Art
Experience Batangas Art and Culture through performances. Listen to the old time Kundiman music plus musical performances dedicated to Taal led by independent Batangueno musicians including LAC Music Department. Cocktails are available with a party capping the night with all-out-fun and dancing.
Participants may choose from two packages:
Package A | Php 2000
Package B | Php 500
For inquiries and ticket purchase you may contact:
Mr. Carlo Aguila at 043-740-7112 or 09178779144
First published in ohohleo.blogspot.com
Savor a sumptuous lunch of Batangas fusion cuisine and local refreshments.
Huntahan sa Lawa/ Talkback
Join a series of meaningful talkback and discussions about Art and Environment with interactive community workshops that culminates the afternoon activities.
Hapunan/ Dinner by the Lake, Art Installations and Performance Art
Experience Batangas Art and Culture through performances. Listen to the old time Kundiman music plus musical performances dedicated to Taal led by independent Batangueno musicians including LAC Music Department. Cocktails are available with a party capping the night with all-out-fun and dancing.
Participants may choose from two packages:
Package A | Php 2000
- Trekking (Taal Volcano Island)
- Festival Pass
- Food (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Symposium Pass
- Transportation
- Jollibee Tambo to Sitio Tagbakin (2 way)
- Sitio Tagbakin to San Nicolas via boat (2 way)
- T-shirt
- Scarf
- Camping Fee (Sitio Tagbakin)
Package B | Php 500
- Festival Pass - Concert
- Food (Dinner)
- Transportation
- Jollibee Tambo to Sitio Tagbakin (vice-versa)
For inquiries and ticket purchase you may contact:
Mr. Carlo Aguila at 043-740-7112 or 09178779144
First published in ohohleo.blogspot.com
If you're like me, you're probably more familiar with the term "Lactobacillus/Lactobacilli" in terms of oral consumption like with drinks such as Yakult. You know, the good bacteria that's good for digestion and aids in absorbing nutrients. Probiotics such as these have bacteria strains that help our immune system as well as counter and soothe skin conditions like rosacea (me), dryness (me) and other skin related concerns especially when applied topically.
5 Types of Lactobacillus fermented from plant and grain based agents work together to allow skin's natural rejuvenation at its prime. It is adapted to each type of skin problem by caring sensitivity with building its own defenses. - Proud Mary
This skincare line by Korean brand Proud Mary with a tagline of Beauty Lies Within Simplicity, talk the talk by addressing sensitive skin concerns with its Lacto-Fresh Ctrl A line from cleansing to moisturizing. The plant-derived ingredients its made from, target cell renewal/growth so it helps heal the skin and helps strengthen it so it can build up its own defenses.
Natural Whipping Cleanser | 50g | 150g Full Size - Plant derived agent minimizes skin irritants and small molecule lactobacillus hydrates skin while delicately cleansing makeup and skin impurities.
Ingredients: Water, Palmitic Acid, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Myristic Acid, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Californicum Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Rosmarinus Officialis (Rosemary) Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Polygonum Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) Seed Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Extract, 1, 2- Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, PEG-150, Polyquaternium-7, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Polycrylate, Fragrance
The painted white glass bottles feel very luxe as befitting of its Php 3,999 price tag. The whole set is pricey yes, but it's pretty understandable considering that the brand name is hailed for using sophisticated technology and incorporating high concentration of natural extracts in its products.
Pure Calming Toner | 120ml - Sub-acid toner helps regulate pH balance and calms irritants effectively with small molecule lactobacillus and botanical active agents.
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Polyglutamic Acid, Glycerine, Sodium Hyaluronic, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Califoricum Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Rosemary Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavender Extract, Betaine, Trehalose, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Buckwheat Seed Extract, Soybean Seed Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Anise Fruit Extract, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Arginine, Fragrance
I apply this milky-white toner by squirting some on my hand and patting it on my face than using a cotton and wiping it on. Why? When you have sensitive skin and/or acne prone skin putting friction by rubbing or wiping can agitate it and make it worse. I've done the patting technique (that I've seen in K-Beauty shows lol) for about a year or two already and my face is significantly less red when I do it this way.
I do succumb to wiping with a cotton sometimes when my eyes are too tired and I'm too lazy to wash my face. (Update : I'm out of my toner!)
Skin Relief Essence | 50ml - Botanical lactobacillus helps regulate excessive sebum production and a variety of soothing agents alleviate irritation and stress.
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer (Hydrogen Dimethicone), C12-14 Pareth-7, Betaine, Glycerin, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Propolis Extract, Thujopsis Dolabrata BRANCH Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Panthenol, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Califoricum Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rosmarinus Officialis (Rosemary) Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Polygonum Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) Seed Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Extract, Pyridoxine, Arginine, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Sodium Polyacrylate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trideceth-6, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance
This essence is a gel-cream-like consistency that gets absorbed by the skin easily. All of these have a very light floral/apothecary scent to it, which I find very soothing. It's light enough to use during the day even for people with oily skin.
Perfect Cure Cream | 50ml - 5 types of botanical lactobacillus and soothing agents help reinforce cell density and protect skin from irritants. Soothes and moisturizes all day long.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycereth-26, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Betaine, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Propolis Extract, Thujopsis Dolabrata Branch Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylic Triglyceride, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Lactobacillus Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Califoricum Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Rosemary Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavender Extract, Buckwheat Seed Extract, Soybean Seed Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Extract, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sodium Acrylate, Trideceth-6, PEG/PPG-18-18 Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance
This cure cream, feels like a primer but doesn't feel like I have a mask on, as with most "silicone-y" primers I've tried.
I actually like this whole line. I think everything delivers on the moisturizing factor, but unless I have a cellular tracking machine or whatever, I wouldn't really know the difference with other brands I've tried.
No freak breakouts or rosacea triggers. I do however have to put it out there that the whipping cleanser didn't agree with me all that much. I didn't full-on break-out but I did get a few bumps all over my face and this set was the only one I've changed in my routine.
Other than that I see that they use significantly greater ingredients compared to other commercial products which can get expensive even if they're "drugstore". It has a lot of plant extracts and I think these do and can make a difference overtime.
I feel confident recommending this line to other sensitive skinned / acne-prone people but as always be vigilant that what works for me might not work for you. So if you see ingredients at the top of the first few lines that you know for a fact don't agree with you, I'd skip on it.
You also have the option of getting the individuals. But if you want to try the whole line, you get more for your buck by getting this gift set. Get it here.
xx,
CJ
Further reading about probiotics: http://www.healthygutbugs.com/probiotics-best-anti-aging-elixir-for-your-skin/
PS. I've been using this set for about two to three months. I finished off the cream and the wash first, since they were smaller than the rest. Just recently emptied the toner too!
PPS. I received this gift from about face ph. Thanks guys! Check out all the other products I reviewed from their store by searching about face in the search bar.
ABOUT ABOUT FACE PH
It's a new online store / brand that sell from the obscure to the well-known products to beauty lovers especially the Korean beauty addicts in the Philippines. You can check out their products on their website or Zalora!
http://www.aboutface.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/AboutFacePH/
https://www.instagram.com/aboutface.ph/
Part of my gripe before about local lip brands was that they seem to be averse to nudes — pink-nudes, mauve-nudes, peach-nudes, beige-nudes, brown-nudes and so on. There were a few by two (or 3) brands but not much variety. If you wanted a red or pink however you can take your pick amongst the sea of cherry-reds and orange-reds. Now we have BYS, Essence, Wet N Wild and Pinkies Collection for some much needed competition in the local nude lippie scene.
Pinkies Collections is the urbane girl’s favorite cosmetic. With chic and long-lasting makeup lines, Pinkies meets your delightful expectations. - Pinkies Collection Facebook
Ingredients: Squalane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Candelilla Cera, Cera Microcristallina, Beeswax, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Nylon-12, Propylparaben. [+/- (May contain): Titanium Dioxide, CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Red 7 Lake CI 15850, Red 22 Lake CI 45380, Carmine CI 75470, Red 27 Lake CI 45410, Blue 1 Lake CI 42090, Yellow 6 Lake CI 15985, Yellow 5 Lake CI 19140
I bought two nude lipsticks from their Matte Collection —Bark and Callalily, they were only ones that suited me best out the four "nude" shades and I figured they were something I could wear a lot. I also swatched their lip pencils and while I didn't necessarily like the texture, I still got Atlantic just to check out the colour on my lips —the chocolate brown looked interesting.
I think that the packaging of these lipsticks is cute, with its sturdy solid plastic light -pink tube, but it is a little bulky and a little excessive on the plastic compared to the actual lipstick inside. In the image above, the two lipsticks look similar, but that's not the case when you swatch them.
The Smooth Silk Lip Pencils are actually marketed as Eye & Lip pencils, possibly because of the other colours in the line ( I saw a purple and blue). The pencil itself is really long for Php 99. And I think that's pretty cheap.
The colours are very pigmented as you can see. The Matte lipsticks are a true-matte formula meaning they can look dry and can emphasize dry patches especially pale beige-pinky-nude Callalily. It sits well but prepping the lips is still a must. The lipsticks can also feel dry or drying when you're staying in an air-conditioned room and you have to talk a lot (me). Texture-wise, they're creamy but can drag a little on the lips because it's legit matte. Not a deal-breaker for me as I love the colours (Bark, my favorite, is a nice dusky-rosey-mauve), the finish and the longevity.
Although in the swatches, Bark registers more pink it's definitely more muted and mauvey on your lips in real life.
Atlantic is super soft (to the point of breakage if you're not careful) and glides on the lips. The finish gives a little bit of shine. I wouldn't really use this as a lip pencil because I know it will bleed outside the lip-line given how slippery it is. I also wouldn't use this on the eyes. It works very well mixed-in with both lipsticks, giving me more options to how I want to wear Bark and Callalily. Because to be honest, Callalily washes me the F out. It's a little too light unless I wear dark/statement eye makeup or I blot off most of it.
As for the colour of the lip pencil (Atlantic), it's definitely something out of a 90's beauty magazine. It's like a mocha with a hint of gray. I know the lip swatches look warmer but it definitely has some gray to it.
Me giving face.
I'm still adjusting to my digicam which explains the weird lighting of the photos above. Please refer to the other photos for a better idea of the colours.
For Php 198 / 189 (they were cheaper before :( ) you get a really good pigmented true-matte lippie and for Php 89-99 a smooth, creamy and pigmented lip pencil/lip colour. These are pretty damn affordable in my opinion.
Have you tried this? Would you try it? What do you think of the colours?
xx,
CJ
PS. I broke my good camera and now I'm using a digi cam so the colour settings can get challenging when I take a picture of my face. :( The hand swatches and others are easier to manipulate/correct.
PPS. I first mentioned the matte lippies here.
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