Etude House AC Clinic Mask Sheet Review

My first mask ever to try from Etude House! I am sooooo addicted to mask sheets, whenever I put one on, I feel so relaxed and comforted even if I'm doing nothing.
This is the AC Clinic Mask Sheet. I chose this variant because I heard great things about the line and I wanted to try it out for myself.

Etude House says:

Formulated with Salycylic Acid, mask sheet made from 100% Bamboo fibers supplies soothing moisture and relief to acne prone complexion. 

[Directions] Apply mask sheet to cleansed face and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Remove mask and massage remaining solution on skin with hands. Recommended interval for mask application is every 2-3 days for maximum efficiency.

Inside this pack is a very very moist mask sheet:

BOO!!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!^^

The mask was pretty big for my face, but it held on nicely. The scent isn't overpowering. I left this on my face for around 20 minutes--then I took if off and massaged the remaining solution on my face until it was fully absorbed. A lot of redness definitely disappeared and my face was left feeling very soft and brighter.

You should definitely only use this in cases when your complexion is prone to pimples or you're breaking out. If your face is clear, use another mask because Salycylic Acid targets those darn pimples and acne.

Mask costs P128.00 in Etude House, SM The Block Branch.

ABOUT MY RSS FEED: Its finally fixed! Sorry it took me awhile to get around to doing it but you guys can subscribe and stay updated on my posts!^^

Read More

Ever Bilena Advance Concealer Review

I realize that I have been lacking in entries of my first love, make-up so here comes another review.
I discovered this concealer when my blockmate lent me hers and we were at the beach and I had to cover this HUUUUGE GINORMOUS pimple. I was happy with its coverage so when I went back to Manila, I purchased one for myself.

This is the Ever Bilena Advance Concealer in Soft Beige. I got the darkest shade because I was still brown and all my concealers were no good.

Ever Bilena says:

To Use: Dot concealer on face and blends evenly to cover uneven tones and blemishes for a smooth coverage.

Somebody should really rephrase those instructions.

 

It comes in an easy-squeeze bottle that you can control the amount of concealer that comes out. The Soft Beige shade is pretty dark--yes imagine how dark I got because I usually buy the lightest shade.

Read More

Thank you Sophie Uy of Beauty and Minerals!

This is a huge shout-out of THANKS!!! to Sophie Uy, the proprietor of Beauty & Minerals, who willingly replaced my browk mini-kabuki brush on her initiative.

You guys remember this post back then where I complained that after I washed the brush I had purchased, the metal part came off? Sophie emailed me personally and immediately offered a replacement. As an entrepreneur myself, I do appreciate people who value their business and their products.

Thanks again and if you guys are in need of new brushes, head on over to her site for high-quality affordable ones!

Read More

Lorys Hair Cream Review + Giveaway

First of all, I wanted to give a shout-out to Liz Lanuzo because it was all thanks to her that I'm getting to review this product. I won in her Lorys give-away and was able to receive ALL these!
Give-away mechanics are posted below.

We Filipinas have a lot to stress over when it comes to hair maintenance--humidity and pollution are the most dangerous elements which damage our precious strands. Thank goodness LORYS finally found its way to our shores from Brazil to give us an option to have better hair, without the hefty pricetag!

LORYS is available in 5 variants: Ceramidas (opaque and damaged hair), Duo Chocolate (damaged and sensible hair), Snake Oil (damaged and chemically treated hair), Shea Butter (curly and dry hair), and Fruit Cocktail (all types of hair).

Read More

Strip: Ministry of Waxing vs. Lay Bare: Who Comes Out Triumphant?

 

When it comes to the waxing experience, I've already tried BOTH Strip: The Ministry of Waxing (Serendra, Fort Bonifacio) and Lay Bare (Don Antonio, Commonwealth). So which waxing place should you go to when you're in need of getting the hair down there away? Let me state 5 factors and let YOU be the judge!

HYGIENE AND CLEANLINESS 

Hands down, for me it has to be STRIP. Why? Definitely because of hygienic reasons! I am a stickler for good hygiene and impeccable cleanliness when it comes to your personal zone--especially for us girls! You have to go to a place where they value these things as top priority. STRIP does NOT double dip their spatulas, which is their pride and joy, which is absolutely true. Throughout my stay I never once saw the "Striperella" (term used for the strippers, er, the waxing technicians rather) use a spatula twice. Also, each customer is given an individually sealed Hygiene pack, which includes latex gloves, spatulas, wet wipes, cotton pads and buds.

LAY BARE, on the other hand, was not high for me on the cleanliness part. Sure they use a different towel for you to lay your privates on, but I couldn't help noticing a few unswept hairs still remaining on the bed. They also use a single spatula throughout the entire process. The scissors they also use looks really used--if you know what I mean.

WAX USED


Both STRIP and LAY BARE use hard wax, the latter using cold sugar wax jelly made of sugar, kalamansi, and honey which looks like a clear, yellowish wax. STRIP uses a Strip Wild Berry Chocolate wax, which really looks like chocolate you can eat! Both are also applied directly to your skin using a spatula, then the technician waits for a few seconds, and uses that wax to yank the hair out.


PRICE


LAY BARE has to win in this category. Its really no wonder a lot of people choose to patronize their branches because of the price. A bikini wax (which I got, yes I'm still not brave for the full-on Brazilian!) is a mere P250, compared with STRIP's P650. LAY BARE's brazilian is even cheaper than STRIP's bikini, which is for only P450. STRIP is a whopping P1250, which isn't much different from their Bikini Line XXX, which is take everything off except that part.

For a full list of their services, you can check out LAY BARE and STRIP with these links.


FACILITIES and LOCATION


STRIP wins again. The interiors of both their branches are eye-catching but most important of all, ensures maximum privacy. Privacy has to be on top of your list for your waxing experience. STRIP has a room just for you, the client and you will definitely not hear anyone on the next room. Sure there's an occasional laugh or talk or footstep outside your room but that's it.

LAY BARE, on the other hand, only consisted of "cubicles" wherein you are only separated by a curtain to the next customer. I found it very uncomfortable because I like to talk to my waxing technician through the entire process because I want to know what she's doing. But then I get distracted and I can't concentrate because I can hear the client beside me! Very nerve-wracking really.

But when it comes to branches, LAY BARE has over 18 branches nationwide while STRIP only has 2, found in Greenbelt 5 and Serendra.

THE "OUCH" FACTOR 


I have to admit STRIP was more painless than LAY BARE. STRIP was quicker and I felt that the Striperella knew more about what she was doing than the waxing technician in LAY BARE. I also didn't have much time to feel pain in STRIP because she did her work really fast.


In the end, I really do prefer going to STRIP for waxing because I value hygiene and cleanliness above everything. I do think the price tag is quite hefty compared to LAY BARE, but you get what you pay for. Who knows, maybe someday I'll be able to brave the Brazilian and I'll let you guys know when that day comes. Until then, I'll be sure to be a patron of STRIP anytime I need their services.

Any experience on other waxing salons? What are your thoughts on the two I mentioned? Did you have a different encounter?

Read More

Need Halloween Movies? Try the 2010 Korean Horror Movie Festival!

If you want to start your Halloween celebrations early, try catching a movie in Shang Cineplex Cinema 4 from October 27-31 and November 2-4. The Shangri-la Mall will be showcasing 7 Korean horror films! What's more, you can watch them for free!

The event is a partnership between  the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, The Korea-Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. and The Shangri-la Plaza. Whoever had this great idea is the best!

Out of all the movies, I'm looking forward to watching Epitaph, The Red Shoes as well as Hansel and Gretel.

Screening Schedule

October 26, Tuesday
Epitaph (By Invitation Only)

October 27, Wednesday
2 PM Arang
5 PM The Red Shoes
8 PM M

October 28, Thursday
2 PM Hansel and Gretel
5 PM Ghost
8 PM Paradise Murdered

October 29, Friday
2 PM Ghost
5 PM Arang
8 PM Epitaph

October 30, Saturday
2 PM The Red Shoes
5 PM Paradise Murdered
8 PM Hansel and Gretel

October 31, Sunday
2 PM M
5 PM Epitaph
8 PM Arang

November 2, Tuesday
2 PM Hansel and Gretel
5 PM M
8 PM Ghost

November 3, Wednesday
2 PM Paradise Murdered
5 PM Arang
8 PM The Red Shoes

November 4, Thurdsay
2 PM Epitaph
5 PM M
8 PM Paradise Murdered

For inquiries, contact 633-7851 loc.113 or log on to www.shangrila-plaza.com.

Read More

Belo Essentials Night Therapy Whitening Cream and Whitening Lotion SPF 15 with Dermlight Skin System Review

Since I got super tanned from my sembreak vacation and several degrees away from my natural color, I went ahead and bought the Belo Essentials Night Therapy Whitening Cream. As mentioned in a past entry, I've already tried using it (I usually buy whitening products for maintenance) in its small form, so now I tried the tub form!

This is affordable, this I got for only P125, and has 50g of product.
What Belo says:

This moisturizing night cream is specifically infused with our unique Dermlight Skin System that naturally lightens skin and fruit extracts that makes skin feel soft and smooth.

Reduces skin darkening by inhibiting tyrosinase, which leads to melanin build-up. This ensures faster, more visible whitening results.

A blend of fruit extracts from apricot, palm tree and rose hips which contains 20 times more Vitamin C than citrus fruits that hydrates skin and inhibits the formation of free radicals which can cause premature skin aging. 

Contains Pentavitin and skin vitamins for overnight moisture and skin radiance. Also with Chamomile extract that soothes and protects skin from irritation. 

I also thought that the cream is VERY HYGIENIC, it has its own spatula and separate cover:

 

The directions for using this involves using the spatula to scoop the desired amount for your face and neck.

I am also fond of using the Belo Essentials Whitening Lotion SPF 15 with Dermlight Skin System:

I like using this better than the SkinWhite lotions, because the latter has a sticky and gummy feel while the former doesn't. This glides on the skin better and is easier to squeeze out of its bottle.
What Belo says:

With reinforced sunscreen that protects skin from harmful UV rays, this body lotion lightens your skin naturally and safely with its Dermlight Skin System - a combination of alpine plant extracts, California prune fruit pulp, and skin vitamins.

With sunscreen that shields skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Reduces skin darkening by inhibiting tyrosinase, which leads to melanin build-up. This ensures faster, more visible whitening results.

With Pentavitin that provides longer lasting moisture. Chamomile extracts soothes skin and shields it from irritation.

The ultimate question has to be whether these actually help whiten me or not. Yes, the Belo Essentials whitening line does work because prior to my ultra-tanned days, the cream helped lighten the dark spots on my face and on my arms. This has to be the best, affordable whitening product for me.

Tried any whitening products? What's the best for you?

Read More

Korea Post #6: Daejanggeum Theme Park (Jewel in the Palace Filming Location)

Another filming location we visited was the Daejanggeum Theme Park, or more commonly known as Jewel in the Palace. The drama was so high-budget that they actually built a cultural village to film all the scenes in! Its located in the MBC Cultural Village in Yangjoo.

Me with the main dude. Hurrah! 

I've never really watched the drama, but my dad and sister are HUUUGE fans so it was part of our trip itinerary. We took a train and hopped straight into a cab...surprisingly the cab driver knew we were Filipinos!

Read More

Korea Post #5: Full House Filming Location

As a huuuuge huge fan of Rain and to commemorate 'Full House' as the first ever Korean drama I ever watched, we of course had to visit the filming location all the way in Si-do (Shi Island), which is near the Incheon Airport.

To get to the island, we took a limousine cab (expensive! but luxurious hahaha) to Sam-mok port. A huge ship was waiting there where you can bring your car or just your self. There were only around 3 more passengers aside from us.

 The map inside the ship, showing the different locations you could visit. You can also go to the house where they filmed Sad Sonata...starring the guy from The Face Shop!

First, I was kind of dreading the trek all the way to the house because we heard that if you didn't have a car, there was a solitary bus that takes you to the location and we were unsure of its schedule. If you can't ride the bus, you had to use a bicycle. It was too cold to bike nor hike and when we got there, there were sloping roads and such. Thank God there was a waiting cab ready to take you to the Full House! How do you know? There's a photo pasted on the cab!

Everyone in FIGHTING! pose! Even my dad...isn't he cute?^^

Read More

GMarket Haul #2: Too Much is Too MUCH! + Bureau of Customs = headache :((

My generous boyfriend gave me as a birthday gift a shopping spree in GMarket!!!
How nice is that? VERY VERY NICE!^^

So here are the contents of my 2nd haul from my most favorite online shopping site to date. Actually this serves as a valuable lesson learned, since I learned how to handle with the very manang Bureau of Customs when I received it.

A giant giant box almost the size of my bed! No wonder BOC secured this and didn't get it delivered to my house. 

A little background first: I ordered a total of 10 ITEMS, bill came to around P5,000+ together with shipping. Everything was shipped out from Korea on Sept. 20 and arrived here on Sept.22 but then it was HANDED OVER TO CUSTOMS. (Believe me, anything with the word CUSTOMS on it makes me palpitate, especially after my experience.) So I called up the EMS Office (854-3580) and learned that I had to go all the way to Pasay to retrieve the package. People who answered the phone were very nice though. But when I came to pick up the package on Sept. 29, I was assessed a heartbreaking total of P1,545!!! Total tax was only P400+, but together with VAT and God-knows-what charges (which were all manually computed in front me on a piece of torn scratch paper) it came to that amount.

Plus the Customs ladies are pretty rude. When I saw the final amount, I commented on how expensive it was (considering that the dude before me imported TOBACCO which has EXCISE TAXES ON TOP OF IT had a lesser tax liability than I had), do you know what the woman said?
"EDI WAG MO NA BAYARAN, BUMALIK KA NALANG KUNG MAY PERA KA NA," in this super snotty voice.
By the way, it is beyond me how the LTO can afford to have 5 brand new computers for each satellite office for renewal of licenses, while the Bureau of Customs does everything manually. Where does their money go?

The lesson here is that the next time you buy at GMarket, lessen the volume. Sure you save up on the shipping charges, but handling Customs is such a pain and you do not want to go through with it, believe me. Just get around 3 items max, and make sure the weight isn't that much so the package can be delivered straight to your house.

Anyway I'm going to stop ranting and proceed to show you guys my haul, because despite the meanness I encountered, I was very very satisfied with all the products!

 What that giant box contains: its the poster tube that needed space!

Read More

Hello Kitty Clocks!

I don't know what it is about Asians and Hello Kitty, but I found this small stall in a nearby mall selling tons of Hello Kitty stuff--for cheap!

I have to say I've been tempted to buy cute Hello Kitty merchandise in Sanrio and Sanrio Luxe stores but they're so expensive. They don't exactly fit a meager student budget like mine, so was I happy on finding these? Of course!!! They had watches, bags, eating utensils, keyboards, webcams, watches, night lights...and the cutest alarm clocks ever! Here's what we bought:

 

This plays a song and lights up when you set it to alarm! Isn't the bow so cute? 

This just goes BRRRRRIIIING like an oven. The knob is the apple stalk.

These clocks were bought after a haggled price of P300 each. They're a lovely addition to the bedside, right?
I'm planning to go back again next time if they have stocks of their laptop fans. And also possibly a cute laptop cover?

If you're interested in knowing where I got these, leave a comment below and I'll let you in on the secret!^^

Read More

Korea Post #4: (Must-See Places!) Myeong-dong...THE FOOD!

SHOPPING + FOOD = HEAVEN!

Korea is well-known for its diverse street food, if you guys notice in all Koreanovelas, they're always slurping on something while standing up, or sitting in these little tents downing soju in times of fun and merriment!
Here were the various interesting food stuffs I saw in Myeong-dong:

Korean ajumma making these flat pancake-like biscuits using only a heated metal pan! Amazing!

I got quite obsessed with eating those fish on a stick rolled up with nori. I don't know, something about seeing and smelling it made me hungry all the time! One stick would cost from 1,000-2,000 won, around P40-80 each.

Ajusshi selling things on a stick -- very yummy!!!

Read More

Korea Post #4: (Must-See Places!) Myeong-dong...THE SHOPPING!

If anyone would ask me what my most favorite place in Korea would be, I would definitely answer you "MYEONG-DONG!!!"

Why do I love it?
First, you NEVER run out of things to SEE. There's always something new that pops out everyday!
Second, the SHOPPING! There's just too many make-up, clothes, bags, and all sorts of things you can buy at good prices.
And lastly, the FOOD! Eating AND shopping are 2 of my most favorite things to do and they're all here in one place. But eating WHILE shopping? Heaven for me!^^

Me and this adorable bunny in the Cottiny store!

You can probably imagine my delight when I saw endless rows of stores littering the entire area! I swear you cannot cover the entire Myeong-dong in one day. You have to do it in 2-3 days if you want to get your money's worth of the place.
Myeong-dong is actually a district in Seoul and it features middle to high range retail stores. So expect to find branded local and foreign brands here. It even has an underground mall, where there's a good CD place to buy all your k-pop goodies!

Before the shopping, we said a quick mass in the Myeongdong Cathedral:

Read More

Korea Post #3: (Must-See Places!) Nami Island

My last post about my trip to Korea has to be waaaay back in June, and now as a break from my studying, I'll be sharing about our trip to Nami Island, which is located outside of Seoul. We had to take a train (different from the subway system, sorry but I forgot the place where we took this, but its the nearest train station from Myeongdong) and their station is just one big WOW:

See what I mean? Looks like an airport right?

My sister and I wearing wool hats and excited for the trip!

Read More