Oils and Scrubs SPA: Perfect massage for a good good deal!

Thanks to CashCashPinoy, I found a new go-to spa in Makati whenever I want a cheaper relaxing experience! Around 2 months ago, I availed of their promo which offered a 3-in-1 Rejuvenating Pack at Oils & Scrubs Spa for only P579 (original price was P1,548)!

The package consisted of the Glutathione with Apricot Scrub, which is a "whitening body scrub is formulated with Glutathione which is popularly known to effectively whiten the skin. Regular treatment will make skin lighter while Apricot Scrub gently exfoliates;" the Honey and Oatmeal Treatment and a Body Massage.

The rooms in the spa are only divided by curtains. Before you get started, you're given disposable underwear to change into. Since the room was pretty dark, it took me around 15 minutes how to get the underwear on correctly! Embarrassing experience really, it took all my patience not to call the attendant and have her put on th underwear on me! Haha. But she was very patient with me and gave me instructions from behind the curtain on how to put it on.

It was my first time getting a body scrub as I thought it was a very expensive thing to buy--I mean I can just scrub myself down at home, right? Getting the Glutathione with Apricot Scrub was a very luxurious experience. I was scrubbed down pretty well too, from the back to the front. The Honey and Oatmeal treatment was added, just a quick rubdown of your body with the honey.

After the body scrub, they'll let you rinse yourself off in a small shower. Remember to ask for a fresh towel because the attendants seem to forget to give you one.

The massage? HEAVENLY! It was definitely around 2 hours of relaxation for under P600! So so worth it. My only complaint is that they should advise customers to put their cellphones in silent mode because you can totally here cellphones ringing off everywhere which kind of disrupts the mood inside the spa.

Oils & Scrubs also offers freebies on your birthday, which I definitely love! I do encourage every spa-holic to try it. The massages are reasonably priced and its located near most offices in Makati.


Oils & Scrubs SPA is located at Ground Floor, Gervasia Centre, Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City Philippines. For a map for the exact location, check out their website HERE.

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Etude House's Be Clear Sheet Mask Review

I know I haven't been updating for quite some time and I have tons of backlog blog posts so here I go with a ton of updates!:))

Let's start with my most favorite product of all, face masks!

Here is the Etude House Be Clear Sheet Mask. I bought it because the tea tree oil mask that Etude House has was out of stock.

What Etude House says:

It has the paper mulberry extract, which makes the skin clean and transparent, and the patented ingredient of whitening beauty expenses composite containing natural vitamins. It removes dead skin cells with dark tone and wastes effectively and supplies plentiful moisture. So, it is a whitening functional Mask Sheet which makes the skin clear and fair.

[Directions] Remove and unfold mask. Use tabs to grip and place mask on face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes. Remove mask and massage remaining essence into skin. 

Definitely sounds promising, right?

For me, no big complaints about this one. I left it on for 30 minutes so I could absorb all the stuff in the paper mask. It left my face brighter and made some of the blemishes a little lighter. No drastic changes though, you should use a mask consistently for long-term results.

Etude House Be Clear Sheet Mask is available in Etude House stores for only P65!

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A Visit to Moonleaf Tea Shop!

With the milk craze still on its high season here in Manila, its no wonder a lot of tea shops have been spurting all over the city. One particular tea shop that friends have been highly recommending is the Moon Leaf Tea Shop, which is conveniently (well, not really for me) located in Quezon City.

Like all other tea shops, Moonleaf also offers the usual milk tea with pearls. I had the Wintermelon Milk Tea (P75) (with less pearls as my preference).

I personally loved it! Very very yummy and definitely hits that milk tea craving. But it was a bit on the sweet side, I'm not sure if they have a sweetness preference scale because they didn't ask me.

Unlike other milk tea shops, they only have one size. The drinks are also a lot cheaper. When I got there, there was a long queue of students waiting to buy their milk teas! The drinks were served quickly but they don't call your name immediately. The branch in Katipunan is only a small kiosk where you order your drink from the outside. Maybe they should keep it air-conditioned because the line gets too long?

So now on my milk tea scale, here are the current players:
1st- Ersao (for being the cheapest and most satisfying, especially when you pair it with their crunchy squid and rice--suuuuhrap!)
2nd- Happy Lemon (really highest for me because I haven't tried any drink of theirs that was bad, well we'll see!)
3rd- Cha Time! (review on this next time when I bring a camera)
4th- Moonleaf
5th- Serenitea (been served by watered down milk tea whenever I order)


I do highly recommend giving this tea shop a visit!


Moonleaf Tea Shop has branches in Esteban Abada Street near Katipunan Ave., and also in Maginhawa Street in the UP Village.

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Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner Review

The search for the next perfect liquid eyeliner is on: I've been eyeing this one for quite some time because it looks similar to my HG eyeliner (the much famed Clio Kill Black which I've reviewed here). It has a brush tip and the thickness of the pen is just right. Plus its in pen form!

I have to say that when I swatched this in the store, it turned out fine which is why I still bought it. I must've not followed the instructions correctly because I can't seem to use this now. :((

What Majolica Majorca says:

Deep, dense, bold jet black! Eye line emphasized -- no smudging, no fading. BK 999.

Black base and colored pearl: Shimmering!

For all of you girls who've purchased this, remember to follow these instructions before using:

1. Before using eyeliner for the first time, pull out the pink stopper mounted between the cap and the eyeliner.

2. Press the cap firmly towards the eyeliner completely until there is no gap. (incomplete closure may result in a leak)

3. Shake well with the cap on (THIS IS WHAT I FORGOT TO DO I HATE MYSEEEELF!:(( ). Remove the cap, gently flatten the edge of the felt-type eyeliner, and turn the dial about 10 times (10 clicks) before using it. 

BEFORE EVERY SUBSEQUENT USE: Shake well with the cap on, remove the cap, and turn the dial about 1 or 2 times before using it.

*In the event of excessive fluid delivery use tissue paper or similar paper to reduce the amount of fluid.

The tip is a light brush that I didn't have trouble controlling. The liner comes out really wet so when you apply it to your lids, you have to let it dry first for a minute or two before you do any eye movements. I usually end up with streaks on my crease which is why I have my cotton buds ready at all times.

The light ones were the initial swatches I made when I rotated the dial for around two times only, it best to wipe the excess first off your hand, I think. But like I said, I opened it wrong which is why I think I'm paying the price now.

My left eye which I successfully applied the liner to.

And...my right eye which isn't quite as successful as the other one.

It takes a lot of practice to get used to using the Perfect Automatic Liner! Whew!

The Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner is available for around P800 at any SM Department store.

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Majolica Majorca's Skin Lingerie Pore Cover Review

This little baby caught my eye immediately when I was scanning the Majolica Majorca booth at the SM Department Store. I've always been drawn to cute packaging on different products--its something that makes me decide to splurge even when its not needed!

Here is the Majolica Majorca's Skin Lingerie Pore Cover, a primer the saleslady tells me guarantees to make you look flawless. Well, does it? Let's see!

What Majolica Majorca says:

A makeup base that instantly smoothes concerned pores and red cheeks for a refined complexion.

TO USE: Apply after skin care treatment and before foundation. Take an appropriate amount (a pearl-size) onto the fingertips and spread evenly over the entire face. 

The primer is very easy to apply because the tube's mouth doesn't allow too much product to come out:

What comes out is a flesh-colored cream that disappears after you apply it on your face:

So how was it? Did it succeed in covering up all my pores? Did the product make me look as flawless as a celebrity?
Without any make-up, my biggest problem is really my pores. They're just so ginormous, I honestly don't know where I got them because my mom doesn't share the same problem. That's why I stick to HD foundations and wear a lot of concealer.

I liked this primer because for the price,  it did smoothen out my face. It removed a lot of my redness. But it didn't cover my pores as much as I thought.

But I liked its matte finish to my skin. Btw I also used my Clio HD Two Way Foundation on top of the primer.

Aaaaaaaaaand my GIANT PORES! I have to say it did cover a little of them, but not all of them. I still say this product is worth a try, I mean I had a better experience with this one than their eyeliner (more on that for a future review...get ready for rants).

Majolica Majorca's Skin Lingerie Pore Cover costs around P650.00 and is available at any Majolica Majorca kiosk in SM Department Stores.

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Products I am Loving Right Now: Maxi-Peel Facial Wash and Skin White Whitening Deodorant

Today I felt like doing a "fave products" post because I just felt the urge to share these two everyday products I use. I start the day by using both and they do make being hygienic a lot better!

First up is the MAXI-PEEL Facial Wash. Do NOT mistake this one for the Maxi-Peel Facial Scrub, which is not meant to be used everyday. I think the latter has a deeper green color.

What MAXI-PEEL says:

Get that blemish-free, smoother, whiter, kutis-artista skin you have always desired through MAXI-PEEL Facial Wash!

Maximum Benefits:

- Anti-bacterial: fights pimple-causing bacteria.

- Deep cleansing: removes deep-seated oil and dirt.

- Fast whitening: evens out skin complexion in 2 weeks!

- Anti-acne & Smoothening: helps dry and remove pimples, dead skin cells, whiteheads and blackheads.

- Vitamin-enriched: has Vitamins B5, B3 and E.

- Cooling: gives that lightweight, refreshing after-feel!

DIRECTIONS: Place a small amount on hand and massage gently on wet face and neck. Rinse thoroughly.

Its a pretty small tube and you can easily squeeze the product out. A little goes a very long way--I only use less than a pea-sized amount for my entire face and neck. It suds up well!

I love using this because it actually got rid of a lot of my blemishes that the tea tree oil (reviewed earlier) couldn't clear up. I also like the cool feeling it leaves after every wash. Very refreshing!^^

A deodorant I've always used for over more than a year is the Skin White Whitening Deodorant. I like the Active Cool variant because the others are too powdery for my taste.

What SkinWhite says:

The whitening expert gives you whiter, smoother underarms in just 2 weeks. All new SkinWhite Whitening Deodorant has RENEWhite 3C that promises to deliver visible whitening in 2 weeks, and Vitanourish Formula that nourishes and smoothens your underarms.

I swear by this deodorant! It really gives you smoother underarms, but I don't know how much of an authority I am on that because I've never had a problem with dark or rough ones. But my underarms have been smooth for over a year, and I can only attribute it to my lovely deodorant.

Both the Maxi-Peel Facial Wash and Skin White Whitening Deodorant are under P100, and are available in leading supermarkets or any health & beauty shop.

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Tony Moly Goddess Style Berryberry Lovely Stick Review

I am beyond ecstatic that Tony Moly has finally found its way to Philippine shores! The more Korean make-up brands available here, the better! What's also great is that the prices remain to be affordable, and those who want lovely skincare and cute make-up can avail these whenever they want.

Since I had already spent a mini-fortune on Majolica Majorca products, I decided to buy just a lipstick this time around. This is the Tony Moly Goddess Style Berryberry Lovely Stick in PKLS02. I got it because I fell in love with the packaging--doesn't it look too cute?

The shade on the tube is a milky pink. There are other shades available but I chose this because the others were too orange on me.

The color on the tube stays true when swiped: still a nice milky pink and you can build up the color as much as you like.

And now on the lips:

Color on lips alone is not too matte and pretty light.

Swiped concealer first to hide the super redness of my lips and still comes out really light

The color is perfect if you like a really subtle lip color. I haven't tried the other shades because I liked this one immediately. It isn't that long-lasting, you have to retouch every so often, but the lipstick glides on well and no problems with putting it on.

Tony Moly Goddess Style Berryberry Lovely Stick costs Php345.00 at selected SM Department Stores (got mine at SM Makati!).

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CLIO Diamond Rose HD Two Way Cake SPF 40 PA++ Review

This review has long been overdue, but I took my time in evaluating this one because it has come to be one of my favorite products--ever!

What CLIO says:

It perfect coverage to your skin. This unique formulation includes finely micronized diamond and emolient powder, which softens skin by keeping moisturizing factors. Moisturizer supply moisturizing and firming effect on your skin.

Let's pretend we understand that, shall we? Kidding aside, the product boasts to have diamonds, finely micronized that is. I love this foundation because when you buy it, you get a refill immediately! So its like getting 2 powders for the price of 1. This cost me $22.45 (without shipping) so its definitely worth it.

The 2 sponges--both for powder or foundation is included.

The coverage is also great--although the powder puff is okay, I like to maximize its use by using a square sponge. Just soak the sponge first then apply to your face.  Its actually a two-way cake because you can use it wet and dry--wet if you want to use it like a foundation, or dry if its just for touch-ups or for light coverage.

I'm not sure if you can spot it, but the left side covers up more of my bluish veins than the right side. The powder is available in 3 shades, #13 in Light Beige, #21 in Natural Beige, and #23 in Medium Beige. The shade I got is #23 in Medium Beige.

I also find the packaging so pretty! CLIO really takes effort in packaging their products and its total eye-candy to whip it out and start touching up. There's a nice pattern pressed to the powder:

CLIO Diamond Rose HD Two Way Cake with SPF 40 PA++ is available at GMarket through seller jnv for only $22.45.

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Choosing your OB-GYN

I'm not really sure how reliable I am on this topic, but since I haven't made an entry for the past couple of months, I wanted to talk about something I needed help in and had no one else to turn to. It was finding the right OB-GYN.

NOOOO I WASN'T PREGNANT, it was more of a precautionary thing because my period has always been regular and for some reason, I was delayed for 3 months. I was a nervous wreck, I could not concentrate on my studies and I was always pre-occupied. I was already 21 years old at that time and had never been to an OB-GYN, heaven forbid I knew nothing that went on in that office, except for the dreaded word of PAP SMEAR which sounded entirely foreign to me (at least it sounded something like an alien abduction would do).

Before I start recounting my experiences, I would just like to say that it took me three tries before I scored my perfect ob-gyn. Its really a process of finding someone you are comfortable with and someone whom you place your complete confidence in. Finding an ob-gyn is not limited to pregnant or expecting women. As soon as you hit the age of 18, you should find yourself a doctor, especially if you are sexually active. Since the RH bill is a pretty heated issue these days in our country, I think its timely that we talk about reproductive health and how every woman has a right to know her options and monitor her own lifestyle.

Going back, my first ob-gyn was of the medium kind. The medium kind is what I describe as someone I wasn't too hot or too cold with. She made plenty of jokes, that's for sure, like whether I wanted a baby and all that since I was already at the "right" age--those did not make me comfortable at all. I mean I obviously don't want one if I keep asking you precautionary questions!

The second ob-gyn was more of a scary one. It was one of those "am I preggers or not" episodes and after she peered at me, she actually made a joke by saying, "uy, friends tayo ha." (Dunno if you guys get this but she was basically joking that if she delivered me the bad news that I was preggers we would still be friends) I nearly fell off the bed. Turned out she was joking. NOT FUNNY AT ALL! Plus she gave me a pap smear which kinda hurt, and did not even give me the results after she promised that she would give it in a week. Frustrating, yes, that's why I never went back.

My third and final ob-gyn was recommended to me by my sister. The doctor was her teacher in med school, and was also her ob-gyn. This doctor was a total hit--I felt very comfortable talking to her and sharing with her my questions and I didn't feel as if anyone was judging me. She never cracked jokes about the things I was serious about, and she was very appropriate in her actions. Everytime I need her help, she's just a text away. There is never a text that she does not reply to, considering she's due to give birth in July I think that's a good sign.

So what are my tips for finding the right ob-gyn for you? Here's the ff:
1) Ask for recommendations from people you know
It doesn't have to be your mom's ob-gyn, if you're too shy or you think it will be awkward if you ask her, try asking your sisters or your friends. The rate for a check-up never goes down lower than Php500, so its best to scout around for the best prices as well.

2) Don't force the issue
Do not ever think that just because you schedule an appointment with one doctor, that he or she will be your doctor forever. If you don't feel comfortable, or you feel that there's something off even if the doctor is not doing anything wrong, GO WITH YOUR GUT. Remember that you will be revealing to your ob-gyn some very intimate details and its important that you trust them.

3) Three (or four, or five...) times' the charm
If you don't find your ob-gyn success story on the first, second, or third, or fourth time--don't give up! There are a ton of doctors out there who might be just the right one for you. Picking out your ob-gyn is just like having a new pair of shoes calling out to you: it just feels right. Try and try until you succeed. Don't let one experience with this doctor get you down.

4) Listen
You're coming in to see an ob-gyn because you need their expert advice. There are a lot of online sites out there that give out information (such as this one lol), but its always best to consult those who are knowledgeable in their field before anything else. Remember, they've had over 10 years of studying this field under their belt and its important to listen to their advice--no matter how much you dislike it.

So that's it! I hope you guys were able to get something out of this entry.
Btw my sister said its recommended to get a pap smear as early as 18 years old even if you're not sexually active so they can check for infections or what-not.

Have a nice day!^^

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Etude House Miss Tangerine Petit Darling Nails Kit Review

I find the new Etude House Miss Tangerine line (with Dara as the endorser) absolutely cute. When I got the chance to visit the store, I wasted no time swatching all the products in the line and I was really tempted to get the blusher. But I restrained myself because I do have similar shades of the looks so I could just imitate them.

But I just had to buy the Miss Tangerine Petit Darling Nails Kit:

What Etude House says:

A trio of carefully chosen nail polishes that creates lovely Tangerine gradation nail art in three easy steps.

[Product Lineup]

1. Tangerine Pink Nail Color

2. Sparkling Tangerine Nail Coat

3. Bling Bling Tangerine Pearl Coat 

[Directions] 1. Apply #1 to nails, covering entire nail surface. 2. Allow nails to partly dry then apply #2 to nails from the midnail line to the tip. 3 Allow coats #1 and #2 to partly dry then apply #3 just along the nail tips.

First off, I want to say that I know nothing about nail art but because I want to try doing something different to my nails, I bought these. So here are the polishes up close:

The one on the left is my own Petit Darling clear polish which I also used for my nails for the top coat.

As the directions said, you first apply the Tangerine Pink Nail Color all over your nails:

I used 2 coats, because the color is pretty light.

Then after waiting for it to partly dry, apply the Sparkling Tangerine Pearl Coat from the middle of your nail all the way to the tip:

Only used 1 coat because we're topping it off with more shimmers.

Finally, after both coats are partly dry, apply the Bling Bling Tangerine Pearl Coat to your tips (think french tip!).

I extended it over the tips because I loved the way the colors blended together.

And now the finished product:

The Etude House Miss Tangerine Petit Darling Nails Kit is perfect for anyone who wants to wear a bit of tangerine in their lives but isn't sure if it would match well with their skin tone. The effect is also pretty subtle and isn't overpowering at all. Its also great for anyone like me who's a total noob when it comes to nail art.

Etude House Miss Tangerine Petit Darling Nails Kit is available at any Etude House store (SM The Block North Edsa or Megamall) for only P328.00.

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