Whenever I think about Mariah Carey, the first thing that comes into my mind is DIVA. So its really no surprise that OPI gives her a line that's called "Liquid Sand". This is a new variant from OPI which I believe would be coming out more in their collections.
I've been looking for an inexpensive heat protectant product, and luckily I stumbled upon the Prostyle Fuwarie End Curling Mist while strolling around Beauty Bar!
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).
Having dark brows and light hair has always been a problem for me. I have always tried to put a little hair dye on my brows (which I do NOT recommend for anyone to do because this may cause severe skin irritation OR burn your skin) to lighten them up, but it hasn't worked.
I finally tried the Sweet Orange shade of the Etude House Bubble Hair Coloring! Its a brighter shade compared to the Natural Brown, and makes your hair tons lighter.
I have to admit that I am totally obsessed with The Hunger Games: the books as well as the film has made me go more gaga for it than Harry Potter! So its really no surprise that I would grab some polishes from the China Glaze Colors from the Capitol Collection.
Plus the person endorsing it is Effie Trinket, one of my most favorite characters! I was also ecstatic about this collection because China Glaze is right up there as my most beloved nail colors--because they churn out such fantastic and fascinating shades.
There are 12 polishes all in all, representing each district's product.
The 2 colors we got was Stone Cold (District 2 for Masonry) and Riveting (District 3 for Technology). I wanted to get Electrify (District 5 for Power) but they were currently out of stock at my favorite online shopping place, Digital Traincase.
I chose Stone Cold because all the online reviews raved on how different the polish was, and I do love it when a polish brings something new to the table!
Stone Cold though is very tricky to apply, since it dries with a matte finish. You have to quickly paint the entire nail before it dries up. But I am IN LOVE with the effect. As I said, its very very matte, with small silver glitters that are subdued when not under a light but come out a bit sparkling when it is.
Below, you can see how imperfect I did my nails, because it is really hard to get the right amount of coats on each nail!
But because I am so in love with the effect, its all okay for me and I will keep on trying until I perfect it! I do advise that you use 2 coats, allowing the 1st coat to dry completely then quickly adding on the second coat. 2 coats is also advisable because the polish tends to chip fast when you're doing ordinary tasks.
The matte effect disappears though if you apply a clear top coat, so if you want a different feel of the polish, just apply some!
My sister chose Riveting, as it had the whole "girl on fire" effect! Its a very very pretty red orange with small gold glitters. It has a glossy finish and is easy to apply!
The consistency of the polish after its applied appears to be jelly-like. Its a gorgeous color for summer and makes your fingers appear fairer.
China Glaze's Hunger Games Colors from the Capitol can be purchased online through Digital Traincase, at P360.00 each here. I think they're having another order delivered soon so do check back from time to time if the rest of the polishes would be available!
As all of you know, I am always on the look-out for cheaper but effective eyeliners as I cannot live without them. Recently I have been spending a small fortune on MAC's Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved, which costs around P800 a piece. Now this can get rather expensive if you're an avid eye pencil user like me, as I usually use a liner pencil when I'm lazy to do eye make-up and do a standard smokey eye. I use up eyeliner pencils very quickly, and this was what prompted me to hunt down a new brand to use.
Here comes the IN2IT Waterproof Gel Liner in Very Black to the rescue! I've been seeing this around malls and I thought of giving it a try!
What IN2IT says:
A smooth and soft gel liner, that glides onto the skin. The pencil shape gives balance making it easier to hold and apply. Quick drying, waterproof, and super long wearing. No running, no smudging, no 'panda eyes', no fragrance. Easy to apply and remove.
One of the things I love about the product is that it comes with its own sharpener!
Sorry for the blurry photos, I don't know what was up with me that day, I just couldn't take good photos at all!
The pencil is very soft when you use it against your eye, even when you sharpen the tip it still remains its softness. But it always creates a thick line, so if you want a thinner line, you have to position the pencil well.
I also like the pencil because its best for tight lining the lower lash line. It doesn't hurt at all and my eyes are quite sensitive--or maybe they're used to being lined? I really don't know!
I tried to smudge it while it was drying, and it only moved a little bit. I wanted to test what would happen if I rub my eyes.
I like the creaminess of the formula and how thick the line comes out that you only need one stroke and you already have the desired color you want. It also doesn't smudge nor comes off with water, so you need an eye make-up remover for this one.
I'm currently eyeing the Aztec Gold version of this eyeliner because it looks super cool!:D
The IN2IT Waterproof Gel Liner is available in most department stores in SM or PCX for only P375.00.
Hello everyone! Its so nice to finally put a post in this blog related to BEAUTY STUFF!!! Tonight I come bring you a review about EOS Lip Balm Sphere in Sweet Mint, a product I have been so curious to try since well...forever!!!
Its shaped like a small egg, and is just too cute to resist!
EOS actually stands for EVOLUTION FOR SMOOTH, and is famous for these egg-shaped lip balms that provide instant relief for dry chapped lips. I have to admit that I'm not a big user of lip balms, but who can resist using a product like this?!
What EOS says:
Can a lip balm make you smile? We think so. That's why we invented this one.
Long-lasting moisture
Shea butter & vitamin E
Smoothes on clear
New smooth sphere easily glides on
Twist-off top
Gluten-free
Paraben-free
Petrolatum-free
Phthlate-free
EOS lip balm is 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, EOS keeps your lips moist, soft, and sensationally smooth.
Directions: Twist off top. Pucker up. Smooth on. Smile.
Haha please pardon those lines on the lip balm, I've been using this for over a week already!
Results of the EOS lip balm I have to say, are amazing. Before I used this, my lips were peeling, it was totally disgusting to put on lipsticks! But when I applied it, after 2 days, my lips were completely cured. Right now I don't have crumbly lips anymore, but I'm addicted to putting on this lip balm that I still consistently apply it.
Unfortunately, after 2 weeks of using, I seem to have developed a weird allergy. My lips became extremely chapped and puffy! :(
EOS Lip Balm Spheres are available at Digital Traincase, for only P250. You can visit their store in Circles and Dots in Rockwell, Powerplant or buy through their online website here.
P.S. I love love love that online shop where I bought this lip balm, they answer quickly and bring the best products here! Please do check them out and I promise you'll go nuts from all the gorgeous and affordable products they have!^^
Okay so I know I'm known for patronizing Korean salons (since they get how to do my bangs right) but I have always wanted to try out Creations by Lourd Ramos, because of the glowing reviews made by several bloggers. Plus their haircut is more affordable at P300 than my usual haircut, so what the heck, I trooped on over and got myself some things done!
Well I was really planning to just get a haircut, but the color was priced at only P2000 for long hair, so I thought I should probably get my hair colored professionally, considering that it hasn't been coloring evenly due to that squid ink dye job I got back then.
The salon is pretty small, don't expect a huge one, but it makes up for its size with its cozy interiors:
I loved the minimalist white chairs (which were pretty comfy) and the design on the wallpaper!
I didn't like the shower area that much though, its pretty hard for someone short like me to put her head back. Nangangawit ako!!! Its better I think if you had to lie down? I'm not sure though, I think they should work on this.
The over-all experience though was great! I was given a lot of attention and they carefully listened to what I wanted. I initially wanted a red color but then they told me they needed to pre-lighten my hair. But I had to rule that out because it would cost me an additional P1,500. So what the stylist did was try to match my current hair color and try to make it even.
Unfortunately that didn't work! But what was totally great was that Lourd Ramos (himself!!!) came to check on my hair, found it unsatisfactory, as it was all two-tones, and had my stylist pre-lighten it--for free!
So all in all, I wasn't disappointed with how the color turned. I would definitely give this salon an 8.5/10 for its service. By the way, the massage while your getting your hair rinsed during hair color is divine! I almost fell asleep.
The only other thing though is that I wish they would include the hair treatment with the hair color, because my hair was left feeling dry and rough. I think that's a problem I have when I get my hair colored in salons. Unlike home coloring, they usually include a conditioning treatment to make it soft.
And...here's my final look!
I had my layers fixed plus got bangs! Those are suppose to be full frontal bangs but it was kinda hot so I pushed them to the side.
I love how even the color turned out! Total damage was P2000 (hair color) + P300 (haircut) = P2300. Pretty reasonable considering my hair is all even now.
Below is a list of their other services:
Creations by Lourd Ramos Salon is located at 3rd flr, Glorietta 5, Ayala Center, Makati.
I have been coloring my own hair for more than 5 years already. This is the first time I have ever encountered hair color like this! This folks, is ETUDE HOUSE's Bubble Hair Coloring in Natural Brown.
I first heard about this hair color from my sister, who purchased a box and tried it. She had never colored her hair on her own before, (always with my help, meaning I would apply it) and she successfully applied the color by her self. She was quite pleased with the result which convinced me to try it myself.
ETUDE HOUSE says:
Macro bubble booster helps your hair to absorb contents more efficiently so that quality of your hair and color will be better.
I got NATURAL BROWN, as the only shades available in the Etude House store I went to was that, Black and Dark Brown. I really wanted the Sweet Orange shade! Oh well, maybe next time. Here are the other shades:
Here are the contents of the box:
It consists of the following:
1) Hair dye
2) Color developer
3) Plastic wrap and some plastic gloves (very pleased that the box included these!)
4) Silky Perfumed Hair Treatment -- which I totally forgot to take a photo of, but its that purple sachet on the set photo.
The box is completely in Korean, but there are a few helpful illustrations to guide you on the box and inside a pamphlet:
Now here is a translation of how to use it:
Now these instructions are pretty vague, and of course you don't want to ruin your hair, right? Nor do you even want to botch the entire process--so I turn to my trusty friend (YOUTUBE) and found a video of how to apply bubble hair color:
So here are the simplified steps: (note some steps I added as my usual way of applying hair color)
1) Apply cold cream to your forehead and around the edges of your face to prevent color from seeping through.
The cold cream I'm using is Etude House's Happy Teatime milk tea cleansing cream. Review is posted HERE.
2) Remove #2's cap, and pour in #1.
3) Screw the lid back in.
4) Put on the plastic cape. Its an open sheet of plastic so I suggest pinning it with a hair clip to keep it in place. Put the gloves on as well.
By the way, the gloves are kinda old looking, and is very difficult to put on. What I suggest you should do is blow into the hole to un-coil the glove.
5) Tilt the bottle sideways and back upright (please refer to the video HOW TO DO THIS!) a couple of times to mix the contents. It's very important that you don't simply shake the bottle. You will feel the pump bottle heat up as you do this.
6) Take off the stopper of the pump bottle so you can get the product out. Here's the bottle WITH the stopper:
Then just pull that extended tab to remove the lock:
7) Before applying the foam, comb your hair first so there are no tangles.
8) Unlike the usual hair dyes where you have to section your hair into quadrants, you start to apply the foam to the outside of your hair FIRST. So pump out the foam (the photo is below is ONE pump) with two pumps and apply to the outside of your hair.
Make sure the entire outside of your hair is entirely wet. Start from your roots to the tip, completely saturating each part. Don't scimp on the hair dye! Remember its only good for ONE USE so use it generously.
9) After your done with the outside of your hair, get more foam and run it through the inside of your hair. Do it until every strand is completely saturated with the dye.
10) If your hair is now covered entirely with the dye, pile the rest of your hair on top of your head and massage it in. Do this a couple of times and just let the dye go through. (its incredibly hard to take a photo of yourself while doing this!!!) Apply more foam to the hair near your crown.
11) After you're done, you can either pin up your hair or put on a shower cap for the waiting time. The box says you have to wait for 30 minutes before washing it off, but I waited for an hour (I don't really recommend this if your hair is sensitive and its the first time you're coloring you hair) because this is the usual waiting time I do whenever I color my hair.
Did the dye hurt? I have to admit I felt a slight tingly sensation
12) Remove the shower cap and go rinse it off! You will definitely feel that your hair is super crusty. And waaaay tangled. No worries though! That's what the hair treatment is for. Remember to use the ENTIRE SACHET to remove the dryness. Then ta-da! Good as new, plus it smells good too!
Here is a photo of how my hair looked like after the waiting time:
And now...the ULTIMATE TEST: did it color my hair?!
The BEFORE photo:
If you guys have read my previous hair color post, this hair has been dyed SUPER BLACK way back when I was in my depressed stage. That's why I have such a hard time coloring it.
The AFTER photo:
A MIRACLE! IT COLORED!!! Just a note though, this was an especially bright and sunny day. My hair definitely lightened up, on those parts that I had "virgin hair" (meaning it hadn't been subjected to the brutal torture of being dyed a squid ink black), and lightened those that had been previously dyed.
I was satisfied with the result. I do wish it colored my hair equally, but that part is mostly my fault because my hair isn't color-balanced to begin with.
I also have to admit that I had a harder time using this than ordinary hair dyes. Its probably because I'm used to brush-application where I can estimate if I'm applying it evenly. But as they say, practice makes perfect--and I'm looking forward to more experience with this hair dye by trying out other shades!
The hair dye is also quite affordable! Most drugstore brands cost more than P400 in the market but this is relatively cheaper.
ETUDE HOUSE Bubble Hair Coloring is available in any Etude House branch (SM Megamall, SM The Block, Market Market!) for only P378.00!
Hello everyone! I am in a very good mood today, as I have finally gotten my new wonderful Macbook Pro into fully functional mode (read: installed Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop), and so I thought it was about time for me to update my blog!
So recently my third eyeliner pen ran out and I was in dire need of a new one to use. I mean I didn't want to go all the way to Korea just to get my fix (addict much?) or have one shipped and face humongous Customs charges. Thankfully, Beauty Bar started having the 24H K-Palette 1-Day Tattoo Eyeliner in their stores.
It took me awhile to find some in stock, I had to wait 2 weeks for the nearest branch to have one in SUPER BLACK. Its also available in DARK BROWN. If you read my blog, you'll know how OBSESSED I am with eyeliners. I cannot leave home without a line across the lid!
This specific eyeliner has been touted by many bloggers are their HG eyeliner. K-Palette is a make-up brand from Japan. I know a lot of reviews have been made here in the Philippines ever since this came out, but here are my thoughts if this IS really a 1-DAY tattoo:
What K-Palette says:
This quick drying waterproof liquid eyeliner comes with a patented micro-fiber fine brush tip for superb control and ease in drawing. High water resistant polymer creates long lasting and non-smudge eyeliner that withstands water, sweat and skin sebum.
Holy grail eyeliner of make up gurus and top selling eyeliner in Japan!
The eyeliner's pen feels like the CLIO's Kill Black: has a felt-tip texture and the pen is very easy to hold. But the brush is a bit soft, those who aren't used to pen liners might have a harder time controlling it.
Since the eyeliner is being re-distributed by Beauty Bar, it thankfully has English instructions at the back:
1. Shake the pen a few times with the tip facing down before use for a more vivid color.
2. Keep cap tightly closed after use to prevent the brush from contamination and drying.
3. Insert brush into the center of the cap when recapping. Denting it against the cap may cause the brush to lose its unique shape.
4. Leaving the pen in an upright position for a long period of time may cause the color to become lighter. Leave the pen on its side or with the tip facing downwards. 5. Use soap and water to remove. NO eye make up remover needed!
6. Not for inner eye lining.
7. In the even of an allergic reaction, stop using immediately.
I highlighted numbers 1 and 7 because these are the most important instructions for me.
Remember to shake the pen vigorously and more than ten times if you want VIVID color to come out. I have to say I was initially disappointed with the eyeliner at first because I thought this was the darkest it could be. I mean it said SUPER BLACK, so I was expecting it to be darker.
But the problem can be solved by more shaking! Now I'm definitely satisfied with the shade of black that comes out of the pen.
I love how quickly the eyeliner gets removed by just water! No need for doses of eye make-up remover just to get all the product out.
Despite being removable by mere water, the eyeliner stays true to its promise: it holds on for ONE DAY! I even tried sleeping with it (do not do this, I just did it to test if it does hold on), and it didn't come off.
NOTE: This shade was the initial one that came out because I didn't shake the pen enough. Just shake more and it gets darker!
I also love the fact that the eyeliner was fast drying. No need to keep your eyes closed for sometime after you apply. When you also make mistakes, you can easily remove it by using a cotton bud.
I do have super oily lids and it did not deter the product from lightening up during the day. I am so pleased with this purchase! Its a very nice alternative to the CLIO Kill Black (which still remains to be my HG), and I will be definitely buying one again if I run out.
The 24H K-Palette 1-Day Tattoo Eyeliner in Super Black is available in any Beauty Bar branch all over Metro Manila for only P895.
I don't usually review shampoos/conditioners here on my blog because I usually rotate through different products whenever I run out. My hair is so thick but its so straight that I find it hard to find the ONE to stick to.
All these changed when I tried out the PANTENE Nature Care line. I don't know if I'm a bit behind on this post, but this set changed my life, and I'm not exaggerating! Gone are the days when I had to use sticky serum on my hands just to get my hair look manageable.
PANTENE promises that this line will bring more shine and volume to your hair, were they right?
Before I go on to the actual merits of this line, I have to say first that I love love looove the scent! It's fresh and stays on your hair for most of the day. The line is also not heavy on the pocket.
PANTENE Nature Care Shampoo
The shampoo cleanses gently and isn't harsh at all. It has Cassia flower seed essence and washes out dullness in your hair. After using this, my hair has definite added volume and doesn't look too flat as it usually does.
PANTENE Nature Care Conditioner
I always believe in layering your products so you can make the best out of its effectivity. The conditioner promises to remove frizz and add shine! It has a unique dual-surfactant technology that creates and "air film" which separates hair strands so the conditioner spreads evenly, making hair bouncier.
PANTENE Nature Care Intensive Penetrating Treatment (P149)
Girls, you NEED to put treatment into your hair at least once a week. This is the secret to having healthier hair! Out of all the home treatments I've tried, this guy brings it all down. Hair smells great, feels soft and doesn't look kachupoy.
And now...of course I should post some results of how my hair looks life after using these products for some time now. I love using this line, and I do suggest you try it as well! It brings in the results that I have never seen from other hair products that promise you the world in TV commercials.
My hair was becoming thinner because of the type of hair cut I got and wouldn't grow evenly. But after using the treatment, volume was restored!
Straight and bouncy hair! Love eeet! I didn't use any additional product to make it look like this. I literally just combed it!
PANTENE Nature Care is available in all leading supermarkets and drugstores.
