The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil

Picture taken from: www.thebodyshop-usa.com

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil (P695)
I heard so much about this cleanser but took a long long time for me to decide whether to buy it or not. But finally, I saw the sign: Buy 1 Get 1. And so I did. 

This...I think...is my holy grail cleanser! Put 2 pumps of the product on your palm. Rub it in between your hands and gently massage it onto your dry face. After which, add water to emulsify the product and rinse it off. It removes face and eye make-up easily without making your face having that squeaky clean feel. It does not leave your skin feeling dry. It does not leave an oily film on your skin. Your skin will feel smooth, cleansed, and moisturized! It does not create breakouts on your skin. It has helped me moisturize some dry patches on my skin. So that's a plus plus! 

However, the packaging leaks. :( Booo. And if you're wearing contacts, it makes your eyes blurry for a period of time. But everything will be ok after rinsing the product off. :) 

Tip: Before buying this, wait for promos. :) 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Picture taken from: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/

Oh yes! My long-awaited product is in the palm of my hands. :) This was gifted to me on my birthday (by request, of course). I've heard a lot of great reviews about this and had been part of my wish-list for a very looooong time. 

First of all, it comes with a pump. Hygienic: check! 

Second, the packaging looks luxurious. It comes in an indigo glass bottle. It has a good amount of product inside which can last for a few months. 

Third, it has a mild lavender scent. The ingredients consist of different kinds of oil. When applied, it is in between the texture of a serum and an oil. It applies and absorbs easily by the skin. However, using too much may cause breakouts and using too little may show no results. You may have to experiment on the right amount appropriate for your skin. 

I didn't know this, but there's a proper way on how to apply it:

Picture taken from: http://top10inaction.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/serum7.jpg

Final Verdict: 

This is great on its own or in combination with other products. I've used this together with my Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion at night and I noticed a slight difference in my skin, but I need to use this more regularly (lazy girl) to see more results. 

The downside: it is expensive. :( 

Clinique 3-Step Skin Care

http://therefinededit.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/3step.jpg

A great skincare routine should be done both in the morning and at night. Before buying a product, one should know his/her skin type. It ranges from dry, oily, normal, combination, and sensitive skin. I have dry-combination skin: an oily t-zone with dry patches around the mouth area. It is very difficult for people with dry-combination skin to find the right product that can give moisture and prevent clogged pores. 

I bought the 3-step skin care from Clinique last December. The skin specialist said I have dry-combination skin. They recommended the dry-combo range and I've been trying it for the past 8 months. 


Step 1: Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild
This has a lot of product inside. It comes with a pump and dispenses a good amount of product. It is gentle on the face, however, does not thoroughly cleanse the face. It has no scent which is great for those with sensitive skin. It is quite pricey for a facial wash. I'd rather buy a cleanser from the Dept. Store or from the Grocery which can do an equal or even better job. 


Step 2: Clinique Clarifying Lotion 
It comes out clear with a very strong alcohol smell. It can remove excess make-up from the face after cleansing. The instruction said to use it twice a day. However, I wouldn't recommend it. Why? It made my skin very sensitive every time I wash my face and apply moisturizer. It turned my skin very dry for weeks with dry patches. Do not use it around the eye area and make sure to apply it gently (I learned the hard way). 

It is better to use it once a day, preferably at night. Or better yet, choose another toner. 


Step 3: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion 
I love moisturizers that come with a pump and cover. It is very hygienic to use. It dispenses a good amount of product. It has no scent. 1-2 pumps would do to keep your skin moisturized (or more). Additional product may be used around areas with dry patches. I prefer using this at night since it has no SPF. Its texture feels silky and easily absorbed by the skin. 


Final Verdict: 
If I were you, skip Steps 1 and 2. Out of the 3, I only liked the moisturizer. 

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concelaer

Picture taken from: http://loveforjelly.blogspot.com/2012/04/beauty.html

The school year has started for most schools and we're back to our old zombie self. Back to our old routine: waking up in the middle of the night to do our homework or reviewing for tomorrow's test. Waking up the next day is such a hassle and looking at the mirror is a nightmare. Waaah. Dark circles and pimples (caused by stress) are starting to show. 

Don't fret. A good concealer can make you looking fresh and awake. :) 

I recommend the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer (P299). It covers the most stubborn dark circles and leaves a brightening effect on the eye area. It helps lighten and conceal pimples and pimple marks. This may also be used to highlight some parts of the face. It claims to last for a long time. :) 

Tip: This concealer sets fast. I advise spreading the product quickly but gently around the eye area. A foundation brush works really well. :) 

Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me in My First Time

Catchy names and packaging attract me so much. :) I'm that kind of consumer. :) 

Lip Crayon is a trend. And as you can see, same packaging as most lip crayons. But what I like most about this particular brand is that it is managed by Filipinos. Nationalism is running through my veins right now. :)

This lip crayon is moisturizing, long-lasting, has great color pay-off, has no off-scent, has great color selections, has a nice packaging and catchy names, and very affordable. I haven't tried the other shades yet, but I have high hopes they all have the same quality in terms of what I've mentioned above. 

Happy Skin Products are available at Plains and Prints Boutiques, and some Beauty Bar stores. :) 

Bourjois Paris Colour Boost Lip Crayon in Peach on the Beach

I have to honest with you...spelling the brand name Bourjois is hard. Pronouncing it is even harder. I know very little French. Even though the spelling and pronunciation are complicated, the name Peach on the Beach is just so cute. The rest of the names from this line are not as cute though: Fuchsia Libre, Red Sunrise, and Orange Punch. Peach on the Beach just caught my attention (that's the reason why I bought it). 

The packaging looks similar to most lip crayons out there. However, the labels on it are easily erased and the twist-able end won't lock. It keeps on turning and turning. It has an old-lady smell to it. It's moisturizing, has great color pay-off but not as long lasting. 

The shade does not fit all skin tones and does not combine really well with sticky lip balms. Overall, it's great on its own because it is moisturizing, quite affordable (VND 320.000 = P640), and has a unique shade. But, it is not available in the Philippines (bought mine in Parskson Mall Vietnam) and it rubs off easily. 

Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush in Berry Shimmer and Mellow Wine

L: Berry Shimmer
R: Mellow Wine

This has been around for ages but it is and should be a keeper! A lot of bloggers and YouTubers have raved about this. If you haven't heard about the color icon blush range from Wet n Wild, then read on girl! 

This is very affordable. It costs P299 and will last you for years. I once had the Heather Silk shade and it lasted me for 3 years. But it could last longer than that. Mine just fell on the floor and broke. :( 

L: Berry Shimmer
R: Mellow Wine

It is very pigmented and you need a teeny tiny bit to create a natural glow. The Berry Shimmer has a berry shade to it, hence the name. The Mellow Wine has a red wine color. Both has a light shimmer. 

What more can you ask for from this blush: affordability, pigmentation, color options, and lasting power! 

New Year, New You: Make up Starter Kit!

This is a very late upload. Peace yo! :) 

I would like to start off by saying....

It is already 2014 and most of have started the year right by making our New Year's Resolution. I, for one, have made several 2014 goals. The more specific, the better! :) 2013 had been great, 2014 will be greater! 

New year? New me? New look? That's my "peg" for today's blog post. :) 

If you are planning to change your look this year, and have been "inspired" (or greatly influenced) to wear make-up but don't know what to do first. Then here's a simple (I hope it is), guide on what to buy for your first ever make-up starter kit!! :)   

1. BB Cream, CC Cream, or Tinted Moisturizer
This helps in keeping our skin looking flawless all day. :) It evens out our skin tone and conceals or lightens any dark spots (pimple marks, scars, etc). If you have a flawless skin, might as well skip this part and move on to concealer. 

Must Try Brands: Etude House, The Face Shop, Revlon 

2. Powder
This helps lessen the shine and oiliness on your face. 

Must Try Brands: L'Oreal, Maybelline 

3. Concealer
Sometimes, foundations do not cover as much. That's when concealers come in. A concealer may be used to hide any imperfections in our skin such as dark under eye circles, pimple marks, scars. Some concealers have brightening components thus making us look more awake. 

Must Try Brands: L'Oreal, Revlon, MAC, NARS

4. Blush 
To provide a natural flush. :) Don't overdo it! 

Must Try Brands: NYX, Wet and Wild


5. All-in-One Brush
Invest in a brush that can be used in multiple ways. This brush can be used with a powder, a blush, and a bronzer. :) 

Must Try Brand: Real Techniques


6. Eye Lash Curler 
This is optional. But to help amp up those lashes is with the use of an eyelash curler. :) Practice makes perfect! :) 

Must Try Brands: Shu Uemura, FS21, Shisheido


7. Mascara 
This can help emphasize those eyes and it does help make you look more awake! :) 

Must Try Brands: Maybelline, Cover Girl, Revlon


8. Eyebrow pencil
To frame the face. 

Must Try Brand: Tony Moly 


9. Lip Balm 
To moisturize those puckers up! 

Must Try Brands: Maybelline, Chapstick 


10. Lip Gloss
As a replacement for lipstick. 

Must Try Brands: The Body Shop, Maybelline 


11. Lip Butter
It provides color and moisture to your lips. A 2-in-1 product! 

Must Try Brand: Revlon


12. Oil Control Sheet
Instead of touching up with powder often, try blotting on an oil-control sheet to prevent shine and to prevent clogged pores. 

Must Try Brands: Gatsy, Clean and Clear 

L'OREAL Lucent Magique Light Touch-up Pen

I have no bad words to say about this highlighting pen slash concealer because it is a very good product. It has a nice packaging (very expensive looking), it blends really well under the eyes, it conceals dark circles, it brightens the under eye area, it removes fatigue from your eyes, and it highlights the brow bone and cheek area. It has a dual purpose! But what I hate about it though is, it is not available in L'OREAL counters anymore. :( They have discontinued it since December (I think) and are not sure if they are going to bring it back. Why discontinue something that is oh-so-SUPERB?!?

So I guess this is not a review but a plea for L'OREAL to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bring this back to the Philippines because I badly need this in my life. No exaggerations intended.