Product Review: Block and White Intensive Whitening Lotion SPF 28/PA+

Good morning everyone! How's the week so far? I'm still battling a cough and cold. Hopefully, I'll be better soon. Anyway, I'm really such a sunblock addict. I don't leave the house without slathering on some sunblock. Which is why I consume a bottle pretty quickly. When I ran out of my favorite Vaseline Healthy Sunblock, I asked my sister to buy me a new bottle. Unfortunately, they were out of stock and my sister came home with this instead:

Block and White Intensive Whitening Lotion SPF 28/PA+

I've been using this for around a week as a sunblock, not as a whitening lotion. So I can't say anything about its whitening effects. As a sunblock, here's what I've found so far:

PROS

• It's very affordable. Around P200 for a 250 ml bottle
• In addition to having SPF 28, it also has PA+ for the UVA rays
• Has a nice scent. It reminds me of the early Ponds Whitening Cream products I tried way back when I was in high school
• The scent is quite long-lasting. I put it on before lunch and by around 8 pm, there is still a bit of smell left.

CONS

• It's not easily absorbed by the skin. You have to wait for at least 10 minutes before it feels comfortable. At first, it will feel slightly sticky and maybe a little bit hot.

Conclusion: All-in-all, I think this is not bad at all! If you are looking for a sunblock on a budget, this is a good one to try! 

I Couldn't Help Myself

I couldn't help it! I caved in and bought myself a set of hot rollers! I've been debating whether or not I should buy them. After all, not all hair stylists consider this to be essential in their kit. But after reading what a time saver it could be, I bought myself a set!

Presenting... my new hot rollers from Babyliss! Yes, all my hair tools are from Babyliss! I actually love that these rollers are very affordable compared to other brands! When I got home, I immediately tried this out for myself. During the first few rollers, I was still adjusting since it didn't have anything to make it adhere to the hair unlike the velcro rollers that I'm used to. It took me 15 minutes to set my hair during my first try (I was still getting used to them), and then while waiting for my hair to set, I could do my makeup! This will be very useful when I'm alone on gigs. I really can't spend all that time doing makeup and then using a curling iron to curl their hair afterwards. This way, I can do makeup while waiting for the hair to set! This is a real time saver! I mean, I've always loved the big hair effect I get from ordinary rollers but it just takes too long! This way, I can get the effect with a short amount of time. Can't wait to use this for my gigs!

My HG Finishing Powder!

Even from the picture, you can already guess what my favorite finishing powder is!

It's Guerlain Meteorites Illuminating Pressed Powder Mythic Parfait!

Product Description:

What it is: An illuminating pressed powder.What it does: The latest member of the Meteorites family, Guerlain Meteorites Pearls Compact draws its inspiration from the classic pearl. This high-tech powder accentuates light, conceals blemishes, and brings out radiance, without shine.What else you need to know:Each compact contains an array of four complementary shades that create a luminous glow, the correcting color in the center can be used to conceal redness, cover blemishes, or tone down dark undereye circles. Swirl on the corresponding matte and pearlescent hues to touch up your look with a subtle iridescence. 

I don't know why it took me so long to review this powder since I've had this for more than a year. I haven't tried any other shades of the pressed powder form although I have one of their loose meteorites. Since I bought this, I've never looked back.

As you know, I have the oiliest skin on the planet. I've tried so many oil control powders out there and I have to say that this is the best! Why? Because I still do oil up after a few hours but this is the only powder out there that made me look dewy-oily not grease-pan-oily! And really, this is the most I can hope for, since all the oil control powders out there can only keep me oil free for a maximum of 3 hours.

So here are my pros and cons:

PROS

• gives my face a nice sheen, not too shimmery and not matte either
• compact doesn't look cheap
• helps control my oiliness
• looks dewy when I oil up instead of greasepan oily

CONS

• Expensive
• It lasts a long time. I've been using this almost everyday for more than a year and I still haven't hit pan!
• The compact is bulky
• Regarding the color correction, I'm not really sure if it works because the powder is very sheer when applied to the face

All-in-all, I'm loving this to bits! I'm sorry I didn't swatch it but it's really hard to make it show up because it's very sheer. Although this retails for P3,000+ at Rustans, I bought mine for around P1,600 (can't remember the exact price) because it came from the LuxeAsia sale. So it was around 50% off the original price. I will buy this again when I run out, definitely!

Product Spotlight: Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Scrub

Hello everyone! Today I'm going to talk about my favorite body scrub lately: Asia Secrets Lulur Whitening Scrub.

 

This product has been creating a lot of buzz in the internet and for good reason: It's very affordable at less than P180 for 200g, it's not too harsh on your skin, and it smells good! I believe that scrubs need not be expensive, since its main purpose is to exfoliate. This does the job--exfoliation is not too harsh nor too mild. It's just right. As for the whitening effect, I haven't noticed if I've gotten any fairer since I don't use it often enough. I actually wouldn't have tried this if my sister hadn't bought a tub. I'm happy she did!

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts?

Another Day, Another Shoot

Hello everyone! It's the start of the work week for most people. As for me, I've been a little sick and I feel like I'm coming down with a cold, so I'm going to leave you with a pre-nup shot I did a few months ago. I've done a good number of pre-nup shoots, but I never get to have some copies of the shots. Thankfully, I got a hold of this since the bride-to-be was very generous and when we saw each other again, she let me have a few copies of the shoot.

Photography: Derek de los Santos

Hair and makeup: Crystal Milarose Rodis

What a pretty girl! She's very nice too.

I'll be leaving you with this while I try not to get sick :P

Have a great week everyone!

Product Review: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

Good morning everyone! How are you doing? It's a thursday today meaning most of you are already looking forward for the weekend. As for me, well, things get busier during the weekend. 

Anyway, today I will be reviewing Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup. Pammy was kind enough to give me a sample and she also raved about it in her blog.

After trying it out a few times, I was really sold! I don't normally use liquid foundation except for events, since I find that it starts looking ugly after several hours because of my uber oily skin. But I think my skin has finally found its match!

This foundation gives a medium coverage. The bottle looks scary because the foundation looks cool- toned when in the bottle, but it actually is warm-toned when applied to the skin.

PROS

• classy packaging
• great staying power
• creates a smooth finish
• comes with SPF 10 for those who skip sunblock
• even after a few hours, my skin just looks dewy instead of looking oily! that way, I'm not so conscious of whether or not I have to blot

CONS

• doesn't come with a pump, so it's hard to get the foundation out
• can be a little hard to blend
• pricey at P1900. but I just think of it this way, I'm just adding P300 to a MAC Studio Fix Fluid, but I get better results!

Topped with my favorite finishing powder (which will be revealed in future posts), I finally look decent and not like an oil mine!

Here's an FOTD of me wearing Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup. I'm sorry I can't take a clearer FOTD, since the lighting here in the house is pretty bad.

Have you tried this? How do you find it? :) Have a great day!

My Favorite Moisturizer Gets a Makeover!

I went to Sesou Nature Source in Trinoma to buy what was supposed to be my 4th jar of my favorite moisturizer when I was in a surprise.

Leyende Face Canvas is in a jar no more! No more unsanitary dipping, which shortens the life span of your product because of bacteria. This is especially necessary for organic products. Now I'm more confident that my moisturizer will last!

I've said many times how much I love this moisturizer! Although Leyende is more expensive than most local organic brands, P550 for 100 ml is seriously not bad! I'm very happy that Leyende place it in a tube. 

Have you tried this? What do you think?

Have a nice day!

Product Review: Clarins Double Fix Mascara

Hello everyone! How's the new year treating you so far? Anyway, today I'm going to review Clarins Double Fix Mascara. If you've been following my blog, then you know I included this in my top finds for 2010. Wanna know why?

Like I've said for the nth time, I have the oiliest lids on the planet. None of the so-called waterproof mascaras stood a chance on my lid. Even the most waterproof of the waterproof mascaras smudged on me after two hours. I've tried a few products that are supposed to help make mascaras more smudge-proof but they all failed to work for me. This product was part of my things-to-try list.

Product Description:

An exceptional transparent, fixing gel which guarantees perfect mascara hold in any environment...bathing, traveling, late nights and more. Also ideal for use to groom and shape eyebrows.

Application:

Use alone or over your favorite mascara.

I was finally able to buy this during at Duty Free Bangkok Airport for 880 Baht. It would have been cheaper if I bought it in the US, but I guess this price will have to do. The mascara is more of a top coat that you apply after mascara. If you plan to use this alone it will not give you much lengthening or volume. I dare not use this for brows because this is too expensive to be used as a transparent brow gel when there are cheaper alternatives. 

I've used this several times and I can say that it has changed my life! I no longer have raccoon eyes after two hours, although sometimes it still smudges a bit when it's hot. But seriously, this has made a huge difference for someone who is extremely oily like me!

PROS

• It works!
• Despite its hefty price tag, you can actually use this for a long time since it has a lifespan of 36M. Although, I recommend throwing it out before that. After all, liquid is liquid. 
• This will still come out cheaper than buying an expensive mascara and then throwing it out after three months!  Maybelline mascara + Clarins Double Fix mascara will still be cheaper in the long run.

CONS

• expensive

Conclusion: I'd recommend this to someone who has extremely oily lids that no waterproof mascara is waterproof enough for them. This is one good product for that purpose. Otherwise, you can skip buying this and just stick with your trusty mascara.

New Year Blog Sale

Hello everyone! Like I said, I bought myself a new phone so I'm selling some of my make up to somehow soften the blow of getting a new phone. 

Lot of Revlon Custom Creations Foundation - 1000
(original price 800+ each)
1. fair
2. fair/light
3. medium/deep
-perfect to get all the shades needed. around 80% left for each. 1 bottle its missing its cover. FREE SHIPPING FOR THE LOT

Suesh Brush Cleaner - P50
(around 50% left. original price: 300)

Urban Decay mini sized 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Zero (around 70% left) - 250
Urban Decay mini sized 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Zero BRAND NEW - 500
Urban Decay FULL SIZE 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Zero BRAND NEW - 800

Coastal Scents Neutral Palette - 500

Coastal Scents 88 Matte Palette - 500

Loreal HIP Concentrated Eyeshadow Duo in Retro - has a matte blue eyeshadow and a highlighter. Not available locally - 50

Free shipping within Metro Manila for purchases of P1000 and above.
Reservations good for 3 days only.
Payment thru BDO or GCash.
Shipping via Xend or Air21.

You may text me at 09053474599 for faster transactions :)

My Top Beauty Discoveries for 2010 + My New Gadget

Happy New Year everyone! Finally I'm going to show you my top beauty discoveries for 2010. I know I haven't made individual reviews of a lot of these products yet so stay tuned, guys. I will do my best to do individual reviews for those that I haven't done. Mind you these products have no particular order.

1. Cream Silk Precision Repair Treatment

What can I say? For around P200 for a 250 ml tub, this is a great steal! I use this once or twice a week on my damaged hair and it really does make it soft!

2. Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Scrub

Another affordable product that can be easily found. Like the previous product, it costs less than P200 for around 200g. I'm not sure about the whitening part, but as a scrub it does the job. It's not too harsh but not too mild either. It has a great scent too!

3. Clarins Double Fix Mascara

If you know me, then you'll know I have the oiliest lids on the planet! I've tried all the so-called "waterproof" mascaras, but they don't stand a chance against my oily lids. Instead, I've had to use fiber mascaras which are great for everyday, but don't really give the extra oomph that I want during night outs. This mascara has solved my problem! I put it on top of my waterproof mascara, and it stays on! It comes with a hefty price tag, but it's worth it for me!

4. Urban Decay Naked Palette

I'm surprised that I haven't seen this in lists so far, considering that this palette has a very high demand and is always sold out on the website. This has become my go-to palette especially for weddings!

5. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup Foundation

I tried a sample of this and loved this! I'm definitely going to write a more in-depth review about this. For now, let me just say that this has become my skin enhancing foundation. And it's cheaper than foundations from Shu Uemura, Bobbi Brown and MUFE, although you get a little less product.

So there you have it everyone, my top beauty discoveries for 2010.

On a side note, I finally bought a new phone after three years! Meet my new gadget: my HTC Aria! I've been wanting to try an android phone for some time now, since my techie friends are recommending it to me more than an Apple phone. Besides, lets face it, I don't have enough moolah to buy an IPhone 4. Hihi!

I'm really enjoying my new phone!

Watch out guys, I'll be doing a blog sale within the week. I sort of have to make up for the money I spent on my phone!

Reader Questions

Happy New Year Everyone! Before I start an official post, I'd like to answer a couple of questions readers left for me on my formspring.

Q: Where can i buy mama lotion?

A: I bought my mama lotion (now called M2) from skincarerx.com but they don't ship to the Philippines. I believe it's also available from amazon.com and in local derma offices as well.

Q: Hi, where did you buy ur urban decay palette? Can u send me a link to the seller? Thanks for being a doll.. ^^

A: If you're referring to my Naked palette, I bought it from http://carefreeshopper.multiply.com :)

That's all for now everyone. Happy New Year again!