Product Review: Alba Botanica Natural Acne Dote Oil Control Lotion

I prefer a short and fuss-free everyday routine when it comes to prepping myself up. That's why I skip primers and rely on moisturizers that also serve as a good makeup base while providing oil control. Luckily, I have found such products in Alba Botanica. This is the second moisturizer I have used (and is currently using) from this brand, the Rainforest Hydrating Oil Control Moisturizer being the first. I liked the latter a lot but to know  if I also like this one, please read the rest of this post for my review. :)

Product Description taken from the Alba Botanica website:

Oil Control Lotion with max-strength 2% Salicylic Acid

Signature ingredient: Willow Bark Extract, a natural source of Salicylic Acid, helps treat and prevent acne.
Parsley and Lemon Balm Extracts deeply cleanse and act as a natural oil blotter.
Organic Green Tea Extract helps reduce redness and soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin.

Product description: Weightless moisturizer helps maintain an all-day matte finish.* This light, oil-control moisturizer naturally treats and helps prevent acne while complexion maintains a shine-free appearance all day*.

Features and benefits: Formulated with maximum strength 2% Salicylic Acid, Natural ACNEdote Oil Control Lotion features a powerfully natural, botanically effective formula that weightlessly hydrates skin as needed but keeps oil at bay for an all-day matte finish*. You’ll see a visibly clearer complexion with skin that’s touchably soft and never tight, dry or greasy.

Who should use this product? For oily or acne-prone skin types.

Directions for use: Apply with a cotton ball to freshly cleansed face morning and evening.

Size: 2 oz / 57 g

Price: $14.95

******************************************************************************************

What I like:
- Feels cool on the face, a little refreshing too due to its being a bit mentholated.
- Dries to a not so matte finish but helps keep oil at bay. Face won't be matte all day but it works for at least 4 hours without touching up.
- Smells kinds of medicinal and mentholated. I actually like it.
- Does not break me out. No allergic reactions either.
- Keeps my face moisturized, soft, and smooth all day.
- Has a shelf life of 18 months so yes, you can stray a bit. Just don't forget to store it in a cool place or in your fridge, perhaps. :D
- Packaging is hygienic since it's a squeeze out tube which gives you control on the amount of product you can get.
- Locally available at Healthy Options and inexpensive for less than Php 500.

What I don't like:
- Can be a bit greasy especially on really hot days.
- No SPF nor does it offer any sun protection.

Overall rating: 4/5 I recommend this to those who have combination-oily to oily skin who live in places with cooler climates.

Will I buy again? In as much as I like this, I might not for now. I find that water-based moisturizers such as Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, and Celeteque Facial Moisturizer (for an inexpensive one) work better for me both as moisturizers (that hydrates the skin too) and as makeup base.

Have you tried this or any other products from Alba Botanica?

Happy Friday, everyone! :P

Cheers,

Coming up: Sigma F80 Brush Review
Read more...

Product Review: Alba Botanica Sea Mineral Cleansing Gel + Others

Having a cleanser that removes all dirt and impurities without stripping the skin off its natural moisture is important. While I like Avalon Organics Vitamin C Refreshing Cleansing Gel a lot, I find that it can be too drying even for my combination-oily skin so I stopped using it during the cooler months and started using it again only last summer. And what did I use during those times? Alba Botanica Sea Mineral Cleansing Gel which is another great find from Healthy Options.

Photo taken from Google

About the Product - Taken from Alba Botanica Website

Natural Even Advanced

Signature ingredient: Aloe supplies soothing, nutrient rich protection to skin while Alba's Marine Complex hydrates, nourishes, detoxifies, firms, and stimulates cell regeneration.

Product description: Don’t be shy. Get fresh!
Lather away the daily grime with this frothy cleanser that freshens and brightens your complexion. Our naturally powerful Marine Complex, rich in sea minerals, stimulates cell regeneration for a more even skin tone while washing away dulling impurities. Get a fresh start every time you clean.

Features and benefits: Foams away impurities for an even complexion.

Who should use this product? For normal to oily skin.
Use in the morning and evening.

Directions for use: Rinse face with warm water. Apply a small amount of cleanser to palm, work into a creamy lather and massage over face and neck. Rinse clean.

Caution: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep out of reach of children.

Size: 6 fl oz (177 ml)

Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice(1), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Camilla Sinensis Leaf Extract(1), Chlorella Pyrenoidosa Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract(1), Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Ulva Lactuca Extract(1), Ascorbyl Glucoside, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Coco-Glucoside, Erythritol, Glyceryl Oleate, Homarine HCl, Panthenol, Potassium Hydroxide, Alcohol(1),

------------------------

What I like:
- Effectively cleanses the face and removes makeup without making it dry. Though for waterproof mascara, I suggest using a makeup remover or a cleansing oil first.
- Has a fairly pleasant scent which did not trigger my allergic rhinitis.
- Did not irritate my skin nor did it cause me to break out.
- No dreaded parabens, made from mostly natural ingredients.
- No animal testing.
- Has a pump that gives you control to dispense just the right amount of product. Oh, you can also turn it left and right to lock and open the pump.
- You only need a little to cleanse the entire face and neck.
- It feels refreshing indeed.
- When my skin acted up and got really itchy, I washed my face with this and it felt better, probably due to aloe.
- Locally available at Healthy Options for around Php 300-375. Well, you get 177mL of product anyway which can last for about half a year.

What I don't like:
- Has a shelf life of 6 months so I guess you have to religiously use it once you open it.
- Claims to stimulate cell regeneration for a more even skin tone. Didn't notice any changes but not a major issue for me since I use something else for that.
- Does not lather as easily as other cleansers but that's just something minor. I feel that when a cleanser lathers and foams up well, it works better than cleansers that don't but that's just me. :)

Overall rating: 4.5/5 There really isn't anything super special about this cleanser, to be honest. It does what it's supposed to do. But I like how it cleanses my face without drying it and the fact that it has aloe and mostly natural ingredients and the company does not test on animals make it a winner for me.

Will I buy again? Yes! I'm almost done with my first bottle and I'm using it at the moment since it has been cold lately and Avalon is once again drying up my skin.

==================================================================

On a different note, I got tagged and received awards from two very lovely ladies - MissGennD and Diane. And Dawn gave me the Top 10 Award. Thank you, dearies. :)

Rules for these awards:
Link back and thank the person who tagged you.
Post se7en things about yourself and answer the list of favorite questions.
Pass these awards to 15 bloggers.
Notify the lucky bloggers who got these awards.

I decided not to do the 7 Facts About Me post simply because I have done it several times and you're probably sick of reading things about me by now. :P

The Favorite Questions:

Name your favorite colors: 
Pink, black, and forest green

Name your favorite song:
I have a lot but my current favorites are Yellow by Coldplay and Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes. They change depending on my mood.

Name your favorite dessert:
Cheesecakes or anything with ripe mangoes (e.g. mango bravo)

What pisses you off:
A lot - don't even get me started. But it's better to just shrug it off and move forward since you're more on the losing end if you let yourself get affected too much.

When you're upset you:
Shop? :P Sleep or read books. Or just go somewhere quiet where I can relax and ease up a bit. But ultimately pray to have a clear mind.

Your favorite pet:
Cats, of course. But I'm planning to get a dog in the future. Perhaps a golden retriever so I can have my own Hachiko (even though it's an Akita. :) I initially wanted to get a chowchow or a husky but I was told both are temperamental so we just might end up biting each other.

Black or White:
Black

Your biggest fear:
Dying in a strange place that is unknown to me without knowing anyone from there or probably dying in a vehicular accident (e.g. sinking ship or plane crash or train/car collision)

Best feature:
I was told my eyes and my chubby cheeks.

Everyday Attitude:
The moment you wake up, take it as another blessing and be thankful. Welcome each day with a positive outlook and do not let negative stuff and even people get the better of you.

What is perfection:
Something that does not exist. It is entirely up to you to see things in a brighter perspective.

Guilty pleasures:
Books and shopping or having a well-deserved drink every once in a while. Watching a funny movie and laugh my heart out til my jaw and tummy hurt. And definitely having a me-time like checking in to a hotel for a day or two and it will be all about me on that/those day/s. I would rather say these are simple pleasures.

I am tagging everyone so feel free to claim these awards. :)

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone! :P

Cheers,

Read more...

April Favorites + 10 Things I Love Tag

'Tis the last day of April and I'm sharing the products I've been reaching out for in the whole month of April. At the end of the post, I'll also be doing a tag that a few lovely bloggers tagged me to do.

1. Alba Botanica AcneDote Oil Control Lotion - helps keep the oilies at bay even under the sweltering heat of the sun. Though I still get oily, it's not as greasy as it might have been if I wasn't wearing this on my face.

2. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Concentrated Cream - my arms, legs, hands, and feet are awfully dry and this product helps keep them moisturized. This doesn't smell as yummy as the regular variant but since this is concentrated, it's much more moisturizing and hydrating. Plus it's handy.

3. Kanebo Coffret D'Or Lasting Pact - I was reunited with this and I remembered how much I loved it. I didn't love it back then as much as I do not but Japanese foundies still rock the house way better than any US or European foundations! Will do a revisited and reviewed post for this one of these days. :P

4. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder - my touch up powder whenever my oil glands start to act up.

5. Cargo Suede Blush in Montebello - it's so pretty! Need I say more? :P

6. Shiseido Accentuating Stick in S2 Peach Flush - I use this on days when I am too lazy to get my blush brush and swirl and tap it on a powder blush. I love the pretty pink-peach glow it gives my cheeks.

7. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush in Pink Coral - it instantly brightens up my face and gives me a healthy flush on the cheeks.

8. Browlash Ex Water Strong W Eyebrows - A retractable eyebrow pencil with a liquid brow liner that helps create the perfect eyebrows. Too bad it's not locally available. Chel couldn't find it in HK or any Sasa stores though and even reached Macau in search for this. :( I'm left with just the liquid brow liner. Gah!

9. Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara - I am beginning to really love this mascara ever since my Maybelline The Magnum Volume Express Mascara dried in just a month. My mom even asked me once if I was wearing falsies (which I never do when I go out) and didn't believe me until she touched my lashes and tried to pull 'em out! Haha! :P

10. Guerlain Ombre Eclat 1 Couleur 140 L'Instant Precieux - I love using this to highlight my browbones and cheekbones, as well as the inner corner of my eyes. :P

11. NYC Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm in Sugar Angel - a very pretty sheer coral tinted lip balm that is moisturizing, smells and tastes yummy too!

12. Palladio Herbal Lip Slix in Rosewood - this shade is the perfect peachy-nude lippy that looks natural. Non-drying and glossy, I apply this on top of my NYC Tinted Lip Balms in Sugar Baby and Sugar Angel.

13. Mentholatum Lip Ice Lemon - my lip saver! Whenever my lips get dry, I apply this and wake up with soft and hydrated lips. Plus it hs SPF15 too!


14. Guerlain KissKiss Stick Gloss in 902 Corail Des Mers - I am digging coral lippies at the moment. It is glossy and moisturizing, far from being a sticky lip gloss and leaves a very nice coral pink tint on my lips. Plus it stays for hours. :)

So these are my April Favorites and on to the 10 Things I Love Tag. Anyone feel free to do this tag. :)

10 Things I Love:

1. I love seeing little girls and their dads being sweet towards each other. It never fails to bring a smile on my face whenever I see such a scene as it reminds me so much of my dad and I when I was a little girl. Yes, I'm a daddy's girl.

2. My mom. Since my dad is no longer with us, she has been there for me all the way. We may still have not settled our differences but in the end, she's still and will always be my mom. I may not be the expressive type but I love her. :)

3. Books. Yes, I can be such a nerd. I can read 3 books/novels in one day. I love how books can take me to different places and how I get to "experience" different things just by reading. I'm not a fan of chick lits as I prefer reading crime, murder, forensic, political conspiracies, suspense and thriller novels. My faves are Jack Higgins, Steve Berry, Mario Puzo, and Joseph Finder. But then as long as the summary at the back of the book intrigues me, then it no longer matters who the author is. I will read it. Oh, I still read and collect Archie comics.

4. Rain. I love the rain! I hate the sun, I hate summers. :)

5. I love cats though I'm now starting to love dogs, thanks to Hachiko, Mari, and Marley. :P

6. I love stars and stargazing. It somewhat gives me hope in everything. Childish as it may seem, I still make wishes on stars. And some of them came true. :p

7. Coke and Iced tea. I know I should cut back on them since I need to lose weight but I can't help it. It's freaking hot and those refresh me.

8. Makeup. This is self-explanatory, I think. :P

9. Friends. I'd rather have a few friends whom I know are real than know a lot of people and not know who my real friends are. :0

10. Myself. Not to sound self-centered and full of myself but if I don't love myself, how can other people love me? I'm not perfect, I can sometimes be shitty but that's me and I have to accept myself. Hehe. :P

Anyway, like what I mentioned above, feel free to do this tag.

Happy weekend, super awesome peeps! :P

Read more...

February Favorites

I'm back with a February Favorites post after almost two weeks of not posting anything and I'm not going to blab why I went MIA for a while. So without further adieu, I present my picks for the month of February in no particular order.

1. Alba  Botanica Acne Dote Oil Control Lotion - I use this on humid and hot days as this keeps my face matte and shine free for a couple of hours. Plus I love the mentholated and refreshing feel to it. Review to follow.

2. Estee Lauder Pure Crystal Lipstick in Crystal Pink -  I now really love this lipstick as it is moisturizing and glossy and I am almost halfway through it.

3. Laura Mercier Secret Concealer 2 - I love how this covers my dark circles, not completely though, but I really like it.

4. Kanebo Coffret D'Or Blush in PK-22 - I love how sheer yet lovely this blush is. A very pretty shade of  light pink that goes on smoothly and blends well with the skin.

5. Jill Stuart Blush in 06 Fresh Apricot - Gorgeous colours, very pretty combination and the texture is amazing. Lovely on the cheeks too.

6. Shu Uemura Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation - I think this foundation is slowly becoming my HG liquid foundation. Blends seamlessly on the skin, very lightweight and I just love how it feels on the skin.

7. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder - I love using this to set my foundation and great as a touch up powder. Powder is finely milled and does not look cakey nor patchy no matter how many times I reapply using this.

8. Maybelline The Magnum Volume Express Waterproof Mascara - I alternately use this with Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara but I use this more often because I like the formula better. Reminds me of The Colossal but that one is a little better than this.

9. Revlon Brow Fantasy in Brunette - Keeps my brows from being all over the place. From almost non-existent brows to hello eyebrows.

I will be doing a lot of reviews soon and I'll try to blog as often as I used to. February was a really slow month for me.

Happy Saturday, super awesome peeps!

Lesson learned today: Last night was great but nursing a hangover isn't. :P Read more...

January Favorites

I can't believe January is almost over. It still feels like it's New Year yesterday yet tomorrow is already February. Anyway, before the months ends, I would like to share the products that I keep reaching out for everyday for the month of January.

1. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Liquid Foundation- it is the foundation I have been reaching for the most as I love how it stays long on my face (even though it's not as long lasting as Estee Lauder Double Wear) without the heavy feel. Review to follow soon.

2. Chanel Vitalumiere Eclat Radiance Comfort Compact Makeup - as I have mentioned on my review (please click on the link to read my review), the texture got me. And the finish is amazing. Plus a classy compact doesn't hurt either.

3. Laura Mercier Secret Concealer - has replaced MAC Studio Finish as my under eye concealer. Review to follow.

4. Beauty Blender - initially, I thought that I just wasted my money on a sponge. Imagine paying almost Php1500 for a hot pink egg-shaped sponge. But I later on gave it a chance and I really started liking it. Review to follow.

5. Guerlain Blush 4 Eclat in 04 Rosee Du Printemps - the blush I have used alternately with my Shu Uemura Glow Ons. Has 4 shades you can mix and match.

6. Shu Uemura Glow Ons - once again, I will tell you that M Pink 30 will forever be a favorite of mine. Something I use when I'm not sure which blush to wear.

7. Mentholatum Lip Ice in Lemon - my current favorite lip balm (without any tint). The lemony scent gives me a refreshing feeling. Review to follow.

8. Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick in 74 Comedia - my favorite lipstick. Need I say more? :P

9. Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara - my go-to mascara. Love how it separates my lashes and make them look better. Click on the link to read my review.

10. Revlon Brow Fantasy in Brunette - my favorite eyebrow product! From unruly eyebrows to better looking brows.

11. Alba Botanica Rainforest Hydrating Oil Control Moisturizer - a moisturizer that keeps my skin hydrated while keeping the oilies at bay and makes my skin look luminous and glowing at the same time.

12. Acca Kappa Hibiscus - my everyday scent since I am running low on my fave Clinique Happy (yes, it is a common scent but I don't care, it works well with my body chemistry and I've been using it for a decade now). Love the aquatic floral scent that is so light.

13. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula - keeps my skin moisturized while making it smell good at the same time.

So these are my January Favorites. What are yours?

Happy Monday, super awesome peeps! :P

P.S.
I will be blogging less as I have tons of work to do but will try to make a post at least twice a week. Less reviews and less blabbing but I will visit your blogs everyday when I'm not working. Will definitely miss reading comments from you guys. :) Read more...

Product Review: Alba Botanica Rainforest Hydrating Oil Control Moisturizer

Since I'm not getting any younger, I realized that I have to take care of my skin even more. I'm not afraid of getting old or aging, but as much as possible, I'd like to age in a graceful way, with lesser signs of aging. I then bought skin care products from Healthy Options since I've read that most of their skin care products are natural and devoid of harsh chemicals. The first one I have tried is the Avalon Organics Vitamin C Refreshing Cleansing Gel which I really like. I decided to pair it with a moisturizer which really caught my eye - Alba Botanica Rainforest Hydrating Oil Control Moisturizer. It has the 3 words I've been looking for - hydrating oil control. I need something to help keep the oilies at bay without being too drying for my skin and this seemed to be the perfect product for me. I have been using it for almost a month now and yeah, review time!

What I like:
- It is non-oily and non-sticky and is easily absorbed by the skin in just a few seconds.
- Has a pleasant citrus scent that is not overwhelming and is gone a few seconds upon application.
- Does a pretty decent job when it comes to oil control (though not superb) but still keeps my skin feeling hydrated and moisturized. Definitely not drying.
- Has a pump that dispenses just the right amount of product. A little goes a long way too, one pump is enough for my face and neck.
- I like that it is made of natural ingredients and does not have those harsh chemicals.
- Even though it controls oil, my face does not look too matte and dry. It gives a luminous glow and once my face starts to oil up, I get a dewy look instead of looking like an oil slick.
- No allergic reactions, no itchies, no breakouts.
- The shelf life is indicated on the tube so I won't go beyond the 6-month shelf life.
- The company does not test on animals.
- The company supports the Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research. I don't know exactly what they are about but I'm sure it's something good for the environment.
- Locally available at Healthy Options stores.

What I don't like:
- Kind of expensive for Php619 for 42g which will last only for 6 months. But then if you use it daily, day and night, then you'll use it up in no time.
- No SPF so wearing a sunblock is a must, or at least a foundation with SPF.

Overall rating: 4.5/5 It would've gotten a higher rating only if it had SPF. But then, is there really such a thing as a perfect product?

Will I buy again? Definitely! But it has to wait since I have Alba Botanica Acne Dote Oil Control Lotion to use up after this.

Have you tried this product or any oil control moisturizer?

Happy Wednesday, super awesome peeps! :P Read more...

New Year Mini Makeup Haul

"Ooops! I did it again!" - that's exactly what I've been singing for the past couple of hours. Yeah, I dropped by the mall again earlier today on my way to the hospital. I really should never be allowed to go anywhere near a mall, specifically EDSA Shang as I think you already know by now what will happen next. I dunno what's happening to my control over my spending habits. Do I hear anyone say "rehab"? Or am I just imaging that word glaring at me somewhere inside this room? Anyway, here's my first mini haul for 2011.

Dior Addict High Color in 432 Rose Orgasme (Joy Pink). Now who said only NARS has Orgasm? :P

Christian Dior Diorblush in 533 Passion Fruit. I want the Strawberry Sorbet one again! I passed on it earlier because this caught my eye.

NARS Laguna Bronzer - I finally have a decent bronzer! :P

 
Kanebo Coffret D'or Blush in PK-222 (Not on the picture because I originally bought this on the 31st but I dunno where else to include this and that was almost NY so I guess this is alright.)

And two more skincare items - Queen Helene Mud Pack Masque and Alba Botanica Acne Dote Oil Control Lotion.

 

That's it for now, ladies. Lots of reviews soon! :)

Happy 2011, super awesome peeps! :P

Read more...

I Broke My Promise! :( (Last Hurrah for 2010)

As I have mentioned earlier, I was heading out to buy a new cleanser and I promised that that's the only thing I will buy. Guess what? I went home with other goodies. Gah! But I will be trying to justify my purchases so read on for my pathetic attempts. :D

The only makeup I purchased. See? I'm getting better at it. Haha! Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Crystal Pink.

How can one not fall for this lovely color? Haha! Dang, an epic fail to justify purchasing this lipstick. I honestly think I made the wrong decision because this is not fragrance-free.

I bought mostly skin care stuff since I need to invest more on that. What's the point in having all those really nice makeup if my skin is awful, right? Am I right or am I right? :P (I think this is pretty much acceptable.)

I bought a planner (the pink Rilakkuma one) because, well, I need a planner and a more organized life. Haha! Jeez, that sounds so pathetic and so not me. I hate schedules and planned things. A little spontaneity won't hurt. The cute little pen matches the planner, that's all. The notebook is just something I grabbed to reach the minimum charge amount of Php300. Thinking of who to give it to though.

Tomorrow, I will just be staying home while waiting for 2011 so I am safe from buying anything else. I should probably start doing a Project 10 pan soon so I can keep myself from buying unnecessary stuff. My response to my very own brilliant idea - Yeah right! You need more than just good luck with that. Haha!

New Year's almost here. I will be soon doing a Best and Worst for 2010.

Happy Thursday once again, super awesome peeps! :P

Read more...

Product Review: Alba Botanica TerraTints - Blaze & Bloom

As most of you know by now, I also love tinted lip balms next to blushes. I want something that moisturizes my lips while adding a hint of color so I don't have to wear lipsticks at all. I have tried a couple of brands but my HG so far is MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Gentle Coral which I have reviewed a couple of weeks back. Now, I am going to review Alba Botanica TerraTints. I only have 2 shades - Blaze and Bloom.



What I like:
- Both are pigmented and you get a lot of color with just one swipe.
- The price. If I remember it right, each tube costs PHP135 or PHP139.
- Locally available at Healthy Options.
- Has a minty feel to it which led me to believe that it is moisturizing and hydrating my lips as well.

What I don't like:
- I feel it is not as moisturizing as it should be. My lips feel a bit dry after an hour upon application.
- I don't dig the minty scent which reminds me of Chapstick Mint which I never liked. Blech!
- It doesn't feel smooth while gliding on my lips.

Overall rating: 3/5
Will I buy again? No. I am happy with my MAC TLC. I am off to try a different TLC shade.

The swatches:

These are good for on the go-touch ups like if you don't have time to check yourself out in the mirror. But I am mastering the art of applying TLC without the mirror so I am cool with it.

I hope you're all having a great week so far. :P

Read more...

Back with Hauls! Warning: Picture Heavy

I'm back! And I am so excited to share my latest haul! I did splurge on this one. I was supposed to be on a no-buy mode but I couldn't keep myself from buying anything after depriving myself for almost 2 weeks. So I decided that a no-buy won't be best for me but rather a control over whatever I am going to spend on. I should start shopping wisely instead. So I promise this is the last of my impulsive shopping. :P







The Soap Factory Tomato and Halo Halo Fiesta Soaps
- Each soap costs 99


Chanel Blushes - Joues Contraste in Tea Rose and Irreelle Blush in In Love




Chanel Joues Contraste Tea Rose
- A pretty pale rose/pink shade with very subtle shimmer.
- Buildable
- May be a little too light when swatched but looks very pretty and natural when applied.
- Got this from my mom's makeup stash.
- SRP PHP2350






Chanel Irreelle Blush in In Love
- I am definitely In Love with this blush!
- I cannot really describe it but I think it is a coral-pink shade with subtle shimmer.
- A little more expensive than JC, I got it for PHP2500.





Swatches: In Love and Tea Rose





Kanebo Coffret D'or Foundation Refill
- Since Revue was phased out, I was told by the Kanebo SA that Coffret D'or replaced it so I thought I should give it a try as I really like Kanebo foundation. This is 100 bucks cheaper than Revue for PHP2000. Shade is BE-C, same as my Revue shade.

Stila Lip Glaze in Starfruit and Stila Lip Color in Pixie


MAC 188 Brush
- Got it for PHP2050 due to the price increase.
- bought it mainly for blushes.




Garnier Brightening Eye Roll-On

Alba Botanica Terratints in Bloom

Maybelline Volume Express Black Mascara

L'oreal Blush Delice Shimmer of Hope & Milani Glimmer Stripes in Bronze Glimmer



Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap
- I forgot the exact price but is costs in between PHP300-PHP400 at Healthy Options for a small bottle.
- It effectively cleaned my brushes. :P

Shawill Blush No. 3
- A cheap blush I got for PHP138 at Watson's.
- Quality is good for the price.
- Pigmented and pretty blush.





Missha Cleansing Oil + M Signature Foundationm (freebie)

Zen Zest Martini

4U2 Magic Blushes
- BOGO for PHP424




VOV Show Case Ball on Cheek
- Got this for PHP450 on eBay
- I read somewhere that this is the cheaper and Korean version of Guerlain Meterorites but I really can't tell since I do not have the latter and I do not intend to purchase it. :P




Random purchases:
- Garnier Light facial wash
- Cetaphil cleanser
- Pantene 3-Minute Miracle Treatment
- Off Insect Repellent Spray
- Vaseline lotion
- Caronia clear nail polish
- Colgate 360 toothbrush (pink)
- Kleenex Tissue pack
- Cleene cotton balls
- J&J Baby Milk Bath refill
- Charmee feminine wipes
- Time of the month necessities
- Schick razors

Saizen Goodies

Foundation
- A must-buy from Saizen!
- Review to follow ;)

Charcoal Soap
- Review to follow ;)

The Face Shop Nail polish Remover (Bubblegum) and Pack Brush

Fanny Serrano Silky Coral Blush
- The blush is a pretty pink-peach on its own. But I hate how it tried to look like the Chanel Irreelle blush.


See what I mean?


Fanny Serrano Foundation in Mocha and True Light Liquid Lipstick in Light Berry

Foundation in Mocha
- I first used this when I was still in college, a freshman or a sophomore perhaps and I remember liking it.
- I like that it has a matte finish and matches my skin tone really well.
- I like that it provides heavy coverage.
- I find myself liking it again. :P



Now the lip color is weird because this is the first time I ever encountered a lip gloss that has a light on.

See what I mean?



I find this lip gloss a little runny and staying power isn't that great but this is perfect if you want nude lips with a hint of pink. :P

So there you have it. My recent haul. :)

I hope you like it! I'll be back for reviews. Ta!

Read more...