Etude House Natural Mask Pearl

This is the first time that I will be posting a face mask from Etude House simply because it's my first time to use one, thanks to all the online sellers since physical stores of Etude House in the Philippines always run out of face mask, Pearl variant in particular which I used last weekend.  This is perfect for my skin since I have a dull one

Etude House Natural Mask (Pearl)
Essence mask contains pearl extract that promotes natural skin glow.  Tension fit design for improved facial adhesion and comfot
1000mg of essence
P58

I love the matted packaging and find the cartoons pulling  and holding the pearl a little funny.
The sheet mask has a medium thickness and doesn't tear easily.  It's a little short on the chin area though but other than that, it fits my face alright (those with big/matangos nose may have a little problem with the nose area of the mask, I have a small nose by the way).

only have 2 cuts

The essence of the Etude House Pearl Mask is so light it's almost like water but when I applied the excess essence, my face feels sticky.  It has also a light pleasant smell and it's white in color with some small pearly glitter particles when applied to the skin.  I am so happy at how this mask instantly brighten my face after 45 minutes (yeah, I let the mask stay on my face for nore than the recommended time which is 20 to 30 minutes) and when I woke up the following day (I use masks before I got to bed), the glow in my face remains and my skin is smoother.

I'm not just okay that it opened up my pores in the cheek area (I must really buy a closing pore serum) but overall it's a good refreshing and brightening mask.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

The Body Shop Cucumber Cleansing Mik

Out of a whim, I bought a cleansing milk even  if I do not have any idea what or how will I use it.  I'm used to using foaming cleansers and the only thing to blame why I got this is the cucumber.

The Body Shop Cucumber Cleansing Milk
Feel as cool as a cucumber with a cleanser that refreshes and lightly moisturises, just like our original one.  Now with Community Trade organically grown soya oil.
A beauty classic returns. This gentle cleansing milk refreshes skin as it wipes away make-up and the grime of the day.
got it for P455 at 40%

FULL INGREDIENTS

Aqua (Solvent/Diluent), Glycerin (Humectant), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Emollient), Cetyl Alcohol (Emulsifier), Stearic Acid (Emulsifier), Triethanolamine (pH Adjuster), Glycine Soja Oil (Emollient/Skin Conditioner), Benzyl Alcohol (Preservative), Lanolin (Emollient), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Cucumis Sativus Juice (Natural Additive), Parfum (Fragrance), Hexyl Cinnamal (Fragrance Ingredient), Geraniol (Fragrance Ingredient), Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Fragrance Ingredient), Citronellol (Fragrance Ingredient), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Hydroxycitronellal (Fragrance Ingredient), Benzyl Salicylate (Fragrance Ingredient), CI 61570 (Colour), CI 19140 (Colour).

So it doesn't smell like a real cucumber.  It's more like a freshly cut grass and some may find the smell overpowering but I already got used to it and more than a month of using it, I can now smell the cucumber.  The Body Shop Cucumber Cleansing Milk has a light green shade with a lotion consistency and also feels like a lotion when applied but it's not the greasy lotion type.

very light pastel green in color

Even if it doesn't produce bubbles, this cleansing milk mildly cleanse and moisturize and freshens my face just like what it says in the description.  I use this day and night and for 7 weeks I never had a major breakout even on my red days (usually the day my huge pimples appear).

I use this by spreading around 3 pea size of the cleansing milk then massaging my face for about 5 minutes (this method is more relaxing and enjoyable) then rinse with tepid water.  Although I use a different cleanser when I wear a bb cream, it says in The Body Shop description that it can remove make-up (if used as describes from the brand's website).

HOW TO USE?
Massage a small amount into skin and wipe away with a cotton wool pad. If product gets into eyes, rinse with clean water.

I used this one time as instructed when I applied a bb cream on my face.  And the result...

bb cream + dirt

So it can really remove make-up (not sure with other kinds of make-up like mascara and eyeliner) although I have to splash water after an hour because my face; although soft and feels light' is not smooth with the cleansing milk on.  I used toner in cotton pads afterwards and there's no bb cream residue left.  Mistakenly buying this is a good choice.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Packages everywhere: Sample Room & Shiseido with a Challenge

I am now a little thankful for being nocturnal because I am one of the lucky few who got the Shisheido samples from Sample Room (shouts here).

Sampleroommates are so fast in checking out because in minutes after first release, Shiseido samples' already  went out of stock.  I got mine on the second wave (an hour after the first) and I almost didn't get the last sample set (just a matter of seconds) just like the first time (I'm on the last stage of confirming my order when suddenly the items got out of stock).  Heavens heard my cry and got a sample set in the end (Thanks Very Much!)

So here's the Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targetting Serum+ and Power Brightening Mask.

Look at how great the packaging of Shiseido even if they are just samples

Aside from having this awesome samples (Sample Room saved me from spending thousands of bucks), Sample Room is also giving it's members a chance to win a full size of Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targetting Serum+ by hosting a challenge.  I'm reading the mechanics and I think I'm eligible to join even if I use my real name plus The Certified Latebloomer blog but I have to show my face so I'm still thinking.  Anyway, for those who wanted to join, you can find the mechanics here.

Oh, included also in my order is this facial wipe from Celeteque.

Celeteque DermoScience+ Make-Up Remover Cleansing Facial Wipes

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Samples that make me wonder: Innisfree

I'm one of the many human being who thank Korean Shops for giving out samples.  It gives me the opportunity to try out out different products products without hurting my already hurt wallet and in discovering great things that should be dicovered.

Innisfree is one of the leading brands in Korea which is being endorsed by no other than Lee Min Ho (I sometimes think I have a crush on him...WEIRD).  This brand still doesn't have a physical store in the Philippines but there are some online seller who offer some products (thank you very much online seller).  These 3 that I sampled are from Bhappywithme (bought the other one, the two are for free).

Apple Juicy Liquid Foaming Cleanser
Almond Sugar Scrub
Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

The first sample that I got from Innisfree are the toner and face lotion from the line Green Tea Pure Skin and I gave it a 50/50 but realizing that they are the wrong product to my dry skin, I gave Innisfree another chance and it's a wrong move because now, I'm LOVING the brand (GMarket please make Innisfree products on a 50% off sale, pretty plese~~~).

Apple Juicy Liquid Foaming Cleanser
A liquid-type deep cleansing foam for smooth and healthy shine as clear as a fresh apple.
photo from Innisfree Korea website

I can say that Apple Juicy Liquid Foaming cleanser is a love at first use.  It's a liquid/gel type cleanser that creates lots of bubbles with an apple juicy scent.  It gently yet thoroughly cleanses my face leaving it with a thin gel~like moisture for a moisturize and glowing skin.  A single small sachet (which cost around P20 with behappywithme, might buy some sachets in the future since the full size price is a bit higher than my current cleansers) can be use 5 to 8 times.

Almond Sugar ScrubThis hypoallergenic scrub exfoliates unnecessary dead skin cells with almond and sugar.
photo from Innisfree Korea website

I can see the tiny particles of crushed almonds but not for the sugar.  The sugar in the Almond Sugar Scrub is so fine it's comparable to a sand (the very fine white one that can be found in one of the islands of Coron that is being endangered of being lost forever).  This scrub is so mild I almost can't feel it's scrubbing power when I tested on my hands but is really good when applied on the face: it likes my face is having a light massage.  After scrubbing of course I have to feel my face:  It's feels cleaner, a little smoother and...OMG where are the bumps!!!  But of course seeing my face on the mirror tells a different story.  Blackheads are still present but are less visible.  Not into the smell though but I think I can get  used to it with regular use.

Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay MaskA clay mask with Jeju volcanic clusters to attach to sebum and purify pores.
photo from Innisfree Korea website

One of Innisfree's best sellet Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask.  With it's description I think it's more for those with oily skin type but I just wanted to try it and I'm glad I did. This mask is a Jeju volcanic scoria clay mask that intensively adsorbs sebum and purify pores. It's formulated from solidified lava caused by volcanic eruptions in Jeju Island. This pure and rare ingredient adsorbs impurities and sebum that are deeply embedded within skin pores (description from Sasa with a little edit by me).
I thought this would be a little liquidy but it's more of like play dough that can be spread easily and is also not messy to apply.  It turns a little powdery once applied to a clean face.  After 5 minutes, the mask started to tighten but I can still move my face freely and it's a little hot too.  Weird but I can smell apple cidar vinegar with this pack.  Anyway after 15 minutes, I remove the mask by splashing tepid water and surprised! it's so easy to remove it and didn't dry my face.  My skin looks brighter and smoother without any red spots or stinging effect.

So far, I'm enjoying Innisfree and really hope to try more of their products.  By the way the girl in the picture is YoonA from Girl's Generation.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Just Another Watsons Haul

By now you must be getting tiredof packages/haul posts.  I know.  So I'm doing everything I can to not look on online shops and just write on a piece of paper whatever I like then throw it in the trash bin.  But last Saturday, I went out with my sister to do a regular grocery but fist have to check out something from Watsons and it just happened.  I ended up buying things (ooppss).

Let's categorize my haul into two:
First is for the Hair and Body.

Nivea Body UV Whitening Serum P219
Eva's Vitamin Hand Cream Avocado Flavor P139 for two
Watson's Paddle Hair Brush P99.75
TREsemme Smooth and Shine Hair Mask P160

It's all the Nivea Serum's fault!  I don't know why I've become into Vitamin C infused products, maybe they promises to brighten dull skin.  The hand cream is so cheap I immediately agreed to my sister to buy it and split the price into half.

Next is for the face.
My sister and I are just looking, just looking and then there's Bifesta cleansing oil that other bloggers reviewed.  Oh it's cheaper than other cleansing oils but shedding P400 off my wallet just for me try it is a total waste of money but right next to  it are some products from a brand called Pure Beauty.  I'm so surprised how cheap this brand is despite of it's sophisticated packaging (serum at P399 compared to others at around P800+).  Really don't know what to choose between the peeling gel and serum (I asked myself that I should only buy one, for me to have the Nivea Serum).  My sister solved the problem by her; buying the serum, and I will just let her try the peeling gel (and vice versa.  deal!).  iWhite for the sake of sampling and mask for my satisfaction (why am I addicted to mask??) both are from Korea (as emphasize from the packaging) and also got some nose pore strips from Glam.

Pure Beauty Pomegranate Antioxidant Exfoliating Gel P299
Pure Beauty Pomegranate Antioxidant Serum P399
iWhite Whitening Aqua Moisturizing Cream P20
Watsons facial mas at P29 each
Glam Green Tea Nose Pore Stips P99 original price per box but on a buy 2 take 1 promo

I know I should stop.  But expect two or three more for the first quarter of the year *__*

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Holika Holika Pig-nose Clear Black Head Perfect Sticker

Lover of Pink?  Then you'll probably love this pore strip from Holika Holika.

Holika Holika Pig-nose clear black head Perfect Sticker
got it for P20 from bhappy with me
more or less $4 in other online shops for 10 sheets

The descriptions, instructions and ingredients are all in korean so I'll just share with you what I found in Holika Holika Indonesia

"Did you know there are no blackheads on the nose of a pig? And guess what else? You don’t have to either! Say goodbye to your blackheads with Pig Nose Clear Series. This series gets rid of blackheads that are deep-rooted in pores and makes your nose soft and fair. Pig Nose Clear Blackhead Perfect Sticker is a disposable pink colored nose strip that removes whiteheads, blackheads, and dead skin cells. The pink clay ingredient helps absorb sebum and eliminates blackheads. This strip will remove all unwanted impurities from your nose at once, leaving it smooth and clear."

Directions: After washing face, wet the nose with water. Place strip on nose and smooth down. Remove strip after 10-15 minutes. Take it off from outside edge. Use once to twice a week.

Benefits:

Removes Blackheads

Removes Whiteheads

Removes Dead Skin Cells

Absorbs Sebum

For months; aside from scrubbing my face, I haven't used pore strips or pack because I do not have a pore closing essence.  Many of you might find closing pore essence unnecessary but not for me because I noticed that my pores began to be visible when I started using pore strips. But the time has come for me to once again face the reality that my nose area badly needed it as unwelcome inhabitants namely white and blackheads enjoy the comfort it gives.

told you it's pink

front is white

The color really surprises me,  I'm used to seeing black or white pore strips.  Anyway take a great look at the pink part (if you're a lover of pink) because you'll not going to like it the second time that you'll see it (if you're not into gross things).  Yep, you'll apply the pink part unto your skin and it'll do everything it can to suck (remove) the whiteheads and blackheads (Pink Power!).

Warning: Skip picture if you don't like seeing gross thing.  Zoom if you like to see whiteheads and blackheads.  I'll make the pic smaller than normal.

Squatters evicted!

That's a lot!  But there are still some stubborn whiteheads and blackheads left poking out of my nose that needs to be pluck.  Overall it did a good job without the burning smell and stinging and drying sensation and the shape of the strip perfectly covers my nose area.

So that's my 2 cents on the pink pore strip from Holika Holika.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Packages everywhere: Let's Do It the Kkochi Pida Way

Since last year, I've been eyeing this online seller Kkochi Pida but everytime Charmaine Santos (she's the lady behind the shop) posts her on hand items, someone else reserves the items that I want even if I'm not yet done browsing through the album in Facebook (so fast ladies!).  So last Monday when most are still having their beauty sleep, I chance upon Kkochi Pida's page and there are new items on hand.  It's already been posted for almost an hour but since it's Monday and in an "ungodly hour" only few are reserving and finally got my chance to reserve some items (horray!!!!).

What I like about this shop is that it offers wide variety of korean and other "beautifying" products without the heavy price tag (one of the cheapest, actually) and the seller is really nice and accomodating (and beautiful too ^_^).  Did I mention that she also sells products that are not yet discovered or popular in the Philippines? I got excited when she posted some photos of lip balms from Too Cool For School.

Anyway, here's what I ordered.

finally I am the one who got my package from the smiling mr. guard early in the morning

I kind of promise myself to get some make-up on my next orders when I got my package last time aside from bb cream so my mom and my sisters would be happy but skincare rocks and look how cute the snail is:

The Saem Snail Trio No.3 Lavender Sleeping Pack
I also wanted to get the green snail but I digressed, my wallet is getting thinner

I have a sleeping pack on the way from Korea but I can't help to get the cute snail sleeping pack from The Saem (GD will soon be the face of this brand on March!).  I always see this in Gmarket but the time that I made my first GMarket order, it's on a set of 3 sale so I passed buying it.  What I like about this sleeping mask is that it can be use on a nightly basis unlike others (used two sleeping masks and they are only recommended to be use twice a week).

7 Innisfree It's Real Mask

Finally, not just one but 7 Innisfree Mask.  I've also been eyeing the 10+10 promo in GMarket but I'm afraid of customs tax and I only wanted to buy some variants.  I hope there will be Carrot and Red Cabbage next time.  Let's see if I can also have a great skin like Lee Min Ho :P

Skin79 Snail Nutrition BB Cream

And lastly, a sample BB Cream.  I prefer sample BB Creams in tube because I'm having a hard time finishing a full size one.  Besides a 10 or 15ml tube can last from 2 up to 3 months with me and I also have more chances of trying out other BB Creams out there.

ElishaCoy and Nature Republic Freebies

Very generous freebies!!!!  Wow, maybe Charm sense how tired my eyes are (just joking, but I badly needed this patches and I now have the chance to try ElishaCoy).

So that's all for now.  I'll have another haul post next week so watch out for it and do comment your recent haul below (I love reading haul posts) or your blog here (I will surely visit it ^__^)

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

TheFaceShop Cucumber Mask

After all the mask that I've tried from TheFaceShop, I thought this Cucumber variant wouldn't have any significant effect on my face like the Olive.  But surprisingly, it turns out it's the mask that is prfect for my tired skin.

TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Cucumber
Extract grounded from fresh cucumber 1000mg contained
A hydrating/vitalizing mask sheet containing cucumber extract to fill puffy and lackluster skin with cool hydrating minerals
around P65 ($1.50), I got it for  P32.50 inclusive of delivery charge

No wonder my skin reacted so nicely with this mask because it targets dull, lifeless and tired skin.  And cucumber is very known for its hydrating and refreshing factor.

Here's how to use a mask sheet, just in case it'll be your first time:

How to:

1. Get the skin even by toner

2. Place the mask sheet evenly according to where nose and eye areas are

3. Take off the sheet after 15-20 minutes. Gently pat for better absorption

Good gracious, this mask doesn't smell to alcoholic but it also do not have the refreshing cucumber smell.  But it's alright, what matters is the freshness that I felt when I used it.  Essence is not sticky too and provides light moisturization.  I didn't bother to put another layer of skincare on my face because of the hot weather so the moisture from the mask essence is just perfect.  It also instantly brighten my face (not looking too tired anymore) and the morning after, gives my skin a healthy glow.  I didn't have a pimple nor a zit with this mask so, thumbs up!

Oh by the way, if you have small chin and jaw like me then you'll have a little problem with the sheet mask. It didn't fit perfectly in the said area and what I do is overlapping the cuts in the chin area with the jaw part of the mask sheet.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Grammy Awards 2013 Daylight and Girl On Fire

It's already been days since the 2013 Grammy Awards (which I haven't watched boohoo) and just browsing some highlights and found the video below.

Wow, 2 of my current favorite songs in one hell of a performance.  At first I was like what is happening with the songs but after 3 consecutive repeats, I loved it!  Maroon 5 and Alicia Keys sure know how to wow the crowd.

Packages everywhere: Happy with Bhappywithme

Yep, I'm not yet done because here's another package from Bhappywithme.  I've known this online store for selling samples from ebay.ph but it also sells full size products.  Anyway, so happy that I can just simply message her (Kim is the name) in facebook simply because I do not have an ebay account (used my friend's the first time that I order).  Everything is on hand, so since Friday my orders are already resting in my cabinet.  Easy breezy to order.  I paid Thursday early morning, she shipped it on the same day with tracking number. Come Friday, my package is already in the hands of my sister.  Yeah, I wanted to receive my packages myself but I'm always asleep (zzzzz).

So here's my loot:  A sample of mist, skincare set and a pack mask, a sheet mask and some nose strips.

Skinfood Mist

I'm preparing for the summer, I mean right now it's already hot in the Philippines and I'm expecting a more humid weather in summer so I'm expecting this mist to perk and freshen my face when everything is just too hot.

Nature Republic Collagen Skincare Travel Kit

Truth is I wanted to go to Nature Republic to buy a Vitamin A mist and a foot peel but thinking how far the nearest store to where I live, I settled with just ordering online so since I already got a Skinfood mist and foot peel from my previous order, I just ordered a skincare travel set for well, travel and an emergency kit if just in case I run out of of skincare products or my face wanted a sudden change in what I use.

Innisfree goodies + It's Skin

If you read my previous haul posts then you probably know by now that I always order mask. Since I have to pay shipping fee, (sinulit ko na) might as well order other stuff like mask (the Innisfree It's Real Rice mask is on sale so it's the perfect time to buy) and nosestrips and a sample of one of the best selling product of Innisfree:  Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (I have 2 samples now).

And of course, lets not forget the freebies!!!

Innisfree samples

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Naked Cupcakes in Choco Banana

I love sweets and pastries and what better way to have them thank making them with my own 2 fat hands.  My first bake was a so/so (some are underbake) but this cupcake recipe that I found here is yummy enough to wow my family.  So why Naked Cupcake?  Because it doesn't have any frosting (I don't know how to make one).

Naked Cupcake

Banana Chocolate Cupcake
recipe adopted from yummy.ph

Ingredients:

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

2 large eggs    

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour or whole-wheat flour

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon rock salt

1 cup or 2 cups (depending on your preference) very ripe bananas, mashed

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup to 1 cup (depending on your preference) chocolate chips

Procedure:

1  Preheat oven to 350ºF. Butter or line with paper cups cupcake molds.

2  Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, beating well. 

3  Sift the dry ingredients together and combine with the butter mixture. Blend well.

4  Add the bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir well. Add the chocolate chips and pour into the prepared pan.

5  Bake for 30 minutes to 1 hour or until a cake tester comes out clean. Turn out onto a rack to cool.

Serve and enjoy.  Best when freshly bake!

Oh Yeah! My First Ever GMarket Haul

Yesssss, I finally got my GMarket Package (insert applause and ^__^ evil laugh here).  Yeah, so this is my (and my friend's) first time and I've known GMarket because of a friend who loves BigBang (particularly the leader) who endorses GMarket.

Unlike others who have a BIG box on their first haul, mine is in medium size.  I'm expecting a small one but turns out that I need two hands to carry it.  Actually I wanted to buy lots of products but two words keep on bugging my head: Shipping, Customs, Shipping, Customs, Shipping, Customs and boy they scared me.
(and because they scared me I forgot to get the $1 deal from Mizon. I could have added just P150 for the product and shipping)

~my precious~

Thank you EMS for carefully handling my box,  I thought that it would look haggard when I'll claim it but it looks safe and sound that even the invoice don't have any tear nor scratch.

Okay, to all GD fans out there...I'm so sorry.

to all GD fans all over the world, please accept my sincerest apologies

I used Kwon Jiyong a.k.a. GD because I don't personally know anyone from Korea and since my friend loves GD, why not give her a little *kilig* di ba?

GD gave me a gift ^__^

And so let's take a look at what's inside.  Ahahaha, the box is only half full (maybe this is GMarket's standard medium size?).  And inside, there's another 2 boxes that came from the 2 stores where my friend and I ordered.

waste of space, I really should have ordered more

And here are the 2 packages.  The square one is my friend's order while the elongated one is mine.

packing tape everywhere

The square box is from 폰 plus Minishop in which my friend ordered her Mercury-style cell phone Jelly Cases for her Samsung S3.  While on the way home, my friend hoped that she'll get another case for free.  With her wishful thinking, she got what she hoped for plus more!

free pink case plus koala dust stopper

She ordered the black and the baby pink one here for 2650 won ($2.60) each.  So how did we know what color to pick from the drop down button (which is in hangyul)?  What else, Google Translate!  Thanks to the seller by the way for the very fast and smooth transaction (the items are shipped to GMarket a few hours after we paid even if it's on weekend) and of course for the generous freebies.

Update: After almost a week, I finally have the guts to throw the boxes of my haul but lo and behold! I found these 2 plastic of protectors, each containing 2, my friend would really be happy to have these extras.

found additional freebies in the magic box

Next is mine!  I only got 4 items (insert sad face here) but this is my first time and I'm very nervous because of what I read from other bloggers about their package being held hostage in customs.  Anyway, still very happy because I got everything on sale.

did I order bubble wraps?

So every item of my order is bubble wrapped. Removing the bubble wraps will leave the box half empty.

92% aloe and 90% aloe hmmm what will be the difference?

I don't know why I ordered another tub of aloe since I still have 3 Nature Republic Aloe Gel.  Maybe I want to compare the two or maybe I've been wondering why the It's Skin's is pricier?  Maybe both!  And also got a tube of aloe to carry around but it's smaller than I thought.  Anyway, the main reason why I got it is to escape the domestic delivery charge of 2500 won (1650 won versus 2500 won? of course I'll go with the 1650).  Original price of the It's Skin Aloe Soothing gel 92% is 8800 won for 200g  (link here) while the It's skin Aloe Soothing gel 90% is 3300 won for 75ml (and yet the estimated weight is .3 kg whoah!, link here).  Both by the way are at 50% off.

Next, still from It's Skin: Skin Rice Firming Cleansing Milk.

can it also brighten my skin?

I'm loving my cucumber cleansing milk from The Body Shop so since this is at 30% sale, I got myself another cleansing milk and I'm happy that it's dermatologist tested.  Here's the link to the product which I got for 4760 won.

Last item is the Phyto Theraphy Nature in Emulsion.  Again, I got this out of curiosity because of the word "Phyto".

Phyto, Fighting!!!

Pretty box, pretty packaging and pretty price too good thing I only got it for 7400 won.  This one promises to wake up skin's own potential energy.  I do hope that it can wake up my pale face!

And last but not least is of course freebies.  Not much, just 3 sachets of Power 10 Formula VC Effector which is one of It's Skin's best seller.  Still thankful to the seller because he still gave freebies even if I bought everything on sale.

with Vitamin C Derivatives

The name of the mini shop and link is 잇츠스킨숍 and just to let you know, this shop doesn't process order on weekends based on my experience (I ordered on a Saturday and they processed and shipped my orders on a Monday which is for me still fast).

Here's what I paid for the shipping.  I didn't check the weight of my package so it's a shame that I paid for the .11 kg even if I didn't use it (click here for the shipping rates of GMarket).  I wish that the next time I order, the shipping fee is also on sale kekeke. Just a note, if you are new to GMarket, check Plus Zone first before ordering.  I only check it after purchasing and I'm not aware of the coupons and special benefits.  I got a 5% discount coupon but too bad I already ordered.

Subject	Shipping Fee Info.	Amount	Remarks
Worldwide Shipping Fee	ㅁEstimated Shipping Fee (Prepaid)	￦18,160 ㅁ	ㅁ Estimated Weight :1.60 Kg ㅁActual Weight :1.69 Kg
	ㅁAdditional Shipping Fee (Paid)	￦0 ㅁ
Total Worldwide Shipping Fee : ￦18,160

this is my tracking.  thanks EMS Korea for answering my question

Overall, my first GMarket experience is very good.  Fast and hassle free and as you can see in my tracking (except when my package arrived in the Philippines, the intervals is just 1 day.  I ordered February 2, 2013 and my orders already arrived in my country February 6, 2013.

Kamsahamnida GMarket!

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

*to learn more about GMarket, go to http://english.gmarket.co.kr/

The Body Shop Shea Shower, Scrub & Moisture Set

One of the items that I got out of an impulse because it's on sale is The Body Shop's Shea Travel Set.  This is one of the first few items that I bought from The Body Shop last year and yet it's only now that I'm using it.

First is the one that really got my attention: The Shea Body Scrub.  I'm just wondering why scrubs from The Body Shop are so expensive so one way to satisfy this curiosity is to buy a small one that is on sale.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Reveal softer, glowing skin with exfoliating salt grains and organic sugar in a moisturizing, oil-based scrub that has a fresh, classic scent. Community Trade shea butter has antioxidant vitamins A and E to help protect and nourish skin. Community Trade organic soy oil is very rich in essential fatty acids that help to repair skin’s moisture barrier, so skin is smooth and supple. Community Trade organic sugar and salt grains gently exfoliate skin.

Full Ingredients

Octyl Palmitate, Sodium Chloride, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sucrose, Silica, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Ricinus Communis (Castor Seed) Oil, Tocopherol, Linalool, Coumarin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Propylparaben, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Citronellol, Citral, Geraniol, Eugenol, Titanium Dioxide.

HOW TO USE

Massage in circular movements over your body while in the bath or shower to help remove dead skin cells and boost circulation.

Think of a petroleum jelly combined with salt so that you can imagine what this product looks like.  I'm a 50/50 on the scent because it really smells like a petroleum jelly with shea body butter.  I applied this on a wet skin the first time that I used it but doesn't really worked well in the sense that the scrub just slides.  So for the second time around, I worked with a dry skin and poof, perfect!  It has a mild exfoliation that leaves my skin soft and smooth.  The scrub turns milky when rinsed and leaves a barrier of moisture that makes me uncorfortable so I have to at least use a mild cleanser to remove the excess "grease"

Next is the Shea Shower Cream which I am not really liking.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Spoil your skin with a moisturizing, soap-free cleanser full of rich, creamy, skin-softening lather and a classic, clean scent.

FULL INGREDIENTS

Water, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-5 Cocamide, Coco-Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Fragrance, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Tocopherol, Coumarin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Citral, Geraniol, Eugenol, Caramel, Yellow 6.

HOW TO USE

Squeeze onto the palms of your hands or The Body Shop Bath Lily and massage over your body.

This shower cream I think is so mild it doesn't bubble which leaves my mind thinking if I really got a shower.  Now think of a liquid foundation added with a little more water for its consistency.  The scent is like a mixture of shea body butter combimed with cooking oil.

So I'm doubting its cleansing power and its smell but I can't question its moisturization effect because it does makes my skin moisturize and a light lotion is just what I needed when I use this.

Loving the old one rather than the newer one is the Shea Body Butter.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Wrap your skin in a rich, indulgent, chocolate-scented cream that moisturizes and softens for up to 24 hours. Community Trade cocoa butter, an excellent moisturizer that melts at body temperature, is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Community Trade shea butter from Ghana moisturizes and softens skin. Community Trade organic soy oil is very rich in essential fatty acids that help to repair skin’s moisture barrier, so skin is smooth and supple.

FULL INGREDIENTS

Water (Solvent/Diluent), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (Emollient/Skin Conditioner), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter

(Emollient), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) (Emollient), Glycerin (Humectant), Cyclopentasiloxane (Emollient), Glyceryl Stearate (Emulsifier), PEG-100 Stearate (Surfactant), Cetearyl Alcohol (Emulsifier), Lanolin Alcohol (Stabiliser/Emollient), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Fragrance (Fragrance), Methylparaben (Preservative), Propylparaben (Preservative), Xanthan Gum (Viscosity Modifier), Benzyl Alcohol (Preservative), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster), Caramel (Colour), Yellow 5 (Colour).

TIPS

Cleanse with Cocoa Butter Creamy Body Wash. Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells using Cocoa Butter Body Scrub before moisturizing with Cocoa Butter Body Butter. Great for pregnant women. Smooth over the bump when skin feels tight and stretched.

Also included in the set is a body butter and a bath lily.  The bath lily has a good quality: soft and smooth yet tough on dirt!  I already made a review of the shea body butter with the new packaging but the old one in my opinion has a better consistency.  It's thick but it glides smoothly on my skin unlike the one with the new packaging that clumps and needs to be spread first in my palm.  I should have hoarded tons of the old ones when they went on sale.

Oh by the way, the original price of the mini set is P995.  Product description used in this post can be found in http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Packages everywhere: The Hipstyle Way

My GMarket order is in customs!!!  Huhuhu, it's delivered in the place where I live in but the guard said there's no one around to received my package and just gave me a slip of paper and have to go to Philpost that is far away from my place to claim it T_T.

Got dead worried when I saw in the EMS tracking that my package is already in the Philippines and was held hostage in customs and two days after the update went "Worldwide Shipping Failed" so getting the slip somehow is a relief (customs wait and be good to me!!!!)

Anyway, one of my FB newsfeeds catched my attention one Thursday evening close to Friday already (I paid on Friday morning February 8, 2013)  It's from Hipstyle Online Shop and boy, it's having a sale.  I computed the prices in korea + the should be shipping fee and I only have to add some moolah which I think is just enough compensation for not having the headache wondering where my package is and baammm, I got my package last Saturday afternoon (February 9, 2013).  That was FAST!

So here's my neatly pack package complete with bubble wrap, ribbon and a note.

neatly and carefully packed

Ahhh, love the personal touch!  I know that every order has a note but adding something hand written is a good marketing strategy to make a customer remember a seller.  I truly appreciate it Kat!

the good note

And here's my orders.

the washes

The Enprani White Cell foam cleanser looks really sosyal.  The Naive one is for my friend Pink!

for a baby foot feet?

I'm currently having the peel using TonyMoly and would love to compare it with this Baby Foot Deep Skin Exfoliation.  I've seen the pictures of peeling foot and I'm sold.  Must use it before June 2013 though.

can I hang this masks?

Of course mask!  I still have tons of mask but I can't help buying them as they are just P35.

where are the other freebies???

And of course freebies!!!!! I already ate the 3 candies/chocolates by the way :p Kamsa Hamnida Hipstyle!

I'll be getting my GMarket package tomorrow, wish me luck and get ready for another haul post.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!!!