Online Shopping with Zalora

One of the online stores that I regularly visit here in the Philippines is ZALORA as they have tons of wonderful stuff plus there are new additions in their shop everyday.  I just subscribe in their newsletter and as a reward I got a discount coupon and got excited to use it.

Here are some pieces that catches my attention.  Hope you don't mind me sharing it =)

Very much like the denim shirt with the studs below it's so me.  And the printed blazer are so fun to look at but since I work in a corporate world of course a simple black jacket should always be present in my closet.  You can check these denim  shirts and blazers in 1/2/3/4

Vila Studdy Denim Shirt
Cloe Edit Studded Chambray Blouse
Something Borrowed Elana Printed Blazer
Get Loud Short Trench Coat

 I don't know why I'm attracted to pants or leggings with prints nowadays though I do not have the courage to wear them.  Here are some of what I like which you can find here 1/2/3

Collective.com Ingrid printed leggings
Collective.com Kaela floral pants
Cloe Edit Houndstooth pants

 So instead of  prints I go for plain, usually black.  But it's summer and spring in other countries so why not add color to the wardrobe? 1/2/3/4

BNY Colored Pants
BNY Colored Skinny Maxilow Pants
Collective.com Karolina cotton jeggings
Collective.com kandice pants

 I love love love brogue shoes specially in vibrant colors like red and yellow but for versatility, I always go with black or brown.  The shoes below from Kickers are perfect for me and they are on sale!  Look into these brogue shoes here: 1/2

Jona in brown and red by Kickers

bag from Rags2Riches Pierre Large

In the end, I think I would go with this outfit combination.  Not really a fan of pink but I think the pinkish pants would go well with the denim studded shirt and brown shoes plus a really nice satchel  to complete the look.  Weird style?

And for my face I want something really simple: just a bb cream to cover some bemishes, a little flush on my cheeks, and a healthy glossy looking lips would do.  Can you believe that the Lioele bb cream is only P50?  Well it's in a sample size but if you are into trying out different bb creams then sample sizes are perfect.  You can check these cosmetics here: 1/2/3

Lioele Beyond Solution BB Cream
V&M Naturals Mineral Blush Romantic Flush
Wet n Wild Glassy Gloss Lip Gel

I grabbed all the photos by the way from http://www.zalora.com.ph.
Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Shopping Again, Spending Problem?

It's official, I have a spending problem.  Week by week I buy stuff out of a whim and pre-order Korean goodies without any hesitation.  This week is no exception because after spending thousands on baking stiff, I also bought some items that are relatively cheap but when put together gave a big hollow on my wallet.  I must impose a shopping ban for at least a month  after I pay my online orders and the only exceptions for the ban are black pants for work and ingredients for baking.

Well, shopping is still fun so here are the items from my latest haul.

for cleaning the face

I currently have a konjac sponge from TonyMoly so I have mixed feeling when I saw a similar one in Landmark at P59.75 (around $1.25).  Hay, most korean stores sell it for P120 to P200.  My sister also got curious and bought one for herself and love her first impression when she used it (ahahah she looked like a kid).  The sponge is a back-up, there's 2 in a pack so tig-isa kami ni ate (it's weird to call her ate (older sister)).  From Watsons, I got a peeling gel again as a back-up (that's one of my problem, I'm afraid to not have a spare).  And then, some make-up.

I can't believe I'm buying make-up

I really don't know what to do with the 3D compact and just bought it for experiment, maybe I can use it as a bronzer or highlighter.  Got it on sale for only P60 (around $1.50).  Then got an all over color stick which is really cheap and something for my brows which is a first, never used a product for my brows before but I think it's time to groom them.

scar fighters

For the body I got two stuff from Zenutrients.  Finally, this brand is expanding.  Hope that I would get good results from these two because if yes, then I'll be an avid buyer of their body lotions, body butter and other things to keep my body healthy and well moisturize.

hooray fro mint shoes!!!!

Alas, Mint Green Shoes!!!  I also want an oxford style shoes from Matthews but it's hard to pair it with my clothes since I'm not really a fashionista so the mint green shoes won.

Next, are some whatnots.

I'm in search for a good drugstore conditioners since my last organicone made my scalp very itchy So I'm trying Syoss this time, good thing they have mini bottles.

tame my hair Syoss, I beg you

I can't resist not to stock some hand soaps because they are dirt cheap as in P75 for 2 (san ka pa?).  Cotton pads from Saizen because I'm running out of cotton pads.  2 boxes for P88 which is expensive pala when compared to Watsons *sigh*.

never imagined that I'll be buying these stuffs, my collage self will be shock

Sorry, I haven't made any post/product reviews for the past few days.  I have 5 pending but there's something wrong with my body and I don't what it is but I'm always out of energy.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Glam Works Permanent Hair Dye Color

Well I hope that the price will not define the efficacy and effectivity of a product in a short or long run basis because if it is then I'm doom.  I just used over the weekend (and once in December of 2012) the cheapest bubble hair color that my sister and I found in Watsons.  How cheap is cheap?  P49 or $1.20.

blurry picture, my hands are shaky lately

It's light brown variant but I naturally have black hair so the effect is more of a dark brown but under the light specially under the sun, it almost looked like what's in the below picture.

color guide

It's easy to use.  Just open the packet that is divided into two, containing the color and the developer.  Mix the two in the palm of the hand and work it on a wet hair until it bubbles.  Leave on for 20 to 25 minutes but my mane got itchy so after 15 minutes I rinsed my hair.  Look into the pictures below to know more about the product and how to properly use it.

the coloring plus disposable plastic gloves

I don't know which is which

another crappy but readable picture
Directions for Use:
1.  Unpack and cut the Hair Dye Color Sachet in the corner.  Squeeze it into the gloved palm and mix.
2.  Apply the mixture evenly on your slightly wet hair.  Then massage the hair from roots to tip until it bubbles come out. Avoid contact with eyes.
3.  Keep it on your hair for 20 to 25 minutes.  (Keep it longer in case of oily hair).
4.  Spray some water once again, and rub your hair to make bubbles.  Rinse it with water

I remember last time that when I used this, my hair and scalp dried so after shampooing I used a hair treatment.  I used Tresemme but if you don't have a hair treatment just use your conditioner and leave it on for a longer period of time and if you have a shower cap then better use it for better hair and scalp conditioning.  Another thing is that the scent of the chemicals linger, it's not overpowering but for 3 days, I stopped sniffing my hair.

before and after photos of my hair

It does color my hair and it's permanent and it also did straighten my hair (the natural look and not the broomstick type).  Oh before using this, read the caution carefully because this hair coloring can irritate a sensitive scalp.

caution + ingredients

1 pack is good for up to shoulder length, thick hair (like mine).

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Another Online Haul from Bae Lu

I wanted to talk about CC Cream today but there are already lots of post about it, I just decided to just share with you my latest haul.  Oh about the CC Cream, you can check Eva's post on what and how to make CC Cream here.

first time too receive a box from a local seller

I got this haul from an FB online seller named Bae Lu.  What catches my attention from this seller is that you can pre-order items; both in original and sale price, that are on GMarket.  She also accept pre-orders from Forever21 and sells US brand bags and other goodies.  If I wanted something that I need in the near future though, I have to order a month  in advance.  Well patience is a virtue and Bae Lu is also a patient seller, I mean I revised this order around 5 timesand it's okay with her (sorry Bae).  Anyway, here are my orders.

Mizon Herbal Ampoule

I have an essence from Etude House at the moment  but I like to apply serum on my face too (my first serum made a great change on my skin) but I can't find a serum that is on sale so I settled with these 1+1 ampoules (1 for me and I gave the other one to my sister).  Based on the description, thay are like serums.

Mizon Pore Tightening Lotion

Bit disappointed with this one.  The link in GMarket said that it's a 1+1 promi (essence + scrub) but by the time Bae Lu ordered it, Mizon changed the page and became lotion instead.  Oh well as long as it will close my pores I'm find with it.

Mizon Snail Recovery Gel

This gel is quite popular here in the Philippines.  It's a buy 1+1+1 promo.

Mizon Ultra Repair Wonder Cream

I got really surprised with this two.  I'm expecting to see a huge tub but upon opening the box I only saw the small one (I didn't read the label + plus I'm not wearing my glasses) and got disappointed but lo and behold beneath the poiles of masks, a super duper huge Wonder Cream awaits me.  I got the cream as a freebie hooray!!!!

And here's the rest of the freebies from Mizon.

Freebies from Mizon, I wonder what the Vichum is

Oh going back too the pile of masks, these babies makes me want to shriek!!!!

Food a Holic Masks

50 masks in total in different weird variants (potato and blueberry are new to me).  Already gave some to my friends and to my sister.  I know the brand is not popular but the price is a steal and if ever that department stores sell this here in the Philippines, the estimated sale price will be times 4 of the original.

another set of freebies

Wonderful haul, right?

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Testing plus a Mini Haul

Just installed blogger again on my ipod and it's somehow working though putting pictures in place is a bit hard. Anyway, I'll just share some items that I bought for the past 3 weeks of April and all of them are from Watsons.

First is this compact powder; a first for me to have, from Essence which is a brand new in the Philippines. This is just an impulse buy but I needed a powder that can settle my bb cream plus the sales lady was really nice to me. The finished is also great so although I have a loose powder to buy in mind, I got this and would like to go back to try some eyeliner or an eyebrow pencil.

essence mosaic compact powder

Next is something for my hair since it's now beginning to become unruly because of it's length (it's now on my shoulders and I do not have plans to have a haircut). Got this Pure Beauty Essence at a sweet deal.

Pure Beauty Treatment Essence Water

Surprisingly, Bifesta is cheaper in Watsons so even if I got around 3 toners I still grab one. I got the moist this time.

Bifesta Moist Cleansing Lotion

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Naked No More: Velvety Red Velvet

I couln't resist anymore not to post this because finally, I made a decent cupcake with a FROSTING (pronouncing in high pitch tone) that everybody (promise, I'm not exaggerating)  like!.  Introducing my very own, moist and yummy Red Velvet!

my very own red velvet cupcake

Funny how I panicked when I suddenly realize that my butter in the fridge is not enough so I search for another recipe that calls for a canola oil (thanks goodness we use canola oil in the house).  Also, funny that the main reason why I baked is to not to spoil a cup of sour cream.  I derived my red velvet cupcake recipe from Bake Happy and Yummy.Ph

red and moist

Red Velvet

1 cup sour cream

3/4 bottle red food coloring

1  1/2 teaspoons white vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups canola oil

1 1/2 cups white sugar

2 large eggs

1.  Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line muffin/cupcake pans with cupcake liners.

2.  Combine sour cream, food coloring, vinegar and vanilla extract.  Set aside

3.  Sift or dry whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.  Set aside

4.  Combine canola oil and sugar until sugar is slightly melted, then with a whisk add in the eggs one at a time

5.  Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients (from step 3) and slightly mix using a spatula.

6.  Add half of the wet ingredient (from step 2) and again slightly mix

7.  Repeat steps 5 and 6 and slightly mix until everything is combined and free of lumps.

8.  Fill liners; 2/3 full, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let it cool before topping these babies with frosting

As you can see in the above picture, I poked a lot of the cupcakes and they are so red.  Now for the frosting, I found a recipe from A Beautiful Mess.  Had a little hard time since I do not have an electric mixer, so my whisk (yup, it's now my whisk and not my brother's anymore bwahahaha) and I had a lot of bonding time with a little help from my sister (thanks for slowly adding the sugar and holding the bowl when I'm so tired to hold it)

this is a hit frosting in the office

Cream Cheese Frosting

250g cream cheese spread (it's the only cream cheese available in the grocery, Magnolia)

1 stick salted butter

2 to 3 cups powdered sugar (I have to use 3 cups in order for the frosting to "pick" a little)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1.  Soften butter and cream cheese then beat together until creamy.

2.  Add vanilla extract then beat again for a minute.

3.  Slowly add the powdered sugar while beating (thank goodness my sister helped me) or add 1 cup at a time then beat for 1 minute (if you do not have a companion).  Repeat until the frosting is smooth and creamy and a little fluffy or if already has the "pick".  I only used a whisk but if you have an electric mixer then congrats, the process will be much easier and faster.

At first I thought the frosting is too sweet but when I already put it in the cupcakes, the sweetness is "tamang tama lang" (just right sweetness).

And here I am practicing to put frosting.  Anyway the cupcakes and frosting is worth the effort.

I need to practice more!!!

Happy weekend everyone!

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Innisfree It's Real Avocado Mask

Ahh avocado, one of my favorite fruit in the world especially when turned into a fruitshake:  sweet, creamy, yummy, refreshing and filling it brings back memories of childhood (we used to have avocado in our front yard before) and of Ka Lui in Palawan which is 3 years...holy guacamole, that's been a long time.  I must find a real avocado but for now I'll settle with this avocado mask.

Innisfree It's Real Avocado Mask
with avocado and green complex
950 won in GMarket/around $1 in ebay/got it for P35 from kkochi pida

The description in front is the same with other variants and at the back of the packaging everything is in Korean so I made a short search and it says that this mask nourishing and moisturizing so by the time I used the mask, I told myself "Ahhh this is perfect, my face is drier and paler than normal".

no translation

Now the scent kind of disappointed me: it has a faint alcohol plus there's no avocado smell to it, but the silky sheet compensated it.  It's a bit thin though so harsh tagging and pulling can tear the mask.  Mine got a tear when I tried to perfectly fit it in my face.  Yeah, got a little trouble fitting it especially in the nose and cheeks area but the cuts help plus the thinness and silkyness also helped in making the mask stay in place on my face for an hour.

thin and silky, just almost the way I wanted it

The essence; surprisingly, is more like an emulsion/face lotion - it's white and creamy and it's plenty that I had enough left to be use for 3 days.  After an hour, I removed the sheet mask and I hated what I saw in the mirror:  oily face.  It's not super sticky and heavy though so I let it on my face, got some sleep and when I woke up I made the right decision of not washing my face after removing the mask sheet because my face looks healthy.  I know I over used in this blog words like smooth and soft but seriously among all the masks that I tried, Innisfree mask made my skin at it's most smooth and soft state.  My pores got a little smaller too and the effect lasted for 3 days (actually I'm still counting and I think it would last up to 5 days).  Now for the full description, here's what I found from Yesstyle:

"Highly moisturizing facial mask is packed with protein and moisture-enriched avocado essence that feeds skin with nutrients for more softness and vibrancy after every use. For best results, use mask on cleansed face and leave mask on for 10-15 minutes. After removing, massage in remaining essence and follow with a moisturizer if needed. Recommended for normal to dry skin types." -www.yesstyle.com

Avocado for the skin?  According to Reader's Digest, avocado can hydrate parch skin.  It helps prevent dry skin and brittle hair and nails because it's a good source of biotin.

I skipped the moisturizer by the way.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Snoe White No.5 Calamansi

Childhood oh childhood!  I remember crawling in the fields just so my older siblings would not caught us younger ones to go to grandpa's house to play when patentero, dodgeball was so in and when learning how to ride a bike is a must and having wounds or cuts or bruises from it is an award that turned into nasty scars that I want to get rid these days.  But what can i do, as a kid playing is what matters (and food too!).

I am a cheapskate at heart so I'm crossing derma's as one of the solutions to my dilemma, erasing cebo de macho because it doesn't work on my skin and ditching medical creams because they stick to the beddings.  Last resort would be whitening soaps.  Tried some; a 2 or 3 kinds, but this one is better than the last.

Be the fairest of them all
Snoe White No.5 Vitamin C rich Calamansi beauty bar
P139 (last year)

Hooray for calamansi!!!  I used calamansi in most of my DIYs because it can whiten, brighten and smoothen skin and Snoe used it in this bar to be it's main ingredient.  I'll tell it to you straight that it did not immediately lighten my scars.  I'm using it for a month now and still have the marks but it slowly and surely lightening them.  In 2 weeks I see good results, don't have the photos of the progress but just think of gray turned powder pink.  This soap changed my mind of totally ditching Snoe (I had a problem with one of their products before) and would love to again try other products like the hair heroes (catchy name by the way).

the signature seal of Snoe, a snowflake

Like most whitening soaps,  it's also natutunaw agad (melting quickly) so I cut the huge soap into 5 and each slice is good for a week for me since I only use it once a day.  I also only leave it on my skin for around a minute  because I'm not comfortable with the prickly sensation.  I'm born with a sensitive skin (I don't why) but if you have normal skin then you can use it as directed.

a little but still readable, right?  sorry for the shaky hands

I mainly bought the No.5 for my scars in my legs but Snoe said...

description

Here's a short excerpt from livestrong.com about Alpha_Hydroxy Acid:

"...alpha hydroxy acid, lightens brown spots, age spots or so-called liver spots that appear as the result of excessive sun exposure as well as aging. Products containing alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, have proven to be effective, with continued use, in lightening dark spots on the skin."

It's been a month now since I started to use Snoe White No.5 and with the help of a lightening serum, my scars lighten and just needs a little time for them to completely blend with the natural skintone of my legs.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

April Haul

Haul time again!  I can't believe that I bought a lot (again), for others this might be small but for me spending this much (almost 2,000) is already galore.  Funny how I set my alarm 5 minutes before 9:00 pm to reserve items from Kkochi Pida (you already know her, right?).  I fell asleep and never heard the alarm (I must have been really tired from cleaning) wake up at around 9:20 pm panickingly look into FB and boom no more items.  Well that's what I thought until 5 minutes later pictures of on hand and sale items are starting to pop-up (I'm just in time).  I only have have 2 to 3 hours of sleep (i have irregular sleeping time people) but got up real fast full of energy commenting mine in almost every item that I want (items sold fast with this online shop, can't blame the shoppers since Charm (the seller) can really charm you).
In short; amidst this silly story, I'm a happy and here's what I hoarded.

tonymoly + holika holika

Cacao for my skin and pig for my nose ◕_◕??? But seriously look at the packaging, IRRESISTIBLE.
And lookey! Nagdadalaga na ako (I'm turning into a lady).

a base, a balm and a a blusher

As much as I wanted to open and try all these items, I must stop myself because I just opened a bunch of products last week (9 to be exact) but I'll start with the Baby Choux while it's still in hype and maybe the Blusher too to give color to my pale face (I hope Charm will also sell other items from the Sweet Recipe line).

as always with korean products, packagings are cute

And of course the freebies that makes every online buyer extra happy.  If you go to a store, one must purchase a minimum amount to get freebies.  By online, you get assortments os products and still get freebies.

I have another mask to use

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Watsons Rose Water Facial Mask

I'm back.  After attempting to write in a notebook or computer, I finally able to write a post.  Been sick, tired and stressed for the whole week for an unknown reason, are you experiencing it too?

Okay so this post is just about the Watsons mask that I bought for only P29 (around $.70).  Hooray for P10   off (cheapskate alert!) so even if I know what Watsons mask essence is sticky, I still manage to grab 2.  One of them is this Rose Water.

Watsons Facial Mask with rose water and natural plant extracts
Revitalising and Moisturising
P39 original price got it for P29

I pick this variant because an article about how relaxing rose water is.  Also search some of the benefits and here's a portion of an article from http://www.holistichealthherbalist.com

"Rose as an herb is very cooling, soothing, anti-inflammatory, and astringent…the perfect recipe for those suffering from acne. Apply it to red, hot to the touch, blemished areas for a calming effect. The best method is to spray it on directly.

"Rose water is also quite antiseptic, so acne causing bacteria don’t stand a chance with regular use as a natural skin toner.  It’s properties benefit sensitive, irritated, dry, and even oily skin complexions by controlling sebum production. Rose water even balances the skin’s PH levels and tightens pores making them appear smaller."-www.holistichealthherbalist.com

the 9 cuts didn't help a lot

Upon opening, I can smell the relaxing smell of rose water but don't worry it's nothing too flowery.  One thing that I don't like though is the fit of the sheet mask.  It's too small especially on the eye area, I only have to half open my eyes.  It's a little short on the jaw area too nut since it's pack with so much essence, I just put the excess in the not so covered areas of my face.  Enough bullying of the sheet mask and start praising how thick and nice it's texture- it's not irritating and cannot be easily thorn.

Since I put the mask in the freezer I feel the instant freshness (hot weather=hot face=the need for cold stuff). I also did a little massaging using the mask prior to opening it because the essence frost and the massaging part helped in fast defrosting plus my face relaxed a little.

30 ml of essence

Funny how Watsons emphasize where the mask is made now.  I believe it wasn't there before, just saying.  Going back to the essence; as expected, it's a sticky and a little slimy so for those who don't want to have the heavy feeling caused by the sticky essence then splash some water after use.  As for me, I just pat the excess essence and surprise it made my skin look refreshed.  When I woke up (I used mask before sleeping but don't leave it on for the whole nappy time) another surprise!  my skin look fairer to the point that I think it lighten my freckles and it seems like I wore a bb cream with a volumer or something that makes my skin look naturally matted but has shine (the pleasant kind of shine.  The effect is only good for a day though.

how to use + ingredients and other stuff that you might want to know

Not bad for a P29 or less than a dollar mask right?

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!