Hi! Quarter Update

Hi!  I randomly thought that I'll do a quarter update post to break the reviews and hauls that I usually write; about although I'm not a legit writer, and also a little sneak peak with my personal life.

EVENT
January:
Work has been the highlight of my January because I'm already an official member of the company I work for but gosh I'm still not holding a firm grip with my position but it seems that I'm getting use to all the hoopla of the people around me.

2 More Revlon Lippies

I thought I'm completely a blush girl until I made contact with a "real" lipstick...it change my makeup life.

For years, I lean on different kinds of lip balm: colorless, tinted or those "magic" type that changes color and dries my lips, and I was okay with it since I only use lips balms when I remember that I have them or when my lips are chapped.  And then I bought a legit lipstick but at the back of my head I always say that I'll just use it on special occasions or if I wanted to be not so ordinary which rarely happens.  Until came Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain...

Wait a minute, it's a balm not a lipstick (my whole life is a lie!).  I only know this now because the print on the tube was already erased.  I have the 001 Honey Douche which is a color that I'll never pick because it's a shade of pink but this was just given to me by my sister who thinks that it's more appropriate for me than on her (and she's right).

Yes it's pink but it's not the shouting kind of pink, it's more on the demure and not so girly side (why is this hard for me to explain, makeup reviewers/bloggers out there-HELP ME).  It's also close to my natural lip color so even a newbie like me can apply this without a mirror.  When I wanted to put some color to my tired looking face or spruce my no makeup makeup look, I usually grab this~it's an everyday-looking natural kind of lipstick.

Another lipstick that I got for free (it's from a hair dye) is this Revlon Colorburst  Lip Butter 063 Wild Watermenlon.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter is moisturizing and buttery so I'm not surprised that I'm halfway through with Fig Jam (a variant that darkens or adds depth/shadow when I use it on top of my other bright lipsticks).  The Wild Watermelon shade is like a demi lip stain and balm in the sense that it's not as buttery as the blank blank that I have but it is more staining.  I hope the above photo can explain this, I mean just look how liquidy it is compared to the Just Bitten.

I usually wear Wild Watermelon when I wanted to brighten my lips and maybe more often this summer because it's bright red orange (which I usually associate with something perky and colorful).

I'm happy that I have these two in my lipstick stash (I hope that makeup collection (dangerous words) will never occur to me) and even happier because I got them for free!

Something Thrifted, From Online and Drugstore Haul

I have to pat myself at the back for doing a job well done with regards to shopping and making a haul.  I've been to different online shops browsing at some things that I really like to get but I always ask myself if I really need or even like them and I usually close my browser and my shopping instinct will disappear.  Still got some though that I've been wanting for many months that no matter what I reason to myself, the urge to get them keeps coming back.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer is something that stuck in my head for a year or more now eversince I watch Tanya Burr's video followed by Shayne of Queen of All You See's post (plus a ton more mention from the likes of Essie and Amelia).  I never had a concealer but I don't want to gamble so might as well get something that is recommended by this awesome people.  I got the only shade that is available in the counter~Light, I pray that this will work.

I also wanted to get taupe eyeshadow for an everyday makeup use but I can't find any that fits my liking and budget.  I check Fanny Serrano but it's out of the stock in the department store I went and I search online and found the Lorac Pocket PRO Pallette but it consists of three eyeshadows...I only need one, so I stop and will just have to deal with what I currently have in my stash (goodluck to me).

Thank goodness for sisters who share their makeup!  I got all these three for free.  I keep on using on the red Ever Bilena Matte Lipsticks and on occasions that I feel the need to get girly, I use the pink one.  I'm still experimenting with the Maybelline Brow Mascara which is surprisingly blending well with the color of my brows, I just need more "getting use to" feel for me to comfortably wear it on a daily basis.

And lastly, THESE...

The gold and white combination is the one to blame for this craziness!  I mean, I even don't know how to use those eye brushes (are they eye brushes?).  I wish to have the Zoeva Classic Face Set but by the time I decided to get it, it's already out of stock in Luxola (why Luxola, why?) so I got this BeautyCosmetics Gold Diana Set instead.  The face brushes are less denser than I expected but man, they are so soft!

I also got the Brushegg hoping that it would stop the torture my brushes experience when I clean them with my bare hands.

I've been good with my shopping, right?

Remnants of Etude House and Some Brushes

Here are the last pieces of Etude House products that I got and at the same time the brushes that I have before the Ecotools brush set that I got last christmas.   I thought it might be fun to share them, although I don't have much to talk about.

These two I guess were the first real make-up products that I bought.  The Etude House Apricot Stick is a good transitioning product from tinted lip balm to lipstick.  It's like a half tinted lip balm as it's not yet as pigmented as a lipstick but the texture is almost like a lipstick, creamy and no transparency at all from the tube.  I like how the color is so close to my lips; orangey, pinkish, peachy and reddish, is perfect for an everyday no makeup-makeup look~ that it'll just make the color of the lips even plus it gives a little gloss.  This also gives a nice faint flush to my cheeks, a nice way to fake a blushing face without people noticing that you actually put something in there.

Because of it's creamy texture, it can moisturize the lips for hours but can be easily smudge too.  Probably around the 4 hour mark, it will dry leaving some gritty particles on my lips but if I don't eat, drink or lick my lips much, it will leave a faint tint so the grits is not very noticeable.

My attempt to get a define winged liner failed with the Etude House Styling Eye Liner.  This is more for tightlining the eyes or as an eye shadow on stick.  I usually just lightly apply this at the ends of my eyes and smudge it for a slightly smokey effect.  This is also a good tool to practice with eyelining as it can easily be remove and if you wanted a black eye shadow but don't know how to use it (like me) then you can start with this one, it's so creamy and can easily smudge and you can control how much you'll apply (since it's on a stick).

Since there's a time that I've been slightly obsessed with winged eyeliner and with my brows, my sister gave me this Marionnaud Slanted Eyeline & Eyebrows Double Side Brush.  It has the slanted firm but not too harsh and not too thick brush on one side, good for eyelining and making feather strokes for the eyebrows.  And on the other is the spoolee to tame the messy hairs of the brow and I sometimes use it to comb my lases when they seem tangled.

I got the flat top kabuki brush from Landmark...the name starts with a K but I completely forgot.  And I swear that it's way denser and flat than in the below picture, it's just that I am so harsh in washing brushes that it finally shedding after a year of usage.

The flat top kabuki brush is so dense and soft that it gives this almost airbrush effect~clean and even, when I apply my bb cream.  It didn't bleed and shed for a year or more (can't remember when I got this), it's just a week ago that the hairs started to fall when I squeezed it to the max.  This is just around 150 pesos again perfect for those who are starting with make-up (like me) and also for those who do not have enough space for brushes (like me again) because of it's short, chubby handle (it's also easy to grip it).

Sorry if I sound too flat today, I'm just sick and my body is sore and some parts needs a massage.

CommunePH

It's time to eat again and let me take you to a place I discovered after stalking someone on instagram and because it's just near my of workplace.  I chilled in Commune thrice already and of course I'm gonna share what I eat and gulp.

Photos by the way is from my friend except for the last one which is from turningtop.blogspot.com (check what she ate while in Commune).

Tuna Melt and Bacon Tomato Mozza sandwiches are perfect for slowly filling the tummy while having a laid back chit chat.  My favorite would have to be the Tuna melt as it's not too heavy but not too light too and the pesto, tuna, tomato and cheese on toasted crostini compliments each other~it's a perfect combo.  I'm just okay with the Bacon Tomato Mozza, maybe the bacon and tomato is not the perfect pair.  The sides by the way are good too especially the salad which are random green leaves with some chopped cashew nuts, bits of dried mangos and a dressing that is a bit creamy and has hints of balsamic vinegar.

I also tried the Commune Club which is a triple layer of malunggay wheat bread (mind you, the bread is tasty) with chicken chunks, asparagus, bacon, tomato and lettuce.  This one feels light to eat but filling (unlike with burgers wherein you can feel the grease) chicken is tender and has a little bit of a smokey flavor.  It's hard to eat this one though because the chunks of chicken just keep on falling when I lift my sandwich, maybe Commune should just fillet the chicken for a cleaner eating experience for their customer.  I also tasted a little bit of the Caesar Salad and I have to agree with my friend that it's a bit salty probably because there's just too much salted egg and cheese in just one plate (and the serving is ginormous).

Of course, we have to drink something.  Fresh Orange Juice is a favorite because it's refreshing to drink after a tiring day at the office.  And...

...look how cute these coffee/cocoa art.  I haven't tried any of Commune's coffee (it seems that I go there when caffeine is not needed) and always go for the Hot Chocolate which is just okay: the sweetness is perfect but I wanted it to be more chocolatey and a little bit darker, also the last time I got this it seems it was not well blended and found some chunks of chocolate at the bottom of my mug.  Anyway the latte art make-up for it.  You can request to the barista what art you like but be patient because it takes time, around 20 minutes to make it and it's only available for selected hot drinks.

For dessert, my favorite would have to go to the cups with chocolate sprinkles below (don't know the name) because it's nutty, chocolatey, dense and super moist I wanted to get seconds (or 3 or even 5 more cuppies).  The chocolate cupcake is also good because it's surprisingly moist and not overly sweet.  A bit dissappointed with the apple pie ala mode, it tasted flat or because it was not warm enough when it was served (it nice to have a warm apple pie because it brings out the taste of the cinnamon and apples and if it's a mode, the ice cream will slowly cool down the mouth, well that's my opinion).

photo from turningtop.blogspot.com

Coffees are affordable, other drinks are priced okay, meals is on the pricey side but based on the sandwiches that I tried it's worth it.  It's a chill out place (also love the interior) with a not so overwhelming menu, added with a little cuteness from their coffee and hot cocoa- COMMUNEPH

Wishes For 2015

I wish that you and I could wish not just to shooting stars but to all the lights that we can see.  If that happens then all our wish will come true :)  Just reasoning out so that my photo above will make sense (caption is not relatable to this post though).

Shayne of Queen Of All You See tag me to the:

Things To Wish For This 2015

A fashion piece I'd like to have most

A sturdy but still good looking and comfortable brogue shoes.  I don't know when exactly I started obsessing but I just like them because they look classic and can be worn with almost anything be it pants, shorts, skirt or even dress .  I currently have a pair (and also 2 pairs before: one that is just not so comfy and the other one is not sturdy) but because I use it almost on a daily basis, rain or shine, I don't think it will last another half year. 

A beauty product I'd like to have most

I hope this is not limited to make-up because skincare came directly to my mind when I read this in Shayne's post.  There are a lot of skincare products that I like to try including but not limited to Cure Natural Aqua Gel, SK-II Facial Essence Treatment and Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum, but I know that I can't have them this 2015 (budget constraint)  so I'll settle with the ampoule that I praise so much last year which is the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair New Science Activator Ampoule.  Luckily the set (together with The First Essence which is said to be a dupe for SK-II) is on sale and I already pre-ordered it (big YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS).

A project I'd like to finish

Project Taba!

I wanted to seriously get fit and be healthy and so started constructing Project Taba which should have started last February but I failed but it's not yet too late to start, right?  The aim of the project is very simple: to get me to the normal level of weight and to have a healthy lifestyle.  There's a time in 2013 that I've tasted being healthy and it felt good~ I'm light, happy and positive about life~I wanted to feel that again and maintain it (never mind if I will not have a Victoria's Secret Angel body hehehe).

A destination I'd like to visit.
Japan.  Disneyland, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Cheery Blossom, Ramen, Motchi, Anime, and Skincare and Makeup Brands I like to try plus Japanese Fashion: it's all in Japan.

I want to wear more of
Basic but chic and classy pieces.  And Comfortable too, I think I'm already at the age where I already knew my style that when a certain person I know would look into... let's say a shirt, she or he will say "Oh that's you" and that scenario happened already a lot of times.

I wanted something structured and basic but my problem right now is that my figure is "weird", not the typical petite type of frame, that it's hard for me to get the clothes that I want and always end up buying something "temporary" or too basic so I hope that with the help of Project Taba, I could be basic but chic and classy.  It sounds boring but whenever I look at Claire Marshall (check her outfits in youtube), I always think rock!

Food I want to eat more of

Like Shayne, Veggies.  I have no problem with vegetables but I'm having a hard time preparing them especially if it's just for a person and they easily rot and most vegetables being sold here are in bundles so I just waste time. 

A new skill to master

Stop procrastinating.  You would probably say "it's that even a skill?" but procrastinating is one of my main problem in life (that's why I haven't started yet with Project Taba).  I always say it's not yet the right time or I don't have all the means yada yada yada... I wanted to stop all the excuses and start taking action.

Now I'm tagging Terri, Rae, Genzel, CJ, Jhanz and YOU.

The Best Sleeping Pack is from Laniege

I've been skeptical about this product before because I'm always thinking "how can a very light sleeping mask beats the heavier ones".  Since a sleeping mask should do wonders on the face like nourishing, revitalizing and heavily moisturizing the skin over night, I thought it should be heavy.  Tried some, and my theory seems to be accurate until came Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX.

Texture & Application
The mask is a whip gel cream that is so light it's like a water in a cream form.  I use this at least once a week as recommended.  But when I do not have enough sleep or my skin is very dry than normal, I apply it thrice a week sometimes on consecutive days, sometimes on every other day.  The instruction also said that I can use it whenever my skin feels dry so I don't think there's harm in me applying the mask more than once a week and so far haven't seen any bad effect on my skin.

I apply the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_Ex after my toner and I sleep.  Sometimes when my skin is in a bad shape or needs extra moisture, I apply serum and light moisturizer on top of the sleeping mask.

Effect
It soothes and cools my face and just melts in the skin~it's a refreshing experience every time.  Of course the most important thing is the mask's effect, is it any good?  And the answer is a BIG YES!  The morning I wake up, my skin just feel smoother and supple plus it gives this refreshed look even on days when I only have 5 hours of sleep (sometimes even less).  Although it also gives this impression that it doesn't provide much moisture because of the mask's lightness, I feel that the moisturization happens more after the first layer of skin so if you are in a colder weather or place, I recommend to put your moisturizer after this mask.  For me though who is in a tropical country, the moisturization it gives is enough.

It also didn't experienced any outbreak from this mask and still apply it even when I'm experiencing skin asthma or eczema although I heard from someone that she had bumps on her jaw area when she used this mask so better test it first on other parts of your body to know if it's suited for your skin.

Final Thoughts
Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX is the best and it changed my outlook towards sleeping pack.  It's light and just brings back the liveliness of my skin in it's very dull moment.  It's pricier compared to other Korean masks in its range (considered in mid range) but it's worth it.  Laneige also have a firming version of this sleeping pack and I can't wait to try it.  I still have to test another sleeping mask which is considered high end in Korea but I'm still betting on Laneige's as the best.

Aklatan Book Haul

It's been a while since I went to a good bookstore and become one with the books and I'm rereading my current books over and over again so I thought it's just okay and it's the right time to buy books (and let go of some again, anyone interested in buying and taking care of them?).  Thanks to Otakore I found Aklatan and saved a lot of bucks!

Here's a quick look at what I got!

Who Could That Be at This Hour?, Lemony Snicket
I read the The Series of Unfortunate Events, it is hard bound and it is just 200 pesos...no brainer.

Rags & Bones, Meliis Marr, Tim Pratt
A collection of short stories that can be read in less than an hour, Rags & Bones contains new twist on timeless tales.  I heard this from Jen of ImJenIm and the cover attracted me, that I went gaga when this is included of Aklatan's teaser.

Howl's Moving Castle, Diana Wynn Jones
I already watched the movie of this one and was surprised that it's from a book and was even tempted to buy the others by Diana.  The story is magical with an "unconventional" love story :P

The Strange Library, Haruki Murakami
My very first Hauki Murakami book.  I wanted the  1Q84 but it's very expensive in bookstores so I got this instead.  It has cool "packaging" and there are photos inside, yipee (just like a kid).

The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
It's time for me to have a copy because I love The Little Prince.  The black cover is surprising since the usual color of the book I see is white.

Leo Tolstoy
I thought that maybe I'll be wiser if I'll start reading poems.  Good luck to me.

John Donne
Because the cover is just to pretty and unusual here in the Philippines.

Haven't been sharing the books that I read lately but I'm hoping that I will, soon!

3 Anime Series I'm Watching

People within my age group and field of work would describe as weird because instead of watching US series (although I sometimes watch them), I prefer animes.  Here are three that I watch/watching recently all thanks to my brother who watch them too.

photo from www.zerochan.net

Barakamon
Is about a calligrapher who was exiled to an island as a punishment after punching an art director.  A typical loner city guy, Handa (the calligrapher, main character) explores his new environment and adapt to his crazy yet happy neighbors to find his inspiration and writing style.  A happy series that focuses on friendship, relationship and self realization.

photo from thehugeanifan.wordpress.com

Parasyte
Is about parasites appearing on earth, taking over human brains by entering through ears or noses.  I only watch this once in a while (because my brother watches even when I'm not around) but plan to catch up with the series because it's very interesting even with all the gore and cheesy love story.

photo from anime-anime-11.blog.cz

Mushi-shi
A fascinating take on the supernatural things and happenings that we encounter in our everyday lives.  Ginko, a "mushishi", travels around to investigate about different kinds of "mushi" which is a supernatural creature that dwells and lives among us.  You can randomly watch the series of this anime and still understand the story which are fascinating.

Are you an otaku?