July 10, 2020

Oh Looky: I give up with the Cat-Eye


Old Post here, hehehehe...just trying to finish old stuff.

I'm amaze at how I look different with a bit of lines and flick around my eyes...too bad I'm lazy to perfect the lines and the heavy cleansing so I have to quit eyelining.

Maybelline HyperSharp Wing is easy to use - it glides effortlessly and gives sharp lines. It's not opaque as I wanted it to be so the black is more like gray. More on the liquidity side so for someone who blinks a lot, I always mess up so I have to set it immediately with eyeshadow.

TonyMoly Gel Liner was an impulse buy probably beacause of the cool packaging but I like how black this is. It takes time and patience to apply this as gliding application will just result to broken lines. From a noob perspective, short line application is the way to go. It won't easily budge too.

Eyeliner definitely is not an everyday thing for me but more for some fancy occasion but then again, I'm lazy so maybe I'll just try false lashes or mascara next time.

UCC - Old Post But Because of Quarantined...

I miss the usual dining experience.  It's bit weird now because of social distancing and it's never been the same especially in a Filipino setting because we share food.

Anyway, here's me finally looking into this old blog and saw some photos that are unpublished.

UCC i thought was just for coffee, but hey they have Japanese food and overall they are yum.

Just sharing the photos as remembrance.  Reminiscing and trying to remember what I think of these food, I think I like the dish in the first photo very much...it has the right amount of saltiness and sweetness and the meat is tender.




Katsu Curry I'm a bit meh, the curry sauce is a bit strong for a japanese curry and the katsu was a bit dry but it is still yum.


IOPE BB Cushion - Really Old Post That I Did Not Published


BB Cushion is a big boom in asia and is now gaining popularity in the international market with Lancome releasing their very own range of cushion.  Right now, there are many different types of it to suite the demands of makeup enthusiasts.  For fun, I got a refill of the IOPE Air Cushion XP which is one of the first and popular BB cushion that came out.


Since this is an old post I'll just hive a summary.
 This Iope cushion just have this glowy finish but not doesn't have the sticky feel.  It's not patchy even though I have dry skin and just blends well with my skin even if I don't retouch for the whole day...feeling natural na ganda lang - ganun.

I feel a bit weird with the cushionscushion at first but patting definitely they key and I like that it picks just the right amount of bb cream/foundation.


Oh Looky: Maskie



Caolion was mentioned by Michelle Phan before in her youtube channel (long time ago it seems) ang got curious.  I got these 3 for a good deal.

The O2 Bubble Pore Pack is really bubbly, the bubbliest that I tried from bubbles pore packs.  It creates really dense bubbles and really helps lift whatever gunk in my pores.

The Blackhead Steam Pore Pack is ohhhh so hot.  Definitely no steaming needed when I use this.  It's a bit scary at first but it will slowly cool down which is like a timer for me to take it off and move on to the next mask.

Pore Original Pack is the cool one.  After the steamy session with the Steam Pore Pack, this is likealike nice breeze to the face.  It cools and "closed" the pores that completes the whole cleaning of pores experience.

These three Caolion products works well together for a heallthy, small looking pores.



Sheet Masks of course are the basics although I'm trying my best to limit using them (there's already al of garbage in this world.

My go to brands are Innisfree and My Scheming.  I usually get them on buy 1 get 1 deals so it's light on the pocket.

Innisfree is overall moisturizing and non irritating and since I have dry ski, I can get away with not washing the excess essence.

My Scheming, does the same thing but a little better in the sense that the material used in the mask itself is thinner (but still sturdy) which just sticks to my skin even if I move around.  It's essence is also non sticky, my skin just loves to absorb it.

Honorable mention is The Face Shop's Real Nature Sheet mask.



I also got some great deal with the Laneige Regenerating Mask and Mediheal Mask.

The Mediheal one is an upgrade from the roadshop brands - better mask quality and less stickier essence.

Laneige Regenerating Mask is LUXE! The mask itself is made of this jelly or young coconut like flesh, it's just nice and smooth to the skin when applied.  It's essence is also a major upgrade at hindi tinipid - I just feel so young and refreshed and my face looking brighter and less tired (medyo parang nagpafacial ako pag eto ginamit ko).

August 23, 2018

Follow me on Instagram @arte.review

Hi!!!!

I'm active on Instagram - please follow @arte.review for mini product reviews.  Thanks

April 26, 2018

Oh Looky: These Tools



Just a quick look at these three tools that I used to massage my face and decide which one to keep.  I don't know their names so I'll refer them by color.

Kindly read Oh Looky before proceeding to read, thanks.


Black is a souvenir that I got from Taiwan.  It's a multi purpose massaging tool for different parts of the body (as demonstrated by the nice grandma who did his very best to communicate with me through body language) but I mainly use it for the face.  The curve is surprisingly perfect for my jaw lines and I used the top (or bottom) side part to the rest of my face.  It's thin so I have to be light to avoid hitting my bones (it hurts when it happens and definitely need some cream or oil for it to glide smoothly).

April 24, 2018

Oh Looky: Cleansing Stuff



Let the skin breathe from all the makeup and pollution - your skin will definitely thank you.

Kindly read Oh Looky before proceeding to read, thanks.

Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash
I got this thinking that it's a dupe for the Tatcha Rice Cleanser thing (I don't know the exact name but many beauty gurus/youtubers swear by it because it helps in making the skin glow but holy it's so pricey).  So as the name suggest, this cleanser is in powder from like granules of sugar that is easily dissolve with water.  I like that with just a small amount (this cleanser lasted for more than 5 months) I can create a great amount of foam that cleanse and keeps the skin soft.

Pond's Washable Cold Cream
A makeup remover favorite as it is affordable and readily available (I got mine on a 2 for 1 sale).  I like that it keeps the skin moisturized and soft while removing light makeup.  I wouldn't rely on it if I'm wearing heavier and waterproof makeup.

April 22, 2018

Oh Looky: Shine Bright My Hair



Here are three simple items that makes my hair looking shiny and healthy.

Kindly read Oh Looky before proceeding to read, thanks.

Avalon Organics Conditioner
I first tried the lemon variant and fell in love with it (and if ever that I wanted to go on the more natural products again, I'll hunt that variant - seems to be always out of stock) cause it just makes my hair moisturize (no split ends when I still have short hair) and less frizzy some people thought I had a salon treatment.  My hair just soaks this conditioner that there's not much residue when I rinse it.  The difference between the lemon and the peppermint variant aside from the fragrance is the consistency: the lemon is thicker.  The only downside I guess is that my hair is not as shiny compared to when I'm using the usual chemical based conditioners.

April 21, 2018

Oh Looky: Cosrx



A sudden popular brand recommended by many beauty enthusiasts spark the curiosity in me to get and try Cosrx.  After finishing them all I can ask is, WHY?

Kindly read Oh Looky before proceeding to read, thanks.

Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
After reading some articles, all I know is that AHA and BHA are acids that can be use as chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells, blackheads and whiteheads. blah blah blah it sounds good, reviews are all positive (not sure now) let's give this brand a try.

Oh Looky

Hello, I'll be posting several blog post with "Oh Looky" in the name.  I haven't been active with this blog for the two main reasons:  I have a sucky internet and good natural lighting is almost inexistent where I live right now so all my photos are crappy.  I'll also be honest, I think I already exhaust all the girly stuff in me (when I started this blog, I really pulled the girly/drag queen in me).

In reality, I'm not really girly and I'm mostly using skincare products just to delay the signs of aging and for my skin not to crack because of dryness.  As for makeup, well it's mostly because of curiosity and the pressure from this world for me to be someone defined by the society.  I mostly wear base makeup now for the SPF purpose and a little bit of lipstick for color.

I still wanted to share all the skincare and makeup that I use but unlike before, my posts will be very short and without swatches and detailed photos.

Yeah...

July 5, 2017

Everything Too Faced

Oh Hey!  It's been a while...let's just start immediately with my thoughts with some Too Faced products...Game Changer if you ask me for a summary.

Too Faced primed Poreless Skin Smoothening Pressed Powder
I don't like wearing foundation because as soon as I set my foot outside, hulas agad - foundation starts to melt and this one solved that problem.  This finely milled pressed powder can be use as a primer or as a setting powder or both.  It's makes the skin soft, smooth and slightly matte.  It also makes me less sweaty - now I'm on drier side of the skin spectrum so I don't know how will this fair with oil control.

Girlies out their  will like the princessy packaging and the size is perfect to carry around (it's slim) and it has a decent mirror too.  I just don't like the sponge that came with it but I like that there's a compartment for it to hide extra money.  Char! Hindi favorite sponge or small brush.

June 23, 2017

Sephora PH x Too Faced Haul


My heart fluttered when I heard (read) the buzz that a Sephora store will finally open in Manila (if my memory serves me right, Megamall).  I could finally get my hands on brands raved by many youtubers and beauty gurus but at the same time, I'm fearing that my wallet will always be slim and gasping for money (yikes!).

But the buzz is just a buzz and never became an official news.  Imagine the hearts of many Filipino beauty enthusiasts slowly being crushed while waiting for a physical store to materialized.

Luckily Sephora Ph Online store went up and a new hope was born (yipee!).

3 Common Online Shopping Questions
I always get these questions whenever I show my online haul.

  • How do I pay - Credit Card, Paypal, Dragonpay.  Dragonpay consists of over the counter payment via bank or remittance payment center and online/app bank payment.  Weird though, BPI is not available maybe because of the recent incident?  I'm not sure.
  • How many days before the goodies arrived - 5 to 7 days according to the website but I got mine within 5 days- I ordered Monday, got my stuff Friday.
  • Tax? - Nope.  Aramex (courier) delivered my order to my friend's doorstep and voila!  As long as someone can sign and receive the package there will be no problem.

May 31, 2017

And Another One! This Time From It's Skin


I have another reco serum/essence/ampoule for those who are just diving into the korean skincare world and it's cheaper compared to the Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum.  It's the Power 10 Formula CO Effector with Phyto Collagen from It's Skin.

But of course, this is just based on my opinion and personal experience.  Products that works for me might not work for you.

This is a bit thicker and stickier than the Innisfree but the effect is almost the same.  It's as moisturizing but a half step lower when it comes to nourishing but it makes it up to it by making my skin softer.  And since this serum is thicker, I only need half of the pipette to cover my face and neck.  And because it's cheaper (average $10), I sometimes layer it but not up to 7 times like what I do with the Hatomugi Skin Conditioner.

May 30, 2017

Serum For First Timers and It's From Innisfree

I was so clueless when I started with skincare.  I thought that I should have an essence, a serum and an ampoule because I didn't know that the three are in the same category.  I also thought that first essence and essence are the same thing but it turns out that I should use the former before toner and the latter after toner.  There's a lot of trial and error, and a lot of money wasted and if I could go back in time, I should have also watch k-beauty youtube channels in addition to my blog readings.

Anyway, if I could recommend a serum for first timers for all skin type, I would suggest the Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum.

For that Watery Moist Skin Look



How do Koreans achieve that "Moist-Glowy" look without too much make-up.  I'm very curious and almost asked someone while I'm in Korea on how to achieve it but well but I'm too shy to have a conversation.  I tried a full blown Korean Skincare before but I still didn't achieved the look.

Anyway I'm still thinking that moisture is the key and so I got the Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Moisture Watery Cream which is the perfect variant for my dry skin.

This will be  quick review.

May 28, 2017

Hatomugi and 7 Times Skin


From a non-believer to a constant user and now trying out the "7 Skin Method" trend, Toner or Skin as known in Korea or Lotion in Japan has been constant in my skincare routine.

In my younger years, I always thought that a toner is either very strong to the point of burning the skin or as bland as water packaged into a fancy bottle.  As I got to skincare, I learned (and still learning) that a good toner (or Skin in Korea and Lotion in Japan) can restore the skin's pH balance quickly and prepare it in your next skincare step and provides extra moisture and nutrients thus helping in repairing the skin's protective barrier (and so much more depending on the ingredients of your toner).

Zenutrients Besties

Ohhh I'm missing the cold weather months of MNL.  Laying in bed full of pillows and covers and wearing boots and layered outfits is not overkill but I can't deny that my skin is greatly suffering from the cold and dryness of the wind and layering of moisturizing products is a must to save it from its cracking and itching state.

Here are my skin's besties last sweater weather season (I hope the coming rainy season will be nice and not brutal).  There's a phase in my life that I go all organic in my skincare and Zenutrients has been a familiar brand (and still) to me. I'm happy that I'm supporting a local brand #supportlocal (and

The Fall of Arya


I'm posting it here because, well I'm unknown - no family members and friends who personally knows me read my blog.  This is also the main reason why I can't blog properly - even if I wanted to, I just can't focus.  It's hard to admit but I am depressed.  No, not the kind no the lightly kind of depression most are saying as an expression but the mental sickness or that's what I think.  I wanted

March 26, 2017

Addiction with Eyeglasses

Ever since my eyes got blurry, eyeglasses has been my number one accessory.  My first that doesn't look so nerdy is a Ray Ban looking glasses that I got from the department store (because my nerdy looking ones got broke and the shop where I got it said it will take them time to repair it) and have it prescripted.  I got a lot of queer looks from it but knowing that most frames in optical shops (back then) are too small for my liking, I always scour the net for some trendy glasses.  My latest by the way is from Divisoria and I got lots of compliment when I'm wearing it (even from an immigration officer from another country) but I always like to have options.

Fievre just keep on popping on my Facebook feed so I gave it a shot and got 3 frames.

February 22, 2017

BeautyMNL Collab Haul

Super excited to share with you my Haul Collaboration with BeautyMNL - the online shop that is saving me from my laziness and my pet peeves when going shopping in the malls (like long lines, crowded places and out of stock products) and I'm a fan ever since.

A Little Bit About BeautyMNL
BeautyMNL curated assortment of products that let us stock up on beauty staples and other amazing stuff from different brands and location.  They also have a magazine called Bloom in the site that provides fun and insightful articles with a Filipina’s lifestyle in mind - tips, easy how-tos, and great beauty trends that can be rock in the tropics

You can check more about BeautyMNL here.  Now let's check what I got!