Nature Republic Rose, Rice, Shea

"By Nature", no annoying overpowering smell, sheet is not too thick nor thin and they are affordable: readers, here I go again with sheet masks.

Nature Republic is one of the korean brands that I knew when I was just starting to blog and also when the kpop started to boom in my country.  It's one of the brands that offer skincare and make-up at an affordable price.  It's been a while since I visited one of its shop but when I do, I usually buy a tub or two of the aloe gel and masks sheets for the quality is quite good considering it's price.

With the still old packaging, rice variant always have a spot on my sheet masks world because of it's brightening promise (if you're wondering why, well I have pale skin and some brightening is quite welcome) and this one from Nature Republic didn't fail to deliver.  The milky essence have a little alcohol smell to it but I guess Nature Republic improved this area because the rose hip and shea variant almost have no trace of alcohol (but I sniff close and hard just to smell the very faint alcohol smell, but if I don't put that extra effort then I really can't tell that they have alcohol in the ingredient list).

The Rose Hip has more oily finish than the rice.  Other bloggers say that this variant whitens their skin (but I'm not a fan of whitening products and when I bought this, rose hip is making some noise so I got curious).  It does smoothen my face in the sense that it moisturizes my skin and leaves my skin with this slightly oily "film"/"layer" that fills the unevenness of my skin.  Firmness, in my opinion can be achieved after a lot of usage just like doing yoga and exercising for a period of time for the body to be toned and firm.

Lastly, the Shea Butter which seems very weird to me because it reminds me of the body butter that I apply on the driest part of my body: very heavy and sticky.  Fortunately, it's not that heavy as I expected but needs a lot of massaging and time before my skin absorbs the essence.  Moisturization is not that heavy but I don't have to apply cream or emulsion the next day so I guess it's promise of "increasing skin's moisture-retention level" is true.

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Nature Republic Shine Blossom Rose Blusher

Here's a short makeup story in my life:  There's a time wherein I'm afraid to wear blush because of those girls who reapply blush every now and then or they just apply too much that it seems like they've been slapped a couple of times and I was like "do I have to put blush like that?" with a very worried face.  Sorry if this seem to be a bit mean to others but I just want my cheeks to have a natural flush for me to have some glow and color and so I've been a bit careful in choosing colors and I make sure to just put enough and blend well when I'm using the two blushers that I have that are quite pigmented.

One of the blushers that I have that just do the right thing even when I apply to much is the Nature Republic's Shine Blossom Rose Blusher in 02 Coral Rose.  Wondering why there's a sun in front of the packaging?  My explanation is that it gives a nice sun-kissed effect on the cheeks.

Nature Republic Shine Blossom Rose Blusher 02 Coral Rose (No 3711)
"Shine Blossom Rose Blusher makes your skin look more feminine with romantic rose color and perfume."

The coral rose perfectly describes the color of this blush:  it's like an old rose combined with the brightness of coral.  Like I said, it gives this natural sun-kissed effect that just brightens the face and can be used on a daily basis whether your at school or office or just doing some errands.  Let's just say that the color is pretty safe, simple, natural and laid back and even if I apply this thrice on my cheeks and forgot to blend it, I won't worry that I'll look like a clown.

Just look at the swatches below:  I applied the blusher thrice on the bottom swatch while the upper one is just lightly tapped and it just blends well with the color of my skin.

I also love the tin can packaging of this blusher with its metallic bronze/gold rose color and the size is just perfect for us girls who do not have a large makeup space.  The puff that comes with it also looks cute and perfectly fits the shape of my cheeks.  And even if this is in powder form, it can last the whole day that is IF I won't be sweating and wiping my face too much.

If you wanted to read my intro with my blushers then you can check out my A Touch of Blush post and might as well look into my ELF Color Stick and Studio Blush entry (just click on the names and it will directly lead you to the post).  Thanks!

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SUMMER Faves

Here are some random products that I'm loving this summer (aside from my sunglasses and a tumbler that keeps my drink colder longer than when a usual glass).

Blushes:  Ellana Lip & Cheeck Cream Icon and Nature Republic Shine Blossom Rose Blusher in 02 Coral Rose

I'm not going near the beach so I'll just fake a sun kissed skin with these blushes.  The Ellana Icon just makes my cheeks pinkish and reddish at the same time (as if I pinched myself) while the one from Nature Republic is like an old rose with a bit of a tan in color.  Most of the time, I layer these two for a reddish tan color (and for longevity too!).

Nichido Lip Blush in Forever Love

I heard about this lip blushes from a fellow blogger last year (but it seems like she's not blogging anymore) and got myself and orangey with a touch of pink one because it just brighten up my lips and it's moisturizing (and cheap too). It's not very pigmented like lipsticks which oddly, is what I'm looking for in a lip product.

IOPE Mild Sun Cream SPF 35 PA++ (link is just the for a similar product)

Finally found the sun cream that I really like.  It's liquidy which spread nicely on my skin, it has a nice smell, doesn't make my skin looking white, it's moisturizing and kinda already primes and it also gives my face a nice glow (a 15ml of this sun cream is included in my current giveaway).

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack

THIS IS THE LIGHTEST SLEEPING PACK THAT I TRIED, EVER!!!!  And it just makes my face glowing and of course moisturize that I wish I could use it every single night.  Now I know why this is a beauty favorite.

Happy Mother's Day to my mom and to all mothers out there, mwahs and hugs :D

Sample Sample Din Pag May Time

We like freebies right?  Even if sometimes we don't use them and because I don't use them immediately I got tons of sample at the back of my closet.  So I made some time to use half of the samples that I got from my purchases.

Here's some quick thoughts on some sample products.

all from Mizon

First batch are all from Mizon which I got from my haul from Bae Lu.  Let's start with the toner which has the same consistency as with almost all the toners that is also a little moisturizing than clear ones and almost like an essence.  It does leave my skin a bit moisturize but there's nothing really special about it (I don't know why it's expensive for a toner) plus it smells like liquid floorwax.  Next are the products derived from snail mucus:  the All In One Snail Repair Cream and Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule.  Both of the products are light and doesn't have a snail smell which is good (I don't want to smell like a snail).  I kind of expected a lot from these two because they're the first snail product that I used (also, I had these when almost everyone is hailing about the power of snail mucus) but it failed my expectation, yes they are light and provide just enough moisture but I didn't feel the "wow" factor when I used the duo.  Maybe samples sachets are not enough to prove the power of the two snail products from Mizon.  Lastly, the Returning Starfish Cream.  Odd name but I'm guessing one of the main ingredients have something to do with starfish?  Anyway , I kind of like this product because it's moisturizing enough not to let my skin dry for a long period of time even when the A/C is in full blast.  At first it gives my face a heavy feeling but after 30 seconds to a minute, it's as if I'm not wearing moisturizer yet my face is well moisturize.  I hope no starfish was harm if my guess is correct.

random stuff dominated by Skin Food

I am not a fan of Skin Food's skincare products but the Mushroom Multi Care BB Cream is a bomb for me.  It just wowed me and made me forget the ineffectivess of the skincare products from this Korean brand.  It's light and liquidy that application of this bb cream is a breeze.  It also matches my skin tone and brightens the overall look of my face.  Coverage maybe a problem because it's more on the light side (medium if applied 2 layers) but not for me since I'm always after the natural look, it just make my skin looking smooth amidst it skin imperfection (thanks to Hipstyle for giving this as a sample).  The cactus set (toner and emulsion) is just strong for my face it's like I'm applying Eskinol and Lifting Eye Serum is a plain fail for me, it didn't do anything.

Enough of the Skinfood lets move on with the Nature Republic Forever lasting Essential Emulsion (the yellow on top).  It was release I think on winter season to cater the dryness of the skin and it's really really moisturizing (no questions about that), I don't think that I can handle the cream though with the Philippine weather.  Lioele Daily Soothing Essence is such an amazing product: it's an essence that already has an SPF of 30 which is already enough for me to protect my face.  I hate applying sunblock because of the icky feeling when worn plus the white cast plus the awkward smell so I'm very liking this essence, it's just so perfect for me.  I'm also liking iWhite Aqua Moisturizing Cream which is readily available in Watsons both in sample sachet and tube.  It's light (very light that even those with oily skin can handle it) yet moisturizing and cheap too and it has sample sizes that I can bring on travels (I'm actually going to buy 1 later for my October quick out of the town).  Plus it didn't breaks me out.

another random samples from different sellers

I got these samples from GMarket, Bae Lu, bhappywithme and Kkochi Pida.  I'll start with the unfamiliar brand well for me, the V on U.  It works like other grocery type hair treatment almost have the same consistency with conditioners, overall it's okay.  It's skin Toma Jelly Cream is fun to use because I just like it's gel consistency and it's cooling on my face.  The pleasant tomato smell is awesome too.  I'm neutral with the Power 10 Formula VC Factor, I don't know what to tell about this product...maybe it's an okay product but there other serums that are far better.  Moist Steam Cream from Nature Republic  is also something that are for winter season, kinda heavy and makes my skin a little oily.  Lastly, The Innisfree Eco Natural Green tea BB Cream which I also like because it has medium coverage yet it's still look natural on my face.  Consistency is a little thicker and heavier with the Skinfood but I can still easily apply it on my skin then spray a mist to tame the heavy feeling.  The smell is a bit on a medicinal side but it's nothing to strong, my nose and I bet your nose can handle it too.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Nature Republic Collagen Trial Set

It's already been three weeks since I finished this trial set so I hope I can still remember my experience with it.  Why collagen?  Because my face loves collagen based skincare products.  I know, many would say that collagen is also absorbed by skin either by injection or ingestion but I really don't care :P

Nature Republic Collagen Dream 90 Trial Set

I bought this trial set from bhappywithme from Ebay because I wanted to try other brand's collagen products and at the same time to give my skin a break from the Etude House collagen cream as my skin; when already accustomed to a product, tend to react wildly (like the minions!!!)

it comes with a booster aka toner, emulsion, essence and a cream

This trial set did last for 15 days in my hands (yup that long even if used it twice a day), so it's also perfect for those long vacay (I wanted a long vacation now na!).

Contents:
Skin Booster (pinagandang pangalan for toner)- 20ml
Emulsion- 20 ml
Essence- 5ml
Cream- 8ml

Let's start with the skin booster which is just a toner (really).  It's thick in consistency like an ampoule and has a yellowish color.  I usually apply this with a cotton pad but sometimes I just love to put a small amount of it in my palms and pat it on my face for faster absorption because it takes a while before my skin absorb this toner because of it's consistency but at the same time (because of it's consistency) it also already gives my skin a little moisture.  (gosh, I'm abusing the words consistency and because).

From yesstyle.com:

Nature Republic Collagen Dream 90 Skin Booster
Antioxidant enriched toner revives and nourishes skin with acai berry, a powerful superfood packed with Omega 3, 6, 9 and Vitamin E, minimizing cellular damage and restoring skin's youthful vibrancy. Deep sea marine collagen increases skin's collagen reserve, allowing skin's outer and inner layers to maintain an optimum collagen level to keep skin moist and supple. Suitable for all skin types.

everything in korean

Next is the emulsion which is (as you can see in the below picture) white in color.  Just like other emulsions, this one has a runny almost like lotion consistency that gives my face a moist effect.  The box says 90 but this one is just 70 and I do not know the difference except for the numbers written.

From sasa.com:

Nature Republic Collagen Dream 70 Emulsion
Contains marine-collagen derived from deep sea in Indonesia and SYNiorage, which helps inner and outer skin retain higher level of collagen. It also contains extract of Northern Brazil Asai Berry, which is known as an effective antioxidant. With these highly effective ingredients, the Nature Republic Collagen Dream helps to keep your skin moisture, elastic and healthy.

and this my friends is a photo of what the products look like

The essence is my favorite among the four.  The consistency surprised me because it's no watery and almost looks like a gel cream.  My face absorbs this quickly and even in just small amount moisturizes my skin well that I sometimes skip applying the cream.  It also makes my skin looked nourish.  Like it very much!

From yesstyle.com:

Nature Republic Collagen Dream 70 Essence
Rich and hydrating essence rejuvenates skin cells and stimulates collagen production with potent antioxidants and marine derived collagen. Marine collagen boosts skin's collagen level, aiding skin's outer and inner layers to maintain a higher level of collagen. Antioxidant enriched acai berry then halts cellular damage for noticeably smoother skin with a youthful glow. After cleansing and toning, gently massage a small amount of essence all over skin and neck and follow with emulsion.

And lastly, the cream which is the heaviest among the four.  I think this cream is more suitable in places with colder temperature.  I use this at the end of summer in the Philippines and there's this day that my face looks oily so I only apply it at night.

From zalora.com:

Nature Republic Collagen Dream 70 Cream
This highly effective anti-aging face cream is teeming with marine collagen and antioxidants that help keep skin moist, elastic and with renewed health. It also works to keep the skin smooth and glowing with youth.

All these products are almost odorless by the way.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

My Recent Travel Buddies: Samples Review

I see a good weather from where I am right now and would love to take vacation but of course I have to work for a living >_<  besides I already took some time off from my office desk job last week to visit my mom in the province.

Anyway, traveling is a hassle if you you bring loads of stuff, right?  But who can blame a girl who take lots of products with her on an escapade not just for beauty but for comfort?  Since I started to be aware of the needs of my skin,  I use around 8 to 10 products (cleansers included) that are mostly in bulky container.  I can't bring them all and I like to travel light and so bringing samples is a no brainer.

Let's start with Skin Food Energy Color Kit which comprises Carrot Sun Cream SPF30 PA++,  Aloe Vera Cleanser and Orange & Mint Body Wash.  The cleanser is pearly white in color while the body wash reminds me of Johnson's baby shampoo.  Both gives an ample amount of bubbles and there's no question about their cleaning prowess because they always leave my skin squeaky clean.  Not liking their scents specially the Aloe Vera Cleanser, it just smell so weird to me.  I used these two for around 10 days already and I still have a few left (good for another 3 day vacation I guess).  Next, the Sun Cream which has an SPF30 PA++ which I'm not liking so far but it's already summer here in the Philippines and protection from Mr.  Sun is a must.  I not much into sun creams or sunblocks or sun screen as it gives me a white/grayish cast, sticky feeling and the weird smell and this sun cream from Skin Food has almost the same effect (a little lighter, okay) but it's a protection for my skin so I used it when I'm under the sun, besides applying it is very tolerable I just have to pat and pat the cream plenty of times for the white cast and stickiness to disappear.

1.Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser 30ml

 This soft, refreshing cleansing foam contains aloe extract that soothes sensitive skin, and cucumber extract to moisturize skin, while cleansing.

* Use:  Foam a desired amount by rubbing in wet hands, and massage gently and thoroughly onto face.

Rinse with warm water.

2.Orange & Mint Body Wash 30ml

 Fine foaming body wash with orange and mint extracts to deliver vitality and energy to the body. 

 * Instruction:  Apply an appropriate and spread onto the shower ball during shower and foam up to massage over the entire body and rinse.

3.Carrot Sun Cream SPF30 PA++ 10ml

  A sunscreen contains the nutrient-enriched extract of organic carrots grown in pure water from Jeju Island and keeps your skin healthy .

 *Formulated without 6 chemicals: Parabens, dyes, alcohol, animal-derived ingredients, artificial fragrances, and sulfates.

 *To use:  After your daily skincare regimen, apply liberally onto your face, neck, arms, legs, and other areas that are easily exposed to UV sunlight.  For best results, apply at least 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure

-from Qoo10

Another item from Skin Food is the Fresh Apple Sparkling Pore Serum.  The name kind of confused me:  I thought it would be transparent and liquidy with an apple cola~ish smell but it's not.  It's in cream/lotion type with a white color and a green papaya smell ( I want apple *_*).  This serum takes time to absorb and feels like I used an emulsion (it's a bit heavy for a serum).

Next are some aqua based cream:  Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Moisture Watery Cream (pink is for dry skin) and Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterfull Cream.  These two are also heavy for my liking.  I'm not sure if it's just the hot weather or because I'm already used to Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream but these two provides enough moisturize to my dry skin and makes my skin a little plumber (two sachets is not enough to judge their long term effects).  No breakouts two plus I like the smell of the Missha cream.

SKIN FOOD Fresh Apple Sparkling Pore Serum

 ▶ Product description 

-Formulated with unripe apple and soda water

-Provides pore clearing and trouble caring effects simultaneously.
-Removes dead skin cells and makes skin soft, smooth and elastic
-Refreshes and clarifies skin during the day

NATURE REPUBLIC Super Aqua Max Moisture Watery Cream

▶ Type：For dry skin

▶ Product description

 -Formulated with oceanophyte, collagen, hyaluronic acid, MD101

 -Provides moisture and prevents evaporating

 -Maintains watery skin for a long time.

-from KoreaDepart

Super Aqua Ultra Waterfull Cream

Highly moisturizing cream activates the moisture preserving ability of the skin to stop the cycle of dryness

Description

1. Ultra moisturizing cream that has been inspired by the moisture preserving ability of desert plants to keep skin moisturized for all seasons.

[Providing ultra skin moisture]

Solution1. Aqua lock

Imperata cylindrica extract creates a protective shield that prevents moisture from evaporating and from skin adapting to harmful elements

Solution2. Aqua Sponge

Adenium extracts absorb moisture like a sponge to increase skin elasticity

Solution3. Aqua Tank

Baobab tree extract activates the moisture energy inside the skin to stop the cycle of dryness

-from Missha Official Website

And lastly E'thym O2 Water Balancing Toner and Water Moisture Lotion from TheFaceShop.  The O2 Balancing Toner effectively removed the  dirt residue left behind after washing my face but I'm not liking the lotion because it clumps into white particles.  These two also are quite strong that I feel a little stinging after the third use  (looking at TheFaceShop website, I found out why).  They both have a nice smell though:  clean and citrusy.

E'thym O2 Water Balancing Toner

-For Oily to Combination Skin

A toner that has an aloe extract helps smoothen and moisturize the skin.

E'thym O2 Water Moisture Lotion

-For Oily to Combination Skin

A moisturizing lotion that has a touch of water helps keep the skin smooth and moist.

-from TheFaceShop Website

So that's it (pancit hehehe).  Enjoy the weather and don't forget to relax and enjoy so have a vacation!

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

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!

Random Pics and Favorites

First Shopping:  I bought 3 tops from Forever 21 two of which are on sale and Nature Republic (Philippines) masks and aloe stuff since they mark down their prices this February.  And oh it's almost a year since I had my GEX500 camera but it's only now that I discovered that it has a fish eye effect.  Three first picture have the said effect.

I'm still hiding so I can't show you the entirety of the tops

I just love the details of my tops from Forever 21:  the beige one has the perfect combination of femininity and masculinity because of the black circle synthetic leathers that are attached in the shoulders and the blue one has the versatility feature that can be worn in a formal or dress down way.  For those who will shop for sale in Forever 21 in North Edsa ask first for the sale items because not all items that are on the sale area are on sale some are just..lost!  The tags also have codes like mine have 231 scribbles on the tag.  The SAs don't know the meaning so ask in the cashier area.

love the new packaging of the masks

this is the freebie that  I got , I gave it to my niece since she likes it

As for Nature Republic, yep they finally mark down their prices like around 20%.  I hope it's forever since the original mark up is 100% when compared to Korea.  Some items are on 50% sale too.  Ask for the new prices with the SAs since the tag on the shelves are the old ones.

Next Fooooooooooooooood.

Hansel Premium Cheese Sandwich

I love cheese.  Although I don't know the types of cheese I can say that I love cheese.  Some find this cookie sandwich filled with cheese weird but I just can't help munching it especially when paired with tea.

Tetley English Breakfast

Already tried green tea, white tea, black tea, earl gray tea. teas with mint, teas with peppermint, with lemon, ginseng, caramel and with flowery taste and milk teas.  Now it's time for english breakfast.  Love it!

Red Sky and everything else.

And I will be leaving you with red sky, planners and a cute mirror that I will give to someone.

Sunset from my window

planners from coffee shops

cute pocket mirror

  Happy Sunday!

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

All the way down: The last for 2012

This will probably my last post for 2012 (unless I can have a great shot of fireworks later).  I wanted to post a mask review and other samples but I ran out of time and I'm still going to clean my stuff and throw all empty containers of what I used up for the last two months which leads me to capture them and show them to you.

For two months here are the items that I emptied:

The Moisturizers

an aloe, shea nut, cranberry and an apple...well at least the lip balm is made of beeswax

You can find my reviews of the products here, here, here and here.  As for the lip balm, well it's already been a year or is it two???  Oh no signs of ageing!!! Anyway I have to already throw it.

For Feet and Legs

one fine, two so~so, three okay

Happy Heels is just fine for me and found something else that delivers the same benefit and feel at a very cheaper price (it's from Watsons and I already used it before).  Strip It didn't strip all my hair in my legs so it's going to the trash or I'll mix a tablespoon of apple cidar vinegar, 2 tablespoons water and 3 tablespoons of sugar with it to make a scrub.  As forTonyMoly well it worked okay and will continue using it's hair removal creams (I bought the for sensitive variant).  Posts for these three can be found here, here and here.

Bath Buddies

etude, snoe, the body shop, etude

Etude House, did you know your SA here are so confusing?  The SA who assisted me when I bought the Petit Bijou said it will be discontinued.  That was 6 months ago, but a month ago I saw sets in one of your store?  Anyways, did everything to empty the Happy Essential Foam because; due to mishandling, the smell of it turned a little funny so I have to consume it rapido!!! Here, here, here and here for the reviews.

That's a lot!!!  Hope that I will continue with this blog for 2012.  I have a lot of setbacks this 2012 even if I just started blogging.  There are times that I would just like to stop especially when my rating skyrockeeted to top 100 then fall six feet underground to 500 and do other interesting stuff but because of some nice comments and all the products that are just laying around all over my room I decided to continue.  I'll just stop when there's nothing more to review so 2013 be good to me!

Thanks to all my readers and hope that you will still continue to read and support The Certified Latebloomer!

Have a fun, safe and bonggang (outlandish/lavish/extravagant...just think extreme happiness) New Year!!!

Holiday Hauls

It's the time of the year where shoppers have the right to splurge.  Well, a little on my part since I'm on a budget so the items that I got are either affordable or on sale.

So aside from peppermint candy canes (so addicting!) I got the following:

Amazon online
Got an XOXO watch and a toy camera.  Don't have a picture of the camera because it's still in transit.  It's with my brother actually, he's the one who ordered it for me (he said he'll probably just give it as a present hehehe)

classic looking XOXO watch para sa tumatandang ako 

Superheadz, looking really cute
photo from amazon.com

Cheap Finds
Got my first Baby Lips which is on sale.  And 2 Shoes for P399!  Well, they are not that durable especially on a rainy day but I'd rather go to work with these on than slippers.  Will just probably wear the shoes that I store in my ped in the office.

Maybelline Baby Lips

2 pairs of Solemate

Payless
2 shoes from Payless.  The other one which is not in the picture is glittery while the one below is my first ever 4 inches takong (heels).  Need to practice how to walk with the shoes on!

Payless!!!

Re-Stock
Finally, Aloe Vera Gel in the house.  Despite the price hike, I have to admit that my skin love it.  Will probably hoard the next time the boutiques of Nature Republic here will go on sale.  Got these two + a freebie from an online seller

I'm getting ready for the heat of the summer

The Body Shop
I can't resist the boxed set and the body polish limited editions, grrrrr!!!.  Kaasar, expect some posts on the body polish on the first quarter of 2013!

know what's inside? hint: color violet

I want to sparkle and feel the joy and bliss of these body polishes!

Wheew done a lot of cropping in this post.  Till Next time.

Happy Holidays!  Let's welcome the New Year with a bang!

Nature Republic Botanical Cover BB Cream

Two things to remember when using this BB Cream: one, use it sparingly (as in sparingly!) and two be fast.

Nature Republic Botanical Cover BB Cream SPF 40+++
photo by my sister who is experimenting

I got this Nature Republic Botanical Cover BB Cream in No.2 with an SPF of 40 PA+++ as a gift from my colleagues (hmmm they really want me to become a lady hahaha).  Below is the clearer photo of the product.

photo from naturerepublic.biz

photo from naturerepublic.biz

According to this site: http://vivianbeauty.com/nature-republic-bb-cream-vivianbeauty/

• Product Information


Nature Republic BB cream contains a camomile herb extract to give plentiful moisture.
Nature Republic BB cream also has a organic flower components to soothe a harmful skin and
removes a dirty skin wastes.
Nature Republic BB cream covers skin softly and perfectly from external skin defect.
Nature Republic BB cream has a strong UV sun protection effect.


Nature Republic BB cream has 3 functional effects.
1) Strong UV protection : protects a skin from external damaging stimuli,
2) Perfect  Skin Cover : covers softly and adheres pand adheres erfectly to a skin, 
3) Whitening effect : makes vivid and young image

I use around 6 pea size of this bb cream: one dot each for forehead, nose bridge, left and right cheek, chin and neck.  After putting the dots I go gaga on spreading them because the bb cream dries easily and turns a little powdery once spread.  And maybe because of it's high SPF of 40, it gives a ghastly effect when I apply/put too much so I use it in pea size amount.

with and without sample photo and how it covers my freckle

Botanical Cover BB Cream has medium coverage: I can still see my freckles but makes my pores less visible.  It also gives my face a natural silky, soft, somewhat pinkish with a little shine/glow finish.

The smell is on the flowery side: simple and not irritating.  A tube which is in lilac color has 45 grams of bb cream that I think will last for a year to me since I use it sparingly.

When I go a little over the pea size amount, I use my powder brush to blend the bb cream but have to wash my face when I put too much:  I don't want to have a lot of lines at an early age just because of too much dabbing and pulling my face for this bb cream to blend  to the natural tone of my skin.  Speaking of washing, water alone of course can't remove the bb cream:  I double cleanse (cleansing cream+facial wash) in order to remove it.

This BB Cream I guess is perfect for those with fair skin (I think I have fair skin and this bb cream in no.2 is just right fore me) and also for those who wants high SPF.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!