April Hauls and Goals: Gifts, Purchased, Sponsored

I am starting a new series for my blog which will be entitled 'Hauls and Goals' where I will feature all the items I purchased or was given to me as gifts or sponsored items for the specific month. Additionally, I will also include my next month's to-buy list so I will keep track of whether I achieve my goal of buying that particular items I included in my post or failed to do so. My budget's at risk here, but I think of it because I got my first ever job yesterday! I also see this as a discipline-enhancing activity for I will have to make sure I am only buying the priorities. Lol. Well, let's just see if this will work! Anyway, here's the newest items I got for this month!

1. City Color Highlight Palettes (approx P500+ each)

 and Sleek Makeup Highlighting Palette in Cleopatra's Kiss (P875)

Just when I noticed my stash is all foundations and lipsticks, I decided to buy some highlighters and ended up owning three palettes in just weeks. Now, I am in need of some contouring kits to balance my face dimension lol.

2. Nivea Extra White Firming Body Serum (P260)

I got these on a Buy 1, Take 1 deal. It's long been due on my to-buy list but only decided on buying them this month because I was waiting for it to be sold at a discounted price. Nivea did not fail me though.

3. Cleopatra's Secret Sensitive Skin Facial Cleanser, Mask and Soap (Around P500, I guess?)

This skin care set was given to me as sponsored items by Cleopatra's Secret (@cleopatrassecretph), an advocate of safe cruelty-free, organic and natural products. Thank you so much for sending these over! I already tried the Facial Cleanser and I like it!

 4. Marrionaud Travel Set (around P200)

Adrian bought me these after insisting on creating a home-made pepper spray for my protection daw right before he flew back to Spain. Unfortunately, he left yesterday without making me one. -_-

5. HBC Essentials Personal Wipes (49/each)

He also bought me cleansing wipes because I had already been demanding everyone for some back when I was still turning 18 (now I'm 20) and no one's granting my wish! It sometimes seems so funny how I always wanted cleansing wipes as gifts lol. Thank you for giving me a haul good for a month or more!

6. Real Techniques Core Collection (P900)

Powder Brush (P500+)

and Foundation Brush (P500+)

I want to invest to high-end makeup brushes now so I'm slowly throwing away old unbranded ones to make way for new purchases. Since Real Techniques brush sets are probably one of the most affordable raved products to date, here I am slowly buying every brush in their collection sets.

7. Johson's Baby Bath

Belo SunExpert After Sun Gel

Belo Soap and BB Cream

Belo Sanitizer

I got all of these from Sample Room! It will be forever one of my favorite shopping and saving site lol. I'm definitely coming back for more random purchases!

8. Freebies

I got these samples when I bought some of the stuff I mentioned above. Thank you so much to the shops who provided me freebies!

And now, for the items on my goals!

-Contour kits

-Real Techniques Brush Sets

-Beauty Blenders

And that's all for tonight! Anything in mind to purchase this week or the following? Share it here with me! Happy blogging!

Nivea Extra White Firming Body Serum SPF33 Review

Nivea Extra White  Firming Body Serum, 200ml

Bought for: P260/both

Bought from: Watsons, SM Manila

On our way to buy some empty bottles (which Adrian plans to use as a storage for his home-made pepper spray, yes, pepper spray for my protection daw!!!), I saw this deal I just can't say no to! Grabe, mga bes, ang tagal kong nag-isip if I should get these or not! You know the feeling when you don't have any source of income because you are just a fresh graduate and is unemployed? Sad. But then you have this very supportive boyfriend who seemed annoyed with me coming back and forth the Nivea aisle and so he initiated to decide for me. I ended up bringing this home, obviously.

I am the kind of girl who gets easily swayed by what's hot or what's on trend and even what's new. When Nivea released this not too long ago, right there and then, I included this product on my to-buy and to-review list, after all, it's Nivea product we're talking about. I know Nivea's conducting promotions every time, so I waited until I can grab its product at a discounted price. I know, I know, we still paid full price, but the fact that I got two instead of one, it's already a win situation. Now, I have a spare to use if I would grow to love it or give the other to friends or anyone who might be wanting it.

CLAIMS

INGREDIENTS

I spotted parabens (known to be a preservative in skin care products and a cancer-causing ingredient) on it which may be a turn-off. Nonetheless, I've been using paraben-infused products since day 1 and I'm still living so it's something that does not worry me.

PACKAGING

The product comes in an easy to squeeze tube which I prefer over upright bottles because you won't have to tap the container a lot of times just to dispense the product. The flip cap has a seal so freshness is ensured. Unlike other lotions, the mouth where the product gets dispense from are narrower. I believe that this is to prevent the serum from oozing out accidentally.

The products essential information are printed at the tube such as the claims and descriptions, ingredients, manufacturing dates, etc.

SCENT

The product has no foul odor, in fact, I like it. I do not know exactly what resembles its fragrance but it reeks of clean and fresh scent which lingers a few minutes on skin after application.

TEXTURE / CONSISTENCY / EASE OF APPLICATION

The product is opaque white in color and has a soft, creamy but runny consistency. That's probably the reason why the mouth of the tube is too narrow because if it's not, the runny formula will gravitate downwards easily. This product claims to have light and non-sticky texture that provides fast and easy absorption which I swear to be true. It does not dry as fast as other lightweight lotions I know but still fast-drying on its own. I notice that it tends to be a little sticky after fresh application but the feeling would eventually subside once the formula gets full absorbed. Surprisingly, despite its SPF 33 content, the product blends easily on skin, does not create white cast and does not leave any greasy/sticky after-feel.

RESULTS / EXPERIENCE

Once absorbed, this serum does not feel super hydrating nor moisturizing on the skin, so I still feel a need to layer another moisturizing lotion. I like slathering Nivea Creme over if it's night time. However, in this country with super hot and humid weather (not to mention, summer pa) and with sun's harmful rays that's super intense, you might want to layer something that is so comfortable to wear, something that would not hinder your skin from breathing but also something that's protective yet non-sticky.

Using it frequently, I noticed that my skin looks softer and smoother, more nourished, radiant and healthy. I cannot vouch, though, for the firming and lightening claim as I haven't used the product for such long time that I already have substantial proof. I am not after that though. I just want to have some protection especially I tend to laze around and skip wearing an umbrella even when the sun's the harshest. I know it could damage my skin, but sometimes I don't like to care at all lol as long as I wear an SPF-based product. Hey, SPF 33 is a big thing for me already as I won't burn for 330 minutes under the sun lol. 

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Whatever you are doing, whenever or wherever you are, always remember to keep watch of your skin. You shall not take it for granted as it's the best thing you will ever wear forever. I would like you to keep in mind that even though you wear sunscreen. still refrain from basking under the sun especially if it's not sweat or water proof like this. Sometimes, when I know I will run errands outdoor for a long time, I still layer generous amount of heavy-duty sunblocks over just to be sure.

Overall, I highly recommend Nivea Extra White Firming Body Serum SPF33 to everyone as it's something you can wear on a daily basis as it could be a sunscreen and a lotion in one that will wear comfortably no matter what. It is affordable as well, what more if it's on sale, right?

So...have you tried Nivea Extra White Firming Body Serum? Any thoughts? Happy blogging!

Reunion at Music 21, Quezon City

Meet my friends! Left to right: Sir Vigo, Mark, Chalton, Janselle, Jason, Victor, Olive, Me, Adrian

And so it seems that we only get together every time Adrian's on vacation here in the Philippines. I remember that we saw each other last year for a night swimming for the same reason. In short, we only get together once a year. I know this reunion will never happen again for the next few months so I'll be writing about it here to keep track of where we go each year.

This year, we agreed to go to a karaoke destination in Tomas Morato, Quezon City where we rented a room for 15 people. Turned out, only 9 of us joined this rendezvous lol. I did not have any idea what happened to those who promised to come but had not appeared haha!

We did not do much actually, just sing and eat. No, I did not sing, but I'm pretty sure I've eaten the most haha! I was so full at the end of the day and glad I watched them fight for the microphones lol.

We went to the area at around 6:00 PM and because the package is good for only 4 hours, we went home past 10:00 PM with Mark as our driver. Thanks to his car, we saved for the fare lol.

Because some of our friends promised to come even late, we ordered for the food package good for 15 persons. There were for 5, 10, etc if I'm not mistaken. The package includes three towers of drinks (We ordered Pineapple, Orange, and Iced Tea.). rice, barbecue, whole chicken, two kinds of pancit (the ordinary which I don't know what it's called and the canton), lumpiang shanghai and crispy pata. We ordered dynamites too which, for me, are the tastiest and yummiest among all meals. The servings were okay but we did not eat pancit much so there were left overs.

It was just a short meeting but I enjoyed it. We would probably enjoy it more if we're complete haha! I hope next time Kim, Marho, Coleen, Ralph, Radimaye, Nats, Duff, etc. could make it lol.

Pond's Acne Clear Facial Foam Review

Pond's Acne Clear Facial Foam, 50g

Bought for: Free | SRP: not more than P100

Bought from: Sampleroom

None too long ago, I swore not to buy any products from Pond's skin care line because most of the time they do not work on me, worse case scenario is the breaking out part. However, I am always easily swayed by advertisements and rave reviews without instilling on my mind that not everything that works for other people will also work for me.

Anyway, as I was checking out my mail box, I received subscription mail from Sampleroom that I can get free shipping if I buy their featured Pond's products. Turned out, Pond's Acne Clear Facial Foam is included in the list. What awful thing could it give me as it was for free? I could simply give this to friends or throw it away if I feel like it. Roll a few weeks, even being skeptical about the idea, I tried the product so I can review it here.

CLAIMS

Formulated with the world's first Active Thymo-T Essence, Pond's Acne Clear uses unique Lock + Clear Technology that works in 3 days to eliminate acne at the root, for smooth clear skin.

RECOMMENDED USE

Wet your face. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of facial wash on your hand and lather with water. Massage and on face and rinse thoroughly. In case of contact with eyes, rinse with water immediately. Store away from direct sunlight and heat.

INGREDIENTS

Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Water, Propylene Glycol , Potassium Hydroxide , Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Glycol Distearate, Decyl Glucoside , Glyceryl Stearate, Perfume, Terpineol, DMDM Hydantoin, Salicylic Acid, Thymol, Polyquaternium-7, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Sodium Benzoate

PACKAGING

The product is housed in an easy squeeze tube with a cap that shuts tight with a click. As usual, I like this type of container as it easily dispenses products and is super convenient to use. The size of the 50g tube is small enough to bring during travel. Overall, the packaging is so simple but looks really clean and promising.

APPLICATION

To see the effects, at first, I decided to give this a try for a week. If nothing awful happens, I would continue for more weeks. I thought one week is already long enough to notice significant effects as this product claims to dry pimples up in a span of just three days. So, how long did it really take me before I stopped using? 10 days. I followed the direction even used it together with the Acne Clear Leave-On Anti Acne twice a day for faster results. I also focus on problematic areas by massaging the product into those areas for a few more times than the rest of my face.

SCENT

If my senses are not mistaken, this product smells like its corresponding leave-on gel which smells herbal for me. Just like most of Pond's products, this is heavily-fragranced so its scent, correct me if I am wrong, may be off-putting to some.

TEXTURE / CONSISTENCY / EASE OF APPLICATION

The product has the consistency of almost any foaming wash in the market--white in color, a little thick in consistency and easy to massage on skin. You have to dilute it in water to lather into a foamy texture. A pea-size amount is enough to clean the whole face.

EXPERIENCE / RESULTS

During the first three days, my skin reacts like how it usually do whenever I try products for the first time. I got tiny pimples from my lower cheeks up to my jaw area as well as on my forehead. I continued using in the hope of getting rid of these just how I always do if I am really hiyang to a product. Few days passed and they started to reduce in sizes but then, another set of breakouts kept coming back and the cycle goes on. 10 days maybe too short so it really pains me that I got several breakouts in super short period of time. In 10 days of trying this product, I did not get rid of my pimples.

On a lighter note, this product really removes dirt and oil on the skin as it leaves my face squeaky clean. It also controls oil for a few more hours and I notice that I don't get super shiny all day and that I had to blot excess oils fewer times than before. However, I find the formula a little drying on my skin though a lot of reviews claim that this product is non-drying.

WOULD I REPURCHASE?

No because it did nothing more than cleanse my dirty face and prevents oil. Since I am pimple and acne-prone, I am really aiming for those products who really and effectively target existing and prevent future breakouts. Nonetheless, a tube is affordable so you might want to give this a try. It may not work for me but it may work for you, who knows?

Have you already give Pond's Acne Clear Facial Foam a try? Any thoughts? Happy blogging!

Real Natura Organics Soft Matte Lip Gems Swatches and Review

Soft Matte Lip Gem

Bought for: From P659 to P399/each

Bought from: Real Natura Organic

Claims: Organic and vegan; weather-proof; with SPF15; No lead, mercury, paraben, SLES/SLS and phthalate, mineral oil, talc, dye, synthetic flavor, preservatives, chemicals and toxins; This lipstick line is entirely free from any potentially skin-harming chemicals, toxins and parabens. They will intensely moisturize, plump, soften and hydrate your lips while also adding some significant color.

I've been MIA lately due to numbers of endeavors and events I went to (non blog-related) and so it has been days already since I last published my most recent blog when my goal is to publish at least one every single day. Anyway, I know I had to make up so...here's a review about Real Natura Organic Soft Matte Lip Gems. The shades I have here are Naked Berry, Wine Plum, Sultry Twist, Juicy Orange, and Poppy Velvet. If I am not mistaken, there are 10 shades to choose from. In general, I would say that this collection has more vibrant and summer-y shade selection.

PACKAGING

I like that each lipstick comes in a recyclable box with enough information like claims, benefits, ingredients, etc. This satisfies people like me who are conscious about what we put on our skin and who love to read as well.

The lipsticks itself looks chic and sleek with that two-toned design and a gold divider. It actually resembles the packaging of Revlon, for me especially the one with an all-black design. I just don't get it why they have different color combinations. The shade of each lipsticks are written at the bottom as well, like drugstore lipsticks and this made me admire organic products as well--they are trying very hard to get their packaging as another selling point.

PRICE POINT

I understand that probably what I paid for are the fact that these are cruelty-free and safe for daily use, but I did not afford buying other shades because a piece is pricier than other drugstore makeups. Even if they are labeled as only made up of safe ingredients, I still think that P399 a stick is a little over.

SHADES

I really like the shade selection as I could see myself wearing almost everything everyday without going a little too overboard or inadequate. However, I would love it more should they include more nudish-pinkish shades in the collection since most are vibrant and colorful in shade.

• Naked Berry - This shade appears barbie pink from the stick that at first, I thought I would not be reaching for it frequently since it's too vibrant for my liking. It also has shimmers on it but become unnoticeable on the lips. I have fair skin but with yellow undertone but you will like wearing this lipstick whenever you want to look youthful and fun. I don't know, it just complements flashy smiles lol.

• Wine Plum - In my opinion, Wine Plum is the most beautiful shade in all the lippies I have from Real Natura Organics (which happened to be only these five). It is red in shade but not something that looks so flashy. I would be reaching more of this if ever I settle in the corporate world.

• Sultry Twist - This shade is a shade of a true red for me with an orange undertone. It is also one I could wear on a daily basis without going overboard.

• Juicy Orange - This is bright orange in color which I would not wear much on a daily basis unless I am off to a fun night out with friends or if I am off to a costume party. It's not because it's an off shade for me but because I am not much into oranges. I see this as the most perfect shade if you are aiming for an effortless summer look.

• Poppy Velvet - Poppy Velvet appears to me like a combination of red, pink and orange. It gives something like a sexy vibe whenever I wear this. It is brightening as well and complements any skin tone.

TEXTURE, CONSISTENCY AND EASE OF APPLICATION

• Naked Berry- soft, creamy, easy to blend but has the tendency to emphasize dry and patchy areas of the lips, has a little shine
• Wine Plum - drier in texture, harder to blend, a little sticky upon application, but looks the most matte among other shades, use of lip balm underneath may be necessary (especially to those with super dry lips like mine)
• Sultry Twist - soft, creamy, applies easily on the lips, satin finish
• Juicy Orange - super easy to blend on the lips because it's literally juicy in consistency, however, it tends to look patchy and not so buildable because of the sheer color payoff, shiny in appearance
• Poppy Velvet - soft, creamy and easy to blend, satin finish

PIGMENTATION/COLOR PAY-OFF

All of these have awesome pigmentation and color pay-off. You get the shade from the stick itself so it's true to color. The shades are very opaque except for the Juicy Orange which may appear patchy and sheer but still leaves a beautiful pinkish stain. I don't know why but every shade seems to leave beautiful stains on the lips.

SCENTS

I can't really describe the scents but most of these smells good. I think it will not be a problem even to those who are sensitive to scents.

LONGEVITY

I admit, these lipsticks from Real Natura Organics are really impressive in the longevity department as the colors stay a maximim of 5-6 hours on the lips with minimal eating and drinking but the stains stay on my lips all day! Yes, all day (!) even after washing my face! I think that would be the main selling point of these products.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Even though a piece is pricey, I still think that it's worth buying given that you won't need a lot of reapplication to get your desired pigmentation. If you are a lipstick junkie, a professional makeup artist or even amateurs, I suggest you get these morganic and naturally-made lipsticks from a beloved and trusted organic seller, Real Natura Organics.

Have you tried these babies? Please do share your thoughts down below! Happy blogging!

Brow Construction and Lash in Bloom by Browhaus Manila

Yesterday (April 19, 2017), I claimed my free sessions of Basic Brow Shaping Service and Lash Extension at Browhaus--thanks to Sample Room! Through this blog post, I want to share with you how the procedures were done and the quality of the service given.

On Sunday before April 19, I booked an appointment for Monday through SMS. A responsive staff replied that Monday was already fully-booked and suggested that I claim my vouchers on Tuesday instead. We both agreed for 12 PM appointment the next day. She even asked for my name for the booking and confirmed it to me by afternoon. The next day, Adrian accompanied me to their Lucky China Town branch and was disappointed because the receptionist told me that there was no appointment booked for 12 noon and that my name wasn't even there. She also told me that I can only claim voucher one at a time (I have two). I told her that the treatments will be for my graduation and she suggested though that she will checked the appointment herself and that if I can claim both the vouchers at the same day. I was just so thankful to her and to the other staff for being so accommodating and nice all throughout the procedure.

BROW HOUSE BROW CONSTRUCTION - BASIC BROW SHAPING SERVICE, P698

The store looks cute, hygienic and comfortable. The staff who did the process was swift and informative as she always talked to me, informing me what she will do next. First, she cleaned my brows, then threaded it. She removed the remaining hairs on my brows by plucking them. The whole process was almost painless and I did not shed a tear like how I always do whenever I pluck my brows. It's probably because the one who groomed my brows was really skilled and swift. After that, she applied something like cream on it which was a little minty to soothe redness and sting. The whole process took less than 10 minutes.

Though my brows are more well-shaped and groomed, I still notice that there are still tiny hairs on the areas near my brows which I plucked just earlier. I also cut the inner portions of the brows as they are quite longer now. My brows may look a lot groomed now than ever, the procedure did not make it completely neater.

BROWHAUS LASH IN BLOOM 2.0 - LASH EXTENSIONS, P3,800

This process lasted more than an hour. The staff told me that I have long lashes already so she would just add a little length to it without diverting from a natural look. I did not protest because I also want natural-looking lashes. What she did first was put something like a tape on the arch of my eyes and according to Adrian, it looked like it separated my bottom lashes from the upper ones. She kept asking me if what she's doing was comfortable so that made me feel like I was in safe and light hands.

The staff individually tabbed one lash at a time on my natural lashes. The process was almost painless except I felt a little sting on my left eye area while doing the procedure. I did not experience the same on the other though.

After everything was done, the one doing my extensions showed me the final result and I must say they were pretty impressive. The lashes they used were really soft and of high-quality. My lashes look really lengthened and thickened but still natural-looking. It's not uncomfortable wearing the extensions unlike falsies which add length to lashes. These feels weightless and non-irritating as well. It also does not clump together and effectively enhance the natural shape of the eyes. I can now skip mascaras or even eye makeups because my eyes look better already. However, if you look closely, you can spot distance between my upper lid and the false lashes. But maybe it's really glued not from the roots so the skin around your eyes won't get irritated.

After 4 hours, a friend of mine reached for my face and there she showed me that I had a fallout. The following day (today), while carefully cleaning my face with a cleansing tissue (no washing of the face for a day), I spotted two lashes on my cheeks. I also had two fall outs by noon so that's five lashes which just got removed from my extensions. Will update you though what would happen on the succeeding days and if the treatment was worth it.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Overall, I was not super satisfied with the Browhaus Lash In Bloom service probably because I find that the extensions can be easily removed even I try my best not to touch or rub my eyes, etc. The staff were nice and professional but I would still prefer trying out budget-friendly services in the future. That said, I might not repurchase unless they give massive discounts or promos. Nonetheless, I would still recommend trying out these services if you want swift but beautiful results!

Browhaus are located at the following malls:

-Browhaus Serendra

-Browhaus Greenbelt

-Browhaus Mega Fashion Hall

-Browhaus Lucky China Town

-Browhaus Abreeza

-Browhaus Rockwell

You can visit them on the following sites:

WEBSITE: http://www.browhaus.com/manila/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BrowhausManila/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/browhausmanila
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/browhausmanila/
EMAIL: info@browhaus.com

Tried these treatments? Any thoughts? Happy blogging!

**********

UPDATE AS OF 4/21/17

-On the third day (today), I got more more than 10 fallouts. 3 upon washing my face while carefully drying it with a tissue paper (I don't use towels now to dry my face because of its rough texture that may accidentally remove falsies), 4-5 during applying makeups for my graduation, Another 5 when I washed my face in the evening.
-On 4th and 5th day, my eyelashes already looked sparse.

fallouts when I washed my face in the evening (April 21, 2017)

UPDATE AS OF 4/30/17

-On the last day of April, 2017, notice that there's only one false lash left (on my left eye).

*Photos and videos are not allowed during the services so I did not take a lot.