Review: Nyx Round Lipstick

I have been hearing good reviews about Nyx products but unfortunately, I cannot find this make up line in any malls and beauty stores located in my area. When I learned that a co-worker who sells make up carries this product line, I immediately got one.

Like most make up from Nyx, this lipstick comes in shiny black packaging. The shade name and number are written on the top while the bottom is transparent in which the color can be seen through. While it is helpful in choosing the shade to buy, it would be better to look for swatches from users to see the actual color when applied. The plastic tube looks kinda flimsy but it is actually sturdy and will not easily open on its own.

Nyx Round lipstick doesn’t disappoint when it comes to formulation. It seems to glide when applying and before you know it, color has already completely covered your lips. You may want to use a lip brush when applying to avoid smears and smudges.

Currently, I have two shades and I intend to buy more since there are over a hundred fun colors to choose from.

Miracle
This is the first shade I got. Miracle is a coral-reddish pink shade. It is very creamy and pigmented thus I only need to swipe once or twice on my lips. Additionally, I find the formulation of this shade a bit heavy when swiped many times. I love how this lipstick moisturizes my lips. It hasn't caused chapping yet however, it has greater chances of smudging. I do not like blotting my lipstick as I feel like it eliminates the moisturizing power of the formula. Without eating or drinking, it could last for three to four hours. 

I do not fancy the gold shimmer this lipstick has, however, it isn't that visible from afar. I have no problem with regards to the smell. Actually I find myself enjoying its smell at times.

Miracle

Fig
I fell in love with this color when I saw the swatch on someone's lips. It is a medium pink shade perfect for everyday use. It makes me feel like I'm a sweet lady when I am donning this lipstick shade. :D

Although the formulation is creamy, it is not as moisturizing as Miracle. I think this shade gives a semi-matte finish and considering that it's matte, its staying power is better than Miracle. One thing I do not like about this shade is its smell. I cannot identify if it smells like coconut oil or what. However, the smell can only be noticed when the lipstick is placed right in front of my nose.

Fig

Update - May 2012

The online store, Digital Traincase sells this lipstick for Php 150 and when they went on sale, the price dropped to Php 135. Additionally, Multiply is also offering free shipping to purchases above Php 400 hence I decided to buy three shades; narcissus, femme and black cherry.

Right now, I have a total of five shades of Nyx Round lipstick.

from left to right: fig, narcissus, miracle, femme, black cherry (without flash)

from left to right: fig, narcissus, miracle, femme, black cherry (with flash)

Narcissus
This is supposed to be my most favorite among the three colors I recently bought. It is bright bubblegum pink with creamy finish. I really love the color but then, it washes me out and it makes me look like I'm sick. :( This barbie-pink lipstick may not be ideal for people with yellowish undertone like me.

Also, the lips should be thoroughly exfoliated before applying as it can highlight chapped lips. This also tends to settle on lips so you may want to apply concealer on your lips before applying the lipstick. Like other Nyx Round Lipstick, the color lasted for only around two to three hours without eating or drinking. I don't suggest putting on lip balm before this lipstick shade to improve its lasting power at the same time have that less glossy finish. Though you may need to re-apply, I think this isn't bad for Php 135, right?

Narcissus

Femme
I have been wanting to get this shade... well because it's coral and I badly wanted a coral lipstick. Femme is a bright coral, almost orange shade and faded into reddish pink shade. Its creamy and moisturizing and I prefer wearing this shade without applying lip gloss over it or lip balm under it because it is already ok on its own. And besides, I prefer matte than glossy ones when it comes to bold or loud lipstick color. The lips must be thoroughly exfoliated though before application as this can be drying and can emphasize chapped lips.

Femme

Black Cherry
I'm not sure whether or not I should be happy that I got this shade. I originally wanted a classic red shade but after reading lots of reviews I wind up with this. :)) Black Cherry is a brick red shade with purplish undertone. It's not as opaque or glossy as Narcissus or Femme and neither as moisturizing as Miracle. It is highly pigmented thus a little goes a long way. While I believe I can pull off this gothic lipstick shade, I don't think this is ideal for everyday wear in a fashion-conservative environment like mine. I tried applying Miracle over this and the result is more tolerable for everyday use.

Black Cherry

Will I repurchase?
Definitely! I would like to collect as many shades as I can. There are over 144 shades and they are all lovely. The fact that they are cheaper compared to other brands, buying various shades is not likely to damage my pocket. :D

Ingredients:
Beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, ceresin, microcrystalline wax, polyethylene, mineral oil, octyldodeanol, polyisobutene, ethylhexyl palmitate (listed the first ten ingredients only since others are difficult to spell/type... :)))

Product Description:
NYX Round Lipstick is our classic lipstick for all-year round. The mineral-based emollient formula offers a beautiful velvet texture, saturated color and it resists wear and smudging. It’s your go-to lipstick. From Pure Nude to Pink Lyric to Chic Red, Round Lipstick is available in a jaw-dropping 144 shades.


Rate:

Other products from Nyx:


   

Review: Nanny Rose’s Queen Bee Sticks and Pulls All Natural Hair Remover

I have been planning to go to one of the salons in the city to have a waxing session. But since I am too busy (a.k.a lazy) to do so, the plan is always cancelled. But just this Friday as we were scouring the mall for whatever that catches our attention :)), I remember that I wanted to buy a hair removal wax because I have already used the one I had. When I went to hair removal/creams section, I found these two small boxes tied together with small native rope (abaca twine perhaps). Oh well, I am a sucker for cute itsy bitsy and these boxes and the whole packaging caught my fancy. Good thing the wax can be used warm or as is and made of honey and sugar else I’ll never give this another look.

There are two boxes in the giftable package, the first box contains the Nanny Rose’s Sticks and Pulls honey wax (50g), three pieces of cloth strips and two “spatulas” which are actually popsicle sticks. The other box contains the Nanny Rose’s Mild Like Chamomile After Wax Salve (80g). I think the package is quite a steal for Php 139. The container of the After Wax Salve is cute too.

Although this wax can be used as is, the manufacturer highly recommend heating for best results. Since I wanted to prove that this wax works, I followed every step that is stated in the label:

1. Simply remove cap and heat the jar of wax in a microwave oven (in medium heat) for 10-15 seconds, just enough to softer the mixture. Stir the mixture and let it rest until its temperature is cool enough to apply on skin.
2. Prep your skin by washing the area with soap and water to remove unwanted residue. Dash a little powder on the area to be waxed to keep it dry.
3. Using the wooden applicator, apply a thin layer of the wax in the direction of hair growth. In the same direction, place the strip of cloth on top and even out air bubbles.
4. SWIFTLY pull the end of the cloth towards the opposite direction – against hair growth. Repeat as needed.
5. Reddening of the skin after waxing is normal. Wax residue on skin can be easily removed with a damp cloth. Allow pores to close by letting skin rest for at least 30 minutes before completely washing the waxed area.

Since we don’t have a microwave oven and I wouldn’t want to risk heating the wax in the oven toaster, I decided to submerge the whole container in a hot water for a few minutes. Hopefully that works in softening the hardened wax. I dashed my underarm with powder and applied the wax in just small area at first. I placed the cloth over the wax and even it out. When I pulled the cloth, I see my underarm hair sticking to the cloth with wax. But since there are still hairs left in that area, I repeated the process.

I find it tedious working on a small area at a time so I tried working on large areas and I’m glad I did because I have managed to pull out a lot of hair in just a matter of seconds. But then again, I have to repeat the process in order to remove the remaining hair. I also need to apply powder from time to time in order for the wax to stick to the skin since it is becoming greasy.

The instruction says that the area must be wiped with damp cloth after waxing but I prefer using wet wipes so that I will just throw it away after use. More convenient! I also applied After Wax Salve right after I wiped off the wax residue.

Before applying the salve, I still have to tweeze the remaining hair because they are too short thus cannot really stick to the cloth even if thick wax is applied to the skin. But in general, this wax is very good, I think it is more effective than the previous sugar wax I used.

The label says that the wax can be used for up to a year but I think mine is just enough for the next waxing session because I applied the wax too thick. :D I would probably buy this again.

Ingredients:
Honey, sugar and calamansi juice

Product Description:
Nanny Rose’s honey wax will spruce you up in the sweetest way possible. This sticky pot is a combination of locally produced honey, sugar and calamansi juice. It contains no harsh chemicals and ingredients that can cause allergies that is why it can be used on sensitive skin and delicate areas. Making use of ingredients that are closer to nature, you can be sure that every jar of Nanny Rose’s honey wax is made with love.

Claims:

• Removes hair down to the roots leaving the skin smooth and hairless for 3-4 weeks
• Kit can last up to a year if properly kept

Rate:

Pros:

• Made of natural ingredients
• Affordable
• Sweet-smelling
• Can be used warm or as is
• Available in Watson’s and SM Department Store
• Nice packaging
• Made in the Philippines

Cons:

• Spatula is actually a popsicle stick.
• The edges of clothes are easily ripped.

    

Inheritance

The final chapter of Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle is out. The book 4 is entitled Inheritance. I am so excited to finally know the ending of Eragon's story. So excited that I have already asked my friend to borrow his book even if he hasn't bought one yet. LOL!

A Photo A Week: The Island of Agho

The daily grind at work can be so stressful thus the need to unwind every now and then. And there is no better way to unwind than to leave the city and spend a night in one of the most beautiful islands in the province - the Agho Island in Concepcion, Iloilo. Despite the killer bus ride and uncomfortable boat ride, people keep on coming to this place because of its beauty and relaxing ambiance. I think I can spend hours, just lazing around while enjoying the view of the mountains and crystal clear water - perfect in freeing my mind of depressing and stressful thoughts.

How to get there:

From Tagbak Terminal, ride a bus (HPQ) bound for Concepcion. Fare for regular passengers is Php 120 while Php 110 for students. When you arrive in the town of Concepcion, proceed to the port going to Agho. Although walking distance from bus terminal, the port is not too easy to locate so you better ask the locals there. Public market is also near the port so you can buy foods (especially fish and pork) there instead of bringing some all the way from the city.

If you are lucky, you will never need to hire a pump boat since there are passenger pump boats traveling in the neighboring islands. If you catch a pump boat to Malangabang, just ask Mr. Boatman to drop you off in Agho. Fare is probably Php 30. In our case, we hired a small pump boat to take us to and from the island - we paid Php 600 and Php 500 respectively.

Last trip of bus going back to the city is 2:00 pm so you better return to town proper before that.

Tips:

• Although the place is not fully developed it is better contact the owner/caretaker before going there.
• Bring tent, blanket, food, drinking water and personal stuff since there is no restaurant, luxurious accommodation or stores in the island.

Review: Cyleina Organic Rice Bran Soap

Around a week ago, I started using Cyleina Organic Rice Bran soap. I wanted to buy each variant available but since I still have Black Pearl and Tomato soap at home, I decided to choose only one. And besides, I wanted to stick to my grocery list so other variants will have to wait until next pay day. I wouldn't want to use all of them at once anyway. :D

Going back to the soap, I chose the rice bran variant because based on the product label, this soap helps reduce inflammation and soothe discomfort - exactly what my mother needs to alleviate the discomfort she feels from her rashes.

Just like what I am doing with other organic soaps, I sliced this soap into cubes to prevent it from dissolving so easily. Initially, I used this soap in my face every morning (with black pearl) and night. But after a couple of days, I decided to use this soap in my entire body.

Unlike black pearl and tomato soaps, this light brown soap doesn't emit strong scent. It doesn't even sting when used for the first time. I think, of all the three Cyleina soaps I have tried, this one is the most easy to lather. A few rub with the soap and nylon mesh goes a long way.

What I like most about Cyleina rice bran soap is that smooth-feeling skin I get after using this soap. Truly it helps exfoliate the skin. And since it aids in exfoliation, I am hoping that it will help eliminate some dark spots and blemishes around my body. My mother loves it too because the rash in her arms, waistline and thigh is no longer causing her so much discomfort.

I will definitely purchase this soap again.

Ingredients:

Vegetable oil, almond oil, cocoa butter, rice bran oil, rice bran powder and essential oil

Product Description:
A source of vitamin E complex, antioxidants and other micronutrients to help fight free radicals and combat the effects of aging. Rice bran’s natural enzyme will helps to dissolve dead skin & blemishes, while retaining moisture.

Claims:

• protects and replenishes the skin
• good with skin allergies; helps reduce inflammation and soothes discomfort
• helps fight free radicals and combats the effects of aging
• helps dissolve dead skin and blemishes
• aids in gentle exfoliation
• disinfects pimples
• smoothens the texture of skin

Rate:

Pros:

• light-smelling
• makes skin smooth and squeaky-clean
• helps lighten dark spots
• affordable
• can now be bought in Watson's and SM department stores

Cons:

• none

11/1/11

Before the clock strikes 12, I am publishing a post on 11/1/11. Nothing significant on this date. I am just glad that one month more and it'll be December - my most favorite month. :>

I am excited for Christmas parties, get togethers and of course, for 13th month pay <:-P, holidays and our upcoming trip to Cagayan de Oro (although I'm not sure yet if I can go). :D

Oh Christmas!

Overview of The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Heaven is not a paradise wherein you can play with the angels in the fluffy clouds. At least that is what Mitch Albom describes heaven in his book "The Five People You Meet in Heaven". The story isn't as tear jerking as other rags-to-riches kind of stuff but one will surely pick a lesson or two from this story of a man named Eddie.

Prior to his death, Eddie is working as maintenance guy at Ruby Pier, a carnival near the area where he and his brother grew up. It is also where he died when he attempted to save the life of a little girl when one of the carnival rides broke. In heaven, he met five people, whose lives he affected and have affected his life as well. Each person taught him a lesson;

• 1st person (The Blue Man) - all lives are connected
• 2nd person (The Captain - commanding officer) - sacrifice
• 3rd person (Ruby - to whom the carnival was named after) - forgiveness
• 4th person (Marguerite - his wife) - love
• 5th person (Tala - the kid inside the hut they burned in the Philippines) - how his work kept everyone safe

Although this book centers on the death of a person, it is not focused on helping someone overcome the death of a loved one. It is more on understanding life, how one's actions and decisions affect others and how others affect that person's life as well.

The book contains inspiring lines thus motivated me to list them down. I am sharing to you the quotes from The Five People You Meet in Heaven...

A Photo A Week - Jojo's Christmas Cottage

photo credit: leo kun

We attended a friend's wedding in Kalibo a couple of weeks ago. Since we're in Aklan, we grabbed the opportunity to visit Sampaguita Gardens Resort and Spa where the whimsical Jojo's Christmas Cottage is located. The cottage, a three-storey Western style structure, is filled with Precious Moments dolls of all sizes and designs. The dolls, cottage and the whole resort are a testimony how creative Mr. Sam Butcher (creator of Precious Moments and owner of resort) is.

Loose and Tight

It has been ages since the last time I published about fashion blah blah and I must say, I miss doing the things I find entertaining - that is to mix and match outfits on looklet and post them on my blog. But then, maintaining more than a couple of blogs can be very tedious so that made me decide to publish fashion-related posts here and probably delete my so-called fashion blog if I have figured out what to do with my past posts on that blog.

For my first entry, I would like to post an outfit which I have been thinking of wearing to work but cannot do so since I have not yet completed the pieces. LOL!

Yes, that simple loose shirt and tights! I already have a gray printed tights but I don't have a plain white loose shirt and flat oxford shoes I can pair it with. I'm considering men's V-neck shirt from Hanes and that floral pink oxford I found at the mall a week ago. Hopefully the shoes will still be there when I have enough budget for it. :D

In this look:

Scarf by jojo&malou
Shoulderbag by Mulberry
Watch by Michael Kors
Bracelet by Just Africa
T-shirt by Carin Wester
Bra by Y-3 by adidas
Flats by Pull & Bear
Tights by Monki

Shop from Amazon:

Vibrant Flora Batik Print Leggings by Foot Traffic


Hanes Women's Jersey V-Neck Tee


BC Footwear Women's Shockwave Oxford

Review: Wet n' Wild Ultimate Minerals Loose Blush Pinched Pink (shade 163)

This is my first mineral makeup and being such a no-expert when it comes to makeup, I was kinda doubtful about this. And since I am a kind of person who tries to find out more about a product first before buying, I checked out makeupalley.com to get the assessment of various people who are using or have used Wet n' Wild Ultimate Minerals Loose Blush. Out of 22 people, 86% said that they would buy the product again. For me, that is enough to give this product a go.

The product is packed in hard plastic transparent container that has a sifter with snap top cover that is connected to the container and silver gray lid thus it is less likely to spill all over your bag. To avoid mess when using this product, I open the snap top cover and tap a small amount into the gray lid and work my way from there.

I have this in pinched pink (shade 163) and is very pigmented hence one only needs very little amount to get that pinkish health glow. This shade is not shimmery and goes on smoothly thus perfect if you want to create natural look. One thing I do not like about this product is the smell but I am not sure if that is what mineral-based formula smells like. The smell is not that horrible though however I would prefer unscented or clean-smelling makeup.

When I got this from eBay, the seller stated that it is made and bought in the US. However, upon receiving this product and reading the product information, I discovered that this makeup from a US company is made in China. Probably the seller indeed bought it from the US not knowing that the product is actually made in China (hello outsourcing?). But that really doesn't matter to me. So long as it won't give me allergies or skin irritation (and it hasn't happened so far), I'd continue using this product and would probably buy again if my current one runs out.

Ingredients:
Mica, boron nitride, jojoba seed oil, silica, glyceryl caprylate, tourmaline, carnauba wax, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, potassium sorbate, soybean oil, tocopherol, sunflower seed oil
May also contain bismuth oxychloride, carmine, iron oxides, titanium dioxide, ultramarines

Product Description:
Light, mineral-based formula brightens cheeks with a natural-looking, radiant glow. This sheer, buildable powder blends seamlessly to add just enough color with a hint of sparkle.

Claims:

• Light
• Gives bright, natural-looking cheeks
• Sheer

Rate:

Pros:

• Pigmented
• Nice color (pinched pink)
• Inexpensive
• Spill-proof container

Cons:

• Undesirable smell
• Not readily available in our area thus the need to order online

A Photo A Week - Nature's Eye Resort

I cannot forget the weekend I spent in this place for it was one of the loveliest weekends I ever had. We braved the rain and bouncy rough road just to reach this amazing place wherein toilet and bath rooms are either open or only covered with bamboo blinds. Privacy is never an issue despite the open toilet and bath since the cottages are a few meters away from each other.

Photo credit: Leo Kun

Located in Tando, Nueva Valencia in the Island of Guimaras, the resort has only three cottages (one large cottage for group and family and two small cottages for couple) thus the need to book before going there. If you want to relax and commune with nature, then this resort is the place to be.

Check out Nature's Eye facebook page for me information.

Review: All Organics Tomato Lime Soap (Pore Reducing Bath Soap)

My boyfriend got this soap for me from another co-worker of ours for Php 65. Prior to using All Organics Tomato Lime soap, I've already been using Cyleina Organic Tomato soap and I'm not sure if this could affect the results.

Anyhow, All Organics Tomato Lime soap is a pink-colored soap with a bit of yellow markings on some parts (since it has lime). The scent is strong for me at first but after a few days of using, I find it okay. It produces creamy lather when applied to wet skin and can also produce bubble lather when used with mesh shower sponge. Like most organic soaps, this one from All Organics also dissolves easily but not as much as the one from Cyleina. It doesn't even sting during first use, probably because my skin is already used to organic products.

I never had problem with this soap until after around three days of using. It caused breakouts (like five pimples at a time) in some parts of my face. I was worried that the breakouts may get worse if I will continue using thus I stopped using the soap right then. But since I am a frugal consumer, I didn't send it to the trash can right away. I am still using it on my body other than my face.

I do not believe that this All Organics Tomato Lime soap is a waste of money but I guess it just doesn't suit my skin type.

Ingredients:
Saponified oils, extract of tomato and lime, castor oil, virgin coconut oil, vitamin E

Product Description:
Contains tomatoes and lime for face and body. It is fabulous for balancing and maintaining moisture and pH levels while also tightening pores. Milea's Organic Tomato Lime Soap is 98% natural. It contains a vegetable soap base, fragrance, tomato and Lime extracts. Not only does the Milea's Organic Tomato Lime Soap combat sagging skin and unbalanced pH conditions, it smells absolutely wonderful. Your skin will surely love it!

Claims:

• Balances and maintains moisture and pH levels
• Tightens pores
• 98% natural

Rate:

Pros:

• Does not sting
• Affordable
• Does not easily dissolve compared to other organic soaps
• Nice packaging
• Manufacture date and batch date are stated on the packaging

Cons:

• Causes breakouts
• Limited reseller in our area (thus the need to order online)

Review: CyLeina Black Pearl Organic Soap

Another Cyleina organic soap I am using is the product line's best seller, the Black Pearl. Since it claims to whiten skin tone instantly, I decided to use it on darker areas of my body such as my elbows, knees, thighs, underarms as well as on areas with dark scars and blemish.

Unlike other organic soaps that sting, this one doesn't. It gives a cool sensation instead. It isn't bubbly unlike other soaps and the scent isn't harsh either. This soap is black but creates creamy white suds when lathered.

The product claims that results can be seen as early as first use and I can attest to that. The darker areas in my body have improved significantly. The soap is so effective that I told my mom to use it in order to get rid of the brown spots (due to aging) on her face. Like me, she is so happy with the result because the spots have started to lighten.

I wish I have discovered this a long time ago. I might have even skin tone by now... :D

Ingredients:
collagen, arbutin, licorice, vitamin E

Product description:
Black pearl inspired soap made from the finest high grade quality of arbutin, collagen oil, and Vitamins C & E. Only the best ingredients that mother nature can give are used in this creation.

Claims:

• whitens skin tone instantly!
• lightens dark spots and pimple scars
• effective in lightening dark underarms and inner thighs caused by imbalanced hormones, chemical burns from deodorants
• anti-wrinkle&best skin moisturizer
• safe and will not sting!
• see results as early as first use!

Rate:

Pros:

• Effective
• See good results after a few uses
• Sweet-smelling
• Affordable

Cons:

• Dissolves quickly
• Limited resellers (in our area) thus the need to order online

Review: CyLeina Organic Tomato Soap

I have been hearing good things about CyLeina Organic Soaps and have been considering of using one for a few weeks already. But since I do not know any reseller in our city, my only option is to order online which I have no time to do so (especially deposit money in the bank) due to work, "other work" and travel planned months ago. Additionally, I also wanted to order in bulk so as to save on shipping but I cannot do so as of the moment because I am running low on funds due to my recent activities.

Fortunately, my co-worker who is an ardent user of the product line decided to sell us some of the soaps she hoarded. I bought one tomato organic soap and one Black Pearl (review to follow), the line's best seller. I chose tomato over other soap variants because it says to help dry up pimples quickly as well as clean and minimize pores. I am not pimply but I do have large pores that often result to large blackhead if not addressed early on.

Unlike other organic soaps that cause stinging sensation during first use, CyLeina Organic tomato soap doesn't. It isn't bubbly but creates rich lather instead. The scent isn't even too strong but just enough to make you feel that you are indeed using an organic soap; sweet and yummy! :D

After using, my skin feels smooth and clean without making it dry or tight-feeling. It reduces oiliness thereby lessens the chances of developing annoying pimples. I’ve been using it for a week and I am now starting to see desirable results when it comes to my pores. But I have yet to see the effects of long-term use. This product has one downside however. It made my face dry but that is what facial moisturizers are for. :D

Will update this post when I see dramatic improvement on my pores.

Ingredients:
saponified oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, organic tomato extracts

Product description:
Contains rich tomato extract that is rich in AHA(Alpha Hydroxy Acids), peels dead skin cells and speeds up cell renewal. Great for drying acne.

Rate:

Pros:

• Contains natural ingredients like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and organic tomato extracts
• Cleans and tightens pores
• Scent isn't too strong
• Skin feels refreshed after wash
• Dries up pimple quickly
• Comes in fun color

Cons::

• Dissolves quickly
• Limited resellers (in our area) thus the need to order online