Review: Rimmel London Hydrasense Flawless Concealer

I wasn’t so conscious about my dark spots and blemish back then. But I got tired of seeing my uneven skin tone thus I decided that it’s about time to start using the ever helpful concealer. I bought Rimmel London Hydrasense along with the other products from this haul from an eBay seller jnlink.

The item arrived to me in a sealed tube similar to that of a lip gloss with wand. The body of the tube is transparent while the handle of the wand/applicator is black. It comes with a sponge applicator similar to lip gloss also.

I got medium beige since other shades the seller has are either too dark or too light for me

Product Description:
Conceals skin imperfections and dark circles. With natural extracts to smoothen and moisturise skin.

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:
I love that this product comes with an applicator. It avoids mess since I never have to use my hands to apply. I only use brush to even out my application and achieve that flawless finish. It is easy to blend and matches almost many foundation or pressed powder shades. It didn’t cake even after being on the run and staying outdoors for hours. It isn’t drying either.

 The medium beige shade I got is perfect for my not-so-fair Filipina skin.

What I do not like about this product:
I am not sure if it is just me or what but I do not really like the smell of this concealer. It reminds me of granny’s oil and some of her skin care products.

Though I love that this product has applicator, the said applicator is kind of disappointment. The sponge at the end of the wand tore off after a few applications. Right now, there is no more sponge brush at the end of the wand therefore making application inconvenient.

Formula-wise, I like that it has natural extracts that smoothens and moisturizes skin. (Oh could it be that the horrible smell is caused by natural extracts? The smell is almost like the mineral lip gloss I have. I don’t know! LOL!)

Will I repurchase?
Maybe! So far I like how this concealer works.

Rate:

Other products from Rimmel London: 


     

Review: Myra VitaFirm Firming Hand and Body Lotion

I have been using Nivea for years and I sometimes find it hard to switch or try other brands of lotion. I think it’s probably because of loyalty thing. LOL! But since the gift pack @Myra_Beauty sent me contains one bottle of Myra VitaFirm Firming Hand and Body lotion, I am tempted to use it every day to find out if it is really true to its promise.

This lotion comes in a white plastic bottle with lavender flip cap. The white creamy lotion has small yellow beads, the product claims as Vitamin E beads.

Myra VitaFirm Firming Hand and body Lotion is available in 50, 100, 200 and 500 ml.

Product Description:

• Hypoallergenic
• Dermatologist-tested
• Myra VitaFirm Firming Hand & Body Lotion is formulated with Algae Extract, a natural ingredient known to help promote firming of the skin.
• It is clinically proven to improve skin’s tightness and elasticity when used daily for 2 weeks.
• And like all Myra lotions, it also contains Vitamin E beads that gently burst onto your skin to protect and nourish it.

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:
I love that this product’s bottle is upside down, the flip cap is underneath thus using it is more convenient especially if you are running out of it. Surprisingly, this lotion is so lightweight. It is easily absorbed by the skin and once it does, my skin feels smooth and tight. There is no greasy feeling but when I scratched my skin, I see no dry skin. Impressive! It has light smell hence no fear of ruining or overpowering the smell of your perfume or cologne.

Like most Myra products, this firming lotion is enriched with Vitamins E too.

I have been using this for two weeks now and so far I love the result of this product. I believe regular use is more likely make the skin firm and eventually will become a staple in every woman’s (or perhaps man’s) skin care regimen.

What I do not like about this product:
I find the lotion sticky right after application but then, the sticky feeling disappears once it has been absorbed by the skin. Other than that, I have nothing against this product.

Will I repurchase?
More likely… especially if I my skin starts to sag. :D

Rate:

Review: Myra VitaSmooth Shine-free Face Powder with SPF 15

This is another product from the gift pack Myra sent to me last week. Myra VitaSmooth Shine-free Face Powder comes in white square compact. The sponge that comes with this face powder is also white and square.

The first time I used this face powder, I’m greatly reminded of the Myra Daily Sun Protect Facial Moisturizer because they have the same smell. The smell is tolerable though because it is so light.

The shade they sent me is natural however light shade is also available.

Product Description:

• Hypoallergenic
• Dermatologist-Tested
• Myra E Shine-Free Face Powder is a light face powder that covers blemishes for a naturally flawless and shine-free look.
• It is enriched with Vitamin E that nourishes skin and SPF 15 that protects you from the sun’s UV rays.
• Mild, gentle, and safe for everyday use.

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:
I like that this face powder comes in small compact… so handy, perfect for traveling. The powder gives that light finish and makes my face shine-free for up to three hours. It isn’t chalky nor give that sticky feeling. I find this ideal for touch ups but I also use this as make up base during those days when I don’t feel like putting on foundation. This makes great finishing powder too.

I love that the face powder contains Vitamin E and SPF 15.

What I do not like about this product:
I am not loving the sponge of this face powder. It’s so thin and looks flimsy. I find it difficult to apply this face powder using the sponge because I am afraid that the sponge will tear apart after a few swipes. The fact that it doesn’t glide during application is not helping either. I prefer using a brush to have that even finish.

This face powder is so light that it gives that sheer finish. It isn’t effective in covering blemishes and dark spots. It makes skin shine-free but that’s all. No flawless look!

Will I repurchase?
Probably no! I have yet to try other face powders available.

Rate:

Review: Myra VitaMoisture Lip Balm

This is one of the goodies I got from my Myra gift pack. In fact, I believe that this isn’t my first Myra VitaMoisture Lip Balm. I remember buying this before but that was a long time ago and I cannot really remember the result of the product. And besides, I wasn’t doing product reviews back then. :D

The lip balm comes in red tube with the company name in black text. It also has an image of water drop, signifying its claim “locks in moisture for moisturized lips”. Mine is vanilla-flavored thus white-colored. Myra ViaMoisture Lip Balm is also available in cherry.

Product Description:

• Hypoallergenic
• Dermatologist-tested
• Locks in moisture to keep lips soft, smooth and moisturized
• Enriched with Vitamin E and moisturizers
• Has sunscreen for protection against the sun’s harmful rays
• Mild, gentle, and safe for everyday use

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:
The reason why I like this product is its scent and flavor. I know it isn’t that spectacular but it’s my first time to have a vanilla-flavored lip balm. :)) I prefer cherry, strawberry and mint balm so this vanilla is like a break from what I’m used to.  Unlike other lip balms, this one does not have that really glossy finish which I like. I even use this as lipstick base at times and it hasn’t caused my lipstick to smudge or become overly glossy.

Throughout the day, I apply this lip balm three or four times and it really helped me combat dry lips and chapping. Even if I use drying lipsticks, I didn’t get chapped lips when I use this. I haven’t checked the price of this lip balm in retail stores but I believe this is cheaper than other lip balms (Maybelline, Blistex, Chapstick, Nivea and Avon) I have tried before.

It contains sunscreen and Vitamin E too!

What I do not like about this product:
The only thing I do not like about this lip balm is that it doesn’t glide smoothly on the lips during application. But at least it doesn’t make my lips really glossy. If only this lip balm doesn't contain paraben and paraffin, I'd surely give this five stars. But then, this isn't an organic lip balm. :D

Other than that, I have nothing against this product so far.

Will I repurchase?
Perhaps.

Rate:

Gift Pack For Me From Myra

Over a month ago, I got a tweet from @Myra_Beauty thanking me for the review I made about Myra Daily Sun Protect Facial Moisturizer and asked me for my complete name and mailing address because they will be sending me a gift pack. I was thrilled with the news because that was the first time a company paid attention to my review. :D

Today, a box arrived in the office containing the following items:

Myra paper bag

Myra VitaFirm Lotion

Myra Lip balm

Myra Facial Moisturizer

Myra Compact Powder

Myra Daily Sun Protect Facial Moisturizer

Myra 400-e 8's

 Myra Red Bag organizer

I'm excited to try these goodies and review them to let my readers know whether or not the product works for me. To the generous people of Myra, thank you so much for the gift pack. It is really rewarding to know that people, especially the companies of the products you review, actually read your blog.

Review: Marionnaud Brush

I have been seeing these brushes each time I go to SM Department stores or Watsons but I never bought any because I originally wanted to buy a set however, I don’t really like the set this brand has. I eventually decided to get one because they are so tempting and besides, I really needed a good eye shadow brush at that time. So the first brush I got is N35.

N35

Product Description:
Made of synthetic fibers – angled to contour, accent and shape.

The length of the brush is around four inches. The upper part of the handle is made of plastic and the lower portion appears like a thin stainless. The brush, in which the width is not more than one centimeter, is made of synthetic fiber. It is thin and has rounded edges.

What I like about this product:
This brush comes in a sealed plastic transparent packaging. I like it that way because you can be sure that no one has opened the brush before you. I only hope that the store provides sample so that you can actually check the brush prior to buying it.

Based on the packaging and the brush itself, one won’t expect that this brush costs Php 69.75 pesos only. But unfortunately, these are the only things I like about this brush.

What I do not like about this product:
Looks can be really deceiving! While this brush looks good enough, it is actually useless. The eye shadow sticks to it and no matter how many times you swirl or rub the brush in the pan, it’s still no use. It seems like the brush is hoarding the eye shadow in its strands. :)) I find it hard to elaborate my dislike for this product but I’m sure this one is definitely not ideal for a newbie like me.

Will I repurchase?
No.

Rate:

Amazon Cancellation of Order Email

A few days ago, I received an email claiming to be from Amazon telling me that my order has been successfully cancelled. A few more days later I received two more emails. I don't mind receiving such email if I indeed placed an order on Amazon. But sadly, I haven't and I haven't even accessed my Amazon account in a while.

I ain't new to such kind of phishing or suspicious email so I asked Big G about it and yes I'm right! The email is indeed fake and Amazon has even warned its users about it.

Here's the email:

Dear Customer,
Your order has been successfully canceled. For your reference, here's a summary of your order:
You just canceled order 137-3511-446 placed on May 11, 2012.
Status: CANCELED

___________________________________________________

1 "Bermuda"; 2005, Second Edition
By: John Bailey
Sold by: Amazon.com LLC
___________________________________________________

Thank you for visiting Amazon.com!

---------------------------------------------------

Amazon.com
Earth's Biggest Selection
http://www.amazon.com

---------------------------------------------------

And here's another version:

Dear Customer,
Your order has been successfully canceled. For your reference, here's a summary of your order:
You just canceled order 131-7265-3466 placed on May 3, 2012.
Status: CANCELED
_________________________________________________

1 "Darkroom"; 2006, Special Edition
By: Ronan Murphy
Sold by: Amazon.com LLC
_________________________________________________

Thank you for visiting Amazon.com!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Amazon.com
Earth's Biggest Selection
http://www.amazon.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's the warning from Amazon:

Is This E-mail from Amazon?


You may sometimes receive a scam e-mail from someone pretending to be Amazon. This message is called a "phishing" e-mail. Often the e-mail contains links to a website that looks like Amazon.com but isn't controlled by us. The website may ask you for your Amazon username and password or try to install unwanted software on your computer in an attempt to steal your personal information or access your computer. The message may also include attachments, which typically contain unwanted software called "malware." If you received a message like this but just deleted it, your information and computer are safe.


We take your security and privacy very seriously. Since the information obtained through a phishing e-mail may later be used to commit fraud, we'd like to help you learn how to tell these types of messages from real messages that come from Amazon and how to protect your system.

Met Gala 2012 Wedding Dress Inspiration

No, I'm not getting married anytime soon but if opportunity allows someday, I would love to walk the aisle wearing something like these gowns.

Leighton Meester

I would love to walk the aisle wearing a lacey beautiful gown. Actually, I am always on the lookout for wedding gown inspiration and this one is close to what I really wanted. I love the upper portion of the gown especially the bodice, short sleeves and the see through neckline.

The color of the gown which Leighton wore is not really flattering on her especially with her tan, but for me it's still a knockout!

Scarlett Johansson

Another wedding dress potential! LOL! But then, I don't think the white or off-white version of this gown would look as good as this. While I have nothing against Scarlet's look, I think she would have looked more stunning in this gown if her hair is in up do or something neat-looking.

A Photo A Week: Anja Rubik at Met Gala 2012

photo credit: OMG!

I gasped when I saw this picture of Anja Rubik taken during the Met Gala 2012. I have nothing against skimpy and flesh-baring skin but I think this one is simply over the top. Hip-high slit! Seriously?! I find this dress crazy for two reasons. One, her hipbone, that could possibly slice anything it comes in contact with, is protruding out of the slit. Skin and bones... I think the ensemble would look way better without that gross hipbone. Two, the dress is surely a magnet of wardrobe malfunction. A tiny wrong move and surely the pics and videos of her would scatter like wildfire. Good thing the magic tape or whatever she used to keep the dress in place is dependable enough. But then, if she (and the gown maker) is after the publicity, then she definitely had succeeded in making herself heard.

It takes a lot of courage and confidence to don this outfit in front of hundreds if not thousands of people watching. And this lady has pulled it off! But I wish she knows that eating a little more than she usually eats is not bad.

Review: Celeteque Dermoscience Acne Solutions Oil Control Toner

If you have read my post about Celeteque Sun Care Facial Moisturizer, you know that I’m a bit disappointed with it because it makes my skin really oily most of the time. However, that doesn’t hinder me from getting another product from the same brand. This time, I got their Acne Solutions Oil Control Toner. I actually had doubts about this but seeing that it is available in small bottle which is ideal when you are just testing a product, I decided to buy one.

The toner comes in a clear transparent bottle with white flip top cap. The toner is also clear, looks like water to me.  The 60 ml. bottle I got costs Php 89 and the bigger one is probably less than Php 200.

Product Description:

• Contains Aloe Vera and Chamomile extracts which help soothe the skin.
• Reconditions the skin to prepare it for moisturizing.

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:
The first thing I like about the product is its size. As what I’ve said, it is available in smaller size which is ideal if you are not sure whether the product will work on your skin or not. My biggest reason for getting this toner is the list of ingredients. Some of its ingredients include glycerin, aloe vera, chamomile extract and witch hazel extract. In fact, of all the skin care products that I’ve tried, this is one of the products in which most of the ingredients are easy to pronounce. LOL!

This didn’t cause tingling or burning sensation the first time I use it. I feel like I am applying water on my face, not toner. The only time I felt that tingling sensation is when I washed my face using facial scrub prior to applying the toner. I think there might be some abrasions caused by the scrub’s granules, and the abrasions reacted to the toner since it has ethyl alcohol.

While this toner hasn’t been successful in making my face totally oil free, it gives that dewy appearance. A day after using this, my guy complimented me for having that “glow”. I know part of it is due to the organic soap (Cyleina Black Pearl soap) and Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Cream foundation I am using but I believe that the toner has also contributed to that glow.

I have been using this for two weeks now and it hasn’t caused me major breakouts, just one or two small pimples that are gone in a few days. Apart from that, Celeteque Dermoscience Acne Solutions oil control toner is not making my skin dry nor itchy.

What I do not like about this product:
The only thing I do not like about this product is its inability to get rid of that oily face… TOTALLY! But then, the blame isn’t entirely on this toner. I might need to look for facial wash or moisturizer that would work best with this toner.

Will I repurchase?
Perhaps. I kind of like the result so far.

Rate:

A Photo A Week: Window Bench

modern bedroom design

I would love to have a window bench inside my room. I have been dreaming to spend countless hours here while watching the moon and stars, read books or just stare at nothingness after a long day at work. I am really hoping that I can have this little sanctuary soon.*fingers crossed* :D

Potential Treasures (April)

1. Celeteque Dermoscience Acne Solutions Oil Control Toner
   Since I'm quite disappointed with Celeteque Dermoscience Sun Care Facial Moisturizer, I didn't notice this one on the shelf. It was only later when I was mindlessly going through the shelves for some new finds when I noticed this. And since it claims to control oil and most of all, available in small bottle that costs less than Php 100, I gave this a try. Review here...


2. Celeteque Dermoscience  Sun Care Facial Moisturizer
   I started using this during the first few days of April just around Holy Week. I don't think this product is ideal for my skin type, which is combination to oily skin, for it makes my skin look greasy. But then, I do not want my skin to receive unnecessary dose of ultraviolet rays thus my continued use. The gram tube costs Php 150. Product review here...


3. St. Ives Apricot Fresh Skin Scrub Invigorating
   I got this product by mistake but never regret doing so because I love how this one makes my skin feel smooth. One small tube costs Php 69. Here's my review...


4. Purederm Make up Cleansing Tissues
   I haven’t given makeup cleansing tissues a try because I am ok with ordinary wet wipes but I got this when they went on sale (buy one take one). Regular price is Php 29. I got two variants: tea tree and aloe vera.


5. Silk Secrets Aloe Vera moisturizing facial cleanser
   This one costs Php 39 but got this on sale (buy one, take one).


6. Etude House Black Head Remover Dual Sheet (not in the picture)
   This is my first Etude House purchase. Good thing I only got this for Php 79 (single use only) because I don’t find this effective. Check out my review here...


7. Baking Soda (not in the picture)
   I've been reading a lot about the effects of baking soda on skin but it took me ages before giving this a try. The driving forces are my oily skin and the face mask recipe I found in the web. Will post a review after evaluation period is over. LOL