Smart Move or Not?

It's been a month since my week long battle against Smart Communications to fix my internet connection. Since I lost my internet connection for one week, I am hoping that the one week charge will be deducted off of my bill. I already brought this up to their customer service representatives (through phone, twitter and at one of their wireless centers here in Iloilo) but until now, I haven't got a clue as to what their decision is.

If I'm not entitled to rebate or reversal, they should have informed me right then and there. But as usual, people from Smart Communications chose to ignore one long-time customer's woes. I'm hoping that those new subscribers they lured using their current promo won't go through what I did.

Review: L’Oreal Color Riche Lipcolour

I saw this carded lipstick, gathering dust at my aunt’s dresser. I checked the item and learned that it’s from L’Oreal, the colour riche line in Paradise Plum shade. Knowing my aunt and her preferences when it comes to beauty products, I know this would be sitting in there forever until someone pick this up and ask for it. I asked my aunt for it and she gladly gave me this. Happy me!

The packaging is nothing special. In fact when I searched the internet, I can no longer find this lipstick with the same packaging as mine. I think it has been discontinued or repackaged since there are still lots of colour riche available online but the outer color of the packaging is gold, unlike mine that is dark violet, like that of an eggplant.

What I like about this product:
Amidst my current neon pink lipstick obsession, at some point I feel like wearing a red lipstick, but not bloody or bright one. I want a classic red or brick red lipstick probably due to my hidden fascination to classic fashion and this Paradise Plum from L’Oreal is what I have been looking for. It’s a deep red shade with plum undertone. Although it isn’t as flirty as bright red lipstick, this shade shouts attention hence I prefer to wear this only in days when I feel like I need some or when I just want to be playful. I rarely use this to work and I don’t suggest that you do especially if you are in a laid back work environment or if you kinda conservative when it comes to makeup. One needs to have a great deal of self confidence to pull off this look so be ready.

Like most cream lipsticks, the formula of this one from L’Oreal is moisturizing and has flawless beautiful finish. It isn’t causing dry, chapped lips. It is highly pigmented too. It can last for up to three to four hours.

What I do not like about this product:
Since it is cream lipstick, it feels kinda sticky and heavy on the lips thus making you feel conscious and gives you the impression that you are wearing too much even if you applied one or two swipes only. I also find it challenging to apply this lipstick precisely. It tends to smudge when applied near the edge of the lips, could be because I don’t have steady pulse ?) but I’m not having the same problem with some of my lipstick. Of course, using a lip brush is the best way to resolve the issue.

Will I repurchase?
More likely! I want to try pink and coral shades from this line.

Rate:

Other products from L'Oreal...

Review: Nivea Sparkling White Day Care Oil Control Cream

 Product Description:
Life is filled with challenging and exciting moments and you want to enjoy them while looking your best. You desire your complexion to sparkle with a fair and beautiful glow radiating from the inside.

NIVEA VISAGE SPARKLING WHITE DAY CARE OIL CONTROL works both on the surface and within the skin to bring out your inner glow:

1. WHITENS. White Crystallites, in combination with White Pure Actives, support the skin’s lightening process to prevent brown spots formation and reduce uneven pigmentation bringing out your inner glow.
2. CONTROLS SHINE. The cream contains Carnitine, a precious active ingredient naturally present in the skin. This effectively regulates skin's oil production deep within the cells, thus reducing excess oil on skin surface.

Advanced UVA/UVB protection filters protect your skin from UV rays, which cause pigmentation, dark and uneven skin tone. Result: The skin is hydrated and mattified. Your complexion is noticeably fairer and radiant instantly. For optimal whitening results use the whole range of NIVEA SPARKLING WHITE. Does not clog pores. Skin compatibility dermatologically approved.

Ingredients:

This is one of the products I got as a prize from a contest for bloggers hosted by Nuffnang Ph and sponsored by Nivea Philippines. This came to me one Friday morning over two weeks ago but since I was trying a new organic soap at that time, I didn’t use this immediately. I wanted to wait for two weeks (one month after I started using the soap) to start using this cream but since I am excited and curious how this will affect my skin, I used this immediately. I used not only this cream, but also the Nivea Acne Oil Control Foam and Nivea Sparkling White Pore Minimizing Night Cream all at the same time.

Oh well! That was one of the worst mistakes I have done so far – trying all new three products at the same time. A few days after I started using this cream, pimples start showing up. I got a couple of large ones and around five smaller ones. I wanted to stop using all three and go back to my previous skin care regimen but then I’m afraid doing so will confuse my skin further. I stopped using the other two and stick to this instead.

Nivea Sparkling White Day Care Oil Control Cream comes in a round white jar with white plastic twist open cap. The combination of white cap and jar with minimal graphics and text makes for a simply yet chic packaging.

The consistency of this Nivea Sparkling White Day Care Oil Control cream is lighter than that of Nivea crème (the one in blue tin jar). I have been using this cream for around a month already and here’s my verdict.

What I like about this product:
Since the cream is light, applying this is very easy. It just glides on the face thus easy to spread evenly. It is absorbed by the skin really fast and dries after a minute, or less, hence it doesn’t take much of your time for pre-makeup rituals. It isn’t the only thing I like about this Nivea product. I truly love how it feels light! Once it is absorbed by the skin, you will never feel that you applied anything to it. It doesn’t make the skin dry or oily. The skin feels supple and it gives that healthy look. I haven’t even experienced that tingling sensation or itchy feeling.

When it comes to controlling the oil, this cream is doing a good job. Although my skin is not totally oil-free for the rest of the day, the oil production mellowed down somehow. The number of times I blot throughout the day is lessened.

Its scent is so light and it fades almost immediately while applying the cream.

This cream is reasonably priced as well. One jar costs a little over Php 300 but you surely will get what you are paying for.

What I do not like about this product:
A few days after first use, pimples started popping up. Back then, I cannot say that it is because of this cream alone because as what I’ve said before, I started using three new products all at the same time. I then stopped using the other two products and focus on this cream for around a month. Thankfully, large pimples are not bugging me anymore, probably my skin has gotten used to it.

Will I repurchase?
Probably! I believe long-term use will yield desirable effects.

Rate:

Other products from Nivea...

A Photo A Week: Antonia

I know summer is over. But I have to include this photo to my "A Photo A Week" series simply because of its beauty. The island is called Antonia (an-to-nee-ya), one of the islands in Islas de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo. I want to go back there because I can't get enough of its bluish green water and I still have to visit a nearby cave. Indulging in the beauty of this island for a night or two is surely worth all the effort.

See my detailed post here...

Review: Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Powder Foundation

Product Description:

• 100% micro-minerals not only provide flawless coverage, but also make your skin clearer, smoother and more radiant – even when you’re not wearing any.
• Results clinically proven after 8 weeks*
• 52% improvement in skin smoothness, 49% improvement in skin  luminosity, 43% reduction in redness

*Based on a clinical study

Ingredients:

Having a workstation located a few meters away from the workstation of someone who sells makeup is quite challenging. You need to muster every effort you can in order to stay away from temptation that is the colorful makeup that can potentially hurt the pocket. But last week I gave in when I see this Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Powder Foundation.

I gave in not because this is the best ever mineral powder foundation that has ever existed but because I haven’t had a mineral powder foundation before and I am curious about how it will work for me. Additionally, this one comes with a mini kabuki so I think it’s a good deal. ;)

Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Powder Foundation has transparent acrylic container and brown twist cap. Like most mineral powder foundation and blushers, this one has sifter where the product goes through and lessens the mess.

The shade I got is classic ivory light 2. I got this for Php 350.

What I like about this product:
First thing I like about this powder foundation is that it has SPF 18 sunscreen. You know, from the time I learned that excessive sun exposure contributes to aging and may cause skin cancer; I have been aiming to use sun protection skin care products as much as possible. Thus when I saw the “SPF 18 sunscreen” printed on the label, I scored this product one point.

Other mineral products I tried smell awful but this one is different. It is being true to its “no fragrance” claim. It also has no preservatives, no oils and talc. The absence of talc prevents or at least lessens the clogging of pores and we all know that clogged pores usually cause blackheads and pimples.

I love how this powder foundation helps lessen the oil on my face. I only need to lightly blot my face a few times a day, which is not possible before because blotting was necessary almost every hour. This product’s lasting power is admirable as well. I only apply once in the morning before leaving the house and I didn’t see the need to re-apply even after eight hours. Yes, I’m not the one who applies heavy makeup but I just knew it when the foundation lasts on my skin or not. This mineral powder foundation is ideal for practical women like me because a little goes a long way. Aside from that, it also provides you more spare time since re-application many times a day is not really necessary.
Based on the label, active ingredient of this product is titanium dioxide 5%. Upon checking Cosdna, a cosmetic analyzer website, the said ingredient functions as pigment sunscreen. It has considerable UVA and extensive UVB. It is less likely to cause acne and has 0 irritant.

So yes, you will surely get what you paid for with Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Powder Foundation.

What I do not like about this product:
I wish the jar has a sort of stopper after the sifter to prevent the powder from going through the holes when not in use and messing the whole jar in the end. I think that is the only thing I do not like about this product.

This may not be the product itself but since it comes with the purchase, I must confess that the small kabuki brush isn’t that amazing at all. It’s somewhat hard making it difficult to blend. You are more likely to have uneven application because of that. I ditch the Maybelline brush for a softer brush to have that even and flawless finish and make application easy.

Will I repurchase?
Definitely!

Rate:

Other mineral products from Maybelline:

Review: Nivea Angel Star Lotion

This is one of the products I got as prize from a contest for bloggers hosted by Nuffnang Ph for Nivea Philippines. Though I have been a Nivea user for many years, I never get around to using Angel Star lotion because I already pledged my loyalty to Nivea Intensive Moisture Body Milk. But since it is included in the package sent to me; that would be a waste not to use this.

Nivea Angel Star Lotion comes in a plastic bottle with the shape similar to that of other Nivea lotion and body milk. But unlike the typical blue and white bottle, this one is pink. Perhaps the pink bottle is one of the reasons why I never pay particular attention to this. LOL! This lotion is formulated to provide balanced moisture to those with mixed skin. In other words, the oily zones are mattified and the dry zones are intensively moisturized.

Unlike the Nivea body milk, this lotion has the same thick consistency as the Nivea UV Protect I reviewed months ago. Like its bottle, the lotion itself is also pink and the smell has that raspberry scent (thus the pink motif). I have been using this lotion for more than two weeks now and below is the verdict.

Product Description:
For your "wow-effect"!
NIVEA Angel Star Body Lotion provides a soft feel and even look for your skin all day long.

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:
I love that this product aims to help people with mixed skin. But then, I cannot determine whether or not it indeed mattifies oily zones because I don’t have oily body skin. All I know is that, this lotion moisturizes the skin just right. Since this lotion has thicker consistency, a little goes a long way so long as you massage it to your skin properly to even out the application. That doesn’t only enable you to save but also prompt you to give your skin daily massage which is good for blood circulation. It doesn’t make the skin greasy too! This is perfect for everyday use especially to those to people with mixed skin.

This lotion is widely available in most grocery, department stores and drugstores nationwide.

What I do not like about this product:
I do not like the raspberry scent of this lotion. Good thing the scent doesn’t last long on the skin. So far that’s the only thing I do not like about Nivea Angel Star Lotion.

Will I repurchase?
Maybe not! I am not a big fan of raspberry scents. I am still loyal to Nivea Intensive Moisture Body Milk.

Rate:

Looklet-alike

Is anyone of you a member of Looklet? To those who are not familiar with it, Looklet is a website white amazing feature in which you can dress up the picture of a human model and save the looks you created to your account. Creating account is free and I think the site thrives on advertisements from brands whose items are included in a wide array of clothes, shoes, bags and accessories you can use on your model. They even hold contests and give away stuff as prizes.

Gallery of clothes, shoes, bags, accessories (right side)

Gallery of models (right side)

Backgrounds (right side)

Effects (right side)

Since becoming a member a few years back, I have created quite a few looks using different models. I even posted some of my creations here in this blog. I am grateful for this site because it fulfills my fantasies of having high end clothes, shoes, bags and accessories. Styling the models makes me feel like I am styling myself with items I cannot afford to buy. It’s not only a great stress-reliever for me but also a fun way to cultivate your creativity and fashion sense.

Sadly, this site has been discontinued. *weeps* I meant, the site is there, you can still dress up the model but you can no longer save the looks you created. It’s no longer maintained the same as before. Actually, the site administrators informed their members ahead of time about the changes that will occur. I am just sad with how this site ended. This could have been a perfect training ground for potential and frustrated stylists and those who love to dress up. I’m seriously hoping that someone will revive this site and bring back the life it once had.

And if any of you knows a site similar to this, please let me know. Doing so will surely make this sad girl really happy. :D

Here are some of the looks I managed to save...
Floral Skirt: What to Wear With It
Feel Good with Black Pants
Halloween Fashion

Ysa Skin and Body Experts Discount Card

Yesterday, the representatives from Ysa Skin and Body Experts stayed in our office for almost a day to market their discount card to the employees. The card cost Php 399 and with it comes 16 coupons;

Ysa price list

Discount coupons

• 1 coupon for free consultation
• 1 coupon for free intense diamond peel
• 4 coupons for 50% off basic facial
• 2 coupons for 60% off intense diamond peel
• 2 coupons for buy 1 take 1 intense diamond peel
• 2 coupons for 50% off permanent make up (lipstick, eyebrow, eyeline, eye lid)
• 2 coupons for 50% electrocautery
• 2 coupons for 50% on cavi slim

I am sure I won’t be able to use all the coupons here since I have no plans of getting permanent make up nor do I need cavi slims. But with the free intense diamond peel alone, you will already get more than what you paid for. I am just hoping that they will give coupon holders the same service they are giving to customers who are paying the regular price. I haven’t availed the services of Ysa and I am curious to try how they fare. I will definitely review it here but I am afraid it won’t be happening soon because my week is already loaded and I am not sure if I can spare an hour or two for “prettifying” session. Maybe in a week or two.

The coupons are valid until December 31, 2012 so no need to hurry.

Review: Glamworks Nose Pore Strip

If you constantly read my blog posts, you know that one of my major skin problems is my blackheads. I’ve got large pores with deep-seated blackheads hence making me feel conscious when I notice that someone close to me is staring at my face. With this, I’m constantly searching for the most effective facial wash, toner and other products that can help me solve my skin issue.

I tried a lot of products including blackhead removal strips. I used Etude House Blackhead Remover Dual Sheet but I didn’t find it effective. I felt like I wasted my money on it. That experience made me wary about blackhead removal strips but being a hopeful and persistent that I am, I decided to give this a go. Anyway, I read a couple of good reviews about this so I felt that somehow this would work on me as well.

Glamworks Nose Pore Strip comes in a yellow box with 12 pieces of individually-wrapped nose strips. The wrapper is nothing fancy of some sort. It’s just plain foil wrapper with product label and instruction in black text. The shiny side of the strip (the side that is stuck to the skin) is protected by a plastic liner. The other side (the wrong side if you’re a seamstress) has cottony texture.

Product Description:
Glamworks Nose Pore Strips instantly removes pore-clogging dirt, oil and blackheads. It helps reduce the appearance of pores with regular use.

Ingredients:

What I like about this product:
This product is so cheap! For Php 99, you will get 12 strips, good for 6 weeks when used twice a week. I like this product not only because it’s cheap, but it works too. The strip may not have removed every blackhead I have, but seeing the strip after I peel it off my skin makes me really happy because it removed a considerable amount of blackheads and whiteheads (WARNING: Yucky picture below.) I believe that regular use will indeed help alleviate my skin problem hence giving me a little confidence boost. :D

I expected that peeling the strip off my skin is painful but to my surprise, it didn’t cause me even the slightest pain. I think as long as you follow the direction on how to use the product properly, you will never go wrong with this product. And it isn’t that hard to use at all!

I can’t wait how it will affect my skin with long-term use.

What I do not like about this product:
I do not like this product’s smell. It can’t decide whether it smells like rubber or paper. LOL! But for me, it’s nothing I cannot tolerate because the smell seems to fade as the time goes by. After all, the strip has to stay on the skin for only 10 – 15 minutes so it’s really tolerable.

Will I repurchase?
Definitely! But I also want to try the one from Watson’s (brand).

Rating:

Tips:
If you have time, try to steam your face for a few minutes to open your pores and give the strip easy access to deep-seated blackheads.

Potential Treasures (June)

1. Nivea Baby Pure and Fresh Wipes
   I always make it a point to keep a pack of wet wipes in my bag. I believe this is for adults also.
   
   
2. Glam Works Nose Pore Strip
   I heard good reviews about this one so I’m hopeful about this. Used this twice already and so far so good!
   
   
3. Nivea Sparkling White Acne Oil Control Foam
   This product claims to clean deeper into the pores thus I use this at night only in the hopes of removing all the dirt, dust and other irritants my skin gathered during the day.
   
   
4. Nivea Sparkling White Pore Minimizing Night Cream
   If this one is indeed true to its promise, I will surely be very happy since it claims to minimize pores.
   
   
5. Nivea Sparkling White Whitening Day Care Oil Control
   The name says it all! I have been using this for around a week only but I noticed that it indeed controls the facial oil.
   
   
6. L’oreal Colour Riche Lipcolour
   Got this in Paradise Plum.
   
   
7. All Organics Tomato Face and Body Soap
   This organic soap claims to tone the skin, helps reduce blemishes and tightens pores. I have been using this for more than two weeks now and so far I am loving the result.