I went through all my stuff and decided to throw away a few things I haven't used for a long time. This made me realize how many moisturizers, toners, lotion, makeup, facial wash, soap, shampoo, conditioner (the list goes on) I have that I haven't even opened. Moral lesson is never buy a product you don't need YET (good luck on that). Though I found products that were barely used, there were also some containers I found totally empty. So I decided to group them together and share my thoughts and personal reasons why they made it to my "good to the last drop" list.

CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE

          This moisturizer was given to me by a good friend (Honey) and since the day I opened this jar I never failed using it everyday. This is a gel like product that feels cool on your face. It doesn't feel heavy and it has a fresh scent. When I use this the night before, my skin feels so hydrated and smooth the next morning.

OLAY Regenerist Night Firming Cream

          I bought this ages ago and didn't have the heart to dispose the empty jar because it was too cute. Anyway, the content is actually as impressive. It has a thick consistency which reminds me of the texture of body butters. I can't really tell if it reduced fine lines on my face but since I started using this it somehow made my skin feel more supple.

OLAY Total Effects Serum

          Before the release of Olay's Regenerist line, this was my very first night moisturizer. It became my instant favorite because it really gives VISIBLE results. This product improved my skin's over all appearance. It instantly feels soft on your skin and it locks in just the right amount of moisture without the greasy feeling.

OLAY Regenerist Superstructure Cream (SPF 30)

          This was the very first Regenerist line I bought and though it's more expensive than the Total Effects line, I still gave it a try. Luckily it worked really good on me with just a single application every morning. Before I went crazy over BB Creams, this was my daytime moisturizer and sunblock. It helped improve my skin tone and protect my skin from UV rays.

GARNIER Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream

          I tried this after reading a guest blog on Miss Emily Eddington's site. Her sister did the review on Garnier's Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector which worked wonderfully on her making her brown spots disappear in just 4 days! Unfortunately, this isn't available locally so I asked Garnier Philippines through their FB page if they can suggest an alternative product and they recommended Garnier Overnight Whitening Peeling Cream. This actually worked well for me because it helped reduce my pimple marks in just a week. It didn't dry off my skin and there were no visible skin peeling even after daily use.

L'oreal Derma Genesis Intensive Night Cream

          This is hands down the best product from L'oreal that I got to try a few years ago. I really have to say I was impressed with the packaging which comes with a flask like body and pump dispenser. The consistency is somehow similar to a thick serum which can be applied smoothly on your face. This product instantly gives your skin a flawless finish which feels like putting on a make-up primer.

THE BODY SHOP Tea Tree Blemish Fade Night Lotion

          This is my go to moisturizer whenever I have pimple break outs. It doesn't dry your face, it offers just the right amount of moisture to keep it hydrated. I love the soothing effect that it gives and it doesn't sting when applied on inflamed pimples. The last time I used this was a year ago and it really helped clear my skin.

          I know you might be wondering how on earth do I put on all these moisturizers. Actually, I bought them separately and consumed each one before purchasing the others. I don't use different brands of the same product alternately so I'd know which ones work well with my face. But if you feel like trying out a newly launched product, you may switch instantly but remember to use it everyday for at least a week to see results. Also, it won't hurt if you do a little research before purchasing a product especially those that are quite expensive. Personal reviews or blogs (ehem, ehem) are actually more helpful instead of the package info or advertisements because you really get to hear from people who tried the product first hand.

NOTES:

• I will be posting other good to the last drop reviews on other products in the next days.
• All products mentioned in this blog are personal preferences and purchases and are in no way intended for advertisement.

TONY MOLY: Magic Blossom Mascara

          

I've never blogged about mascaras simply because I don't use one. Though my lashes really need help in terms of volume and length, I just don't think it's really necessary for my everyday look. Another reason is I have trouble using mascaras. 

I don't know if you went through the same phase as I did when you couldn't figure out what technique to use or how many strokes you need to get the best results and in the end it's a little frustrating not being able to do something so simple and basic for others. 

          I was so skeptical about the use of mascara for a long time that I thought I'd never get to own one. Finally, after I got the Shu Uemura eyelash curler, I considered giving it another try and started looking for an affordable mascara that I wouldn't mind giving away if it doesn't look good on me. Luckily I found Tony Moly Magic Blossom Mascara.

"Uniquely shaped brush"

"without mascara.."

"with Tony Moly Magic Blossom Mascara.."

What I LOVE about it:

• The first thing I noticed about this product was the unique shape of the mascara brush. The middle part has a smaller diameter than the edges so the hard to reach lashes in the inner and outer corners can be grasped easily.
• It doesn't irritate the eyes.
• It doesn't build up after several applications.
• It enhances the volume and length of your lashes naturally.
• It dries almost instantly and doesn't feel heavy on your lashes.
• Stays on for more than 8 hours and doesn't smudge or flake over time.
• It can be removed easily with a facial cleansing cloth or eye makeup remover.
• Affordable price.

What I don't LIKE:

• After one week of everyday use, I have no complaints about this product  at all.

Final Verdict:

          If you like adding just the right amount of volume and length to your lashes (like me) for a natural everyday look, you might find this product a must have. But if you're aiming for a more dramatic effect with noticeable lashes that appear much thicker and longer, this is not the right mascara for you. I won't be giving this away after all and will definitely repurchase it once consumed.

NOTES:

• All products mentioned in this blog are personal preferences and purchases and are in no way intended for advertisement.

L'OREAL: White Perfect BB Cream

          BB Creams have really taken the makeup industry by storm. Most cosmetic companies worldwide, both drugstore and high end, have released their own line of BB Creams. Others may not be so thrilled about choosing from a buffet of BB Creams in the market but I actually love and enjoy trying different brands. 

L-R: Missha, Neutrogena, Tony Moly, Shu Uemura, L'oreal, Garnier

          

          Having a lot of choices for me is a good thing because more choices mean more chances of finding the perfect match for my skin. Also, newly released BB Creams usually offer solutions to problems caused by or not addressed by those released earlier and thus can be considered as improved versions.

          Luckily I was able to find my skin's perfect match thanks to Tony Moly's Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream. But my search didn't end there, I still try out other brands as they release new BB Creams. Just recently I got L'oreal White Perfect BB Cream as a gift and I've been using this for more than a week now.

(R) Immediate Swatch

(L) few minutes after blending;

(R) 1 hour after application

What I LOVE about it:

• It comes in a 30 ml squeeze out tube which gives you full control of dispensing just the right amount of product. 
• The size is travel friendly so you can just put it in your makeup pouch. 
• A little amount actually goes a long way, just a pea size is enough to cover your entire face and neck. 
• It has a light creamy texture comparable to that of Tony Moly's Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream that spreads effortlessly.
• It instantly lightens your skin tone and immediately blends with your complexion without giving a gray undertone.
• It has medium coverage which can hide minor skin imperfections and discoloration but this might not be enough to conceal darker spots.
• It gives your skin a moisturized finish without looking greasy.
• It feels very light on your skin and it doesn't cake or crease over time.

What I don't like:

• Though it offers protection from both UVA and UVB, it only has SPF20. You might want to pair this with a primer that has higher SPF so you won't worry about having to reapply it during the day.
• This particular product is not locally available.

I recommend this product  to those of you who:

• want a moisturized and naturally dewy skin
• need medium coverage to hide skin imperfections.
• have less sun exposure and don't need a higher SPF.
• don't mind applying a primer with higher SPF.

RELATED POSTS:

• All About BB Creams
• Not Just Another BB Cream
• My Very First Makeup Primer
• Shu Uemura UV Under Base BB Mousse

NOTES:

• I'll be trying Garnier's BB Cream and will be doing a review on it next time.
• Since Aveeno and Olay (my 2 most favorite brands of moisturizers) haven't joined the band wagon of manufacturing their own BB Cream and they have tinted moisturizers instead, I was thinking of doing a comparison on them soon.
• All products mentioned in this blog are personal preferences and purchases and are in no way intended for advertisement.