Memory storage these days is relevant especially for a very sentimental person like me. I feel that it's a must to make memories last by preserving them in any way possible. Actually, one doesn't have to be sentimental to save things. Important documents, files, movies, games, pictures are just a few random things that need back up just in case you unexpectedly lose your original copy. 

Sad to say that I learned backing up files the hard way because all my documents literally sank down the drain when I lost my laptop during a disastrous flood in 2009. From then on, I vowed to having a rescue copy of all my important documents. Thanks to technology, big things now come in small packages like the hp USB flash drive I purchased from Deal Dozen over a month ago.

As the label says, this USB flash drive is true to its description of being sleek, compact and durable.

I love that it has a loop which can be easily attached to a key ring or bag zipper. This way, you have a lesser chance of misplacing it and you can always bring it with you anywhere you go.

This USB swings either way to expose and access the connector. Though this may look a little less sturdy for a USB, I think that the design is quite durable and stylish at the same time.

It's nearly as small as a Php 10 coin but has the capacity of storing 32 GB worth of data. How's that for such a small gadget that costs less than PhP 1,000?

I do recommend this to those who need extra storage space without the hassle of having to use a bulky external drive. I'll consider buying another for myself if I'll be needing it in the future but for now, this hp 32GB USB flash drive is enough to back up my important data.

CHARM ESSENTIALS: Luxe Mini Kabuki

Hello friends, I just want to share with you my ultimate favorite makeup tool, Charm Essentials luxe mini kabuki brush.

I've seen this tool receiving great reviews from many bloggers and I've been meaning to buy one because my kabuki brush from The Body Shop is too big and doesn't have a pouch anymore (misplaced somewhere). Good thing I didn't have to buy one thanks to Shen's Addiction 4th Anniversary giveaway.

The box says that this Charm Essentials Kabuki Brush is made from the softest vegan hair and can be used to apply powder, blush, bronzer, even creamy and wet makeup. Good thing they included washing instructions so you'd know how to clean it properly.

I love that the brush has its own sturdy pouch and it can fit even the smallest kikay kit. The bristles are densely packed and feel so soft on your skin. The versatility of the brush is another good factor because you don't have to bring several other brushes. This small wonder can already serve as a foundation, powder and blush brush. The color is just an added bonus since I love everything pink. The price is also something to look forward to because it only retails for Php 336. This is definitely a great buy for a good quality multitasking brush.

Overall, I love this brush and I do recommend it to those of you who want value for your money. This is actually my very first brush from Charm Essentials and I am definitely buying their other brushes when I need to replace my older ones. 

TONY MOLY: Clear Water eye and lip makeup remover

I've always been very particular with washing my face at the end of the day especially after wearing makeup. I usually go straight to washing without the aid of a makeup remover but recently during my visit to Tony Moly, I gave in to getting myself one.

I got the Tony Moly clear water lip and eye makeup remover bundled with a Cat's Wink mascara but it can also be bought separately. 

The makeup remover comes in a 165 ml  frosted plastic bottle with a flip top. I was so excited when I saw the familiar suction cap. If it weren't for reading other blogs on skin care products, I wouldn't have known how to dispense the contents. If this is your first time to see such container, read on to find out how it works and see if you'll be amazed like I was initially.

Step 1: Place the cotton pad/ball on top of the suction cap.

Step 2: Gently push downward just like a pump dispenser.

Step 3: Lift the cotton off the suction cap and see how the contents are absorbed entirely by the pad.

PROS:

Effectively removes makeup, even water proof and long wearing mascaras

It didn't cause any adverse skin reactions

It leaves your skin fresh and hydrated without any greasy feeling

It has a refreshing scent

Dispenses the right amount of product with just a single pump

CONS:

The Php 398 tag is quite steep for its amount.

This product impressed me since day 1 and I do recommend it to those who want an effective makeup remover that leaves the skin feeling hydrated and nongreasy. I am definitely replenishing this once it runs out. 

SNOE: Magic Apple Whitening S-rub

Aloha! A week ago I was just passing by Landmark and saw their ongoing sale at the beauty section. I wasn't really planning to buy anything, but when I saw that Snoe products were on sale, I couldn't help but check out their stuff.

Snoe products are proudly Philippine made and they have been creating their mark in the beauty industry. I've never tried Snoe before and luckily I found out that they have a kiosk in Landmark, Trinoma.

Miss Jessica was the first one who assisted me and pleasantly introduced me their products. I was really impressed with how nice and accommodating she was. I wasn't really looking for a particular product but I got  quite  intrigued with this..

Snoe magic apple whitening s-rub with emphasis on the s-rub. I know what you're thinking, I also thought it was a typo but it's not. The name actually describes how the product is used.

The term s-rub was used because you literally rub the product off 5 minutes after application. You may use this on dry or dark areas of your body like the elbows, knees and heels.

I used the back of my hand for illustrative purposes. Notice how dead skin is sloughed off after rubbing the product against your skin and how it instantly lightened my complexion. Below is the unedited version of the before and after pictures.

Before using Snoe Magic Apple Whitening S-rub

After using Snoe Magic Apple Whitening S-rub

Though it improved my complexion immediately after first use, I can't help but think that the effect may be secondary to the white cast that this product leaves even after rubbing it off completely.

It will be too early to pass judgement on its whitening effect since I've only used this once. I'll just continue using it for a few weeks and I'll let you know how it goes.

To Miss Jessica and Miss Andrea of Snoe in Landmark, thank you very much for being so accommodating and friendly. I will be visiting you again soon to try out other Snoe products.

How about you? Have you tried this or any other Snoe products? Let me know, click on the comments section below and share your experiences with us.

Shen's Addiction 4th Anniversary Giveaway Winners

I was so ecstatic to see my name on the winners list of Shen's Addiction 4th Anniversary Giveaway. I've been looking forward to it since the long weekend and just last night I saw the announcement on Shen's blog.



Image coutesy of Shen's Addiction

I've been a silent follower of Shen's Addiction for almost 2 years now, but it's my first time to participate in one of her many giveaways. Aside from the very tempting prizes, I felt the requirements for joining were easy to accomplish especially the question "how did Shen's Addiction beauty blog encouraged you to explore beauty?". For me, that query was far too easy to answer because I didn't have to think hard about it and in no time, I came up with a lengthy (not too boring, I hope) narration of my fascination for skin care and beauty products and how Shen's Addiction took part in it.


To Miss Shen, you don't have a clue how this simple announcement lifted my spirits. Thank you again from the bottom of every vital organ in my body. To everyone else who won, congratulations!

TIDBITS:

• I just exchanged email messages with Miss Shen and we already arranged for a meet-up to claim the prizes and maybe have a little time to get to know each other or exchange beauty secrets.. :)
• I was invited to attend a Bloggers Convention soon but it actually falls on a Sunday so I'm still thinking it through.
• I wish I can take better pictures to share in my blog, especially before and after images to really show the difference.

DOVE: Overnight Treatment

Falling hair as well as hair breakage are issues we should all address and I've been doing just that for the past months now. I started using anti-breakage shampoo and conditioner recently and just 2 weeks ago I decided to increase my hair care routine a notch higher by purchasing Dove intense repair overnight treatment.

It comes in a 120 ml bottle with a pump that can be twisted either way to lock/unlock the spout. This product smells divine and is non greasy. Its texture is comparable to a lotion which instantly melts into your hair. I love waking up to tangle-free hair that feels light and soft to touch. 

Dove says that it deeply penetrates damaged hair throughout the night to actively replenish vital proteins and restore strength. Just apply 2 to 3 pumps onto damp or towel dried hair and leave it on overnight. You can wash your hair or style it immediately the next morning. You may use it at least once a week for optimum results.

PROS:

Very pleasing scent

It has a non greasy formula

 Leaves your hair feeling light and soft

Doesn't stain your pillows/sheets

Very easy to apply and use 

Comes in a spill proof container 

CONS:

The price is quite steep (Php 390) for a 120 ml hair care product.

I love Dove hair care products and this one is a new addition to my favorites. I do recommend it to those who want to wake up to silky soft and manageable hair. I can't say for now if this product truly strengthened my hair strands since I've only been using this for a few days now but the immediate results of having smooth and tangle free hair are enough for me to say that I will be repurchasing this in the future.

SEMBEM: Cosmetic Cotton

Hello ladies! I've been using Clinique clarifying lotion 2 for more than a month now and I must say that it has become one of my current favorites. The only problem I have with it is the price and in order to address this, I've made a conscious decision to use it sparingly.

I tried using smaller pieces of cotton but ease of application was compromised because it's hard to work around the entire face and neck with just a parcel of cotton. So I tried circular cotton pads but they were too thick and were easily deformed when in use. 

Good thing this afternoon I did what I do best.. searched through countless counters in the beauty section of Landmark and there it was.. the answer to my dilemma.

The Sembem cosmetic cotton comes in various sizes and containers and since this is just a trial purchase, I chose the smallest box containing 80 pads. 

I love that the manufacturing as well as the expiration dates are indicated on the box. I would've told you what else the back label says but unfortunately they're all in Korean. 

The pads are so thin that they remind me of wet tissues but quite thicker. I know what you're thinking, how can this thin sheet be better than cotton balls or cotton pads? Despite being thin, this small wonder is so absorbent. One sheet only needs a small amount of toner to get soaked so you're really saving a lot. Best of all, it doesn't get deformed or torn apart even after use. 

I encourage all you girls and guys out there to become economical consumers. Always remember that saving starts in the simplest and smallest things. 

I  therefore recommend this product to everyone and I am definitely repurchasing the biggest box next time. This small size containing 80 sheets costs Php 29.75 at Landmark, Trinoma.

GAP: Dream Body Mist

Just recently, I was lucky enough to go with a balikbayan cousin to Duty Free. We were planning to just look around and buy items that are on sale. Several things got our attention and made us think twice, thrice and more but the one thing I didn't have second thoughts on buying was GAP dream body mist. 

The GAP dream body mist comes in a slim bottle that you can easily slip in your bag. It has a light powdery scent that can last for several hours leaving you feeling refreshed. I'm not quite sure of the retail price in department stores but the $11.50 tag is already a great steal for me. 

I do recommend this to those of you who want a fresh, clean scent you can use everyday. If you love fruity or flowery scents, this might not be your usual taste but it wouldn't hurt to stray away from your favorites and try something new. Otherwise, you may try their other scent So Pink. As for me, I love how this smells and I will be repurchasing their other body mist scents when this runs out.