Hey guys! Don't you just love the growing community of local online shops? Years ago, online purchasing was too risky and quite expensive. There weren't a lot of legitimate sellers even on ebay. Now, most shops you see in department stores have their own websites that allow you to purchase online! One of my favorites these days is Beauty Bar. 

Beauty Bar carries both international and homegrown brands that can suit any budget. If you're like me who thinks a gazillion times (believe it or not) before splurging on makeup, then you'll love it when Beauty Bar goes on sale. Actually, they did last week and I was just in time to snag two awesome items from Koh Gen Do and Artdeco.

I got the Koh Gendo Aqua Foundation which comes in this lovely 30 ml frosted bottle with an equally beautiful metallic cap.

This foundation offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It's quite handy so you can just pop it in your kikay pouch and bring with you to travel. 

Under the cap you'll see it has a pump dispenser which totally appeals to me. Although you really need to keep it covered because the pump doesn't have a lock.

 This foundation is fluidlike but not too runny. It spreads and melts effortlessly on your skin leaving a matte finish with a hint of glow. It has light to medium coverage that's buildable but you may still need a concealer to hide darker blemishes. It has decent staying power, lasting a good 4 hours before I noticed a little creasing and a bit of shine on my T-zone.

It comes in a variety of shades so it's almost impossible not to get a close if not a perfect match for every skin tone. I'm NC 30 in MAC and Koh Gen Do's OC 2 suits me perfectly. For a more accurate choice, I suggest you visit Beauty Bar and try them on to see for yourself. They have lovely sales reps who will gladly assist you to find the right shade. If you have more time to spare, you can shop around for a while and see how it looks after an hour before deciding. 

I took advantage of the ongoing sale and got the Artdeco Skin Perfecting Make-up Base as well.

It comes in a 15 ml flasktype container with a snap on cover. 

Removing the cap reveals a pump dispenser so you get just the right amount of product with each use.

This primer is silicone free so it doesn't clog your pores. 

It has a translucent color and is virtually scent free. I love the silky smooth texture and how it applies effortlessly on your skin. You may not see it on the images above but it somehow erased a few lines. 

 Now for the ultimate test, I tried priming my skin with Artdeco before applying the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation. Ease of application was better and my skin looked less shiny. The foundation looked more matte and creases were less noticeable. The entire look also lasted longer (6 hours) with minimal to no touch-ups needed. 

Overall, I really like both products either separately or in combination. The Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation does a good job of giving you a naturally blemish free finish especially with the help of a good concealer. The Artdeco Skin Perfecting Make-up Base is an equally good product that helps make the foundation look better and last longer. The only downside in purchasing these products? The hefty tag which is why I honestly wouldn't have bought them if it weren't for the 45% discount offer. The Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation originally retails for 2,750 Php while the Artdeco Skin Perfecting Make-up Base is 995 Php but I got them for only 1,512.50 Php and 547.25 Php repectively. 

That's about it! You may want to check out your nearest Beauty Bar branch to avail of their promo or visit their online shop so you can browse through all the products. Want to buy online but you don't have a credit card or paypal account? That wouldn't be a problem since you may opt to pick up your purchased items at any Beauty Bar branch. This way, you get to save more because no shipping and handling fees will be charged. Thank you for reading and have an awesome weekend!

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KIKAY EXPRESS: Cosmetic Cotton

Hey guys! This is just a quick entry about my new fab find, the Haoling Cosmetic Cotton. I ran out of my usual cotton from Sembem and was about to repurchase one when I saw this cute box and bought it instead. 

I could've sworn this product is Korean but the characters on the back label don't look like it. Anyway, it only retails for 29.75 Php in Landmark which is pretty much the same with Sembem but the box really appealed to me in a good way that I decided to buy it instead.

The top opens up like a chest cover and I love that it neatly folds back to close. 

Inside you will see the stack of cotton neatly sealed in a zip-lock type of plastic container. 

The cotton may look really thin but trust me when I say that it's densely packed. I love that it only needs a little amount of product to get soaked hence making your products last longer. 

Although the cotton is thin, the diameter is wide enough for ease of use. I love using it to remove my makeup and applying my toner. This will definitely remain in my repurchase list. I guess that's it. Thank you for reading and have a great day!

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My Current Skincare Regimen

Hey guys! I've been loving the effects of my current skincare regimen which consists of different product brands that thankfully work well together on me. Read further and see if we have some things in common. 

I start the day with cleansing my face using the Shiseido Ibuki Purifying Cleanser. This has got to be the gentlest facial scrub I've ever tried. It has fine micro beads that effectively penetrate your pores yet gently formulated for everyday use. I love that a small amount is all you need to cleanse your face and neck. It retails for 1,495 Php/125 ml tube which I'm pretty sure will last a long time. 

Dr. Lopez-Nazal's Acne lotion is my holy grail for pimple prevention and treatment. I've been using it for more than a decade and though the bottle has changed several times throughout the years, the formula remains as effective. You know how some acne treatment products tend to desensitize or get less effective in time? Well this hasn't and it never failed me each time I reach out for it. You may buy this from Dr. Lopez-Nazal's Clinic in St. Luke's or at all branches of YSA Skincare Center for 492.80 Php/200 ml bottle. 

You're probably wondering why the eos lip balm made it to this list. I tell you, it's an integral part of my skin care routine. You know how your lips tend dry up after washing your face and applying toner? Well thanks to this lip balm it feels like my lips are getting the same TLC as my skin. It retails for 250 Php and you may buy it locally from online sellers. Beware of imitations though and buy only from trusted sellers like The Fab Panda. 

I recently blogged about the wonders of this Youth Code Pre-Essence from L'oréal. The effects are so good and visible that I never stopped using it, you can definitely tell from the amount of product left on the bottle. Although L'oréal specifically indicated to use it before your usual skin care routine, I bent a little and use it after applying my toner. I love that it has a runny consistency, spreads easily, feels light and melts easily on my skin. This is available in all L'oréal counters in leading department stores for 1,495 Php. 

My current moisturizer is none other than my all-time favorite Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. I've been wanting to get the "plus" version but I still have this tube in my stash so I opted to finish it before splurging on another. I love how this moisturizer feels light yet effectively keeps your skin hydrated without looking too oily. A little goes a long way so I just put a pea size on my forehead, cheeks and chin each time. You may get this from Clinique counters in department stores and you might want to do it by March or September during Clinique Bonus Time to avail of their freebies for a minimum amount of purchase. I got this for free from Clinique Bonus Time but the full size is almost twice as big (50 ml) and comes with a pump dispenser which retails for only 1,350 Php. 

I'm slowly easing into using Shiseido products and it all started with this Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream with SPF 38, a gift from my loving fiancé. I love to use this as base for my BB Cream because it doesn't leave a white cast or feel heavy on my skin and the scent isn't to strong that it fades almost instantly after application. I'm not so sure how much this product is but my fiancé got it on sale for less than $10. I tried looking for this locally but Shiseido said we don't have it here.

Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream has always been part of my daily routine. I love the coverage and how it can go from light to medium. It gives you a brightening effect without being shiny. It has a decent staying power and still looks radiant after several hours. This 30 ml tube comes with a CC Cream of the same size and retails for 948 Php. You can also get the full size without the CC Cream for 748 Php/45 ml tube. 

After a long day, I use Ziaja Jasmine Micellar Water to remove my makeup. This product is water based but may sting a little so don't soak your cotton too much especially around your eye area. A tiny bit is all you need to melt your eye makeup and BB Cream. This 200 ml bottle has been with me for 3 months and will probably last 3 months more. It's available in Beauty Bar for only 295 Php. 

You may be wondering why I didn't mention an eye cream, this is because I haven't been using one religiously but I really plan to just as soon as I figure out which eye cream to get. So that wraps up my skin care routine for the past months. I hope you saw something that tickled your interest. Feel free to shoot me a question on any of the products mentioned and I'll attend to you as soon as I can. Thanks for reading and have a blessed week!

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NYX: Powder Blush - Pinched

Hey guys! I recently posted about a good friend who opened her new online shop The Fab Panda and one of the items I bought was the NYX Powder Blush in Pinched.

It comes in a small and simple compact with a transparent cover so you get a glimpse of the shade from outside which is a good thing especially when you're shopping for makeup. Although the inclusion of a blush brush and built-in mirror would've been better for added convenience especially when traveling, I still like the overall packaging.

The blush is beautifully designed, has a very fine texture and feels velvety. It also applies smoothly on your face and can be blended easily for that natural looking radiance. It has good color payoff that you only need to dip your brush lightly to achieve a flushed finish.

It may look a little intimidating from the pan because of the bright peachy pink hue with gold sparkles but it blends quite well with your skin once applied. It instantly gives you a rosy glow without too much sparkle. They say it's a good dupe for the iconic NARS blush in orgasm but I couldn't really say so myself since I haven't tried NARS. It lasted more than 6 hours without retouching and I love how it seem to look more natural towards the end of the day when it fades a little. Good thing this blush didn't irritate my skin or cause pimple break outs. 

Overall, I really love this powder blush from NYX that I recommend it to those of you who want a good quality powder blush without the hefty tag. I got it for only 250 Php from The Fab Panda which is cheaper than those found in department stores. I will definitely buy other NYX powder blushes in the future. Any thoughts on NYX powder blush? Do share them on the comments section below. Thank you for reading and stay pretty! 

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L'OREAL PARIS: Youth Code Pre-Essence

Hey guys! Have you been enjoying your new year so far? I keep forgetting it's already 2014 that I always end up writing 2013 in most of my prescriptions. I just can't believe how time flies! Anyway, I'm really excited about a skincare product I've been using for more than a month now. I've been so eager to review its wonderful effects on my skin but I opted to use it long enough to RAVE about how amazing it is. Are you on the edge of your seats now? I'm talking about a skincare product from L'oreal Paris called the Youth Code Pre-Essence. 

First off, let me give you a moment to admire the beautiful 30 ml bottle. 

Gorgeous right?

The silver coated cover unscrews and doubles as a pump to dispense just the right amount of product through a glass tube that looks like a dropper. This reminds me so much of my Chemistry classes in college.


I love the overall look but I'm afraid the dropper like dispenser increases the chance of contamination and is too much of a hassle for everyday use.

This pre-essence has a mild pleasant scent that doesn't linger. It's turbid and has the consistency of a runny serum. Just a few drops on your forehead, chin and both cheeks can cover your entire face. It spreads effortlessly, doesn't feel heavy or sticky on your skin and gets absorbed almost instantly. 

My post acne marks lightened faster and it didn't break me out even during my period. I love how it made my skin smoother and supple to touch without looking and feeling greasy. I'm not so sure about my pores or small wrinkles but the overall condition of my skin is way better than it did a month ago. 

The verdict? L'oreal Paris Youth Code Pre-Essence is a good product to try but don't expect it to work like the fountain of youth. It also takes continued use and a little time for you to see a noticeable difference. Do I recommend it? YES, if you have enough budget and you're in need of a product that can truly deliver. Will I buy again? Most definitely! Although it comes with a hefty (1,495 Php) tag, I still think it's worth your money because one bottle can last up to 3 months and most importantly it does wonders to your skin. Any thoughts on this product? Do share them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a beautiful day!

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ONLINE SHOPPING: The Fab Panda

Hey guys! A good friend of mine recently opened her new online store thefabpanda.com in time for the new year. Her stocks are directly bought from the US and are items she'd get for herself so expect them to be must-haves.

I immediately signed up for an account the moment I saw the NYX Blush in Pinched among the items being sold. They say that this is a dupe for the much coveted NARS Blush in Orgasm and since I haven't tried that either, getting this affordable blush from NYX seems a good way to start. Expect a full review on this soon.

In all honesty, I wasn't really getting another item because I'm trying to stick to a certain budget in buying makeup. Since I love hand sanitizers especially those from Bath and Body Works and I had to make a purchase of at least 300 Php to qualify for the shop's opening promo, I gave in and added a PocketBac hand gel in Fresh Picked Cherries. As expected, this hand gel smells refreshing with a hint of cherry scent. They feel sticky for a while but dries off immediately. 

Overall, I had a great shopping experience with The Fab Panda. Items were in excellent condition and delivered promptly. So for a stress-free online shopping experience, visit thefabpanda.com now and get a chance to win an amazing price once you purchase at least 300 Php worth of items. Thanks for reading and have a great week ahead!

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CHEERS to 2014

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Hey guys! Another year has ended and a new one has begun. I actually love the start of each year because I believe that we are given another opportunity in life. We may not be given a clean slate but the idea of a new beginning somehow gives us a spark of hope that no matter how bad things get, we are always given the chance to make them better. 

2013 was a whirlwind of emotional hardship for me and my family. I could say we went through hell and back. We gained a few opressors and sadly lost good friends along the way. Looking back, I never thought thigs will get better but it did eventually. Those were dark times I never wish to reminisce or even worse go through again. Mistakes were committed yet lessons learned from them will remain with me always. 

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The entire year wasn't at all bad for it was in the same year when we gradually got back to being okay with the help of loved ones and true friends who never failed to support us. I realized that not everyone will stay and go through with you in tough times and that's just fine. What matters is there will always be some who are willing to help you unconditionally. 

Greatest lesson for 2013 is never to lose hope even when you feel like you've hit rock bottom. It's during your lowest when you are given the chance to see things clearly and the opportunity to get up, do something and make everything better. 

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