The winner of my recently concluded mini Maybelline giveaway is none other than Glenniedel Terania. Congratulations! Please email me your mailing address and contact details. To everyone else who joined, I'm truly grateful for your participation and support. Thank you and have a wonderful weekend! 

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FINO Leatherware

I'm a firm believer that Pinoy products are at par with international brands and FINO Leatherware is a living proof. This local manufacturer of high quality leather goods has been in the industry since 1992 and has steadily grown into a prestigious business.

I love that they give a simple yet extraordinary feel with their packaging. Just a tip, when buying a smaller item like a wallet, you can ask for a box so you can store it properly when not in use. 

I have a few pieces from this brand that stood the test of time so when I chanced upon their midyear sale about a week ago, I didn't think twice and got myself this data planner at 50% off!

I love that it's just the right size and can also double as a billfold and card holder.

The planner is oriented horizontally and offers enough space for scribbling. This may look too small for a planner but believe me, you do have a lot of space to write on. 

If you're like me who's on a budget but still loves to own a piece from FINO Leatherware's beautiful collection, visit any branch during their annual midyear sale every month of July and enjoy big discounts. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

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Hey guys! Don't you just love it when you get awesome treats? That's how I feel every time I get a package from Sample Room, the first and only sampling site in the country. 

Although summer is officially over, I still find it necessary to hydrate and protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. This is why I didn't pass on the chance when Sample Room restocked with premium products from Vaseline.

Vaseline Healthy White Serum SPF 30 PA++ (Php 220/ 180ml)

The Vaseline Healthy White Serum comes in a 180 ml squeeze type tube with a flip cover. I really like products that make it easy for consumers to dispense the contents. It also has a tiny spout that effectively regulates the flow.

I like that it has a runny texture making it easy to spread. It may feel a little tacky on first application but it dries off quickly without the sticky feeling. I love that it offers sun protection from both UVA and UVB rays with its SPF 30 PA++.  It also contains Vitamin B3 that lightens and brightens the skin. I've been using this everyday for a week now and it has kept my skin looking well moisturized and healthy. I haven't seen my skin generally lighten yet but I did notice some post allergy marks on my wrist almost disappear. I'll continue using this and see how it goes. 

Vaseline Healthy White Instant Fair Lotion (Php 110/ 100ml)

Next Vaseline product I got to try is the Healthy White Instant Fair Lotion. It has that usual lotion consistency making it thicker than the Serum. It also feels a little sticky on application but eventually dries off without the icky feeling. It has a pleasant scent that doesn't linger and contains light reflecting properties giving your skin an instant glow. Although it makes your skin appear instantly lighter, the effect isn't too obvious and doesn't last long either. What's really more important is the fact that it contains Vitamin B3 and offers sun protection hence long term skin whitening effect. 

Overall, I'm enjoying these Vaseline products from Sample Room and I will use them to the last drop to see how my skin responds after long term use. Thank you for reading and have a nice week!

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MAYBELLINE: Make The Perfect First Impression

Hey guys! Can you tell I'm trying to be artistic with my cover image here? Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I got an unexpected package that I want to share with all of you.

Who wouldn't be excited to get a surprise gift from one of the country's leading cosmetics company? The sight of this paper bag from Maybelline alone made me want to dig in and see what's inside.

Included in the bag is this interactive wheel. The tool instructs you to choose which among the ladies presented in the pictures match the personality trait being asked within 8 seconds. 

After accomplishing the task, I realized how first impressions can definitely make or break an individual. Those first few seconds you spend with other people are indeed crucial to how they will continue to perceive you. This is why you should always make an effort to present yourself properly in public. I can totally relate to this because I get to see and meet new people everyday in my clinic. So I make sure to always look presentable in appropriate wardrobe with just the right makeup. While you're at it, flashing a smile at people around you wouldn't hurt. 

Let's face it, most of the time, if not always, first impressions are based on appearance. You need to look your best if you want yours to be perfect. Maybelline helps you achieve just that with their Clear Smooth BB Stick. Believe me when I tell you that this product is amazing. It glides on smoothly and a single stroke followed by blending with your fingertips or a flat brush will do the trick! I raved about this the first time I tried it in 2012. You may click here to see my in-depth review.

If a stick type BB Cream isn't your thing, don't despair! Maybelline also formulated an 8-in-1 Skin Transformer BB Cream and High Protection BB White. Lastly, while first impressions count, what happens beyond that is what really matters. At this point, just be yourself and everything else will follow. 

Now here's where the fun part begins. I'll be giving away all three products to a lucky reader who's willing to share tips on how to make a perfect first impression. To join, simply follow these instructions: 

1. Follow my blog via Bloglovin or Google Friend Connect. 

2. Share this giveaway to any of your social media accounts (eg. Facebook, twitter or Instagram). 

3. Answer the question "How do you make the perfect first impression?" and send it to my email docretch@gmail.com together with your name and a screenshot or link of your social media announcement.

This giveaway is open to all Philippine residents only and will run for the entire month of July 2014. Winners will be picked randomly on July 31, 2014 and announced on the same day. Thank you for reading and good luck!

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