Hello everyone! I really enjoy taking time off especially when I feel saturated with work like in the past weeks. Fortunately, I was invited to an event at the Conrad Manila and got to stay there for 2 days. If you're not yet aware, allow me to inform you that I'm a skincare junkie and I don't mind taking an army of products with me when I'm away from home.

SHISEIDO: Perfect Whip Foam

Hello everyone! Early this year, a good friend of mine went to Japan for a family vacation and gave me a very thoughtful gift when she returned home, the Shiseido Perfect Whip Foam! I've seen and read about this most coveted facial foam for some time now. Sadly though, this product is not locally available but can be bought from online sellers. Read more and find out why this product deserves your attention. 

SHISEIDO: Eyelash Curler

Hey guys! When it comes to makeup tools, I usually stick to what works for me and not buy another brand until the one I'm currently using gets busted or lost. I've been using my Shu Uemura eyelash curler for 3 years before the silicone lash pad was split in two and since it came with a replacement pad, I'm looking forward to the next 3 years before I let it go. Don't get me wrong, I love to try different brands but I usually allocate my budget according to my immediate need. This is why I totally appreciate being given stuff I've lined up in my head to try next. A good friend recently travelled to Japan and gave me the Shiseido eyelash curler as a gift. 

CURRENT FAVORITES

Hey guys! How was your summer? I hope you enjoyed yours as much as I did mine. Anyway, I thought of doing a monthly post of my favorite products but I don't think I can really commit to that so I'll just make a "current favorites" entry probably every chance I get, hopefully every quarter. 

(L to R) Shiseido Ibuki Purifying Cleanser - Php 1,495 per 125 ml
Avene Thermal Spring Water - Php 900 per 150 ml
Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum - Php 5,650 per 30 ml

I have so many favorites but I narrowed them down to 3 items per category. So let's start with skin care. The Shiseido Ibuki Purifying Cleanser has been my go-to facial wash since I got it at 20% off a couple of months ago. I love how the fine granules feel so delicate on my skin yet very effective in cleansing my face. A little goes a long way so you only need a pea size and you're good to go.

Next is the Avene Thermal Spring Water and I cannot begin to describe how wonderful this product is. It sprays on like mist and feels so refreshing once it touches your skin. This product has been very helpful in hydrating and cooling my skin especially on hot days. I believe I got this at half the price from my last trip to Singapore but they're available in the local drug stores as well.

Last on skin care category is Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum, an absolute favorite of mine among all the White Lucent products of Shiseido. A very effective spot correcting concentrate that helps hasten recovery time from skin discolorations. It may be a little on the expensive side but it's worth every cent. 

(L to R) The Body Shop Organic Cotton Rounds - Php 150 per pack
UCB Refreshing Body Mist - Php 499 per 250 ml
Physiogel Intensive Cream - Php 575 per 50 ml

Now for other body care products, I am loving The Body Shop Organic Cotton Rounds so much that I've been reaching for them every single time. The textured side is best for removing makeup while the flat side is great for applying your toner. 

I ran out of GAP dream cologne and since they're not widely available, I decided to get the next best thing I found in SM North, United Colors of Benetton Refreshing Body Mist in Arousing Watermelon. It has a fresh fruity scent which lasts for about an hour or 2 after you spray it on. I love that it's priced reasonably and that you can choose from a dozen of floral and fruity scents.

Who could resist a product that offers intense hydration? I know I couldn't which is why I'm so thankful for the Physiogel Intensive Cream I got from  BDJ Box. I love that it doesn't feel too greasy and that the moisturizing effect lasts for several hours. I find myself using this often especially when my skin gets really dry around December and January. 

(L to R) Ben Nye Luxury Powder - Php 900 per 85 g
Max Factor Max Effect Lip Gloss - Php 400 per 13 ml
NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil - Php 300 per 0.25 g

As for makeup products, I currently adore Ben Nye Luxury Powder in Cameo. I do have the Banana shade but I've been enjoying how Cameo instantly brightens my under eye areas. I also use this to buffer some of my compact powders that appear darker than my natural color. 

The Max Factor Max Effect Lip Gloss is an amazing discovery for me. I got it for free from Miss Shen's 4th Anniversary Giveaway and I misjudged it thinking it's the same as Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss that can only give your lips a subtle tint with lots of shine but I was wrong. This Max Factor Max Effect Lip Gloss in #14 Rubyliscious is highly pigmented and gives just the right amount of shine. It may not be long lasting but I really don't mind reapplying it.

Next makeup favorite is the NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown. I raved about this before and I'm still raving about it now. I love that it's an eyebrow pencil and brush in one stick. The pencil is tapered hence no need for sharpening and the brush really comes in handy although you can still use other tools like a spoolie for blending. It glides on smoothly and stays on the entire day.

(L to R) Kerastase Elixir Ultimate - Php 2,260 per 125 ml
Paganini Untangler - Php 149
Goody Metal Clip - Php 299 per set of 3 clips

Now for hair care products, I've been obsessed with Kerastase Elixir Ultimate in the past days. I actually forgot I have it for a while and only got to see it last week when I was decluttering my closet. Anyway, this elixir smells heavenly and feels velvety to touch. It may feel a little greasy on first application but it eventually transforms into a silky finish without clumping your hair strands. 

This Paganini Hair Untangler has been my favorite since the day I bought it. You can use it on wet or dry strands and it untangles hair without hurting your scalp. The blunt bristles feel very relaxing and the big handle gives you a nice grip while combing. 

This hair clip from Goody is an all-time favorite. I discovered this small wonder years ago and they don't make one anymore which is really a downer considering how great this clip is. It comes in a set of 3 and has a small and medium size. This one in particular is small and is best used for smaller pony tails. It looks really simple and very classic. You lock it sideways and your hair is clipped neatly into place without tugging the strands. 

(L to R) Freshlook Dailies Illuminate in Rich Brown - Php 800 per box of 5 pairs
EO Sauflon Comfort Drops - Php 95 per 30 ml
Esprit Sunglasses - Php 7,000 

My eye care favorites include Dailies Freshlook Illuminate in Rich Brown. It comes in a box of 5 pairs and I was able to buy one box but a friend recently wanted to try them and found out you can't buy just one box anymore. They are now being sold as a set of 3 boxes. Anyway, I love that these make your eyes pop but in a natural way. They feel really soft, although I find these a little harder to remove than my regular extended lenses. Freshlook recommends this for one time use but I was able to try using them for 2 days. They were still soft and pretty much intact. On the 3rd day, they felt a little weird so I decided to discard them.

The EO Sauflon Comfort Drops has never left my retouch kit for the longest time. I love that it instantly moisturizes my contact lenses without the sting. It instantly refreshes your eyes and removes any residue. Best thing about this is the very affordable price of less than Php 100.

I was told by my Sociology teacher in college to protect my eyes from sun exposure all the time with shades that offer UV protection. I couldn't relate back then because I had prescription glasses and wearing shades wasn't a good idea. Fast forward to graduate school, after learning how to wear contact lenses, I started enjoying the perks of using sunglasses. My current favorite is this Esprit aviator-like glasses. It may look dark in the image but it's light brown under sunlight. I love how it effectively protects my eyes from the glaring rays of the sun especially in the summer. 

Myra e 400 IU - Php10+ per capsule

Another favorite of mine is the Myra e 400 IU supplement which I started using around 2 weeks ago. I noticed having less breakouts and better skin days since I started taking one capsule a day. I may need to use this continuously to see the long term effects but I guess it's been okay so far. 

So that's it! My current favorites from various brands. I do hope I can keep up with a monthly favorites entry to keep you more updated on what products I love. Do we have any favorite products in common? I'd love to know your thoughts so please share them on the comments section below. Thank you for reading and have an awesome week ahead!

♥♥♥

SHISEIDO: White Lucent

Hey guys! I attended a workshop sponsored by Shiseido in their Trinoma branch last month. Luckily they offered discounts on selected items so I indulged a little. 

I've always wanted to try a complete line from Shiseido but the expensive tag has kept me from purchasing until now. Since I have uneven skin tone due to post breakout marks, I decided to get their White Lucent products.

You get gorgeous bottles that look and feel luxurious. My vanity space has never looked so sophisticated. I didn't get all the products in the White Lucent line but I'm pretty sure I have everything I need with just three. 

Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener (150mL)

This softener is clear, has a liquid consistency and a subtle scent that fades quickly on application. A lightly soaked cotton is all you need to spread the product all over your face. It doesn't sting even when used on active blemishes and instantly hydrates your skin making it look refreshed. This product gets absorbed easily and dries off quite fast leaving your skin feeling supple to touch. 

I love that every bottle from Shiseido is sealed to ensure high quality. Hooray to an ergonomically designed dispenser to prevent wastage. 

Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum (30mL)

This serum appears milky white and seems to exude a light scent that's almost undetectable. I find it very thin and runny for a serum hence easy to apply. A single pump is enough for each use but I prefer to concentrate on areas of my face where most of my post blemish marks are located like my nose, cheeks and chin. It makes your skin look a little shiny but it doesn't feel greasy or uncomfortable. 

It comes in a flask type container with a pump which I think is very handy especially when dispensing runny products like this. 

Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Protective Emulsion SPF 15-PA++ (75mL)

This emulsion also has a milky white color but is a bit thicker in consistency compared to the serum. It has the same subtle scent as the other White Lucent products. It spreads easily and leaves your skin with a bit of shine yet doesn't feel oily or heavy. It's ideal for everyday use since it offers skin protection from both UVA and UVB rays. 

The bottle is also sealed, comes with a pump and transparent cap. 

I've been using this line for a couple of weeks now and they do work well in lightening my post blemish marks and targeting my uneven skin tone. All three didn't irritate my skin or cause breakouts and untoward skin reactions. I love that Shiseido threw in a lot of freebies on top of the discounted tag. They gave me a vanity kit with generous samples of the same products that I purchased. 

Overall, I'm loving the White Lucent line and I do recommend it to those who want to address uneven skin tone. You may visit any Shiseido branch nationwide for further details on their promos. Any thoughts on Shiseido White Lucent? Do share it on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have an awesome week!

♥♥♥

SHISEIDO: Ibuki Softening Concentrate

Hey guys! How are you enjoying your new year? Did you ever get to make a resolution? For me, I've given up on making a list and just thought of a main objective I hope to accomplish this year, become a better version of myself. So far, I'm so happy to say that I've been more relaxed and appreciative of the things around me. 

As part of my "better-version-of-me" goal, I've also decided to be more consistent with sticking to a skin care line and see the long term effects before jumping from one brand to another. After giving much thought and considering so many factors, I finally decided to start my skin care journey this year with Shiseido Ibuki.

I got to try Shiseido Ibuki for the first time via Sample Room and fell in love with the softening concentrate which is why I chose it among the other Ibuki products. The full size comes in a 75 ml bottle which I'm pretty sure will last me a long while. 

I like how the box is labelled with the expiration date. This way you get a reminder not to take forever to consume it. I don't know about you but I tend to save every single drop of a product I love to extend its use so the expiration label really matters.

Don't you just love how the pearly white bottle looks? 

The cap has a safety seal to ensure good quality. Pulling the it off reveals a small nozzle and a pump to easily dispense the product. 

This softening concentrate appears translucent and has the consistency of a runny gel that immediately flows on application. Gel-like toners aren't new to me since I already tried one before from Tony Moly so I wasn't surprised about this at all and actually prefer them over liquid toners. I can't make out the scent but it's so mild you wouldn't detect it after a few minutes. It spreads easily and lingers a little while before getting absorbed so your skin will look a bit shiny at first. It dries off fairly quick so you have to wait a while before using a moisturizer or BB Cream on top.

I've been using this product for more than 2 weeks now and I'm pretty much satisfied with what I see. My skin feels smoother, post blemish marks look lighter and it didn't cause further break outs even during my period. By the way, I asked the sales rep for samples and they gave me 4 sachets of the Ibuki softening concentrate. It really pays to ask for samples so please get over being shy and do so! 

Overall, the Ibuki softening concentrate from Shiseido truly delivers! It did help soften and clarify my skin in just two weeks. Although you may need to have a facial before starting with a new skin care line for optimum results. The price may seem a bit steep but considering the small amount of product needed to cover your face, size of the bottle (75 ml) and the overall performance of this product, the 1,600 Php tag is well worth the splurge. The entire Ibuki line is available in all Shiseido branches nationwide. Visit anytime to talk to their lovely sales reps who will gladly assist you with any of your skin care related concerns. Thank you for reading and have a great day!

♥♥♥

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!

 ♥♥♥

SHISEIDO: Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 38

Hey guys! Are you into products that focus on anti-aging? If you are, better make sure you're using sunscreen because anti-aging products usually contain ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acid or AHA that make your skin more prone to the harmful rays of the sun. I've only been relying on my BB Cream for sun protection but just recently, my fiancé gave me a tube of Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream which I've been  using under my BB Cream for about 5 days now.

The Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream comes in a generous 50ml squeeze type tube. 

It has a flip top cover with a narrow nozzle which I find really helpful to easily dispense the product and avoid wastage. This sunscreen doesn't reek of chemical and surprisingly smells mild to moderate compared to other sunscreens I've tried. I like that the chemical smell doesn't linger and goes off a few minutes after application.

The product appears creamy white, easily spreads on your skin and I love that it only gives your face a healthy glow without the ghostly cast. The cream melts easily on your skin, feels light and doesn't give an oily finish which makes this suitable to wear under your BB Cream or foundation. 

This sunscreen offers an impressive broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays with SPF 38. If you're not yet aware, a good sunscreen should protect you from both harmful  rays with an SPF of at least 30. I already went deep into this on a previous post, so do check it out as well for further information. I'm not sure about the original price but my fiance got a really great discount from Marshalls and bought it for only $10, a little over 400 Php! Can you believe that? I'm guessing the original price ranges from $20 to $30. You can also get it from Amazon for as low as $12 or roughly 500 Php. 

I also love that the ingredients include Zinc Oxide which is considered the best broad spectrum protection available that's safe to use even on sensitive skin. This sunscreen didn't break me out or cause any adverse skin reactions. The only downside is I'm not quite sure if it's available locally. 

Overall, the Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream is a great sunscreen to use on any skin type on any given day. I love using it under my BB Cream and will repurchase once it runs out. I also recommend it to those who want to achieve and maintain a healthy skin. So what are your thoughts? Do share them on the comments section below. Thank you for reading and have a great day!

♥♥♥