Hey everyone! It's been ages since my last post and today I'm back on track with a review on a lip product I've been wanting to try for ages! I'm pertaining to the Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm. 

NEUTROGENA: Revitalizing Lip Balm with Sunscreen SPF 20

Hey guys! A week ago, hubby and I went to Walgreens and the variety of beauty products on display blew my mind off! One long aisle that stretches from the entrance down to the back of the store is solely dedicated to makeup and accessories alone. I wasn't planning on adding more stuff to my growing stash of drugstore makeup and skin care products so I ended up getting just two, one of which is the Neutrogena revitalizing lip balm sunscreen SPF 20.

VMV HYPOALLERGENICS: Grandma Minnie's The Big, Brave Boo-boo Balm

Hey guys! I've been out of wifi range most of my days last week and it felt almost crippling. I know it seems a bit dramatic but I think you'll agree with me when I say that once you're used to having access to the world wide web 24/7 then suddenly gets regulated to just having it for a few hours, you can really feel the huge difference. 

Rediscovered Favorites

Hey guys! Have you ever had a bad case of dry lips? The kind that lipstick can't hide and lip balms can't soothe. Mine was just a couple of weeks ago and it was so bad I almost didn't want to attend an important event. I initially felt my upper lip roughen and it pretty much went downhill from there. Next thing I noticed, my lips were peeling and cracking painfully. I rummaged through my stuff trying to look for a lip balm and while I was at it, I found some things that I used a lot in the past but since new products came in, I totally forgot I still have them.

SALE: S&R Membership Shopping

Hey guys! I couldn't believe I'd breeze my way through S&R during their recently concluded sale. I've been a silent member for months and never got to shop until a couple of weeks ago when I didn't pass on the chance to check out the items on sale. 

(L) Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo  |  1.18 L  |  Php 499  (SALE: Php 399)
(R) Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Conditioner  |  1.18 L  |  Php 499 (SALE: Php 399)

These Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner are the reasons why I keep coming back to S&R. They're fairly priced and cheaper even on regular tag. I love that they come in humongous 1.18 L bottles with pump dispensers. Considering I have long tresses that reach my elbows, a bottle lasts around 5 to 6 months! Imagine how these can last if you have shorter hair. I love how the shampoo cleanses my hair thoroughly leaving it feeling soft and silky. The conditioner is as wonderful because it truly nourishes my hair leaving it tangle-free.

Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion  |  532 mL |  Php 999.95 (Buy 1 Take 1)

The next thing I look forward to whenever I go to an S&R sale is the BUY 1 TAKE 1 promo on Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. I love how this product is mild and hypoallergenic yet keeps my skin moisturized the entire day. This is why I never fail to avail the promo even if I still have a bottle in stock. 

(L) Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar  |  113 g  |  Php 379.95  (6 bars)
(R) Dove Advanced Care 48 h Anti-perspirant Deodorant  |  74 g  |  Php 199.95

I also got a couple more of Dove products that I'm quite curious to try. First is the Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar. I don't remember hearing about this product in the past or else I would've tried it earlier. I'm excited about the promise of renewed skin without the harm effects of peeling because this bar is also made of moisturizing cream that won't dry your skin. Another Dove product I got is the Advanced Care 48h Anti-perspirant Deodorant for sensitive skin. My under arms aren't sensitive but I still got 2 of these because I heard from a friend that this variety works so well in whitening the underarms. I'll let you know if they do on mine too! 

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream  |  566 g  |  Php 749.95

I've always adored Cetaphil and have been wanting to buy a tub of their Moisturizing Cream since I saw one in Greenhills. In the past days, I've developed rashes on my cheeks and forehead so I got to try this mixed with a mild topical steroid and they worked so well after just a single use!

Spectra Jumbo Cotton Balls  |  300 pcs  |  Php 99.95
Delon Premium Cosmetic Cotton Rounds  |  100 pcs  |  Php 99.95

These were a sight to behold! Being a skin care junkie makes me all giddy and excited about cotton. The cotton balls are as cheap as the ones I get from a medical supplier. The cotton rounds are better than my last  from The Body Shop. This is more textured hence best used to remove makeup. 

Crest 3D White Luxe Multi-Care Whitening Rinse  |  946 ml  |  Php 349.95

I'm not so crazy over mouth wash but I like to whiten my teeth every chance I get so the label "Glamorous White" won me over. I'll see if this product truly does what it claims and I'll keep you posted.

(L) Kirkland Signature Vitamin C 1000 mg  |  500 tabs  | Php 1,299.95
(R) Kirkland Signature Vitamin E 400 I.U.  |  500 softgels  |  Php 999.95

These supplements are hands down the most cost-effective purchase I made. I've been buying supplements from the local drug stores and supermarkets in the past years and never did I realize how much cheaper buying from S&R is. Good thing I got to browse through the shelves where these were displayed on my way to the counter.

eos lip balm  |  5 spheres  |  Php 749.95

Last of all is my most cherished purchase, a pack of eos lip balms! This has got to be my best find. I am so obsessed with eos lip balms that I intend to buy more. Good thing I don't have 3 of those included in the pack because I'm sharing them with a good friend. Each balm only costs Php 149.99 which is definitely cheaper compared to buying them from online sellers individually for Php 250. 

Overall, my experience with shopping at S&R was worth every effort. I got to buy a lot of discounted items and regular items that are still cheaper than when bought in local stores. I highly recommend you be a member and start to benefit from perks of being one. The only downside of shopping at S&R, most specifically during sale, is the big crowd that awaits you.

Any thoughts on S&R shopping or on any product mentioned above? Don't be shy, comment away! Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week ahead.

♥♥♥

EOS: Sweet Mint

Hey guys! You know how your passion for something can keep you sane even when faced with the most devastating experience? That's exactly how blogging is to me. It has been my passion for 3 years now and it still serves as an effective medium that takes me to a different world far from where I dwell. Anyway, going back to the topic at hand, this is just a short and sweet review on my recent purchase from The Fab Panda, the eos lip balm in sweet mint.

My very first experience with purchasing an eos lip balm was a total let down because I got a fake one! Anyway, you can read all about it by clicking here. Good thing one of my close friends started an online shop selling authentic products that are priced reasonably. So when she restocked her eos lip balms, I just knew I had to get one again. 

I love that the expiration date is shown but I wish it wasn't on the seal that you peel off, throw away and forget. 

There's the familiar round case and pastel color of an eos lip balm. 

The actual lip balm is dome shaped and has a faint fruity fragrance that's over powered by a menthol scent. It has a very smooth texture that glides on your lips easily when applied. I love that it gives a fresh minty feel that's not too strong and doesn't sting. It doesn't feel waxy at all or heavy on the lips. If it weren't for the fresh minty feel, you won't know it's on your lips. This effectively moisturizes your lips and keeps them from cracking. Staying power may not be too impressive because it seems to fade after a couple of hours but I really don't mind reapplying it on my lips every chance I get. Price wise, the eos lip balm is quite affordable because you're getting a lot for just Php 250. You may get this from local online sellers like The Fab Panda. 

Now here's a special treat which came in free, a sample of PRADA Infusion d'Iris. I'm not a perfume junkie but I love how this smells! It exudes a refreshing citrus scent that's not too strong yet lingers for a few hours. Thanks to The Fab Panda for introducing me to this scent, I will definitely put this on my must-haves list. 

Any thoughts on eos lip balms? Do share them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have an incredible week ahead!

♥♥♥

COVERGIRL: Lipperfection Jumbo Gloss Balm

Hey guys! It's been a while since my last post. I haven't had much spare time to make reviews lately but I plan to do at least three on products I've been loving so far hopefully before February ends. 

I recently browsed the beauty section of Landmark Trinoma and bought several items I've been meaning to try out. Covergirl Lipperfection Jumbo Gloss Balm tops my "must try" list which is why my smile was from ear to ear when I saw a variety of shades on display. After trying on a dozen of them, I found myself torn between two shades. So to save myself the trouble of having to choose just one, I got them both!

First shade that got my attention was #230 berry twist. The packaging is pretty much the same as the other jumbo lip balms except that the shade name is printed on the wrapper. Better try to remember the shade name because you won't be seeing them once you've peeled off the seal. Although you can still check out the shade number on the base.

Berry twist, as expected, shows off a color between red and purple. I love how it looks youthful yet professional. It's the kind of color you can actually wear everyday to work. 

Shade #250 scarlet twist was my second pick from the bunch. 

 

I have to admit, I got a little intimidated just by looking at the stick's bright red color. I almost didn't try it on but I'm glad I did because the shade is really pretty! Not the scarlet red that ages you, but a gorgeous red that screams of sophistication. This is suitable for an everyday look but you can also get away with it on a night out with friends. 

These jumbo lip balms are virtually unscented. The stick may look matte but the formula is quite moisturizing that it glides smoothly on your bare lips. The shade falls between sheer to medium but is pretty much buildable to give your puckers a pop of color. I also love that it gives a subtle shine and a touch of tiny sparkles. 

Staying power isn't as impressive which I don't really mind since I love reapplying these often. The Covergirl Lipperfection Jumbo Gloss Balm may not be as pricey at 450 Php compared to Clinique Chubby Sticks that go for 950 Php but it's not cheap either especially when the stick is only around 3.8 grams and not even over an inch long. 

Image courtesy of Covergirl

Despite the price, I still recommend this product to those of you who want an affordable yet good quality jumbo lip balm. I'll be buying several other shades in the future, besides, one can't have too many lip products right? So have you tried these lip balms from Covergirl? What are your thoughts? Do leave them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a beautiful 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!

 ♥♥♥

EOS: A second good look

Hey guys! Several months ago, I was so intrigued by the hype brought about by these uniquely shaped lippies from eos that I immediately purchased one in Pomegranate Raspberry early this year from what looks like a reputable stall in Trinoma. I honestly believed it was authentic because there's no way Trinoma will allow fake products under their roof. So I went ahead, bought one and found it satisfactory. Not at all amazing as others claim it to be. You may click here to read my full review.

A few months later, I came across several reviews on eos lip balms and found out that there are imitations lurking in the market! One review pointed out the differences between a fake and authentic eos lip balm and there I was regretting the purchase.

My speculations were confirmed the day I bought another eos lip balm in Summer Fruit from a friend whose sister directly bought it from the US. Keeping in mind the differences mentioned in the review, I compared my two eos lip balms and here are my observations:

I originally wanted to get the same flavor for a more accurate comparison but I was left with Summer Fruit although I think it wouldn't hurt since they only differ in color and scent. At first glance, they both look very similar in terms of size and shape. Both containers seem to have the same texture and feel but the authentic eos (right) has a velvety finish without any signs of peeling compared to the fake eos (left) which is peeling mostly on the bottom. I've had the latter for more than 6 months now and the cover started peeling off discreetly on the day I started using it.

Looking closely on the edges where the cover and body meet, the authentic eos has a thin space in between while the fake eos is closely shut. Also, you can smoothly unscrew the authentic eos' cap with more precision compared to the fake eos.

Without opening the cap, you'd be surprised that the authentic eos has a very subtle almost undetectable scent compared to the fake eos which bears a heavenly scent even when sealed. I feel like the manufacturer of the fake eos lip balm deliberately made the container smell great because that's how customers are easily duped. I for one also smelled the container and was quite convinced that something as pleasantly scented couldn't possibly be an imitation. 

Now the major difference is pretty much evident once the cap is removed. The authentic eos smells pleasantly when opened compared to the fake eos which reeks of chemical. It's as if the pleasant fragrance mainly comes from the container rather than the product itself. Since eos lip balms are sealed and you can't open one unless you buy it, you have to bear in mind that authentic eos lippies don't necessarily scream of fruity scent from the outside and those that smell great are usually the fake ones. 

I wasn't able to take pictures of the sealed eos so I can't really tell you how they differ but others say that the authentic eos has a better looking seal and label. Inside the cap, (sorry for the crappy image) you will notice what looks like a serial number for the authentic eos which the fake one lacks.

I've been using my first eos for 6 months now and the original dome shape has been flattened in half but both lip balms when newly opened look the same. The difference in color isn't too obvious but the fake eos looks a little more pale than the real one. On application, the texture also has a subtle yet obvious difference, the fake eos is smooth but feels a bit gritty and uneven compared to the authentic eos which appears and feels silky smooth without being grainy. Also, you'll notice the authentic eos exuding a pleasant fruity scent when you apply it compared to the waxy smell that the fake eos gives off. The difference in fragrance is pretty much obvious that anyone can tell which one's authentic and not.

Both products are moisturizing and keep you from having chapped lips but the authentic eos feels ultra light, if it weren't for the fruity scent and sweet taste, you'd forget you have them on. Both retails for 250 Php each when bought in local stores so you really need to keep your guard up to spot the fake ones and avoid making the same mistake I did the first time. 

I know I'm not an authority when it comes to spotting the difference between a fake and authentic eos lip balm but I know that it doesn't take a genius to do so especially when you have both products on hand. So to those who are still curious and haven't bought the eos lip balm (where in heavens have you been?), be careful in purchasing from unknown sources. You may want to buy from reputable resellers like digitaltraincase and chedelyn's cosmetics. I bought mine from a friend who's an online seller, you may check out her Instagram account thefabpanda to see more of her stuff. Any thoughts on eos lippies? Do share them on the comments section below. Thank you so much for reading and have a blessed weekend!

♥♥♥