Hey guys! I'm not sure if I mentioned it before but my still-half-filled 500 ml bottle of Bioderma Micelle Solution for sensitive skin unfortunately got thrown away. I literally freaked out when my mom said she thought it was left over drinking water and got rid of it. Anyway, I can't cry over spilled milk or in this case, spilled micelle water. I thought of repurchasing but I couldn't get myself to accept the astronomical price tag it comes with in the local market. Good thing Bioré came out with a more affordable version called Micellar Cleansing Water.

The Bioré Micellar Cleansing Water comes in a 90 ml bottle. It has a flip cover and a narrow spout which makes dispensing easy and spill free. It appears and feels like water, is scent free and doesn't sting even when used on the eyelids. It effectively removes makeup including water proof eye liner and mascara. A lightly soaked cotton pad is enough to eliminate traces of makeup and dirt. I love that it leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean that it's nearly as good as washing my face. 

Overall, the Bioré Micellar Cleansing Water is an effective makeup remover which I think comes head to head with Bifesta, my other favorite brand. Both are so similar in apperance, consistency and feel that you can't easily tell them apart. Although Bioré costs only Php 198 per 90 ml bottle, you still get to save more with Bifesta in the long run because it comes in a 300 ml bottle and costs only Php 419. Bioderma on the other hand still tops my list while Bioré and Bifesta equally rank second. 

So what's your favorite makeup remover? Do share it with me on the comments section below. Thank you for your time and have a great weekend!

♥♥♥

BIODERMA: Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution

Hey guys! Last year, a good friend had a flash sale and I fortunately got first dibs on the items. Out of everything I purchased, my best buy would have to be the Bioderma Micelle Solution for Sensitive Skin. My everyday look is pretty much simple with BB Cream playing the main role. I rarely do a full on makeup so I'm used to cleansing my face with just facial wash at the end of the day. Unfortunately, there are times when I tend to skip my night ritual on hectic days. I know, I know, being busy isn't a good enough excuse so I thought of regularly incorporating the use of makeup remover at all times.

BIFESTA: BRIGHTUP Cleansing Lotion

Image courtesy of Bifesta

Hey guys! I recently scoured the beauty section of Landmark Trinoma and finally decided to repurchase Japan's number one water-based makeup remover, the Bifesta Cleansing Lotion.  

Image courtesy of Bifesta

This cleanser comes in different varieties to target every woman's needs. I have pointed out each type below as described by the manufacturer.

MOIST

"Extra moisture for normal to dry skin"

Contains Ceramide-like ingredient to retain moisture, keeping the skin's natural balance making it protected from any possible irritation.

SEBUM 

"Oil control for combination oily skin"

Contains Green Tea Extract that tightens pores preventing excessive oil formation.

BRIGHT UP

"Removes dead skin cells for brighter, even-toned skin"

Removes dead skin cells that cause dullness and darkening of pores and inhibits melanin production for a more bright, even-toned skin.

AGE CARE

"Rich nourishment to prevent premature skin aging"

Contains Co enzyme Q for deep nourishment and cell renewal. It also protects skin from premature aging due to sun exposure maintaining healthy young skin.

I previously bought a trial size of the SEBUM variety from Singapore not for anything else but because it was the only one available. I loved using it to the last drop which is why I snagged a full size upon seeing it was being sold at 10% off in Landmark. Click here to see my full review.

I was suppose to get AGE CARE but since I've been having blemishes here and there, I opted for BRIGHT UP to address my uneven skin tone due to post acne marks. 

Don't get confused by the name, this cleansing lotion has the consistency and appearance of water. A single pump is enough to soak a flat cosmetic cotton. It has a subtle scent, feels light on your skin and easily removes makeup with a few swipes. I love that it leaves your skin looking freshly cleansed without the greasy finish. I can't remember the exact tag but it's around 400 Php and I got it for 10% off its original price. It's not at all an expensive product but not cheap as well but I can guarantee you're getting your money's worth.


Overall, Bifesta remains to be my staple makeup remover. I do recommend it to everyone and I will repurchase tho other varieties when this bottle runs out. Any thoughts on Bifesta? Do leave them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a sun shiny day!


♥♥♥

CLINIQUE: Bonus Time

Hey guys! You know the feeling you get when you hear or see the word bonus? Well, in my case I get overly excited especially when the word bonus comes after Clinique. I've always loved the brand but the hefty tag has kept me from getting their full range of skin care products. Good thing I was able to try them via Clinique Bonus Time last year. Since then, I pledged to replenish my Clinique must haves only during bonus time at least once a year. However, I didn't get to purchase again this year which turned out to be a good thing since my mom received a Clinique Bonus Time set as a gift.

I love that this set mostly comprises of Clinique products I've never tried. If you're not familiar with Clinique Bonus, it's a much awaited time when Clinique generously gives out a gift with every minimum purchase. This giveaway almost always comes in a trendy pouch with sample sizes of Clinique's best sellers as well as newly released products. The minimum purchase requirement is different for every country. In the Philippines it's around 4,500 Php but in the US, you get to avail of the gift for as low as $23 (900+ Php) minimum purchase!

Back to my mom's gift, the set came in a colorful floral cosmetics pouch made of polyester. I really like Clinique pouches because they look really cute, very trendy and most importantly can house an enormous amount of products. 

Sample products in the pouch were safely sealed in a plastic container. 

TAKE THE DAY OFF MAKEUP REMOVER FOR LIDS, LASHES & LIPS (50 ml)
"Totally tugless, two-way formula speeds the departure of hard-to-remove eye and lip makeups. Even waterproof mascara. Safe for contact lens wearers. To use: Shake well. Saturate cotton ball. Sweep on. Wipe off. Rinse with cool water before re-applying makeup. Ophthalmologist tested." - CLINIQUE

  I'm intrigued about the formula of Clinique's Take The Day Off Makeup Remover because it's something I've seen before but never got to try. Notice the 2 transparent layers of product becoming one translucent mixture after shaking? This is what you call a biphasic cleanser which combines the effective cleansing and moisturizing properties of both water and oil-based liquid. 

DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURIZING LOTION (30 ml)
"Step 3 in Clinique's dermatologist-developed 3-Step Skin Care System. The moisture "drink" developed to maintain optimal moisture balance for Very Dry to Dry Combination Skin Types 1 and 2. Softens, smooths, improves. Apply twice a day to face and throat all over, or where needed. See the Expert for the 3-Step products that are right for your skin type." - CLINIQUE 

This Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is by far one of the best ones I've tried. It's virtually unscented and has the consistency of a lotion which makes application a breeze. You may notice a little shine on your entire face which lasts for a few minutes. It doesn't irritate my skin or cause pimple break outs. You will notice waking up to a supple and smooth skin every morning. 

CLINIQUE COLOUR PALETTE (2.8 g)
"Play up eyes and cheeks with ultra-flattering colour. Includes two creamy eye shadows on complimentary shades. Plus fresh, silky blush to sculpt cheeks." - CLINIQUE

I love that Clinique comes up with palettes consisting of colours that compliment each other. I think it's a great palette to start with if you're just easing your way into makeup. I love the big mirror as well as the generous amount of eye shadow and powder blush. This is really a great palette to carry around in your pouch for emergency touch-ups you may need in the middle of the day. The blush is in mocha pink while the eye shadow shades include lucky penny, a metallic light pink from the Colour Surge Eye Shadow Super Shimmer line and a rich chocolate brown color from Clinique's limited edition Black Honey Quad. 

HIGH IMPACT MASCARA (3.5 ml)
"Clinique's must-have accessory for lashes. Kicks up the volume of each and every lash for a look that's plusher, longer, bolder. Pure, deep colour only adds to the impact." - CLINIQUE

I have yet to try Clinique's mascara and see for myself if it truly gives a high impact. Although I've seen good and not-so-good reviews on them, I always delay judgement on a product until I get to try them personally.

ALMOST LIPSTICK (1.2 g)
"When pure pigment merges with the unique, natural tone of your lips, you've met your match. Each shade of sheer, glossy slip of lightweight lip colour is universally flattering yet looks a little different on everyone." - CLINIQUE

I actually got to try Clinique Almost Lipstick in a different shade (flirty honey) from Clinique's Bonus Time last year. I love the hint of color it gives and the subtle shine that compliments your natural lip color. It's comparable to a tinted lip balm that offers sheer color and excellent moisture. I think this shade looks really intimidating but I have yet to try it so I'll let you know how it goes. 

Overall, I do think that this set is amazing and can be very useful for everyone especially beginners in the makeup world. You may want to visit your nearest Clinique branch and have your skin analyzed to know which products best suit your skin type. I also recommend you to buy during Clinique Bonus Time which happens biannually in the Philippines so you can get to try their other products in sample sizes. 

Any thoughts on Clinique? Do share them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day! 

♥♥♥

CHEAP THRILLS: San San, elf, Ziaja

Hey guys! As mentioned in my previous post, I've accumulated several products in the past couple of months that I haven't reviewed hence this entry. I wanted to post them in groups so I could cover as many stuff as I can. So this post is all about cheap finds that turned out great! Well, credit for finding these products should go to people who, I know, personally recommend them. I'll mention them as I go through each item. 

First cheap find is San San Cosmetics Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in black which has been out of stock for the entire time since Miss Say raved about it on her You Tube channel. I'm not a regular user of eyeliner since I find it quite tedious to apply, but trying this wonder product from San San changed my mind. 

 

I've used pencil type eyeliners before but I really suck on application that I end up removing it and redoing my eye makeup, not a good way to start a busy day. This however, is a pen type eyeliner with a tapered felt tip which I think is a better option for beginners like me. This really appears like a regular pen with a snap on cover.

The tapered felt tip allows you to make a fine line if you want to go subtle on your eyeliner. It's also buildable so you can do several coats until you get your desired thickness. What I love most about this product is the color pay off. A single stroke already gives you a jet black hue making this product all the more economical to use. Above image shows you swatches using single stroke for the thinnest line, 2 strokes for the line in the middle and 3 strokes on the 3rd line.

This San San eyeliner also dries off pretty quickly that in a few minutes I was able to run my fingers and a tissue on it without smudging. I was so amazed that I filmed it for you guys to see. What's more impressive is that it stays that way for the entire day! This is virtually unscented, non irritating and so easy to use. It retails for only 85 Php which I think is really affordable even for a measly 2 ml product. 

On to my next cheap find, the elf (eyes, lips, face) eyelid primer which was highly recommended by a good friend, Trina. I've been using this primer for a month now and I must say that it truly deserves to be mentioned. It comes in a slim tube with a sponge tip applicator underneath the cap which I personally like because it's easier and faster to use. 

 

This primer appears beige and has the texture of a light cream. Just a few dabs on your eyelid, crease and brow bone is enough to prime your skin for eye makeup. It spreads easily and gives you a velvety soft finish. Notice in the image above how it somehow gave my skin an instant glow. I love how this primer seem to make any brand of eye color look more radiant, noticeable and most importantly long lasting. I bought this at the elf counter in Trinoma for only 110 Php, a really great deal for an eyelid primer that can do so much. 

 

The third and final entry for cheap finds is Ziaja Jasmine Micellar Water. I saw this on the Instagram wall of a friend, Erika of The Erikaloca Files and according to her it's the nearest thing to Bioderma but way more affordable. It's being sold at Beauty Bar for 295 Php, well not that cheap but more reasonable compared to Bioderma's 1,000+ Php tag. 

It comes in this cute 200ml bottle, has the color and consistency of water making it nongreasy when applied. This has a subtle scent and doesn't sting or cause any skin reactions.