Hey guys! It's been a busy week for me since monday so I haven't really been sticking to my skin care regimen in the past couple of days. Good thing there are ways to quicken your skin care routine without compromising quality of results.

Makeup remover wipes are probably one of the best creations in the beauty industry. I love that they effectively clean your face free of makeup and dirt with just a few strokes. I know that wipes won't ever be as efficient as washing your face when it comes to cleansing but it's the closest thing you can do that doesn't require too much time and energy. So when you're dead tired at the end of the day, like I have been for the past few days, grabbing a sheet and gently wiping your face free of makeup is way smarter than sleeping on it. You may also apply cleansing milk on your face before using the wipes.

If you don't have time applying several products on your face, you may opt to try supplements that can help you achieve healthier skin. In my case, I'm planing to start using GLOWW.

 

These GLOWW supplements came in a box and were sealed in a foil pack for added protection. One box contains 30 capsules good for 2-4 weeks depending on how frequent you take them. They recommend 2 capsules a day for the 1st 4 to 8 weeks and one capsule a day thereafter. Each box costs Php 750 so you'll be spending Php 1,500 per month on the first 2 months and Php 750 per month afterwards. I actually got these for free from Shen's Addiction Anniversary Promo so my first 2 weeks are covered. I think it's enough time to see if they work well for me so I'll decide in the next couple of weeks whether to continue this or not.

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A Trip Down Memory Lane with Victoria's Secret

Some people are reminded of their past when listening to old hits like Macarena (hmmm.. interesting choice of song!) while others remember their childhood when seeing old movies like Ghost and Titanic. In my case, I was brought down memory lane with a certain scent, Victoria's Secret Endless Love.

These are Victoria's Secret gift sets from our loving relatives in Virginia. A few days before, my friend and I were actually talking about how lucky we are that we don't need to buy our own perfumes because our loved ones never fail to include them as pasalubong every time they visit.

This gift set includes a pair of body butters, fragrance mists and body lotions in Love Spell and Pure Seduction. The combination screams of femininity. Both exude a sweet, flowery scent that's not over powering. 

Now this set contains the scent which brought back memories of my junior internship. I used Endless Love body cream back then and got compliments from the divine scent. Several years after, I got hold of the body mist and lotion but I was quite surprised they didn't smell as pleasant as the body cream. I don't mean to be rude, but they honestly remind me so much of a generic car freshener. Anyway, I still think that this gift set is great though I love the other one better. Inside are fragrance mists and body lotions in Secret Charm, Sheer Love and Endless Love. 

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I love that these are in travel friendly sizes and that you get to try more than one scent. The packaging is very elegant and you can just pop a ribbon on top and give them as gifts to your friends. The only problem with these is you can't choose which products will go together since they're already packed in sets. But I think that's the beauty of gift sets, you get to try other things you wouldn't normally buy and sometimes you end up with an accidental good buy.


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Warm Bodies

Hey guys! A few days ago I watched Miss Michelle Phan's video and got curious with one of the books she mentioned liking, Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. 

This book is about zombies and how a particular zombie wanted to connect with the world. Quite an interesting twist if you ask me.

It wasn't too long when a good friend mentioned that it has been made into a movie and is actually showing in theaters nationwide. 

Watching the official trailer on You Tube got me more interested with the plot. It's quite clever how the author twisted the usual and came up with a story that focuses on the other side. The usual villains, the zombies, have been given the spot light and though it's wierd, I still find it interesting to know what goes on with them.

Since I'm still setting up a good time to watch this with my girl friends, I thought of seeing the preview on ibooks. I eventually got hooked and wanted to read more so I got the full version. Actually my fiancé get it for me. Anyway, so far I'm liking the way the story goes and I'm curious how it is on wide screen. Maybe in the next couple of days I can share my insights on both versions and let you know if one is better than the other.

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AHAVA: Mineral Hand Cream

Sampe room has done it again. They have exceeded my expectation of coming up with products that appeal to us consumers in more ways possible. Just a week ago, I was prompted through email that Sample Room restocked. Good thing there were more than a couple of products that did interest me and my points were enough to avail of the samples.

It really didn't take much time for me to choose from the products since I was already set on what I wanted to get. I've been wanting a hand lotion that can fit my kikay kit without taking too much space. Luckily, Sample Room had many stocks of AHAVA mineral hand cream.

The sample came in a 20 ml squeeze type tube, just right to fit in any purse. It has a creamy texture that spreads effortlessly on your skin. I love the way it leaves your hands feeling soft and velvety after application.   The scent is not too appealing for me but it's not so much of a concern because it fades almost instantly. It's also paraben free and allergy tested hence approved for sensitive skin.

Overall, I love the way this hand cream feels on my skin and I might consider getting myself the full size despite the expensive tag (Php 650/100 ml tube). If you're on the look out for a good hand cream that helps your skin feel smooth and velvety then you will love this as much as I do.

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VMV HYPOALLERGENICS: Lip Glitter Gloss

Hey guys, I cannot wait to tell you how I love this lip product from VMV Hypoallergenics. I was suppose to hit the sack because I have an early thing tomorrow but after trying this on, I couldn't possibly sleep on it and delay my review any further. So here it is..

The VMV Hypoallergenics Lip Glitter Gloss in Princess comes in a gorgeous glass tube with a twist off cap and applicator sponge tip. It's 100% fragrance-free and doesn't contain paraben, preservatives and irritating waxes. It glides on smoothly and has an initial sticky feeling but goes away in a few minutes. 

It's non drying and doesn't feel heavy on your lips. It gives a glossy finish with noticeable tiny glitters and gives a red orange hue very similar to Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss but less sheer. Staying power is quite okay but you may need to reapply after a drink or meal. 

Overall, I love this lip product from VMV Hypoallergenics and I will definitely buy other shades from the same line soon. I do recommend it to those who want glittery lip products that can stay on after a decent amount of time. If you're the type who likes glassy finish without much glitter then this is not the right lip product for you.

Hope this review helps!

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SAMPLE ROOM: Moringa, AHAVA, Mir & Ryvi

Hey guys! I was home a little early today and got myself a treat from the mail. Inside are my samples courtesy of Sample Room, the very first sampling site here in the Philippines. This online community aims to give us consumers the opportunity to try out products in their sample sizes before splurging on them. 

I've been an avid follower of Sample Room since it started this year and I must say I have discovered a couple of must-haves via this amazing site like the Shu Uemura Whitefficient Clear Brightening Gentle Cleansing Oil and Celeteque DermoScience Brightening Eye Tuck plus Dark Circles Lightener.

This time I got 3 samples one of which is in full size and I only paid a hundred pesos for shipping. I haven't really tried them but I will in the next several days. For now, I just want to share with you what I got.

Moringa-O2 Malunggay Herbal Moisturizing Lotion

"Moringa-O2 combines powerful multivitamins, anti-oxidants and minerals from Malunggay, Olive Oil and Omega to deeply nourish and moisturize dry and sensitive skin. Moringa-O2 is best recommended for those with the following skin conditions: dry, sensitive skin, itchy skin, aging skin, skin asthma and Keratosis Pilaris." -Sample Room

Full Size: 125ml

Price: Php 129.75

Sample Size: 12ml (full) 

AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream 

"Mineral-enriched cream specially formulated to protect hands and safeguard them from climatic hazards and household damage. Instantly smoothes chapped, dry skin and restores suppleness." -Sample Room

Full size: 100ml

Price: Php 650

Sample Size: 20ml

Mir & Ryvi Skin Lightening Papaya Soap

"Exposure to UV radiation and other pollutants can make skin dull and dark. Our skin lightening bar naturally helps make skin fairer. Papaya enzymes work as exfoliator. Our mulberry extract, sourced from the jeju island, has been clinically proven effective in inhibiting the tyrosinase activity on the skin. Tyrosinae activity is responsible for melanin production that, in turn, darkens skin. The mulberry extract is highly potent yet very gentle. Our soap naturally makes skin fairer without the side effects of hydroquinone." -Sample Room

Full Size: 140g

Price: Php 250

Sample Size: 30g

I'm excited to try out these samples and tell you how they are after a few days of use. If you want to receive samples of your own from Sample Room, click here to register and start getting premium product samples right to your doorstep.

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December-January BDJ Box: A Rundown

Hey guys, I know I've been babbling about the BDJ box in my past several posts but I feel incomplete not having to share with you in full detail the contents of this wonderful box so here it goes..

The last time, I didn't get an information card of the products included in the November box and I even thought they did it deliberately because the box was already overflowing with goodies. It wasn't a big deal anyway and I'm actually far from complaining since it was generously packed with amazing stuff. I found out later that they missed including it in my box and apologized for the mistake. Good thing my December-January BDJ box has this info card.

The BDJ box team never ceases to amaze me with their array of products. I love that they include different product lines like perfumes, cosmetics, skin and hair care products thus targeting the different concerns of women nowadays. 

   

Pevonia Botanica Phyto Gel Cleanser

"Feel velvety soft skin! Thoroughly cleanse, purify and hydrate your skin with saponaria, rosemary, lemon and pine; a detoxifying and aromatic experience for your skin. Soft, velvety touch afterwards." -BDJ Box

 

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Trial Kit (Emulsion and Freshener)

"Get dewy looking skin! Baobab Tree extract and collagen in the facial emulsion and freshener work to improve skin elasticity and hydration retention. Remove make-up residue, excess sebum and tighten pores for that youthful dewy look everyone craves." -BDJ Box

Pantene Pro-V All Day Smooth Miracle Water

"Protect your tresses! Help your hair maintain perfect moisture balance. Use this as a finishing touch to your daily hair care regimen (after shower), leaving your hair fragrant and moisturized. For best results, use with the full Pantene system" -BDJ Box

Flormar Supershine Nail Enamel

"Fancy nails! Get into the nail art trend, experiment, try something new - do patterns or design an icon. Be creative." -BDJ Box

Flormar Longwearing Lipstick

"Show-off your lips! From Turkey's best cosmetic brand, imagine apricot seed oil, shea butter, cocoa butter and mango butter on your lips to lock in moisture. All you need for full-on color and all-day coverage." -BDJ Box

Snoe Beauty Beso Balm

"Ooh so kissable lips! Prolonged use may attract opposite gender and cause intensive flirting. This not only plumps, soothes and protects but also doubles as a breath-freshener" -BDJ Box

Britney Spears Radiance Fragrance

"Try this irresistible scent! Be radiant with an irresistible scent filled with delicate aromas like wild berries and soft dewy petals! Use this daily to experience the feminine blend of luminous pre white flowers" -BDJ Box

Tony Moly Tomatox Magic White Massage Pack

"Tomato and lemon extracts help clear impurities, whiten and tone skin. Kiwi and white tea extracts help prevent aging." -BDJ Box

Tony Moly Broccoli Sprout Cleansing Cream

"Antioxidants from blueberry, tomato, lavender, rosa canina, fruit and spinach removes dead skin cells and leaves your skin softer" -BDJ Box

BONUS Gift Cards!

1. L'oreal Professional Inoa Hair Color and X-tenso Moisturist vouchers redeemable at Azta Urban Salon

2. Browhaus Php500 cash voucher

3. Tony Moly 10% discount on all skin care, cleansing and pack

4. Etude House 10% discount on all skin care, cleansing and pack.

DECEMBER-JANUARY BDJ BOX CONTENTS:	Price of Full Size	BDJ Box
Pevonia Botanica Phyto Gel Cleanser	Php 3,640 (200ml)	Php 91 (5ml)
Etude House Moistfull Collagen Emulsion	Php 628 (150ml)	Php 21 (5ml)
Etude House Moistfull Collagen Freshener	Php 628 (150ml)	Php 21 (5ml)
Pantene Pro-V All Day Smooth Miracle Water	Php 259 (100ml)	Php 259 (100ml)
Flormar Longwearing Lipstick	Php 349 (4.2g)	Php 349 (4.2g)
Snoe Beauty Beso Balm	Php 149 (≈4g)	Php 149 (≈4g)
Britney Spears Spears Radiance Fragrance	Php 3,398 (50ml)	Php 82 (1.2ml)
Tony Moly Tomatox Massage Pack	Php 548 (80g)	Php 41 (≈6g)
Tony Moly Broccoli Sprout Cleansing Cream	Php 478 (200ml)	Php 7 (6g)
Azta Urban Salon Gift Card	--	Php 3,000
Browhaus Cash Voucher	--	Php 500
Tony Moly	--	(10% discount)
Etude House	--	(10% discount)
	TOTAL:	Php 4,520

Above table shows us that this month's BDJ Box is approximately valued at Php 4,520 plus 2 discount vouchers valued at 10% off each from Tony Moly and Etude House. I really got more than what I paid for and I can't wait to try all of these amazing stuff. So what are you waiting for? Subscribe now to BDJ Box and start getting an array of premium products to try out monthly. Who knows, you just might discover your new must-have.

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My BDJ Box 7-day Challenge

Hey guys. I recently got my December-January BDJ box and I'm pretty much impressed with how the people behind BDJ make each and every box stand out. Though I must admit the November box is my ultimate favorite among the three, this month's box is still a  hit because the contents are worth more than what subscribers paid for.

Among the array of skin and hair care products included in this month's box, I couldn't wait to try the Pevonia Botanica Phyto Gel Cleanser. I really haven't heard of Pevonia Botanica before but upon reading the product information, I got even more curious and excited to use it. Pevonia manufactures an organic skin care line offered by the most prestigious spas worldwide. Having them available in the market for local consumers will help in maintaining healthy, youthful looking skin right in the comfort of your homes.

Image courtesy of pevonia.com.ph

The Pevonia Phyto Gel Cleanser came in a 5mL sample tube but the full size is housed in a 250 ml bottle with a pump dispenser. This is a clear cleanser that has a consistency similar to a runny gel. The scent is so  mild that  it's almost unnoticeable.

Immediate effects: Day 1

It feels so smooth on your skin, lathers up minimally and washes off easily. After initial use, it instantly made my skin feel supple to touch. I had no skin tightness, itchiness or any type of irritation. I noticed having purely cleansed skin with visibly dirt free pores. It's also nondrying so my skin felt  refreshed and moisturized.

Continued use: Days 2-7

After a week of religiously cleansing my face with the Pevonia Botanica Phyto Gel Cleanser, I noticed having softer skin without signs of irritation. I'm quite amazed that I didn't break out during my period while using this cleanser. This is a major plus for me since I haven't found a cleanser that prevents me from pimple break outs especially during my period. I also noticed having less oil production on my T-zone and an absolute improvement with my skin texture since I started using this.

The only downside is the price because one full size bottle costs Php 3,640. But for a cleanser that delivers visibly satisfying results in just a few days of use, I'm willing to overlook the expensive tag. I highly recommend this product to those who are willing to splurge on a cleanser that truly bears effective results. If it's way over your budget, this is when the BDJ box subscription works its wonders. For just a fraction of the cost, you get to have a sample size of the Pevonia Botanica Phyto Gel Cleanser so you'd know how it works for you. Also, you get several other products so you're really getting more than what you pay for.

Overall, I love the Pevonia Botanica Phyto Gel Cleanser to bits and I'm pretty much thankful to BDJ box for living up to its advocacy of helping women in their quest for the best beauty products.

You may want to check out this unboxing video I made via iMovie for iPad to see the actual contents of the December-January BDJ box. A few thumbs-up won't hurt. :) Thanks and have a great day!


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