Hey guys! If you've been following my posts, you pretty much have an idea that I love trying out new products or different versions of a product especially when they involve the double B word. I've expressed my LOVE for BB creams since the day I started using them so imagine my excitement when I got invited to take part in Maybelline New York's blogger challenge in their search for next year's 8 BB Top Models. 

Image courtesy of Maybelline

Hold it ladies, I'm not joining as a contestant but as a blogger, I've been given the honor to spread the news and encourage my kikay followers ( including you ) to join and hopefully become one of the eight official faces of Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream for 2014. Wait! This gets even better, two lucky ladies will also receive modeling contracts worth 100,000 Php and 50,000 Php respectively from Ideal People Models. 

Image courtesy of Maybelline

You must be at least 15 years old with a valid facebook account and a fan of Maybelline Philippines on facebook. Those who are 15 to 17 years old may need to submit confirmation of parental consent. To enter, simply click here to link you to the contest application on Maybelline Philippines' facebook page. Register by choosing the tab PARTICIPATE and enter your personal information. 

 

 

Image courtesy of Maybelline

 

Name and email address are already prefilled based on the facebook account you're using so make sure to register using your personal facebook account. 

 

 

Image courtesy of Maybelline



Notice the slot asking if you have a blogger mentor? That's where I come in. Click YES and enter my name (Jing Baloy) as seen on the image above. If you choose me to be your mentor, I will exhaust all efforts to gather enough votes for you to qualify as one of the 30 most voted participants. This will increase your chances of becoming one of Maybelline's 8 BB Top Models and bag a modeling contract from Ideal People Models. 

Image courtesy of Maybelline

Upload two close shot photos, one full body shot and share your thoughts on why you deserve to be one of the 8 BB Top Models. 

 

Image courtesy of Maybelline

 

Let's join forces and tell everyone on social media to vote for you by clicking the GALLERY/VOTE tab.

Image courtesy of Maybelline

Not interested or qualified to join? You can still show your support by voting for all the ladies under my mentorship and help me get a chance to win 100 Maybelline New York BB products to share with all of you. I will post an update once I get participants to join under my guidance. Let's do this everyone! Online voting runs until December 2, 2013 and the 8 BB Top Models will be chosen from the final casting of the top 30 most voted candidates on the 9th of December. 

 

 

 

Before I end this post, I would like to thank Maybelline for inviting me to participate in this blogger challenge and for sending me a variety of BB products to try. I also want to thank Ms. Ana Bering of The SVEN Group for patiently responding to my queries about this challenge.

 

 

 

Most importanlty, I want to thank all of you for always visiting my blog and reading my posts. Please do extend your support by participating in this competition or voting for the ladies who will be under my mentorship. Kindly give me a nudge that you're interested to join and want me to be your mentor by using the comments section below or just send me an email via docretch@gmail.com. Again, thank you so much and best of luck to everyone! 

❤❤❤

Za Cosmetics Perfect Solution

Hey guys! I'm here to share with you another skincare line from Za Cosmetics called Perfect Solution. According to Za, it's their high-performance, anti-aging skincare line formulated with nature-derived plant seed extracts and marine collagen to give your skin a youthful resilience and a silky glow.

Za also comes from the makers of Shiseido, a well renowned Japanese brand when it comes to skincare and cosmetics. This is why I jumped right in to test the product and see for myself how well it works for me. 

The Perfect Solution line includes four products and thanks to Sample Room, I was able to get two of them for free (exclusive of 100 Php Shipping fee).

Perfect Solution Moisturizer (625 Php / 125 ml)

Za Cosmetics Perfect Solution Moisturizer comes in a bright fuchsia pink bottle which looks really dainty on any vanity table.

I like how Za designed the spout to easily dispense the product. This moisturizer has a pleasant scent that's so subtle it goes off a few minutes after application. 

It looks milky white and has a runny consistency making it very effortless to spread on your face and neck. It feels light on your skin yet very moisturizing and doesn't leave your face looking and feeling greasy. This moisturizer didn't cause any adverse skin reactions and it didn't cause me to break out.

Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream (725 Php / 40 g)

The Za Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream also comes in a jar with the same striking fuchsia pink color.

 

 

I would've loved an extra top cover for this container although the product seems to stay put even without one. This cream also has a pleasant scent that doesn't linger after application. 

It's opaque white and has a thick creamy consistency that spreads smoothly. I love how it immediately makes your skin feel soft and velvety. You may notice looking a bit shiny for a while but it eventually gets absorbed. I was initially hesitant to use this in the morning before applying BB cream because (based on experience) rich moisturizers tend to get rubbed off when layered with BB cream giving you a finish that looks obviously cakey. 

Image courtesy of Taste Central

However, the Za Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream doesn't give you the same unsatisfactory finish. First time I used it, I was able to apply BB cream smoothly without tugging or removing the collagen cream. I'm still amazed at how my Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura BB cream glides effortlessly on my skin each time I apply it on top of the Za Collagen Cream. The only problem is it limits the staying power of the BB Cream and my skin tends to get greasy a little earlier than usual. If you want to use this as a day cream under your foundation or BB Cream, you might need to touch up earlier and more frequently or you may put on a primer in between for longer staying power and better oil control.

The Perfect Solution line also has a Foaming Cleanser and Toner both of which I haven't tried. Meanwhile, I'm loving the moisturizer and collagen cream hence I recommend them to those of you who are still looking for a skin care regimen or just want to try something new. 

Image courtesy of Sample Room

As mentioned, I got mine from Sample Room but the overwhelming response from the members rendered them unavailable in just a few days. 

Image courtesy of Taste Central

You can also buy them online from Taste Central and enjoy 30% discount when you get the complete Perfect Solution line consisting of a Cleansing Foam, Toner, Moisturizer and Restoring Collagen Cream. Pay only 1,500 Php instead of 2,290 Php for the entire line with free shipping until January 4, 2014.

 

Image courtesy of Taste Central
L to R: Toner (595 Php / 150 ml), Cleansing Foam (345 Php / 100 g), Collagen Cream (725 Php / 40 g), Moisturizer (625 Php / 125 ml)

Za Perfect Solution products are also available in leading department stores nationwide. Any thoughts on Za Cosmetics' Perfect Solution line? Do share them on the comments section below. Thanks for reading and have a great 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! 

♥♥♥

STARBUCKS: Rewards Card Giveaway - CLOSED

Hey guys! You'd know Christmas is fast approaching in simple changes around you like when it gets dark a little earlier than usual or when malls begin to play Christmas carols. In my case, I'd know the Holidays are near when Starbucks baristas start handing out their Christmas Traditions Promo Cards. I've always been an avid follower of this tradition hence collected several planners in the past years. However, this year Starbucks went an extra mile and came up with another rewards card that coffee lovers will surely enjoy, the Starbucks Rewards Card. 

Image courtesy of Starbucks 

This card serves as a value card as well as a loyalty card offering various rewards when you use it to purchase drinks, pastries and tumblers from any Starbucks store in the Philippines. You get to earn a star with every purchase and avail of various freebies once you reach the required points. You also get an extra  treat on your birthday month just by presenting your card to any Starbucks branch in the Philippines. 

Just recently, Starbucks Philippines came up with a promo on their Facebook page and I was one of the lucky 1,000 winners of a limited edition leather card case and three Starbucks Cards. 

Now the FUN part is I'm giving away my two extra cards to 2 lucky followers of my blog. Each card is preloaded with 300 Php which you can immediately use on your next visit to any branch of Starbucks in the Philippines. 

This is open for Philippine residents only and since this is just a minor giveaway, I won't be requiring too much from you. Here's how to join:

1. Follow me via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin'.

2. Follow @mykikaystuff on twitter and tweet "Visit mykikaystuff.com for a chance to win a Starbucks Rewards Card."

3. Email your name and contact number to docretch@gmail.com with the subject "Mykikaystuff Starbucks Giveaway". 

This giveaway starts today and ends on November 30, 2013. Two winners will be chosen via random.org and will be announced on December 1, 2013. Both winners will be notified via email and will each get a Starbucks Rewards Card worth 300 Php (leather card case and box not included). I hope the mechanics are clear, if you have any questions just leave them on the comments section below and I'll get back to you the soonest possible time. Thanks for reading and good luck!

♥♥♥

SKIN79: Super+ Beblesh Balm

Hey guys! I've always been a BB Cream devotee since the day I found my skin's best match, the Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream. Even so, I still try out other brands to see how they fair with my current favorite. I've heard tons of good things about Skin79, particularly the hot pink variety which is why I finally bought one during the Beauty Fair 2013 held on October 4 and 5 at Il Terrazo, Tomas Morato, Q.C. 

This BB Cream claims to have three functions thus the tag "triple functions" on the label. It promises to whiten the skin, improve the appearance of wrinkles and protect the skin from harmful rays of the sun. 

The SKIN79 SUPER+ Beblesh Balm comes in a 40 gram flask type container with a pump and a tiny nozzle in front for a more hygienic way of dispensing the product. 

This BB Cream has a very subtle almost undetectable scent. It has a creamy texture that spreads easily and sets on your skin immediately after application giving you an instant glow. 

It doesn't give off a white cast and offers surprisingly minimal coverage. You may layer it a couple of times for better coverage but this is when you risk getting an obvious white cast. Above image shows you how it appears when swatched with a single layer (top) compared to adding another coat (bottom). I love that it gives you a naturally moisturized finish without looking shiny. It stays on for a decent amount of time (4 hours) without caking but it may look a little greasy by then. 

When compared to Tony Moly Luminous Goddess Aura BB Cream and Skin79 Super+ BB orange variety, the hot pink version looks thicker in consistency but spreads more effortlessly. 

The shades are somewhat similar but Skin79 BB in Orange give off the brightest finish followed by Tony Moly and Skin 79 Hot Pink. All three give a dewy look with light to medium coverage. Oil control is best seen with Tony Moly followed by the hot pink and orange varieties of Skin79. Still, Tony Moly is most affordable at 748 Php/45ml tube compared to both varieties of Skin 79 at 1,000 Php/40gm flask. 

Overall, I think the hot pink variety doesn't really match my skin type. I guess it suits those who are blemish free since it only offers minimal coverage and layering doesn't make it look any better. I will continue using it everyday but I have to say I won't be repurchasing once it runs out. I do recommend it to those who don't need much concealing and are willing to shell out a little more. So have you tried Skin79? Do share your thoughts on the comments section below. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!

♥♥♥

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!! - CLOSED

Hey guys! If you're Pinoy you'd know that Christmas is in the air when we hit the "ber" months. In line with the season of giving, I'll be hosting my very first giveaway. 

Official Giveaway Poster

Some of you may be aware that I'm an avid BDJ Box subscriber and there was never a box that didn't bring a smile to my face. So this October, I want to see that same effect on one of you guys by giving away an October BDJ Box. Just so you know, I started my subscription on the same month last year and since then my life became filled with monthly surprises. I've been given more than I have hoped for which is why I want to share the wonderful feeling I get whenever I receive a BDJ Box. 

Why the October box in particular? Well, I was really planning to host a giveaway for my 2nd year anniversary last July but I was faced with the dilemma of deciding what prize to give. Then I thought of giving away a BDJ Box but both August and September boxes were already sold out so I was left with the October box. It was on the same month when BDJ Box debuted last year so I'm hoping it will be a blast because it's technically their anniversary box.

This giveaway is for Philippine residents only and you can join by simply following the instructions below: 

1. Subscribe to my blog mykikaystuff.com using Bloglovin' and Google Friend Connect.

2. Follow me on twitter @Mykikaystuff and tweet about this giveaway. Please include my official giveaway poster and tag @Mykikaystuff, @BDJBuzz, @BDJBox and #mybdjgiveaway in your tweet as shown on the image above. 

3. Follow beauty_rx on Instagram and post about this giveaway on your Instagram wall. Include @beauty_rx, @bdjbuzz, #bdjbox and #mybdjgiveaway in your post.

4. If you have a blog, kindly mention about this giveaway so your readers can join in the fun. If you don't blog, just mention it on your Facebook wall. 

(eg. Visit mykikaystuff.com and get a chance to win an October BDJ Box!)

5. Email the following information to docretch@gmail.com

A. Full Name/Gender/Age:

B. Twitter Name:

C. Instagram Name:
D. Mailing Address:
E. Link to your blog post or a screen shot of your Facebook post announcing the giveaway.

This giveaway starts on October 1, 2013 and ends on October 31, 2013. The lucky winner will be chosen randomly via random.org and announced in a blog post on November 2, 2013. The winner will be notified via email so please add docretch@gmail.com to your list of contacts. Thanks for reading, have an awesome week and good luck!!!

♥♥♥

October BDJ Box Giveaway Winner

Hey guys! I would like to take this chance to express my gratitude to everyone who participated in my first ever giveaway. Your support is pretty much appreciated! 

As much as I want everyone to win, I only get to pick one lucky winner whose name appears below..

I'm hoping for more promos in the future and I wish you could support me the way you did on this giveaway. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful November!

♥♥♥