Cloud Bubble Oil

This is still part of my first Etude haul for this year. I’ve used this product for several times now and I can say that I’m very, very satisfied with it.

I’ve been using Clinique’s Take the Day Off since last year and because my friend Kitten has talked some sense into me (remember the shampoo issue Kitten?) I’ve decided to look for a cheaper alternative product that performs just the same as the expensive one. A bottle of Clinique’s makeup remover costs more than a thousand pesos while this bubble oil only costs 498 pesos. They both work well. They both suck at removing super waterproof mascaras.

I have no problems removing all brands (that I own) of eyeshadows, foundation, eye liner and blush but when I tried to remove my Kiss Me Heroine Make Mascara, the mascara didn’t even budge. I’d say that it’s actually not bad considering the price.

Just be careful that this doesn’t go into your eyes as it will sting like crazy. A small amount wouldn’t hurt but if you accidentally open your eyes or push some of the product in while your trying to remove your makeup then be ready to scream. = ) Well, just make sure that you’re near the faucet or shower. A simple rinse would remedy the stinging. It also doesn’t leave my eyes red when I accidentally do this. For me that means that it’s not too harsh. 

It says Bubble Oil because when you pump the product, it goes out into a bubble foam. 1-2 pumps is enough to clean your face. The scent is okay. Nothing special there.

This product doesn’t give me breakouts so I’m definitely buying this again.

February Double Thanksgiving Giveaway!

I finally had the time to take photos and sit down to blog about this giveaway! February is a very special month for me as it’s my birthday month and also Hyphen’s anniversary! I will be doing a series of giveaways here and in Hyphen’s Facebook page so you better keep an eye out for those. Here’s the first giveaway.

Nail Art

I have been exposed to the world of nail art because of the Etude House Wannabe Style Nails set. One day, I was walking around Watsons while waiting for MB to finish his haircut. I did the usual rounds of makeup and toiletries, mentally checking if I needed anything. Well, I didn’t until I found these:

Each set costs Php69.75 and includes a nail file, nail glue, beads/studs and a stick.






I like the first set better as the studs last longer and they’re not a pain to apply. Or maybe I’m just doing it wrong? Anyway, here’s the result of my first try:

The color of the studs faded when I applied a quick dry topcoat. The color also runs when you’re not careful.  I didn’t use the glue for this project. I relied on the nail polish which was satisfactory as the studs lasted several days even with light chores such as cooking and washing dishes. I was too paranoid on the first night. I was very careful with shampooing my hair as I was afraid the studs would fall off. They didn’t.

I have no idea what I’m going to do with the other set. I don’t want to use it anymore. I’ll probably give it to C. We did another project together. I’ll post that soon.

Aloha!

I only have a few words for this product. It’s great. Buy it when you’re looking for a good lippie/gloss combo. =)

The Aloha Two Two Kiss (don’t you just love Korean names?) is a duo of lipstick (red) and gloss (yellow). It makes my lips soft. I can wear this without a lip balm base. It doesn’t dry out my lips. It lasts the whole day.

I usually apply the gloss in the center of my lower and upper lip. I also use the gloss to top off some of my lipsticks. It’s a very nice gloss if you don’t like over-the-top shine or in-your-face gloss. It’s very subtle. I didn’t experience chapping when I removed the product from my lip.

The pencil is also very easy to sharpen. Just be careful with the cap. I lost the cap of the gloss so now I can’t put this in my makeup kit. Pffffft… Good thing it lasts a long time.

The Pursuit of Happiness

I am very picky with bags and purses. Before, I just immediately buy a bag if the color and design are nice. I don’t consider the quality. I didn’t want to spend more than 500 pesos for a bag. But then, the life expectancy of these bags were short. Of course, they were cheap and cheaply made so I had to buy another bag again after a few uses. I thought I was actually saving money because I didn’t buy expensive bags… Until I bought one expensive bag out of impulse and that’s when my love affair with good, quality bags started.

Last year, I only bought bags abroad. They are still in very good condition even after days and days of abuse. They are totally worth the price. At the beginning of the year, I discovered Aranaz bags. I got my first piece then I was totally hooked! Here is my first collection of Aranaz bags:

After seeing the quality of these bags and considering the price, I decided to stick to Philippine-made bags while I am here. I am a proud Filipino. I can definitely see that the quality of these bags are far superior to some branded bags that are available here. I was thinking, why would I pay X amount of pesos for a bag that is made in China when I can pay almost the same amount for a bag that is made in my country, made by my people, helps their livelihood and makes good use  and promotes our natural resources? These bags are world-class!

I am not a hypocrite. I will probably buy other bags when I go abroad but as long as I’m in the PH, I will try my very best to stick to bags that are designed and made by Filipinos.

To leave you with, here’s a photo of a purse that really caught my fancy. I got this from my sister although she still doesn’t know that I took it. = ) I told my mom to tell her that I wanted it for myself as she won’t be able to use it. She likes big bags and purses.

Silk Scarf Hair Essence

This is also part of my Etude haul.

My hair is dull and dry and I’m still having problems with split ends. I looked around Etude House and found this product. I checked out their hair care line because I was really impressed with the Bubble Hair Color.

I apply this serum every night, after I take a bath. I divide my hair into two sections and apply 1-2 squeezes of the serum on each side. I’ve been using this for about 3 weeks now and I really did see results. There were less split ends and even less hair fall! I was only hoping to get rid of the split ends. Solving the hair fall problem was an added bonus. My hair is soft in the morning even after I just used shampoo the night before. My hair is even softer and silkier after I use a conditioner. It’s very easy to comb.

Just the other night, I noticed that if I apply 2 squeezes, I end up with itchy spots on my neck and the sides of my face. I thought this was due to the Bench Shampoo for colored hair so I stopped using that. Turns out, the itching was caused by both the serum and the shampoo. So now, I only apply one squeeze of the serum for each side. I think too much of a good thing is also bad.

Update:

I had my hair cut during the weekend and I also had my curls done so I’ve been skipping this serum for a few days now. I will use this again in a couple of days. I just don’t want too much treatments on my hair.

Easy Brow Pencil

I got this pencil with my first Etude House haul for 2012.

I am used to powder eyeshadows to fix my brows. The thing is, it’s hard to use powder to fix my mom’s brows. She has very little hair that serves as her brows. They’re almost non-existent. I decided to look for a pencil to see if this will be better than the powder. I learned this trick from one of my mentors.

I’ve read several blogs claiming that Etude House has great eyebrow pencils. I asked the SA for a recommendation and she handed me this. I asked for a shade that is similar to my hair color. She said that this is the one that she’s using. She has colored hair too.

Pencil on one end, brush on the other

Soft brush

This is number one. This is the lightest shade. I’ve only used this a few times and it didn’t disappoint. I haven’t tried using this to draw mom’s eyebrows but I’m pretty sure it will give good results. The first time I used this was with the BB Cream that I got as a GWP. We went to UP Vet Med to bring our cat, Sapphire. We stayed there for half a day. Amidst the alternating heat, wind and dust, this pencil survived.

This pencil doesn’t smudge and doesn’t rub off easily. I have a habit of scratching/touching my brows when I’m thinking so I’m glad that this pencil passed.

Use the brush on the other end to soften out the edges. The brush is very soft so no irritations there even you use it after plucking/shaving your brows.

This pencil will definitely be a staple in my vanity.