K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo 24H Real Lasting Liquid Eyeliner in Brown Black

Are you a fan of eyeliners? If you're to ask me, I certainly am. I started applying eyeliners in high school which I borrowed from my Mom. I love it when I wake up the next day and there are still faint traces of black liner on my lashline making my usual boring eyes pop out in a natural way. That was way back in high school. But as an adult, I find it hard to stick to one eyeliner brand due to my sensitive eyes and oily eyelids. I have tried expensive and cheap ones but I am always disappointed. Not until a Japanese brand, K-Palette, was introduced in the Philippines. I have tried some of their products like the eyeliner pencil, mascara, and concealer but only one achieved a holy grail status, their lasting liquid eyeliner. So, without further ado, here's my review: 

I bought this in Watsons for Php 795.00.

Their new formulation now includes Panthenol, Japanese Green Gentian,and Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1. 

Ingredients:

Water, Acrylates/ Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer, Ammonium Acrylates/Methylstyrene Styrene Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soluble Collagen, Swertia Japonica Extract, Panthenol, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Beheneth-30, Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone, Sorbitan Laurate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Sorbitan Trioleate, Sucrose Palmitate, Aminimethyl Propanol, Simethicone, Glycerin, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Tocopherol, Carbon Black, Iron Oxides, Titanium/Titanium Dioxide.

What It Claims:

• Long keep formula. Tough against water, sebum, and sweat.
• More pigmented color. Even more vivid than a permanent marker.
• Fine brush for easy application.
• Easy wash off. Washable with just warm water.

The fine brush tip makes application with fine lines easier.

I tried to rub it off with water, and it stayed put.

Two swipes give you a deep brown color, not as dark as I thought.

On my eyes:

The first picture shows my bare eyes. The second and third pictures show the eyeliner applied on my eyelids under different lighting conditions. However, the third picture more closely resembles the actual color of the eyeliner.

Pros:

• The brown black color is the best color IMHO for daily use.
• No smudge, no racoon eyes. Just well-defined lines.
• The formula is good for sensitive eyes like mine.
• I have oily eyelids and I don't use any primer or powder but the color stayed put all day.
• It can easily be removed by soap and water.
• Available in Watsons and Beauty Bar stores.

Cons:

• It is much more expensive compared to other liquid liner brands. I bought this for Php 795.00.
• People with unsteady hands might have a difficult time using this because of the fine tip.
• It can dry easily if left uncovered for a long time.
• The fine tipped brush can easily lose its shape if not properly covered.
• If you are a fan of the winged-eyeliner, the winged-tip may not stay put if you accidentally rub it.

My Verdict:

I give this a 4/5. This eyeliner has achieved a holy grail status in my makeup stash. I could have given it a perfect 5 if not for the hefty price tag. I highly recommend it to fellow oil-skinned gals who want a natural daily cat's eye look without the fuss.

Disclaimer: This review is based on my experience and not a paid one. I bought the product with my own money and tried it firsthand before making a review. Everybodys skin is different. There are products that I love which might not work for some. Just take it with a grain of salt. To each his own.

Farmstay Escargot Intensive Eye Cream

It is said that eyes are the windows to our soul. But how do we maintain its youthful look without the crow's feet, dark circles, and eyebags? This is where eye creams come into play. We apply moisturisers on our face yet we neglect the sensitive areas near the eyes. I am not much into moisturisers but I always make it a habit to slather on eye creams. Just recently, I ran out of my favorite eye cream, which is the Retinol X Anti-aging Eyelift, and I checked all Beauty Bar branches but it is out of stock (sighs)...Anyway, I looked for an alternative everywhere and searched the net for recommendations until I came across this eye cream. 

ESCARGOT, meaning edible snail, is the star in this Intensive Eye Cream from Farmstay. The slime or mucus secreted by these little mollusks is said to contain a potent combination of elastin, proteins, anti-microbials, copper peptides, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid, which are known to battle acne, fade scars and pigmentation, and plump the skin, among others.But is it worth the hype, especially when we apply it under our eyes?

I bought this at Metro Market, Market for Php 690.

Unboxing!

The jar is gold in color, fancy and sleek! But heavy, too.

Apart from the jar cover, there is also an extra plastic lid to prevent spillage.

Description:

Functional cosmetic which improves wrinkles. It contains the edible snail extract from clean region, and it gives minimum stimulus on a tender eye rim. Also, it gives tension on skin, prevents it from dryness, and keeps it moist and light.

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Mineral Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Microcrystalline Wax, Polysorbate 60, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sorbitansesquioleate, Lillum Tigrinum Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Propylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, CI 19140, CI 15985, Snail Secretion Filtrate(300mg), Fragrance.

How to Use:

Take it with a small amount. In addition, you put several dots and absorb. (This was written in the box). Confusing, right? So what I do is to take an ample amount once (no double dipping to avoid contamination) using my ring finger and tap gently under my eyes and on my eyelids. I only use this before bedtime.

Pros:

• The consistency is like a gel but in cream form. It leaves a cool sensation upon application.
• The cream is easily absorbed and does not sting my sensitive eyes.
• Eye puffiness and tiredness is diminished despite only a few hours of sleep.
• The 50g cream may last for a long time if used nightly.
• Inexpensive compared to other night creams.

Cons:

• It is not travel-friendly. The jar is heavy and bulky.
• It is not readily available. I've only seen this in Market, Market and BeautyMnl.
• It could blur your vision and sting a little if you apply too much.

My Verdict:

I give this one a 4/5 because of the consistency, price, and packaging. I haven't seen much effect because I've been using it for only two nights. I will give an update once I reach my one month target. 

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought this product with my own money and tried it firsthand before sharing my thoughts and experience. Everybodys skin is different. This may work for some and not for others. Just take it with a grain of salt. To each his own.

Farmstay Grape Stem Cell Whitening Ample

Hello dear readers! Here is another review from me, this time, from a Korean brand called Farmstay. I bought this product last May through BeautyMnl because of all the raves I have read over the internet and from fellow bloggers. I also want to lighten post inflammatory marks left by a recent bout with adult acne. 

My order was neatly packed and arrived the next day. I paid Php 690 plus the shipping fee.

                                                                                                                                                                               

How my right cheek looks like after a month of religiously using the ampoule. Some have lightened but some are still reddish.

The effects are gradual so consistency is key. I have more marks on my left cheek than on my right. I have yet to see the full whitening effect of the ampoule.

What It Claims: 

Due to highly-enriched texture, it softly applies on the skin and grape callus extract and whitening ingredient, Niacinamide, organizes the skin texture, provides an elastic and moisturising solution to manage the time of the skin ages and to make healthier skin.

Pros: 

• You get more than what you pay for. The bottle is heavy and full and may last for three to four months with everyday use.
• The bottle is a dark-colored glass with a matching glass dropper. This will prevent the contents from undergoing oxidation so as not to lose potency.
• It has a milky and watery consistency and leaves the skin smooth and soft upon absorption.
• It did not break me out.
• The scent is mild and reminds me of fresh grapes. This is good for people who are sensitive to strong scents.
• My skin looks bright when I wake up.
• It can be used alone or in combination with a night cream for added effect.
• I can use it under my eyes and on top of my lids and it doesn't sting.

Cons:

• Effect is gradual so consistency is key. 
• I only use this at night 'cause I observed that I get small whiteheads when I use this in the morning.
• It is always out of stock. 
• Available only in selected Ayala malls and online stores.

My Verdict: 

I give this a 4/5. I may repurchase when I run out of this but as of now, I am still on the hunt for a night cream or serum which is much more effective and works faster.

I will continue to finish the contents of my first bottle and will give an update. Ciao!


Update as of July 14, 2017:

As of today, I already finished my bottle of whitening ampoule until the last drop. It really helped in making my skin brighter upon waking up and also made the pimple marks appear lighter. But it also gave me whiteheads when used at daytime especially when I sweat a lot. However, if your main concerns are acne marks and dull skin, I can recommend this.It also works for the under eyes.




Disclaimer: This review is based on my experience and not a paid one. I bought the products with my own money and tried each product for at least a month before making a review. Everybodys skin is different. There are products that I love which might not work for some. Just take it with a grain of salt. To each his own.

Aloe Vera Gel Brands Review (Mumuso, Farmstay, Nature Republic)

Hello everyone! Given our hot and humid weather, body gels and moisturisers are on demand. Personally, I am not a fan of sticky and greasy lotions that leave sticky films or residues on skin. I also have sensitive skin so I am wary of using skincare products with lots of harmful chemicals. However, the skincare junkie in me itches to try out new skincare products all the time, one after the other, hoping that these might work on me. Aloe Vera Gels are now selling like pancakes and of all the brands in the market today, I have tried these three, Mumuso, Nature Republic, and Farmstay. I have finished one tub of each so here's my review.

Mumuso Moisturising Aloe Vera Gel 92%

I bought this 300mL tub for Php 99.00 at Mumuso, Market, Market branch.

Ingredients: Deionized water, Glycerol, Propanediol, Aloe Vera, Trehalose, Xanthan Gum, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol (Provitamin B5), D-Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Allantoin, Methylisothiazolinone.

Pros:

• It did not irritate my sensitive skin. I apply this immediately after bath while skin is still damp. I use it all over my body but not on my face.
• You get more than what you pay for with its 300mL tub.
• It contains hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin.
• It is easily absorbed and leaves a matte and non-sticky finish.
• It has a refreshing effect.
• It is very cheap and effective.
• The scent is mild and dissipates quickly. It reminds me of cucumber.
• It has the least ingredients, the lesser the better. 
• It soothes my eczema when I have flare-ups.

Cons:

• It is always out of stock.  

My Verdict: 

I give it a 5/5. It is the cheapest one that I can find and also works for me. I already hoarded when I saw that Mumuso re-stocked on this. :-)

Farmstay Aloe Vera Moisture Soothing Gel 100%

The first products that I've tried from this brand are the Snail Gel and the Grape Stem Cell Whitening Ample. That time, I bought the snail one instead because the aloe was out of stock. So when I chanced upon this on the shelf and while my favorite Mumuso was still out of stock, I decided to try this.

I bought this at Market, Market Department Store for Php 290.00.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Carbomer, Polysorbate 80, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Witch Hazel Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance.

Pros:

• Free of parabens, mineral oil, benzophenone, and artificial color
• Just like Mumuso, this one has a mild scent which I like.
• Can be bought online and in selected department stores in Ayala malls.
• It is easily absorbed and feels light on the skin.
• It has the lightest consistency among the three aloe gels maybe because of the alcohol content.

Cons:

• It is the most expensive among the three aloe gels that I have tried.
• It contains witch hazel extract which I think I have sensitivity to, so I don't use this often as it makes my skin itchy at times.
• It contains added fragrance.
• Aloe Vera Gel wasn't the first ingredient in the list so why put 100%? Maybe they are pertaining to the 100% natural aloe vera that was used in the product? This one confuses me...

My Verdict: 

I give this a 4/5. I will only buy this if I run out of Mumuso Aloe Gel.

Nature Republic Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera 92%

I bought this at Landmark, Makati for Php 245.00




Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (92%), Alcohol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Polyglutamic Acid, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Extract, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Carbomer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Parfum, Disodium EDTA.

Pros:

• Aloe Gel is the first ingredient in the list, so I assume that it has the most amount of Aloe Vera compared to Mumuso and Farmstay.
• It is readily available in malls and online.
• It has a cooling effect after application mainly due to the spearmint content.
• It also has sodium hyaluronate to moisturize the skin.

Cons:

• It irritated my sensitive skin. I developed itchy patches on my skinfold (left arm) and behind the knee.
• It has the strongest fragrance among the three.
• It has the longest drying time and there is still a sticky feeling after a few minutes.

My Verdict: 

I give it a 2/5. Although there are a lot of raves on this brand of Aloe Gel, every skin is different. Maybe I am not "hiyang" on this one or perhaps there is an ingredient/s that triggered my eczema.


Update as of July 17, 2017:

I already finished my third tub of Mumuso Aloe Gel. I tried using it on my hair instead of my usual conditioner because I have read in a blog that it also works on her hair. Sadly, it made my hair stiff and dry after rinsing it with water. But all in all, it works best for me as a whole body moisturiser. I will keep repurchasing.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought these products with my own money and tried each one for at least a month before sharing my thoughts and experience. Everybodys skin is different. This may work for some and not for others. Just take it with a grain of salt. To each his own.

My Hair Makeover at Regine's Salon, Makati branch

Hello dear readers. It has been a long while since my last post. Got myself busy with a lot of things and I seriously neglected my colored hair making it dry and dull. Another thing, I don't like my latest haircut that much so I tie it up as much as I could despite the short length. Anyway, I then decided that it's high time to pamper my hair again and change my dull look into something different. I searched the net for salon reviews with regard to haircolor and haircut and I came across this: REGINE'S SALON at the Link. The reviews look good enough to convince me to drop by after office for a haircut. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take pictures of how my hair looked before the haircut. So let me just share with you what were done after.

After the haircut, the highlighting procedure was started by Marlon, the hairstylist.

It really takes a professional to do the procedure with ease.

Partially finished foiled highlights

After applying highlights and foil, Marlon also applied the same base color to my uncolored roots and covered everything with a saran wrap.

They were able to convince me to take the promo package of haircut+haircolor+hairspa. However, I wasn't able to take a picture of the hairspa procedure which was like applying conditioner with a massage and eventually rinsing it after just a few minutes.

After about an hour or less.....

View from my right

Back View

View from my left

From left to right: Sheryl, the bubbly and accommodating receptionist, Marlon, my hairstylist, and his assistant.

As for my hair type, I have fine hair that becomes limp as it grows so I always request a haircut with volume. Fortunately, Marlon was able to deliver what I asked of him. I even showed him pictures of short bobcuts that I want to achieve. Secondly, for the highlights, I asked him to make it subtle for just a 3D effect. So far, I think I got my money's worth this time. Thanks Regine's!

Bubble Hair Dye Review: Lolane Z Cool in Cutie Mint

     Do you love changing your hair color but couldn't afford to go to expensive salons in a regular basis? Now you can do it yourself with Bubble Hair Colors/ Color Foams. Innovation has introduced to us this type of hair dye which makes color application a breeze. Traditionally, hair dyes come in cream or powder form and should be applied from hair roots to tips and section by section to achieve an even color. It's really hard to do it alone so a lot of us has to go to a professional to have it done. Good thing that bubble color foams are out in the market and there are so many brands and colors to choose from. 

     Here is my review on one of the brands that I've tried recently, Lolane Z Cool Bubble Color Foam.

I bought this for Php 400 at Watsons since there is a Php 50 discount

Just follow the instructions written on the box since the leaflet enclosed is in Thai.

This is the color developer and you would replace the cap with the pump after mixing it with the activator

This is the activator bottle. Pour the contents in the developer bottle.

How it looks after applying the Bubble Color Foam on my short hair.

Result: Seen on the left side is the color of my hair before application and on the right is the color of my hair post application.

Verdict:

    I really like the color shown on the box but I did not achieve the color as I expected. The smell is also strong and pungent. After a week, I noticed that color starts to fade despite using color care shampoos. So all in all, I will not repurchase.


Disclaimer: This review is based on my experience and not a paid one. I bought the products with my own money and tried each product for at least a month before making a review. Everybodys skin is different. There are products that I love which might not work for some. Just take it with a grain of salt. To each his own.

Haircut at Ricky Reyes (Market, Market)

It's already summer and I can feel the scorching heat of the sun everytime I go out. Anyway, I had my  short hair trimmed two weeks ago by Chris of Ricky Reyes, Market, Market. I'll share with you my before and after photos and if you like it, then you'll know where to go and whom to look for.

This was cut in January in an inverted bob by the same hairstylist. However, I really have an ugly hairline at the nape so I have to have it trimmed every 3 weeks.

This is my haircut now. I don't really know exactly what this style is called. I just told him to trim my hair and I want to grow it out just like before.

I love that it's a wash and wear hairstyle and how it gives my hair its much needed volume. I will wait for a few weeks again before I go back for another trim. I will keep coming back until I reach my desired hair length. I paid Php 200 for this haircut and it's not bad considering how much I paid for other known salons that only gave me bad hair days. 

Do you  like it? Let me know what you think!