Bath and Body Works at Landmark + More

Good news for us who were looking for Bath and Body Works PocketBacs in Manila!

Landmark, Trinoma had been carrying original B&BW products (I believe) for a long time now. They got body mist, lotion, adorable pocketbacs and even holders! Signature collection is always available. But one thing that caught my eye last Saturday... they added the PocketBacs in Reindeer and Cupcake Collection!

Reindeer PocketBacs - Mint-based

Aren't they cute?

[Source: Trusty BFF Google]

And I really mean a lot 'cause I asked the SA and she said yes. Yay! This would be perfect for those who don't want to buy online and just can't wait to get their hands on it.

As much as I wanted to hoard, I already placed an order from a seller in GT and waiting. But of course, I couldn't control it as the PocketBacs are calling my name haha so I got one. Just one : p Retails at PhP 99.75 each.

Cupcake PocketBacs - Vanilla-based

[Source: Trusty BFF Google]

Meanwhile,  if you like Kamiseta, they are on sale for like 50% off on almost all items. Isn't that great? I got myself 3 items which I'll save for my next post. Just a suggestion... go there early as most items were just everrrrywhere by late noon. :)

And oh, MAC and Clinique counter in Trinoma is still there. They're only waiting for a vacant boutique inside so they can move in permanently. Located in front of Gift Gate and closer if you are coming from Mindanao Avenue entrance.

~.~
It's Monday today so let's keep our energies up the whole week!

'Til then ladies!

Mini Watsons Haul

I really want to do a review today but I don't have the extra time to do it. So I'll just post my Watsons haul last weekend. Mini as I am just restocking my bath stuff. And I love reading this kind of post. I find it therapeutic haha. How about you?

And here it is from upper left:

1. Myra Vita Firm at PhP 99

My current lotion is Myra Vita Quench (review on it soon) and I guess this is a new variant which as it claims can help tighten skin so I need to have it. Plus I badly need it right now to keep my ever present cellulite at bay. I'll report if it works!

2. L'oreal Total Repair 5 Shampoo and Conditioner at PhP 139 and Php189 respectively
Again, I am so in love with this product! These two are just backups in case I run out of it! If it will happen eeek ;)

3. Sunsilk Smooth and Manageable at PhP 89

This is a household shampoo and whenever I want to deeply cleanse my hair, I either use this or H&S. There's a free Creamsilk too. Who wouldn't love that? I think the promo is still ongoing so if you're a Sunsilk and Creamsilk fan too, go grab yours now!

4. L'oreal Total Repair 5 Deep Repairing Mask sachet at PhP 20

I lost the other one I bought last month so I repurchase! Love, love this line from L'oreal.

5. Lewis & Pearl Dewdrops Cologne at around PhP 30
If you like D&G Light Blue, then this is a good alternative which you can splash to your body anytime without the guilt! Just for the cheap price you can smell like your favorite perfume! My fave too.

6. Skin White PowerWhitening Facial Cleanser at PhP 39

Okay, this is just a random buy because I run out of my Clinique Clarifying Lotion and I don't know what toner to get. Hopefully, it will not cause any breakouts as I am still on the process of erasing pimple marks from the past month. Aaargh!

:D

And that was my mini haul, wish you had fun reading it as I am typing it. Let me know your current haul too. Have a happy Friday everyone! Just one day before the week ends, are you excited? ;)

Beauty Review: Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub

I first saw Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub on an advertorial page of Cosmo mag and got intrigued. Though I never really paid attention that much until I saw raves on it from blogs to beauty forums! So Watsons is the only way to go. :)

I went there and found two racks completely carrying this body scrub and thought... it must be really that good! I read the description since I am not really familiar with the title "Lulur." Everything went better when I turned the tub and saw the price, very light on the budget! And there it goes on my shopping basket.

Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub

135 g PhP 80
Watsons

What is it?

Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub is a beauty treatment inspired by a most luxurious Javanese ritual called Lulur. The ritual was originally intended for the bride-to-be in order to beautify, smoothen, and whiten her skin before her wedding day. Lulur originated from the royal palaces of Java, Indonesia and products inspired by this traditional treatment are still used by Indonesian women today.

The benefits of Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub:

• It gently exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells to soften the skin and give it a radiant glow.
• Frequent usage reduces skin pigmentation and evens out skin tone by getting rid of dark patches, especially in areas prone to darkening such as the elbows, knees, armpits, and the area between the thighs.
• It contains Vitamin E and Green Tea extract, powerful antioxidants that protect your skin from free radicals to keep it healthy and young-looking.
• It also contains Squalene and Olive Oil that help maintain moisture on your skin.

How I use it?

I apply it directly onto dry skin, a handful for the whole right arm. I once used it on a damp or wet skin and the result isn't as good as when it is dry. Then I rinse it off with lots of water.

What I love about it?

• The beads are very gentle so it doesn't leave any red marks after.
• Effectively scrubs away dead skin cells because you can feel your skin feels softer and smoother.
• The floral scent lingers even after you step out of the shower. You can sniff your arms and it smells like Sampaguita.
• I can testify that it can whiten you gradually.
• A bit moisturizing but I still apply lotion afterwards.
• Leaves you feeling cleaner.
• The smallest tub can have up to 4 uses for a whole body scrub.
• Hypo-allergenic and dermatologist-tested.
• Very affordable!

What I hate about it?

• The scent could probably irritate other people because it could be strong for them.
• It's exclusively available in Watsons.
• But nevertheless, none for me!

Additional Tips

• For hygienic purposes, please use a spatula (that's what I do) to scoop out the right amount you need.
• The directions says use it daily but as with most scrubs overdoing it can irritate your skin. I use it twice a week concentrating to where I really need exfoliation like elbows and knees.
• If you are after the whitening effect, please be patient! I used this for two months already and the effect is gradually and not dramatically. It may take longer for people with darker tone.
• You can treat someone for a hand scrub without hurting your wallet! That's what I am doing with my Mom when we have free time. Instant Mom-and-daughter bonding time. :)

OVERALL

This a great product since it can scrub my dead skin cells effectively. Besides the price is not bad at all. I will definitely repurchase this, probably the bigger tub.


Have you tried it too? What can you say?
If you can also suggest other brands please let me know. I am in a hunt for good scrubs right now. 'Til next post! :D

Another Watsons Haul

I went to Watsons yesterday to refill my stash. Nothing much to purchase because I still have new things to try at home.

1. Marionnaud N 35 Eyeshadow Brush PhP 69.75
Made of synthetic fibers - angled to contour, accent and shape. It's also soft like the Marionnaud Blusher Brush. I haven't used it yet so I can't comment if it's that good. I heard good feedbacks nonetheless.

2. L'oreal Paris TR5 Deep Repairing Mask 15 mL PhP 19
1 Minute Mask - Deep repairing for strong and healthy hair. You know how much I love L'oreal TR5 (review here) but I don't have their mask yet. I bought just sachet to try and the price quite surprised me. Cheapo!

3. L'oreal Paris TR5 Shampoo 80 mL PhP 54
I'm running low on my fave shampoo and this is the only one left from this variant so I need to get it! This is their smallest size which is perfect for travelers and those who are on budget.

Btw, sachets for shampoo and conditioner will be available soon at PhP 4.50!

4. Nichido Multiple Stick in South Beach PhP 94
I got it at 50% off. Creamy peachy-pink with gold shimmer blush. Goes well with my skin tone but doesn't stay long. For its price, I guess it's worth it.

5. Fashion 21 Eyeliner in Black PhP 85
I'm planning to use this for making the eyes look chinita. Not for me but for my sister who will be Ms. Korea on her school's UN week. Is this a good one? Or do you have other recommendations? The other end is a smudge tool.

Further reviews on each soon. Happy Monday everyone. Let us all have that positive energy!

L'oreal Total Repair 5 Night Essence Review

Hi everyone! I AM BACK! I miss blogging and I got a bunch of products to review so wish me luck. Let me start with hair care. If there's one thing I am really obsessed about, you guess... it's hair care products. I love it more than skin care, makeup and even with bags or shoes. Most of my money are spent on it. Me bad ;) But I guess for a gal like me who is not born with soft and straight locks I must really take care of my hair to make it more, err presentable. Thank goodness that my hair is taken care by L'oreal for a year now and I'm very loyal.

Total Repair 5 is L'oreal's Elseve newest line though I think they already had it before. Same key ingredient, just renamed and repackaged. I got its whole line except for deep treatment (I still have my L'oreal Re-Nutrition mask). I find this funny because I'll first talk about the night essence before the shampoo and conditioner. Will do a post on it too, tihee! Enough with the blah blah...

Total Repair 5: 5 Problems, 1 Solution

L'oreal Paris Total Repair 5 combats the 5 signs of damaged hair:

Breakable, Dry, Dull, Coarse, Hair Split-Ends

Description:

The 1st total reparation of the 5 signs of damaged hair with Cement-Ceramide, L'oreal's exclusive active ingredient, that works similarly to natural hair cement, Ceramide. It keeps hair strong and healthy by filling in cracks for strengthened and resilient hair and sealing hair scales for replenished moisture and ultra-smooth and ultra-shiny hair surface. Split-ends are prevented.

Proven Results: Day after day, combat the 5 signs of damaged hair with 1 solution to become 1. Stronger 2. Nourished 3. Shinier 4. Smoother 5. Less Split Ends. Feel your hair repaired without heaviness overnight from the 5 signs of hair damage the next morning!

I didn't get the change I want the first morning but the no heaviness feel is true. It doesn't even leave any residue on my pillow. After a month of using it, my hair feels softer and manageable. It behaves properly! Though it still lacks on some shine and a little more help with the split-ends.

One pump is enough for my long hair

Retails at PhP 355 for a 150 ml bottle, it will definitely last with me for a long time making it a good investment. You're supposed to apply 1-2 pumps while you sleep. I use it mostly on daytime to towel-dried hair. It makes my hair styling easier. The smell is nice, very feminine. Non-greasy and has a creamy consistency that melts easily when rubbed between palms.

You see the pump has a big opening which may be a con to others. I'm cool with it. Just gives enough with every pump to coat my long hair. One thing I am afraid is product build-up. So what I do is use it twice a week then rest my hair. If not, my hair will weigh down easily. Who likes that, right?

All in all, the product is great. I'll definitely add it to my faves from L'oreal. What's best is the change is noticeable. Mom and J compliments my hair always. So it gets my 100% approval!

Available at Watsons, Landmark and other leading supermarkets and drugstores.

Avon Ultra Moisture Rich Lipstick in Lava Love

I love Avon to bits. From their cosmetics to shampoos to intimate apparels, I have them. When I started to love makeup, my kit includes their lipstick and blushes. One look on their brochure and I am sold. Felt like scouring the mall for finds but just by reading. :) I even applied as an Avon dealer just to get 25% slash on their prices instead of buying from another dealer. Haha. Greedy much?

So my recent purchase from them is Avon Ultra Moisture Rich Lipstick in Lava Love. A rich, bright, glossy, "shouting" kind of red. Avon describe it as...

"24-hour moisture formula includes Allaintoin, Vitamins A, C and E and Jojoba Gel. Contains SPF 15 to help protect lips from sun damage."

Love:

• Doesn't feel dry on the lips
• Has rich, vivid color
• Glides on smoothly
• Brightens my face
• Can be bought to almost everywhere as we all know there are a lot of Avon dealers
• Has a lot of color options
• VERY affordable

Bleeh:

• Staying power is same as most average lipstick. It easily goes off after you eat something.
• Not sure if I can pull this everyday.
• Of course, it always needs a lip liner to go with it or else it will bleed.

Will I repurchase?
Yes, definitely. But I'll try other shades first.

Tip:
Always spot for Avon promos where they cut off prices and give you a very, very big discount. I got this for just PhP 199 from PhP 375. See? It's actually their lowest price this year.

Go to you nearest Avon dealer now and find a good budget buy too!

BEAUTY: Garnier Light Clarifying Foam Review

Hello everyone! I've left my blog for a while now, lot of surprises and events happening for the past days and I can't get to write anything. I miss my bloggie friends. :) Hope you missed me too.

Anyway, I'll be reviewing a beauty product today and one of the most-used in my stash. Must-say a favorite one. I am Garnier user for the longest time. If I can remember it right, Hubby bought my first Garnier product here in Manila because it wasn't popular in my place back then. It is always unavailable to most supermarket.

My love for it started in December 2008 and since then I'm very loyal. If you'll notice I'm more focus into whitening my skin. I prefer choosing products that can whiten it over moisturizing it. I know it isn't a good idea right? :) But you can't blame me, I'm an Asian and we want to be light. Well, I'm still part of those ladies who believes that the lighter the skin the better. And I'm telling you, I ain't good when my skin's dark. Eeeek!

Garnier Light Clarifying Foam

Description

• With pure lemon essence and herbal extract
• Clears impurities and make-up
• Clarifies the skin day after day

Garnier Skin Naturals Commitments

• Natural active ingredients present in their purest form
• Dermatologist tested for safety

My take on it

PROS

• Really whitens your face but don't expect to have the Snow White kind of white
• Never had a breakout because of it, ever
• Claims to have pure natural ingredients
• Finds the lemony scent not too overpowering -- because whenever I get to use a product with that scent all I can remember is the product we use to wash our plates haha :)
• True to what it says, it clarifies the skin day after day
• Face smells clean after using it
• Very affordable

CONS

• Leaves my skin tight and flaky on first use

VERDICT

As you can see, I have more good notes here rather than the bad ones. Let's just say that's how much I love the product. Though I have a Normal to Dry skin type, I just help my skin by moisturizing it well. Never really had a breakout with it but I still have the occasional zits due to our red visits. This is one product I truly swear!

Tips

• Always use moisturizer and sunblock. This is very important because you need extra effort in protecting your skin when using whitening products.
• Rest your skin for a while after few months of using it. I don't know if it's just me but my skin feels tired whenever I use a product for a long time. I go for Clinique as an exchange.

Will I buy this again?
Of course!

Where and How much?
This product can be found on all leading department stores and supermarkets. I bought mine at Watsons for PhP 79 in 50 mL tube.

How about you? Do you also like to whiten your skin or moisturizing it is your top priority? Well, for me I have to say both. Have a safe and happy long weekend. :)

Weekend Loot - 03.27.10

Showing hauls for some is thought of as bragging but hey, I love these kind of posts. It's a bit therapeutic and inspiring to see where your hard-earned money was spent..err on beauty stuff :). That's why I also love seeing your stuff. Here's mine this week:

Paper bag is from Jellybean, Watsons stuff, Hello Kitty watch for my sis, Hardware Mag (HWM) for Hubby and a book for me.

A trip to the mall won't be complete without buying some stuff in wherelse? Watsons :) (Our boys don't really get it, ayt?)

My visit wasn't really intended to buy my monthly stock of beauty stuff but I am going to an event this coming week so I need to prep my skin.

~ Garnier Light Perfect Fit & Relax Whitening Mask PhP 89

The whitening mask claims to make you look like you've used their whitening care for 14 days in just 10 minutes of wrapping. Let's test that.

~ Garnier Light Face Powder in Ivory PhP 199

This is their lightest shade and I find this product effective to me. Well, I'm a long-time Garnier user and I swear by them..no breakouts.  Other shades available. Neutral and Beige.

~ Nichido Powder Blush in Sunkissed PhP 88

My first time to buy a Nichido blush. I'm actually eyeing for their South Beach blush.

I adore Sophie Kinsella. I have the complete set of her Shopaholic series. This is her latest, Twenties Girl Php 275, about a working girl named Lara who was mysteriously visited by her great-aunt Sadie's spirit and asked her for one request -- She must find Sadie's missing necklace because she cannot rest without it. Her mission together with her aunt make a hilarious sparring duo. :)

I started reading the book and as usual, Kinsella's wit is still there. It will make you laugh and laugh. Btw, I love getting our books and mags at Bestsellers. It's actually NBS but with an upgrade-style.

Lastly, this is what's inside of the Jellybean paperbag...

An aquamarine dress that I'll use for a special event this Monday. I kinda looked like Alice in this. :) Won't be able to tell you the event yet but I'm sure you'll be surprised. Tihee I'm excited!

Wish me luck for the event. Have a great weekend!

Toner + Baguio Treats

Happy Tuesday everyone! My day started well because I am munching on these...

Baguio Treats

Choco Flakes, White Choco Flakes, Lengua, Lettuce and of course Baguio = Strawberries. I ♥ strawberries now, I used to hate them before. Honestly, Baguio's strawberry aren't as good as before. But I liked how it turned out, a bit of sour taste. Family doesn't like it so all it goes...to me. :)

Enough for the food, I really want to ask on your opinion on these two toners I am currently using.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2

Sweeps away dead surface skin cells on normal to oily skin. Skin appears smoother, softer, with more light-reflecting qualities. Allows more effective moisturisation. Makeup goes on more smoothly and stays on longer. Provides a cool, refreshing feeling.

I am halfway the bottle now, and I don't know if it's working well. You see I'm Type 2 (Dry to Dry Combination) but it feels even drier everytime I use it. I noticed that it contains alcohol as its main ingredient and I know that alcohol isn't good for dry skin.

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

It gently removes excess oil and impurities without overdrying, leaving your skin soft, smooth and naturally balanced.

Recently, I bought this at Healthy Options due to a lot of mixed raves about it. I guess this is more for those who have oilier skin. I can't really tell the efficacy of it now. All I can notice is the foul smell, not the type I can't withstand though.

What are your suggestions or experiences with these toners? Are they good?

I want to know what's yours. :)

BEAUTY: L'oreal Elseve Re-Nutrition Hair Mask Review

Hello my friends!

This week I have been very busy due to a lot of overdue commitments. Hmmm, I need to reorganize my tasks and do some serious time-management here, really. Have you experienced that feeling when you can't start something for there are so many things running in your mind. Eeek! That's me starting Monday.. I know some of you can relate to that. How I wish there's a button to just do those thing in an instant or a "Justine look-a-like robot" to replace me.. haha not so good idea :)

So to relax and freshen me up for the coming week, I did some DIY rituals! For my stressed hair, I am a fan of L'oreal Elseve Re-Nutrition Hair Mask. See I'm on my way in finishing my first tub!

L'oreal Elseve Re-Nutrition Replenishing Hair Mask

Enriched with Royal Jelly, an exceptional concentration of combined elements. It bathes very dry hair in nourishing ingredients to replenish the fibre with moisture, so your hair regains elasticity, bounce and suppleness.

Directions:

After shampoo, squeeze out excess moisture and apply generously, concentrating on the tips. Leave for 1-2 minutes before rinsing. Rinses out easily. In case of contact with eyes, rinse them immediately.

PROS:

• Moisturized my dried out hair
• Hair feels silky and soft everytime I touch it..hubby too :)
• Great smell
• Nice moussey texture
• Very affordable

CONS:

• None. That's how I love this product.

TIPS:

For those people who may consider the big opening unhygienic, it's best to scoop it with a spatula. I don't directly dig in into the tub. And of course this won't create a miracle in saving your hair overnight, make it a habit! Once a week is enough. Better if you let it stay for an hour or so on a cling wrap.

Will I buy this again?

I still have 2 stocks with me!

Where and How much?

This product can be found on all leading department stores and supermarkets. I bought mine at Watsons for PhP375.

Just to show you the effects on my hair :)

Weekend Loot - 02.27.10

Another weekend had passed meaning another loot to post. Yey! I love these kind of posts. Don't you? I got some good stuffs this week...and it is all PINK! A bracelet, small vanity box and a cute mug.

Bracelet PhP 199 @ SM Department Store

I just love pearls. Plus the idea of having three styles in one chain! It's pretty cheap too. (See my arm, I'm such a balbon. *blush*)

Vanity box PhP 75 @ SM Home World

This one is on sale. It is not too big though to carry all the kikay stuffs. I'm thinking of using these as my nail polish organizer.

Disney Princess Mug PhP 65 @ SM Home World

This is your usual mug one can expect to get on exchange gifts during the Christmas season. But I can't resist the design. Feels like I'm a princess and a child too! Haha. It's suppose to be for kids..and kids at heart. (*points to me*)

How about you? Did you purchased a pink stuff recently?

I would love to know. ♥

Weekend Loot - 02.20.10

Last Saturday, I went to the mall with hubby to accompany him in checking some IT stuffs for our computer. Yah, we're both in the IT industry and maybe that's the reason why we "click." Haha. Though I'm an IT too, I usually get bored when we're in that floor (SM Cyberzone). So while he's busy there, I sneak to my fave store, what else, but Watsons. :)

I got these stuffs:

Face

~Garnier Light Clarifying foam (Php 79)

~Johnson's Baby Powder (Php 20) - I just use baby powder on casual days.

~PureDerm Deep Cleansing Gel / Nutritious Vitamin Pack (Php 29)

~Ponds Flawless White Foam (Php 180) - Used to be Php 240, but Pond's slash their prices recently. Well this is for hubby.

Hair

~Loreal Elseve Re-Nutrition Hair Mask in Royal Jelly (Php 375) - This will be my 2nd tub and my current favorite DIY hair mask..maybe will turn into HG.

~Palmolive Fashion Girl (Php 48) - This is for my lil' sister.

Extra Stuffs

~Block & White Intensive Whitening Lotion (Php 182) - I am about to try this one 'coz I am using their Ultima line. This is a new product and just arrived at Watsons shelves. Promises to whiten in 5 days but I'm doubting it. Haha. But, yeah, I still bought it.

~Medi Guard Mint Waxed Floss (Php 50)

~Mediplast Transparent Plastic Strips (Php 22 for 12 strips)

We're hungry after shopping..we usually are :) We got some snacks at Breadtalk.

We tried to stir away from our usual order Floss. My order was the one in Banana leaf. It's called Pork Satay, I think it's a Thai cuisine actually, not sure though but it tasted like our Pinakbet haha. Good but not that great! Paired with Sola Iced tea, have it in Orange this time.

 

This is how it looks like - Breadtalk Philippines.. Hubby took this photo.

He wishes to have it inside our house :)

We got what we need, we're so full too and we went home happy! Tihee :)

My Everyday Beauty Routine - 02.15.10

I started blogging not because of the hype but of the appreciation of what beauty and life is. There are number of beauty blogs I look up to. Knowing their daily beauty routines feels like I'm part of their life too. So it's time I also share mine.

Morning

1. My face paraphernalia :)

• Cleanser - Garnier Light Clarifying Foam
  
• Toner - Clinique Clarifying Lotion for Dry, Combination skin
• Moisturizer - Clinique DDML for Dry, Combination skin and Garnier Light Moisturizer with spf15 (This acts as my moisturizer and sunblock during those "lazy-me" days) :)

    For my body:

• Soap - Kojie San Whitening Lotion, Caress Body Wash, and sometimes the good 'ol Safeguard
• Lotion - Nivea Extra Whitening Lotion, J&J Milk Lotion, TBS Body Butter
  

2. Wait for 10 minutes before I apply makeup. This is a very important step. If I skip this part, my face would be itchy by mid-day...that's for sure!

3. My daily makeup just comprises of:

• Concealer - MUFE 5-cream pallete concealer
• Blush on - PF shimmer strips Custom blush & highlighter in Natural Glow
  
• Powder - J&J (yes, I just use baby powder haha)
• Lip tint - Blistex lip tint or any pink/coral shade my hand will land first
  
• Mascara - Maybelline Volum' Express Cat Eyes Mascara

Just the basic set.

4. My hair is rebonded so I just leave it as it is. Then I'm good to go.

  

Night

1. Same with my morning face paraphernalia...sans the sunblock.

 

You'll notice I am using a lot of whitening products..I'm Asian right? :) Asians are obsessed in whitening their skin. I am fair-skinned but I still want to improve how it looks. The BF wants it too.. :)

Of course this routine will change, thus entitled with a date. So I promise to keep you updated. What about you? I am interested to know your beauty routine too. 'Til next time ladies! :)