Bare: My Bare Mood

Finishing up my 60 ml bottle of this hand mixed lotion by Bare. The Bare My Mood bottle is Bare's idea of bespoke, with the user able to customize their lotion using the different Bare bases.

This particular mix is both relaxing and invigorating with a good mix of rosemary and peppermint.

Mabining Mandirigma

Life has been so busy lately that I've had time to see it only now, but I strongly recommend Mabining Mandirigma, a steampunk musical.

The libretto is by Nicanor Tiongson and it is Directed by Chris Millado. The lead, Liesl Batucan, is well worth watching just by herself. She is guaranteed to move. But this is more.

Though it entitles itself as a steampunk musical, it feels like part opera and part vaudeville, with bits and pieces occasionally clashing. I do not agree with some of the views portrayed, but the juxtaposition of different characters in the play and the different styles of performance was done adequately.

In style, this reminds me of Miss Saigon, in spirit, Hamilton, but its soul is Filipino. I would recommend any Filipino who loves musicals, and in fact, any Filipino to watch this.

Mabining Mandirigma will run at CCP until December 18 at the Little Theater.

Victoria's Secret Secret Craving

Looks like I'm ending the year on a sweet note:

I thought that I had finished this ages ago but I have a little bit left after all.

Dove Hair Therapy Hear Fall Rescue Shampoo

Another day, another shampoo tried. I don't know what I'll buy next after near emptying Dove's Hair Fall Rescue Shampoo.

I nearly didn't buy this because I was annoyed at Dove for not having an anti-dandruff shampoo marketed towards women... because only men get dandruff. Anyway, luckily (?) I've been more stressed out lately - and getting more hairfall as a result.  I then picked this bottle up before buying it upon realizing what Trichazole probably meant.

How much water do you use in facial cleaning?

Today I tried washing my face and looking at how much water I used up. At full blast, I used enough water to fill up a basin... Enough to flush a toilet!

And if I washed my face at least twice a day, how much was I using on that alone!? It got me thinking about how wasteful we can be without realizing. Therefore, some early resolutions for the new year I plan to adopt:

1. Use low flow settings during face washing.
2. Turn the tap off while in the middle of doing things.

This should also apply to showering and the like.

What other bad habits should be broken, you think?

Barista's Best and Great Taste Coffee

Tired of Kopiko 78? Try Barista's Best and Great Taste.

I drink a lot of Kopiko 78 because it's found everywhere, but sometimes you just want something else.

Personally, I prefer the lighter flavors of Barista's Best Coffee Latte and Coffee Caramel (far left and far right). For a more intense experience, far bolder than the 78, try Great Taste's Dark Java and Viet Latte.

The Barista's Best Coffees are more expensive for around P26 and are very milky with the caramel sweeter than the latte. The Great Taste ones cost around P20.

Bench Organics 94% Aloe Gel

I have finally decided to post my review of Bench Organics 94% Aloe Soothing Gel.

This product claims to be nonsticky, quick absorbing and moisturizing.

It took me so long to post because it took me a while to find out what kind of relationship I had with it.

No Money For Dry Shampoo

In the Philippines, dry shampoo isn't often used since it's so hot and humid, people just wanna shower  all the time. Sometimes, even twice in one day.

But there are times and reasons for not washing your hair everyday. As for me, I generally wash my hair daily, but there are time when I don't: Not enough to justify my buying a dry shampoo but enough for me to want one.

So what do I do?

I use regular baby powder.

It works :)

Miniso Laundry Net

After faithfully being served by my Daiso laundry nets for the better part of the year, the lot of 2 I'd been using finally became too damaged for use. I then decided to search Miniso and found that they had some very sturdy laundry nets.

MINISO Laundry Net

Decided to get this set of 3 instead of the tougher looking ones because at P145 for 3, it's a pretty good deal and I like the green trimming to match it as a set.

Miniso Laundry Net Set of 3

It is my firm belief that anyone who has their clothes washed in a machine (whether at your own home or sent out) should use laundry nets. As my previous nets have shown, you can do a lot of damage to your clothes when washed willy nilly. Nets serve as a small layer of protection from the wringing and rips your clothes may be prone to when tossed in the wash.

Hope these last at least as long as its P88 counterpart (you know from where ;) ).

Bare Sweet Almond Conditioner

The dipstick test says I'm half done, so I guess it's time to review Bare's Sweet Almond Conditioner.

What first caught my eye was that it was a new brand that had uncommon fragrances at the Beauty Bar. Unlike more conventional bath and body products, this brand had offerings like green tree and grapefruit - more woodsy, less flowery scents. I had a hard time choosing because they all smelt nice to me and that the hair and body products were different lines with different scents: there is no green tea shampoo nor grapefruit body lotion. I finally chose this conditioner because it was for damaged hair, which my hair is.

Human Heart Nature: Pure Strength Shampoo

I bought this nearly a year ago, and I recently checked the website, so you might be looking at a different bottle, but this is review is for HHN's Pure Strength shampoo.

I've been using this shampoo sporiadically when it gets particularly hot or when I feel particularly Christmas-y. And I've been loving it but...

Something to See: Jersey Boys

I was only able to see it this week, so the run has already ended. However, it's a very good production and a must see for those over 40.

Highlights: Nyoy Volante's vocals. 60's type dancing. Nostalgia (for those who know the Four Seasons).

This is the first version I've seen of Jersey Boys and it was excellently done: smooth and solid. I was also impressed that it started less than 30 minutes after the alleged time. I almost missed it since I didn't want to watch anything at Meralco again. Fortunately, C convinced me and I'm glad I got to see this.

I'm almost 100% sure that there's gonna be a second run. It really is that good. Don't miss it when it comes back.

Dove Whitening Unscented

I can't believe that I'm actually on my second stick of Dove Whitening Unscented Deodorant. It's very rare for me to buy two of the same products in a row, but here we are.

Dove Whitening Unscented Deodorant

Human Heart Nature: Masterlist

Since I have another HHN product review that's way overdue, and I'm too meh to make, I've decided to post my masterlist of HHN instead.

Why do I buy HHN? Well, it's pro-Filipino and pro-poor... which is more than I can say for some brands. If you don't like to try new things a lot like I do, then HHN is a good brand to stay loyal to. However, I like trying out new things. :P

I'll hopefully add more to this in the future.

Supers:

Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir

Sides:

Human Heart Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel
Human Heart Nature Natural Conditioner Strengthening
Human Heat Nature Balancing Face Wash
Human Heart Nature Pure Strength Shampoo

Shmuck:

Human Heart Nature Rose Hip Oil

Human Heart Nature Balancing Facial Wash

I've been using this on and off for when I travel, but I've finally been able to use it for more or less 2 weeks straight.

Bench Organics Face and Body Mist

Finally reviewing the Bench Organics 92% Face and Body Mist I talked about before. I think I remember this retailing for around P230 (~$6).

Bench Organics Face and Body Mist

The New Faorite: Nescafe Berry Mocha

This is a bit of an oldie, but it's only now that I've caved and gone and bought a whole bunch of sachets of Nescafe's newest coffee mix: Berry Mocha.

The packet itself is 30g and supposedly contains enough for either 2 cups for sharing or 1 for a "more indulgent cup." There's no need to guess which one I follow.

The Face Shop Volcanic Ash Nose Strip

I have a little bit of downtime right now so I decided to try this pore strip from the Face Shop. Honestly, I bought this because I was a bit bummed about not getting to try the Mamonde pore stick ... at 35 pesos per strip, it was a little splurgey of me. So I only bought one.

Alba Botanica Acnedote Deep Pore Wash

Life has been crazy lately, but here's me trying to blog. Today will be about Alba Botanica's Acnedote Deep Pore Wash, as I've been using lately.

I've used around half a bottle of this liquid cleanser and this is what I've found:

Lolane's Pixxel Color Cream in Dark Golden Copper Blonde

Since it's Watson's hair special, I decided to retry one of the products they're promoting: Lolane's Pixxel Color Cream in Dark Golden Copper Blonde.

Lolane's Pixxel Color Cream

This is not my first time to use this product, but it's the first time I've been satisfied.

DIY Rose Gold Nail Polish Color

This is my version of a DIY rose gold nail polish.

I didn't want to buy my own since the local selection is either lacking or significantly marked up. I decided to mix my own using a pink and copper glitter.

OMG I bought it.

I did it. I actually bought this thing.

Will I like it? Will I hate it? Will it work.

Idk. Hope I didnt waste my money :))

Juicy Fruity Lemon Body Butter

Okay, so I have no idea where this came from, how much it costs or where to get it because this was given to me by a friend. However, I've been using it both as a body butter and hand cream during its later days..

Juicy Fruity Lemon Body Butter

Human Heart Nature: Natural Conditioner Strengthening

For some reason, I've been trying a lot of more natural products, and Human Heart Nature is one of the most accessible, wallet friendly brands here in the Philippines. One of the things I've picked up from a local supermarket is their Natural Conditioner Strengthening which has the scent of Soothing Aloe.

Human Heart Natural Conditioner Strengthening in Soothing Aloe

This line is supposed to be strengthening for brittle, falling hair and is sulfate, silicone and paraben free and costs around P150 ($3.5) for 200ml on the website. I think this tube was a bit more expensive since I picked it up elsewhere, so watch the price where you buy.

Bench Organics Aloe

This is just a short post of something I discovered: 94% Aloe Soothing Gel and 92% Face and Body Mist. 

I got this on their introductory promo: Buy 1 and get the other at 50% off. I'm still gonna try them out but I was just interested that Bench is expanding its skincare as well as its male up range.

Maybelline Lipstick: Natural Beige

Today we'll be looking at a lipstick from Maybelline's Rosy Matte Collection: Natural Beige. Originally Priced at P299, but bought on a 3 for 2 sale, let's see what this drugstore lipstick has to say for itself.

Maybelline Rosy Matt Natural Beige

EOS Lip Balm

Do you still use EOS lip balms? They got some bad press a while back because of a possible allergic reaction. Still, someone gave me this cute pink one and I just couldn't help trying it.

EOS Lip Balm in Strawberry Sorbet

Thankfully, I've not had an allergic reaction.

The Shelf: June 2016

I can't believe it's rainy season again! Here's my current shelf, still geared towards the summer.

I've been using a lot of more "natural" products right now. Not sure if I'm going to continue this but we'll see.

Human Heart Nature Pure Rosehip Oil

Late one night, as I was moving from one room to another, I dropped my bottle of Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir... and it broke! There was still around a fifth of product left so I was very disappointed. Luckily, I already purchased my next oil.

Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir (left) and Pure Rosehip Oil (right)

A photo before that fateful night.

Big and little, side by side.

Altcheck Glycolic Renewal Pad

Finally got around to posting about Altcheck's Glycolic Renewal Pads.

Why did I buy? A long while back, I had finished my latest retinol serum and couldn't seem to find one that I wanted to try (within my price range). Lacking the desire to go back to my basic retinol cream, I decided to give more glycolic acid a go as I was also considering Pixi Glow Tonic's popularity. I chose these because they were easiest to access at time of purchase and because I'd already tried the brand's cleanser and was satisfied with it.

Altcheck Glycolic Renewal Pads Box

Altcheck claims to be for preventive and corrective purposes as part of anti-aging skincare. Does it really?

Conditioner Only

Popular for individuals with short, short hair, shampooing without conditioning is a hair care method that is something of a rarity for those with longer hair types.

I currently have bra-length hair and I tried living without (in-shower) conditioner for two weeks.

Yes, it is possible!

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask

Gosh, I'm getting a bit sidetracked: I've been wanting to do my review on the Altcheck Glycolic Renwal Pads but I've lost my pictures. While I get the energy to show them to you, here's Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask.

In case you're wondering, got this for around P500 ($10)sans shipping costs on Althea Philippines. I'm not sure where to find this IRL. Shipping took a while but I finally got it!

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask Box

I don't know why the name has a pig in it, but the cover piggy is cute and the mask lives up to its name.

Overpriced Coffee: La Lola Churreria

Not all coffee is created equal. Factor in its processing and its presentation and you get very a very different experience: sludge or liquid gold.

I'm not that picky, and I like to drink coffee, period: My liquids can range from 3-in-1s at home to specially prepared roasts and fancy coffee shops. However, when I do go to the latter places, I admit that I expect more from it: taste doesn't just come from flavor after all.

Which is why I am extremely disappointed with La Lola Churreria: their service in general and their coffee in particular. While I admit that this is a churreria and not a coffee shop, they do sell their Iced Mocha, Large for P130 - which is what I ordered.

Here are the three strikes.

Nichido Tinted Eyebrow Gel

I have previously spoken about my current make-up regime that takes all of 2 products, because it's all about the brows. On of these was Nichido's Eyebrow Gel in Salted Caramel that's sold at around P250 for a cool 7 ml of product.

Nichido Eyebrow Gel in Salted Caramel

So what can I say about this bit of drugstore make-up?

Nothing!

Something to See: Les Miserables

Do I even need to talk about this? Les Mis is awesome.


WATCH IT.


Les Miserables will be at Solaire until May 1.

Nichido Minerals Precise Liner

It's quite a few years after its launch, but I bought Nichido Minerals Precise Liner in Black at a local drugstore for a cheap P150 ($3) last year. It came in a small bottle that houses 2.5 ml of liquid and is meant to be disposed at 9 months.

Nichido Minerals Precise Liner

How did it fare?

The Beginner's Set to Pour Over Coffee from Daiso

Want to try switching to real coffee instead of that instant stuff?

Don't have the cash to shell out for a machine or those other fancy stuff?

Well… you don't have to.

A starter set for pour over coffee can set you back as little as P88-196 only (sans actual coffee).

Altcheck DePuff Eye Pads

A recent purchase from Altcheck came with a few freebies: their cleanser (which I already own) and their newest offering, DePuff Eye Pads.

Altcheck De Puff Eye Pads

I've already reviewed the cleanser, but how did these pads fair?

Something to See: 50 Shades!

I've finally found something to like about 50 Shades of Grey.

It's 50 Shades! The Musical Parody.

As someone who has just wiki'd the story, I'd expected to be a bit lost, but virgin viewers will still have a blast!

Altcheck

Life has been so busy lately,  but here are some of the things I've been using this month,  rather, last month. All from Altcheck! I've already reviewed the cleanser. 

Altcheck Products (clockwise from left): Daily Exfoliating Cleanser, DePuff Eye Pads, Glycoli Renewal Pads

Altcheck Daily Exfoliating Cleanser

Altcheck Glycolic Renewal Pads

Altcheck DePuff Eye Pads

Hua Mulan: Peachwood Comb

Or why I started using a wooden comb.

Hua Mulan Box

Looks pretty fancy!

I didn't actually mean to buy a Hua Mulan Comb. I was just looking for a wooden comb. Why did I want one?

Nature Republic: 92% Aloe Vera Gel

Remember when I posted this pic when I posted about the Aloe Sheet Mask? Well, I'm now a bit more than halfway done with the gel!

Nature Republic Mini-Haul: 92% Aloe Vera Gel (left) Aloe Sheet mask (right), Green Derma Sample (bottom)

I really didn't expect what I would use it as, but here we are.

Sanitary Pad Comparison: Modess vs Charmee vs Sisters vs Sofy

It's that time of the month every month, so I decided to haul a bunch of sanitary pads to see how they perfomed. Because why not?

As you may have noticed in a previous post, where I was excited by the entry of a pad, I like them long. Thus, each brand in the supermarket with a pad length greater or equal to 30 cm, winged and without an "ultra thin" designation was bought.

In this comparison:

Clockwise from top: Modess, Charmee, Sisters, Sofy

1. Modess Cottony Soft All Night: 30 cm and P43.50 for a pack of 4
2. Charmee All night Plus: 32.5 cm and P21.25 for a pack of 4
3. Sisters Overnight Dry: 34 cm and P24 for a pack of 4
4. Sofy Body Fit Comfort Nite: 35 cm P77 for a pack of 8

Sad, right? Other brands actually have long pads (Whisper Cottony X-Long/Skin Love and Kotex Soft and Smooth Overnight) but only the 28 cm versions were available and will not be included in this comparison.

I'll compare them after the jump. Criteria: Price, Wear, Experience

On Pigs on Facebook

A few days ago, this post appeared on my FB wall:

And I found it horrifying.

Would you buy things meant for a different gender?

I just bought a pair of shoes at a certain shoe  store because I had a pressing need for comfortable footwear. At first I browsed the women's area and found a decent pair.  But then I found myself wandering over to the men's section and found a cheaper pair of theda Anne type in my size. 

Of course,  as seen,  in the picture,  I bought them. 

It got me thinking though,  how many would buy clothing, toiletries etc marketed towards the opposite sex?

RF on Face

Just a short post since I finally got to try RF on my face…. and while it's not something that I'd use regularly (NOT being in the target age group, yet), OMG, visible results:

My face was quite visibly slimmer, though I wouldn't say tighter. No need for contouring, effects lasting at least 24 hours. I'm too excited to delay this post any longer since I first saw myself.

I think if I ever went to a big event, I'd like to try it again. It's no wonder brides like to use this as part of wedding prep.

Ped Egg

With all the fuss about Scholl's foot file thing on the Internet and in real life,  I've found myself  having a renewed  appreciation for my old and neglected Ped Egg.

Asian Secrets Lulur... a second look

Something i've stocked on and off since college is Asian Secrets Lulur Scrub. Its cheap its effective and it smells so good.

Unlike what the instructions say, I put a generous amount on WET skin and scrub. This gives me just the right amount of exfoliation, seeing the dead skin sloughing off my legs, and I smell great afterwards.

The only down side I saw previously ... it tended to leave my shower floor a gritty mess. Thus, I tended to buy a jar and just use it for those really lazy days when I need a good bit of exfoliation and when I was too lazy to use lotion.

But something else haunts me now.

Shampoo Methodology

Shampoo has existed for a really long time and there are many different kinds available today,  from mass produced, jumbo sized synthetic cheapo bottles to its exact opposite.

Regardless of its many varieties, I know but 4 standard methods of head cleaning.

1. Shampoo only - usually done by those with uber short hair, this is the quickest way to clean your head. I've used this method when my hair is short, I'm feeling too lazy to condition or I've done a deep conditioning mask a day before hand.

2. Shampoo then conditioner - the most common way a girl washes her hair, as inundated by a ton of beauty products and ads. Unfortunately, it also takes way too long to clean my hair sine I'd have to do do a rinse for both shampoo and conditioner. I reserve this method for deeper hair cleaning sessions and dirtier surroundings such as after extensive labor.

3. Conditioner then shampoo (Reverse 'Poo) - not quite as common as the ones above and below it, I prefer this method since it cuts my shower time by at least 20%.

4. Condioner only (No 'Poo) - gained in popularity a couple of years ago, but not too much in hot, humid and polluted surroundings like Manila. I've tried this method a couple of years ago when I was on break and had to give up on Day 5, even without a heavy workload. It just doesn't feel as good or clean as using something with shampoo.

Which way is best?

The Shelf: January 2016

Golly, time flies when you're having fun. And the holiday season just flew by!

Now, in the middle of the daily slog, I'd like to reflect on the products I've used (and am still using) this year.

So I'll start off the year with this month's Shower Shelf.



Because it's always nice to make lists.