AKA Old, emptied favorites.
A recent break-out has shown me the wisdom of repurchasing the good things in life. As such even though it's been a bit boring, I'm trying to do what's best for my skin. Here are the things I've been using like crazy AND emptied, starting with complete empties.
Given to me by C and I'm glad I got to try it. This is an empty but it was a green soap that would murder my face. However, it's excellent both for acne prone skin on the body and as a solution to prevent those nasty odors coming out from exercising. That is, if that is a problem for you.
This product contains coconut oil as a first ingredient. Then water, sodium hydroxide and fragrance before its touted extracts: bearberry, rosehip oil, papaya extract and mastic gum and rounding off with some preservatives and colorants.
I did a menstrual pad review a long while back then semi-transitioned to reusable pads. It took me a while but I've finally run through my stash of Sofy pads and I can now form my thoughts about them.
Though I don't have pictures this time, I've been using:
1. Sofy Comfort Nite 35.5 cm
2. Sofy Comfort Nite 42.5 cm
3. Sofy Cooling Fresh 35 cm
And of the three, there's one I won't be repurchasing.
I haven't used a foundation in a while. Because masking and the resultant acne has made me wary of using base products, it just doesn't seem worth it. So now instead of using a foundation, I've been heavily spot concealing since it's been needed because of my foundation use causing a previous break out. Cry.
Thankfully, while my current concealer isn't mask proof. It doesn't break me out. 100 points. And what have I been using for the past year? The Saem's Cover Perfection Tip Concealer.
But a warning for users.
I have officially ended my official one-month (October) no-buy for 2021. Because let's face it. November's 11.11 is something I probably won't be passing up. Or Black Friday. Idk. But before that, let's talk about things I should not have purchased this 2021.
There are only a few of them, thankfully. But I have all the regrets.
I was actually going to do a long post about this, but then I saw Fresh Formula is closing down!
Suffice to say, I've been loving their Daily Dose low pH cleanser, as you may have seen in my previous skin care routine.
I think this is another thing that's being discontinued... thankfully, I have another in my stash so I won't be running out any time soon.
For gentle, exfoliating goodness, I recommend Betadine Natural Defense Body Wash in Pomegranate.
I've been travelling again and not seeing the sun so this has been my most minimal skincare routine that I've actually been pretty happy with.
Review to follow if ever but... if you're interested
I'm too scared to go to a gym right now. And like most people, I've turned to home workouts, mostly on YT. And despite the free workouts, I've been too cheap to shell out for home workout things.
It took me a long while to start using weights. And knowing that I was unsure about them, I decided to use water bottles as my weights. I started at 350 ml then at 500 ml. Yes, very low. But all I could really use for the things I was doing.
It took me a while to get to 1L or 2.2 lbs. Because I didn't want to go up and I had a hard time finding a water bottle I could grip comfortably. But I finally did.
These Refresh 1L bottles are very easy to grip. You have to use it with your index and thumb in the depression, so sometimes the bottle is upside down, but I've screwed it on tight and taped it jusr in case.
I've been using these for a while and am on the look-out if some 1.5L and 2L bottles may be good alternatives. Before I look at actual dumbells.
From having no budget to buy, to hoarding, to buying just what I can consume in a short while, I've decided to start getting back-ups of things I love as long as they're stable/I'm sure to finish it in time for expected expiration.
Why? Here's a list of products that have left my world too soon:
(will be edited as things change)
There are some things in life that just aren't meant to be. And that pretty much describes my relationship with Soul Apothecary's Glow Serum.
It wasn't meant to be. But how I wish it was...
Last ECQ (August 2021), while not being as restrictive as previous versions, was still a time to stay at home. And one of the things that were super helpful for my coffee cravings/sanity was Nescafe Rich French Vanilla Instant Coffee.
At around Php 360 ($ 8) online for 100g (making at least 50 cups) this was a good way to add flavored coffee without choosing high calorie 3 in 1 coffees. This gives around 10 calories per teaspoon, though best to add milk for a richer flavor.
Will repurchase eventually.
During my previous purchases at The Face Shop of a toner and serum, I got this set as a gift with purchase. I didn't end up using it until my face needed heavy soothing, but I've used it enough for review. This set came in a resealable pack, which was already discarded.
The kit is composed of three items:
1. Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Foaming Cleanser
2. Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Facial Toner
3. Dr. Belmeur Daily Repair Moisturizer
And here are my thoughts about it.
Once upon a time, there was a girl on a 0.05 Tretinoin Cream named Retin-A. But Retin-A was so expensive, so she decided to try out Dermcare's 0.025% Gel version. At first, she found that a mixed regimen of Retin-A and Dermcare would work, and for a while, they did work together. But then the girl grew up and, in line with a new sensitivity to topical essential oils, she became unable to tolerate Dermcare's 0.025% Gel on her face, so they had to part ways.
Not only that, but since the girl grew up, Retin-A decided to part ways with her and went to a faraway land. Left with no choice, the girl searched and searched, and one day she met Vitacid 0.05%. They stayed together for a while, but had to part, as Vitacid could not help once tragedy struck....
Something I bought last year, and currently at 2/3 the way through: The Face Shop's Energy Seed Advanced Antioxidant Hydro Serum.
Okay, posting about this now because it's on sale. And I'm super salty that I bought it at full price. But is it worth the money?
If you saw some of my previous AHC post, you'd know that I have some seriously old things lying around. I'm currently trying to finish up my 2019-2020 items and one of the things I got just before the pandemic started were a few things from HARNN, including the Jasmine & Pomegranate Hand Cream.
My parents took a trip to Thailand and I explicitly asked for any product from the HARNN line because I was curious. One of the things I got was the hand cream. Thank you mom and dad!
I was on youtube a day ago and a local influencer recently made a video with a dermatologist regarding oral supplements. It got me thinking about the supplements I do take since I do take some of the supplements mentioned. The video looked at skin effects, and while studies don't really back them, it's no biggie for me. Granted, I don't use them for my skin, nor do I take them daily. But I have found some of them do have an effect and slowly, they have become part of my life.
So here is the short list, why I take them, why I don't take them daily, and if they do have a skin effect.
It is with great sadness that I have found that the Coke formula has changed in the Philippines. While it is better for the body, I have found that I dislike the taste of the new version which contains sugar compared to the hugh fructose corn syrup (edit, I think? It is significantly different) of the previous versions, even though it does contain less calories.
I'm not a huge fan of its closest replacement, Coke Zero.
So I guess no more sodas for me. :(
If you've been following, you may know that I recommend using these instead of buying expensive pimple patches since they do the job of sucking out that gunk at a fraction of the price. However, I've long been interested in microneedle patches, but the high price tag really dissuaded me.
Finally, this 2021, I bit the bullet and purchased Acropass Trouble Cure since they were the cheapest of the lot available to me. And I'm already on my second box! But, you have to use it properly....
I really have to hand it in to Laneige. They believe in their product so much, they readily give out deluxe samples of their star products (which is generally a legit purchase in my country since small sizes are the norm, instead of a GWP, but what can you do). Luckily, I got this for free as a GWP!
The only picture, because it ended up being super ugly after X months of use.
3g sample size and still going strong. I am very impressed. Why?
I've tried the Leaders Insolution Primer Masks and they were pretty good. Which is why I was so surpised at how bad their basic masks are.
These are their basic masks and while they are slightly better than the freebie chinese masks you get, they are definitely not worth the Php 60 ($1.2 ish) price tag these were going for. Glad I bought them on sale. Their online store has them sold out presently, but I suggest NOT buying these if ever they come back and buying their higher priced offerings instead.
Trying out some photo-editing, so things might be a bit wonky for a while. But I'm actually about to finish In Her Element's Low PH Rose Gel Cleanser.
How does it look like? How was it?
Today we're going to be doing something very different: an actual eye-make up tutorial. Unfortunately, it's mostly theoretical since my camera really won't capture my eyes properly. Still, I hope this will be helpful to someone, though it's a very specific subset of people who will benefit.
Now, this tutorial is only for someone with small, deep-set and close-set eyes (my own, eye shape). I've been trying out a lot of different styles but I've found that my eye shape requires a fusion of east and west to look most-flattering. This is how you do it, and why:
FYI, this isn't technically mine, but I've half stolen this as I've grown to like it.
When I first tried it, I didn't quite like it, but my opinion's changed. And that took a bit of time.
Quick post as I realize 6.6 is coming soon. I think a good buy right now are these Lavender Steam Eye Masks from MegRhythm.
I realize that these are usually winter items, but I tend to use air conditioning in hot summer nights only since there's no winter here. And being winter items, this might be the cheapest time to stock up and store or use when the air conditioning is on.
These steam eye masks are single-use self heating eyemasks that work as both heat and aromatherapy. Just open a pack, tear to release the loops and enjoy.
I really like how easy and safe this is compared to using other eye masks (less risk of burning your skin off), though test it before you put it on.
While these lavenders are the only ones I've tried, there are an assortment of scents to choose from and they're worth it on extra special self-care days since they are very spendy.
These masks cost around Php 50-80 usually but are at around Php 35 on BOGO.
Okay.
This product is super old and doesn't exist out of ebay. But I used it years ago and rediscovered it hiding in my room somewhere and now I'm using it way past when I ought to because:
1. It doesn't look, smell or feel funky on my face.
2. I have no adverse reactions to it.
3. It's still worth using.
Thank heavens for airless pumps.
Anyway, while the toner is a bougie basic, it's not worth splurging on without the emulsion. Which is why it's a good thing it came in a set because. OMG. The texture of the emulsion. Its soft but cream-gel like and smoothens the skin like wow.
In all honesty, you can get the same effect with different products but the experience of hydrating with this is 🙌
I think previous me was savoring this for special times but got lost in the void that is my room.
Still, no wonder AHC's eye cream is the national standard if this emulsion is already so wow for a basic hydrator.
Let me start by saying that I don't really consider myself as ARMY. Definitely not official, probably not unofficial (yet?). However, I really enjoyed BTS' newest single, Butter. If you haven't watched it and you're a girl in your late twenties or early thirties, I think this is definitely a must watch. Watch both the Original MV and then the Billboard version and see the magic.
True BTS fans will definitely love it (duh), but Butter drew me in more than Dynamite. Why? Dynamite reminds of the 70s and 80's with a lot of old Americana. A time and place where I can't relate, but may hold a lot of appeal for another market. Butter, on the other hand, is a visually and acoustically my time.
Opinions may vary, but this pop track reminds me of late 80s and early 90s music with the visual elements of both disco and a 90s boy band. Granted, the dance style and the majority of the outfits remind me more of the late 80s, reminiscent of an earlier hit, Smooth Criminal. However, the inner 90s boy band phase is also visible, especially in the latter half of the song. There are also some later influences, especially with the use of name dropping (Usher, ARMY) and the use of call and response in the lyrics - which are closer to the heart of millennials but as in fashion, some trends cycle. But all of these, combined make a really catchy song that's visually, aurally and emotionally hard to forget. At least for 2021.
In summary, Butter is a newer, hotter song that was produced in a way that maintains and increases BTS' market share. It seems like this song was packaged both for people like me and for existing fans.Which is why I am amazed at both BTS and the production team(s?) behind this song. It's sure to be this year's biggest summer hit. I did not know I'd love it until I saw and heard it. So I recommend those my age give it a try (even if they aren't BTS fans).
I am now looking forward to more songs by BTS. And the BTS Meal.
PS. I think McDonalds really missed out by NOT creating a BTS Butter Pancake Set with the Boys' faces in the packaging as collectibles. May be another franchise will.
I've recently finished a kojic acid bar soap from one of those rejuvenation sets that have been flooding the market recently and... well it's a bar soap alright.
It does its job in cleaning. But it's very underwhelming in terms of whitening combined with moisturizing. While there is some evening out of the skin, it's not worth the dryness of the skin you get.
There's not much to recommend it except that it's part of a set and lasts so long since it's so hard, unlike the OG kojie-san kojic acid soap, which requires manual effort in order to preserve and therefore, make the most out of the product.
And if you want a leveled up product with the new kid in town (though massive kudos to Dr. Belo who added Tranexamic Acid to Kojic Acid Soap long before anyone else), the Belo Kojic + Tranexamic Acid is another worthy bet, though expensive for its size.
I normally don't recommend kojic acid soaps in summer, because time in the sun means more skin darkening, but summer 2021 seems to be a continuation of 2020 here in the Philippines, so stay home, stay safe, and put on that sunscreen when you go out.
It's only the second quarter, and I've definitely found my new cheap instant coffee of the year! I've talked about how much I disliked the New Nescafe Gold. Despite the heavy marketing for it (in the Philippines), the quality has seriously tanked.
I've been trying a few but some brands, while delicious, lack in cost-effectiveness. After all, a single jar lasts less than a month, despite my addiction to all kinds of hot and cold drinks.
So what have I found to be an amazing cheap instant coffee find?
Thinking of what to get this summer? How about a new eyeliner?
C-beauty is supposed to be big this year, and one of the brands google has lead me to is Judydoll (橘朵). FYI, I don't have much faith in most Chinese brands that are easily available here, but a recent pleasant experience with Perfect Diary (完美日记) lead me to try other established Chinese brands. Of those on my list, Judydoll is supposed to have good quality eye products while being affordable. And as masks are still a thing, a great quality eyeliner is something I've been wanting in my cosmetics pouch. At a budget price. So I decided to pull the trigger.
Five years ago, I blogged about Alba Botanicals' Acnedote and enjoyed the minty, tingly feeling it gave. However, after repurchasing the bottle, I have found myself with mixed feelings about it.
This is why it didn't make it into the 5 things I'm thankful for this 2021. Aside from the fact that I used this new bottle in 2020.
This is not a sponsored post by any means. I just got thinking about what items have made this summer bearable for me this year, despite a limited budget.
And it's not prickly heat powder or air-conditioning XD
One thing I received last Christmas was Romand Glasting Water Tint in Brick River and I'm very thankful for it. I did see a lot of youtubers talking about it, but I didn't plan on getting it for mask and wallet reasons.
A little under a decade ago, I decided to switch to a more eco-friendly toilet paper because I was feeling guilty about how much toilet paper I used. It was one of those bathroom thoughts that was easy enough to implement, unlike the hand bidet (a currently unrealized wish because of possible water pressure issues). I thought I did a post on it years ago, but it was never published. Oops.
Anyway, as I'm spending more time at home, I've thought about things a bit more. Recently, I've been trying out two different "premium" eco-friendly bathroom tissues: Fresh Eco-Pulp Premium Bathroom Tissue and BabebiBambu Premium Bamboo Tissue to figure out if I liked recycled versus bamboo tissue as my eco-friendly alternative to virgin pulp toilet paper.
After all, I prefer keeping bamboo wipes in my bag.
Which will I be going forward with?
Honestly, when you first see the official pictures of Althea's first eye palette, you'd think it wasn't anything remarkable. Still, I was able to get this on promo as a GWP during last year's 11.11 sale. Why, you ask? Well, it's expiring on 11. 2021. So while this has been out for a long time, I first cracked it open last lunar new year since I was thinking of using the red shade in this palette. I was then pleasantly surprised when I first swatched it out.
This is now my official 2021 palette.
Finished up my latest bottle of anti-dandruff shampoo: Clear's Anti-Danruff Scalp Care Shampoo.
Which, to be honest, I bought because of the bottle. If you look it up online, it's different because it has this weird slide to open mechanism.. It's gimmicky, but it honestly stays on well and doesn't leak. The formula is runny so it's very easy to get all of it out even if you can't keep the bottle upside down.
Which is great. I don't need to chip my nail polish in the shower. And I think this could be useful too for people with low grip strength...I wonder if this top type might catch on.
But as an anti-dandruff shampoo, it works as well as the old formula. And that meant okay-ish, even with daily use. Not remarkable enough that I'd repurchase.
So it doesn't really stand out enough and I really don't see myself buying it again since the scent or quality aren't stellar. I don't see this an effective way to really grab market share. Step up, Clear. Product perfection before packaging.
Really short review because this thing has been out of stock. But really, if you can, try In Her Element's Petal Skin Rose Toning Essence.
I really loved the mist, and I've actually purchased and gifted that to family and friends. But this thing is like the mist's more responsible, more concentrated older sister.
Packaging is crap. But this slighlty viscous liquid packs quite a punch.
Get it before it's gone!
At long last I've finally decided to try Timeless' 20% Vitamin C + E Ferrulic Acid Serum. Why? Because I found a trusted reseller on shopee. Because while I've heard a lot of good things about it and it technically ships to the Philippines. But let's be honest, international shipping is a gamble, and so are most re-sellers.
After two months of testing and finishing this serum, here are my thoughts.
I never really used to wear eye shadow, but with the pandemic, eye make-up rapidly became one of the things I've been using to express myself and feel better. For the entirety of 2020, I depended on one palette to see me through, and that was Maquillage's Dramatic Styling Eyes in OR 321.
Now I'm not sure if you can buy the exact product right now off Ebay, but I've looked at the website and boy, do I want to buy their other eye shadow palettes.
I love drinking: alcoholic and non-alcoholic, coffee or tea, hot or cold. When I feel like I need a sweet drink, instead of going for a milk tea, or adding sugar to my coffee, I've been going for flavored teas.
Sometimes, I go for fruity teas, but it's honestly not enough to satisfy my sweet tooth so I've been going for these korean honey teas.
I've just been adding hot water instead of proper tea so it's a sweet and mild caffeine-free merienda/afternoon snack drink.
I've only tried two variants: citron/yuzu based and citron with ginger. I prefer the former but I tend to use the latter when I need a heatier kick. Each jar will cost somewhere between Php 300-Php 700 and I tend to go through one or two a month when it's cold (Dec-Feb) so it's started to become a significant expense.
It's still significantly cheaper than my previous coffee shop habit, and my parents love it too, so I don't think this will be changing for a while.
Hada Labo recently reformulated their lotions in 2020, continuing to 2021. For example, the Melano CC lotion has just changed. I'm kinda sad that my previous reviews on the premium and light versions are now obsolete since they've reformulated. Especially as I still had one pending review of the old formulation of the Gokujyun Alpha but since it's now discontinued, I guess that won't be happening. I do like the Alpha Lotion too though.
But I'm very happy that Hada Labo continues to upgrade and improve their products. It seems that unlike some reformulations, the changes are generally for the better. It makes me want to go back to them, but as I am on a low buy, that might take quite a while...
Illiyoon is a brand I'd never heard of despite existing for quite a while under Amore Pacific, but blew up sometime last year. However, as part of a low buy policy last year (and this year), I didn't end up buying anything from the line until February's 2.2 celebration in which I bought a bunch of masks and this little beauty:
This is just a deluxe size of Illiyoon's Probiotics Skin Barrier Essence Drop. I bought it on shopee and while it's supposed to cost Php 200, I got it for around Php 75 (though I saw that its price sometimes drops to around Php 50 sometimes too).
At first I was hesitant, despite the price, because my skin doesn't like galactomyces ferments and this may have perfume, but I decided to take the risk because the hype got to me.
I love me my Chai Li Won Green Tea, but I've recently been into Barley Tea. I've bought a bunch of tea bags for heated versions, but I've been enjoying this Roasted Dark Barley Tea.
It isn't sweetened, but it's sweet and nutty. It's much richer in taste and darker in color than the normal yellow to green barley drinks. It also feels richer than most hot mugi cha I've had recently (although I haven't had much lately. However, it is very expensive, running at Php 60-70 for a 520 ml bottle and is found only at certain Korean groceries.
I'd also recommend this for everyone for at least a try.
Aveeno, while not that expensive, is not something that I'd ever thought I'd use. Luckily, I was somehow able to get a sample each of the Daily Moisturizing Lotion and the Baby Daily Moisture Lotion. And ended up recommending the latter for C's baby's use!
Why? It's not just because the second product was meant for babies.
A while ago, I posted my review of my favorite sensodyne toothpaste, and while that hasn't changed, I think it's time to do a dental care post since it's one of the most important things to take care of while you don't have access to or don't want to go to a dentist.
First things first, dental care starts with what you eat. Try not to eat many sugars or acidic foods such as softdrinks since these can wear away your teeth and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. If you do eat or drink meals or snacks, rinse your mouth with water after every meal. If you can't rinse, at least drink a glass of water after. I don't use toothpicks, but these can be used after meals to take care of loose food between the teeth.
Next is to have a good dental care routine. A good dental routine should actually begin with flossing. Honestly, I only do this once or twice a day but should be done every time before brushing. I'm working on it. Floss between all the spaces between your teeth. I prefer Oral B's Glide series, but I'm currently using Radius' Cranberry floss as a more environmentally friendly alternative. It has been discontinued so I might go back to Oral B or try something else once I finish this. I don't recommend the Watsons brand floss as I find it too hard and stringlike for my tastes. Try for brands that specialize in dental care or dental floss. A good alternative is the waterpik, but I don't have one so I'm not sure which one would be better.
After flossing, brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice or thrice a day. The last one should be after the last meal of the day. Don't eat after your last brush! When brushing, remember to target the interface between gums and teeth and brush in a circular motion. Remember to do both the inner and outer surfaces of the teeth and both the top and the bottom set. Do a quick run through of all the tooth surfaces after. You can use your toothbrush or a separate tongue scraper to do a quick tongue clean.
I haven't tried an electronic toothbrush but this might be a good alternative to a regular one. Still, remember to change your toothbrush regularly at least twice a year and when the bristles get deformed. I've already given my favorite toothpaste, and this hasn't changed but any fluoride containing toothpaste is a good place to start. I don't recommend using charcoal or baking soda because these could actually damage the teeth. Do not rinse your mouth after brushing as you want the toothpaste to coat your teeth after.
Mouthwash is not necessary for a good dental routine. Use mouthwash when you don't have the time or willpower to brush your teeth, and remember to hit both teeth and throat when you gargle.
I used to love Nescafe Gold. It was my favorite instant coffee for the longest time.
But things change.
I can't remember when but its packaging changed from the sexy lady packaging (small waist, large top and bottom) to the more aesthetic square cylinder. And it seems like a change in the outside was accompanied by a change in the inside. It was just as aromatic as before, but lost all flavor.
I tried several bottles, from the tiny 50 mg pack to the jumbo 200 mg bottle at different times to no avail. It was lost forever. Yet somehow gaining more popularity thanks to its marketing campaign.
Which I did fall for. But was disappointed by, again and again.
Instead, I have officially switched to Nescafe Taster's Choice in French Roast.
Really old product but opened only recently...
I really like how this looks and smells, sweet but sophisticated.
While it's not as good as L'Occitane, it's so much cheaper. It's super worth it, especially as we're all washing our hands more. Hope they bring this back soon.
I think I bought this a year or two ago, but I've only ended up emptying it now. But when I say empty, I mean uber empty: I've already cut out the tube and got the last bits out!
Garnier's Acne & Oil Clearing Foam is a long standing product and has been with me for more than a year. I'm glad it's been formulated so well that it didn't smell or look funny even with how long I've had it. So thanks to all those parabens, I guess... I'm not particular about it either way, but in this case, I'm glad they were in there.
I first bought this cleanser because I ran out of a good facial wash and this was easily available at Watsons. After a quick look, I found it had Salicylic Acid (as well as something called HerbaClear), which I always look for in my acne prone skin (at least one salicylic-laden wash per day!) so I ended up buying it.
With all the hullabaloo about sunscreens in general, and K-beauty sunscreens in particular, I thought it's a good time to look back on the sunscreens I've been using and which ones I'd recommend right now.
Best for daily use would be Nivea's Super Water Gel from Japan. I've reviewed this before and this is still my favorite sunscreen for daily use (even though I don't have one on hand right now). I tried the Biore Aqua Rich Watery Gel, 2019 formulation (and failed to review because I lost the tube too early :P), but I prefer this more since I don't need a mirror to apply and reapply. The latter sunscreen is also a good runner up if you can't find Nivea locally, but you can find it of shopee (but be sure to find a good reseller).
Best for swimming/sports/heavy use would be Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion. I used the one for sensitive skin (light blue bottle). This is part of the WetForce line and really sticks to the skin. Again, I can't do a full review because I lost the tube... again. Honestly, I didn't like how this looked and felt but this really stuck to my skin as a thick, opaque white film. It actually clung more than some of the old sports sunscreens I've tried. With repeated application every 3 to 4 hours, I had no burning/darkening even at a full day at the beach. If ever beach things are a thing again, this would be my bet.
Best local sunscreen would be Belo SunExpert BODY SPF 60. This is expensive if you really use it daily, but it's the best local sunscreen I've tried. And I've actually used this for both face and body without any problems. Slightly sticky but good enough for daily use. While I haven't done a full review, I have finished a tube of this recently.
I've been trying daily body sunscreens, and I've posted regarding Biore and Nivea's offering. I'd use both, with a preference for Biore right now, but I don't have one I'd solidly recommend to be both cheap and effective for summer. I sometimes use the Belo Body sunblock on hotter days but it's not sustainable for me to use it daily as a sunscreen for its price.
Anyway, I'm actually trying one sunscreen right now, but I'm not too fond of it so I'm opening my first K-beauty sunscreen soon. Still, I've been quite guilty of not using sunscreen as often as I should, so my next real sunscreen post should be in a while.
You know there's something wrong in the instant coffee world when the cheaper option is so much better than the expensive one.
Take this for example: G7 Coffee Ca Phe Thu Thiet tastes so much better than Starbucks' Via Instant Colombia.
Kilay is life, period. This has been true for 2020, and it seems like it'll be the same for 2021. As such, a lot of my make-up spending has been on brow products. Missing a brow mascara, one of the things I've purchased for 2021 is Etude House's Color my Brows in Natural Brown (Number 4). While I've yet to try their popular brow pencil, at least I've given this one a go.
It's been a long while since my last make-up post since I don't use make-up regularly except for eyebrows. For 2020, the most make-up I've used is definitely for the same place, and it's the only one I bother with when going outside the house since I often use a mask and face shield (they're mandatory in the Philippines).
While I'd been using my old eyebrow pencil (more or less with other brow things) until around mid-2020, where my stock finally gave out on me. I promptly bought a new/old pencil by Careline without any googling because it was a kilay-emergency. Did the Best Brow Liner live up to its claims?
One of the most unglamorous things you can have in your medicine chest is something you may consider investing in is Katinko.
To those who don't know, Katinko is one of those counter-irritant products full of menthol and camphor that is popular in the Philippines, like Tigerbalm and Icy Hot for muscle pain. But this is different. Special.
