May: Finished!

Things I’ve Recently Finished: *

1.     Suave Juicy Green Apple Shampoo and Conditioner: Two very meh products when used together. I bought it because I like green apple, and apple scents in general. I liked the shampoo because it cleaned my scalp well, as well as providing a nice rich lather. Unfortunately, the conditioner was a bit too light for my hair. While they're nice to use in the shower, the scent dissipates in one to two hours under normal weather conditions. I did not use these products separately. 
2.     Neutrogena Hydro Boost Essence: Same as February's post, the short review is here. I did like it, but I think my skin might be better served by something else.
3.     Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo: I like this shampoo because I could use it to remove build up every 10 days or so, or whenever I used an oil treatment of my hair. It has a nice, clean scent with good lather, even when using a little product. Since I didn't use it everyday, a shampoo with a price tag of less than P200 lasted for more than a year.
4. Vaseline Healthy Hands and Nails Lotion: I haven't noticed my hands and nails getting any stronger, but it does moisturize them well, and sinks in pretty quickly. My only problem with this is that the tube is a bit fat, so it's a bit awkward to maneuver on-the-go. I end up leaving it at home. 

I've been going through bars and bars of Nivea and Dove creme soaps. I much prefer the Dove soaps by virtue of their shape, smell and lather. I tried the Dove 7-day challenge on my face and ... no. It really doesn't work on my poor acne-prone face. Creme soaps melt quicker than the usual bar soaps. While it is not necessary to use a sponge to trap excess moisture on the soap, especially considering its price, make sure that there are no puddles anywhere near your soap dish.

-SS

*No pictures. Lack of decent camera woes, as usual. Plus I’m lazy (see my name).

EOTD: A Noob's Eye Makeup

Just went out for a bit today. I thought I'd try a trend for a change. Super basic eye make up with the Stila Barbie Palette. I still have no camera, so I'm using my webcam. I used only one brush for the entire look. I think I'd get a better effect if I used at least one more :))

Review: Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Years and years ago, I posted a tutorial about Aztec Healing Clay. While I did like it's effect on my skin, the mess and the smell, as well as the time it took me to use it resulted in it falling out of favor. My current favorite is the Garnier Self Heating Sauna Mask. However, my favorite mask product (I'm not sure if I have an HG mask yet) is the Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque.

The Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque is a green clay mask that hardens. According to the directions, you're supposed to take it off with warm water and a washcloth (like the Aztec mask). However, I find this process tedious since it's a thick paste that's difficult to take from the tube (around the time that it's half gone). It's near impossible to portion control with this thing - I always end up using more than I need. Product is a thick green paste with a consistency somewhere between play-doh and toothpaste.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask - from the tube

As you can see, there's a bit of a semi-circular impression when i try to maneuver the bottle without swiping with my fingers. Since squeezing too little gets only a tiny amount of product, and squeezing a lot makes it fly everywhere, covering my entire face can get very frustrating.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask - spread

Spreading it is not a problem after you get your desired amount out, but I prefer using it as an overnight spot treatment for zits that need to be dried up. Thus, I can't really say I like it as a mask. It dries up in less than 15 minutes, depending on how much you put on. A light layer will dry up in around 5.

While this is much more expensive in the Philippines (P250-P350, depends on where you get it) than in the US ($5 dollars), an 8 oz. tube will last at least a year with me and it really isn't expensive, compared to other products. This used to be hard to find a few years ago, but it's much easier to get now.

Now, this product is not a miracle worker for most of my zits (because my zits hurt :( ), but it does dry out the small zits and shrinks the mean ones enough to make them easier to hide the next day. If I had more obedient zits, it probably would be a miracle worker - as it is for some people. If only I could use this as a color corrector under make-up! I only use it once a day because it's very obvious.

This substance is very drying, so if you have dry or sensitive skin, I suggest you use this product sparingly.

Ingredients: water, kaolin, bentonite, glycerin, zinc oxide, propylene glycol, sulfur, chromium oxide greens, fragrance, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben.

Yays

• good drying capability: kills baby zits, shrinks the big ones
• minty smell
• inexpensive, lasts a long time

Nays

• tube packaging is horrible: difficult to take product out of the tube, get's everywhere if you're not careful
• hardens, so tube needs to be finished quickly (or cut up to get the bits that won't be squeezed out)

Hays

• don't sleep with this on unless you're fine with it going all over your sheets, or if you don't move and sleep on your back
• use a light coating if you're using it as a mask, use a heavier coat if you're using it as a spot treatment 
• don't wear it as a spot corrector if you're going outside
• remember to use a moisturiser after use 
• cut up the tube when you can't squeeze out anymore to make the most out of your product

Okays

• acne prone skin
• anyone with a zit

Buy Again?
Yes, it's a staple in my beauty closet! I might ignore it, but I go back to it when I need it.

Bloopers! Tameraonline.com

I was online window shopping a few minutes ago and I found this:

Tameraonline.com blooper

If only this were true! A blue baby quasar for PHP356 (>$10). Sadly, the add to cart function pegs it at a bit above P15k... The price in the baby quasar site lists it at $349, so if you're interested in buying locally, you might want to check this out.

Review: Brother's Burger + CBTL, M&S

Went to a Brothers Burger MoA adjacent, and the place was really small. That space over there is the only place you can walk on.

But it's the first time I've seen those tables down below(are they common?), and I found them really cute. As you can see, the side of the table just has enough space to move the chair.

 I love the chairs! They're big, and seat me comfortably. It's like I have two arm rests.

Waiting for the food took a while.  At least they gave us water. I wonder why they gave two condiment bottles but only one container for dip... Normal fries get ketchup but crisscut fries get mayo!

X ordered Fish and Chips (P195). This might be a seasonal item. I don't know when/if they're pulling it out. The serving is big for one person, but not enough to share.

Brothers Burger Fish and Chips

The Brothers Burger (P140) I ordered wasn't small but it wasn't filling. However, the patty seemed a bit dry. Is it me, or is this burger not as good as it was before? I was hoping to see the lettuce, at least in any angle, but it was tiny.

Brothers Burger Burger

I filled up with their crisscut fries instead. They were hot and delicious covered in mayo. I wish they made this item available all year round.

It's been a while since my last trip there and I'm definitely not going to order that burger again. For the same price range, I'd rather go to Wham! I used to order their Lamb Burger, and I might try it again next time, but the Brothers Burger really didn't make the cut.

Later that day, I ended up in CBTL with a double chocolate latte. The stirrer was cute, but it prevented me from drinking from the lip so I had to open it :))

With a snack from Marks & Spencer. I know that they discourage you from eating outside foods in coffee shops, but I couldn't resist... This sleeve of dark chocolate digestives were on sale (Biscuits, as well as other things, were 20% off due to the mid-year sale).

 I really like the coziness of CBTL. It's one of the more relaxing coffee shops.

Uniqlo: Cabbages & Roses

I really wanna kick myself for missing the year end sale (when all the winterwear went for cheap). Urgh. Maybe next year! Luckily, I stopped by Uniqlo in MoA and was able to get a hoodie on sale! This jacket was a collaboration with Cabbages & Roses, an english brand with gorgeous prints!

Uniqlo: Cabbages & Roses Hoodie C

As you can see, I am in love with fabric for furniture (haha! - things than can be used in upholstery). It is my dearest wish to own a lot of their collection, but... my wallet -_- This jacket was actually a bit different from most of the items on stock now: most of them are in lighter, more playful colors. I picked this one because it reminded me of one of the jackets I lost before... it's a replacement, so to speak.

Anyway, I checked Uniqlo Philippines' website, but no pictures are available. If you're interested, try the UK website ;) The pic above is Hoodie C. I have a feeling I'll be returning to the shop soon to buy something else from the collection,  though non-winter wear wasn't on sale.

I checked Cabbages & Roses' website too, but the clothes are d*mn expensive, gorgeous as they might be. Check both of em out if you're a fan of English things >. > In fact, Uniqlo has a new location: SM Aura in Taguig. i don't know when/if I'll be able to check it out, but there will be a fashion show or something today (May 18).

More importantly, today is International Museum Day! Check your local museums to see if entrance is free :)

Beauty Secrets at the Spa

Due to time constraints, my parents gave me a voucher to use to Beauty Secrets at the Spa in Grand Emerald Tower. Though I decided, thanks to my latest facial experience, that I disliked facials that did not come from my derma, I couldn't turn it down since no one else would use it.

Here's how it went: I set an appointment and showed up exactly on time. I was asked if I was in a hurry, and I said that I wasn't. Listened to Lady A talk to a client about diet and going organic. 30 minutes later, I asked them when they would be able to accomodate me. I was given a reply: 15 minutes longer. I berated them for it, and though they apologized, I was already very annoyed: why bother setting an appointment if they would give others without them precedence? The service was supposed to take 45 minutes, and I should have been done with it by that time. Punctual? No.

I went inside a cubicle, finally, so Lady A (a doctor, I think) could examine my skin. I won't reiterate my conversation with her, but there were some not so subtle cues to buy products or add on to the service. The receptionist already tried when I first came in. I rebuffed all of them, already in a bad mood. It got even worse when I was told to use ice everyday to shrink my pores.

The doctor left and another woman, Lady B, came in (don't know if it was a doctor or not, by this point, I really didn't care). She cleaned my face with Neutrogena, I think, and aqua sponges. She also used a layer of 35% glycolic acid before steaming. After which, the usual extraction and cauterization before the diamond peel. She had a light hand and the process was bearable.

I left around 45 minutes later.

Though I liked the way Lady B treated my skin, I will NOT return. I cannot trust a doctor who tells me that ice tightens pores. Pores can be "shrunk" by lasers and drugs, but the idea that ice could work when it's used everyday...

I did spot a CO2 laser machine, and the service was good, so this place may be for those who want such services (price unknown)- but a basic facial + diamond peel at the full price (P1445 - according to the voucher) is definitely out of my price range when I can get more back out of my buck with my derma. More importantly, the product pushing and misinformation, even unknowingly, is a big turn off for me.

Next day: New zits. I guess I can't really blame them since you aren't supposed to DP when you have zits. Since the zits did have a specific pattern... Lesson learned: acne really sucks.  Peeling present, but I'm not sure if it's because of the DP or the glycolic. My nose was defintely clear of blackheads though.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend this place. But if you have the budget, you might want to try them yourself.

Review: Sci-Fi Cafe + Mexicali Promo

Warning! Picture heavy

A new place in Robinsons Galleria, Sci-Fi Cafe Is a place for geeks and hipsters to hang out in.

 You can see a lot of collectibles outside, which is what drew us to the place.

Sci-Fi Cafe Menu

The menu boasts food with interesting names. Since it was a bit out of budget, my friends and I decided to try their drinks only. While waiting, these caught my eye:

Johnny Depp

The Golden Trio

Aliens vs Predators

Among other things. They have an extensive Star Wars collection, including these on the ceiling: 

Sci-Fi Cafe Ceiling

Too bad the lights are too bright to see the spacecraft, a Millenium Falcon and TIE Fighter, among other things.

Soup

There was some complimentary soup, which was nice. I have no idea what it was, but it's the first time I've received a soup for ordering a drink.

Cashier

Featuring a shield of the White Tree of Gondor, a hoverboard, Leggy's bow and Sulley! They were playing music from Pride and Prejudice, Romeo and Juliet and Titanic.

Bar

When you walk in, you see some wands, lightsabers and the Madhatter's hat. The cake looked delicious, but I'm saving up for Wildflour.

Sci-Fi Cafe Wall

Autograph wall, OMG.

MOAR STUFF

Numbered stuff from Pirates of the Carribean, Disney sets... and if you look closely, there's a Twilight Set. 

Now I realize that a lot of the stuff I've shown is more of fantasy than science fiction, but OMG! A place to admire all the stuff!

They also started showing Avengers on one TV screen and LotR in another.... I almost stayed forever....

Milk Blend: White Chocolate

Sulley wants my drink.

Now, while the food was excellent, the location great, and the service good, there is one thing I disliked: Since my friends and I KKB'd it, we all placed money when the bill came. I placed an extra P20 and was too lazy to count change. Our money was taken, but the P20 was gone. Now, I was going to leave it as a tip, but management should NOT assume that. They should have left the money inside... clearly, honesty isn't a policy.

I'll forgive it because of the uniqueness of the place, but I'll think twice about putting more money then I ought to, and count change very carefully!


Yays

• Service: we were given water and it was refilled without asking
• Free soup
• Ambience: one of a kind
• Yummy drink

Nays

• Not very honest

Okays

• Make sure you bring enough money

Go again?
Yes! With all my geeky friends.

The Sci-Fi Cafe is located in the top floor of Robinsons Galleria, Quezon City, Philippines.

Mexicali
After going around the mall, we got hungry and bought nachos at Mexicali. They have a promo: P100 for certain items with a free 12oz Coke (they gave us sarsi, but we didn't complain).

Mexicali Nachos

Reading: Kurt Vonnegut and Orson Scott Card

For Summer 2013, I've read two books apiece, recommended by friends, by Kurt Vonnegut and Orson Scott Card.


Kurt Vonnegut
 Though I dislike his writing style, I find slogging through the books worth it simply for the messages he is able to impart. Thankfully, the two books I've read aren't that long, even at the points where I have to stop and think about it! While I don't agree with all of his points, they are worth noting and thinking about. Of the two I've read, I'd recommend one: The Sirens of Titan. I will probably read more of this author in the future.


Orson Scott Card
I find this guy to be a bit of a douche - but that doesn't mean much as an author. I'd recommend reading Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow, in that order. These books are easier to read, and I found them more engrossing. I don't think I'll read more of the series, and his later works due to the misogynism that becomes more and more apparent (as the target demography becomes older?). While I'm kind of curious about his earlier ones, I don't think I'm interested enough to actively search for them.

Anyway, I'm really glad that I was able to read these books. I probably won't be able to read non-academically related books when the school year starts, so it's nice to have time to go into a coffee or tea shop just to read without using highlighters and the like.



Look at the happy things in life. :)

Mega 3 Day Sale + Wildflour Cafe

It's the last day of the Mega 3-Day Sale (May 3-5, 2013). If you don't mind the crowds (and boy, is it crowded), then it's a great time to buy: a single receipt purchase of at least P2,000 (and every P2,000 thereafter) entitles you to a P100 discount coupon, in addition to any product discounts. While it doesn't seem like much, combining promos is very rare in the Philippines. SM Megamall has extended store hours until today.

Though I didn't buy much (crowds really aren't my thing), I did buy one VMV Hypoallergenics ID Anti-Acne Oil Free Lotion at 25% off. Though the Armada line was -as usual- not on sale, most of their products were at up to 25% off. I saw some hoarders over there, but decided not to hoard... let's see if I'll regret that decision in the future.

Also, Wildflour Cafe in Podium has recently had its soft opening. Still haven't eaten there, since there were a lot of people, I'm hoping to eat there some weekday in order to see if it could be a good pastry/breakfast place for me.

Highlands Coffee Eton

There's a new coffee shop in town! I've noticed that I've been caring more about food posts than beauty posts right now. Maybe because I don't have the funds for the latter? Also, I really have no Idea where my camera is so.... cellphone pictures all the way!

The first drink I've tried there is:

Cafe Sua Da

It costs P129 ($3) for a tall glass of vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. It takes a while for all the coffee to go down. Vietnamese coffee is a bit strong for me, so I wouldn't drink it without condensed milk.

Highlands Coffee

 The bar is well stocked with pastries, and some fresh fruits. They also have sandwiches. Unfortunately,  I doubt I'd be spending much on their food since they are a bit expensive.

Highlands Promo

I went on their soft opening so I was able to score some BOGO coupons and a loyalty card. You can only use one at a time. I'm hoping there's no expiration on each -there's no date stamped anywhere :)

Cafe Sua Da Done

This is how the drink looks after mixing! Their freezes are also yummy, but fattening.

A purchase comes with one hour free wifi. This makes me kind of sad since it doesn't encourage people loitering in the shop, and free wifi is one of the reasons I go to coffee shops in the first place. It also has few outlets, so charge before you enter. It does have some tablets on some tables, which I haven't used: maybe these have free wifi?

What's best about this place is that it's open 24/7 - one of the few places open in ortigas on Sundays!

Also, there's a Chatime opening beside it. Yay!

BurgerBar

Well, it's my summer vacation right now. That means a lot of bumming time, even if I did promise myself to be more productive... I'd really not rather know how much weight I've gained, or how many pimples I've gotten from sleeping early mornings.

To get a feel of how much weight I've gained....

The Rising Shroom

The best burger I've ever tasted. It costs P280 ($7) not including either VAT or service charge, but it's quite worth the price. As its name shows, it's contains mushrooms, better seen in the next pic and truffle cream cheese. This burger has made spot.ph's top gourmet burger list, with good reason. It's from the BurgerBar at Greenbelt 2.

The Rising Shroom 2

The bit below the top bun are battered oyster mushrooms. Though these were my least favorite part of the burger, it did provide a different texture, as compared to most burgers I've eaten. The best part for me was definitely the sauce... it's a burger your mouth doesn't get tired of.

Parmesan Truffle Fries

On the other hand, the fries -I'm not sure if this was the genuine name- at P145 ($3) were just blah. I'd prefer some NYFD fries to this for the price. Truffle fries really aren't my thing, but I did like the crunch of these. The serving size is big enough for two, so it really isn't that expensive if you think about it. Wish I tried the cookie batter milkshake instead.


This meal was eaten in the company of D. Thank you, D, for a wonderful time!

Let's Face It! I can't!

After n years of avoiding Let's Face It! I decided to go there as a family activity. We all got the basic, standard facial package at P245 (around $6 dollars), which was really cheap.... and we got what we paid for!

Basic Facial: Facial Cleaning with Laser and Vacuum - P 245

The mini-massage when they rubbed on the creams pre-pricking felt nice, and so did the steaming. However, there came the dreaded pricking! While it was fine for them, I was in serious pain the entire time those instruments of evil were on my face. I had to tell the aesthetician to leave off my cheeks because I couldn't take it.

My nose is now free from blackheads. But I will never return. Not even for the free check-ups that came with the package. At least for the next n years. I'd rather go to my derma instead and get peel happy!