I can't believe it's not summer yet!

Because it's way too hot! I've already literally vomited from the heat. Hope it hasn't happened to anyone else. Anyway, just a gentle reminder to:

1. Use sunscreen! Do as I say and not as I do. I've been skipping this for near half a year because I'm indoors 95% of the time (yes, I know you're supposed to wear this indoors but I get all sweaty and gross with it on and bleh). Can't cut it anymore, it's way too hot!

2. Stay in cool, well ventilated areas. I can't really do this, but I try.

3. Wear loose clothing with sweat wicking fabrics. You don't have t show skin if you don't want to, but skin tight clothing is a no-no.

4. Drink a lot of fluids. Preferably cool.

5. Use a hat or umbrella outdoors. Sunglasses optional but appreciated.

6. Use a mist. Anything to cool down.

7. Bathe in cool water. I've officially stopped using the water heater. I know some people bathe more than once a day here normally, but I know some who have upped to 3x to 4x when summer starts.

Nexcare Acne Patch

So hi guys! I'm sorry this has taken so long but my laptop hasn't been very cooperative and I've been too lazy to use my keyboard. Today we will be talking about Nexcare pimple patch by 3M. This is the second brand of Acne patch I've actually tried. Thee first was from Purederm 10 years ago and I think that it's very interesting that its an old product but its here today as an in item. How the wheel turns! When i first used this and I would get comments about it and how no one knew what they were or what they did.

So what are these little patches for? Well they have come a long way from being simple camouflage items a hundred years ago to actual acne treatment. By the way, although other blogs slash publications have stated that you can use these under makeup I have never tried since it seems to be a bit to stick to be concealed properly, and neither brand matched my skin color exactly.

For their actual use, they do these in two ways. They can contain acne fighting medication such as Salycilic acid. These brand of patches do not contain that medication. Instead, they act as a hydrocolloid dressing which contains and draws up any pus or liquid that will come from your acne.

This means that uses for certain patches are different. These patches are best used for pimples that already have a head and are ready to pop. As as shown in the picture, all the grossness of my zit under the patch. The pimple beside it is not ready even though it has a small head. Leave the patch on for at least 4 hours and then take it off and see the difference. Of course like any bandage or dressing this should be put on a clean and dry surface. These particular ones are nice because they're conveniently half peeled so you do not have to touch any part of the adherent backing. These can be used for any pimple size but for me, its a waste for very tiny zits because of the price. Bigger zits may require 3 applications before they are completely flat, just keep changing just like any other wound, or if your cheap like me and you see that the remaining is a hard mass, because all the fluid is out, just take it out yourself. Do standard zit popping aftercare as needed.

These were given to me by a friend so I'm not sure how much they cost. But 3M is an expensive brand compared to others of its kind. However patches are seriously worth it is if you have problems picking on your zits. Note that some people prefer to actively pop their pimples before putting these on.

I'm not sure if it is brand is locally available but more accessible and affordable alternatives such exist and I want to try them. I will definitely buy more patches in the future just in case I need them.

Ekel Natural Clean Peeling Gel

From my mom's vanity: Ekel Natural Clean Peeling Gel!

Haha, can't believe how adventurous my mom is when it comes to skin care! I saw this a few weeks ago and couldn't resist trying it out when I could.

Face Oils

Ranked from left to right

1. Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir

2. Sunday Riley Luna Oil

3. Human Heart Nature Pure Rosehip Oil

Partly for convenience, partly since I'm not sure what to try next, I've gone and bought another bottle of the Overnight Elixir.

Sulwhasoo GOA Kit (4 items)

Honestly, I bought this product on a whim online, but the Sulwhasoo GOA Kit is not something I regret buying.

I never thought there'd be a time when I would willingly buy a neck cream, but I did.

Kalinga Musang Coffee

Shout out to my parents for supporting my expensive caffeine addiction, and shopping local with Kalinga Musang Coffee.

Do NOT prepare as instructed. I prepare this as usual with some tweaking for different strengths but it's generally strong, sweet and smooth.

Would buy if with funds. It is gone now :{

Marks & Spencer Floral Collection Magnolia Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

Two aerosol bottles down and I'm ready to say what I think about Marks & Spencer Floral Collection Magnolia Anti-Perspirant Deodorant.

At P295 for a 150 ml aerosol spray, I found this purchase to be pricey, but almost worth the money.

Why almost?

AlgyNatural Seaweeds Lotion

Things are kind of crazy right now, and will continue to be for some time. Luckily, someone gave me a piece of calm with some AlgyNatural products. I'm currently aroubd two-thirds done with my bottle of their Seaweeds Lotion and I'm loving it.

The bottle is opaque so I'm not quite sure how much I have used but I'm running through 100ml quite quickly, which I have mixed feelings about because I love using up products but don't really want this to end, haha.

Sunday Riley Luna Oil

Sorry for the late, and crappy photos, but I'm having a difficult time with my electronics right now... My phone refused to upload these until now. But here is my review of Sunday Riley's Luna Oil, finally.

Oishi Hi Coffee and Tea Matchi

Oishi Boxed Drinks

Bought this set from the local grocery: three coffees and one milk tea. I don't quite remember how much it costs, but I'll tell you now it's not worth the money. There is some sort of problem with the straw, and unless you cut it and pour, you're not going to be able to finish your drink. Do they even test these things out before product launch? Get Netscape instead, it's similar in price with far less effort and grief.

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.