NYE Lips: Long Lasting Lips

I'm not going out today because I got so tired from ushering in the new year. Thus, this tutorial spawned from waking up with my make-up on. Yes, it's bad for you but my lips have officially lasted through 20 hours and 3 (not oily) meals.

Here's how I did it.

Salonpas Liniment vs. Sombra Natural Pain Relieving Gel

I can't believe I'm ending the year with a period, but such is life. Because of that, I'd like to compare two topical pain relievers I like to use at this trying time: Salonpas and Sombra.

Mind you, I still use my Creations balm, but I reserve that for bedtime and light muscle aches since I like to associate lavender with sleep time. For daytime relief, I will choose one of these two.

Salonpas Liniment

Over the years, I've used other liniments in different formats, but Salonpas in this crude roller format has been my go-to for quite a few years: It's cheap, targeted to problem areas and you don't have to touch the product itself. I have bought this quite a load of times, and stash these around the house and in bags. The Cold/Heat/Irritation is strong but doesn't last very long. This makes sense as the product is a clear, watery fluid that offers fast pain relief. The downside is the same with all liniments, the lingering smell.

Sombra Gel

Something I've only been introduced to this year, as it is significantly more expensive than most liniments. It comes in a large tub and is a white, jelly to cream consistency that is excellent to spread over large areas. Unlike other topical pain relievers, this one feels soothing on the skin with a slight citrusy? scent. The counter-irritation is strong with residual heat, and can be layered for potency.

I'm pretty impressed with the product, but I don't know if I'll buy it for myself (this product was given to me) as it is so expensive and both of my go to products are a fraction of the price...But I really thankful for having this in my life right now.

Nivea Sun Super Water Gel

Always thought I'd be using Biore as my sunscreen this 2019, but since a relative went to Japan recently, I decided to try my luck with Nivea Sun Super Water Gel despite previous misgivings about other Nivea sunscreens. After all, how terrible could a Japanese sunscreen gel be?

Well, long story short is, not at all!

Holiday 2019

My only holiday buy for 2019 and I've already started using it. 100% must buy, no regrets. I don't think I need to make a comprehensive review? But if you can still get your mitts on this, you definitely should!!

Of course, only if you have damaged hair.

When I Wear Eye Make Up

I'm still happy to use my old eye make up remover.

Coz it still looks goods after!

Osulloc Natural Green Green Tea Essence

Osulloc's Natural Green Green Tea Essence is something I've been using and loving for about over a year. I've only now gotten around to reviewing it since I've been trying to make it last... even if I know that you're not supposed to. But as this is a not so mainstream K beauty product, I've been rationing it since it's so good and I've no idea where to get it again.

Osulloc is a Jeju, Korea based brand that prides itself on their teas. They have a lot of drinkable teas which are way too expensive for me to buy! As for skincare, their masks are their best sellers, but I'm not gonna pay crazy prices for a one use item. Thus, I decided to try this and see where it goes.

Spoiler: I love it.

Unlimited Water in Hotel Hack

Is it just me, or is it a fact of life that the higher end the hotel, the more limited your complimentary water supply is? While I can refill my water flask for free at certain inns/hostels/hotels, I've never seen a water dispenser in those fancy shmancy ones that I (very rarely) go to.

Rather than call for service, and possibly paying extra, here's what I use to stay hydrated:

Tap Water+Kettle = Drinking Water.

Yep. I usually boil as much as I can once I wake up, have a cup or two of coffee, and use the rest for later. If the room comes with a ref, I'll sometimes store it in there once the water cools.

Granted, this will be difficult for tired people who just want lots of free, and hopefully iced water, but this helps keep my costs down, with less plastic waste, when I, myself, travel.

5 Things You Should Know About Reusable Menstrual Pads

I've recently been transitioning from disposable pads (see previous posts on favorites) to reusable cloth pads and here are 5 things I think people should know before buying one:

1. Not all pads are created equal. Aside from coming in different sizes, and shapes, pads come in different materials. Some have waterproof backings and some have removable inserts. Think about WHY you want to use reusable pads because microfiber cloths and impermeable materials mean plastic but mean a bit more security down there. Do your research instead of buying the first one you see.

2. Be prepared to use a lot of water and soap. Either toss 'em in a washing machine or handwash, but don't start until you have a good soaking, or you'll just be spreading that period smell (and possible germies) around. Soak at least once! Yes, some people just toss the lot in a washing machine, but I don't recommend doing this unless those pads are the ONLY thing you'll wash in that load.

3. The sun is your best friend. Leave them out in the sun for a few hours after to make sure you kill any bacteria hanging around. Put the design side down to better preserve that pattern, but I'd rather have a pad with a shorter lifespan than a contaminated one. You're better off with disposable pads if you can't make the commitment of letting them dry, because infections are not a good thing.

4. Pads are absorbent, but not foolproof. You can still leak, especially if you choose one without absorbent backing or an extra lining during those heavy days. Additionally, sizing and fitting is still necessary. Make sure it doesn't slide by choosing the correct size (and using tight-ish undies) and changing when needed.

5. Ask questions if you are unsure or do your research beforehand. I wish I didn't have to say this, but I've seen videos on YouTube where pads were used the wrong way, so ask if you're not sure or check the FAQs on reputable sources before checking out.

There are many advantages for using reusable cloth pads, and I'm certainly glad of my purchase. However I'm pretty sure they aren't for everybody.

+1: Use whatever feels right for you and don't let anyone shame you for your choices.

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea

Saying goodbye to my nth bottle of EA's Green Tea perfume.

You were the first thing that made me realize clean scents were something I could wear.

But now it's time to move on after 2 decades of use.

Thank you, next.

Clear Antidandruff shampoo in Cucumber & Mint

Cucumber and mint? Anti-dandruff? Sculpturesque bottle?

I was initially sold on the Clear's Cucumber and Mint Antidandruff Shampoo, but now that it's empty, here are the reasons I won't be repurchasing:

Creations Spa Essentials Pain Relief Rub in Sleep

Either you've heard of it or haven't, but a certain segment of the Philippine population has been going crazy of Creations Spa Essentials Pain Relief Rub, which comes in 4 varieties.

I got the purple one : Sleep, which is what it is ... a pain relief rub that prepares you for ...you guess it?

Sanicare Bamboo Wipes

Is it weird that I have a definite HG wipe? I feel so tita, but these are hands down the best wipes I've tried.

Taking the month off...

Honestly, I've been very lazy with my skincare routine and all other vanity things, and coupled with sporiadic internet access and general real life things, I haven't been posting at all.

For the first time in my life, there are literal days where I don't look into a mirror... and while there is a part of me internally screaming (and dreading the day I look into a full length one), I've been enjoying the break. No more caring about my spots, pores and flaws. I have better things to do!

Thus, my constant refusal to buy myself a mirror beyond my current eyebrow compact (used sporiadically).

This has been a good "detox" for me and if you find yourself doing more about how you look than how you act, I'd recommend giving this a try.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with self-care, and wanting to look your best, but when it starts to overtake your life, consider pulling back.