Junk Food for Face

While I am one of the (lucky?) few who get to go to work right now, I've felt a greater need to de-stress during this trying time. Because the first quarter of the year isn't over, and 2020 has been terrible so far.

Still, am genuinely lucky to be where I am and able to afford such a luxury as below. And I'm glad this got to me before lockdown.

Long Term Travel Shelf

Haven't released a Shelf for Jan 2020 because of travel reasons. But... here is what I have been packing for travels lasting more than a week.

Full sized products!

I find it easier to just grab these three instead of repeated packing. In here are:

1. Bella Curls Shampoo and Conditoner: review to follow but packed because of packaging.

2. Peter Thomas Roth 3% Glycolic Solutions Cleanser: For face AND body needs.

I've been pretty lazy and ill recently. Hope I get back to my normal self soon...

Revlon Colorstay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin

Writing about this foundation right as I'm tossing it in the trash.

I bought this foundation long before the rise of L'Oreal's Infallible. Which means this foundation is already over 2 years old. I wouldn't mind normally, but I've started to break out with this so...

Time to bin and buy!

I haven't felt comfortable reviewing it since I use so little foundation. As you may be able to see, I've barely used a fifth of it in the two years I've had it with me. But now that its lifespan is over, I think I can safely say my thoughts about Revlon's Colorstay, a foundation for Combination/Oily Skin.

In Her Element Rose Moisture Mist

 I think it's very apt to talk about rose products near Valentines Day. But... it is a bit late.

Still, I can't stop gushing about this Rose Moisture Mist!

As you may know, In Her Element is a local brand that has been around for a relatively short time. While my skin doesn't agree with some of IHE's products, I do keep my eye on it. Why? IHE is basically the sister/child of a blog/website I still follow from my college days: Project Vanity. Proudly Filipina owned and developed by grandmother/mother (of the brand) Liz Lanuzo, IHE is a brand I really want to like.

Maybelline Hypercurl in Waterproof

No valentines? No problem. Laugh or cry with Maybelline's Waterproof Mascara, a cheap but effective lash lengthener.

At Php 199, often going for Php149, try it or toss it.

The formula itself is best wet, freshly opened. Sadly, it has a tendency to dry out quickly soon after. Lashes are significantly lengthened, but a bit clumpy. The best part though, as the name implies, is the curl it gives- even sans curler! A boon for lazy mornings.

Remove with a good eye make up remover.

V&M Underarmour Acai+Mulberry Brightening and Detoxifying Deodorant

Bought this on BOGO ages ago and it seems I haven't reviewed it yet? So strange.

Flormar Deluxe Cashmere Lipstick Stylo

Ok I bet this product is old, but sadly I've only started using it now since I got it.

Flormar's Deluxe Cashmere, as its name suggests, looks luxe, but does it perform as well as higher end lipsticks?

On the short, no.

My shade DC24 or Red Boston is a super flattering pinkish red that can be used sheer, semi sheer or all out party! Super pigmented, with a satin finish that looks great when swiped, especially when built up.

However, two very important things make it annoying to use. First, the round tip makes it hard to create a precise line. Second, the formula is super dry and tugs like crazy.

Not exactly a cashmere experiemce.

However, I'm pretty happy with the shade and will continue to use it as even if purchased a long while back, it has a pretty long expiration.

Given by C so I have no idea how much this costs...

Palmolive Expertique Resiliente Conditioner

Honestly bought two different variants of the Palmolive Expertique Conditioners because I forgot about buying one and ended up buying another.

....

3 New Things to Do or What I've Done Over the Holidays

Read: Eight Treasures Trosseau

What: A chinese novel lovingly translated into English about a girl transmigrating to ancient china. Transmigration isn't an important part of the story (not a Fushigi Yuugi type story, unfortunately), but good for period drama juicy things (imperial succession, not inner courtyard).

Where: link through Novel Updates or translator at Dreams of Jianghu

Watch: Messiah

What: If a Jesus-like figure appears on Earth this millenium, how would he be treated. What is he? Lord, liar or lunatic? Kinda boring at times but very thought provoking.

Where: Netflix or friendly pirates?

Play: Obey Me!

What: Reverse harem game that's more about the story (linear progression) and art. Actual game is pretty boring, but the boys are to pretty not to stare at. Good if you like anime-like things.

Where: Play on Phone.

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.