Lolane's Pixxel Color Cream in Dark Golden Copper Blonde

Since it's Watson's hair special, I decided to retry one of the products they're promoting: Lolane's Pixxel Color Cream in Dark Golden Copper Blonde.

Lolane's Pixxel Color Cream

This is not my first time to use this product, but it's the first time I've been satisfied.

DIY Rose Gold Nail Polish Color

This is my version of a DIY rose gold nail polish.

I didn't want to buy my own since the local selection is either lacking or significantly marked up. I decided to mix my own using a pink and copper glitter.

OMG I bought it.

I did it. I actually bought this thing.

Will I like it? Will I hate it? Will it work.

Idk. Hope I didnt waste my money :))

Juicy Fruity Lemon Body Butter

Okay, so I have no idea where this came from, how much it costs or where to get it because this was given to me by a friend. However, I've been using it both as a body butter and hand cream during its later days..

Juicy Fruity Lemon Body Butter

Human Heart Nature: Natural Conditioner Strengthening

For some reason, I've been trying a lot of more natural products, and Human Heart Nature is one of the most accessible, wallet friendly brands here in the Philippines. One of the things I've picked up from a local supermarket is their Natural Conditioner Strengthening which has the scent of Soothing Aloe.

Human Heart Natural Conditioner Strengthening in Soothing Aloe

This line is supposed to be strengthening for brittle, falling hair and is sulfate, silicone and paraben free and costs around P150 ($3.5) for 200ml on the website. I think this tube was a bit more expensive since I picked it up elsewhere, so watch the price where you buy.

Bench Organics Aloe

This is just a short post of something I discovered: 94% Aloe Soothing Gel and 92% Face and Body Mist. 

I got this on their introductory promo: Buy 1 and get the other at 50% off. I'm still gonna try them out but I was just interested that Bench is expanding its skincare as well as its male up range.

Maybelline Lipstick: Natural Beige

Today we'll be looking at a lipstick from Maybelline's Rosy Matte Collection: Natural Beige. Originally Priced at P299, but bought on a 3 for 2 sale, let's see what this drugstore lipstick has to say for itself.

Maybelline Rosy Matt Natural Beige

EOS Lip Balm

Do you still use EOS lip balms? They got some bad press a while back because of a possible allergic reaction. Still, someone gave me this cute pink one and I just couldn't help trying it.

EOS Lip Balm in Strawberry Sorbet

Thankfully, I've not had an allergic reaction.

The Shelf: June 2016

I can't believe it's rainy season again! Here's my current shelf, still geared towards the summer.

I've been using a lot of more "natural" products right now. Not sure if I'm going to continue this but we'll see.

Human Heart Nature Pure Rosehip Oil

Late one night, as I was moving from one room to another, I dropped my bottle of Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir... and it broke! There was still around a fifth of product left so I was very disappointed. Luckily, I already purchased my next oil.

Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir (left) and Pure Rosehip Oil (right)

A photo before that fateful night.

Big and little, side by side.

Altcheck Glycolic Renewal Pad

Finally got around to posting about Altcheck's Glycolic Renewal Pads.

Why did I buy? A long while back, I had finished my latest retinol serum and couldn't seem to find one that I wanted to try (within my price range). Lacking the desire to go back to my basic retinol cream, I decided to give more glycolic acid a go as I was also considering Pixi Glow Tonic's popularity. I chose these because they were easiest to access at time of purchase and because I'd already tried the brand's cleanser and was satisfied with it.

Altcheck Glycolic Renewal Pads Box

Altcheck claims to be for preventive and corrective purposes as part of anti-aging skincare. Does it really?

Conditioner Only

Popular for individuals with short, short hair, shampooing without conditioning is a hair care method that is something of a rarity for those with longer hair types.

I currently have bra-length hair and I tried living without (in-shower) conditioner for two weeks.

Yes, it is possible!

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask

Gosh, I'm getting a bit sidetracked: I've been wanting to do my review on the Altcheck Glycolic Renwal Pads but I've lost my pictures. While I get the energy to show them to you, here's Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask.

In case you're wondering, got this for around P500 ($10)sans shipping costs on Althea Philippines. I'm not sure where to find this IRL. Shipping took a while but I finally got it!

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask Box

I don't know why the name has a pig in it, but the cover piggy is cute and the mask lives up to its name.

Overpriced Coffee: La Lola Churreria

Not all coffee is created equal. Factor in its processing and its presentation and you get very a very different experience: sludge or liquid gold.

I'm not that picky, and I like to drink coffee, period: My liquids can range from 3-in-1s at home to specially prepared roasts and fancy coffee shops. However, when I do go to the latter places, I admit that I expect more from it: taste doesn't just come from flavor after all.

Which is why I am extremely disappointed with La Lola Churreria: their service in general and their coffee in particular. While I admit that this is a churreria and not a coffee shop, they do sell their Iced Mocha, Large for P130 - which is what I ordered.

Here are the three strikes.

Nichido Tinted Eyebrow Gel

I have previously spoken about my current make-up regime that takes all of 2 products, because it's all about the brows. On of these was Nichido's Eyebrow Gel in Salted Caramel that's sold at around P250 for a cool 7 ml of product.

Nichido Eyebrow Gel in Salted Caramel

So what can I say about this bit of drugstore make-up?

Nothing!

Something to See: Les Miserables

Do I even need to talk about this? Les Mis is awesome.


WATCH IT.


Les Miserables will be at Solaire until May 1.

Nichido Minerals Precise Liner

It's quite a few years after its launch, but I bought Nichido Minerals Precise Liner in Black at a local drugstore for a cheap P150 ($3) last year. It came in a small bottle that houses 2.5 ml of liquid and is meant to be disposed at 9 months.

Nichido Minerals Precise Liner

How did it fare?

The Beginner's Set to Pour Over Coffee from Daiso

Want to try switching to real coffee instead of that instant stuff?

Don't have the cash to shell out for a machine or those other fancy stuff?

Well… you don't have to.

A starter set for pour over coffee can set you back as little as P88-196 only (sans actual coffee).

Altcheck DePuff Eye Pads

A recent purchase from Altcheck came with a few freebies: their cleanser (which I already own) and their newest offering, DePuff Eye Pads.

Altcheck De Puff Eye Pads

I've already reviewed the cleanser, but how did these pads fair?

Something to See: 50 Shades!

I've finally found something to like about 50 Shades of Grey.

It's 50 Shades! The Musical Parody.

As someone who has just wiki'd the story, I'd expected to be a bit lost, but virgin viewers will still have a blast!

Altcheck

Life has been so busy lately,  but here are some of the things I've been using this month,  rather, last month. All from Altcheck! I've already reviewed the cleanser. 

Altcheck Products (clockwise from left): Daily Exfoliating Cleanser, DePuff Eye Pads, Glycoli Renewal Pads

Altcheck Daily Exfoliating Cleanser

Altcheck Glycolic Renewal Pads

Altcheck DePuff Eye Pads

Hua Mulan: Peachwood Comb

Or why I started using a wooden comb.

Hua Mulan Box

Looks pretty fancy!

I didn't actually mean to buy a Hua Mulan Comb. I was just looking for a wooden comb. Why did I want one?

Nature Republic: 92% Aloe Vera Gel

Remember when I posted this pic when I posted about the Aloe Sheet Mask? Well, I'm now a bit more than halfway done with the gel!

Nature Republic Mini-Haul: 92% Aloe Vera Gel (left) Aloe Sheet mask (right), Green Derma Sample (bottom)

I really didn't expect what I would use it as, but here we are.

Sanitary Pad Comparison: Modess vs Charmee vs Sisters vs Sofy

It's that time of the month every month, so I decided to haul a bunch of sanitary pads to see how they perfomed. Because why not?

As you may have noticed in a previous post, where I was excited by the entry of a pad, I like them long. Thus, each brand in the supermarket with a pad length greater or equal to 30 cm, winged and without an "ultra thin" designation was bought.

In this comparison:

Clockwise from top: Modess, Charmee, Sisters, Sofy

1. Modess Cottony Soft All Night: 30 cm and P43.50 for a pack of 4
2. Charmee All night Plus: 32.5 cm and P21.25 for a pack of 4
3. Sisters Overnight Dry: 34 cm and P24 for a pack of 4
4. Sofy Body Fit Comfort Nite: 35 cm P77 for a pack of 8

Sad, right? Other brands actually have long pads (Whisper Cottony X-Long/Skin Love and Kotex Soft and Smooth Overnight) but only the 28 cm versions were available and will not be included in this comparison.

I'll compare them after the jump. Criteria: Price, Wear, Experience

On Pigs on Facebook

A few days ago, this post appeared on my FB wall:

And I found it horrifying.

Would you buy things meant for a different gender?

I just bought a pair of shoes at a certain shoe  store because I had a pressing need for comfortable footwear. At first I browsed the women's area and found a decent pair.  But then I found myself wandering over to the men's section and found a cheaper pair of theda Anne type in my size. 

Of course,  as seen,  in the picture,  I bought them. 

It got me thinking though,  how many would buy clothing, toiletries etc marketed towards the opposite sex?

RF on Face

Just a short post since I finally got to try RF on my face…. and while it's not something that I'd use regularly (NOT being in the target age group, yet), OMG, visible results:

My face was quite visibly slimmer, though I wouldn't say tighter. No need for contouring, effects lasting at least 24 hours. I'm too excited to delay this post any longer since I first saw myself.

I think if I ever went to a big event, I'd like to try it again. It's no wonder brides like to use this as part of wedding prep.

Ped Egg

With all the fuss about Scholl's foot file thing on the Internet and in real life,  I've found myself  having a renewed  appreciation for my old and neglected Ped Egg.

Asian Secrets Lulur... a second look

Something i've stocked on and off since college is Asian Secrets Lulur Scrub. Its cheap its effective and it smells so good.

Unlike what the instructions say, I put a generous amount on WET skin and scrub. This gives me just the right amount of exfoliation, seeing the dead skin sloughing off my legs, and I smell great afterwards.

The only down side I saw previously ... it tended to leave my shower floor a gritty mess. Thus, I tended to buy a jar and just use it for those really lazy days when I need a good bit of exfoliation and when I was too lazy to use lotion.

But something else haunts me now.

Shampoo Methodology

Shampoo has existed for a really long time and there are many different kinds available today,  from mass produced, jumbo sized synthetic cheapo bottles to its exact opposite.

Regardless of its many varieties, I know but 4 standard methods of head cleaning.

1. Shampoo only - usually done by those with uber short hair, this is the quickest way to clean your head. I've used this method when my hair is short, I'm feeling too lazy to condition or I've done a deep conditioning mask a day before hand.

2. Shampoo then conditioner - the most common way a girl washes her hair, as inundated by a ton of beauty products and ads. Unfortunately, it also takes way too long to clean my hair sine I'd have to do do a rinse for both shampoo and conditioner. I reserve this method for deeper hair cleaning sessions and dirtier surroundings such as after extensive labor.

3. Conditioner then shampoo (Reverse 'Poo) - not quite as common as the ones above and below it, I prefer this method since it cuts my shower time by at least 20%.

4. Condioner only (No 'Poo) - gained in popularity a couple of years ago, but not too much in hot, humid and polluted surroundings like Manila. I've tried this method a couple of years ago when I was on break and had to give up on Day 5, even without a heavy workload. It just doesn't feel as good or clean as using something with shampoo.

Which way is best?

The Shelf: January 2016

Golly, time flies when you're having fun. And the holiday season just flew by!

Now, in the middle of the daily slog, I'd like to reflect on the products I've used (and am still using) this year.

So I'll start off the year with this month's Shower Shelf.



Because it's always nice to make lists.

Clear Anti-Dandruff Nourishing Shampoo

Okay, I bought this just coz it kept popping up in my feed for some reason, but I have no regrets! At P50 for 80 ml, I was able to see if Clear Anti-Dandruff Nourishing Shampoo is for me.

Clear Anti-Dandruff Nourishing Shampoo

Special selling point: Sakura fragrance claim! Not very Fall-Winter/Wet/Cold weather appropriate, so this may have affected my perception of it :P

Dove Whitening Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant in Original

Running out of my previous underarm helper, I decided to try Dove Whitening Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant in Original. This was bought BOGO so there's a piece of plastic that's been resistant to removal.

It wasn't until I bought it that I realized that it was startingly similar to something else.

Retinol Anti-Aging Cleansing Towelettes

In the box my Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Facial Serum was a single sample of one of their towelettes.

I've had it with me for some time since I was reserving its use not as a pre-serum wipe, but as an emergency facial cleanser since it was already conveniently pre-packaged. As such, it's spent a while in my bag getting squished into this shape.

I like that it clearly states its size so you're not quite so surprised. It's supposed to prepare skin for Retinol, though I didn't use it for that purpose. I finally got the chance to use it and…

Ever Bilena Advance Perfect Eyebrow

My everyday makeup (I actually have one now) is composed of two products, and the Ever Bilena Advance Perfect Eyebrow in Medium Brown is one of them.

Ever Bilena Advance Perfect Eyebrow

It's not the prettiest looking pencil, but for P60 (~$1.50), it does its job wonderfully!

Subspace Coffee House, 2015

(This used to be a combined post, but I have separated this entry and a previous one to create an Ortigas cafe list.

Honestly, I came in to Subspace looking for a pumpkin spice latte - this has been unavailable forever. While there was no pumpkin to be had, there are some differences from years ago.

Subspace Coffee House serve a variety of products now. Aside from their pastries, coffee based drinks, and signature drinks before, they serve more drinks including milkshakes, milk teas and "stormies" and various other edibles including finger foods and entrees.

Subspace Menu

Some parts of the decor has changed from my last visit, though not as much as its first year. There is a chair installation on the ceiling which has been there for a while. The cafe is a bit cozier since more seating has been added from before, but since I came during a slow day, it did not feel cramped. They have a projector, possibly for events, and manga you can read at the bar area.

Subspace Coffee Maker Wall

I particularly liked this wall which had a coffee machine painted on.

Wifi available for a minimum purchase of P150 with limited outlet availability. Music a bit inappropriate for study  but good for a relaxed atmosphere with just the right temperature. While the drink I ordered was delicious, no latte art for me :(

Subspace Coffee Shop is Kpop themed. Instead of basic coffee, I'd recommend trying their purple potato and latte, peanut butter latte and anything in their sweet and unique section.

Nature Republic Real Nature Mask Sheet in Aloe

On An Aloe Vera Kick! Just a month ago, I went on about Aloe Derma's Aloe Gel. I liked it so much, I decided to give other aloe products a go.

During Nature's Republic's last sale, I picked up a tub of their Aloe Vera Gel and one of their sheet masks in Aloe. I got a small sample of their Green Derma mild cream as a gift with purchase.

Starbucks Sapphire

Starbucks Reserve at Sapphire St., Pasig City is like your normal Starbucks, but a bit more.

Budget Instant Coffees: Nescafe Original 3in1 and Great Taste Original 3-in-1 Coffee Mix

When I said that Kao Shong was expensive, I was comparing it to these:

Twin Pack: Nescafe Original 3in1 (left) Great Taste Original 3-in-1 Coffee Mix (right)

Both Nescafe and Great Taste offer twin packs that cost P9 for 2 packs, or P4.50 a cup ($0.10).

Now, that's a price that's hard to beat.

My Everyday Makeup

In reality, I'm just amazed that I do use some form of makeup regularly now.

From 0 to 1 to 2….

Nichido Tinted Brow Gel (Top) and Ever Bilena Advance Perfect Eyebrow (Bottom)

Yep. That's literally it. And the second's just 'coz my hair is too light to live on 1 alone.



Total cost = P310 ($7)

Shopping Reminder

Snapped a shot of this just to remind myself, and you guys should too.

Christmas is coming! And with that, a serious amount of cash flow.

Make sure to use your old bills by December 2015. Try not to accept the old ones unless you're fine with adding an extra trip to the bank.

Now what to do with those commemorative anniversary bills?

Kao Shong Smooth and Creamy Thai Coffee

Kao Shong Smooth and Creamy Thai Coffee at P44.50 for a pack of 5 sachets is a bit steep for a 3-in-1 coffee.

Looks good, but is it worth buying?

What I like? Each 20g packet is labeled with the percentage of ingredients, something most Philippine 3-in-1's lack. It also has explicit and easy to understand instructions. In other words, the packaging is quite good.

This variant contains 7% coffee, 51.42% non-dairy creamer, 40% sugar, 0.98% skimmed milk. I'm not sure what the 0.6 percent left is, but I would guess some sort of contaminant which is found in most foods.

Since this is mostly sugar and creamer, it is mostly sweet and creamy, but not enough to overwhelm - making it very easy to drink quickly unlike some other brands that I find are too sweet to drink quickly. What makes it special? It has an earthy, rich undertone different from other instant coffees (around the same price point) in the Philippines. Like most 3-in-1s, the caffeine dose is low but the sugar is high and it gives as much kick as its counterparts.

Will I buy it again? Yes! While it's a bit on the expensive side (more on 2 for P9 coffees - good for the wallet, bad for the body and the environment), it's worth having as an occasional instant coffee on rotation.



On a side note, I wish brands here in the Philippines would make more 3-in-1 variants in jars instead of sachets. While I understand their use here in the Philippines, I'd like a for home alternative that doesn't impact the environment as much.

Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Facial Serum

Oh my, I've almost finished the bottle and I've yet to talk about it.

Lazy me, once again.

Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Facial Serum

And that's not because it's bad, in fact, it's quite the opposite!

The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet

Want a light moisturiser for hot weather? Try the Body Shop's Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet.

Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet

It's a light pink gel with a candy floral scent that absorbs quickly with a cooling effect. I usually use it once daily in the morning as my moisturiser to leave my skin soft and hydrated. On the days I do use make-up, this doubles as my primer.

However, this is probably not for everyone since it contains some possible irritants/pore cloggers.

Aloe Derma Pure Aloe Vera Gel

I'm on an aloe vera train right now, kickstarted by Aloe Derma's Pure Aloe Vera Gel.

It's 99% organic aloe vera juice that can be used for burns, bites and beauty purposes! What makes this  different? In the case of active plant ingredients, the plant and processing can really make a difference. Aloe Derma boasts of a quality product that can be used medically:

Want! Face Paint: The Story of Makeup

I'm not really into makeup, but I adore looking at the history and meanings of different cosmetics, attire, etc… which is why I'm really hoping to grab myself a copy of Lisa Elridge's Face Paint: The Story of Makeup.

I don't know if and when this will happen, but until then, here's her vlog entry of make-up looks throughout the ages. Warning though, this may push you to throw your money at it so watch at your own risk.

Still not convinced? Try to see what she says about it.

Sigh. I'm really hoping it won't be too expensive here in the Phil.

Edit: I've looked at the 3 major bookstores in the Philippines and only one has it in stock at a location far from where I live at a price that's P500 ($10) more than it's amazon price.

Coffee Shops in Ortigas

Ages and ages ago, I posted a tiny little thing about Subspace Coffee House, a coffee shop of a different breed from Starbucks long before the term "Third Wave" hit the country. Since then, I've tried different cafes without fully committing to any, cards not withstanding. I haven't been back in the shop for the past few years until recently. Ortigas, in particular, has a lot of coffee shops without even including the Kapitolyo area. Some notable sources of caffeine:

• Craft Coffee Revolution at Podium*
• Starbucks Reserve at Sapphire Rd
• Mr. Parks Bread and Cake at Garnet Rd
• Subspace Coffee House at Emerald Ave
• The Breadery at Emerald Ave
• Tully's Coffee at Exchange Rd
• Toby's Estate at Ruby Rd

*While Craft is located inside a mall, which is major minus points for me, it has very good coffee.

This used to be a longer post with a little something about Subspace Coffee House. I've since decided to split and link my previous Ortigas coffee shop posts here instead.

Rainy Day Exfoliation Session

When it rains, I prefer to sleep in and relax with a hot beverage, but sometimes I get a strange urge to do otherwise… Sometimes, I like exfoliation. Why is this strange? Because exfoliation, by the very act of scrubbing, is an invigorating activity that makes me more alert and ready to meet the outside world. Something that doesn't usually happen, period.

As I am a slothlike creature, I am not a regular exfoliator by any means, but when I do, this is how it goes.

Psyllium Fiber: Fibrolium vs Watsons Brand Supplement

In an attempt to kill the urge to eat between meals, I decided to try 2 pysllium fiber supplements and settled on Fibrolium and Watsons brands because they were the cheapest and most expensive brands available in my local, well, Watsons.

Fibrolium Psyllium Fiber Supplement

Psyllium is a fiber whose foremost effect is to help you do the number 2. It helps with water absorption in the colon, creating softer stools while stimulating those pipes. It helps retain a feeling of fullness without flatulence and can help with those cholesterol and blood sugar levels. In supplements such as these, only the ground husks are used.

Watsons Psyllium Fiber Supplement

How did they match up?

Avalon Organics Lavender Luminosity Facial Cleansing Gel

In trying to work through some of my (mostly drugstore) samples, I found a couple of Avalon Organics Lavender Luminosity Facial Cleansing Gel 4ml samples and decided to try it out.

I've used Avalon Organics shampoos and conditioners in the past and was curious regarding their skincare products. Avalon Organics, originally available from Healthy Options only, was one of the first organic lines that were available in the Philippines even before the organic movement hit the country.