AlgyNatural Seaweeds Deodorant

Yes, this too was given to me. The AlgyNatural Seaweeds Deodorant is more than it seems!

Brews Co.'s Single-Use Drip Coffee

This has been sitting for a while, but I've been trying a few variants of Brews Co.'s Single-Use Drip Coffee. Since everyone I know knows how much I love coffee, this was given to me as a gift. However, apparently, you can find it on shopee for P89-120 for three pieces.

As of now, I've tried Moreno, Hazelnut and Macadamia. They have a Don and Donya, which I haven't tasted. But here's what I think overall.

Sound of Music 2017

Years ago, in 2011, I watched the Sound of Music at Resords World Manila. Six years later, I watched it again in a different location with a different location, cast and direction. And sorry to say (because the former had mostly local talent) that I prefer the current version.

Why? This production was on a much grander scale. The set is better and the cast is larger. While sound quality was poorer in this production, on the whole, this show was a lot more palatable than the previous one. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm not very fond of this musical. Sorry R&M. I'm not fond of West Side Story either. I know. That should tell you enough about me.

I am fond of some of the songs but the magic for me is already enshrined in the movie with Julie Andrews. In the same way, I cannot help but compare all Valjeans with the guy who screams two-four-shicks-oh-one. Because, tell me, how can you beat the actual gradual zoom in from the hills to the face of Julie Andrews?

Also, I have always found the second act, both in movie and musical, dragging. As such, movement and transition work are very important in keeping my attention. Most renditions of it (including that horrible TV one) are a lot more static. Which is why I found myself pleasantly surprised by the end of the first act (being a lot faster than I expected) as well as the second (I was not bored out of my mind). I found myself engaged in this musical for the first time.

I cannot seem to recall how the older version sounded years ago -since I don't seem to have posted about it. But that is on me. I will say that while their voices were decent, this Captain and Maria had very little chemistry. Humor makes up for it a little, but not enough to be believable. I'm not a very objective judge though because Julia Andrews and Christopher Plummer....

Anyway, all-in-all, it's a decent rendition of the Sound of Music, better than its predecessor. It's major drawback is also not a problem with the show itself but in logistics. The show started 15 minutes late and a lot of people were still very, very late (even appearing halfway through the first act) and the ushers allowed these people entry into their seats EVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF A NUMBER. Not cool.

FYI, if you are late to a show, you should either be seated at the sides or barred from entry until a song has ended. Anything else is rude. And while Hannibal would probably never see the Sound of Music, he would not approve.

If you really want to see this musical, go ahead and book (at seats close to the stage so you won't see the people moving around). But honestly, I still prefer the movie version.

The Sound of Music runs at Solaire until October 15, 2017.

Snoe What's Up Brow! 3D Eyebrow Setting Mascara

During the last Snoe sale, I picked up their 3D Eyebrow Setting Mascara in Khaki. I was torn between this and another product, but I bought this instead of the tube gel since I am very lazy and this seemed like far less work. I've been using it for a month (not very consistently because, again, lazy). Here are my thoughts:

Quick Update

Just a quick update. Nothing bad has happened. I've just been busy with life. But what's been saving me are the Starbucks Reserve Coffees. There was a short period between the newest batch when the coffee I did like ran out and I had a bit of a crisis. Srsly. But you can now purchase 2 new coffees at your nearest Starbucks Reserve (in the Philippines). Not going to go into any details but the East Timor Peaberry and Sun Dried Brazil are both winners. Both cost P155 for a 12 ounce cup, but it's definitely worth a try IMO. Will be out for another week or so, so I hope they don't run out of this, huhu.


Sept 21. Stay safe, everyone!

Pantene Hair Asthma

Being out of the loop with things, I only found out now (through the magic of late night Facebook adds) that Pantene's newest shtick is to liken pollution to "hair asthma".

Facebook Ad

I can't even.

First of all, hair is dead. Deadidy dead. It may look sleek and shiny with proper care but there is no life in it. At best, this is "scalp asthma". But no one wants to talk about female scalps, don't they? I guess they chose asthma as the disease du jour since they probably wanted to talk about hair breathing, but the day my hair (being quite acellular) breathes is the day I get doused with nuclear radiation and become a superhero.

Second of all, do you know what asthma is? It's a serious disease that makes it difficult to breathe and can cause ACTUAL DEATH. For realz. Would you call it hair cancer? Hair diabetes? No. So why call it hair asthma?

I am really disappointed with Pantene.

The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA

It's really hard to post with my computer on its last legs, but I can't help but talk about something not quite ordinary, The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA.

Now I know that it isn't one of the brand's more popular products, at least here in the Philippines. But I do think that this product deserves a little more love than it has been getting.

VMV Hypoallergenics Red Better Spot Corrector

Sometimes, when life gives you zits, you make the best of it and try some new products.

I've been hit with a lot of zits lately due to the stress I've been under. Anyway, since I haven't been quite so acneic in a long while, I've yet to repurchase my favorite spot treatment. I actually was gonna buy another tube of that, but then I saw that VMV was on sale, so I got my grubby hands on the VMV Hypoallergenics Red Better Spot Corrector.

Maybelline Hyper Glossy Liquid Liner

In college, I really liked the Fashion 21 Dipliner because of the control it gave me, but something much better, IMO, has replaced it. I didn't find out about this until a year ago, but now I'm constantly using Maybelline Hyper Glossy Liquid Liners. Very late into the game, I am.

XtraCare Acne Body Wash

As I’ve previously stated, I’ve been moving about and am now in a different city in the Philippines. As such, my routine was pared down significantly, as seen in my last shelf. Out of all the items there, one product is a definite repurchase: XtraCare Acne Body Wash.

The Shelf: July 2017

A lot of things going on right now. One of those things is... I am moving. So this will be my last snap of this bathroom. In accordance, the products I've been using are all "drugstore" since I am expecting a lot of expenses in the next few months.

Head and Shoulders Smooth and Silky Shampoo

Pantene 3 Minute Miracle

St. Ives Apricot Scrub

XtraCare Acne Body Wash

Clean and Clear Acne Marks Cleanser

How to use sheet masks

So I don't normally use sheet masks, because I find them horribly expensive for one use wonders. However, sometimes I am blessed with GWPs in sheet mask form.

Ekel masks are cheap, but are perfectly capable of giving a much needed shot of hydration.

To maximize effectiveness, here is how I use my masks.

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Revitalising Gel Lotion

Darn it, it's been a while since I've posted something truly substantial... mostly because both phone and laptop are dying and I've been spending most of my hours lusting after things on Yugatech :))

Anyway, another thing that's dying/emptying- my tub of Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Revitalising Gel Lotion. And hitting the bottom of this tub finally moved me to write about it!

Cappuccino at Cafe Mary Grace

Revisiting Cafe Mary Grace at SM Aura which serves a great Cappuccino with almond cream. Cheaper than Starbucks, even with the service charge and much better looking. If only one can stay there for long periods of time.

• New thing I've learned: Pixi is in the Watsons at Aura. It even has the Caroline Hirons double cleanse that I could not find it in me to buy because of my minimal make up use.

Late Post: The Body Shop Rainforest Balance Shampoo

Went through the site just a few minutes ago and realized I never posted a review on The Body Shop's Rainforest Balance Shampoo for lack of pics last year. I have already thrown the bottle but here is the year late review.

Liese Creamy Bubble Color in Milk Tea Brown

Liese Creamy Bubble Color in Milk Tea Brown.

Bought this during the 1 day Watson's sale for around P250, half off from its original price. For those who are new to boxed dyes, bubble or foam dyes are an easy way to color your hair. Because of the formulation, it is a bit more expensive... so getting it half off is a very good deal.

Each box contains the following:

The Face Shop's Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Mud Pack

A few months ago, I bought The Face Shop's Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Mud Pack as an impulse purchase after finishing my last clay mask. Since I had such good results with a Korean clay mask, I thought I'd try a  Jeju clay especially and The Face Shop was an easily accessible source.

Nivea Extra White Firming Body Serum

Summer is here and hot.  And for me, that means buying a new bottle of sunblock! But before the heat went up, here's the stuff I got:

Nivea White Extra Firming Body Serum. The one with the maroon tag.

Nivea Extra White Firming Body Serum

The National (Museum) Planetarium

Stopped by the newly renovated National Planetarium a few days ago because both it and I were free that day. Sadly enough, I found it very disappointing.

Summer Snack

When trying to adult:

Pear + Cheese

+ Wine for extra points

Serves 1-2

In Her Element First Wash Cleansing Oil

I've been using In Her Element First Wash Cleansing Oil for about a week now and here's what I think about it so far.

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.

Dove Hair Therapy Hear Fall Rescue Shampoo

Another day, another shampoo tried. I don't know what I'll buy next after near emptying Dove's Hair Fall Rescue Shampoo.

I nearly didn't buy this because I was annoyed at Dove for not having an anti-dandruff shampoo marketed towards women... because only men get dandruff. Anyway, luckily (?) I've been more stressed out lately - and getting more hairfall as a result.  I then picked this bottle up before buying it upon realizing what Trichazole probably meant.

How much water do you use in facial cleaning?

Today I tried washing my face and looking at how much water I used up. At full blast, I used enough water to fill up a basin... Enough to flush a toilet!

And if I washed my face at least twice a day, how much was I using on that alone!? It got me thinking about how wasteful we can be without realizing. Therefore, some early resolutions for the new year I plan to adopt:

1. Use low flow settings during face washing.
2. Turn the tap off while in the middle of doing things.

This should also apply to showering and the like.

What other bad habits should be broken, you think?

Barista's Best and Great Taste Coffee

Tired of Kopiko 78? Try Barista's Best and Great Taste.

I drink a lot of Kopiko 78 because it's found everywhere, but sometimes you just want something else.

Personally, I prefer the lighter flavors of Barista's Best Coffee Latte and Coffee Caramel (far left and far right). For a more intense experience, far bolder than the 78, try Great Taste's Dark Java and Viet Latte.

The Barista's Best Coffees are more expensive for around P26 and are very milky with the caramel sweeter than the latte. The Great Taste ones cost around P20.

Bench Organics 94% Aloe Gel

I have finally decided to post my review of Bench Organics 94% Aloe Soothing Gel.

This product claims to be nonsticky, quick absorbing and moisturizing.

It took me so long to post because it took me a while to find out what kind of relationship I had with it.

No Money For Dry Shampoo

In the Philippines, dry shampoo isn't often used since it's so hot and humid, people just wanna shower  all the time. Sometimes, even twice in one day.

But there are times and reasons for not washing your hair everyday. As for me, I generally wash my hair daily, but there are time when I don't: Not enough to justify my buying a dry shampoo but enough for me to want one.

So what do I do?

I use regular baby powder.

It works :)

Miniso Laundry Net

After faithfully being served by my Daiso laundry nets for the better part of the year, the lot of 2 I'd been using finally became too damaged for use. I then decided to search Miniso and found that they had some very sturdy laundry nets.

MINISO Laundry Net

Decided to get this set of 3 instead of the tougher looking ones because at P145 for 3, it's a pretty good deal and I like the green trimming to match it as a set.

Miniso Laundry Net Set of 3

It is my firm belief that anyone who has their clothes washed in a machine (whether at your own home or sent out) should use laundry nets. As my previous nets have shown, you can do a lot of damage to your clothes when washed willy nilly. Nets serve as a small layer of protection from the wringing and rips your clothes may be prone to when tossed in the wash.

Hope these last at least as long as its P88 counterpart (you know from where ;) ).

Bare Sweet Almond Conditioner

The dipstick test says I'm half done, so I guess it's time to review Bare's Sweet Almond Conditioner.

What first caught my eye was that it was a new brand that had uncommon fragrances at the Beauty Bar. Unlike more conventional bath and body products, this brand had offerings like green tree and grapefruit - more woodsy, less flowery scents. I had a hard time choosing because they all smelt nice to me and that the hair and body products were different lines with different scents: there is no green tea shampoo nor grapefruit body lotion. I finally chose this conditioner because it was for damaged hair, which my hair is.

Human Heart Nature: Pure Strength Shampoo

I bought this nearly a year ago, and I recently checked the website, so you might be looking at a different bottle, but this is review is for HHN's Pure Strength shampoo.

I've been using this shampoo sporiadically when it gets particularly hot or when I feel particularly Christmas-y. And I've been loving it but...

Something to See: Jersey Boys

I was only able to see it this week, so the run has already ended. However, it's a very good production and a must see for those over 40.

Highlights: Nyoy Volante's vocals. 60's type dancing. Nostalgia (for those who know the Four Seasons).

This is the first version I've seen of Jersey Boys and it was excellently done: smooth and solid. I was also impressed that it started less than 30 minutes after the alleged time. I almost missed it since I didn't want to watch anything at Meralco again. Fortunately, C convinced me and I'm glad I got to see this.

I'm almost 100% sure that there's gonna be a second run. It really is that good. Don't miss it when it comes back.

Dove Whitening Unscented

I can't believe that I'm actually on my second stick of Dove Whitening Unscented Deodorant. It's very rare for me to buy two of the same products in a row, but here we are.

Dove Whitening Unscented Deodorant

Human Heart Nature: Masterlist

Since I have another HHN product review that's way overdue, and I'm too meh to make, I've decided to post my masterlist of HHN instead.

Why do I buy HHN? Well, it's pro-Filipino and pro-poor... which is more than I can say for some brands. If you don't like to try new things a lot like I do, then HHN is a good brand to stay loyal to. However, I like trying out new things. :P

I'll hopefully add more to this in the future.

Supers:

Human Heart Nature Overnight Elixir

Sides:

Human Heart Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel
Human Heart Nature Natural Conditioner Strengthening
Human Heat Nature Balancing Face Wash
Human Heart Nature Pure Strength Shampoo

Shmuck:

Human Heart Nature Rose Hip Oil

Human Heart Nature Balancing Facial Wash

I've been using this on and off for when I travel, but I've finally been able to use it for more or less 2 weeks straight.

Bench Organics Face and Body Mist

Finally reviewing the Bench Organics 92% Face and Body Mist I talked about before. I think I remember this retailing for around P230 (~$6).

Bench Organics Face and Body Mist

The New Faorite: Nescafe Berry Mocha

This is a bit of an oldie, but it's only now that I've caved and gone and bought a whole bunch of sachets of Nescafe's newest coffee mix: Berry Mocha.

The packet itself is 30g and supposedly contains enough for either 2 cups for sharing or 1 for a "more indulgent cup." There's no need to guess which one I follow.

The Face Shop Volcanic Ash Nose Strip

I have a little bit of downtime right now so I decided to try this pore strip from the Face Shop. Honestly, I bought this because I was a bit bummed about not getting to try the Mamonde pore stick ... at 35 pesos per strip, it was a little splurgey of me. So I only bought one.

Alba Botanica Acnedote Deep Pore Wash

Life has been crazy lately, but here's me trying to blog. Today will be about Alba Botanica's Acnedote Deep Pore Wash, as I've been using lately.

I've used around half a bottle of this liquid cleanser and this is what I've found: