Watsons' Smith&Crawford Hand Lotion in Sea of Petals

Darn my stupid last in and last out tendencies, but I finally got to try a hand lotion I got last year...

Watsons' Smith& Crawford Hand Lotion in Sea of Petals!

Sun 2018

Life has been busy lately so I wasn't able to stop by Watsons' sun event. Which is a good thing, in a way, since I still have 3 body blocks good for daily use.

These are, from left to right: Nivea Extra White Whitening Body Serum, Silka Premium Whitening Body Lotion, and Vaseline Healthy White SPF 30 Serum. All three are decent for everyday use, but I would NOT bring these to the beach. All of them are SPF 30 and above but not one is labelled as a true Sunblock. They do vastly differ in terms of scent and texture.

Mia Care Acne Patches

No pictures, because I accidentally finished both day and night patches without taking any.

The mia care patches come in day and night versions both as singles and in combinations. I bought the day and night as a combination in watsons and it costed around P220 (I think?) For 18 patches. The singles cost P160 for 12.

Day patches are very thin and you can put it on when going out, as long as you aren't under acrutiny and you change it as soon as the patch gets soaked. You have to change this often as 1. Gross 2. The patch doesn't absorb as much as its night counterpart.

Night patches are thicker with good sticking power. They absorb more, but are very visible.

With how accessible these are I will probably by them again. The day patches are cosmetically acceptable and the night patches stick well. I wish though that they had good sizing options.

The Nexcare patches I tried before seems a bit better with pus absorption and it has 2 sizes, though the smaller ones sometimes move at night. It is also harder to find.

I will either try the CosRx option or try to math out which patches are cheaper in the future!

The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Toner

Nearly empty! It has lasted quite a while and it will probably last me through the month. You can't really see it but only around  fifth is lefth of the toner.

If you want yourself some quick, cheap hydration, you might want to take a look at this!

Cloud Cosmetics Pore Refresher

Short post because.... I have sadly lost the bottle! But I really liked Cloud Cosmetics Pore Refresher Spray Mist.

Huhuhu. Why is it gone?

Balanga, Bataan

If you haven't been to Bataan, then you should! I, myself, regret not being able to spend more than a night in Bataan (details later), but I would definitely go back again if it were possible.

Chinese New Year

Happiness is a tub, a mask and a beer. Happy long weekend!

The Face Shop Designing Eyebrow Pencil

After I first bought this product, I thought it was just ok since while it was packaged well, it isn't a lot of product at 0.3g compared to eyebrow pencils.

Boy was I wrong.

Mumuso Perfume Hand Cream in Avocado

The full name of this product is really long: Mumuso Natural Avocado Soothing Pefume Hand Cream Avocado. This was given to me, as the like was really popular last Christmas because it's cheap, cute and very useful.

Unfortunately, as I didn't go that route, I don't know how much this costs, but I know it's very affordable, probably a bit less than P100 for a duo or trio.

Ballet: Don Quixote

From February 9 to 18, Ballet Philippines will be staging a shortened version of Don Quixote at CCP's Main Theater. This version is very short and palatable, divided into 3 acts with two intermissions such that even newcomers will enjoy.

The show boasts a solid cast, from the ensemble to the leads. Both male and female leads, Joseph Gatti and Candice Adea performed very well both during solos and pas des deux. Honestly, during the performance I watched, the former shined a bit brighter than the latter due to the seeming effortlessness of the male. Then again, it's hard to be a girl on pointe shoes!

The set was unexpectedly lavish, windmills available. Costumes were par for the course. All in all, a visual treat. Music was done by the Manila Symphony Orchestra - enjoy the interludes between acts.

I do not know how other performers will fare, but I do recommend watching the Gatti and Adea performance.

Rexona Motionsense Antiperspirant

I don't know what it is, but wow, Rexona's Motionsense antiperspirant really lasts over 24 hours.

Masters Oil Control Max Facial Scrub

While I had no power, I ended up at my parents' and ended up using one of my dad's facial washes: Master's Oil Control Max Facial Scrub.

Though I did have a small sample I used nearly a decade ago, I forgot how the smell was. Very man cologne. Men would not object.

Updates

Life is hard when you have no water.

Life is expensive when you need a plumber.

Parts and labor are separate things.

Can't live without it.

Goodbye to my wallet.

The Shelf: January 2018

The Shelf.

Bobbie Nail Polish Remover with Formula 30 Acetone

Just finished up a small bottle of Bobbie Nail Polish Remover with Formula 30. I don't know how it differs formula wi from the big bottled version I bought and finished a long time ago during my more nail-centric years, but the smaller version is terrible for some reason. Both large and small versions give you green fingers from rubbing, but I can't seem to remove polish well with the smaller one. The giant bottle I bought ages ago never had this problem even to the last bits, so I'm betting it's a cap tightness thing that was the issue as I didn't have this problem when I started using the remover at first.

JASON C-Effects Super-C Cleanser

I have been using JASON's C-effects Super-C Cleanser for around half a year. At first I wasn't quite sure that this actually had a lot of vitamin-C, orange scent not withstanding. However, a bit after a quarter month in, I noticed that the color of the product changed from clear to something with a slight yellow tint.

Darn it. Should have used more before it started turning.

Nichido True Color Collection in Bronze Eclair

Kinda late since I've been generally off social media for the holidays, but I've been using a Nichido single for the past month or two whenever there's been a gathering.

Miniso 1000 Cotton Pads

This tub is amazing. I am not quite sure, but this was P99 for 1000 pieces of cotton pads in Miniso. I used to buy the 2 for 100 pads at Daiso, but I am now a convert.

Tsujiri

Ceremonial tea daw, but uzucha taste :/

Spotted: Brush Cleaners

Stopped by Daiso and saw two brush cleaners: A small palm sized one for P88 and a huge mat for P188. Still thinking which one I should buy, but either would be a good investment, methinks.

P2P Galleria-Glorietta

Still in the commuter's hellscape that is Makati. Rode the P2P bus both ways from Galleria to Glorietta.

To Glorietta: Bus late by 20 minutes.

From Glorietta: Bus late by 1 hour and 30 minutes. Most sites not updated as loading point is no longer at Park Square.

P2P, like the green frog bus is great in theory but lacking in execution.

Basic Bleaching Set

Hi, you all. For those who are interested, this is my basic bleaching set:

1. Powdered Bleach
2. Oxidizing Lotion
3. Shampoo (for rinsing and bleach baths)
4. Tint Brush
5. Plastic container (mixing bowl)
6. Protective eye wear

Not included in picture
7. Gloves
8. Towel
8. Hair clips
9. Shower cap

Matilda 2017

Matilda, a show by children, for children.

There is no denying that the children casted in Matilda are very good. While not very impressive as actors, both song and dance numbers were done quite well by all counts. Esang de Torres, who performs as the titular lead, is a treat to the ears though a bit wooden (I can't really see her being Naughty).

As for the adults, well, they're a hoot. And while Jamie Wilson is no Bertie Carvel, he entertains both eyes and ears very well. The only exception is Chris Villonco's Ms. Honey, who takes Pathetic a bit too seriously.

To be honest, I'm not sold on Matilda, the musical as I found the movie to be more true to the book. However, I can see that this musical is a good way to introduce theater to both children and adults as there is enough "adult" content in a child appropriate setting. I can also appreciate the revolutionary spirit that will eventually lead them to Les Miserables (lol).

Honestly, I really didn't want to watch this as it was in Meralco Theater, but surprise! This musical started within 15 minutes of the desired time. Yay! Thank you, Atlantis for promptness.

I'd recommend this for all children, and for the parents that will come with them. Die hard book fans may be split, but I'd recommend watching to find out where you lie.

Matilda will run at Meralco Theater until December 10, 2017.

Starbucks Reserve East Timor Peaberry

I loved it so much, I got an entire bag. Its 1 cup away from empty now but boy, was it worth it.

Each bag contains 250g or round 25 cups worth of coffee for 595 pesos. This translates to 25 pesos per cup. This is a nice compromise between an in store 150 peso purchase and a 6 peso instant coffee cup.

Nichido Eye Pencil in Black and Brown

A few months ago, I purchased Nichido's Eye Pencil in Brown and Black. Honestly, I bought these originally for costume contouring purposes, but I've ended up using them a few times after, and here are my thoughts.

BDJ Planner 2018

For 2018, I decided to get a BDJ planner ahead of time since I'm trying to cut down on coffee expenses. Yes, even if I'm not a planner person, I have been switching off between BDJ and Starbucks for a decade. I am a solid two-timer between those two planners. FYI, I still have feelings for the first SB Philippines leather bound planner.

Snoe Under Armed Forces Whitening Natural Deo Spray

Honestly, I bought Snoe's Under Armed Forces Whitening Natural Deo Spray because I wanted a whitening deodorant and found a good ingredients list... but mostly because I have been lemming for Illuminants but VMV's version was too expensive for me to try. ALSO, most brands I've tried have failed to deliver, so I decided to step away from the grocery for now. This spray product has been around for a bit but the packaging is different from it's original iteration.

Sun 2017

I know this doesn't seem very relevant now since Summer has come and gone... but sun protection is always relevant, especially in tropical climes. I also know I'm awfully inconsistent, as usual, but I have been a good deal better at keeping myself protected.

This year, I have been using this 3 products to keep me safe from the sun.

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.