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.

The Three Items I Use When Water Is Scarce

Sometimes, all the water you have is just for drinking. WHAT DO YOU DO?

These are the things I use when something like that happens:

What to do:

1. Sanitize hands with alcohol. Coz those are gross too.

2. Facial wipes - I've been using Dr. Sensitive's Acne Clearing Pads from Watsons. Honestly, they're a bit of a rip off since they look like they've just been cut and repackaged into smaller pads the size of 2 fingers. But I use them coz they are tiny and I save a lot of space while having salicylic acid on them. I use 2 pads per wash.

3. Maxipeel Zero Toner with a bit of spare tissue. To get rid of gunk that the liquidless one didn't.

4. Finish up with hydration. This case, PTR's Water Drench Serum.

5. Bonus - save water for drinking, not washing. But I occasionaly use a vitamin on trips to help make up for it.

Watsons Mini Haul?

The older I are, the boringer I get. Stopped by Watsons and I can't believe that aside from essentials, this is all I got....

To try in the future:

1. Palmolive Expertique Revitaliste Conditioner - bought this over the other brands because I haven't tried it and it seems very thick?
2. Biore Make Up Remover - honestly haven't tried this because I was holding out for softymo... but here we are!!
3. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - my 4th bottle already. I wanna find a new one but this is the best priced one I've tried and I don't feel like moving on.
4. Biore UV Watery Gel 2019 - loved it 2 generations ago. Don't know about how I will feel about this new one.


That's it. OMG BUT WHY AM I SO POOR NOW...

Spend 1400 (1000 for watsons) with a special product and get a cute mini organizer free at Watsons.

L'oreal Damage Erasing Balm

Gosh. Don't know how long I've been using this. It's even turned a bit darker than it used to, but I really enjoyed using this.

Sad to see it go but it's not available here...

A Quick Guide to Sea Journeys in the Country

The Philippines is composed of several thousand islands, and one of the main forms of transportation is by boat. Ranging from small vessels with or without engines to huge luxury cruise ships.

Today, I will be talking about something in the middle of those two: ships that offer the bare minimum for crossing the open sea.

Booking
Unlike large companies with online booking (like those with numerals in their names), smaller companies often only allow physical booking a few days before departure. Some may offer "waiting lists" but you aren't really guaranteed a place until you have a ticket as kick-offs are common  Ticketing offices are often (but not always) near the pier and will have some way of contact, usually via phone. Call and ask for details regarding location, hours and scheduling as FB queries may be inefficient. Trips are very easily affected by tides, weather, etc. so don't trust posted schedules so easily: even a schedule posted yesterday may be incorrect! You can also ask locals but note that information may be outdated, especially if the ship runs afoul of something.

Tickets
Ticketing offices will often ask for full names and IDs. Generally, I've found that your full name will be displayed on the ticket if you will be getting cots, but not if you will be in a seat (though they do take names). The former will also come with a bunk number while the latter is a free for all. If the latter, board early for better seating...

Accomodations
Seats/bunks are often divided into two: economy and tourist class. Most lines will not have private rooms except for the bigger ones. There is very little difference between the two except for pricing, number of bunks available, airconditioning and a separate bathroom (which is honestly still often used by the economy class). Also, be prepared for seat shuffling even if you have a bunk number: I've found that seniors tend to demand you move if you have a bunk they fancy...

The Pier
Be at the pier generally an hour before departure. Immediately outside or inside are porters who will take your luggage to your bunk for a fee (which depends on luggage size). Make sure they are wearing official identification! Ask for their name and contact details just in case. You will often be asked for a terminal fee which you should keep along with your ticket.

The Bunk
After getting to your bunk and being sure that it's yours for the night either disinfect like crazy, put your own bedding over it or both. Cots are basic without pillows and sheets and are often too small for caucasians, so beware and bring both for a more comfortable sleep. Also note not to sleep until someone comes around to see your ticket to make sure you aren't a free rider.

Food
Some lines offer free meals, but most don't. Either buy provisions beforehand or pay for overpiced but subpar food. Bring a bit more than you need just in case the trip lasts longer than you expect. Most ships will offer alcohol, but may look down on intoxication or drinking outside certain areas.

The Trip
Trip quality depends on a lot of factors, sea turbulence and personal tolerance for sea sickness make the most difference. Go on a trip outside the rainy season for the former and bring medication for the latter. Positioning also matters as proximity to airconditioning and bathrooms can make a world of difference. Bring an extra blanket and face mask just in case.

Note that some boats have stops where you can alight and stretch your legs - just make sure you have your ticket and valuables on you so you can get back on.

End
You'll know when your there generally by the increase in movement of people around you. Porters will come around and ask people if they want their luggage moved, and go for this if you wish.


Safe journey!

Messy Bessy Hand Cream in Kiwi

I've been offline for a month because of reasons, but at least I'm posting!

Anyway, due to the amount of handwashing I've been doing, and a quick trip to a local Beauty Bar, I impulsively bought a small pot of hand cream from Messy Bessy.

The Shelf: June 2019 (Travel Edition)

Travelling so won't be able to make a regular shelf shot by June. Thankfully, I can take advantage of my very sporiadic internet connection to upload this.

All of the items I've been using lately have come from Watsons as I tend to pass by them on trips. Currently, I'm using:

Ever Bilena Advance Brow Gel

Swatched on hand:

Long lasting, lasting around 10 hours and did not transfer once set. Waterproof but crumbles easily with soap and friction. Will not buy since shade selection isn't apt for my hair.

Naturals Argan Hair Mask by Watsons

I bought this Argan Hair Mask from Watsons because I had previously purchased the conditioner and really liked how light and conditioning it was. I wasn't able to bring it with me (as I am currently on the road) so i'll be talking about the hair mask and how it compares instead.

CosRx Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)

CosRx is a fairly known brand in the Philippines for their acne range. I have been using a bunch of things from them, and I've found their products to be hit-and-miss, with a bit more on the hit side to recommend them. Fortunately for my skin, something that I've been enjoying in their range is their Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion.

Formulated with Birch Sap (Betula Platylphylla Japonica Juice), I originally thought this would be a basic moisturizer, albeit an oil free one. However, I've been pretty pleasantly surprised to see that it's more than that.

Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion

Is more actually better? Hada Labo's Gokujyun Premium Lotion boasts five different sizes of hyaluronic acid in a gold bottle. But is it worth a gold medal?

A lot of women seem to think so, especially now that hyaluronic acid has become such a trendy commodity. I however, think differently...

Nivea Extra White Serum Antiperspirant

Revisiting Nivea's Extra White Serum, the Armpit Edition! Because while I do like the body lotion, I was ambivalent about this when it first came out years ago.

So in the theme of retrying old things this year, I tried Nivea's Extra White Serum Antiperspirant for the second time.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum

Alright, first time in a while I'm featuring something on the (for me) pricier end of the spectrum! But here's something I've been bringing with me while I'm out and about: Peter Thomas Roth's Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum.

But the question is, should you buy it?

Caronia Touch of Beige

You'd think I'd have enough of neutral nails, but I picked up another because I found that I'd already made a visible dent on my last nude nail polish and that I travelled out of town without it. I searched the supermarket shelves and found a neutral similar to Chic's Mod Beige. So how does Caronia's Touch of Beige fare?

First of all, even if I bought it for a trip, I wasn't able to use it on said trip because it took me a while to open the bottle. I curse my weak wrists often, but I'm pretty glad no one's tried to open it.

EB Advance Eye Brow Kit

Honestly, I bought this brow kit because I needed a mirror, and in the debate between a one use mirror, a face product I was unlikely to use, and a brow kit... this one won.

At Php 220 for a brow kit, I was getting a lot of bang for my buck with the EB Advance Eye Brow Kit.

Olay Magnemask Infusion Rejuvenating Sheet Mask

Actually bought this mask because I forgot to pack an essence on a short trip and I heard this was chock full of essence.

Did the Olay Magnemask Infusion Rejuvenating Sheet Mask do well or disappoint?

Travel Empties: Natur Shampoo and Conditioner

Not to be confused with a retail brand, Natur's Shampoo and Conditioner came from an unnamed hotel close to home. Since I used my own products during that time, I decided to grab a set for use farther from home.

Fortunately? On a trip much farther than that, I got a chance to use it and used up the Conditioner of the set. I will probably finish this shampoo since it would be wasteful not to use it. However, like most hotel toiletries, I find this rather bland.

Both shampoo and conditioner smell like citrus-apple, toeing the line between pleasant and car air freshener (for me, it smells more like the latter on application, and more apple-y  on my hair). Both are very light and you will need to use a lot per application.

I use a leave in conditioner after since I feel that this isn't enough.

Altogether a pretty bland, pretty standard hotel amenity.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

Thank you C, for letting me try this Kat Von D Tattoo Liner!

Got this a while back but only remembered to post because of all the hullabaloo about it.

Espoleur Mascara from Daiso in Purple

Monkey see, monkey do. I've been watching a Chinese drama where the female lead sports blue mascara. And seeing a positive YT review of Daiso's Espoleur Mascara, I decided to buy this baby in purple.

Boy, was that a bad idea.

Celeteque Acne Solutions Acne Spot Corrector Gel

OMG I am so glad I found you again.

I posted some time ago about a Snoe spot treatment I was using because I lost my Celeteque one and didn't want to repurchase the same thing because I lost it.

Whisper Always radiant with Smart Foam

Alright guys, I have a new favorite sanitary pad in rotation and it is the Always Radiant with Smart Foam.

I've seen a lot of mixed reviews about it, but I really enjoy using this.

The Shelf: January 2019

Very boring. Just for recording purposes.

Thoughts below.

Lindsay All-in One Energizing Gold Modeling Mask

The internet said that this existed years ago, but I've only tried it this month. I had been dying to try a rubber mask and this caught my eye because it was on the cheaper side. I'd like to say around P65, but it could have been P110 >_< I bought it a long while ago so I can't find the receipt...

Either way, it seemed a much better deal than the popular Dr. Jart ones.

Revlon Matte Balm

Less than a month ago, I showed which products I repurchased for use this year. One of my repurchases was a different shade of Revlon's Matte Balm.

I know this is a really old product, but I really like this balmy lip crayon.

CosRx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Bought this cleanser a long while ago during a CosRx Haul (half of which are still pending review). While I'm not a big fan of their Salicylic Cleanser, how'd I find this?

Haul: Repurchases for 2019

It's the end of the year, meaning... next year is just around the corner. And funnily enough, for the first time in a long time, I'm back to buying things I know work for me instead of new products I want to try. What's somewhat surprising is that I've already stashed for 2019 instead of buying as I go since I've previously been trying my best to de-clutter. But then my favorite Safeguard cleanser was discontinued this year and I'm having anxiety issues that the same thing will happen to some of my favorites, unlikely though it is. So here we are.

While not all HG status, here's a list of some of the things I've found worth stashing for 2019:

Hada Labo Gokujyun Light Lotion

When you know you love something, you don't let it go (unless it's discontinued, in which case 1. Hoard 2. Cry). One thing you'll have to pry from my cold, dead hands is Hada Lab's  Gokujyun Light Lotion.

I had heard a lot about the Hada Labo hyaluronic acid line for the past few years, but I was hesitant to try it out since it was so expensive once it reached the Philippines (more than double its price).  Still, I finally bit the bullet and bought it. How much did I like it?

Mediheal WHP Shower Capping Pack

Watsons had some sort of mask + pack promo, which lead me to try Mediheal's WHP Shower Capping Pack. Since I already knew that I like Mediheal sheet masks, what could be the harm in trying?

Famous last words... for me.

Metro Savers at Tayuman LRT Station

Found this little gem(?) at Tayuman LRT Station

These are knock-off face masks of popular brands :O

I am too scared to try it but OMG, they are here and I'm not sure if some people are aware that these are knock offs of actual brands.

Has anyone tried these?

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask has been popular for a long while, but I've only recently gotten to try it. Why? It's not locally available in store. It is available on Althea Philippines for P550. Take note that there is also a Super Volcanic version.

Edit: This post has been in my drafts folder for such a long while. I've been using it for over a year! However, since Innisfree just launched in the Philippines, it's okay to post?

Hehe.

Althea Petal Velvet Sunaway

20% off a Php 480 sunscreen? I'm sold! So I bought the Petal Velvet Sunaway without thorough research.

I didn't look when I leaped, and this is where it got me.

Fall Lips 2018

You know how my last post was all about lips? Well, it's because I've been using more lip products recently. But I always seem to keep coming back to this killer combo this fall...

This is a lip balm and lip topper (for me) together.

Lip Tip: How to Solve Chapped Lips

The weather's turned cooler, and that, along with an unfortunate allergic reaction a month previously, have made my lips a dry, flaky mess that no amount of my DIY lip scrub could fix.

So what to do about it?

New Nails with Chic Nail Color in Mod Beige

It's already November, and while my face and wardrobe are transitioning to darker shades, my nails are still nude. I've just been loving Chic's nail polish in Mod Beige and I still don't want to go for berries and golds right now. Nudes aren't really seasonal anyway...

This nude was found at Watsons after nearly 30 minutes of comparing shades without the benefit of swatches and having sales ladies stare at me for taking so long to pick a polish that was only Php 35 (~80 cents).  But honestly, I was in the market for a nude and most colors available in the drug store are always so frickin shiny (pearls or metals) and I just wanted a plain cream that blended into my skin without being too dark, too pink or too cold.

Anyway, I heart this color and it is the only shade of polish I've bought this year so it's been well used. Since this is a light shade with a cream finish, I'd have wanted a thicker, wider brush as these are very fiddly for a noob like me (as you can see that I had some trouble with my middle finger). But with this price point, I really can't complain.

Edit: Chic Nail Color has new packaging. Mod Beige is still available for Php 38.

Lip and Eye Make-Up Removers: L'oreal vs Lancome vs. Nivea

I now have 3 Lip and Eye Make-Up Removers: L'oreal's Gentle Lip and Eye Make-up Remover, Lancome's Bi-Facil and Nivea's Daily Essentials Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover.

From the names, Lancome's short and sweet Bi-facil takes the cake, but which one is the best over-all?

Life Tip

As someone who cannot afford daily sheet masking (especially as I haven't found a mask less than Php 50 worth using), and as someone who is concerned about their environmental impact, I often do not mask more than once a week.

However, there is one occasion in my life that I am a big believer in these masks:

Use a hydrating sheet mask right after drinking an alcoholic beverage!

You can use a cooling pack or any other item with a cooling effect (ice cold glass of water, anyone), but a cooling sheet mask that gives a dose of hydration makes your skin less horrible the day after (especially if you have sensitive skin), after that tall glass of water.

I am partial to Mediheal's NMF mask (blue) over Leaders' option but will be trying Dr. Morita this upcoming holiday myself.

Please make sure your face is clean before masking. Some hand-eye coordination required.

Revlon Eyes, Cheeks + Lips Palette in Romantic Nudes

If you know me, then you know I am not that in to make up, so when someone gifted me the Revlon Eyes, Cheeks + Lips Palette in Romantic Nudes, I mostly ignored it until this year.

How did this cosmetics noob find it?

Sunplay Super Block SPF 50+ PA++++

Cray Cheap (for today's prices) and Cray Protective, that's two things Sunplay's Super Block does for me!

However, this is not a perfect product by any means.

Bubbly Clean Eco-friendlt Toilet & Kitchen Sink Bombs

Okay, I have no idea where these came from so IDK how much they cost, but I really love these toilet bombs.

Well, these Toilet & Kitchen Sink Bombs from Bubbly Clean.

Not a bomb joke!

Snoe Beauty Shoo-zit Dip and Dry Acne Drying Solution

Real life has been getting in the way lately... and part of real life for me is zits. However, it has been a decade since I've found the need for a dedicated drying lotion... until now.

Thankfully, the world has changed and we are left with more choices than the old but effective Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. I loved it in the past (thank you mother for supporting your pimply faced child), because it really did work. But this pimply faced adult cannot afford it.

Thus, we go for newer, less expensive versions/dupes.

Snoe Shoo-Zit Drying Lotion (compared to EOS lip balm for size)

I originally thought about buying the K version of Etude House, but when I found that a Filipino brand made their own, I immediately snapped one up!

Peripera Airy Ink Velvet

My first lip ink! I think this has been around for a while, but I've been using Peripera Airy Ink Velvet in #05 Elf Light Rose for less than a year.

Tetley Super Green Tea

Decided to try some Tetley's instead of the usual Twinnings Green Tea with Lemon. I'm trying to decrease my coffee intake and I don't like Green Tea by itself (unless it is super thick matcha or the good tea leaves).

Anyway, this costs around P500 for 2 boxes at Lazada so it's decently priced. Love the pineapple flavor/scent as a summery drink, even though it's getting cold. This tastes great both hot and on ice, so it has decently held off the temptation of buying those expensive da.u.de blends. Whew.

Might try a few more flavors here, as I want to taste the mango version... or Twinnings berries for fall. We'll see. Only problem with this is that it comes in non-individual tea rounds, which is better for the environment but means you need a dedicated tin to store.

Yays:
Healthy - 2 cals, some vitamin C content
Sweet and delicious
Ethical Tea Partnership

Nays:
Storage - needs dedicated tin, needs to be finished soon after opening (not a problem for me).

Will probably purchase this range again. Costs around 12.5 pesos/bag.  Use a large mug, not cup, to accomodate the rounds.

Quick FX Pimple Eraser

They say insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results.

Welp. Our skin changes over time, so sometimes you do get different results with the same product. But this product?

I was insane to buy this again :(

Spotted: Falsies in the Convenience Store OMG

I don't often browse non food items in convenience stores (because I find the mark-up ridiculous!). So I've only recently seen this on Philippine shores:

FALSE LASHES now available in select convenience stores OMG. At P40 for a basic pair, people who have an emergency lash situation can rejoice!

Lash glue not included. IDK if available in store, but still amazeballs.

Hair Paint MNL Purple Shampoo and Conditioner

I am finally at that hair level that requires purple/silver shampoo :0 It took quite a while to tak the leap from blonde-ish (brownish with blonde highlights) to blond proper since my hair is quite damaged but I've been blonde for a few months now.

But legit question: what is the threshold for blondeness?

There is probably a better way to measure it, but I know I've hit legit blonde since my hair looks like a broom without special shampoo. It doesn't look good at all  の 。の

I was wondering what to get to tone my hair and ended up with Hair Paint MNL's Purple Shampoo, Purple Conditioner and Keratin Mask.

Nivea Extra White Serum

Can I just say how happy I am that Nivea finally decided to give the UVA rating of their Extra White Serum!!

The pink one.