Short Rant

Beauty related content, specifically in the form of YT videos, is something I've turned to even more at this trying time. I don't have to leave my bed and spend my hard earned money on products I'm pretty sure I would lust over, but not necessarily use frequently.

Recently, and most glaringly on a local beauty queen, on this platform, I've seen a lot of influencers say that they like product A because its natural, eco-friendly and recyclable packaging. It's good for the environment and it's something that they look for/like in a product.

In the same video, they will then talk about adoring product B, which is mostly a one use product such as a make-up wipe or face mask that very effective and convenient but contains a lot of plastic and/or packaging waste.

That's not to say you can't like both. But admit to yourself and to others that the environment is NOT a major concern when buying things. It's just a nice bonus.

CoViD-19

We're facing a global pandemic with over 1,000,000 people infected with SARS-COV-2.

Things people have been told to do:

1. Practice physical/social distancing (1 to 2 meters depending on the source).
2. Frequent hand hygeine (20 secs with soap and water or 70% alcohol)
3. Stay at home unless you really need to.

Now, an additional recommendation has been given which is to wear masks (and this will probably be part of the new normal).

But please don't hoard surgical masks, N95s or FFP3s as our frontliners need them most.

The alternative: cloth masks. Make them yourself or buy them from others.  But use these when you're outside.

Human Nature Rescue Balm in Tea Tree & Lavender

I don't know if my love for lavender is known to the world, but I was a thankful recipient of Human Nature's Rescue Balm in Tea Tree and Lavender.

Thanks family!

Junk Food for Face

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

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

Long Term Travel Shelf

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

Full sized products!

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

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

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

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

Revlon Colorstay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin

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

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

Time to bin and buy!

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

In Her Element Rose Moisture Mist

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

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

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

Maybelline Hypercurl in Waterproof

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

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

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

Remove with a good eye make up remover.

V&M Underarmour Acai+Mulberry Brightening and Detoxifying Deodorant

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

Flormar Deluxe Cashmere Lipstick Stylo

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

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

On the short, no.

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

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

Not exactly a cashmere experiemce.

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

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

Palmolive Expertique Resiliente Conditioner

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

....

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

Read: Eight Treasures Trosseau

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

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

Watch: Messiah

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

Where: Netflix or friendly pirates?

Play: Obey Me!

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

Where: Play on Phone.

NYE Lips: Long Lasting Lips

I'm not going out today because I got so tired from ushering in the new year. Thus, this tutorial spawned from waking up with my make-up on. Yes, it's bad for you but my lips have officially lasted through 20 hours and 3 (not oily) meals.

Here's how I did it.