Warm Welcome: Hair Mists

Hello dears! Havin' a great hair day so far?

I knew that when I agreed to have my hair chopped off to above-shoulder length, fly-aways will be just around the corner. I've vowed to completely stay away from heat-styling to prevent further damaging my thin hair. Thus, blow-drying is not an option.

Flat, limp hair. Now, what to do?
I discovered hair mists!!!
They help lift up my hair strands without the unnatural puff reminiscent of the '80s. I chose multi-tasking mists and sprays which are both volumizing and which contain natural ingredients to help thicken hair --- not just for styling but gentle enough to help address thinning as well.

Messy bobs, the so-called "laissez faire" hair, lazy lobs and textured waves. These remind me of French girl hair --- laidback, carefree, never overdone, uncomplicated and chic.

Jason extra volume hair spray (got this from Healthy Options);
Aveda thickening tonic (got this from their store in SM Makati)

On Instagram:

Lots of stocks for travel!!! I ❤ samples!!!

#LOccitane #Aveda #samples

On Instagram and Facebook:

Some good things never last: I was told that this mist will be discontinued. I wanted to hoard but there is only one bottle left... 😔 

I checked with the Rustan's Makati shop but it was not available. Crossed-fingers, I went to the Greenbelt 5 branch. The sales lady looked into all shelves and drawers until she found this last bottle. Hopefully, L'Occitane will change its mind...

Ciao loves ❤!

Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

Warm Welcome: Lippies

Hmmm, why are lipstick tubes so photogenic?

A lipstick picks you up when you need a confidence boost. It doesn't cost much usually. At least not as much as a pair of killer heels or a bag. It brightens up your smile and helps you tell the world that you're okay. That you can conquer anything today!

After purging and decluttering, I'm down to less than 10 lip products. 

Left to right: Snoe Vintage Rose, Estee Lauder Red Tango, MAC Diva, Maybelline Velvet Matte in MAT 9, Forme Calm Me Balm, and EOS balm

Whenever I'm in a rush and can't be bothered with the full lipstick routine, Snoe Vintage Rose saves the day. It's "My Lips But Better" (MLBB) lippie. 

After holding back for years, I finally got my first MAC lippie and I wanted it to be in the perfect red shade. Ruby Woo is supposed to be the must-have classic. However, we shouldn't just go with what's popular, right? We have to understand that there is a specific red shade that is compatible with our unique skin tones. Otherwise, why will there be a hundred more red shades out there if there is only one red that fits all? My choices were down to Diva and Rebel. I wanted Rebel so much because of the name, and how cool an oxymoron would it make of Miss Goody Two-Shoes wearing such a shade. But I stopped myself and stepped back. Decisions should never be based on fables and fairy tales. Eventually, I decided on Diva after much thought, trial tests and a long look at the mirror.

My choice of the Maybelline New York matte shade made me realize that I tend to pick the same red shade, a shade quite close to MAC Diva. Does this mean that I've found my signature shade?

I eventually threw away my Forme lip balm when it started smelling funky (bought this last December 2014) and have been contented with my EOS balm ever since. I used to believe that I need several balms - one for my handbag, one for my office toiletries kit and one for home. But with a balm in a ball packaging like this, how can you leave it behind? I only use one lip balm, now :)

Please click 'Read more' for more of my lippie 'two cents'.

Look What I Found: Snoe Hair Heroes Amplify and Eau La La

Got some Snoe finds from their store in Glorietta. :)

The Hair Heroes Amplify is a five-in-one product with rosemary, ginseng, burdock and coconut to help increase hair density for thinning hair. It can be used on its own as a cleansing conditioner, after shampoo conditioner rinse, scalp rub-on overnight treatment, deep treatment creme or leave-on detangler. What's great is that it's good for daily use!

(Note: As in my previous purchases, Snoe's pump packaging really needs some work, especially for bottles containing rich ingredients. A big bottle does not necessarily need a big pump. I changed my pump to a smaller one from my old Muji cleansing oil bottle and it worked much better)

On the other hand, the Eau La La is a "magical" peeling liquid gel, with chia seeds and prune, for exfoliating dead skin cells and is supposed to give immediate results. It's targeted to fade discoloration, even out skin tone, hydrate, and help alleviate fatigue. If you are familiar with the popular Cure Natural Aqua Gel from Japan, this seems to be the local (more affordable) version. I tried it first at the store before buying. Fritzie, the assigned sales person, was very helpful in demonstrating how to use the product. She placed a bit of the product on my hand and then gently massaged it in a circular motion. As the gel got absorbed after a few seconds, little flakes or balls came out and she explained that these are supposed to be dead cells (jeez, I had a lot of them). 

I appreciated that Fritzie was very knowledgeable of the Snoe products that she was selling and yet not pushy in making me buy them. She took her time to explain the purpose of some of the products that piqued my curiosity. In the end, I was convinced that I need only these two for now :)

Excited to try these! #supportlocal #buyFilipino

Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

My Travel Essentials: Bath and Beauty

What bath and beauty essentials do I usually take with me when I travel?
The simpler the bath and beauty regimen, the better.

1. Stick to your skincare and makeup routine. 
If you have your morning and evening routine down pat, there should be no problem. They are called routines for a reason. I'd usually write down my morning and evening routine products and tools, and envision how much I need for the duration of my travel.

I feel that skincare and makeup should be the last on your list to experiment with when traveling. Your skin may have specific demands or restrictions that are only agreeable with certain skincare and makeup products. 

Although it is okay to shop around for new products, you do not want to spend the rest of your vacation or work assignment with rashes due to an unexpected allergy. I say, go ahead and buy new skincare and makeup but please reserve the rest of the trials when you're safely back home. You do not know if you'll have ready access to products safe for your particular skin type as well as medications in case of adverse reactions, especially when you're traveling to a city or country for the first time.


Here's a peek in my travel makeup pouch:
(Clockwise L-R Top to Bottom)
Beautybook pouch - free from Beautybook.ph
Slim steel watch - by Skagen
Pond's Powder Finish Day Cream (came with the Beautybook pouch)
Belo Sunexpert Face Cover SPF40
Chacott loose powder in my Beabi travel dispenser
Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion
Herbench prettywhenpinched cheek and lip tint
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink
Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Eyeliner in Brown
Clinique All About Eyes serum
Benefit BrowZings
The Body Shop kabuki brush
Shu Uemura lash curler
The Body Shop foundation brush
Acca Kappa wooden comb
Nichido eyeshadows and blush compact (came with the Beautybook pouch)
Ring and earrings - simple for everyday wear

Please click 'Read more' for four more tips.

Something New to Learn: Applying Gel Eyeliner

A new beauty basic skill to master:

Applying gel eyeliner...

Yup, that's one of the items in my frivolous beauty bucket list - "to learn how to apply gel liner". I started probably in March or April 2014. And believe me, I'm still trying to learn until now.

You have the endless stream of YouTube videos and how-to's from Google searches to respond to the query: "How do I apply gel liner properly?"

Sorry dears if this came up from those searches, this will not be THAT post.

What I have here are not how-tos. Instead, these are six personal notes from my newbie journal. They may or may not work for you. I suggest that you pick what you need and master that art of gel liner application. Go girl! :)

1. In my case, I line my eyes before I curl my lashes. That way, I can still see the lines clearly without the curls obstructing my view.

2. In order to prevent the gel liner from drying up, I turn the bottle upside down while I'm lining my eyes until the next few seconds that I need to pick up gel liner again.

3. I try to work fast so that the second layer of the liner sticks to the first one.

4. I make sure to clean the brush and the lash curler after every use. This helps prevent buildup which may be hard to clean when it has already dried up.

5. Most importantly, I make sure to clean up all the makeup before I go to bed. But I guess, everyone knows that already.

6. And you all know this, too. Practice, practice, practice!

Top to bottom, left to right:
Maybelline liner brush (came with the gel liner)
E.L.F. small angled brush
MAC 209SE liner brush
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liner in Black Ink (1)
Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof  Eyeliner in Dark Brown
Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama in Brown (2)

Here's my nth attempt :)

Learning something new most often excites us. When life feels like a downhill or sounds like a steady monotone, I suggest you find a new skill to learn or a new hobby to master. It may not necessarily be within your work sphere or usual comfort zone. In fact, it's really "new" if it is OUTSIDE your comfort zone! 

Yes, the challenge will take up some or most of your free time. You may suck at it and there's that risk that you will get worse. But I guess, what matters more is that the extra learning took up your once unused energies. You allowed yourself to go through the whole experience of learning something unfamiliar. That's undoing the boredom or having a little adventure. Next time, you can be more creative with that bucket list, my dear. Think, "Life is indeed EXCITING!"

Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

My Empties for October 2014

Hello November!!!

While most of us are honoring the souls and saints that have touched our lives, I am staying home and reflecting on the 10 months that were...

Yay! Only one month to go and 2014 will be over!

Before I get too excited, let me share my October empties with you my dears.

 

My regular guide questions:

(1) What's my best memory of the product?
(2) Will I repurchase?

Left to right
Mario Badescu Skin Care Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion
L'Oreal Gentle Lip and Eye Makeup Remover
Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

(1) Mario Badescu's cleansing lotion helped control my breakouts in a very mild way...No strong scent and harsh chemicals...I regularly apply my waterproof mascara because I know that I have L'Oreal's lip and eye makeup remover...Dickinson's pore perfecting toner is very mild, too and works just as great in removing makeup and toning at the same time...

(2) I will always have these in mind for repurchase...For now, I am considering buying an all-in-one cleansing toner which serves the same purpose as the above products but at less a quarter of the price (watch out for this in my next blog posts :)...

Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

My Empties for September 2014

Whew! The last two months just went by so fast. Before I had the chance to synthesize my reflections from my almost jet-setting run last August, it's already October! 

 

Making up for lost times, I'm posting my belated "random two cents" on my monthly empties.

 

My regular guide questions:

(1) What's my best memory of the product?
(2) Will I repurchase?



Left to right
Nivea In-Shower Intensive Skin Conditioner
Purbasari Lulur Mandi Putih Body Scrub 

(1) For the nth time, I LOVE Nivea lotions!!!....Nivea's in-shower conditioner is the innovative "bath version" of a lotion which works just as well and smells just as divine...Purbusari Lulur is the creamier sister of Asian Secrets body scrub minus the spa scent...

(2) Definitely, I will repurchase both of these.



Left to right
Dove Advanced Care Ultimate White Anti-Perspirant
Olay Regenerist Skin Renewal Cleanser
Olay Age Defying Revitalizing Body Wash
ZA Total Hydration Dewy Moisturizer

(1) Dove is one of my narrowed-down choices for a deo/anti-perspirant...Olay skincare and bath products could be  some of the few, if not the only, P&G product left in my regular bath and body stash (I've switched most of my P&G products for Filipino brands and organic products with milder ingredients...ZA moisturizer is light and dewy as promised but may not be rich and concentrated enough for my now aging skin (hey, I'm already 32!)...If ZA was available during my teenage years, my skin would probably have loved it...ZA reminds me of a hydrating mist but I'd have another anti-aging moisturizer to go with it...

(2) Will definitely repurchase Dove and Olay...I do have second thoughts on repurchasing ZA and will probably reconsider this as a second moisturizer during the hot summer...




Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

My Empties for August 2014

Hello dear friend!
For my August empties, I decided to group my random 'two cents'.
Here goes my month-end roundup!

 

(1) What's my best memory of the product?
(2) Will I repurchase?

Left to right
Nature's Gate Body Wash in Pomegranate Sunflower
Nivea Body Milk Whitening
Suesh Professional Brush Cleaner
Human Heart Nature 100% Clarifying Shampoo
Lactacyd Youth Reviving Daily Feminine Wash

(1) I'm always on the constant lookout for sulfate-free body washes...Nature's Gate body washes are quite affordable considering the big bottle and interesting scent combinations...I'm completely sold to all Nivea body lotions and though I'm not so much into whitening, the camu camu and acerola cherry scent combination is too heavenly to resist...HHN clarifying shampoo is both cheap and true to form...When my alternate shampoo ran out, I used the clarifying shampoo everyday and I noticed that my hair color stayed just as vibrant...I didn't remember anything special about the Suesh brush cleaner and almost forgot about it until I finally found it stashed in a corner and realized that I had to use it up...The yellow variant of the Lactacyd feminine wash is my best match, pH-wise, to date...

(2) Except for the Suesh brush cleaner, I'd repurchase all of these.

Left to right
Pond's empties: White Beauty Day Cream (first and third), Gold Radiance Precious Serum, and the white half of the Gold Radiance Eye Serum
Clinique Even Better Foundation
Belo SPF 40 Face Cover

(1) When I was younger, I used to be satisfied with my Pond's stuff...Now that I am older, I prefer another brand and will most likely skip the Pond's counter...This Clinique foundation was a true match and kept getting better, indeed, as the day wore on...I think that Belo's sunscreen line is one of the most effective yet affordable brands in the market...

(2) Clinique and Belo gave me good reasons to repurchase...

Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

Warm Welcome: Beauty Steals

July 26, 2014 - I went to Ayala Center Cebu's Beauty Bar and Watson's and hoarded these beauty steals.

Wicked laugh (;D)

From Beauty Bar L-R: Tweezerman Designer Series Slant Tweezers (finally!), Rich Pure Luxury Intense Moisture Shampoo, Smashbox Gel Eyeliner in Dark Brown, and Paul Frank Lip Smackers

Less 45 %

Less 35%

Less 65%

From Watsons L-R: ZA Total Hydration BB Cream UV White (limited time for the discounted price of Php 199, regularly sold at Php 450)
Pure Beauty CC Cream (trying this out for the first time)

I dropped by the store yesterday and found a few items which are still on sale at Beauty Bar. You might want to check them out dears before they're finally sold out. =)

Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

My Own Tweezerman At Last!

Finally, my very own Tweezerman slant tweezers!

I never thought I'd finally own one. I got it at a discount and in a super cute Harajuku Lovers limited edition design, too. Yay!!

 

Harajuku is a Tokyo destination known for its unique youth-oriented street fashion. This is so typical of Japan's many subcultures which I can only describe as being non-conforming and having no fear to stand out (think cosplay). Based on my Google searches, there used to be a Sundays-only gathering at Jingu Bashi, the pedestrian bridge between Harajuku Station and the entrance to the Meiji Shrine, to show off these distinct styles (Source: Lonely Planet Online Guide". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 28 March 2014).

 

Got curious? Check out this link for more Harajuku pictures. What can I say? They really take unique fashion to a very respectable level. What with the effort to put together one cosplay look once a week? It's also not just about wearing the costumes but playing out the character. Very Japanese.

  

Gwen Stefani used this Harajuku concept as inspiration for putting together her group of Harajuku backup dancers: Love, Angel, Music and Baby (which are also the names of her music albums and clothing line).

 

 

I got the "G" kawaii (G for Gwen). How fitting since it's in blue and also my first name's initial :)

 

Tweezerman, on the other hand, is synonymous with precise brow grooming. The tips of the slant tweezer are hand-finished and known for being perfectly aligned. Every tweezer comes with a lifetime free sharpening service and guarantee (Check out their website to see the contact information for countries outside US).

 

Generally, brand-new tweezers regardless of the brand will work just fine. But with frequent use (especially in my case 'cause my brow hairs seem to grow like weeds overnight), I noted the huge difference of using a Tweezerman. After more than two weeks of everyday use, the tips are still as precise as they were on day 1. The Tweezerman wouldn't be a consistent Allure awardee in the best beauty tools category for nothing, right?

 

The famed precision is no hype. It's true and worth the extra spend. Think of it as buying a hundred low-cost tweezers which you have to toss away whenever they go blunt and/or pinch your brow skin the wrong way. Would you prefer investing on The One or going through the hundred heartbreaks before you finally make up your mind? In my case, I waited for the discount :)

 

My Empties for July 2014

Thank you July for being fast and considerate this year. At least, it seemed like that for me. That's why as early as now, I'm posting my empties for the month. This time, with a happy and relieved smile on :)

(1) Will I repurchase?

(2) What's my best memory of the product?



Pureology Shamp'oil
(1) Yes, I'd repurchase whenever I want to give my hair a luxe treat.
(2) My hair color remains vibrant since I've been using this and alternating it with sulfate-free shampoos.




Mario Badescu trial: AHA Botanical Body Soap and Special Cucumber Lotion
(1) Yes, and wishing that this could be more affordable.
(2) These, together with the Mario Badescu Alpha Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion, helped heal my skin problems such as the occasional skin irritations and dryness around my nose area.



(1) Yes, I definitely consider this as one of my regulars.
(2) Scents indeed bring you back to certain special moments in your life and this one always brings me back to that sweet innocent year of 2003.

Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

My Empties for June 2014

Tadaaa! After much delay, I'm posting my June empties :)

 

(1) Will I repurchase? (2) What's my best memory of the product?

 


Clinique Even Better Powder
(After more than one year, finally hit the pan!)
(1) Will definitely repurchase as soon as I have more moolah, haha.
(2) With the matching cream foundation, it gave me consistently great coverage and it was good for the skin, too.

 

Sally Hansen Nails and Cuticles Hand Creme
(Got this at the Buy One Take One promo)
(1) Yes, when there's another good deal / promo ;)
(2) It smells so good and effectively softens and moisturizes.

 


Asian Secrets Lulur Body Scrub
(1) Yes, I am crazy over scrubs in general, and this is an affordable yet effective one that I keep coming back to.
(2) I had to keep this away from the shower so that I am not tempted to use it everyday :D


Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

My Empties for May 2014

One of my favorite months is coming to an end.
Good bye May!
It has been a memorable and very productive month for me.
To cap it off, here are my usual two cents on my empties.
(1) Will I repurchase?
(2) What's my best memory of the product?

Green Tea Body Luxurious Shower Gel
(1) Only if I'm stuck again in an island without organic body washes and this one goes on sale
(2) I loved its green tea scent

L-R: Lactacyd White Intimate Whitening Daily Feminine Wash,
Nivea Extra Whitening Cell Repair and Protect Body Milk
(1) Yes, these are regulars / staples in my bath
(2) When you've found what works for you, stick to it

Organix Moroccan Argain Oil Weightless Healing Dry Oil
(1) Maybe in the future
(2) This proved to be a good partner with my styling tools, protecting my hair while giving just enough shine

Shu Uemura Skin Refining Anti-dullness Cleansing Oil
(1) Only if I find another good deal like the one I had in HK Duty Free
(2) Very luxe way of cleansing out the impurities at the end of the day

What's the common denominator of the above empties? Luxury. These are not high-end or really expensive products (except for Shu) but they reminded me to spend something extra to take care of myself this May (which happens to be my birth month)...Yes, extra time in the shower and post-shower, and something extra special in the ingredients. We deserve it because we are women. ;) 

Till next month my dears!
 

Disclaimer: I am not a beauty blogger. I do not recommend or rate products per se. I only share my experiences while using them and the whole thought process behind getting, using, falling in love or hating the product. I leave the beauty blogging to the experts; in fact, I go back to their reviews from time to time though I may not necessarily agree with all of these --- What's good for her may not be necessarily good for me. I am a confessed novice in every way --- I only try to view each experience with "new eyes" and reflect some more on how beauty can be a gift that should be experienced rather than seen. So don't take my word for it --- What works for me may not necessarily work for you --- but go ahead and take that adventure! The risks we take do make our lives interesting. =)

Extended!

 

There's high chance that I will be extending my assignment.

Thus, I got the 'mini-me's of my toiletries, just in case.

With crossed-fingers that this will just be a very brief extension :)

 

The mini-me toiletries with their parent / taller counterparts in the background:
Front row only, L-R: Nivea Extra Whitening lotion, Nanny Rose Gugo and Lawat shampoo (another all-natural Filipino product that I'm trying for the first time), Biogenic alcohol, and Lactacyd baby bath

It's Almost Over

Our Cebu engagement is winding down.

One of my petty non-work-related concerns is this:

finishing up my supplies in my mini-fridge :D

 

Top to bottom shelf, left to right: Milk for cereal, pan de sal sandwich (stored in my Gladware takeaway container), canned corned tuna and Vienna sausage for my sandwich, Mang Juan chicharon (semi-junk food for rare crave days), a recently rediscovered dinner alternative in Simply Cereal (apple and cranberry variant).
I found this 'Pure & Cure' eye mask in Rustan's and have been taking this with me wherever I go. It's a good natural way to relieve my migraines and clogged nose.

 

Top to bottom shelf, left to right: Yakisoba for quick lunches or midnight snacks, my regular and accumulated supply of bottled water, Mang Juan noodles (my choice of pancit canton) and yogurts

Best of luck to me this weekend and the upcoming midnights...

Post script: My beauty regimen has also changed up a bit (for the better) during my stay here in Cebu.

Left to right:
Cleanse: Almost used up my Shu Uemura cleansing oil (got this from a good deal in HK Duty Free)
Tone: I usually don't tone but since I have more time these days, I use Pond's to rid my face of dirt and grime
Cleanse & Tone: Mario Badescu cleansing lotion is a multi-tasker. If I opted not to cleanse using my Shu Uemura (usually happens at night), I'd go for the Pond's toner and this.
Moisturize: I'm so glad to have found this much cheaper yet good quality Human Heart Nature 100% natural moisturizer. Although there is a separate night cream, I prefer to use this for both day and night.
Protect: I trust Belo and love it's non-sticky consistency. No white streaks and overwhelming scent.

I'm all for change and finishing what I started. Till next, dears :)