To be honest I have been weaning myself from sugary drinks, but Coca Cola's latest campaign of women entrepreneurship through small to medium businesses like sari-sari stores is hard to ignore. Especially since I like to think of myself as an empowered  woman and I sincerely believe that sari-sari stores shouldn't be called as such unless they carry this quintessential beverage that has been around since the first patented engine. (Yes, I did my research)


Now while I do find it a little cheesy, I find the video cute too and it actually isn't far from the truth. I mean, we've seen it before. These stores build a community. And these stores help families and individuals as well, who've been looking to be their own bosses.

I might not want a sari-sari store of my own, but I do respect the fact that these women don't want to work for someone, they want their blood, sweat and tears to be for them, from their hard work. They are entrepreneurs whether they know it or not. Through this Share Sari Saring Happiness campaign, we all know Coca-Cola realized this too - that these small stores and most often than not, women owners are what helps keep Coca- Cola alive and thriving.

Training courses, business advice, financial services are the only starting points they're willing to share so no other obstacles can come in the way of empowering 5 million women by 2020 or 5by20 one of the goals of the Share Sari Saring Happiness.

Christmas is definitely over and done with, but the spirit is very much alive through this gift  - it is still technically the Christmas season, and what better gift to receive than the opportunity to better yourself, support you and the people you love and become part of a growing community of women entrepreneurs who know what they want and have the support and whatever they need to achieve it.

What do you think of women entrepreneurs, women bosses or just women being women doing business like every other person out there. There are a lot of prejudices and glass ceilings, inconsistencies and unfair treatment when it comes to women in the workplace. I for one do not stand for gender inequality in this day and age.

Thoughts?


xx,
CJ



Disclaimer : A 7th Champer the PR company who approached me to write about their latest campaign didn't pay me in any way (monetary/xdeal) for this post. I carefully and thoroughly scan companies who approach me whether or not they pay me. I base my judgement on the topic, company and voice of my blog.
OH MY GOD when is this gonna end? I should probably break up my posts with other topics, but I really want to get this out of the way. What do you think? Haul : Part 1, Part 2
1. James Cooper. Jazzy singles - These are all matte, thank goodness. I thought they were more of a satin finish in the pan. Really really loving the creamy off white and the warm red-brown.


2. I finally ordered the Palgantong / 3W Clinic powder every Asian beauty enthusiast knows. And I'm loving it so far. 50g of goodness will last me a heck of a long time.

3. Baviphat Green Tea Mist - I always have to set my face now with a mist, ever since I used the Vitamin C one I got from Healthy Options - the name escapes me and the Celeteque one. The mist it sprays out is fine but few big droplets drip down from the nozzle.

4. VIA Tea Tree Oil - I feel like it's been helping my scalp situation a bit. And it's cheap (P100) too!

Freebie masks. I haven't tried them yet.

 5. ZiaJa Jasmine Micellar Water - It's okay? I don't know. I'm not hating it. But I'm not loving it either. I guess I just don't know what the purpose of micellar water is.

Got this at Beauty Bar. This brand's really affordable, you might want to check it out. They have eye creams too!

6. KATE Tokyo Quick Remake - It's supposedly a liquid you put on top of your already made face (that's faded/ needs a quick touch-up) so it has a smoother newer surface to put your foundation on. Kinda like a primer, but not the silicone one. This has more of a powder-natural type of finish.

7. Bobbie eyeliner - SO AMAZE. Creamy and pigmented. It really brightens up the waterline without it looking too much, unlike a white liner. Fades after 3-4 hours but can easily be touched-up. So impressed for the price.

8. Fashion21 - Auto brow liner. Dry, cheap and easy to use. Love this next to my Japanese drugstore eyebrow pencils.

9. Kokuryu Loose Powder - Ok. I have a TON of loose powder or powders in general. Heck I have a ton of makeup. But you can't really use logic on a beauty/makeup enthusiast. You will go nowhere.

One thing that made me get this was that it had Zea Mays or cornstarch which is a great ingredient for absorbing oils/setting creams and liquids. Yes, some people actually use this (including myself) or mix it in with their loose powder because it works so well and is easily available.

10. Shawill Blusher - Super pigmented. Cute packaging. Didn't understand the puff as the applicator but I can forgive it because the color is nice.


11. Fashion21 Stay All Day and Color Mood lipsticks - Amazing color payoff and so cheap it hurts. The matte ones Bronze (nude) and All Day Garnet (purple based red) are UGH. So good. As well as the creamy Color Mood lipsticks in Mystical Mauve (you guessed it, mauve) and Wild Cherry (Blue based deep red). I would collect more if I could.

 12. Rucy's Vanity lipstick in Ocean Red - A very wearable warm salmon pink. Creamy and has some micro shimmers only noticeable when you look REALLY close.

13. Sassy Colors - Another nude named Cameo. I just love nudes/ mlbb shades.

 14. Darkness lip tint in pink - I started out as a lip tint kind of girl. Then I matured into a full-fledged lip junkie.

15. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Antwerp - Love the concept (lip Cream) The color isn't very natural on me, since my lips aren't THAT pink, but I do like it for daytime.

16. MUA Luxe Lip Lacquer in Kooky - Similar concept to the soft matte lip cream but this is way more matte and dry. The lips have to be prepped for this thing because it is not joking.

Oh my god last one. YAY!

17. Shawill Curling Mascara - Gives length, a little volume and holds a curl well. Plus it's waterproof. Just don't get it in your eyes because it BURNS. At least it did that for me. But easily removable and if you close your eyes and wipe out most of it you're all good.

18. Volume Up mascara -  Got this one at Saizen/Daiso. I gambled and I'm glad I did. Because it's waterproof, like seriously this stuff is legit and it gives the most natural looking lashes.Not false-effect but it gives my lashes a little length here a little volume there and that's all I need for an everyday mascara. Doesn't it look kinda like Dolly Wink or another famous Japanese brand?

19. In2it Waterproof mascara - I HATE THIS THING. It weighs down my lashes. Doesn't hold a curl well. Takes a long time to dry for a waterproof mascara. I hate it. So upset because I thought it would be good. Bottom line, waste of money. Spend it on Maybelline instead.

*HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA~~~~~~~~~~* At long last. This was one long ass post you guys.

Doing this post, really made me realize how much makeup I've been buying. Like this is the most makeup I've bought ever. 2014 is definitely the makeup year for me.

I think I'll just stop with the hauls and review the other ones I haven't introduced. I don't know if you're bored with the onslaught of haul posts but I am.

Let me know which one's your interested in/ tried and if you have hauls let me know. I'd love to read about them!

xx,
CJ


I went a little mad as you can see. I've been on a roll, posting my hauls (here and here), so to change it up a little let me show you another...haul.



ZA recognizes that every Metropolitan girl lead fast- paced, hectic lives, so ZA created a range of easy-to-use makeup and skin care products that will naturally enhance the beauty of every woman.

Designed for women aged 20- 30, and built upon the studies on Asian Skin. Now under the Shiseido group, from the classic white and blue packaging, ZA has changed into a more feminine, fun, and outgoing pink and white palette, and the products are being developed continuously to suit the ever- changing conditions and to meet every woman's beauty need.

Za is currently having an end of the year sale with 50% off. And why yes, that's two foundation bottles.

I was actually dying to try the concealer for the longest time, but I couldn't justify getting it when I still have a heavy duty one that works just fine.

Then again, I can justify getting one powder foundation and two liquid foundations when I have a TON of bases here, most of which are currently opened. EQ is at an all time high ladies and gents.

Ugghh couldn't resist.

(To justify a little... Humor me) Za rarely have sales as big as 50%, usually it's just 10% or 20% and most of the time it's just on skincare. So yeah. Bam. Nailed that explanation.

I'm so excited to try these once I finish a few pans and bottles of current products. You know, try to exercise a little restraint here and there.

What would you like reviews on? Let me know below!


FB : https://www.facebook.com/ZACosmeticsPH/timeline
Website : http://www.za-cosmetics.com/



xx,
CJ


Like I've said in my previous post, I'll be sharing some new things I've acquired these past few months. Most of which I've already tried (Not the prime example of a beauty blogger - but who cares)

1. Bobbie Cosmetics lip tint and lipstick - Hearing about the wonderful new drugstore makeup brand that's super affordable, I rushed to look for it. I wasn't too impressed with the other product's reviews but these two were at least promising. I can tell you right now though, that lipstick in LS-02 isn't nude. It looks nude (Which was why I bought it) but in reality is a magic lipstick in disguise. I would welcome it more if it didn't turn "magically" into an ugly bright neon pink color that EVERYONE wears on the street. PASS on the lipstick. The lip tint on the other hand was ok.

2. Divinia - Tinted sunscreens are generally non-existent to me. I much prefer BB creams - Almost the same as tinted moisturizers/sunscreens but not quite. This is light and very liquidy. I like it. But I actually prefer the tube with the blue cap that's just plain old sunscreen from the same brand.



3. Fashion21 pressed powder with Cucumber and Lemongrass extract  - Talk about innovation. I've never heard of a powder with cucumber in it. I've been using this on and off for the past couple of weeks and I must say, it's pretty good. 

It looks natural- not powdery on the skin and doesn't cake when I put it on top of creamy/liquidy bases even on top of my oily skin. One thing to note however is that oil control is average as what's the usual rate for most drugstore pressed powders.

4. Ellefar brow pencil - I love going to Saizen and Daiso for my eyebrow needs. And my most trusted brand is Ellefar. It's retractable and comes with two free refills. First impression : It strikes a balance between creamy and hard pencils - I'm not fond of creamy eyebrow pencils *ahem* NichidoEverBilena *ahem*

5. Ziajia eyecream - My current eyecream - Freshel, is running low so I scoured BeautyBar to search some eyecreams and lo and behold, something interesting came upon thy vision. Haven't tried this one yet, but I can't wait.

Have you done some shopping recently? Or maybe you have a wish list? Share in the comments below!


xx,
CJ


I've actually been accumulating a lot of new things and never really had the chance to post all of them properly except for snippets I do on instagram.

There will be more parts and they'll be done in reverse starting with my most recent haul going back to the first time I purchased something new from about 4 months or so.

Presenting my haul which I paid PHP 0.00 for! Thanks to my sister's forced generosity - Early Christmas present for me. Yay! I win.



1. I've been lusting for a gel liner specifically Maybelline since forever, but I thought to explore and ended up at L.A. Girls. The Sales attendant was being particularly "hard-sell" on me so I took the liner and skedaddled out of there.
P250

2. I finally got me some Maybelline "The Rocket" volume express mascara because they were 30% off and me and my sister couldn't pass it up. For some unknown reason, Maybelline mascaras here seldom have discounts. Got the washable versionbecause I needed to let my eyelashes rest from my frequent use of waterproof mascaras. Has anyone else tried this blogger-hyped product? 
~P290

3. This may seem familiar, because I've already written this off and claimed to never repurchase it again. But since I can just handle it carefully and not twist it as much, for the price - it does perform quite well. So I got the Essence Stay Natural Concealer again as an everyday under-eye brightener. 
P169

This concludes part 1. Any thoughts on the products I bought?
I'm curious about that L.A. girls mascara, is it any good? The Sales lady said so but then again, they're known to "stretch" the truth to make a sale.

xx,
CJ

Hi there! I have another promo for this Christmas season! The prizes aren't half-bad either.

The holiday season offers us a special opportunity to extend
our personal thanks to our friends and loyal customers, and our very best wishes for the future. In line with this, Minoxidil Regroe is inviting everyone to join our Christmas Giveaway!

Join Regroe Christmas Giveaway and get a chance to win a Noche Buena Package worth Php 5000! For more details read the mechanics below:


Mechanics

  • Like the Minoxidil Regroe fan page and this photo.
  • Share this photo and use the hashtag #RegroeChristmas and tag 3 of your friends. (Shares that are not set to public will not be counted)
  • In the comment box below, share to us why you love using Minoxidil Regroe.
  • Three winners will win a Noche Buena Package.

Criteria for judging

  • The best and most unique answer to the question
  • Number of likes on your answer

Promo runs from Nov. 10, 2014 to Dec. 13, 2014. Winners will be announced on Dec. 15, 2014 on our Facebook page. Claiming of prizes is from Dec. 17-18, 2014 at 8AM to 3PM only (For Metro Manila winners only). For provincial winners, prizes will be delivered at your doorstep. Winners will be messaged via Facebook.

Prizes are transferable but not convertible to cash.

Prizes
1st Prize: P5,000 worth of Noche Buena Package
2nd Prize: P3,000 worth of Noche Buena Package
3rd Prize: P1,500 worth of Noche Buena Package

Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Minoxidil-Regroe/201983106513637
I don't want to wash the dishes.

Usually it's "I don't want to cook" that's lamented when trying to justify getting takeout. But since both my parents are really good cooks and my sister's a chef, I think it's safe to say I don't lift a finger when it comes to zooming around the kitchen, unless it's cleaning time. Hence, I don't want to wash the dishes.

So, I persuaded the other adults in the house for some takeout through this relatively new online food ordering company, very much like citydelivery - Food Panda.



Right off the bat I discovered some bugs and other undesireables whilst using the site. Firstly, I entered my location - since the web app supposedly works best to curate restaurants within your area to ensure delivery.

Entering my location (or opening your laptop's gps) yielded with a small list (understandable since they're fairly new here) one of which is Kitaro. After choosing and entering my details, it said it couldn't process my order because it was "Outside of the restaurant's delivery area". 

Which I don't get, since the restaurant's name showed up when my location was validated by the site.


Thinking it was a kink. I decided to start over again - under the same restaurant, but it still yielded the same result. So I passed.

Next was Chooks to go.


Still outside the delivery area. Ugh. Adjusting my location a bit, to Pasig City main. My order went through and I decided to use the coupon code on the site that makes my orders' delivery free.



And it greeted me with a time constraint. So I can only use said voucher code for free delivery from 2PM to 4PM.

So I tried another restaurant. Within delivery area. Code was accepted. Then while I was waiting for the page to load "Order successful" or something of the like, this happens.



Absolutely fantastic.

I was pretty pissed, and about to just throw in the towel when I gave it another go.
I chose a sure-shot restaurant that's absolutely 100% within service area. Mandaluyong.

Finally.



It checked out.

After all that drama and exasperation, the food came. AND IT WAS NOT WORTH MY FCKING TIME.




Please, save yourself from ordering here. Yes it's cheap. Yes they deliver on time. Yes it's packaged nicely. And the delivery guy may have been good looking. But your neighborhood Karinderya would definitely taste so much better- without me having to taste it. 

It tastes like how it's priced. And let's just leave it at that.


The good points
The saving grace of this online ordering bruhaha, was their customer service. After ordering, I received an email - 2 emails in fact, a text and a call - stating that they just placed their order at my preferred restaurant and will be delivered around so and so. They spoke well too.


Conclusion
Despite having an awesome looking site (I seriously love it) and awesome before and after-sale customer service, the web app/site needs a LOT more work. A lot more.

Payment options are also constrained to payment via credit card and on delivery. But I emailed them asking about a PayPal option which would possibly implemented in the near future, and that's a good thing because I'm a PayPal user.

I wish they had more variety for the choice of restaurants though and were curated first before considering a partnership with them. Because, I would not order there again, for sure.

Do you have some online food ordering stories you'd like to share? Let me know in the comments!


xx,
CJ


There's a reason why most if not all girls love leggings. They're super easy to put on and super comfortable. I myself am a fan of the basic black and dark gray leggings - they just go with everything I have.

But as much as I love leggings, there are certain materials that aren't meant to be worn as substitute for pants a.k.a when you're not in the gym / don't have a performance somewhere.

1. Essence - Get Big Lashes (non-waterproof)
One thing's for sure -- The brush was too big for my eyes, or for regular lashes. It also didn't provide the 'volume boost' it claimed for my straight and sparse lashes. I would imagine this working much much better for fuller lashed people who don't need a lot of volume.

It wasn't waterproof too so at the end of the day I'd ponder if I'd put on eyeliner while getting ready.


I'm definitely more a sneakers/boots person. My last kicks I wore to death for a year and a half before it gave out. So I decided it was time for some new ones, apart from the fact that wearing stiff boots most of the time has earned me the nick name - tomb raider, which I don't necessarily mind. It was time to switch it up a bit and wear something a little more comfortable.


It's been a while since I've posted and I finally have a new makeup review to break this stagnant blogging ice. I'll be reviewing this Colour Collection lipstick in Kissmark from sampleroom.ph , a try before you buy site that offers deluxe and full-sized samples bought using points directly from their site.

Colour Collection matte lipstick in Kissmark

This has been in my collection for months or actually a year now I think? And this review is long overdue.


Hello loves! Have you used any social apps and later become completely obsessed with it? Instagram did it for me. So if you want to follow for quick reviews, first-impressions, new finds and updates here's my handle, let's chat! http://instagram.com/manilawithlove 

One thing that I really like about the beauty community on instagram is how everyone is so helpful and really fun to chat with! I've actually made a few instagram friends! So if you're as obsessed with instagram as I am (I don't post as often but I do use it a LOT) follow me over there!


xx,
CJ
...except me.

Here in the Philippine beauty blogging/YouTube community this eyeliner shot up to fame for it's price tag, performance and availability. Read on to see why I wasn't so impressed.












Companies are really jumping on the #selfie bandwagon nowadays aren't they? Here's another #selfie contest for you guys. Read on to know more!

HOW TO JOIN

1. Take a selfie with any Gluta White & Firm products.
2. Complete this phrase: I love using Gluta White & Firm because "______________"
3. Send the photo with your complete name to [email protected]
4. Photos will be judged based from the following criteria:
15% Creativity and Uniqueness 
30% Brand Visibility
30% Love for Gluta White & Firm 
25% Number of Shares

Submitted photos must not be digitally enhanced or manipulated.

5. Promo runs until August 30, 2014
6. Announcement of winners will be on September 5, 2014


PRIZES

1st prize : Wensha Spa gift certificates for 2 + gift packs 
2nd prize : Yakimix Weekend buffet for 2 + gift packs 
3rd prize : Starbucks gift certificates for 2 + gift packs


Despite the gloomy and (thankfully) cool weather when we all just want to lie down motionlessly on our comfy beds with our hands under the cool side of the pillow (who else does this?) I'm pulling up my sleeves and getting my blogging-chops back on high-gear because I have a new review! This time on a very delicious-smelling scrub Melanie sent me from  Jarful of goodness. Read on to see what I think.

Something came in the mail! or at my doorstep rather ( I wish we had a mailbox ), a couple of products from JLC Miller . These are available in most supermarkets and drugstores.



They really hooked a girl up! Thanks JLC Miller and to Mikee!

I probably won't be exploring the face products because as you know, ( if you've been reading my blog for a while now ) my face isn't exactly the most tolerant to certain mass produced and chemically-induced facial care. All I need is one little slip and poof I become coco crunch.

CONTENTS

  • 2 sachets of PreGroe shampoo
  • 2 small bottles of PreGroe shampoo
  • 1 bottle of PreGroe Conditioner
  • 1 Gluta body lotion
  • 1 Gluta face cream
  • 1 Gluta toner
  • 1 Gluta facial wash
  • 1 Gluta deodorant
  • 1 Gluta body soap
  • 1 Gluta Pressed powder in Pink Blush (why?)


For the Gluta line I'm currently using the whitening lotion ( for my arms, because I forget to use sunblock. Because they're too sticky for day-time heat. Wouldn't really mind if I was on the beach though ), soap and the deodorant. So far so good, but no evident changes yet as far as I can tell. My skin doesn't dry-out on the soap so that's very good. The smell is quite...not suited for mass appeal. I find it smells a bit like it has citronella in it. So I think of bug-off lotions whenever I lather on the lotion, smell the soap and use the deodorant. A+ for consistency though(?) Lol

And the shampoo and conditioner from the PreGroe line hasn't made my hair fall off yet so that's also good. I kid.

Which product do you think I should review first?

PS. Why would you use a face powder that can pass off as a blush? Please enlighten me.
PPS. I hope the body lotion works. I already have sun spots on my wrists.
PPPS. It's already JULY. What? WHAT? How is this possible? It's the middle of the year already. Just let that sink in for a bit.

XX,
CJ



Currently resting from general cleaning so I'm lying on my bed and  I thought to share what/who I've been listening to on my Spotify lately. And my feelings about spotify is nothing but positive as you can probably tell by the title.

SAM SMITH


His voice, golden. His face, angelic. What's not to love? I'm well aware these are very mainstream music nowadays, so hipsters, close this window asap. He is really really good with a very unique voice singing poignant lyrics (read: stay with me).  I have nothing but love for this guy.





IGGY AZALEA


She is absolutely stunning, I have no words. Apart from spitting rap skills I can only attribute to one other woman rapper, her whole album is a solid A. I like most of her songs, some I actually don't approve of (I find it a little crass) but these two are just on repeat, and I don't mind one bit.





So these are all of them. I love spotify and have been using it since I got it. One thing to note though is the restriction of "free" users (like myself) I'm only limited to six skips in tracks on my mobile app. Even so, this has replaced my iTunes and Window's player. I don't think I can look back now.

What have you been playing on repeat lately?


xx,
CJ

TOKYO, dubbed as one of the trendiest cities in Asia. I had a glimpse of its trendiness (at least beauty-wise) last May 23rd at Studio SnR, for the blogger event held by Kate by Kanebo. 

I think this was my second? Or third event? I've attended soo many I can barely remember. I don't usually attend these types of shindigs but I knew I HAD to go to this one.

(THIS IS A HELL OF A LONG POST. Prepare to scroll your fingers off)
Let me break it down for you. No matter how much people claim ELF is the more affordable twin of NARS, no matter how much similar their packaging and layout is and no matter how much they're promoted as the "poor-man's" NARS, ELF will never be NARS or even a straight-up dupe of it.


ELF BRONZER DUO in TURKS AND CAICOS

A $30 formulation + extensive research does not equal a $3 one's. Let's be real here.

...BUT this is good stuff. :)

I really like ELF's studio line bronzers. I've tried their all-matte one (Cool), which was what I was originally going to get but surprise! They don't carry it here in Manila. Huhu

Asian's like their shimmer, I ain't gonna lie, I like me some shimmer too but that all-matte (cool) one is a really great shade for me as a contour. If you get the chance, try it. For reference I'm a light-medium/medium yellow-olive. (MUFE 120 Soft Sand / 123 Desert / MAC NC25-NC30) . I put two shades since I can use either depending on how much sun exposure I get and mostly I jump between them. But I tend to go lighter since I'm acidic and bases oxidize 2-3 shades darker on me.

If you want to know what I think about this duo, read on.

I admit, I've heard a little about PAC, but only  regarding them being a high quality professional artistic makeup brand as their name might suggest.

A makeup brand by Martha Tilaar it was essentially conceptualized as the professional makeup for asian women. So most if not all products are catered to and suitable for us Filipinas. They're apparently well known for their high quality, waterproof and long lasting makeup. But now they are easily available to end-consumers (us) which is amazing.

Given their price range I say they jump between BYS Cosmetics and Makeup Factory sometimes a little more.

And now to the main reason for this post.

Congratulations to the qualifiers!!!




These amazing and talented (and quite lucky too) qualifiers will be invited to attend an exclusive make up training and workshop on May 26, 2014 with Yuan Sng, an internationally renowned make-up artist from Singapore and a guest judge on Asia’s Next Top Model.



Hellooo durrr. (Guess who that is) It has been scorching hot lately and as much as I love sunny warm days (after experiencing around 5° C ---that one isn't fun) this is just too much! Highest recorded (day) temperature is 36° C but it feels at least 40° C. And the hot humid hair isn't helping at all.

Sunblock is a definite must no matter what season and even if the sun isn't peeking through during the day. Ultra Violet A (UVA) and Ultra Violet B (UVB)  rays do penetrate through clouds/tints/curtains etc. So don't think that shade is sparing you from harmful rays. The best those do is make you see a little better through the brightness..


Sun exposure is, essentially, subjecting yourself to sun damage – but in the same note, avoiding the outdoors altogether is both impractical and nearly impossible. - Dermplus

Now I didn't know that you're supposed to wear sunblock/spf everyday and throughout the seasons. I probably only learned this like 3-4 or so years ago? Just when I learned about BB creams. And before that had the misconception that sunblock is for when you go to the beach, go swimming or hiking. 

Even then it hadn't really sunk in that I really need spf everyday, at the very least whenever I go out.


image via NYpost

This slightly alarming image of an unknown truck driver definitely changed that mindset.Yep. That's for sure.

As you can clearly see, he has significant wrinkles on the left side of his face, probably the side which gets more sun exposure.

So kids, repeat after me. SUN PROTECTION is important.

Very good!

Dermplus, a brand I personally use (I use the SPF 80 one) is quite good and moisturizing. It helps soothe skin too while protecting you from the sun.

You can use it as a base under makeup but for oily skinned people and oily-combination skin, run away. It's very moisturizing, emollient and slippery not good if you want your makeup to stay for more than an hour.

For everyday house lounging, outings, hikings, beachings (?) it does the job. I mean SPF 80 is serious business much less SPF 130 which you would use if you're feeling a little crazy.

Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock is available in all leading drugstores, supermarket and department stores nationwide. 

PS. What do you use for sun protection? Is it included in your base of choice or do you use a separate one for everyday? Any recommendations?  I heard the Shiseido one is good because it gives a matte finish.




NOTE: This is a press release.




Hi there! I hope you still remember me, you, who reads my blog. It's been a month and a half hot minute since my last post and I actually have missed blogging, albeit putting it off because it felt forced and un-fun (you know what I mean?) and I didn't like that.

Anyway.

Here are my thoughts on these lip crayons from Heng Fang (sent to me by my friend Daisy from http://bornprettystore.com ), which looks quite similar to another brand's lip crayon.

PACKAGING


I got shade 02 orange and 05 baby pink

As I've said it looks quite similar to the packaging (and logo) of another brand. The box that it came in looked exactly the same too.

Looking at it you’d think it’s a twist up crayon. Sadly it’s not. You have to buy a sharpener big enough for this. (The sharpener from Ever Bilena works--a perfect fit!)



A.K.A. Evidence of my poor E.Q.


I didn't like that aspect much; I really wanted a twist up one with all the balm crayons popping up here and there. Oh well.

Another reason why I didn't like that I had to sharpen it is because...

CONSISTENCY/FORMULATION/PERFORMANCE
It's really soft and creamy. I mean I like that it's not hard (cough) but it's just too soft for my liking (cough cough. What's in the air these days? I keep on coughing.). It just melts upon contact using the lightest of hands. And because it's that soft, sharpening it takes away from the product too much. It sticks to the shavings and/or the sharpener itself.


Now THAT is orange. Excuse the bumps I was recovering from allergies.

A trip to the freezer might work but you can't leave this out in the tropical heat, which goes for a lot of lipsticks actually. I mean a better question would be what ISN’T going to melt in this heat? Man it’s hot.

Still pretty bright even when smudged.

Pigmentation-wise, this is a winner. It's not something I would wear in broad daylight. Maybe for a party or a night out because it’s almost neon-like in its brightness.

BUT, the formulation isn't that ...stellar. You get amazing color-payoff for sure, but swiping it more than once on a certain area moves the product so it looks a little uneven and patchy. You have to blend it with your fingers or use a lip brush for better application.


It also doesn't have a moisturizing feel to it. It's slippery and very emollient but not moisturizing. The color stays well on the lips but it does transfer. I'd say the typical staying power of a creamy lipstick sans eating and drinking, 2-3 hours tops before you need to touch it up a bit.


That said, it's not a balm and is not marketed as such. It's a lip colour/lip stick. Still though, the formula could've been better.


DO I RECOMMEND?
Fun neon-like brightness and super pigmentation plus the kitsch factor of it looking like a crayon/pencil for a mere $2.99, I say go for it.

But if you're more into formulas or if you want something more moisturizing, go with something else. It is cheap but if it's not something you're going to use and is just going to gather dust somewhere, save your buck. :)

If you're interested, you can get this "here" . Use my code QEL91 to get 10% discount on your purchase! ( 10% off of $2.99 = dirt cheap) Enjoy!



CJ NOTES

- If you're a Korean cosmetics enthusiast (like I am) you know which brand I referred to here.
- I missed blogging foreals though.
- I've been meaning to go to a makeup workshop, anyone know any? (Preferably with free swag HAHA!)
- I cut my hair again, just a trim but it's shorter than what I'm sporting here! If you follow me on instagram you'll know what I mean. @manilawithlove


xx,
CJ


DISCLAIMER : This product was sent to me for review. I was not paid to say anything good by the owner of the store nor the brand. Everything stated here is honest, un-adulterated and un-biased. These are my, the writer's, own opinion/thoughts. Therefore they do not reflect the opinions/thoughts of owner of the store (where I received the product from) nor the brand's. Already discontinued. No ingredient list is present on the site.