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If this adorable salon's name and motif isn't enough to remind you of cotton candy, lollipops and rainbows you will when I tell you they use sugar for all of their services. Melted (pulled? taffy-like?) sugar for waxing and scrubbing. Yes like the sugar you eat. Interested? Read on.

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A little disclaimer, I don't pluck my underarms. I've been using razors or removal creams but it's been a years since I've plucked them. So my tolerance for pain in this regard is pretty damn low. What more waxing.

Guuurl there was blood and pain, not going to lie. But the my attendant or sugar technician was very kind and accommodating. She decided to switch to plucking when the bleeding wasn't stopping. I was glad to switch to tweezers let me tell you, I barely felt it #numb.

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One thing to note though, you're supposed to have your underarms waxed when there's about an inch of hair not less, to make it easier to pull out and to make it more comfortable for you. Blame me for going there with a 5 day overgrowth, my sugar attendant did mention it was harder to pull out because of the short hair.

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For those who haven't tried underarm waxing at Whipped, it goes like this:
  • Polite sugar techs asking for your reservation.
  • They'll show you to an enclosed room and ask you to lie down.
  • Maybe ask a few questions here or there about your hair removal.
  • A wipe-down to clean and to remove deodorant residue.
  • The waxing itself using the soft pliable cold sugar wax.
  • Plucking smaller and/or thinner hair that didn't get caught by the wax.
  • Then another wipe-down.
  • Smooth armpits :)

They didn't get ALL my underarm hair, but seeing as the ones left were very thin and small like peach-fuzz—too thin to be plucked, I guess it's understandable.

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As for the eyebrow waxing that was leagues more tolerable, very similar to my experience with brow threading here.

Quiet atmosphere (I believe I was the only client at the time), comfortable and charming decor. If you're thinking of where to get waxing done maybe you should check them out. They're popular with guys as well (which I like) so guys please don't let the decor deter you! (they're just colours, c'mon)

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Branches 

3rd Floor, Ayala Fairview Terraces
2nd Floor, Commerce Avenue Wing, Alabang Town Center
2nd Floor, Eight Forbes Town Center


xx,
CJ

PS. After a week (around 6 days) I noticed the hairs growing back are thinner than what they used to be. Usually the strands are thicker. Heeeey. :)

https://www.facebook.com/WhippedSalon/

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Well one-brand for the most part. I did stray here and there (eyebrows and the powder). I'm also putting a dedicated review on some other products mentioned and not mentioned here (powder, lipstick).

I finally get to tackle the brand-spanking re-brand FS did with some old favorites and new additions. If you've seen my previous post about the newly re-launched FS Cosmetics or Features & Shades here you might be wondering what's really worth checking out and what can you pass up on. Here's my "one-brand" face of the day /makeup of the day with their products with quips on what I think of them.

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Let's start with primer.

Aptly named "Primer" this pre-foundation base comes in a squeeze-tube (nice) and has 20g of product in it. That's a pretty decent amount since you really don't need a lot of this all over the face. This one especially tends to ball-up with the foundation if you use way too much.

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Texture and appearance-wise it's very similar to Benefit's Porefessional. It's a silicone primer and it performs (I assume) as most silicone primers do. This does blur the pores and smoothes the skin leaving it velvety.

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I personally don't subscribe to the notion that silicone primers or face primers in general makes makeup last long. I haven't seen a difference. I've tried the Maybelline and the Quick FX primers and they're all the same to me. One thing I can say is that this primer is heavily fragranced. The scent is very floral and "perfume-y".

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For my actual base, I chose to go with FS's BB cream in Oriental. There are 3 shades available, this being the middle one. It claims to be a sun protectant, foundation, concealer and moisturizer. Basically an all-in-one product (as most BB creams tend to claim) but the concealer part is pushing it a bit.

I do really like this. It's smooth, blends in well, looks natural, feels light on the skin, moisturizing, has at most a (well...almost when you build it up) medium coverage and has an olive undertone to it (perfect) BUT...
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It appears slightly ashy on me. I blame it on the spf for the slightly walking-dead appearance initially but it does adjust to your skin a little in about 10 - 15 minutes especially when set with a powder of your shade. It also has this light citrusy-floral fragrance that I don't mind unlike the primer.

I find it a little annoying that they didn't put exactly how much sun protection you get with this, so I suggest using a separate SPF. I also wouldn't suggest this to people with oily skin as this is quite moisturizing, glowy and tacky and stays that way if you don't set it. People with dry patches (me) would do well to exfoliate prior because this BB clings a little. Other than that, it's a nice everyday type of base for people who are okay with light coverage foundations (BBs/CCs).

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This pretty "I'm ready for summer" blush in Twinkle Tan is gorgeous on the skin. It's like a bronzey blush with fine gold shimmer. It's smooth and very pigmented. If I had to recommend one thing out of everything here I'd suggest this one. The finish is this very gleamy highlighted-satin sheen — You won't need a separate highlighter with this for sure.

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I haven't tried this for over 12 hours but for a typical 8-hour day it lasts well. Especially since it's less than P500, as with every product in this post.

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This amazing True Light Liquid Lipstick in Glossy Peony is very pretty. Half of it because of the nice matte packaging and the light inside when you open it.

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I would consider this more of a lipgloss than a "liquid lipstick". I think my perception of liquid lipsticks have been escalated because of the numerous liquid lipsticks that have been coming out for the past 2 - 3 years or so. It's not sticky like a typical gloss and it's decently pigmented as well. I would go as far as to say it's slightly moisturizing. Lip prep is important though because it settles in the cracks.

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The colour is a pretty milky medium-peachy-rose with golden shimmer. Don't be put off by the shimmer though, it's really really nice on the lips. Not chunky "glitters" at all. It feels comfortable on, no strong scent nor taste and THE LIGHT GUYS. THE LIGHT!!!

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For the eyeshadow I have their single eyeshadow in Ash Brown. It's a pigmented matte cool-toned dark brown. Rubbing my finger on the pan, it feels slightly gritty but for the most part it's smooth and blends well with a brush.

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There's also a wide selection of colours and finishes. You can pop these in a four pan palette that they sell so you can customize your own palette. Richly pigmented, versatile and affordable for a whopping 4g, this will last long.

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The black Mascarade Volumizing Mascara is okay. It builds up okay on itself. The pigment is really black and the brush is the normal bristled mascara brush I prefer but it only yields a natural lash look even after numerous coats. As you can see from the picture that's the extent of the the volumizing part it can do for my sparse lashes. For 10g, it's a decent pick for the price when you don't know which brand to go for.

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It's not smudge-proof and waterproof, though it doesn't claim to be. But it's water-resistant so there's that. Like I said. It's okay but not something I'd purchase on my own. I like mascaras that give a lot of volume.

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Final result. A very no-makeup makeup look. After running errands and being out for more than 5 hours, the bb cream and blush performed really well. I guess the primer also did its job? The mascara and shadow were still there too. But the shadow faded a little bit maybe an eye primer would do the trick next time. I was most surprised about the blush though, I only put a little but it still held on at the end of the day.

I also didn't break out. To be honest though I only used the primer twice but I had the sinking feeling it would break me out if I used it consecutively. I also couldn't stand the scent so that's the only thing I used twice.

Other products used : Palgantong/3WC Powder in #23 as setting powder and for eyebrows I used Pinkies Collection brow pencil in black, Glam21 pencil and Maybelline brow mascara in Dark Brown.

[Reference : Sensitive, dry-normal skin, slightly oily t-zone and dry patches. Sweaty boy.]


Like I mentioned, everything here is less than Php 500. So the brand on the whole is pretty affordable. What would you try from this brand? Which FS product would you like an in-depth review on? My personal picks are the gloss, shadow and blush.

xx,
CJ

http://www.fscosmetics.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FS-Cosmetics
https://twitter.com/FSCosmetics
https://www.instagram.com/fscosmetics/


Any summer plans this May? Other than usual swimming plans, how about going to Batangas for some arts and culture immersion? Would you be more interested to know it's all for the environment? Read on for more details!

xx, 
CJ


Bonbon Festival - Celebrate Art, Environment and Community!


Now on it's second year, Bonbon Festival is back to celebrate Arts, Environment and Community in a one of a kind one-day event which will be participated by young professionals, students, different artists in Batangas Province, and invited guests from other places.

Bonbon Festival is the first eco-green festival in the province which aims to support and sustain the environment by using arts and culture as one of the tools for preservation and development. 

The festival will be at Sitio Tagbakin, Brgy. Halang Lipa City, Batangas this coming May 21, 2016 from 6am onwards!

WHAT TO EXPECT


Gala at Pasyal sa Lawa/ Knowledge Tour
Know the story of the lake region and eruption history of Taal Volcano via boat ride from Sitio Tagbakin, Lipa City to San Nicolas to Volcano Island and back. Enjoy the horse ride and trek with local tour guide and the rest of the team.

Mananghalian/Lunch
Savor a sumptuous lunch of Batangas fusion cuisine and local refreshments.

Huntahan sa Lawa/ Talkback
Join a series of meaningful talkback and discussions about Art and Environment with interactive community workshops that culminates the afternoon activities.

Hapunan/ Dinner by the Lake, Art Installations and Performance Art
Experience Batangas Art and Culture through performances. Listen to the old time Kundiman music plus musical performances dedicated to Taal led by independent Batangueno musicians including LAC Music Department. Cocktails are available with a party capping the night with all-out-fun and dancing.

Participants may choose from two packages:

Package A | Php 2000


  • Trekking (Taal Volcano Island)
  • Festival Pass
  • Food (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Symposium Pass
  • Transportation
    • Jollibee Tambo to Sitio Tagbakin (2 way)
    • Sitio Tagbakin to San Nicolas via boat (2 way)
  • T-shirt
  • Scarf
  • Camping Fee (Sitio Tagbakin)


Package B | Php 500


  • Festival Pass - Concert
  • Food (Dinner)
  • Transportation
    • Jollibee Tambo to Sitio Tagbakin (vice-versa)

For inquiries and ticket purchase you may contact:
Mr. Carlo Aguila at 043-740-7112 or 09178779144

First published in ohohleo.blogspot.com


If you're like me, you're probably more familiar with the term "Lactobacillus/Lactobacilli" in terms of oral consumption like with drinks such as Yakult. You know, the good bacteria that's good for digestion and aids in absorbing nutrients. Probiotics such as these have bacteria strains that help our immune system as well as counter and soothe skin conditions like rosacea (me), dryness (me) and other skin related concerns especially when applied topically.
5 Types of Lactobacillus fermented from plant and grain based agents work together to allow skin's natural rejuvenation at its prime. It is adapted to each type of skin problem by caring sensitivity with building its own defenses. - Proud Mary

This skincare line by Korean brand Proud Mary with a tagline of Beauty Lies Within Simplicity, talk the talk by addressing sensitive skin concerns with its Lacto-Fresh Ctrl A line from cleansing to moisturizing. The plant-derived ingredients its made from, target cell renewal/growth so it helps heal the skin and helps strengthen it so it can build up its own defenses.


Natural Whipping Cleanser | 50g | 150g Full Size - Plant derived agent minimizes skin irritants and small molecule lactobacillus hydrates skin while delicately cleansing makeup and skin impurities.

Ingredients: Water, Palmitic Acid, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Myristic Acid, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Californicum Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Rosmarinus Officialis (Rosemary) Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Polygonum Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) Seed Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Extract, 1, 2- Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit Extract, PEG-150, Polyquaternium-7, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Polycrylate, Fragrance

The painted white glass bottles feel very luxe as befitting of its Php 3,999 price tag. The whole set is pricey yes, but it's pretty understandable considering that the brand name is hailed for using sophisticated technology and incorporating high concentration of natural extracts in its products.


Pure Calming Toner | 120ml - Sub-acid toner helps regulate pH balance and calms irritants effectively with small molecule lactobacillus and botanical active agents.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Polyglutamic Acid, Glycerine, Sodium Hyaluronic, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Califoricum Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Rosemary Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavender Extract, Betaine, Trehalose, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Buckwheat Seed Extract, Soybean Seed Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Anise Fruit Extract, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Arginine, Fragrance

I apply this milky-white toner by squirting some on my hand and patting it on my face than using a cotton and wiping it on. Why? When you have sensitive skin and/or acne prone skin putting friction by rubbing or wiping can agitate it and make it worse. I've done the patting technique (that I've seen in K-Beauty shows lol) for about a year or two already and my face is significantly less red when I do it this way.

I do succumb to wiping with a cotton sometimes when my eyes are too tired and I'm too lazy to wash my face. (Update : I'm out of my toner!)


Skin Relief Essence | 50ml - Botanical lactobacillus helps regulate excessive sebum production and a variety of soothing agents alleviate irritation and stress.

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer (Hydrogen Dimethicone), C12-14 Pareth-7, Betaine, Glycerin, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Propolis Extract, Thujopsis Dolabrata BRANCH Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Panthenol, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Califoricum Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Rosmarinus Officialis (Rosemary) Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Polygonum Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) Seed Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Extract, Pyridoxine, Arginine, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Sodium Polyacrylate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trideceth-6, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance

This essence is a gel-cream-like consistency that gets absorbed by the skin easily. All of these have a very light floral/apothecary scent to it, which I find very soothing. It's light enough to use during the day even for people with oily skin.

Perfect Cure Cream | 50ml - 5 types of botanical lactobacillus and soothing agents help reinforce cell density and protect skin from irritants. Soothes and moisturizes all day long.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycereth-26, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Betaine, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Propolis Extract, Thujopsis Dolabrata Branch Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylic Triglyceride, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Lactobacillus Cherry Ferment, Lactobacillus/Eriodictyon Califoricum Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Olive Leaf Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Panthenol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Rosemary Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lavender Extract, Buckwheat Seed Extract, Soybean Seed Extract, Phaseolus Radiatus Extract, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sodium Acrylate, Trideceth-6, PEG/PPG-18-18 Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance

This cure cream, feels like a primer but doesn't feel like I have a mask on, as with most "silicone-y" primers I've tried.


I actually like this whole line. I think everything delivers on the moisturizing factor, but unless I have a cellular tracking machine or whatever, I wouldn't really know the difference with other brands I've tried.

No freak breakouts or rosacea triggers. I do however have to put it out there that the whipping cleanser didn't agree with me all that much. I didn't full-on break-out but I did get a few bumps all over my face and this set was the only one I've changed in my routine.

Other than that I see that they use significantly greater ingredients compared to other commercial products which can get expensive even if they're "drugstore". It has a lot of plant extracts and I think these do and can make a difference overtime.

I feel confident recommending this line to other sensitive skinned / acne-prone people but as always be vigilant that what works for me might not work for you. So if you see ingredients at the top of the first few lines that you know for a fact don't agree with you, I'd skip on it.

You also have the option of getting the individuals. But if you want to try the whole line, you get more for your buck by getting this gift set. Get it here.


xx,
CJ


Further reading about probiotics: http://www.healthygutbugs.com/probiotics-best-anti-aging-elixir-for-your-skin/


PS. I've been using this set for about two to three months. I finished off the cream and the wash first, since they were smaller than the rest. Just recently emptied the toner too!
PPS. I received this gift from about face ph. Thanks guys! Check out all the other products I reviewed from their store by searching about face in the search bar.


ABOUT ABOUT FACE PH

It's a new online store / brand that sell from the obscure to the well-known products to beauty lovers especially the Korean beauty addicts in the Philippines. You can check out their products on their website or Zalora!

http://www.aboutface.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/AboutFacePH/
https://www.instagram.com/aboutface.ph/