Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum Review

Hi Guys! Happy Holidays!

I'm still here, just silently lurking, reading, and re-reading blogs about skin care, makeup, sales and what-nots. XD I'm also enjoying my time reading reviews and trying out the skin care products I've brought. To be honest, they've never failed me. I love all of them!

Here's one that I tried and absolutely like, the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum. Too bad that I only got one sample from purchasing the COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin 96 Power Essence. I wish I had more 'cause I loved it the first time I tried it.

 Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum 1 ml. sample sachet. This sachet can be used for three days (if you're that stingy XD).

The Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum is a very light serum. The consistency is like water but quite tacky and sticky when contacted on skin. A little goes a very long way and you need to pat, pat, pat to absorb it completely. It does not disrupt the previous or the next layer of skin care product's effectiveness. It leaves your skin so soft, supple, moisturized and hydrated. If you're on the oily side, your face will not be a grease pan when waking up. This serum is truly an enjoyable product to add in your skin care routine.

What I like:

• It is very, very, very light like water but full of moisture!
• It makes my skin very soft, supple, moisturized, hydrated and does not make my face oily when waking up.
• A little goes a long way. I only had a sample size, about 1 ml., and it lasted me three days!

What I don't like:

• I cannot really say because I only had a sample size. However, I didn't experience any breakout or adverse reaction from using it.

Will I purchase?
I think, I want to!

I can say that the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum is a very good product to add on to your skin care routine, even though I only had a sample size to savor its goodness. It delivers the needed moisture to keep the skin barrier well hydrated and moisturized. I'm strongly thinking abou having this one added in my skin care routine.

How about you, are you using this serum? Please share your thoughts about it. (^o^)

Miniso BlowLash EX24 Perfect Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil in Red Brown Review

I was quite on the search at Daiso sometime when I did not found any of my favorite eyebrow pencil in brown. Daiso can be tricky, so you need to be on the look out for your favorite items!

The type that I have always been using and hording!

I turned to Miniso when I couldn't find my favorite eyebrow pencil from Daiso.

As you know Miniso has this knick-knacks of home products, accessories, clothes and even beauty products. It's a perfect place to get those affordable but of quality items for any occassion and for any need. Mind you, Christmas is coming, it's also a perfect place to get giveaways. XD

I got the Miniso BlowLash EX24 Perfect Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil in Red Brown.

Miniso BlowLash EX24 Perfect Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil safely sealed. 

Just like any other eyebrow pencil, it has the lead and the spoolie. That's the full lead on the other end (left) and a spoolie on the other (right). I bought this one around June or July. I still have around 1 or 2 cms. of a stub of it. I mix it with my trusty eyebrow pencil from Daiso to create a good shade of brown. This eyebrow pencil leans more of the reddish side.

The shade is labeled on the on other end of the pencil. Other eyebrow pencils don't have shade labels. 

Swatch on hand after a couple of swipes.  Pigment is good for me but can be light if you have darker hair color.

What I like:

• Affordable at Php 99.
• It can last for more than four (4) hours on my oily face. I just make sure to top a translucent powder on top to seal it. 
• Its red-brown shades matches well with red/brown or copper hair and can be blended with another eyebrow pencil or powder.

What I don't like:

• The eyebrow pencil lead is not that wide to my liking. It's kind of a challenge to create that Korean straight brows. XD

Will I repurchase?:
Maybe, I will... if I don't find my favorite from ANY Daiso branches. XD

Have you tried this one too? Please share your thoughts about it. (^o^)

Just Browsing: Blogs that I have been following

Hi Guise!

How have you been? Apparently, I have just been browsing (as my blog suggests) as of late. I have done some findings/ reviews that I have used/using but I still need to put pictures in it. And I've realized, as my findings/reviews are still all saved in draft, they still change depending on the conditions on how well they perform on my skin. Thus, the silence of my blog. >_<

As I have been browsing and reading notable blogs, some bloggers/ vloggers monitor a product's effectiveness on them for a span of a month to six months. In that way, readers or audiences of the blog can be assured of quality blog posts. Well, products will really depend on your skin type and skin condition. As they say, hiyangan. I like that type of blogs that really explain how the product works and how it performs on their skin type.

Since I have been browsing more about skin care, there are so much skin care ingenuity compared to years ago! Skin care now goes beyond just knowing your skin type. I've learned that you may need to use products depending on your skin condition of the month or season. Your skin care products may change from time to time according to your skin care needs. I've also learned and reaffirmed myself that moisture and sunscreen are must haves for all skin types. Oily/combination skin-type girls like me have no excuse to omit that!

Here is a list of bloggers/ vloggers that I found really helpful about skin care and beauty questions.

• Liah Yoo - Liah Yoo is a blogger/vlogger based in Seoul and New York. She talks about Korean skin care mostly but also features western products. What I like about her is that, she had troubled skin before which has dramatically improved with effective skin care and patience! It's interesting that she has helped a lot of audiences with their skin troubles.

Get to know her more here:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/YellowyCream
Blog: www.liahyoo.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboutliahyoo

• Lab Muffin - I got to know about Lab Muffin from one of the posts in Project Vanity (maybe Facebook or Instagram) and also when I was reading more about peeling gels. She is a certified chemists and talks about skin care products scientifically in a very easy way! She makes us understand that the science behind every product is useful knowledge for us to assess which products are worth buying.

Get to know her more here:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg6P323bLV4zMSWFqFhvWMg
Blog: http://www.labmuffin.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labmuffinbeautyscience/

• Project Vanity - I have been a follower of this blog since 2011, with Miss Liz Lanuzo still doing and creating the posts. Today, Project Vanity has become a team of creative beauty bloggers that cater to more beauty and skin care posts that answers just about any skin care or beauty concerns we have. What I like about this blog is that it features high-end and drugstore products and makes you confident on choosing either of them according to your preference. You don't have to be intimidated using high-end ones or feel embarrassed because you're using a drugstore one. The point is that they highlight their effectiveness and worth on every budget.

Get to know more about them here:

Blogsite: www.projectvanity.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectvanity/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectvanitycom/

So, yes, I have just been browsing and those blogs are the one I have been quite relying for products that I want to try and understand what they can really do for me and my skin type. I haven't been really productive on the updating side but I feel I am because I learn so much from those blogs.

How about you, what have you been browsing as of late? (^o^)

Long Weekend Sale April 27 - May 2, 2017

Hi guys!

This weekend is going to be one loooong weekend because of the ASEAN Summit and the Labor Day Weekend! Most people will get back to reality on the second day of May. As for people working in the BPO industry, however, it's a different kind of story. LOL

Well, to fret or not to fret, there are a lot of SALE going on this weekend! This is a great opportunity to stock on essentials or to check out bargains to flare up your summer style.

Personally, here are some that I would like to check out. :D

Manila Sundance at World Trade Center April 28 - 30, 2017
The LandMark Sale April 27 - May 2, 2017
UNIQLO 4-Day Sale April 28 - May 1, 2017

Happy Weekend!

sources:
http://www.manilashopper.com/
https://www.instagram.com/manilasundance

Cruset Hair Colour Cream in A998 Dark Blond Review

Hi guise? Can you feel the summer heat already? So hot, right?

Fortunately, it was a gloomy the other day in Davao and thought I had someone help me dye my hair. :D (Connect please XD)

As you've known, I've used Palty for my past hair dyeing. I love how it the color sticks to my hair for around four to six months before it fades away and becomes brassy. And as you know, Palty is quite on the pricey side. I used a different brand prior to this dyeing session and the color did not really last. It was inexpensive but it did not stay. For some, it worked but not for me. Too bad, I actually just dyed last month. </3 So, I looked for more affordable ones. My friend recommended Cruset Hair Colour Cream.

Cruset Hair Colour Cream with Conditioner Plus Vitamin C & Collagen

Cruset Hair Colour Cream is made from Thailand. I bought mine from Watsons for Php199. I've seen this brand in SM Beauty as well but it's not really a popular brand. It's even located on the lower part of the shelves.

The shade I chose was the A998 Dark Blond (as seen on the box). Inside the box is a 12% Developer Cream and the Hair Colour Cream, each are 60ml. It's enough for short-haired girls like me. If you have thick hair or long hair, you might want to grab two boxes. You'll also find a pair of gloves (not pictured, I already disposed it! XD)

Inside the box: The Developer Cream and Hair Colour Cream. The plastic hand gloves were not pictured. I didn't take a picture before everything. DX

The Developer Cream and Hair Colour Cream  each has their inscriptions both in English and Thai.

The Developer Cream. Ingredients and Warning notes can be read in English and in Thai. The manufacturing and expiration date can also be seen.

The Hair Colour Cream. Ingredients and Warning notes can be read in English and in Thai. The manufacturing and expiration date can also be seen.

Like the inscriptions of both products found inside the box, you'll also see ingredients and the details from where it's made at the back of the box.

At the back of the box, Cruset Hair Colour Cream with Conditioner Plus Vitamin C & Collagen. Inscriptions are both in English and in Thai.

Instructions and warning notes are written on each side of the box. One side is in English and the other, in Thai. I find it cool that the translations are pretty straightforward. It's east to understand without figuring out its meaning because of its awkward translation.

Left: English instructions and warning notes.
Right: Thai instructions and warning notes.

At the bottom, you'll also see the manufacturing and expiration dates of the Hair Colour Cream and Developer Cream respectively.

Manufacturing and expiration dates at the bottom of the box. This brand really cares for its customers!

Just as the directions say, just mix the hair colour cream and developer cream in a bowl with a brush. Of course, you need to wear dark clothing or a cape when dyeing. Also, put some plastic or newspapers on the floor to avoid staining. It's also good to have someone help you dye. :D

Voila, what do you think?

Looks good to me! It covered the grays quite well and dominated the roots.

I think I might have over dyed my hair. The instruction says to leave the dye for 20-30 minutes. I have extended 10 minutes more because I had pedicure done simultaneously with the dyeing process. The dyeing was just done at home and I have to rinse my hair on my own LOL. My hair felt quite dry, huhuhu. I used a separate conditioner to make my hair softer. The box says that it is infused with Conditioner, Vitamin C and Collagen, which are known to have restoring properties and such. Maybe, if used correctly, you'll feel those nutrients backing your hair up? XD


What I like:

• Easy to apply, though you may need extra pair of hands for hard to reach parts of your head or if you have long hair.
• Covered most, if not all, of my grays.
• It blended well with the existing color and dominated the roots very well.
• The smell is not so strong. It's like annoying strong scented shampoo that you can ignore after a couple of minutes.
• It's easy to rinse off.
• Straightforward instructions.
• Very affordable DIY dye.

What I don't like:

• My hair felt dry. </3 Maybe also because, I've extended 10 minutes more than the recommended setting time. I used a separate conditioner to make my hair soft.
• Shades are not too many and I think they are only available in Watsons and SM Beauty. (So let me know if you've seen this brand somewhere. XD)
• Does not have applicators and other inclusive stuff, such as conditioners or leave-on creams. ( I bet that compromised with the price.)

Will I repurchase?

Maybe. I'll see if the color doesn't fade fast, given using any type of shampoo, may it be for color protect or not.

Cruset Hair Colour Cream is a well-pigmented affordable hair dye. It's pretty easy to use and can cover grays. I hope, it will last long, just as my friend has recommended. If it does, I might repurchase and dye accordingly to the instructions to avoid over dyeing and reduce hair damage. XD

Have you tried Cruset Hair Colour Cream as well? Please do share what you think about it! :3

[UPDATE 6/25//2017] After 3 months, the color become very brassy. Will I repurchase? Still, a maybe. I like its coverage but I don't like how brassy it becomes after many washes. </3

The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Scrub Foam Review

Hi guys! I'm sneaking up a post before everything else becomes all technically busy... again. </3

You might have read about my findings on The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Nose Strip before, right? It actually is a part of The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava line and it was the first product I've used from that line.

The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Scrub Foam

I bought The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Scrub Foam some time at the last quarter of 2016. I've been particulary eyeing this one because of its Jeju Volcanic properties that deep cleanses, tightens pores, and fights sebum. This pore scrub foam is quite similar to Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam. I haven't tried that but I read it has a lot of raves online. However, Innisfree is only available online and they still don't have a physical store here. :( I immediately bought The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Scrub Foam when it became available at the nearest The Face Shop branch. Just in time also when I ran out of my previous cleansing foam.

Too bad, I forgot to take a picture before opening it. Rest assured, it's covered in plastic and has a seal inside the tube to prevent spillage. By the time you buy it, your 12 months of shelf life will start. :D

At the back, it has the product description, instructions, and ingredients. Instructions are in English and French, which I think very cool - to think that Korean products before do not have translations.

Instructions are available in Korean, English and French!

This dispenses a brown cream with some brown-er specs. The specs are responsible for its scrub texture. A little goes a long way for this product. Dry-skin people might not like this because it finishes squeaky clean. So, it's good to moisturize after cleansing.

Can you see the little brown specs, boxed in orange? XD They're responsible for the scrub sensation when you lather up.

What I like:

• A little goes a long way! It lather very well and covers your whole face and neck with just a pea-size amount.
• It gives a squeaky-clean effect and washes away light makeup. Waterproof makeup, of course, still needs to be cleansed away with a makeup remover.
• It did not give me any breakouts and keeps my face oil-free.
• Affordable! A 150 ml tube costs Php 395. It may last six months or more.

What I don't like:

• If I use too much, the sides of nose gets dry. I have oily-combination skin and I have a little of those dry areas, especially if I haven't exfoliated yet or it's that time of the month.

Will I repurchase?
I most probably will!

The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Scrub Foam is formulated for those with oily-combination skin, hence its name, pore scrub foam. If you are on the drier side, a good moisturizer is needed to balance it. If you like a squeaky feel, this pore scrub foam is for you!

Follow The Face Shop in their Instagram or Facebook to know about their newest products and promos.

Suesh Silisponge / Silicone Sponge Review

I saw this sponge in Suesh's Instagram post and quickly got intrigued by it. After scouring the Internet, I found out that this product took up the storm some time around the last quarter of 2016. See this post from more.com to see some reviews of the silisponge / silicone sponge from mostly-viewed makeup bloggers online. I also found this post and this video from Ms. Martha of The Beauty Junkee.

The silisponge/ silicone sponge from Suesh costs only Php80. It is packaged in a small ziplock bag.

Suesh Silicone Sponge

It feels like a nipple tape hehehe. I tried it with The Face Shop Photo Blur BB Cream.

Suesh Silicone Sponge

What I like:

• It does help you save on your BB cream or liquid foundation. It does not absorb them, so you get most of your pea-size amount.
• It helps set BB cream or liquid foundation without caking, given that you only use a small amount.
• It is a breeze to clean. I think you can let your friends try this out, given that you clean it first. :D
• Affordable.

What I don't like:

• If you generally use more of your BB cream or liquid foundation, it may cake and can be quite a challenge to set.
• It doesn't seamlessly fit to the corners of your face, such as the sides of the nose and inner corners of your eyes.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

Suesh Silisponge / Silicone Sponge Overall

The one that I got from Suesh has a distinct plastic smell. Maybe because it's silicone(?) Overall, I may repurchase when its lining rips but from the looks of it, it would last a long way.

Check out Suesh's Instagram or visit their website to get a hold of their affordable Sili Sponge and other makeup tools.

Weekend (s)Trip!

Hi guise!

How's your weekend?  I spent my weekend stripping my face off with these three different pore strips. These are my to-go pore strip products, which are effective and very affordable. My favorite is The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Nose Strip, which is really good in extracting those icky blackhead and whiteheads off your nose. Hope you had a great weekend!

On my forehead: Glamworks Chin and Forehead Strips
On my nose: The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Nose Strip
On my chin: Etude House Missin U Black Charcoal Chin Pack

Blog Goals :D

Oisashiburi minna! It's been a long time, isn't it? Well, it's too late to greet you guys a Happy New Year, in Gregorian or in Lunar time. I have been "pre-occupied" by work at the end of last year and at the start of the year. You don't want to know how I am slaving right now LMAO.

There's a lot of catching up for me to do!

Looking back through my mundane wishlist, it seemed that I have only crashed out only a third of one of the items. I got the first volume of the Tiny Book Series. I think I can stop at that and if I will be blessed more, I hope I can find the other two. Seriously, I'm fine with just having one. :)

I've been controlling myself also with impulse book buying. I've cleaned the room that I'm staying in and I've found that there are still a lot of unread books. I've bought two last year. I bought Dan Brown's Angel and Demons -  a re-read and Mineko Iwasaki's memoir, Geisha, A Life - a new one. I want to read this in comparison to Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha, which have been regarded by many, including Iwasaki, as some of a faux because it's written by a man and a foreigner.

Well, I don't want to delve in deeper to that. I just want to say that I don't really have a strong book quest feel as of late. I've been quite unlucky in search of the Earthsea series. And here I am... I found one good for the quest! See my updated list. Haha.

I think I'm going to crash out another one from the list. I think I can live without it... or them. As I've mentioned, it's just a mundane list. XD

As for sharing to you my findings, I have a lot on my plate. It would be really unfair if I list what I want to write about and don't write about it, right? I'm amazed how other bloggers can keep up with their upcoming reviews. Personally, though, I'm restricted with that kind of setup. I want to share what I have really tried and used. Plus, I'm on the writing business, beating up technical jargon and deadlines. I want my findings or reviews, free flowing and natural. In short, I have a lot to write about! XD

I'm kind of getting ecstatic this year. I have to step my organization skills up a notch and keep up. <<< I guess that's my blog goal, right there!

(flex) :D