NYC Blushable Creme Stick in 644U Plaza Pink

 NYC Blushable Creme Stick in 644U Plaza Pink

I got mine from a package from a very lovely friend and I find that I have been reaching out for this product a lot lately so I guess it's about time to give it a review. :)

Comes in a sleek & sturdy stick. :)

This is the twist up applicator stick. Please do note that I have already used this for quite some time.

Swatched - one swipe

I don't know why my skin turns blue in pictures. :P 

It's a pink coral peach color which would look great on fair skinned ladies but I think it also gives my skin a very natural flush that's perfect for summer. :p

Product has a bit of shimmer but the shimmers don't bother me as they don't really show up at all. :)

I have been really lazy lately and have been using this on top of sunscreen. >.< As previously stated it gives me a nice glow but I find that I need to set it with a setting or loose powder or else I will look like a grease ball in a couple of hours. 

PROS:

- Affordable.

- You get a lot of product!

- Very easy to blend. I either use my fingers or brush.

- No breakouts.

- Gives a dewy finish.

- No scent.

-  Easy to tote along everywhere as it comes in a stick and the packaging is quite sturdy.

CONS:

- Not locally available.

- This blush must be set with another blush or a finishing/translucent powder.

- Staying power isn't so great for those with oily skin. :/

-Might accentuate large pores.

NEUTRAL:

- It's easy to get clown cheeks with this as it is really pigmented so remember to use a light hand when applying it and blend, blend, blend! :P

Etude House - Aqua Cure Facial Mist III (Vitamin Water)

Hi everyone! I'm sorry for the lack of recent updates. I actually have too many products to review but so little time to post nowadays. :/ Can any of you lovely ones relate to my dilemma? LOL! xD

The summer heat in Manila is scorching hot, not in a good way because a few minutes outside makes me sweaty. It makes me feel so dirty and grimey. -o-

I was walking around Manila the other day because I needed to fix some papers. I went to the University of Santo Tomas and was walking around Recto and the Malacanang Area. At around 4pm my eyesight was blocking out and I was sweating!!! I called my sister to complain. :P I heard there were people dying from heat stroke in the Philippines the other day. That kind of scared me.. :/ I also thought about the condition of my skin in the weather we were having sooo....

I originally intended to pick up the Max Fix Plus and I still intend to this weekend so I can compare the two products. I don't use this on top of my makeup or use it to moisten my brush like Marge does.

I just use it to refresh my face before I leave the house and in the middle of the day or whenever I feel like I want to.

The bottle was full when I got it but I already used it. ^-^ 

I just wanted to show everyone what the product looked like in its original packaging.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Skin Care formulated with Alaskan Glacial Mineral Water to supply cooling moisture and essential skin nourishment Facial moisture spray supplies anti-inflammatory efficacy, minerals and cool sensation to skin.

Ok... I can't read Korean so let's pretend that this side has the directions. :p

DIRECTIONS: Hold bottle 15-20cm distance from face when spraying, Spray mist over facial surface to supply moisture and refreshment to skin.

There are 3 variants but I chose Vitamin Water because the scent reminds me of grapefruit & pomelos! :3

TIPS:

- I use mine after my sunblock has settled on my skin. :3 I just spray 3 spritz. Errmmm I tend to get carried away and spray 5 at certain times just because I love the scent but you shouldn't especially if you intend to use it over or under makeup.

- I think this can be used with makeup although I haven't because I don't want to wear makeup in the sweltering heat nowadays.

- I carry mine wherever I go to instantly give my skin a boost whenever I feel re-hydrated. :)

- Transfer it to a smaller atomizer if you think the bottle is too big to carry around.

PROS:

- Perfect & quick way to refresh the face and re-hydrate skin without having to wash the face. =)

- The mist is very finer than Juice Beauty's Hydrating Mist.

- The scent is so refreshing! It's not overwhelming and dissipates after a minute or so of application.

- Affordable! This costs Php 448 or is about or under $10.

- Bottle is sturdy and is not likely to melt or get deformed despite the summer heat. :P

CONS:

- Can't think of any except it may be hard to get outside Asia.

I am so addicted to this product! <3 I keep spraying it on my face hahaha! =))

My cousin visited us the other day and brought his 11 month old daughter.

She is too fluffy! I love her to bits. <3

She is also smart. She knows how to pose for the camera. Whenever she sees a camera she poses and holds her pose hahahaha! Isn't she adorable?

Random thought - This is actually the first time me and my brother Enrico felt that we are dark skinned. :P Baby Bela is so fair LOL! =))

Totally Random Beach Pictures ^-^ + One Lovely Blog Award

These are pictures from a trip to Sorsogon, Bicol Philippines. Photos were taken by my sister, Bea A.K.A. Hamham. I thought I'd share it with everyone. ^_^

so peaceful and serene. ^_^

sea shore. :3

sunset by the sea shore.

can you guess what this is? LOL!

Do you also like beaches? ^-^ Have you been to the beach this year?

Before I forget I previously received this award from Dreamy Princess <3

Thank you so much for this awesome award! :3 Please do visit her lovely blog. She's super nice and thoughtful. ^__^

Rules:

1.) Link back to the person who passed you the award
2.) Share 7 random things about yourself
3.) Award 15 blogs
4.) Drop them a note and tell them about it

Here we go with another 7 random things about me:

1. I laugh when I'm super angry or upset - when I start laughing it would be best for people to get away from me. :P

2. My all time favorite perfume is Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue.

3. As a kid my favorite cartoon was Donald Duck, I was like "Donald Duck is the sh*t because when he gets angry no one understands him." LOL! :P And he wasn't a goodie two shoes like most cartoon characters were so I really like the fact that he has a personality. :P 

4. My teachers often told my parents that I had a speech defect way back when I was in pre-school and high school. LOL!

5. I used to know how to read "hiragana" but I forgot how to. =__=

6. I only have less than 10 pairs of shoes and I never shop for shoes. :/

7. Icetea makes my day complete. :P

I am tagging all of the lovely bloggers who follow my blog because I believe that you all have wonderful & lovely blogs. ^.^ (Lovely is the word of the day.)

Paul & Joe Pearl Powder in 04 After Glow

I remember asking Marlon, the SA at Paul & Joe Rustan's what he was wearing because his skin had a lovely sheen to it and he was glowing. He then showed me this powder. 

This lightweight shimmer powder will add an extra twinkle to your eyes and delivers a gorgeous sparkle. Achieve a soft, subtle effect when applied dry, or experience radiance when applied wet. Unwrap your wild side and experiment with these tinsel-tinted colors! 

Description taken from this link.

I picked up the shade Afterglow (04)

Picture taken from http://www.polyvore.com/paul_joe_beaute_pearl_powder/thing?id=9665580

A feminine pink that leaves a lasting afterglow

Swatch

This is pink when applied to the cheeks. It gives a very lovely glow. I know it kind of looks a bit purplish here but it's a pink and just makes the skin look more radiant.

I was told that this can be used as an eyeshadow, highlighter, blush and can also be used for the lips. :3 So it's an all around product.

TIPS:

- A little goes a long way since I think these is a pigment.

- Be careful not to spill the product as it might get everywhere.

- I just use a brush and dab it on the lid of the pigment then I tap it once to get rid of the excess.

- Mix it with a clear/sheer lip gloss and you'll get a very lovely shade of lip gloss.

- Apply it to your cheeks for a lovely glow.

PROS:

- Long lasting. 

- You get a lot of the product.

- Very pigmented.

- It is an all around product.

- Powder is finely milled and there are no chunks of shimmer on it.

CONS:

- Availability. Paul & Joe products are hard to find and only a few countries have a branch. There's only one in the Philippines and it's located at Rustan's, Makati.

- As much as I love the packaging I would love a sifter on the jar because there is a tendency to get the powder spilled all over.

NEUTRAL:

- There's a lot of product so this isn't that expensive but isn't cheap either. This costs 1,150Php or around $25.

Happy Easter Sunday everyone! (0:3

Do you girls collect pigments? What are your favorites?

Update Yay! I'm back. :)

I wish to thank everyone for their kind words and the support you have all extended to my family and me. This is what keeps me blogging - I am inlove the wonderful and lovely persons of the blogging community.

Some months ago I decided to start a blog as an outlet to keep my sanity. :p I try to keep the tone of my blog as happy and positive as I could because I do not want to cause people any unnecessary grief or burden. We all go through different trials everyday; I believe life is an never ending learning process of ups and downs. As I don't have an idea of what other people are going through I have always tried to be kind and tried to share a smile, joke, my wit and whatever I could so that people can have something to look forward to. :)

Before I sound like your pre-school teacher I would like to let everyone know that I will continue blogging as soon as Lent is over. I will also get back to commenting on everyone's blogs. ^__^ I have a lot of catching up to do though... I will post a review next time, ok? ^-^


The essence of that by which Jesus overcame the world was not suffering, but obedience. Yes, men may puzzle themselves and their hearers over the question where the power of the life of Jesus and the death of Jesus lay; but the soul of the Christian always knows that it lay in the obedience of Christ. He was determined at every sacrifice to do His Father's will. Let us remember that; and the power of Christ's sacrifice may enter into us, and some little share of the redemption of the world may come through us, as the great work came through Him.
      - Phillips Brooks 

"When u face problems in life, don’t ask GOD to take them away.

Ask Him to show His purpose. Ask ways how to live a day searching his purpose for you."

I wish everyone a blessed Good Friday.

in loving memory of my brother, Jammy

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death. 
- Robert Fulghum

my brothers Enrico and Jammy with my mom.

family picture.

A day before his wedding my brother Jammy met an accident and joined our creator.

I do not want to go into specifics of his demise. Although I have come to realize that we are all stronger than what we think. Sometimes when the situation calls for it and we no longer have a choice, we are able to do things we never thought were possible. Another realization which hit me is that, human life is so fragile - no amount of money can buy one's life back. Death is not something that can be circumvented. I felt so helpless standing before my brother knowing I couldn't do anything about it while he was in coma ( before I went to the hospital I was informed that it was impossible for him to pull through). I hated the feeling of having to stand there knowing I can't do anything to alleviate the pain. Yet I knew it was time to say goodbye... 

I quote this from a note I gave during his last birthday:

"I still remember, although I can only recall parts of it now. I was only about 2 years old then, and everyone was running around in circles; I remember being confused as what to everyone was doing all at the same time.

Being just a toddler, I pouted and waited, then our grandmother said that my little brother was born. I took the oppurtunity to wander around and sneak inside the nursery because everyone was busy doing whatever they were into then, and I held your hand for the first time, muttering kapatid ko(my brother).. Afterwhich I got in trouble and was quickly sent out upon being caught by the nurse.

That was the first time I met you."  

As I watch his life drained away the only thing I could do was just stand there, hold his hand again for the last time and tell him that I didn't want to see him suffer -  he shouldn't worry anymore because I will try to take care of things somehow. And that he should go back to the One who gave us life if he is being called back.

"During times when I wanted to cry or when I wanted to hear the truth I would always seek for your counsel despite your nonchalant nature and detachment to certain things. You are one of the people whose opinion I really trust - your opinions and advices are always unbiased and well thought of. For those times when I annoyed you and I started to weep, you'd always find a way to crack me up. I guess I never have really gotten around to thanking you for everything."

My brother always told me not to cry. I knew he got annoyed whenever he saw me in tears so I am still trying not to but if I should fail in doing so which I know I probably will that I'm sorry - It's hard not to because he will be missed. I will keep all our memories in my heart.

I know that there are occurences and events that are beyond our control. We just have to trust in God. Pray for his guidance and uplift all the pain to our Lord, God and our Savior, Jesus Christ.  

Talking about him in public would have made me bawl like a new born kid with a very bad temper that's why I deemed it best to thank everyone who extended their sympathies with our family during his funeral and interment. 

I am sorry I suck at human emotions. It is something I would rather evade at any given day. I know Jammy would understand this more than anyone could. :) 

Lastly, I would like to ask for prayers for his soul and prayers for my family to accept the new changes in our life.

"Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death."

- Unknown

Life is eternal and love is immortal; And death is only a horizon, And a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. - Rossiter W. Raymond

Weddings & Heart aches...

A message to my brother and wife to be---

I, as the eldest child would like to take this opportunity to speak in behalf of my family.


We - Jammy and I grew up together. When we were kids people used to remark what a fine young boy he was while I was constantly thought of as the despicable brat. I used those criticisms constructively and kept them in mind and up to this day I still strive to prove those people wrong. Being the stubborn brat that I am, I never liked listening to people and what they think of me. All through my life, I have followed and have only looked up to one person, and that person is my father.

Jammy is indeed a good catch. He is handsome and is a fine young man. He bears my father's name being the oldest son in the family. I suppose having your father's name attached leads to high expectations. Especially since the senior has done well in his life. (and the siblings are expected to out-do the father)

My brother may not be the most assertive person in the world but he does have a temper. Ironically sometimes, he just tends to clam up when he is troubled and likes to eat fine food. He has, over the years, struggled in learning how to run a business while working with my dad.

We were taught the same values in life and family. Yet, our personalities have always differed even when we were kids. Jammy is not a brat like I am. All throughout our lives, our parents have done nothing but work hard to give us the best that they could provide. I never settle and work hard to get what I like and will not stop until I get it. What I want are the finer things in life. My  brother, on the other hand, has his own ideas and opinions, which I try to give the benefit of doubt to. I have learned that siblings will always be different from each other and that they will take different paths in life.

It is with all sincerity that I wish that him all the best in his choices. For Marriage is a solemn and sacred sacrament entered only for the sole reason of establishing a family life with one person, forever.

As this day comes, and as my brother takes his vow with his wife-to-be, I in turn will utter a prayer for him - "may he have a happy and fruitful family life." I also pray that your children will love and respect him. That they will look up to him, love him and cherish him as much as I did my father. I wish that he will be able to impart the values that he learned and that were taught to us.

I have come to realize that parents will always look out for their children and will do everything they can to protect them and make them happy even if the same would mean that their hearts will break. My parents have set a good example of this, and I hope Jammy has learned from them.

Marriage is a step forward in life - a happy decision for most. Should my brother find the need to look back, he would, only to be able to get the lessons he learned from the past to make his new life work out.




It is time for us to let Jammy go, so he may continue to learn on his own...


To his wife to be - best wishes! Please take care of my brother. 


Good luck to the both of you. May God guide and bless your union...




Sugar Lagamayo
April 15, 2011

Note: No copyright infringement intended. All pictures used are from Google.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - skincare diary

My first experience with Kiehl's

Some years ago when Kiehl's was not yet available in the Philippines I went crazy and hoarded bought 6 lip balms and items from their Yerba Mate Tea Line in Hongkong. Having read so many positive feedback on Kiehl's products then; I decided to join the bandwagon and try a bit of everything. Sadly, the highly raved about lip balms did nothing for me and the Yerba Mate Tea broke me out. This has led me to believe that Kiehl's was not a brand that worked for my skin so I never visited nor tried their products again...

Fast forward 2010-2011...

Through blogging and the Youtube community, I kept hearing about  "Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Serum".

One night. Two drops. Younger-looking skin by morning.

• Lightweight, overnight treatment.

• Regenerates, repairs, and replenishes skin for a smoother, healthier skin.

• Works with the skin’s natural nocturnal activity when skin is most receptive to repairing itself from daily aggressors to dramatically restore skin.

• 99.8% naturally-derived and paraben-free.

• Kiehl’s Insider Tip: Layer over Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate for optimal anti-aging and healthier skin benefits.

RECOMMENDED FOR: 
All skin types.

APPLICATION: 
Apply 2-3 drops on clean skin. Gently press fingertips to cheeks, forehead, and chin to evenly distribute the application before gently massaging it into the skin. Can be worn alone or under moisturizer. 

INGREDIENTS:
Caprilic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Squalane, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil/Evening Primrose Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Oil/Jojoba Seed Oil, Coriandrum Sativum Oil/Coriander Seed Oil, Tocopherol, lavandula Angustifolia Oil/Lavender Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Linalool, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil/Rosemary Leaf Oil, Citronellol, Geraniol, Lavendula Hybrida Oil, Cucumis Sativus Extract/Cucumber Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa Extract/Tumeric Root Extract, Limonene, Citral, Sclareolide, Rosa Spp/Rose Flower Oil, Jasminum Officinale Extract/Jasmine Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seel Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil, Fmla 685449/18 Code F.I.L.:D39273/5

Could it be true? I wondered. Lately been convinced that my skin has been more dull and I have started to see wrinkles forming on different parts of my face. My skin is combination mostly oily for your reference. Due to my allergic reaction to mango rashes have also appeared on my face. I was convinced my skin needed help FAST!!!

Still having a few reservations about purchasing from a brand that previously didn't work for me, I asked for a sample at their store in Greenbelt 5. The SA who assisted me was very kind and even gave me another another sample product from their Ultimate White range.

I was skeptical but I tried it and hoped for the best....

During my first week of use my allergies have diminished and my skin's appearance has improved. My face would no longer itch as badly as it used to and the scars that were left from my allergies were quickly healed.

My sister then spilled the sample and I knew I had no other choice but to buy the whole bottle because at that point I knew I loved the product!

Now, this may not seem cheap at 2,880 Php around $65 more or less. I would however like to point out that you only need 2 drops for the whole face. Only 2 drops! 3-4 when applied on the neck and please note that my neck is rather long so it may vary from person to person. :P



APPLICATION:

I have two ways of applying this, the first one I learned from the SA. She told me to use the dropper and dispense 2 drops on my middle and index finger respectively, lightly or gently tap it on my forehead chin and cheeks then distribute it on my whole face using gentle patting motions. - This is the ideal and best way to do it. 

The 2nd application technique I learned from another blog. The blogger says she dispenses 2-3 drops on her palm. Rubs her palms together then pats it all over her face. According to her the product still gets absorbed by the face and the amount is enough because the formula is very concentrated. - I do this when I am lazy and it works just as well.

I have read other negative comments about this product. I think that some users may have not properly followed the directions.. :/ I do agree that the product is very concentrated so it is best to use it sparingly. Don't forget to follow the directions included in the box. :P The directions are there for a reason. LOL! Please be guided accordingly.

As was previously stated, the product is concentrated and is mostly composed of oils, yet it did not make my skin oily. It is quickly absorbed by the skin. Some products tend to just sit on the skin and aren't suitable for layering while this can be used over serums/essences and under moisturizers. So it's definitely is a fantastic product because it can be used in conjunction with other skin care items.

Based on my experience I can attest that the product does work and lives up to the hype!
My skin nowadays is a bit more radiant. My pores don't look as enormous as they did before I used this and my skin is just softer and looks healthier - It's just so soft and supple. :3 (I sound like a conceited moron, don't I? Tsk, tsk.. LOL!) Our "manicurista" (manicurist) has remarked that my skin was glowing and rosy when she saw me this afternoon - that was before I even washed my face. :P

Packaging - Is simple and reminiscent of old medicine bottles. It is not bulky and the dispenser/dropper works well as it prevents spillage. (Kat said the bottle looks like a potion bottle. I agree! It does kind of look like a magical potion or elixir.)

Prize - Definitely worth it! As I previously mentioned, only 2-3 drops is enough so this bottle will last months... I don't know how long though since I have only used it for about a month.

Color - clear.

Texture - Some people say that this is greasy. I beg to differ and I find it light weight. I have used other oil based products before and those take forever to get absorbed by the skin. Actually those products just sit there and make me oilier in the morning while this gets absorbed in a few minutes and feels like I didn't put anything on my skin.

Smell - The subtle lavender scent is so relaxing and ever so soothing to the senses. :3

Repurchase - YES! I definitely will but it seems this bottle will last a long time. (I recently caught my sister using this. It was too funny! LOL! She was dotting it all over her face using her index finger.)

If you are curious about this product and want to try it, I recommend that you first ask for a sample to see if it will work on your skin. Please be reminded that we all have different skin types - this may be suited or not suited for you. Kiehl's SA's are very friendly and are generous in giving out samples. I believe this is because they trust that people will like their product and will come back to repurchase like I did. :)

I am starting to love the Kiehl's Ultimate White Brightening Essence. I think I may have to visit them soon and purchase it too. It's rather too early to tell if it's working or not but I really like the scent. :P

This has rekindled my love for this brand, although I still will be staying away from their lip balms and anything from their Yerba Mate Line I would like to try their other products.

Have you tried anything from Kiehl's? Do you like/love/hate any of their products? Share your thoughts!

Minakichu has a great review of this product HERE too. (:
Here's another great review by LoveSweetCrystal.

PS - My camera's battery charger is missing! >o<" I don't know where it is... All the images are from Google. No copyright infringement intended.


- MisoJenny sent me Kiehl lip balms and I love the smell. I haven't gotten around to trying it yet.

Paul & Joe Moisturizing Compact Foundation

This review is requested by the ultimate foundation fiend and one of my favorite bloggers, Pammy. :3

Paul & Joe has constantly lived up to its reputation and remains to be one of my favorite makeup brand/s. I have been told that Paul & Joe foundations were great and that I should give it a try so I did. Please bear with me as I make a few more P&J posts. I will probably be acquiring more stuff from them but I will also try to review other makeup brands for you.

Please be reminded that I am a sucker for everything that has cute & pretty packaging. But I will try to remain as objective as I can. 

Ta-nan-nan!!!! Pretty + beautiful = prettiful? :3

The box for those who want to ask how much it is. :)

The packaging is a win! <3

The pink case and the detail on it is so beautiful. 

Back. 

Shade # 30

This is what it looked like when it was new.

After a few uses. It still looks lovely!

Why hello there sponge. :3 I have never quite noticed you before. :P

Swatch. 

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

- I have combination skin which is mostly oily.

- The foundation has medium coverage and is buildable.

- It is creamy and feels like concealer but is very light weight and lets skin breathe. 

Application:

I have never tried using the sponge that comes with the case. I either use my fingers or a brush. I find that it is best to swirl my brush in the foundation apply it on my face then use the warmth of my fingers to pat it all over. I then use the same brush to buff it in and even out the coverage. 

PROS:

- Hides my pores. :)

- Medium finish will cover pimples & skin imperfections.

- Does not feel heavy.

- Does not cake on my skin.

- Packaging is pretty! 

- Did not break me out.

- This has a very nice finish. It is semi-matte that gives a luminous-radiant glow. I know that it may sound weird but trust me it does! :3

CONS:

- Settles on my fine lines & wrinkles. :(

- Does not prevent oiliness. :P I know it's moisturizing but really I need a good setting powder when I use this or else I will look like a walking grease ball.

- This accentuates dry spots I never knew I had! O.O It will accentuate flakiness. Please bear in mind that I have oily skin.

- This may be a bit pricey.

Overall:

I think this foundation is suited for those with supple and almost perfect skin. :P I mean, it accentuates dry patches so it's a NO-go for dry skinned people. I don't think it works for oily skinned individuals either as it does nothing for my oiliness. So I will recommend this to those with normal skin.

Maybe I can use this again when the weather is not as humid as it is now. :3 On the meantime I will keep it on my dresser because it's so pretty! I am not impressed with this, but I have used foundations that were a lot worse. 

I might just try other Paul & Joe foundations which leads me to....

Tired of my Paul & Joe reviews? Please bear with me as I may have more to come hahaha! I saw this on Paul & Joe Philippines Facebook page so I thought I'd share it with everyone. :)

Enjoy up to 80% off on the ff brands: VERSACE, CAROLINA HERRERA, PACO RABANNE, NINA RICCI, JUICY COUTURE, BANANA REPUBLIC, GAP, CLEAN, PAUL & JOE AND MORE...

I will definitely be dropping by! Please don't hoard everything until I get there ok? :) Thank you!