Etude House Wonder Pore Freshener

Price: P798 for the 500mL bottle

Availability: Online stores, EH boutiques and counters

Content: 500 ml

Description:

1. Deep cleanses pores. 

2. Maintain ph 4.5 +1

3. Control a large amount of the sebum

4. Minimize appearance of pores

5. Refine the skin tones

6. Keep the elasticity of pores

7. Moisturize inside and outside of skin

So I actually first discovered this through a Youtube guru named Nayoung (Oiseau88). She featured this as one of her skin care staples and I was very interested when I learned of its promises

In my original review I raved about this but after 2 years I decided to renew my thoughts on it. 

It's a nice toner, a very gentle almost water but refreshing kind of feel. It says its suitable for all skin types but I can't vouch for that. I have oily acne prone skin and this was my first toner, all I know is that it didn't cause any bad reactions for me, nothing worse nothing better. I really liked it back then and but I can't say I can recommend it with as much glee as before. It's an average product for me. 

But notable points on this product is that it doesn't dry out your skin, subtle scent, and feels like water.

If you love Etude House, go ahead, but if you don't, then better pass on this product for something more suitable for your skin, like right now my toner has AHA for acne before I had Clindamycin + Retinoic Acid toner. 

Hadalabo Shirojyun Arbutin Whitening Lotion

Price: P750

Availability: @BeautigramShop on Instagram Japanichi.com.ph

Description:
Contains Arbutin to fight dark spots. Smoothes & clarifies to optimize skin’s radiance & translucency.
Vitamin C helps skin recover from accumulated sun damage while reducing the appearance of dark spots to give clearer, fairer skin.
Contains Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate intensely, keeping skin soft & supple.
Skin pH balanced. Low irritation.
Free of fragrances, mineral oil, alcohol & colorant.

Directions
Use twice a day after cleansing face. Apply on palms and gently pat onto skin until thoroughly absorbed.

Search Japanese skin care on Google and Hada Labo will definitely pop up. It's just that popular, it's world famous for their quality products, so popular that bottles of their lotions get sold every few seconds.

I am pretty much contented with my skin tone, could go a touch darker I guess, but my main problem is hyperpigmentation, that's actually the main reason for the many many many whitening products in Asia, not really for whitening skin tone, more on banishing dark spots.

This lotion is NOT a toner, there is a very big difference between the two please refer to this article for the whole explanation.

So assuming you've read that article, this lotion is not meant to be swiped with a cotton pad, but can be used to be a mask by soaking a cotton pad. It is a scentless, slightly whitish liquid that feels just like water on skin.

I use this after toner to prep skin for all the moisture that I'll be bombing on my skin. I think it does help a bit with my dark spots, but as of this moment I am using a lot of brightening products it can be quite difficult to determine which one is actually working.

There are other lines from Hada Labo, this lotion isfor all skin types, for dry skin, you might want to check out the Goku-jyun line. You might want to give this a try if you have dark spots but I guess to fully appreciate the benefits, you might want to buy the whole Shirojyun line.

Etude House Face Designing Brightener in Wannabe Face

Price: P648

Availability: All EH stores

Description:

Let me get to the bottom line: This is so good I never fail to include this in my makeup routine. Basically that's all you need to know about this product. But if you want to know the finer details why, read on!

As you all know, I am an oily-skinned girl. And as an oily-skinned girl, I tend to hate looking oily but especially since I don't just oil up in my t-zone. I'm talking my whole face. Like North, West, South. East. So I have always kept my complexion matte when it comes to makeup, but somehow I always yearned for that youthful dewy look but without feeling the GREASE.

This highlighter has everything I wanted in a compact. I first saw on Stylesuzi's YouTube videos. She expressed that she never liked highlighters but this definitely changed her perception and it has also changed mine about shimmer.

Not Applied

Applied on nosebridge and cheeks

The finely milled shimmer makes your skin looks like it has perfect lighting. Glows where you want it to glow. I use it on my cheekbones and nose bridge and I love the effect.There have been other shades but I found them looking to "cool" and since I have a warm tone, I chose Wannabe face which is a yellowy color. I have read other reviews like from Shimmerjjang Andy that this cakes, not cakey looking but the product itself on the pan cakes and hardens. Now I have found that mine does not do this, maybe a contributing factor as to why it cakes is that if you use the same brush on your wet base products and this. I use the Real techniques contouring brush in applying this and it has never caked.

I am absolutely in love with this. And did I mention it also smells divine? It has a fruity floral smell that is so addictive, I just find myself sniffing it, excuse my weirdness.

The lasting power of this product varies with your base products. Since I am oily, if I just use this alone without anything under, it will fade in 2-3 hours especially if I must blot, but if i use a long-lasting foundation, it stays put all day, this was pointed out by my friend.

I would recommend this to everybody who wants to glow.

Overall great product, would recommend to anyone but of course you are free to choose any undertone it comes in.

Etude House I'm Blooming Sebum Control Mist

Price: P528

Availability: All EH stores

Description:

This sebum control mist thoroughly hydrates thirsty skin while controlling oil and shine, providing soft powdery skin.

With ingredients that strengthen skin's natural vitality, this mist helps maintain fresh, blooming, healthy skin.

Contains 95.9% of early summer green tea extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) that balances out skin's moisture level for a moist inside with a soft, powdery outside.

How to use
Frequently spray evenly onto face whenever skin care is needed.
Leave at least a 20 cm distance from face when spraying.
Content: 150ml

Ettusais Puru Puru Serum

Price: P1400

Availabilty: Japanichi.com.ph

Content: 47g

Description:

Limited Edition Release

Instant moisture yet feeling that it is not sticky, a moisturizing effect that is sustained for a long period of time. The 5 concentrated beauty ingredients makes it highly effective in moisturizing in one one drop (hyaluronic acid · W collagen, royal jelly, glycerin, moisture keep oil). Can be used on all skin types for day and night.

I've actually had this for quite some time now, late last year I was nuts for Ettusais products. And the moment I saw this was on shelves I pre-ordered it.

It is very intriguing, I mean a serum in a form of a scrub like substance. But it's no scrub, it contains little balls of highly moisturizing ingredients, (give up on the topical collagen ladies, its chemical structure is to big to enter pores). And this is actually my first serum for anti-aging purposes, yeah yeah, I'm too young blah blah, but prevention is better than cure and moisture equals youth. And though I'm oily I find my skin is really thirsty for moisture after washing my face, even with a mild cleanser.

Heads up on this guys, it can be used as a primer since it has that dimethicone feel to your skin, but it's a bit difficult to spread so i mix it with my VMV Oil free moisturizer to make it spread better and melt in better. I use this sparingly since a bit packs quite a punch of moisture. Overall decent product, but the smell might be a bit off setting, but the delivery system is quite niche for a serum.

Might buy again if I find more real need for it, I recommend this for drier skinned ladies who might notice a little or two fine lines creeping up.

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder

Image from thebodyshop-usa.com

Price: P1000+ But I bought mine on sale at 50% off!

Description

Give your skin an even, bronze matte finish with a honey-enriched pressed powder.

Even matte finish

Convenient compact

Content: 11.5 g

Image from thebodyshop-usa.com

It's hard to look for a good matte bronzer for fair skin in the Philippines and if there were any they'd be on high-end expensive side. But thanks to several recommendations from YouTube, I've come across the Body Shop. But when I checked out the price at the store, it was too steep for me. But as chance would have one fateful day I saw that they had a sale with products at 50% off! A steal! And thank goodness not many people are into bronzers here. I have mine in No. 2 Fair Matte a good match for girls with NC 20-30 skins, buildable pigment at your discretion.

2 swipes at my cheek and side of my forehead and nose

 I am very pale, sometimes almost too pale for my own good, ghostly you might say, and bronzers just add that warmth back into the skin. Dimension as well. It is a nice matte brown and not orangey like most bronzers, that serves its purpose well. Plus 11.5 g is a lot for a bronzer! You can see this in my collection for a long time. I don't use a contour brush for this either I use my elf blush brush and blend it well into my skin, I find that it just blends it better and it will have a softer look than using my real techniques contour brush. It looks great in flash photography too!

I'm sad that the bee hive brood embossing has already faded with my repeated use. But I just love it so much. And if I run out of it I'm going to swallow my pride and buy it in full price if i have to, it's just that good. Not too powdery but just right for my brush to pick up the pigment.

For people out there that have qualms with contouring and bronzers that make you look muddy or dark or too harsh, you just haven't found the right formula yet! I thought I'd never get into contouring until I found a good solid bronzer that can cater to my skin! 

Ettusais BB Mineral Cream Review

The award winning Ettusais BB mineral Cream! Got this from an Instagram store who sold her extra tube for P1000 pesos, the closest price I've seen to the original yen price which is 1800 yen, other stores sell this for Php1300-1500 which saddens me.

Price I bought it for: Php1000

Availability: Japanichi, Kawaii Holic online

Lioele Water Drop Sleeping Pack

Price: P595

Availability: Online, I got mine at Szakiyah Pena's Online Shop, Lioele booths
Content: 120 mL

Description:

Lioele Waterdrop Sleeping Pack includes Swiss Alpine extract, it is absorbed without stickiness and also formulates moisturizing film to supply moisture and nutrition onto tired skin by daytime to keep your skin moisturized until next day. Various beauty ingredients give shaping effect to make skin elastic by tightening skin while sleeping.

Usage:

Before going to bed, apply an thick layer over clean dry face and massage in an upwards direction until water droplets are formed. Then gently pat into skin for better absorption. For better result.

Directions

1. Cleanse skin

2. Apply appropriate amount all over face and avoid eyes and mouth area.

3. Do not rinse~

A sleeping pack is like a wash off face mask which you put while you sleep to better absorb its full effects at night. This is quite common in Korea. 

In Action

Packaging: Packaging is adorable! I love the cornflower blue and checkered pattern, somehow it reminds me of the Sisley express flower gel, which I can never afford!

 It smells nice and subtle, a bit like Wonder Pore Freshener. It comes out like a light blue cream. I apply this before I sleep and I tell you when I wake up in the morning, my face is plumper like bouncier. And my face is glowing! Yeah. No lie!I really like the consistency which is watery yet creamy at the same time, it easily spreads through out skin and forms these little water droplets that just amaze you. This feature is also found in the Lioele Water drop BB cream.If you watched Bubzbeauty's Airplane beauty video it's great for long flights when your skin gets dried.

I love it but it's kinda difficult to get a hold of it. Good thing I got mine from a trusted seller. I think this is an affordable dupe for the Laneige Water Sleeping pack EX which has received praise. I will definitely repurchase!

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Water Base SPF 50+ PA+++

Hello my dears, let me introduce to you my HG Sunscreen.

Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream (for combination skin) Review

This is a repost from ages ago and I finally got to retake pictures.

Hey lovelies! I'm here with a review of my current moisturizer. The Nature Republic Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream for Combo type skin.

Price: P500+ at local stores

Availabilty: Online, local stores

Etude House Color Lips-fit in PK002 Silhouette Pink

This has been back log for months now and I have finally took the effort to take pictures today. my laziness is infinite!

 Price: P498

Description: 

This is a revolutionary liquid type Lipstick that moistly glides onto lips with its vivid color and finishes off with a weightless powdery texture.

Content: 10g

I was really in to lovely strong bright pinks a few months back and picked this up at Etude house. Normally I would have chosen a beige or orange color but this pink stood out too much and the pigmentation is a dream. So off I went to the counter. The packaging is also darling!

I might be too presumptuous to call this a dupe for the YSL Babydoll kiss et blush, but it may have a similar feel. As the color lips fit is a dual functioning product for cheeks and lips. It is a bit thick, similar to Nyx soft matte lip cream. It applies smoothly but be careful as the pigment is strong and making a mistake is very hard to correct.

It also has a perfumed scent, some may enjoy and some might scoff at but I don't mind. But beware that this is a true blue velvety matte finish, which I appreciate as an oily faced female but some might steer clear of that. For lips it is quite nice but I'm not very comfortable with matte products so I do apply some lip balm underneath or lip gloss over the top.

In Action on lips and cheeks

It is a strong cool pink that pops out nicely on a face, good for fair skinned ladies and would work for our morena sisters out there! It lasts long too, well that's an advantage of a matte product. Worth checking out if you want something multi-functional in your makeup bag.

Beauty Products I Currently Lug Around In My Makeup Bag

It's been a year since I've done a "What's in my bag?" post and the older posts are gone so to make up for that, I'm showing you what I currently bring in my makeup bag.

Blotting Paper

An Oily Skinned girl's must have and something I'd definitely bring on an deserted island. My favorite is the Clean and Clear blotting paper. I have a strange feeling of accomplishment 

Neutrogena Shine Control Powder

For when blotting paper can take off the makeup at times, it's nice to retouch with powder. This is a translucent one, so no chance of adding cakey-ness to the mix.

ELF Studio blush brush

A handy brush to have on hand, wonderful for powder products and honestly I don't think I can live without this. And it's cheap and locally available too!

Versace Versense travel sized perfume

Got the set a while back and it's more convenient than bringing a full-sized bottle.

Etude House Lip balm

This is a no brainer.

The Face Shop Black Label lipstick in No. 2

MAC Lipstick in See Sheer

MAC Lipstick in Chatterbox

Must you question why a girl brings more than one lipstick in her bag? Hahaha. This is for when I feel like leveling up my look with a brighter pink or when my mood changes.

So what's in your bag?

Five Product Face

I love these minimal product posts, I'm thinking I'll do more of these soon. 

So what do I reach for if I can only get my hands on five products in the morning and still looked polished? Here are my picks at the moment!

NARS Creamy concealer in Custard 

A sure proof High coverage concealer that goes a long way. Although custard is a touch darker than I would like. I'll let you in on a little secret, a darker concealer covers blemishes much better. It's great for dark circles as well but get a lighter shade for that, but I'm quite contented with its performance.

Shiseido Sheer Mattifying Compact foundation in a Majolica Majorca case

A powder that lives up to its name, keeps me matte for at least 5 hours with no touch ups. The texture is buttery smooth and finely milled and  gives an extra boost of coverage as well.

NARS Orgasm blush

This is so raved about, any cosmetophile would know it by heart. An easy to apply blush that gives the right flush and shimmer to make you fake that rosy glow.

MAC lipstick in See sheer

Described by YouTuber ekimura as a perfect cross between pink, red and coral. This is my go to MLBB Shade. Perfect for any event!

Chifure Mascara 

My only mascara at the moment, because when you don't have time for eyeshadow, mascara is key to make your eyes pop and look more awake.

The result. By the way, I just brushed up my brows. I had them tinted a while back and some color still remains.

Happy Skin Shut Up and Kiss Me Lippies in Honeymoon Glow and Just Say Yes Review

Another impulsive purchase from yours truly. Happy Skin is a Filipino cosmetics brand that recently launched last year. Good news that they now ship over to 250 countries. I love their brand concept of safe for skin cosmetics and their quirky packaging and product names. My review is on their latest lippie colors introduced into the permanent line, namely Honeymoon Glow and Just Say Yes.

 Price: P599 each

Available at Plains and prints stores or you can check out their websites for their closest branch near you

Content: 2.7 g

Description:

Whether torrid or tame, your lips will say it all! This Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippie is sure to help you make that smackin' statement. This lip-loving moisture stick is loaded with Shea Butter and Collagen to get fans to line up for a taste of those supple, hydrated, and ultra-kissable lips. High-pigmented, and moisture-packed, this lippie glides on irresistibly smooth (without the stickiness!) and leaves behind a rich, creamy pout that's way tempting to kiss.

 

Swatches:

Bare Lips 

Honeymoon Glow

 A very warm my lips but better shade, how should I put this, hmmm... a warm terracotta nude in their terms, and would surely work out magnificently for warmer and darker skin tones. It's a great go-to color for those lazy errand days. It can be easily worn out for dates and events as it's so wearable it can transition into a classy night shade to a lazy day shade.

Just Say Yes

A bright pink, that's a step warmer than Pink Nouveau from Mac so warmer girls can pull it off. It's a nice pop out pink that gives a youthful feel for every woman. You're never too old to work that bubblegum pink!

Texture wise, it's not as moisturizing as a lip balm, give or take but it does not chap either, I'm thinking 20% moisture 80% pigment, which is vital if you want your lippie to stay on for a while as a too moisturizing formula will easily slip off your lips. And these babies have no scents whatsoever so rejoice sensitive ladies!

Overall a nice purchase, though there's slightly less product than what I'm used to, I'm very satisfied with their performance and pigment. I own over 5 Happy Skin Lippies at the moment so..  

Etude House Dear my blooming lipstick in BE101 Review

I am a big fan of beige-y pinkish nudes and it was no surprise that I picked up this shade at Etude House.

Price: P478

Available at all Etude house stores

Content: 3.4 g

Etude House does not disappoint the girly girl with their pink and fit for a princess packaging. Although this is now repackaged in stores in Korea, not a drastic change but it corrects that stray lipstick bullet issue.

Anyways there is a lovely heart embossing on the bullet itself and a pleasant smell present even in their look at my lips collection. And boy do I love that scent.

Here's what it look likes on my pale lips.

Not too nude and not too pink, like a light wash of natural pigment on lips. And it is also quite hydrating. Of course the feel would differ on different skin tones but feel free to check this out at your local etude house stores. 

And a good nude lipstick is never a bad investment.

Recent Artwork

Some recent art I did in the past week. I use Lil' Hands watercolors (I know I know, I should get real watercolors, like the ones in tubes!) and Faber Castell Water color Pencils. And I use a mechanical pencil with 0.5 Faber Castell graphite.

My first attempt at painting a sky. It turned out surprisingly ok. the stars look to big though, they look more like snow.

I had a reference photo while painting this, it was by someone named Nagi, who was way skillfully done but his/her work was on Photoshop? I tried recreating his/her work on paper but it's really hard. I'm actually a beginner at landscape painting, since I suck at it, I figured I should do more of it.

This was the campaign for the YSL babydoll Kiss and Blush, I couldn't sleep one night and impulsively drew this up since I'm also not so good at realistic human sketches, as a result the girl is on the right is below par, but I'm happy that Cara turned out quite ok.

Etude House Lovely cookie Blusher in #8 Blueberry Pie Review

Price: P348

Available in all Etude House stores

Etude House small Haul

So I went to Etude House yesterday with the intention of buying JUST ONE NAIL POLISH, but was swayed by the pretty pretty product placements and wound up getting three products instead.

Daily Makeup look + Introduction Again

Well long story short, my old blog's photo album was deleted in a mistake. Which means a lot of the posts pictures were lost forever. Some of the products are already gone or in bad shape. Oh well. Now I'm restarting this blog! And my first post will be about my current daily look products. It'll change around since I still rotate my products a lot. More after the break!