Kumori x Theo & Philo Signature S'mores Tarts

 

Introducing, a collaboration between my favorite Japanese Bakery Kumori and Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates, they merged their specialty into melt-in-your-mouth Signature S'mores Tarts.

These tarts are crunchy tart shells filled with 65% dark chocolate ganache topped with torched whipped marshmallow frostings.

I personally do not like marshmallows so I don't have any expectation from this dessert.  But it was love at first bite.  I believe Kumori when the brand says #BiteIntoClouds because it felt like it.  I was surprised a finished a cup of tart immediately and it tastes even better (IMHO) when chilled!

You may order yours via Kumori Delivery Apps at Grabfood, Lalafood, Metromart or Foodpanda!

What's your favorite Kumori dessert?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Safe Brightening Skincare Products?

 

I'm not sure about you but if you read through my blog, you'll see that I don't use a lot of whitening products.  I started using whitening products for their "brightening" properties and how they have the ability to even out my skin.  I started using such products when companies are making less irritating ones with milder ingredients.  

Of course, I make it a point to slather on sunblock (on both face and body) when I started using such products.

During quarantine, I am more comfortable using these products because I am staying and working from home 98% of the time!  

Derma-C by Poten-Cee.  This skincare brand started with vitamins and I have been taking their vitamins for quite some time.  I am a bit surprised when they came up with their own face masks which I actually tried and liked!  They are not the super hydrating type as they cater mostly to Filipinas with oily skin but these masks aren't drying so I find it nice to include in my face mask stash and use it at least once a week or once every 2 weeks.  

Then their newer product alled Derma-C by Poten-Cee Vitamin C + Collagen Brightening Soap Bar came along and I actually finished 2 bars and didn't see A HUGE difference (which is honestly okay for me as I don't like the stripping kind of soaps!)  This is a gentler, milder version and I like the extra +collagen that came with this bar soap!  This smells good, non-drying and so far, no allergic reactions to be reported.  These are the type of skincare products that can be used by all skintypes and you really need to take time to see obvious results!  

Next, I was sent a stash of Organic Skin products and I used the Anti-Aging Whitening Whip Soap immediately.  These are all natural and are known to be expertly formulated by Japan (as they stated in their Instagram account).  Good news to those who likes to try Halal certified beauty products as these fit the bill and are cruelty-free and FDA-approved.

I am drawn to try their whip soap as I love the foamy texture of using such whenever I take a shower.  It felt luxurious and non-drying as opposed to the other brands I've tried.  And I like the fact that there are no oil-stripping ingredients thus my skin doesn't feel dry and tight after shower.  Thankfully, they also have other variants as there will never be a ONE PRODUCT Fits for all type of skincare!

I have given the rest of the skincare products to my mom-in-law as she finishes up skincare faster than I do and so far she is happily using them with no complaints.

Have you tried any of the 2 brands mentioned?
I hailed these safe brightening skincare products for the fact that I tested some of the products and foun NO allergic reactions whatsoever.  Keep in mind that we have different skin types and we may react to ingredients differently so always do a patch test if you are trying out new products (especially skincare!).

Do you want to add some brands on this list?
I'd love to hear from you!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Style Series: Work from home, Workout from home

 

The first few months of lockdown, I got so much time on my hands!  I honestly was staring in blank space (literally) and counting the hours how time flew by extremely slow.  I even got the chance to workout for an hour or more and change into my cute gym clothes.

On second wave of lockdown/quarantine, especially when Kyle goes back to online school, I find myself always on a run!  I don't have enough time to sit down for a breather..worst...I only get to drink my coffee standing up (which is an ultimate shocker since I love to take my time when it comes to coffee!)

Stay from home OOTD you say?

I am purchasing comfortable tank tops (with bra pads so I can go bra-less) TMI (I know!)  and comfy shorts that are okay enough to wear as loungewear and won't be a hassle when I suddenly do lunges in between tasks!

Yes, that's me!  I have to admit, there were days I just lay down on the sofa and take a quick cat nap but there are days I am dragging my big ass to do some sit ups, arms and leg workouts well-spread throughout the weak!  Yes spread out as I can only give at least 15-20 minutes of my time for these.

Top: Forever21 Workout Top
Shorts: From Trendsetters

I missed the active boxing days, I missed going to the gym and talk to someone while I punch - but hey, we make do what we can.  We stay positive and try to incorporate normal activities even if it is more challenging than usual.  At the end of the day, a bit of movement or exercise will still up that happy hormones!  I know because I crave for that!

What's your loungewear nowadays?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

How to Look Younger in an Instant

 

Age is just a number as they say, but when you're stressed, lacking sleep, tired or doing the wrong makeup, you are fast forwarding the aging process and we obviously do not like that!  

I recently tried creating a quick yet informational video on how to look younger than your age (not the trying hard time and no surgery needed!) 

This is just like a regular dos and don'ts video on makeup and I inserted some hairstyling and fashion tips at the end!

As expected, I am always a "girl in a hurry" so these tips are simple, easy and most importantly, they can be done by ANYONE!  You don't have to be a professional makeup artist to be able to follow these tips!

How old do you think I am in this photo? 

(Please be nice and comment below! :P)

Watch this video and don't forger to watch until the end part because I shared my ultimate anti-aging secret there!

Long-Lasting Gradient Lips Tutorial

 

 At some point in our  makeup application, we have tried gradient lips after seeing how gorgeous they look on K-Drama actresses.

I am definitely one of those!  But after going through various application techniques, I can't seem to create a similar one like those on K-Dramas!  Mine would look great after application but blotchy after an hour or so!  It is because I have extremely dry lips and I ended up licking my lips or lot or applying lip balm in between multiple times making my gradient lipstick effect slide down the drain!

 After several tries, I finally created one that lasts longer, looks good and non-blotchy and I can finally say, long-lasting!

 

You don't need to use the same products I used but the same layering of products could be the same!