Heatless Curls Satin Rod Review

 

I have been seeing the Heatless Curling Rod Headband Silk Curling Ribbon Silk for the longest time and since I purchased some rollers from this shop that also sells the Heatless Curler, Although I knew this won't make it for me since my hair is stick straight plus I use a lot of hair treatment (and let's not talk about the heat in the Philippines!)  I still gave this a try because it costs only Php94.00 only!  

Here is the result of my hair after 5 hours of wearing it, just so you know, I spritzed my hair with water and curling mist, instead of sleeping on this, I just did my normal daily task and left it for 5 hours!  I just can't sleep with a whole blob of thing on my head!  

The leggings work better for me though and it felt more comfortable!  But if you are interested with the product I mentioned above, feel free to watch my IG reel on how I use it!

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Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

   

Sheet masking 101

 

Some of you ask me via DM if sheet masking are important.  There have been rounds of Tiktok videos saying sheet masking are useless.  

"To each their own."

I firmly believe sheet masks work!  I remembered having ultimate dry skin moment and I consistently used Hyaluronic sheet masks from Dr. Morita and it worked wonders!  I personally felt the difference so I highly recommend them.

To some who probably have normal skin, and are in very consistent with their skincare routine, maybe, you do not need this extra expense.

Sheet masking are my boost of skincare in less the time!  If you want super hydrated skin ready for an important event, they work!  That is why most makeup artist use this to prep their clients' skin instead of applying a whole round of skincare products - which, by the way is more expensive!  

At the end of the day, you do you!  I felt using sheet masks does not only improve my skin, it also helps my well-being!  I mean seriously, what fun it felt after removing the mask sheet!  I get instant soft, bouncy, smooth skin!

See?  The hydrated skin may last for only a couple of minutes but the confidence it gave me is worth it!  I felt like I won in the anti-aging department!  

How To Use Dr Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Cream

 

A lot of us are probably in-the-know when it comes to makeup correctors.  Here is a quick test ---

"Which color to use to counteract skin redness?"

3...

2...

1....

Did you get the right answer?

It is green! 

If you didn't get it, it's find.  It took me a while to really understand the concept of color correcting.  I mean not everyone is an artist (like my son!)  So, if you want to correct pimple marks or acne marks that are quite red, you use green makeup to "correct" the area before you apply foundation.  Most of the time, we use correctors like that of a concealer.  But recently, let's say fast forward to many years after, skincare is coming up with color correctors as well.  I haven't found a lot in other brands but I found it from Dr. Jart+.

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Cream

Approx. Php1,999.00

Available at Lazada

Dr. Jart+ says ---

Cicapair Tiger Grass Colour Correcting treatment is the all-in-one treatment that includes a colour-changing capsule within the formula to cover blemishes and restore the look of the skin's strength, healthy and vitality.  It provides SPF22 PA++ protection from UV light, and it forms a dust barrier to protect the skin from the environment while enhancing the skin's viability.

AMW says---

I find this product a bit tricky to use at first because a little goes a very long way.  Putting a lot would make my skin look unnatural with dry patches (as I have dry skin).  Putting not enough won't cover skin's redness.  After trying this product out several times.  I've found the best way.

This product is best to be used after skincare.  This can be used together with your favorite sunscreen but I prefer to apply my sunscreen first then this as last step BEFORE makeup application.

Applying small amounts on key areas is the best way to apply, while skin is still hydrated from skincare, it is very easy to blend this product and add another layer if additional coverage is needed.  I also like to use this as a "spot treatment" instead of applying this cream all over face.  Why?  Because my whole face isn't red to start with, focusing only on red areas will even out my complexion thus creating healthy-looking, glowing skin.

Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Multi Stick Balm Review

 

Have you heard about Marionette lines?

These are natural facial lines that appears due to aging.  And obviously, the next question is, how to get rid of marionette lines naturally?

Aside from doing those exercises, I like to do what the lead stars of most K-Drama does.  They pull out a stick type of balm and apply on random areas of the face and neck before they go out on a date!  I mean seriously, who wouldn't that?  I did my own research and found the brand even Meagan Trainer used on her video "Made You Look".

KAHI STICK.

Thankfully, because of Lazada and Shopee, I do not need to go to Korea to buy one or ask for someone who visit Korea to help me buy one.  I was able to buy one straight from Korea via Lazada and the price wasn't bad!

Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm

Php815.00 

Available at Lazada

Details:

• Formulated with salmon complex, collagen and sodium DNA, this moisturizing balm boasts potent anti-aging benefits and can help stimulate collagen production to restore elasticity to skin. Also infused with Jeju’s natural fermented oil to boost absorbency, it helps to prevent makeup from drying and caking through the day. Can also be used as lip balm. Apply gently around areas prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

This product is best applied all over areas of your face that tends to dry up.  I have heard reviews from fellow Filipinos who felt this product is too greasy or heavy on skin.  Yes, I agree, but this product isn't meant to be applied ALL OVER THE FACE as a face moisturizer.  This is meant to SPOT apply ONLY on areas of your face that tends to dry and maybe wrinkles are starting to show up. 

My Skin1004 Favorites!

I review and test skincare and makeup products both for Blogs and social media for quite a while now.  A lot of people do not know, I test products professionally too!  I've worked with several brands locally who plan to bring in skincare or makeup products to our country.  Before doing so, these tester products were sent my way for testing with multiple pages of questions.  That said, I do have this really sharp sense of love and dedication in testing products!  

When I was given the chance to try on a new Korean Skincare brand that I haven't tried in the past.  I jumped to the chance immediately and tested it for almost a month!  And this particular brand isn't hard to review because I ended up liking it so much I am still using it even after review.

On the spotlight for today is SKIN1004.

As always, I always do research before I accepting products to review.  The brand is known in Korea as an award-winning hypoallergenic & natural skincare brand.  They use main ingredient like CENTELLA ASIATICA which I have tried in the past and it worked so well for me so I immediately jumped to testing the whole Madagascar Centella range which is known to be the perfect line for sensitive skin.

Not everyone, of course, can pick up a whole line immediately like I did so I will share my top Skin1004 favorites!  I want to say ALL but I have to pick my top 3!

MUST TRY SKIN1004 Product #1

MADAGASCAR CENTELLA AMPOULE

I mostly use serums instead of ampoule because for the obvious fact that most ampoules I have tried have "thicker" consistency as compared to serum.  This type of texture won't go well with our hot and humid climate.  As soon as I tried Madagascar Centella Ampoule, I was a convert! because it has the lightest texture I have tried in an ampoule.

It is light, watery, non-sticky and works so well on all skin types!

How to use?

I like to use this after cleansing and toning.  I squirt once or twice for the whole face and gently tap on my face and neck.  The product can immediately calm skin redness from my usual double/triple cleansing (My skin is very sensitive so it usually turns red after cleansing.).  After applying this ampoule, I can immediately see how my skin is calmer and has lesser red spots.  I also noticed how noticeably brighter and more hydrated my skin gets!  Best of all, there's none of the greasy, sticky-feel!

Left side of photo is DURING APPLICATION -
 the camera didn't catch the product as it gets absorbed on skin instantly. 
Right side of photo is a few minutes after application of the Ampoule. 

Favorite Drugstore Concealer

 

So I was asked about my favorite Drugstore Concealer.

It took a while for me to finally give an answer because there are so many good ones nowadays.  But one thing for sure, I will share a pick that really works because it took me that much of time and effort to think of the answer :P

I did an in depth review on this concealer year 2017 and I still use it occasionally - that says a lot because I usually just finish up a particular concealer for review, but this one is a different story.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles Eraser Concealer

REVIEW HERE
Price: Php399.00
Available HERE

Some may complain that this does not work on them, that it "slides off", well, it will, if not set properly  All concealers should be set with a powder foundation or mattifying powder to prevent it from sliding.  It is also very important to prepare the undereye area by using eye creams before working with makeup!

Here's a quick video on how I use the Age Rewind concealer.  For this particular video, used the limited edition Marvel packaging but the product itself is the same as the non-Marvel packaging!

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Let me know your thoughts by commenting below if you tried this concealer.  Or maybe, you can also recommend your favorite drugstore concealer to us?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

  

Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence Review

 

An SPF50 PA++++ seems like a bottle of disaster!  

That's what I thought when it comes to sunscreen in olden times, the higher the SPF, the whiter the skin and the uglier the white cast!  But coming from KAO Corporation and the brand name BIORE, I've got confidence that this product will be amazing because I have been using their other Biore sunscreen for years!  

Check out other Biore Sunscreen reviews ---

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++
Biore UV Perfect Bright Milk SPF50+ PA++++ Review

This is the latest sun screen from the brand and they get better each time!  The product still contain alcohol based from ingredients but this is NON drying.  I guess the presence of Royal Jelly extract helps!

I was expecting the texture to be translucent or milky since the term "Aqua" is there but it looks close to the previous Milky product - but this time, it is a combination of milky texture with gel-like consistency.  Once applied on face and body, you get a layer of "white" which disappears after constantly massaging and you are left with hydrated skin minus greasiness, tackiness and white cast!  None of those are there and I like how it felt comfortable and quite "cool" on skin.  This felt more like a day time moisturizer than sunblock!

Is it effective?  Well, I haven't tested these under the sun like beach but I have used this on errands day under summer sun and so far, I am still using light foundation as of the moment!  Most of all, it works as a good make up base!  My skin felt hydrated and there were days I even cheated!  I only use this sans moisturizer - do not follow me but the lazy bum in me at times won!

Overall, this is another great sunblock to use especially for our weather.  Warm, humid, rainy, sunny JUST PLAIN WEIRD :P

For more information visit https://biorephilippines.carrd.co/

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Hey Luxx Lash Magnetic Lashes and Luxx Liner and Lashes Review

 

Magnetic lashes or easy-to-apply false lashes are the the in thing for now and how lucky for girls nowadays no?

One lash brand that I have tried is called Luxx Lashes.  The company offers premium reusable and chemical-free magnetic lashes for those with sensitive eyes.

For someone who mostly wear false lashes because I gave up overall on mascaras due to my super thin, sparse and almost non-existent lashes, I immediately gave Luxx Lashes a try starting from their famous magnetic lashes.

When worn

Rosie Magnetic Lashes (Php1,799.00) is soft, feathery and lightweight.  True to what they advertise, the magnetic lashes from Luxx lashes are indeed very natural when applied properly.  I don't feel like I am wearing any lashes at all so these are perfect for long-wear without having to worry about chemical (lash glue) near your sensitive eyes.

If you have really sparse lashes and almost none on both edges of your eyes, I highly recommend to skip magnetic lashes and go for Liner lashes instead (will talk about them below.)  For someone who is very versed in lash application, I took longer time to try to connect the magnet on both ends of the falsies and many times, the magnet stuck together without having a real lash to attach to!  Because the magnet is quite strong (for a short strip), there were even times it pinched my eyelid!  *Ouch* 

The Body Shop Tea Tree All-In-One Stick Review

 

Hi everyone!

I missed writing after weeks has passed.  I've been so busy preparing for some makeup training workshops plus a few event attendance.  

I am excited to share my favorite The Body Shop Tea Tree range has expanded with a new baby called The Body Shop Tea Tree All-in-One Stick!

Before I talk about the new baby, I have tried the set of Tea Tree Facial Wash and Toner and love them all!  They work especially every month I tend to have a couple of pimples before the period starts.  Ever since I use this range, no pimples visible even during monthly period for the past 3 months!

With the addition of Tea Tree All-in-one stick, I have better armor/protection for mas wearing.  I'll teach you my trick further down below.  For now I'll give a detailed review about this product.  Feel free to comment and message me for any queries!

The Body Shop says ---

Refresh congested complexions in one swipe and live fearlessly all day with our Tea Tree All-In-One Stick.

This convenient, multi-tasking tool leaves skin looking clarified, mattified and feeling purified and hydrated. Our solid balm glides on and melts effortlessly into a weightless, cooling formula that absorbs in an instant to help comfort and refresh skin. This vegan, multi-functional stick can be used as part of your Tea Tree daily routine, as a base for makeup or as a top-up to keep your skin in check. It’s perfect for travel, festivals, weekends away or as a convenient gym bag essential.

Made with 95% ingredients of natural origin, including organically-grown, Community Fair Trade tea tree oil from Kenya and naturally-derived salicylic acid from wintergreen extract, this magic wand leaves uneven skin feeling smoother too. Yup. It does it all.

PeterThomas Roth Cucumber Exterme De-Tox Hydrator Gel Mask Review

 

When I started using skincare tools like Bear by FOREO, I have been looking for a "smoothening" hydrator or agent to help me "seal in moisture" after serum, toner, essence application.

I've been in love with Peter Thomas Roth's Hydra-Gel Patches so I've decided to try their Hydrator Gel Mask.  I tried searching online for reviews before I invest on this but I found not much information about this product.  

So if you are hoping to read something about this product before you take the plunge, I hope I can help you out!

Peter Thomas Roth says ---

This ultra-gentle gel helps soothe, hydrate and de-tox™ the look of skin with botanical extracts of Cucumber, Papaya, Chamomile, Pineapple, Sugar Maple, Sugarcane, Orange, Lemon, Bilberry and Aloe Vera. Excellent for helping to calm and soothe skin’s appearance skin after sun exposure, peels, waxing, facials and extractions.

AMW says ---

• With key ingredients cucumber extract, papaya extract and chamomile extract, this helps soothe, hydrate and keep skin moisturized all day long.
• Works even for sensitive skin.  No allergic reactions even without 24H test.
• Has cooking effect upon application.
• Skin glows immediately after use.
• When you read instructions, it was suggested to apply and leave for 10 minutes before washing the product off.  I prefer to leave it and gently massage until product gets absorbed into skin!  No wastage and skin is more hydrated than ever!
• Store in the fridge if you want a cooling mask.  This works to help depuff skin.
• Do not apply under the eye area, use a specific eye product for that or the Cucumber De-Tox Gel Patch.
• Best used 2-3 x a week.  My skin is normal now instead of dry/normal.
• Has a light gentle scent that is relaxing.

Overall, I am very happy with this product.  Instead of investing on face mask sheets, if you have very dry or dehydrated skin, this is another product to look for, it works better than all the mask sheets I've tried.  

Peter Thomas Roth is available locally at Lazada.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

BYS Cosmetics Han So Hee Lip Nectar Review

 

We all know Han So Hee as the irritating Mistress from "The World of Married" but in reality, she is a pretty Hallyu star with great acting skills!  She is effortlessly beautiful (no wonder she got the Mistress role).  Even with the negative characters she played, that doesn't stop brands from getting her as a face because of her unique beauty.

Han So Hee recently collaborated with BYS Cosmetics for their Lip Nectar (Php499.00).  Known as the easy-to-apply liquid lipstick with velvety-soft matte finish, I am impressed not only with the quality but also the shade choices!  They were created in mind for all skin tones.

There are a total of 8 shades in this collection, the shade names are after flowers - Blossom, Cherry, Tulip, Poppy, Rose, Dragonlily, Orchid and Poison Ivy.

After using these randomly on several occasions, here are my thoughts about these Lip Nectars:

• Very nice packaging and applicator.  Applicator is perfect to define lips or create blurred lips.
• Cute transparent tube, making it easy for me to know the shade without reading the shade names.
• No scent or weird taste.
• Does not dry lips.
• No flaky lips.
• Applies smoothly, texture is great!
• Consistency is thin and non-sticky.
• Transfers on face mask but a chunk is still left on lips.  Lasts around 4-5 hours with eating and drinking.  The color fades but still 50% stays.

Helix-D Eye Serum Review

I am a PRO-eye care.  I've mentioned in this blog (and in person to friends) so many times how important eye products are.  I have seen (myself) a photo of my eyes up close before using an eye product and after.  It may not be visible when you look at the overall face, having it zoom in close to the macro lenses can tell a different story.

I see lines disappeared - shorter!  Lessened by cm.

I see puffiness lessened.

I see how darkness were lessened too!

Truth be told, I should not be a proud reviewer because I sleep around 3am earliest every single day since my son started his summer vacation!  That said, the extra darkness on my eye area may be more visible these days than before.  But what is remain constant is my constant application of Helix-D eye serum every night - I said every night because I am so lazy to do eye care in the morning!  That is why it took me months (more than half a year) to finally put up a review on this product. 

For your information, I am already half way done with this product.  I have been using with my new RF wand and most of the time with my clean fingers.  I just started using this recently with the RF wand so I think the effect is NOT from the RF want yet but from the product itself.  Now let's start with my thoughts and if you should shell out more than Php3,000 for this eye product!

Helix-D Eye serum says ---

• Helps reduce the look of fine lines & crow's feet.
• Helps lighten the look of dark circles.
• Reduces and removes puffiness around the eyes.
• Supports collagen renewal.
• \Increases skin firmness and improves skin texture.
• Helps prevent the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.

AMW says ---

• Pump packaging so this is very hygienic.
• Clear packaging so you have an idea how much product is left.
• The texture is almost like water!  It starts with gel and goes to water-like form!

• Hydrates the  undereye area instantly and it gives a "brightened effect" due to the glossy finish.
• Works as a great makeup base!  Works well underneath concealers.
• Darkness lessened after 3 months usage (visible to the naked eye).
• Skin around the eyes felt tighter and firmer.
• Goes well with my skincare devices.
• No sting or eye irritations.
• The only downside I can say is how the pump is so hard to manage!  You get surprised with a whole blob of product coming out on a single pump!  I wish they do something to fix this!

Vaseline Lip Care Tube in Rosy

 

Even though I wear mask whenever I go out, I make it a point to wear hydrating lip products to keep my lips from getting dry and rough from the friction between lips and mask!  

The most problem people usually failed to notice!  Most concerns fall on skin - that explains maskne, but little does people realize, our lips are taking the most burden!

I was sent a couple of tubes of Vaseline Lip Care (Made in Korea!) and I took it on a side for a while as I have this personality of finishing up whatever I am currently using before opening a new one!

Finally, after more than 2 years into the pandemic, I gave this 100% Vaseline Jelly a try!  A well-known brand for lip care!  I tested this product and I am happy to announce that this surpasses my expectations!  

I knew Vaseline is good, well-trusted, but it is always NOT ENOUGH for my dry and parched lips!  Thankfully, this particular product offers more!

Vaseline Lip Care does not only hydrate my lips instantly upon application, it kept my lips looking moist and healthy throughout the day!  It is smooth, non-sticky, non-greasy and stays that way for longer time as compared to the old version!

Pixi +Rose Glow-y Powder review

 

Pixi has been doing well in terms of their star product Glow Tonic, Vitamin +C and even +Rose Colourtreats Collection.  I never doubt the brand as I used a couple of their skincare products and they always deliver.

When it comes to their makeup products, I am still unsure about the quality as I haven't tried much of them.  Thankfully, I was able to try the Pixi +Rose Glow-y Powder which is marketed as a silky-touch of Glow to brighten effortlessly!

Now before you start raising your brows as you stare on my photo and wonder: "Where is the blush?  Why can't I see it?"

I believe the Pixie +Rose Glow-y Powder is meant to be a skin/face enhancer rather than a blush color per se.  If you read the product description carefully, the product is expected to bring a veil of light, reflective sheen to complexion and is best used as blush, highlighter or eye shadow.  

Now, I like using this as a blush as I like subtle blush anyways!  But that does not stop me from using a big face brush and lightly dust the product all over my face and neck after base makeup application.  On days, I just skip powder and apply this on top of my concealer or BB creams.

A Purple Blush To Keep Your Cheeks Glowing!

 

"How to be fresh?"
"What is the best cheek color?"

I find these questions to be too broad to answer in just a single statement.  It's always: "It depends."

It depends on your skin color, your skin texture and what type of "look" you are aiming for.  If like me, you prefer fresh-looking skin with cheeks that looks naturally blushing?  Steer clear from the usual pinks and peach blush colors, why not shift your attention to lilac or purple blushes?

If you follow me on Instagram and watch my stories --- shameless plug!  Please follow me HERE! 
I've talked about doing gradient blush by using a lilac colored blush powder underneath before applying the usual shades we own!  Or most of the time, I use Lilac blush shade ALONE, that is why I hit the pan on my first lilac blush from Etude House.  Please click the link and check out the review because you can see before and after photos on how my cheeks glowed!

But if you want something more "neutral", less obvious, and natural, go for a deeper lilac blush from Laura Mercier which I recently discovered called Kir Royale.

Kir Royale is a matte deep almost plum shade rather than lilac.  This shade is perfect for cheek-lighter if you have deep complexion while it works as a nice blush for those with fair to medium complexion.

This blush from the brand are sheer yet buildable in formula.  The powder is very silky, smooth and easy to blend!  You can apply more depending on your liking with the use of brush, sponge or even your fingers!  

I also like the fact that it adheres to my skin almost immediately and it stayed until makeup removal.  There are a bit of disappearance especially on a humid weather but can be easily managed with a quick retouch!

Pretty Secret’s I Love Hue Lip & Cheek Velvet Cream Review

 

For Php104.00, you get a gorgeous  Lip and Cheek tint that works!  

The brand is from Pretty Secret and I’ve seen a couple of reviews online regarding this brand.  I originally thought this was best for teenagers or those college students but who would’ve thought I would find something I like from this brand?

Swatch: Summer Peach

Indeed a very summer shade

I applied on eyes, cheeks and lips and this was the effect.

Very youthful!

Becca Cosmetics Light Shifter Finishing Veil Review

 

I wear powder as base makeup more than anything else!  That said, I have hit the pan on a LOT of powdered foundation even during pandemic.  I like it that my skin feels fresh and less oily (on T-Zone) especially since I do a lot of household chores and have to go on Zoom meetings in between the day.

I recently discovered Becca Cosmetics Light Shifter Finishing Veil and I super love it!  Just take a look at this photo!  I look glowing even if my skin really isn’t!  

Becca Light Shifter FInishing Veil comes in a gorgeous silver compact with a mirror but unfortunately, without a powder puff so you have to apply this using your own puff or brush.  I prefer to use the latter as the effect is more natural. I am unsure about the shade options but I think it only comes in ONE shade as VEIL usually are very light in coverage and the effect is almost unseen.  On pan, the colr is more of a pale yellow (good for warm undertone).  But I believe cool undertone users can still use this like I said previously, the effect is very light working like a translucent powder.

If you are aiming for higher coverage base, this won’t make the cut, I almost do not see any coverage but what I see is the disappearance of excess OIL and a bit of BLURRING.  My skin looks more flawless and I like the “light shiting” powers —- look the subtle glow without the need for extra highlighting powder.

I am unsure if BECCA Cosmetics are still widely available.  Maybe you can check this out on 3rd party retailers but so far, catch them if you can!

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Do you prefer heavy coverage base makeup?

Or light and natural finish like this one from Becca?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!