Here’s a quick one before the regular run of posts. I bought these lovely boots at Payless a few days ago for 60% off at Php1176 and they fit PERFECTLY on that day and to think I’d been walking around the mall the whole day before fitting them. My feet are unpredictable though, two days after I bought them my feet expanded to a size 7 (geez and I’m not even pregnant) and these size 6 boots no longer fit me and they are non-exchangeable since they were a sale item. The finish is faux suede I believe and shine free which lessens any “costume-y” cowgirl side effects most girls fear they might get when wearing boots like these. They’re a loose leg fit and the sole has medium arch and ankle support. I like them, I’m thrilled with my size sevens, but now I have two pairs of boots.
To make a long story short I bought the size 7 boots in the same style and am now selling these size 6 boots for Php1180 (para la nang barya original price was Php2950) to anyone interested to cut my losses. I’ve only worn them 3x, once when I fit them at Payless shoe store and twice when I got home to check if they really fit. Any of you ladies interested? Sale offer within Metro Manila only. Payment possible via Paypal, bank deposit, or cash upon meetups within Makati or Alabang accepted, for Metro Manila delivery buyer pays minimum of Php60-70 shipping fee. Tweet me a DM at @blessmybag or email me at probinsiyana(at)gmail(dot)com. First come first serve.
OMIGAWRSH…I spotted their video announcement on YouTube and got super excited. I only ever got to buy 1 pair of Renegade Folk shoes and they happen to be my most favorite heels. Back then they were available at bazaars and they had a Multiply Store online which is no longer active but they’ve got a brand spanking NEW RenegadeFolk.com Website here! I’ve used my own pair so often ever since I got them. These are photos from my Samsung Galaxy S Android phone, I use the FREE app Camera 360 when taking mobile photos.
They’re not cheap but they’re not insanely expensive either considering how great their styles and shapes are. I think I scored this pair at a bazaar for about Php1800 or Php2000 2.5 years ago but they’ve lasted me so well and still look really great considering I’ve worn them to so many places. I discovered the brand at their Rockwell bazaar kiosk, bought those shoes and loved them then Renegade Folk disappeared for what looked like was forever, but now they’re back!!! Like them on Facebook, check their website, and watch their YouTube announcement in this video.
The heat is on! I’ve been wanting to do this post for a few days now, but the lazy summer mood got to me. One or two of these items are new but I’ve been using them practically everyday since I got it, and two of the items are almost empty.
1. Shikai Natural Color Care Shampoo – I picked this up at S&R, I forget now whether it was Fort or Alabang, but both outlets should have it. It’s about Php500 and I like that it’s a natural lathering, UV shielding color care formula with a light scent and with an ingredients list that isn’t as long as your leg. I’ll review it soon. They also have a normal variant for untreated hair.
2. Maybelline VolumExpress HyperCurl Waterproof Mascara – I’ve reviewed this na in the past and I’m liking it even more now. It’s a great ALL-AROUND mascara that holds curl, isn’t too gloopy, doesn’t clump and gives just the right of volume without smudging.
3. The Body Shop Banana Conditioner - I LOVE THIS. Basically, this is how good it is, it’s got that yummy tropical scent, if you like bananas and a bit of coconut, I don’t think there’s coconut but something in it smells similar. It’s made my color-treated hair feel like untreated healthy hair. So far I don’t get the “frizzy” dryness that usually accompanies colored hair and I’ve got bounce and shine. Bananas in Pajamas, gotta give it to ‘em. I use this every other day when shampooing. I don’t shampoo everyday to let my hair and scalp be themselves for a bit, chemical-free at least for a day in between and also to avoid unnecessary hair-fall. I’m also not a sweaty person so that’s not disgusting for me to have a non-shampoo day. They’re on sale 50% off until April 26.
4. BeFine Gentle Cleanser – I had to switch over my facial cleanser months ago because my face was suddenly mildly rejecting the Clean & Clear foaming glycerin facial wash I’ve loved for years. I think it just needed a break from unnatural chemicals. So I picked up this BeFine Gentle Cleanser from Beauty Bar, which isn’t cheap at Php900 for 100ml but it lasted me a LONG time (2-3months) because of its economical pump. It’s a paraben free, cruelty free cleanser made of mint, oats, rice and sugar. It took some getting used to because of the minty scent on the face when lathering up, a bit like the scent of a good minty toothpaste, but there’s no annoying menthol cooling feel, don’t worry. My skin feels light, refreshed and ready for a little moisturizer and I don’t get the annoying itch after.
Mom just got back from Phuket and Bangkok. I didn’t want to send a list over there with her even though she told me to give her one because it was a business trip and she hardly had any time, but last minute yesterday she texted that she’d be at the Duty Free (tax free shopping) area and she asked me what I wanted. I told her to choose from my pre-selection of 2 MAC brow pencils and a Studio Fix powder, a full coverage powder foundation. She got both in Bangkok, ‘coz in Duty Free Phuket there wasn’t a MAC store in sight, and she threw in a pair of the highly acclaimed long-wear gel eyeliners of Bobbi Brown as a surprise bonus from in-flight Duty Shopping on board Thai Airways.
CLOCKWISE: MAC Studio Fix Powder NC30 – Price in Bangkok: THB 1190.00, Php 1666.00, US$38 (Orig cost in the U.S. $27),
MAC automatic Brow Pencils “Lingering”, “Brunette” – Price for each Bangkok: THB 595.00, Php835, US$20 (Orig cost in the U.S. $15)
Bobbi Brown Long -wear Gel Eyeliner DUO SET “Black Ink” and “Sepia Ink” – Price on board Thai Airways : US$47 (Orig individual cost in the U.S. $22 each pot)
That Bobbi Brown bonus was exactly what I wanted to have and I didn’t even tell her that I secretly wanted that. The truth is I’VE NEVER OWNED ANYTHING BY BOBBI BROWN COSMETICS IN MY ENTIRE LIFE because the price always put me off and I could never part with that much money (by myself) for just one or two items. Moms are cool like that and duty free is the best way to go for luxe cosmetics. She probably remembered that I complimented a friend’s wife at a reception who claimed she was wearing Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner. I’m super excited to review these items for you. Happy Holy Thursday!
I plunged into The Body Shop at Shangri-La Plaza Mall last night before the Nuffnang Hunger Games premiere (more on that in a bit haha) realizing that I hadn’t bought anything for myself from The Body Shop in years…yes, years. The last thing I bought from them for myself was a pot of Strawberry Born Lippy balm bout 3 years ago, which I lost for awhile and found again with just a few more uses left at the bottom of the pot and because I sealed it tightly it didn’t go bad at all. They’ve got an ongoing sale till the end of March with some items marked down up to 50% off, like their world-famous Banana Conditioner (now with Community Trade Banana Puree), the all-time Body Shop bestseller which I happen to have never tried…till now. This Banana Conditioner is talked about wherever there is a Body Shop boutique and that’s in hundreds of stores globally, they sell like hotcakes. It regularly retails for about nearly Php600 but is now is marked down to under Php300.00 for 250ml of product until the end of March.
So how good is the Banana Conditioner? I was concerned I wouldn’t find as good a replacement for my lovely Davines Love Conditioner which is now completely gone (because it’s “wunnerful” but too expensive), now I have. It’s moisturizing but not heavy on the hair, I think that’s what makes it a winner, it imparts very believable (non-siliconey) softness and shine, the smoothness doesn’t feel synthetic. The texture of the product isn’t as thick as the Davines Love Conditioner but it isn’t too runny either.
I grew up with The Body Shop brand, one of my first ever teen makeup items was their blood red, liquid lip and cheek tints (I went through 2 or 3 tubes), that was the only makeup item I was freely allowed to wear well into college then I graduated to mascara. Mom didn’t want me concerning myself with regular makeup other than lip balm/tints until my last year in high school or even heels till my junior and senior years. I could play with my makeup gifts (I had lots of Clinique and Estee Lauder samples) on our makeup holidays but otherwise she had a quick eye and kept my face in check so I was never unnecessarily overdone, one or two times I was asked to wash some off and reset if I primped myself too much. She never wanted me to look older than how old I really was. I guess it paid off, because she’s not checking anymore and I still look young, hahaha! I appreciated that maternal consciousness though, even my friend Charlotte of Lipglossiping, one of UK’s top bloggers says she tells her daughter Leila that mommy’s makeup helps in becoming more colorful, not in becoming more beautiful, and she refers to her makeup with Leila as “mommy’s colors”.
I’ve used the Banana Conditioner today and I truly believe I’ve found my Davines substitute in this Banana Conditioner and I think I ought to get another 2 bottles for myself before the March sale ends because gee, it’s been around forever why’d I only try it now?! I was hoping the Watson’s Pure Beauty Treatment Conditioner would be my substitute for the Davines, it was very good but it fell short for me in the more natural type of softness and volume boost departments. The summery, tropical smell of bananas tipped with vanilla (that’s what it smells like) is very, very, very yummy but not heady or intoxicating. It might make someone want to kiss your head and sniff in the process. I also got myself a Chocomania set (new arrival) and Strawberry Body Butter at the sale. If you’ve been thinking of paying any Body Shop boutique a visit, the best time actually would be now. They are also currently qualifying people for reward card memberships with a minimum purchase amount, I made sure I got mine.
♥ Earn rewards on your purchases – ♥ 5 points for every Php100 spent ♥ Bonus rewards of at least Php120.00 voucher for every Php2700 spent.
♥ Divine Discounts – exclusive to members
♥ Invitations to member-only events
♥ Be the first to know about the latest news and product launches
♥ A special birthday treat – one time 20% discount on regular priced products during your birthday month
If you spend a minimum of Php1,500.00 at the sale you qualify for a Body Shop members’ rewards card. What’s pretty cool is aside from the other privileges you also get a one-time 20% discount during your birthday month. My birthday is forthcoming next month, yey! As for my Banana Conditioner…I need to stock up for now.
StrawberryNET Online Discount Cosmetic shoppingwith Free Worldwide Shipping from Hong Kong relieves my frustration as a local beauty blogger who often can’t get certain imported items here from the limited brand counter selections available. I’ve blogged about StrawberryNET several times and nearly each announcement of a new sale never fails to bring me to the site to check out what’s up for grabs. I don’t always walk away with a purchase, but I like being in the know almost all the time.
What makes StrawberryNET special for me is the rotation of discounted luxury cosmetics, constant promos, and the quality and speed with which they dispatch orders (I usually receive mine within 2 weeks from the purchase). On top of that, every purchase increases your chances of getting an added loyalty discount on top of your discounted purchase.
What’s still pretty new with StrawberryNet is their online app for iPhone and Android smartphone users. It’s convenient and right at your fingertips and you can even track the dispatch and processing of a purchase you’ve made using the app. Check out StrawberryNET and see what’s on and affordable for you at the moment! Here are their upcoming promos for the remainder of March 2012. I just made my 7th purchase ever from StrawberryNET and I’ll be sharing here what items I got when they arrive in a few weeks! Am sooo excited…
Quick summer deal for you! You know I love Majolica Majorca’s Lash Expander frame mascara which I’ve already reviewed in the past. Beginning today, they’re having a buy 1 take 1 limited promo on the blue black formula! Yea, yea I know why couldn’t it have been the black one but hey, for you makeup artists out there it’s always good to have a high quality blue mascara in your kit for those artistic looks. For Php795.00 you get two blue black mascaras instead of just one!
March is here, school’s almost out (feeling young) and it’s time to say hello to those upcoming spring/summer collections that people like me cough* have actually been talking about since the ‘Ber months up till January. Shu Uemura PH has begun their Beauty Visa promo, all you have to do is Like the Shu Uemura PH Facebook Page and like this image on their wall then print it out.
This voucher when printed out provides the bearer with:
1. A 10% discount off the spring/summer Celestial Garden collections and all Shu Uemura cleansing oils.
2. Access to special treatments and makeovers at Shu Uemura boutiques and counters.
*valid only in the Philippines
“For consultation, make-over, and/or eyebrow styling, you may call 8978575 for Rockwell or 8133739 for Rustan’s Makati… you may also visit our temporary kiosks in Trinoma (Ground Flr, Mindanao Wing) and Ayala Alabang Town Center (Ground Floor, new Ther Garden Wing) and avail of these services on a first come first serve basis! ”
Before I close the day with the “mushy” serious post let’s open the window for fun beauty bits first. It’s widely known that men rarely give a slew of beauty products to their sweeties on Valentine’s Day. Exclude my Dad on several occasions though, he loves perfume and knows how to pick makeup bases for mom just by remembering her face and pointing out “which one” at the counter. It’s primarily because lots of men are quite clueless when it comes to beauty and they’d rather not risk wasting money and looking stupid if they purchase the wrong thing. At most, they’ll lean towards a fragrance she’s mentioned 100 times in her sleep or a bath and body gift set. If my imaginary guy were extra thoughtful he would have scanned my blog weeks in advance, jotted down a list then enlisted my girlfriends to track down the items ergo perfect man. This time though I posted no wishlist in advance, since I have no expectations. I’ve thought up a sort of fantastical gift box, or rather 3 donut boxes (wait for it), the contents of which are obviously fantasy because of the price tags of some items.
I thought of doing a “collage” (a cut and paste flat mish mash of photos) but since I miss compositing a lot from my former job as a visual effects artist I thought well why not make it somewhat imperfect but believable? I gathered several photos from the internet, most from general sites, whatever Google brought up first, and some from a few blogs which I will credit of course at the bottom of the post. The Krispy Kreme box background are not from a photograph, they’re 3D models rendered as a still. Then I chopped all elements up, cleaned, erased, and skewed them into proper perspective, adjusted the lighting and color for some to fit the photo. I thought of a funny story to go with it, like my “boyfriend”, “fiancee”, or “husband” teases me that he’d rather stuff me fat with Krispy Kreme donuts on VDay hence presenting me with 3 donut boxes to which I heartily protest but then SURPRISE they open up to reveal every single thing I’m actually eyeing right now, all except my own horse, which wouldn’t fit. This was fun, twas a lot of “work” but really fun for me, I think I’ll make more of these imaginary hauls . They’re safer and more practical than real ones . Happy Vee Day everyone ♥
Here, before you, lie the products I’ve consumed or almost consumed to the end. It seemed only fitting to present them to you at the end of January. Nothing else ultimately proves that you truly, truly like a product that works for you than when you’ve hit pan or nearly squeezed out the last drop.
Itemized by number, reviewed items in bold links, descriptions below:
1. This Japanese cake foundation helped make me more photogenic and natural plus the cream base finish was soft and touchable, W-I-N, with compact about SG$29 (Watsons, SG).
2. A bright lemon citrus and sugary mix blended into the enticing scent of Absinthe, I like using this scrub on my feet, cost US$3.50
3.Found it in the side pocket of my bag from 1.5 yrs ago, tightly sealed but still okay, it was almost gone na rin, bout Php275, hydrates lips and brightens your day with a true sweetened strawberry scent.
4. This 2-way foundation compact provides great quick full coverage for everyday and oily skin, a refill costs Php800 at Watsons.
5.Got this off ebay for bout US $6. People have mixed feelings bout this mascara but Regine Velasquez (saw a photo of her applying it on her wedding day), MUA Cherry Pacheco (saw it in her kit), and I like it very much. I’m not fond of the wand, but this waterproof variant holds a curl really well and doesn’t give me spidery lashes. I think it’s the non-waterproof formula (green&pink) that sucks. 6. It’s our local equivalent of the super longwearing Avon Supershockgel eye pencil. It’s a true black that makes tight-lining eyes easy and is not painful to use on the lower waterline Php300 each, around Php450 for a set of 2.
7. I used this brown ELF eyeliner a lot not for my eyes but for my brows, it’s a great ashy brown that isn’t warm. Kind of like MAC Lingering or Brunette but for only about Php60.00.
8. I won’t be without this unless I don’t have the budget to top up (like right now). It’s the no makeup makeup base I brought around with me a lot and it looks PERFECT on me when at the beach or at an outdoor activity.
9. Hands down, my favorite hand spray because it doesn’t spritz, it sounds like this “FFFFFFFFFT!” and shoots a super fine mist, by Splash Corp. I don’t like the feel of alcogel and I like it when makeup clients can obviously see and SMELL that I’m disinfecting my hands, an alcohol spray that smells better than regular alcohol. Php30.00 for Php55ml and theres a smaller one for Php25 at almost all leading drugstores.
10. Made in Japan, I got my travel size one with conditioner from a convenience store in Singapore. I love Shiseido shampoos, mom got their Moist hydrating one in dark blue. This one I used out of town and when my hair needed a mild shampoo to reset. Floral Green is such a pretty scent, my best friend Alma used some of it when we were at the beach and she told me it smelled so wonderful in the shower.
11. I received sad news about this miracle exfoliating cream of mine…a friend said they were going to phase this out Sigh, some good things must come to an end, I hope Jurlique replaces it with an equally good product.
12. I scored a really good deal off Ebay on this Embryolisse Lait Creme, I got this and it came in a duo pack with a travel size one that I gave away last year. At first I didn’t like it, I thought it was too rich for my skin in a humid climate like ours, but then I changed how I used it. I applied it at night then went to bed and woke up with the most amazing supple and soft skin. It takes awhile to absorb and obviously works amazingly well as a night cream. It also appeals to me because it gently smells of Jasmine and light milk.
Coming soon, my daily favorites for the month of January 2012
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Sigh, some good things must come to an end, I hope Jurlique replaces it with an equally good product.
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