It's very obvious how addicted I am to lipstick and I don't discriminate, less expensive or not, I wish I could try them all. Because I think in trying, that's when you see the value of a certain thing. That's why I feel blessed that I get to try different products in the course of this blogging journey.
It didn't take long for me to test the new Majolica Majorca loot I got. I was nearly drooling over the cute fancy packaging that at first, I refuse to use it... but of course, like a kid with a new toy, I can't help but play with it immediately.
I'm not sure if you noticed but I hardly blog about Asian cosmetics. It's because I get sort of intimidated but the doll-like features of their model, the very fair skin, no pores and really lovable doe-eyes... it's so not me. :) But I got the Majolica Majorca products, I didn't imagine how much I was missing out on!
I'm not sure if you noticed but I hardly blog about Asian cosmetics. It's because I get sort of intimidated but the doll-like features of their model, the very fair skin, no pores and really lovable doe-eyes... it's so not me. :) But I got the Majolica Majorca products, I didn't imagine how much I was missing out on!
I'm sure you're familiar with the famous Iphone App Angry Birds! :) Here's a spoof movie that had me laughing out loud. :)
If I were a fashion editor, I would make a spread devoting it to the store of the newly revamped-under-new-management Chocolate Clothing Co. When I was in college, which wasn't so long ago really, Chocolate (as we fondly call it) is one place I always frequent. Not so much to buy since I really can't afford anything in the store with my college allowance, but to admire every piece and to someday find a way that I could finally get myself something from this fabulous store...
And I think that day came when I got an invite to launch of Chocolate Clothing Co. under a new management. Apparently, many people doesn't know that this fab store is Filipino-owned and most of the clothes sold (aside from those with foreign brands) are actually made here in the Philippines! I didn't know know that but what a sweet surprise, right? All this time I though it's an international brand. Hehehe!
Too bad I got an Iphone 4! I could have grabbed a Nokia C7 and got myself a chance a win a PHP50,000.00 worth of shopping spree at Rustan's Department Store.
But you guys, definitely do!! :) Buy one (1) Nokia C7 from March 11, 2011 to May 12, 2011 at Nokia stores and other participating stores stated in the mechanics.
Five (5) winners every six (6) weeks will have a chance to win the Php50,000.00 shopping spree!!! That's 5 chances of winning!!
Visit Nokia C7 Stylemania website for the draw dates, qualifications, mechanics and other important details.
Like the legend of Majolica Majorca, it felt as if I'm that bird who doned herself with feathers she gathered to look and feel beautiful. But instead of feathers, it's with makeup. Suffice to say that I've always felt like an ugly duckling ever since I was young. I was always last to get picked by my teachers, my classmates were a lot more immaculately pretty and finesse. I never really had any talent to be proud of. I was always awkward and clumsy. I talked with a high pitch voice that irritates people, I had very low esteem and I tried to block that off by being loud and sometimes, obnoxious. I was scared of people judging me. I would have a hard time sleeping whenever my teachers would say that I needed to improve myself because I was really giving my best.
School was pretty tough for me and being an outcast with only little few friends who understood medidn't really make school a good experience for me. Not to mention that my mom was the only one taking care of me and she was more at work in order to pay the bills. All my life, it felt as if I survived all the bullying and low self-esteem on my own.
But when I discovered that I had a knack in making nice gold accessories that makes me feel good and then transitioning to makeup and learning how to use it, it's as if I was home. With makeup, I felt that I could make myself into a person I've always wanted to become, a beautiful confident girl. And all fell into place after that. It felt as if the Goddess of Beauty tapped her wand at me, uttered the words "Majolica Majorca!", and gave me not only a permanent beauty that only with a good heart could be seen but also gave me a confident that even the hardest trial cannot waver.
Looking at the box of goodies as I opened the Majolica Majorca Philippines gave me, it felt as if the Goddess of Beauty gave me more tools to make sure that not only am I beautiful and confident but very very happy as well.
Expect Majolica Majorca reviews here on Shen's Addiction. Journey with me to a beauty enchantment that only Majolica Majorca can make.
P.S. What do you want me to review first?
Oh! Just reminding you guys that the 2nd week of the 3rd Anniversarry contest is coming up! Make sure your entries are sent in order to win amazing prizes!! :)
click me! |
oh, and if you could.. please vote for me and Jheng at the Pond's Unbeaten Whitening Experience. Just click the like button to vote! :)
To check out our Pond's Flawless White Experience, visit us through this link. <--click!
To check out our Pond's Flawless White Experience, visit us through this link. <--click!
Temptalia gave a sneak peek of what's new for 2011 for Urban Decay. But aside from the makeup remover, baked bronzers and the hint of a palette on the top right part, I was excited to see Urban Decay Primer in TUBES!!! Finally! After 3 years, we no longer have to slice open our UDPP's and we can now be sure that we get to the very last squeeze of it to protect our eye makeup from creasing.
It's in a similar packaging as their Complexion Primer Potion, which I tell you is a lot easier to use. Definitely more hygienic, too. What I love? No fear of losing the cap since you only need to twist the silver part like what you do with Elmer's glue and Viola! You get the amount of product you need! :) Neat, right?
Too bad, I have 2 more UDPP's here to finish. Lol!
photo courtesy of Temptalia. Link here. Thank you!
So, are you excited about the new Urban Decay Primer Potion packaging?
Another hat that Bianca Valerio chose to done this year is being the Chief Makeup Artist for Colour Collection. I remember my short interview with her during the Press Launch of her Lifestyle channel show, FASH, that she gave up a few opportunities to pursue formal schooling in makeup artistry abroad. And she told me that with the advise of her father, she should follow whatever her heart's desire is. Because things that are truly meant for you, will have a way of finding you in the end.
I sincerely appreciate your enthusiasm in joining my contest!! :) More prizes are in store, i promise you!! As in! Making me envy y'all!!
But please remember to like the Manila FB Representatives of the our Sponsors unless specified otherwise. :) I provided the links at the sponsor page, so just click them and you'll be directed to their websites. :)
and on that note...
Kiehl's have an announcement! :)
But please remember to like the Manila FB Representatives of the our Sponsors unless specified otherwise. :) I provided the links at the sponsor page, so just click them and you'll be directed to their websites. :)
and on that note...
Kiehl's have an announcement! :)
Missing out on Kiehl's Manila news? Like Kiehl's Manila now (remember: it has to be “Manila”!) for news and activities specific to the Philippines. Other Kiehl’s pages will give you other countries’ news. Join the fun and be in the loop with Kiehl's Manila :)
Like Kiehl's Manila, now! :)
When I got the invite to see what Cozy Nail Lounge had in store, I was surprise to know that brains behind this nail spa is the one behind the most popular waxing salon in the Metro, Lay Bare. Michelle offered me an afternoon of Cozy Nail Lounge Manicure with upgraded Papaya Rice Scrub and the famous Mojito Foot Scrub Package. How princess-y did I feel? A lot!
Congratulations to the first week winners!!
- Chelle Belle - Sakura Bella Gift
- Daea Elbor - Avon Gift Pack
- Ivy Tiongco - Neutrogena Fine Fairness Line
- Margareth Tan - Gift pack from L'oreal Philippines
*prizes are randomly chosen.
I will email you for your available schedule for pick up or shipment if you live oustide MM.
If you're reading this and want a chance to win, please join!!
Click here to be directed to contest page! :)
I've always been curious of Curves Circuit place at Serendra. I even tried to apply once but laziness got the best of me and decided not to pursue it. But I got excited when I received an e-mail that Curves now integrated Zumba into their circuit training. Zumba is a latin-inspired dance routine that has been earning raves all over the world and has a good rate of making people shed pounds.
I, myself, have tried Zumba and it's really a good exercise. It's fun, exciting and it allows me to dance while I get to work all the muscles I need to. I love the energy of Zumba, it's really an amazing workout. It would probably make Circuit training a lot more fun and losing weight easier.
So, if you're the type who's not afraid to try something new or just want an exercise that doesn't take too much time maybe Curves Circuit with Zumba.
Who know, we might bump into each other there, too!
I know I hardly put any gadget-related stuff in here but that's cause I'm keeping myself from hauling them for it can get so expensive... but that doesn't make me love them less. :) Oh boy, it doesn't. I actually would want to haul on gadgets rather than on makeup (probably just to balance the ratio between them).
But if someone gives a gadget or any gadget-related stuff to me, who am I not to share it with you, right? Imagine me smiling from ear to ear when I received this chic black and pink Golla mobile pouch from the Golla distributor in the Philippines!
I was extremely having a bad week (due to lack of savings and such) and this cute little thing came knocking at my door! Oh what a delight! :) What a perfection this thing really is!
But if someone gives a gadget or any gadget-related stuff to me, who am I not to share it with you, right? Imagine me smiling from ear to ear when I received this chic black and pink Golla mobile pouch from the Golla distributor in the Philippines!
I was extremely having a bad week (due to lack of savings and such) and this cute little thing came knocking at my door! Oh what a delight! :) What a perfection this thing really is!
Another FOTD and a bit of review! :) Can you believe I wore smokey silver and black for mass? I did! The church we go to is quite strict and I wasn't sure if I would be allowed to go inside the church with a silvery smokey look. Thankfully nobody stopped me. I was just really excited to use my The Body Shop Brush with Fashion A La Mode Limited Collection For Eyes Palette. It's a smokey palette with a ballerina pink on it and it's the best party eye shadow palette.
There are just too many products out there. Yes, there are too much that I myself ultimately find it overwhelming. What I suggest is that you do these few things before getting into so much trouble (be it financially or physically).
1. Don't fall immediately for ads
Not that I don't do this myself since I have a thing about beautiful photos, celebrities, tag lines and presentations. You may take interest in it but don't immediately rush out of the house after seeing one commercial or a page in magazine (even when you see them featured on blogs).
2. Read reviews
Reviews come in many ways. Ask friends if they have used the brand or if they are thinking of using it or even remotely interested in it, too. Before I started this blog and also reading blogs, I rely on my friends and family before I actually buy something. I remember seeing my sister in law school and an aunt using the The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Tint before I bought one. That's because I saw how easy they applied it (and my aunt let me borrow hers) and I saw really good results.
Beauty blogs are a great source of review. I, a very very devoted, straight to the core beauty blogger who take this job very seriously. Read blogs that you feel best represent your needs. Ask questions like: Does she suffer from acne? does she have oily face? is she sensitive? did she do a thorough review of the product? Bloggers are just normal people who gets to try stuff and write about it. You can most likely relate by what they post but remember that like your friends, you and the blogger may have different reactions to a certain brand.
So, please do more research, not just blogs but also clinical tests and trials done using the brand you want to try.
3. Check with a dermatologist.
I can never never never stress this enough. But try, I will! If you have allergies, please check with your doctor before trying mass produced products. I know many can easily breakout with a product but it's just probably not the right time for you to use it. You are probably too young or your skin is not prepped enough or simply, you failed to follow instructions. Talk to a dermatologist before trying to self-diagnose yourself. The product that the magazines, commercials and beauty bloggers are featuring is probably something that you should try but only if you've dealt with your current skin issues.
I am a very good example of this. My skin is full of impurities that trying products only causes them to clog my pores. It's not that the product didn't work but I just needed to have my acne, blackheads and whiteheads surgincally extracted for the product to work. Once I've visited my dermatologist and kept my skin cared by her, I am free to try products without being entirely paranoid about it.
4. Ask for samples
Saving is very important these days and let's face it, beauty stuff doesn't always come cheap. Asking for samples and doing patch tests is one way not to waste your money and save your skin. It's been a practice for many brands to hand out samples at their booths, through magazines or through promos. You can even call their hotlines directly to ask for a sample.
5. DO Skin Patch Test!!
Please please try to do skin patch test before trying any skin care brand, ointments, peeling solutions, etc.
When I entered the Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge, we were tasked to do a skin patch test using as sample pot of the day and night cream before we take on the challenge. I was determined to be sure that this will work for me.
Where to do skin patch test?
- Inside of your arm
- Inside of your wrist
- Behind the ears
I did all of this before taking on this challenge. Actually, every blogger and their friends did this. But I did this the evening we got the samples, the morning after and then the evening again. Just to be sure since I don't want to worry about skin reactions and dealing with pimples AGAIN!
6. READ LABELS and FINE PRINTS
If you have an idea with the products that you're allergic to, reading labels, ingredients and fine prints is one way for you to avoid a product or stop using it. It's very simple but even I don't do this often. We must promise to practice this.
7. Start from the generic or affordable stuff before buying expensive ones.
Bianca Valerio, host of F.A.S.H. and now head makeup artist for Colour Collection, stressed this when we joined her in an intimate lunch. A stickler in saving (for her kid's college fund and well, shoes) she knows money doesn't grow on trees. She advised that trying on a very affordable liner and seeing if it works makes her not want to buy expensive ones. Make sense, right? Why waste money on expensive brands when cheap brands do the job?
8. NEVER HOARD!
Learn from my mistakes! Once you found a product that works for you (be it skin care or makeup), don't buy 2 or more of it! Unless it's a Buy One Take One! I believe that our body tends to plateau in just about anything. A product would cease to work on you for a time. Then, what would you do with the rest of those things gathering dust in your drawer? It's sad fate for many women, but we must overcome this. Buy them only if you're three-fourths through it and have not considered trying other brands.
-o-
As a beauty blogger, there's only so much we can do in sharing what we know and our reviews can only say what we experienced about a certain product. :) I hope you find this post useful and may this guide you in finding the right product for you!!
As you all know, me and a few beauty, fashion and lifetyle bloggers are taking the Pond's Unbeaten Whitening Challenge.
In this challenge we are task to use Pond's Flawless White Skin Care range and nothing else!
From facial wash to night cream, it's purely Pond's. And all of that will be documented by my dear very influential friend, Jheng Santos-Baluyot. I'm sure you know her a lot more than me, she's the girl behind IamBrigitte.com.
On the Pond's Website, you'll see her posts on our Pond's Flawless White experiences for the days to come.
Okay, here it is... I'm asking if you could like our page. :)
Pretty please? With cherry on top?
Lots of stuff to be given away on my Anniversary contest!!
Please join now!
I've always considered me and Jheng aka Brigitte/Iamsutil like two peas in a pod. Quite the sisters from a different mother. We love and fight like sisters, too! That's why when Pond's asked us to bring a friend for the Pond's Flawless White Challenge.. Jheng and I immediately thought to team up! Why wouldn't we? We both love anything beauty-related and we practically think alike!
Pepper Lunch, 2008 |
Pond's Event with the Usual Suspects, 2008 |
Pond's Event, 2008 |
Carl's Jr, 2008 (majorly goofing around!) |
MAC Counter, 2008 (eager anticipating the end result!) |
Event, 2009 (with the Usual Suspects) |
Ice Watch Event, 2010 (with the Usual Suspects) |
Trying the Pond's Flawless White skin care was really a feat for us both since we're known to use quite expensive skin care brands and dermatologist prescribed regimen forwe both suffer from acne and pigmentation. Not to mention the anti-aging and eye creams that seriously puts a dent in our pockets.
But all those things flew right out off the window when we both decided to exclusively use Pond's Flawless White. We took on the challenge using only this brand of skin care to see if Flawless White is indeed the Unbeaten Whitening product!
Did we have the Beauty Blogger's Dilemma? Of course we did! Trying something new is always hard. You're unsure of what's going to happen. And like in life, we tend to stay with the familiar. But being a devoted beauty blogger (taking my cue from Jheng), here I am wading through uncharted waters. Thankfully, with a friend beside me.
So... how exactly did our challenge go?
We're on our first week and I still want to keep you guys excited... Let's just say that it's been really fun, especially when you get to share it with a friend who knows you inside and out! I love how it feels like Jheng and I are doing a science experiment! You should hear us talk about the variants!
Our detailed (expect comedic) experiences with Pond's Flawless White will be uploaded on Pond's Website. :) There, we will tell you how Pond's Flawless White reacted with our skin and how it could be with yours. :)
I do hope that you guys will support us!! :)
I do hope that you guys will support us!! :)
Finally! The day has come!! It's Shen's Addiction's Third Anniversary!! :)
I certainly didn't think it possible that I'd be able to accomplish again another giveaway like the ones from before and yet, here it is. Blessings just kept on pouring that the trials that hardly matters. Now, it's high time I share those blessings to all of you who have supported me for the past three years. I'm so very happy that I get to do this again!!
Without further ado! Here it is!
For a chance to win some fabulous prizes from brands like ....
Pond's, Bobbi Brown, Avon, Kiehl's, Ellana, The Body Shop, Kerastase, Neautrogena, House of Obagi, Revlon, Sakura Bella, One Naturales, Clinelle, Maybelline, L'oreal Paris, L'oreal Professionel, Myra and more!!!...
all you have to do is do follow the Mechanics below.. (read the rest of the post for a surprise!)
Are you ready?
Mechanics:
PART I:
PART I:
1. *Subscribe via E-mail --> Click here. Please don't forget to activate your e-mail subscription! :) And please don't unsubscribe once this contest is finish. :)
2. **Follow me via Google Friend Connect if you have one.
3. Please like Shen's Addiction Facebook Page (facebook.com/shensaddictionpage) and share this contest! :) (share button is above. thank you!) (please provide link)
4. Please follow me on Twitter (twitter.com/shensaddiction) and please retweet this contest! (retweet button above! thank you!) (please provide link!)
5. Please re-blog or post this contest and share them to your readers!! If you don't have a blog, place them on your Facebook Note! :)
6. Email me at shenscontest@gmail.com that you've completed no.'s 1-5! :)example:
1. Subscribed (my email is janedoe@gmail.com)
2. Followed at google connect (username: janedoe)
3. Liked you on FB (name: Jane Doe) and Shared it on my page! link here _____
4. Followed you on Twitter (@janedoe) and retweeted it! link here _____
5. Posted this contest to my blog! (link: janedoe.com/shens-contest)
7. Comment below that you joined and the email you used and Tell me what brand of cosmetics/skin care/beauty gadgets you'd like me to feature on my blog! :)
example:
Hi Shen! I joined your contest and emailed you my contest entries ( janedoe(at)gmail(dot)com ). I would like you to feature more Ellana products!!
PART II:
WAIT! THERE'S MORE!!
Want more chances to win? Gain more entries by doing the following!!
1. Via our generous sponsors:
Our sponsors have Facebook pages. Like or Add them please. To gain an entry, share their pages on your Facebook page/account (along with requirements above, email the links to me!).
ONE ENTRY for every sponsor Liked/Added and Shared! (imagine if you shared them all! so many entries!)
You can find our sponsors on the sidebar! :) ---->
I'll be adding a few more in the next few days!! :)
2. Please grab my Blog Badge (found below or the side bar). Just copy/paste them on to your "HTML gadget". Adding this on your sidebar will gain you ONE ENTRY!
<center><a href="http://shensaddiction.com"><img src="http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g142/leeshengee/wheretoomuchisjustrighcopy-1.jpg"/></a></center>
If you have done the above-mentioned additional ways to earn entries, please add the links and website(s) of the blog where the badge was installed along with the email to the main mechanics.
example:
1. Subscribed (my email is janedoe@gmail.com)
2. Followed at google connect (username: janedoe)
3. Liked you on FB (name: Jane Doe) and Shared it on my page! link here _____
4. Followed you on Twitter (@janedoe) and retweeted it! link here _____
5. Posted this contest to my blog! (link: janedoe.com/shens-contest)
I want more chances to win:
Added and shared the following sponsors:
Ponds: (link)
House of Obagi: (link)
Goodskin Labs: (link)
Your blog badge is now on my blog (link)
How I will compute your contest entries:
Jane Doe: 1 completed PART I + 3 liked/shared sponsor entries + 1 Blog Badge entry = 5 entries
(I will then proceed to include 5 Jane Doe names on the raffle)
Weekly Announcement of Winners
March 23: First batch of winners
March 30: Second batch of winners
April 6: Third batch of winners
April 13: Fourth batch of winners
It is only fair to everyone that if you already won, you can't win again on the succeeding week to give others a chance to win, too! :) All's fair for the love of beauty, Pretties!
Winners will be randomly picked via random.org. :)
I will contact the winner via e-mail. Winners have 30 days to reply with the needed information of claiming the prizes. No reply within the said period, the winnings are forfeited.
Contest Duration:
March 16 to April 13, 2011
I know it's a bit tedious. :) But I tell you, everything is worth it!
There are tons of prizes to be won and you'll enjoy them, I'm sure! :)
So, goodluck to those who will join!! I can't wait to receive your entries!!
Open only to Philippine Residents
Sorry, dear readers abroad. But due to the problems I encoutered in my last giveaway with the postal service. I have to refrain shipping abroad. :(
Open only to Philippine Residents
Sorry, dear readers abroad. But due to the problems I encoutered in my last giveaway with the postal service. I have to refrain shipping abroad. :(
*Only activated e-mails will be honored to be fair to everyone! And it's only when your e-mail is activated can you receive e-mail updates for my posts. :)
**Google Friend Connect is also the same as the previous follow button of Blogspot. If you are already following me, please indicate your username or blog name.
I whipped out my favorite nude lipstick again, revived my Smashbox eye palette and swiped the new Maybelline mascara along my lashes to create a very subtle but day appropriate look.
This Face of the Day (Thursday to be precise), is a very simple look that can be achieved by anything you have at your vanity kit. Really, no kidding. :)Three eyeshadows and you're done!
For the eye makeup, use any silky coral eyeshadow and dust it all over your lids. Then define your outer crease with a taupe or brown eyeshadow. With a frost beige eyeshadow, swipe it along your browbone to lift your eyes. Define your eyes with an eyeliner and swipe mascara liberally to accentuate your lashes.
Make your own Nude Lipcolor
For your lips, apply a bit of your foundation or concealer and mix it with any pink or peach lipstick until you find your desired nude share. Apply with a lip brush. To avoid looking too washed out, apply a soft pink lipgloss to give it a little bit of dimension.
Face:
Goodskin Labs Smooth 365
Goodskin Labs Smooth 365
Make Up Forever HD Foundation (120)
Beauty and Minerals Concealer Foundation (Caroline)
MAC Bronzing Powder (Refined Golden)
Ellana Mineral Blush (Intimate)
Eyes:
Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
Wet n Wild Gel Liner
Maybelline Extreme Lash Stiletto
ModelCo Eyebrowz Designer Brow Kit
Lips:
MAC Lipstick (Peachstock)
Smashbox Lip Brilliance (Perfect Pout)
I've gotten some attention on my lashes and that's because of the Maybelline Lash Extreme. It really lives up to it name. :) Will post review on it soon!
So what do you think of this look? Would you consider trying on a very pale bronzey look? Pinays are really going to for the extremes in lip colors and I can't blame them. It's fun to play around with lip colors! :)
Two more days and it's my blog's third anniversary!! How time flies! There's a lot of prizes that will be raffled off.. please do join!! :)
Consider me excited but in just three days, this blog is turning 3 years old! I wish I have words to say right now but as I write my post for the 16th, I barely have words to express my sincerest gratitude to all your support. This blog has grown in a way that I couldn't have ever imagined!
And with that of course, I share again my blessings!! Every year, I try to make Shen's Addiction Anniversary Contest as enjoyable for everyone else. This year is going to be really really fun! I have gathered a lot of prizes for all of you!
Just to give you a sneak peek (I'm expecting a few more)... here's a photo of prizes you could win!
Promod just launched their Denim Bar which consist of their very well-made, stylish, comfortable jeans! I'm quite apprehensive when it comes to jeans. I really am. It makes me feel a lot smaller and I do hate those unsightly muffin top. I am very conscious whenever I wear jeans and that's then reason why I scarcely wear them.
Great thing that Promod have a great selection of jeans!! How did I know? Aside from owning a pair myself, Teeyah and I went ahead and tried the denims (thanks to Louie for encouraging us!). Teeyah had her eyes set on a gray jeans while I took whatever the SA recommended me. It was a surprise to know that I am a medium at Promod! Elaine of OK! Magazine fitted the gray one as well and after seeing her and Teeyah in it, I immediately grabbed one as well! Talk about, denim-envy. lol!
As promised, here's my Ilog Maria Bee Farm haul. Although I wanted to haul more of the beauty products, as you can see, I didn't. I've known for a long time the wonderful benefits that honey have to our body and I really want to focus on that first. After all, if we're beautiful on the inside, it will radiant in our skin. And I can't justify buying too much soaps and skin care when I have trunk full at home. See, I'm controlling my spending habits!
Propolis Liquid Soap |
First on my haul is the Ilog Maria Honey Propolis Liquid soap. hoeny is such a natural resin and it assures me that what touches my skin when bathing is all Mother Nature. I love this a lot because it rivals all my other bath liquid soaps when it comes to the lathering and the scent. I love the spa-feel of this and how well it bubbles! I use this to wash my makeup brushes, too! Amazing, right?
I actually couldn't wait to use this that's why it looks like it's been used already, I use it as hand soap and keep it on my bag all the time. I like using soap instead of hand sanitizer when I'm outside.
Honey Glycerin Soap |
Honey Glycerin Soap is filled with natural ingredients that keeps my face hydrated and smelling good as it contains Ylang-ylang (there's unscented available if you're iffy with scents). My skin's been a bit dry during the evening due to A/C exposure and using this soap helps to keep it hydrated.
Fresh Bee Pollen - Php110 |
You know why I took this off the rack... It's because of the two words: Fat Burner! Hehehe! There's a claim that Bee Pollen was known to aid losing weight. With exercise and proper diet and with the aid of this, it's possible that I actually get to losing weight in the next few weeks. But what I like most of of the Bee Pollen is that it actually increases my energy. It's true that I don't feel sleepy in the afternoon and just keep on moving and working whenever I take a teaspoon of this every morning before breakout. But it taste awful! It smells like bird seeds so I know have an idea what bird seed tastes like. LOL! But it's worth it!
When I saw the "Strengthens Immune System... for colds...allergies", I knew this will go with me when I leave Ilog Maria. I've been having bouts of colds and allergies since the beginning of the year and since taking the Bee Propolis Probiotic (nature's most powerful probiotic), I've been breathing a lot easier and I feel like my energy has been improving and my eyesight's been a bit better. It tastes like brandy with honey but that's because of the Coconut brandy mixed in this miracle concoction. With both combined, this is one effective way to heal high fever and other illnesses.
Propolis Ointment - |
I feel like mosquitoes flock to me whenever we'll have coffee or dine outdoors and I'd end up with about 20 insect bites, more or less. And I always get scrapes and bruises, I feel like Nina from Black Swan. I may end up with Wings and bird legs and I won't be surprise. But who wants to get scars from it, right? I love this ointment because it has eucalpytus in it but it's not too hot for the skin that I think it's a good oitment for baby rashes and insect bites.
Propolis Throat Spray Php82.50 |
With the weather changing like ehem.. a woman's mind, my throat's been scratchy and this is the only thing that seem to settle it down. I was glad I bought this. It tastes a bit weird but it works so I don't mind it at all. It freshens the breathe too. Must hoard on this the next time.
Enjoying my visit to Ilog Maria is one thing but to know how amazing these products are and how well-made they are by Filipino hands and had working European honeybee's... it truly is a work of nature. I love everything I bought and I wish I could visit again and hoard on more Ilog Maria products. I just hope that we cooperate with Nature so that our bees will be able to make more honey!!
And this haul cost me only about Php600. Not exactly sure about the prices but most of the products are less than Php100 ($2).How great, right? :)
Have you tried Ilog Maria products? Can you reco products I ought to try after the I use all these?
As you all know, my bulges is just screaming despite losing weight. To be honest, sticking with a diet and exercise routine is very difficult. I often find myself munching on something that I shouldn't or sleeping late and skipping the gym the next morning. It's very easy to get that bulge back.
That's why when I got a chance to try Inches Off, I took it and wore it as fast as I could.
Inchess Off is already out in the market and I've seen this several times at Watsons Stores. It's a very affordable and easy way to lose those bulges for a certain time to need it to disappear. It's certainly not a miracle worker but it instantly smooth our silhouette that no dress would look awkward when you have it on.
The one I have here is the High Waist Tummy Flattener Firm Control. It's actually the best seller out of the 3 available styles that Inches Off has because it targets the Hips, Tummy and Midriff.
This product offers the best control compared to it's sister styles. It definitely tames undesirable flabs and provide ease for daily use as the clothe breathes even when one wears it the whole day.
I'm usually on the go and I often find myself in situations that I need to dress to impress. Unfortunately, my body isn't that impressive and if I want to wear updated outfits and those that isn't too covering, I needed something to hide my big flabby tummy.
What endears me to this product is that it's made in the Philippines and made with the Filipina's in mind. The fabric used are for the humid and hot climate we have, no unnecessary uncomfortable feel and the size fits my small torso, as many Filipinas have. It fits right and ends at the bustline and my bra could cover it. It doesn't show on any of my bodycon dress and people hardly notice I'm wearing one and yet they flatter me that I look thinner than before. And yes, you'd hardly feel you're wearing one... save if you have a big lunch or dinner though. Hehehe! But it's great that it isn't too constricting either.
High Waist Tummy Flattener Firm Control has butt pockets to lift our rears to better accentuate it.
What I love...
- Easier to wear.. no need to ask someone to pull up the back part for you.
- Fabrics breathes so no unnecessary sweating
- Very comfortable
- Affordable compared to other shape wears I've used
- Seamless so no pantylines
- Comes in Nude Color which is always the best choice for light colored clothes, Black are for darker clothes.
- Sizes are easier to determine (chart the size of your bust line, waist and midriff)
- 100% cotton which is best for our weather
- Provides firm control and reduces bulges and love handles significantly
- Gives a nice silhouette especially when wearing fitted clothes
- Great to wear under jeans and shorts
- Easy to wash (wash as you would your undergarments)
What I don't...
- I haven't found anything I don't like as it does what it says it should and really for the price, I can't find anything to complain about.
I know I still should maintain a healthy lifestyle and can't forever rely on shape wears to smoothens my less likable features. But for those days I feel bloated and yes, fat.. This will definitely come in handy.
How about you? Have you tried any shape wear? Have you tried Inchess Off?
Inches Off is available at all SM Department Stores inside Cosmetics Section and Ladies Wear and Watson mall stores in major SM Malls.
High Waist Tummy Flattener Firm Control Panty is Php1750.
During our overnight trip in Tagaytay, the girls in the group was deadset on visiting Ilog Maria. Blame it on Dear Almskie who got us hooked on her Christmas gifts and made us all excited with her purchases. I've actually heard of Ilog Maria, but even if I'm a hoarder of anything naturally-made Ilog Maria has somehow skipped my radar. I really don't know why I took this long to vist or buy anything of them. When buying them is so easy via their online shop. Maybe I was just waiting to share it with people who were as excited as I am to visit Ilog Maria.
That't why the boys didn't have a choice! After breakfast at Bag of Beans, we headed to Ilog Maria which was a short drive from the "rotonda" of Tagaytay. Ilog Maria was pretty much easy to spot even if it's your first time, just try not to drive too fast for you might miss the billboard (as shown above).
Going inside the bee farm is quite a challenge as the road is very narrow. There's a separate entrance and exit so no worries on how to get out the place. Ilog Maria is fully solar powered so their office are only open from when there is daylight. If you have a lot of things to do while visiting Cavite and Tagaytay, keep this first on the list.
Parking is also difficult. We had three cars with us and the space could only accomodate 6 to 7 cars. So, you really should wait your turn or park somewhere near the exit, which is quite a walk back to the farm. But yeah, we need to sacrifice something to see the beauty of nature nowadays.
Oh! What a beautiful sight! I've never seen a bee farm and I really really enjoyed taking pictures of the place and their very popular honey-made products.
It's amazing how such small creatures can create something so powerful and yummy! It's not frequent that I get to interact with Mother Nature this close and really, it's humbling. Nature sometimes scare me. My friends and I got talking that nature could take over anytime and we wouldn't even notice it and we doubted if we could even stop it. Somehow, I don't think I'll mind if it think it's the best.
I love how respectful Ilog Maria is with nature, the place looks incredibly clean and well maintained. The place was in great shape... but there seem to be a struggle for the bees to create honey.. It's nature's way of telling that we humans are doing something wrong... Hai... somehow going here is both inspiring and yet depressing seeing how when I get back to MNL, it's all population and dirt..
I bought a lot of things from Ilog Maria. I wanted to haul their soaps but I still have many Embodyment Organic soaps at home so I settled on a few things I still don't have. So far, I'm liking them. Will surely post my haul here. :)
Be(e) sure to visit Ilog Maria, beauty addict ladies! This is definitely the place for anyone who enjoys naturally-made products. And I've read a lot of testimonials how good bee propolis and honey is to our health as well as skin. Sadly, they don't accept credit cards. :(
I loved it in Ilog Maria, it's a fun place to visit as there's not many Bee Farm in the country. This should be in your itenerary when you visit Tagaytay!
Have you gone to Ilog Maria? How was it?