First Impressions : Belo Intensive whitening : Body cream

Hi  lovelies!

I am going to write about a new product I saw in Watsons last night :)

Its the Belo Intensive whitening body cream that has Kojic acid + Tranexamic Acid with SPF 30!

"A luxurious moisture-rich body cream with the powerful combination of Kojic  Acid and Tranexamic Acid that intensively whitens skin, SPF 30 futher protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays."


Here are some pictures:

First Impression :

1. Sleek squeeze bottle.
2. Price is 199 php.
3. Smell is ok, its not strong but not as nice as the pink one but again smell is very subjective.
4. Not as moisturizing since it really does not say that it does but its NOT greasy!

I shall use this everyday at least 2x a day like on the directions, will concentrate more on my knees since they are dark. I don't use whitening creams, lotions or soaps so I will blog about it again after a few days to let you know!

Much Love,

<3

She works from her house, what??

Yes, I am one of those people who "work from home" and yes, I earn a lot and YES I love it!

I started this wonderful journey January 2014. A few months from the New Year were the holidays, (The Philippines is notorious for celebrating Christmas starting September). HOLIDAYS = Expenses. What the heck was I thinking dropping my job after the holidays when all the credit card bills are due?  Its because I needed my MIND more that MONEY. Don't get me  wrong, the people were awesome and the work was ok, the pay was err...not that ok, BUT I am no quitter, I always find the silver lining ( which I realize now one of my weaknesses) and stayed in that job for around 4 years. I was losing my mind because of the workload and the money was for paying bills etc. I am very minimalist so I really did not care for fancy stuff or expensive labels but something just was not right and I had to quit. The hardest part was the transition from working in an office to working from home, you see, I have a family that I am responsible for and I can't risk not having an income, but I realized that the best is yet to come with all the hard work I have been doing.

The "Transition"

I passed my resignation to my lovely boss H. and I told her my reasons, she understood perfectly. I loved my superiors from all my jobs (foreign and local), I am proud to say I had a good relationship with each and everyone of them, but a bump on the road made itself visible when the company's policy was to have me render 30 days then hold my last cut off until I 45 business days after my last day of work. I resigned in December, last day was January, and the pay for the work I rendered was released May after practically being harassed by the HR giving me every excuse on earth on why it cannot be released at this time.

The "WTF"

WTF was I thinking dropping this job during the Holidays? Again, I am a minimalist but I am not a penny pinch-er, I wear my clothes till they fall apart but I buy premium quality stuff that lasts a lifetime. When it comes to my family I have no holds barred especially eating out in gourmet restaurants, buffets etc. I had to charge stuff in my credit card and save my cash for emergencies after the New Year, when I said bye bye to my office job. I practically did not spend anything since I am too proud to ask from my husband for some money. If I wanted to drink soda, I'd just think to myself that it would make me fat. If I wanted a burrito delivered to my house, I just thought it would give me gas. I did not feed the ID and let my Ego, Super Ego talk to me and to actually listen. I learned that this is not going to be a cake-walk and I better work my butt off to get accepted to the gazilion work from home jobs I applied to.

The "My mom saved me again"

I love my mother, not just because she is my mother, not just because she agreed to let me buy a high end computer on her credit card, not just because she refused to give in to my childish demands so I can learn on my own. She actually thought it was absurd to let go of my job that I had for a long time for working at home. My mother is very traditional, she has that Japanese work ethic where she has stayed loyal to her company for being the HR big boss  for 20 years, works 6 days a week. She has moved up the ladder and I admire her for that. I admire her yes, but I don't have that Japanese work ethic influence nor want to work 6 days a week. She even told me to go back to work after 2 weeks after I had my son because that is what she did! I mean come on MOM, its a 2 month maternity leave. ANYWAY, being the stubborn eldest daughter she still supported me and that is why I love her more and what I take away from this chapter of my life.

The "Boom"

Yes! I barely enjoyed my 2 weeks off from the last day of office work worrying about the internet connection and started my first training as a VA. I did my research in the months I was rendering days from my previous job, to have the competitive edge I had to have the best equipment,

-- My 5 mbps wired DSL connection  ( This is the high end standard here in the Philippines, Fiber connection is not available in our subdivision.)

-- My Super high tech TOSHIBA Satellite machine :) too bad the pink one was taken, so I got the blue one.

-- My delightfully pink Logitech h150 Headset with Noise - cancelling mic.

I was trained with fellow work from home newbies, and I was a hit with the clients.

I felt so happy not driving around to work and get to spend my extra time with the family.

I am so happy working from home. :)

xoxo

<3

Deep Nude lips with Ever Bilena Lip liner in Cappuccino and Maybelline Watershine Pure in B23!

Hi lovelies!

One thing to keep me in "work" mode is wearing make up, working from home has its' temptations and one of them is to look sloppy and some just work in their pajamas. I have nothing against wearing comfortable clothes to work and I am guilty of doing it in the first few months of working from home, but I found it really uplifting when I get ready even when I would spend all 8 hours in front of my computer. Even more when there people who would come over at a surprise and the last thing I want them is to see me in my jammies without underwear, messy hair and whatever.

Beware though, having a full face of make up is great and all and you can actually practice your technique this way but when you are working from home you actually have the advantage of taking are of your skin and letting it breathe making it better and healthier than most of the population. So for today on my lips I am wearing a deep nude lip color with the help of Ever Bilena lip liner in Cappuccino and Maybelline watershine pure in B23.

Last week I picked up Ever Bilena Lip liner in Cappuccino for 100 php (around $2), I forgot how much the Maybelline was but its less than 200 php.

I would buy this again, it goes on real smooth but it does not crumble. It dries a bit matte to satiny, if you can see the picture where I had it on half of my lips, the coverage is awesome and it does not dry out or stretch my lips to reveal the fine lines. 

This has been my HG since forever but it does not last long, that is why I decided to put a liner underneath to make it last and oh my goodness they are a match made in heaven!

Ever Bilena Lip liner in Cappuccino

Pros:

1. Affordable

2. Last long

3. Does not smudge

4. Does not bleed and transfer to the outside of my lips.

5. Does not crumble when sharpened.

6. No chemical scent, no scent at all!

Cons:

Nothing really, but you need a sharpener in your kit as opposed to automatic liners. 

Maybelline Watershine Pure in B23

Pros:

1. Very creamy and glossy, has some coverage plus give me just right glossy lips.

2. No shimmer or glitter- which I like.

3. No chemical scent, no scent at all!

Con:

1. Does not last very long, that is why you should use with the lip liner or stain underneath.

'til next time!

Much Love,

<3

Yerba Mate : My Super energy elixir

Hi guys!

I wanted to share with you my experience with Yerba Mate. I came across this wonder tea from a good friend who was into Reiki and I guess, the most Vegan person I know. He ordered his stock from The Healthy Grocery but it did not include Yerba Mate, still all the healthy super food pictures he posted sparked my interest. Working the night shift for my US clients, I always had to be alert and awake. He recommended Mate since I had to curb my caffeine and sugar addiction.

My Stash

I got Raw Chlorella, Yerba Mate and Raw Maca X.

Ordering online was a breeze, I paid using Paypal and I got it in 2 days.

It came with a small guide too.

** sorry for the blurry text, it got auto enhanced by google+**

I am going to write most about Yerba Mate since its what I have used the most.

Taste

I first took half a teaspoon for a small mug of hot water, and it tasted BITTER ( I guess you can say it tastes refreshingly bitter? Since I did not mind drinking it alone with hot water). I then experimented on other mixtures with Yerba Mate, since it came in powder form, I did not need to steep tea leaves etc and can just mix it into my Honey-Lemon concentrate. My favorite way to drink it is cold, mixed with the Honey-Lemon concentrate. Its like my Lemonade Energy drink. 

Effect

Its written that Yerba Mate is very strong, and it is! The recommended first take is half a teaspoon in one cup. It gave me this feeling of euphoria and energy. For a night shift VA, its very hard to keep your self alert since biologically we are supposed to sleep at night, more difficult when you work from home and everybody is sleeping and its all quiet. Yerba Mate gave me this surge of energy that never slumped or crashed like coffee. I gradually increased my er.. dose of Yerba Mate since I wanted to drink it cold with with ice and all in my 700 ml bottle.

It gave me this good feeling (like sunshine or something) that you get when you go out and work, as in out in the sun. I have read a lot about taking too much Yerba Mate and it giving you a mild psychedelic trip (Am I a hippie or what!?) or some psychoactive boost, which I did quite a bit experienced when I put one and a half teaspoon on a teacup of hot water and drank it in one gulp. I think its like when you drink too much coffee but with out the pulsing and palpitation. There is a buzz definitely and my head was spinning! but none of that caffeine induced scary heart pounding.

For the after effects, I only drank one cup of the stuff when working or half of the bottle then if I had to do things after work, which is the morning for everybody else, then I take the rest. I never had problems sleeping, and since there was no nervousness and just the all good euphoric buzz it gave, my mood was really great and its perfect for those morning brunches with the family (midnight snack in my case haha) where you had to converse and play with the kids.

I recommend Yerba Mate to those who are addicted to coffee and sugar, it definitely took the edge off and helped me to get rid of my dependence on the stuff. I was not dependent on Yerba Mate, no headache or withdrawal symptoms. It would be a hard substitute if its the taste of coffee you like, since I know the aroma and smooth taste is has is delightfully addicting too. But I really like the euphoria and buzz Yerba Mate gave (but don't take too much!)

xoxo

<3

First Impression : Essence eyeliner pen - extra long lasting

Hello lovelies,

I just got the Essence eyeliner pen that is extra long lasting, there is another one that is water proof but it a little more expensive. Mine was for 209 php so that is around $4 at SM department store in SM aura. The sales lady said this Essence brand is German and has been around for some time, I only watched reviews for this product AFTER I bought it as it was a completely random shopping trip.

I found the size of the pen ok, not chubby and you can mistake it for a regular pencil.

The website also says that its Japanese ink.

As you can see, the pen can be used with different widths as the felt tip is thin enough for barely there applications and thick enough for dramatic eyes.

I wrote some on paper so you can see how the ink does not burst and how the color pay off is.

On my skin it dries up almost instantly and it does not smudge.

After a day of wearing this eyeliner on my eye and on my hand, I has stood the test of not smudging and what I like about it is the longer its on your skin the harder it is to rub off.

The color pay off is great, not as dark as gel liners but its really precise for the perfect cat eye and it does not smell of bad chemicals like some liquid liners I have tried.

Pros:

1. Slim pencil design.

2. Price is affordable.

3. Smudge proof.

4. The longer its on the skin the harder it it to rub off.

5. No scent and not sticky.

6. Dries almost immediately.

7. Stays put and does not flake!

Cons:

1. Not as dark as a gel liner but after a few lines its dark enough.






So that is all for my Essence eyeliner pen review, its great for girls who are starting out in make up and for the price, its a great find!

Much Love,
<3

Eyeliner Tattoo by Let's Face it

Being a girl who is a fan of this eyeliner, I have tried it all. Pencil, gel, liquid, kohl etc. Being a minimalist, I have found a way to hack all that time making sure they are "perfect" ( or at least budge proof) by having a tattoo.

Yes, I had an eyeliner tattoo. Its permanent, which I love. But  it's not for everybody.

I went to Let's Face it!, a local spa/derma franchise here in the Manila. They offered the service I got (Tattoo regular) for around 1000++ php so that would be around $23-25. I did my research but nothing much is blogged about getting this service from this spa/derma clinic.

They have this waiver that they are not liable blah blah if I get an eye infection and that I understand the risks of the treatment. I am not new to all of this since I get my regular eye lash perm there as well so its kind of SOP for them to hand out these waivers. Only the clinic supervisor is allowed to do this service, but I think almost everybody on staff had a permanent make up (its part of their training). I also went to other branches and asked the receptionists which all had them.

I was led into this room that had what looked like a small bed that you can elevate the head part, I was shown the equipment and I asked about the type of ink used. Since I got the regular tattoo, she said it might turn blue over time that is why I have a record of being a client and get retouch every 3-4 years as retouch. She applied an anesthetic and let it stay for 30 minutes,,, then its needle time!

Boy it was uncomfortable, but it was not painful. What I mean is, it's not that painful that I wanted to quit. It does feel like what it was blogged about "a fine ball point pen scrawling on your eye" -- over and over. The whole thing lasted an hour but most of it was just to wait for the anesthetic to kick in. Disclaimer : Pain is subjective so we have different thresholds, what might be painful for you may not be for me.  You see guys, a tattoo kinda works like a crayon. The more times you pass over the skin, the darker it will be.

Day by day account:

1 is after the day I got the tattoo ( all swollen ), I did a bit of grocery shopping after that since it was in a mall and I still drove myself home. 2 is the second day, it was really dark and dried blood and ink peeling off. 3 is the 3rd day it's all nice and smooth.

I had to buy this anti-bacterial eye gel ( teramycin ) so my eyes and skin won't get infected. **Do not skip this! This is really important so use it and apply everyday starting day 1 and for the next 3-7 days. I chose to have thick dark eyeliner and did not regret any bit of it. I still need to use a liquid eyeliner or the like if I wanted more *oomph* or a cat eye look and when I go to events and wear false lashes. I really love it that I don't need to spend a long time in the mirror drawing it and  the formula melting under the heat and humidity. It was all worth the scrawly pain/discomfort.

Much Love,

<3

First Impression : POND'S White Beauty - Pearl cleansing gel -Oxygenated Gel with Pearl Essence.

I was strolling at the beauty section, lo and behold I see something that has a "New Item" tag.

My love affair with this brand started when I was in grade school, I remember them going to schools to introduce their product and gave free samples. I can't really say that I owe my smooth skin to this brand since I use other brands too, but it has been a staple to my toiletries case since then.

It is POND'S white beauty Pearl cleansing gel - Oxygenated Gel with Pearl Essence :)

I bought the 50 g tube for 84 php or about $2 at a nearby SM department store.

What it says on the back:

"Infused with Pearl Essence -  known to give glowing, fair skin.

Oxygenated gel formula - Refreshes & cleanses, removing dirt & excess oil from deep down, leaves skin so soft.

How to use: Wet your face, put a small amount of gel on hand, create lather gently massage on to face then rinse off. In case of contact with eyes, rinse with water immediately. Store away from sunlight and heat"

What I saw interesting is, if you look closer the cleanser appears to have bubbles hence "Oxygenated Gel". This is the first time I am using something that has this technology, but I have heard about the healing properties of oxygen to the skin.





As soon as I got home I washed my face with it and saw that the cleanser is clear, not pink nor iridescent. There are no specs of glitter nor shimmer in it, just clear gel with bubbles. It is comparable with the Belo Essentials facial wash, that has a gel consistency but still lathers.

The smell put me off, it smelled like old rose, a faint deep musk old rose smell which I don't like. I followed the instructions and yes it does have a light lather to it  and did not sting. The rinsing was easy and it left my skin moist and clean, it did not leave a film, scent nor made my skin tight.

I am still crossing my fingers on the whitening effects of this cleanser, I will definitely give you a report on how it is after a few weeks and if it really does make my skin glow.

Pros:

1. Leaves my skin clean.

2. Leaves my skin moist and not taut.

3. Does not leave a film even though its moisturizing.

4. Basing on the "healing" properties of oxygen, I think this is great for my skin since I am under going Tretinoin 0.05% treatment.

Cons:

1. It smells awful ( highly subjective ).

Also make sure to follow the instructions about keeping it away from sunlight and heat as the way it looks this is a product that has oxygen infused in it.

Much Love,

<3