My Summer Beauty Finds

My beauty routine is boring. But when I find a good product that suits me, I stick with it for years. This summer, I had a chance to try awesome new products that are now part of my basic skin care and beauty must-haves: A face mask, a face powder, and a lip tint.

read more

Blushing with K-Palette Lasting Cheek Tint

When it comes to makeup, I've always stuck with the bare essentials. I can live on just face powder, and lip color. It was only two years ago that I've come to appreciate eyebrow pencils and liners. I got hooked on K-Palette Lasting 2-way Eyebrow Pens, and eventually had eyebrow microblading from Skin House Beauty and Laser Clinic. Mascara, eyeliners, and blush powder are reserved for events and special occasions. With blushers, my skin tend to feel drier when I use them. Then a few weeks ago, I was able to try for the first time the cream cheek tints from K-Palette. I'm in love!

read more

I Leveled Up on My Skin Care and Makeup Routine

If you know me or have been following me and my blog, you'd know I always stick with the basics when it comes to beauty routine. While I've attended a number of beauty workshops in the past, I always end up with whatever I am "hiyang" with -- from facial cleanser to scrub, moisturizer and face powder. I am just too lazy to do so many steps kaya I just go with the bare essentials. All this changed after I went to Marj+Rowena's Beauty Workshop last year.

read more

What to Expect at ROW 101 Summer Bazaar 2016

Third Friday of the month: Fun / Events

When I got invited to a shopping party, I could not find an excuse not to go. Shopping = Fun. My blogger friends and I got a preview of what we can expect to find at the ROW 101 Summer Pop Up and it's happening na this weekend -- April 16 and 17 at White Space in Makati!

read more

My 3 Things: Cleanse, Care, Conceal

#my3things #bodycare

I am not very particular about body products, but I still want good quality. As long as they are non-drying, delivers their promise, and don't irritate my skin, I'm good with it. Over the years, I've also received so many skin care products as gifts, and I've tried and used most of them. Here are three of the latest that I'm using to cleanse my body, care for sensitive spots, and conceal imperfections.

read more

Fun Friday: K-Palette's 1Day Magic Party

Third Friday of the month:  Party / Events

I missed going to blogger events. Since late last year, I have not been as visible in media and blogger functions mainly because we don't have a nanny for the kids anymore. And then there's homeschooling.  If you're in a similar set-up, you would understand that it's not easy to just leave them and go. That's why I decided to have this feature under Fun Friday instead of Mom-Finds since being at the launch of K-Palette 1Day Magic was more fun for me than anything else.  I wasn't even sure to go when I got the invitation, but it's a blessing that it fell on a holiday, so I excitedly confirmed my attendance.

read more

Lara's Little Skin Secret is Out -- Bio-Oil Now in the Philippines

It was a night of surprises and lots of mom-talk during an intimate affair I attended last Thursday.  My blogger friends and I had the pleasure of meeting the stunning beauty queen/actress and first-time-mom Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz who shared with us her experiences as a mom, wife, and even her beauty secrets.

Aside from meeting lovely Lara, our evening was made extra special when it was announced that we'll be having wine tasting and food pairing!  We were served Lebanese and Spanish dishes from The Wine Museum, and no less than the owner and wine connoisseur Ronald Joseph shared his expertise -- it was wine appreciation 101 for most of us.  That was my first time to visit the place and also my first wine tasting session, so I was really excited to eat, drink, and be merry! =)

From glass swirling, smelling and sipping, to food pairing, I'd say all of us left with a better appreciation and knowledge of the variety of wines.  I did not finish my tasting portions but I was already red as a beet! =)  

The relaxed setting was just perfect for all of us to enjoy each other's company.  It was like a moms' night out, and we were laughing and chatting away about motherhood joys and challenges, pregnancy and breastfeeding blues, to diets and beauty tips from the beauty queen herself.  Would you believe that Lara admitted to us about having stretch marks due to pregnancy?!

Towards the end of our wonderful dinner, as wine kept flowing, the final surprise of the evening arrived. It's the reason why we're all gathered that night, thanks to Aspen Philippines.  Lara's little skin secret has been revealed... Bio-Oil is the little miracle worker on her "battle scars" from pregnancy.

What is Bio-Oil?

Bio‑Oil is formulated with plant extracts and vitamins, and contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil™, making it light and non-greasy.  It also ensures that the goodness contained in the vitamins and plant extracts is easily absorbed by the skin.

Bio‑Oil is a specialist skincare oil that helps improve appearance of:

• scars
• stretch marks
• uneven skin tone
• aging skin
• dehydrated skin

SRP @ PhP 495 / 60ml

When we asked how Lara went back to pre-pregnancy form, she said she went on a fitness and body care regimen with a popular slimming center, and then she started using Bio-Oil on her tummy.  After almost 2 months, she reported a marked improvement on the texture and color of the skin on her belly. She now swears by Bio-Oil and is proud to be it's brand endorser.

Bio-Oil can be applied on specific body parts, and also for the face.  Even Lara's husband uses it as his facial moisturizer!

I went through C-section twice, and although I was lucky to escape stretch marks, my scar from the operation is still there plus some dark spots and uneven skin tone.  I have now started to apply Bio-Oil after every shower, and even tried it on my face.  Bio-Oil is very light, non-greasy, and leaves a pleasant scent.  A small drop goes a long way.  I have to thank Aspen Philippines for making me a part of this unique experience with fellow blogging mamas and for tapping me to share this breakthrough product through my blog.  Bio-oil is one skin secret that deserves to be shared to everyone, especially for mothers like me.

"Bio‑Oil has won 135 skincare awards and has become the No.1 selling scar and stretch mark product in 16 countries since its global launch in 2002." 

Learn more about Bio-Oil at www.bio-oil.com or email: laraslittleskinsecret@yahoo.com.ph.
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/biooilPH
Twitter Page:  twitter.com/BioOilPH
You Tube: Aspen Philippines YouTube Channel
Bio-Oil is distributed by Aspen Philippines, Inc. and is now available at leading drugstores and supermarkets (Mercury Drug Stores and Watsons nationwide).

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow @mymomfriday on Twitter and Instagram
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)

read more

Mom-Finds: Fairy Drops Platinum Mascara T2 Film Type

Last Friday of the month:  Finds and Faves / Beauty

I have that typical Asian lashes that are short and straight... well, not too short 'coz I can still curl them enough to make my peepers look a tiny bit wider. =)  Despite the small eyes, I rarely use eye makeup, but I'm trying to.  I'm just too lazy sometimes.  I only have a number of products I use, and most of them were gifts.  The latest addition to my small stash of makeup is this new Fairy Drops Platinum Mascara that many of my beauty junkie friends swear by.

Fairy Drops mascara has a unique patented 3-teardrop wand that "catches and lifts even the shortest eyelashes".  When I received this gift two weeks ago, I tried it immediately to see how it will work on my lashes.  The results were amazing!

This Fairy Drops Platinum Mascara Film Type is a new and improved version which has 2X the eyelash treatment than their first Platinum Mascara.  It now comes in this shiny gold tube.

• 5 Kinds of Treatment Essence - Collagen, Squalane Oil, Hyaluronate, Jojoba Oil, Panthenol
• Curl Keep Wax and Volume Up Wax - for length and volume
• Curl Keep polymer - for extra curl
• Glossy Platinum Black color
• Film Type - water resistant, but washable with soap and water

What I love about it:

• Coats from roots to tips and creates an extended look
• Push lashes up without clumping
• No heavy, sticky feeling on the eyes
• Lashes remain soft and not stiff
• Does not crust and leave specks around the eyes

One application in the morning lasts me the whole day, although the curl goes down a bit by mid afternoon. Still, I am very happy and satisfied with how Fairy Drops Platinum Mascara Film Type enhances and lengthens my lashes!  

I know my photos don't look impressive, but you can really see the big difference on my lashes. The best part is that I now like to wear mascara everyday! Before, I just curl my lashes and go. With this "film type" Fairy Drops, I don't feel like I have mascara on, which is the reason why I don't like applying in the first place 'coz others feel heavy.  Now I understand why Fairy Drops mascara is number one! :)

SRP : @ PhP 1,195

For more info and inquiries:
Email:  beautybox.corp@gmail.com
Facebook.com/fairydropsphilippines

Fairy Drops is available at Beauty Bar stores:
Trinoma, Rockwell, Greenbelt, Shangri-la, Eastwood, Galleria, Gateway, ATC, Podium, MOA, Lucky, Midtown, Bonifacio High Street, Cebu, Robinsons Magnolia, Glorietta, Marquee and Paseo
Shop online:  shop.beautybar.com.ph

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow @mymomfriday on Twitter and Instagram
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)

read more

My 5-Step Makeup Routine with BYS

I am a late bloomer when it comes to makeup.  I never got interested until college , starting with light face powder and lipgloss.  From there, I went on a lipstick craze after I started working.

read more

Eye of Horus + Raffle!

An eye-catching giveaway for Mom-Friday readers... from GlamourBox!

That's my teaser post on Instagram for today's blog giveaway.  For some of you, you might already guessed it with that eye logo up there.

I never imagined I'd have a beauty-themed giveaway since I am not a make-up junkie at all, and I seldom blog about beauty stuff.  But if I do, you know I really use and approve of them.  One such product is Eye Of Horus natural mascara.

How did this happen?
You see, last year, I received the November samplers from GlamourBox and one of the items included is this full tube of Eye of Horus natural mascara. Anyway, I got to try this mascara and really liked it, so it ended up being part of My 3 Things feature.

SRP @ PhP 980 / tube 

Eye of Horus natural mascara - perfect natural mascara that won’t run, smudge or clump, formulated in the style of the ancient Egyptians with nourishing waxes.

• uses natural, non-irritating ingredients, ideal for sensitive eyes
• strengthens and lengthens for ultimate Goddess lashes
• coats your natural lashes and extensions, without clumping
• easy to control the volume and thickness, with
 flexible wand that lifts and curls, feathering out
inner and outer lashes
• once dry, it will last all day
• easy to remove with just warm water - melting the waxes, cleaning lashes, making it gentle on the eyes

Thanks to GlamourBox for choosing me to host this giveaway.
Two (2) lucky My Mom-Friday readers can now experience this natural mascara Australia just by joining this quick and simple raffle!

2 Winners
Eye of Horus Natural Mascara

So easy to join:

1. Submit your entries and follow the steps via Rafflecopter below.
2. Earn bonus entries if you do the extra steps by sharing on Twitter and Facebook.
3. Raffle will close on March 22.
4. Two (2) winners will be announced the following week and will be notified thru email.
5. All My Mom-Friday readers with a valid Philippine address are eligible to join.
6. GlamourBox will deliver the prizes to the 2 winners.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Learn more about Eye of Horus over at www.eyeofhorus.com.au
Like GlamourBox on Facebook.com/GlamourboxPH
Folllow:
Twitter.com/GlamourboxPH
Pinterest.com/glamourboxph/
Instagram.com/glamourboxph

This is my first raffle for 2013, and my very first beauty product giveaway...ever!

For the ladies, hope you can join the fun and have that pretty bright-eyed look everyday with Eye of Horus!  For the guys, you can win this for your lady loves too! *wink*

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow @mymomfriday on Twitter and Instagram
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)

read more

My 3 Things: Beauty

#my3things #beauty

I've written about it a few times on this blog - I'm far from being a beauty junkie.  You count on your fingers the number of times I've talked about cosmetics here.  Funny thing is, if you saw my maiden post on My 3 Things, you will see that my very first #my3things photo happens to be my basic make-up kit.  Of course, there will be days when I'll be in the mood to try a different lip color, put on more coverage, or even try to open up my eyes more (wishful thinking). =)

On those odd days, this happens: 

1. BYS Lipgloss & Lipstick Duo - I received my first set of BYS cosmetics last month and I fell in love with their lipsticks!  Its matte finish is soft and still glides smoothly on the lips.  No dry, flakey feeling even after hours without touch ups.  Look here, the color held up even after having my lunch and afternoon snack.  I can finally give my lip shimmers a break for now and make room for these fantastic Australian-brand lipsticks.
2. Eye of Horus Natural Mascara - Last November, I received a surprise beauty gift box from Glamourbox.  The box contained an assortment of samples from premium cosmetic brands and I took this out first 'coz I have not bought a fresh tube of mascara in ages.  It's not a sample size but the full-sized tube! I know I rarely use one, but after trying it, I think I can start adding a coat of this light, natural mascara to my basic make-up routine.
3. Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream - This is my all-in-one anti-wrinkle cream foundation / concealer / sunscreen which I use during special occasions, or when I'll be out the entire day.  Considering some sun exposure, this is so convenient to use since I don't have to pile on a separate sunscreen and foundation.  I like the smooth finish and full coverage that stays put the whole day.  I alternate this BB cream with my favorite mineral face powder.

Ladies, do you have a favorite make-up product? What's your #my3things #beauty?

* * *

#my3things

To shoot and share photos of groups of things that I use together or consume regularly.  

If you are following me on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, you will see #my3things instantly. 

On the blog, you'll learn more about each one, and know the story behind them.  I'll be sharing one photo at a time.  This is another window into the life Mom-Friday. =)

Join me on Instagram and share your 3 things.  Don't forget to use the hashtag #my3things and tag @mymomfriday so I can see them too! :)

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow @mymomfriday on Twitter and Instagram
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)

read more

Mom-Finds: A Few of My (current) Favorite Things, 2

Fourth Friday of the month:  Freestyle Friday / Finds / Shopping

It's not supposed to be Mom-Finds yet coz there are 5 Fridays this month, and the last Friday is the 30th.  Today should be Freestyle Friday, anything goes.  But next week is a special day, it's my wedding anniversary, so I think I want to blog something different for that day.  Anyhow, since it's anything goes, I am doing this compilation of good finds again, just like what I did here the first time.

I have discovered and received so many wonderful products over the past few months and they all deserve to be shared here.  These four stood out.  So, without further ado, in no particular order, here are a few of my current favorite things:

PALMER'S - Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil
When I attended a talk on skin care and pregnancy by Palmer's some months back, I received this wonderful gift from Rustan's.  I've been using this all over my body for three months now, after every bath, and I swear by this product!

I needed to change to more intensive moisturizing cleansers and creams so I found this light oil more effective to soothe my dry, and sometimes scaly and itchy, skin.  The Skin Therapy Oil is available locally through Rustan's for less than PhP700.  What makes this so special?

• Advanced multi-purpose skin perfection product for the body and face!
• Preservative-free, phthalate-free
• Non-greasy, non-staining, lightweight formula
• With Vitamin E and mild rosehip fragrance
• Formulated to help improve appearance of scars, stretch marks, dry and damaged skin, uneven skin tone, aging skin, fine lines and wrinkles

My skin really looks and feels instantly soft and smooth.  Same goes for their rich Olive Butter Formula Concentrated Cream which I use specifically on my elbows, knees, and heels after I slather on the Skin Therapy Oil.  That's double moisturizing for me! :)   I am a Palmer's fan every since I was pregnant with my eldest (that was almost 10 years ago) and even ordered a their Firming Lotion from abroad.  I'm glad Palmer's added products that are not just for pregnancy skin care.

TOPSHOP - Studded Black Ballerina Flats

I've been buying ballet flats for as long as I can remember.  I am taller that your average Filipino so I'm cool with flats. This latest trend with studs on accessories and bags have found their way on these ultra soft black pair from TopShop.  It's also available in cream.  I posted that shot on Instagram soon after I bought it from the store.  It was the last pair in my size.  I guess it's meant to be mine! =)

PhP 1,800+

Full soles are stitched all around, and the whole shoe is as light as you can imagine.  You won't feel there are studs attached on it.  There's no arch support and foot padding though, so it's not ideal for hours of walking.  But I can wear them everyday with my usual rounds.

SHU UEMURA - Rouge Unlimited Lipstick BR790

I love red lipsticks.  It's all I need to instantly brighten up my face, enough for me not to put on any other makeup on top of face powder.  When I was still working, I had several shades from brights to darks tones.  After I stopped working, I've been used to just wearing lip shimmers everyday.  It's been more than a decade since I bought a good red lipstick!  It's about time I get one.

With rave reviews from friends, Shu Uemura was the logical choice for me.  I finally got to try the different shades and decided on this deep brown-red color.  I decided on Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited in BR790.  It's rich and high-pigment colour and double moisture system truly delivers with long-lasting color on my lips the whole day, without drying and flaking.  It actually lends a deeper color than what you see on the photo above.  I'm acidic so it eventually turns brighter.  If I don't feel like wearing it dark, I just press my lips on a tissue for a more muted shade (right photo).

PhP 1,195

BIG BAG THEORY - Market Bag
"Dark blue denim; sage green water-proof lining with inner pocket; vegetable-tanned tooling leather handle; antique rivets" -- this is how my friend from the Big Bag Theory describes this giant tote they recently launched.

As soon as I got it, I posted this shot on Facebook via Instagram and did not expect to receive so many likes and comments!  I called it the "reincarnation of the bayong" - a native Filipino market bag made of woven buri leaves. This roomy carry-all tote is made with durable denim and water-proof lining -- practical, finely crafted, very eco-chic.

PhP 990

I've been using it to hold all sorts of stuff -- from food to clothes, party materials, to toys.
Just to illustrate how big this is, take a look at the market bag's proportion to the objects (and kid!) below.

They have more lining colors to choose from.  Order your own market bag from Big Bag Theory.

See A Few of My (current) Favorite Things - 2nd Quarter

All of these things can be nice Christmas presents for the ladies too! 
Care to share your current finds?

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow @mymomfriday on Twitter
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)

read more

Mom-Finds: Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Premium A/I

Last Friday of the month:  Finds and Faves / Beauty / Skincare

I've written about my low maintenance skin and beauty regimen several times in the blog so I am quite oblivious to the vanity products flooding the market. I simply rely on what I've been used to, or recommendations from my mother and trusted friends.  One brand that has been consistently in the "must-use" list is the renowned Japanese premium brand Shu Uemura.

read more

One Step to Flawless with Kanebo's Freshel BB Cream

Do you know what a BB cream is? Have you used one?
I've heard about this "secret of Korean actresses" last year but just did not care enough to even ask about it nor look it up. If you've been following my blog, you know I'm just not that into beauty stuff.

Image screen capture from www.kanebo.sg

I've been writing about products that I really like and use, but only a handful on cosmetics.  With that, I am happy to add one more to the short list with Kanebo's Freshel White C Mineral BB Cream. 

SRP @ Php 960; in Natural Beige and Medium Beige shades

This is my first time to use a BB cream = Blemish Balm (from Wikipedia), and it's all because of Mrs. Martinez' flawless look and her raves about Kanebo products.  Since I'm all for quick and simple applications, I think this one might just work well for me.  At that time, the product was out of stock from the outlets I frequent.  Luckily, I know a family member of the local distributor so I was able to order for myself and for our blogger friends Rowena and Noemi who also wanted to try this particular BB cream.

FRESHEL WHITE C MINERAL BB CREAM, 50g
What it does:

• Works as "essence, emulsion, cream, sunscreen, and light makeup base"
• Formulated with adhesive collagen for moisturizing effect; fruit acid mixture and citrus peel extracts for exfoliating and moisturizing care
• Non-greasy cream provides UV protection (SPF 41) and covers dark spots/blemishes
• Easily smoothes into skin for a quick matte finish

Pea-sized amount for medium coverage of my entire face

I got the Natural Beige shade -- good for typical fair-skinned Asians with yellow undertones. If you are kayumanggi, have a light tan or brown-skinned, the Medium shade would be better.  Best if you test the shade at any Kanebo counters before buying.

Since it's an all-in-one skin cream and makeup base by Japan's top beauty brand, I know it's gonna be worth it.  As soon as I received my silver tube, I used it the following morning on a clean face and I'm ready to go.

1. Squeezed pea-sized amount and quickly dotted my face concentrating on my dark circles around the eyes, blemish spots, and a pimple mark on the left cheek
2. Cream was super fine and thick which guarantees a nice medium to full coverage, depending on amount you use
3. With my fingertips, I spread cream around my face --  I noticed it dries up fast so my first application was a bit uneven, hahaha (the mark of a true BB cream virgin!)
4. Face appeared to be slightly lighter that my normal skin tone with matte finish after application
5. Shade neutralized once it has set several minutes after, with a dewy-moist effect
6. Very good coverage, evened out my skin tone, and lightly concealed dark circles and spots

LEFT

Before                                                   After

RIGHT

Before                                                   After

Still visible are:  mole (right), chicken pock mark below the eye (right), and spider veins which will forever map my face. Though I never intended to completely mask over them since I still wanted to look as natural as possible. There was enough coverage over my problem spots. 

I was very satisfied with how it felt and looked on my skin, and it did not feel heavy as I thought it would. This is an un-retouched headshot.  A smooth, even matte finish with medium to full coverage.

My face remained generally "matte" during the day and simply blotted away oily spots.  I only touched up once under my eyes with face powder.  The following day, I tried to apply a very small amount of regular moisturizer before the BB cream and the application was smoother for me this time. :)

Freshel White C Mineral BB Cream + lash curler + tinted lip balm = I'm all set to go!
This is an amazing product. No wonder BB creams are all the rage.  I highly recommend this especially to women on-the-go, for mothers like me who want a quick and simple makeup routine that will last the day, no frills, all-in-one product with sun screen.

Another variant is Freshel Moist Lift BB Cream, with hyaluronic acid.  Choose the one that would suit your skin's needs.

Image screen capture from www.kanebo.sg

Kanebo cosmetic products available at leading department stores and Watson's health and beauty shops.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.  If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!

read more