All posts filed under: Miscellaneous

Unboxing: BDJ Box for June 2013* & Thoughts on Subscription Boxes

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I received my BDJ Box for June a few days ago, but I’ve only gotten around to writing this post now. I edited the pictures on my iPad Mini and am writing this post on the WordPress app. I’m already so tired of typing (because I keep making mistakes!) but let’s see how long I can keep this up. The June box is chock-full of stuff. Let’s see if they’re things that I’d enjoy. First up are three items from the L’Oreal Paris Fall Repair 3x Line: the shampoo (Php 110, 180ml), conditioner (Php 119, 180ml), and hair tonic (Php 259, 90ml). This line is designed to reduce hair fall by strengthening and nourishing your hair. If these look familiar, then you’ve been paying attention! Both the shampoo and conditioner were part of BDJ Box’s L’Oreal themed box a few months back, and they were bigger sizes then. I appreciate the inclusion of the tonic, but there’s just something about getting repeats that is disappointing, even if they are perfectly good products. Next up is …

Makeup No-Buy Update: One Month Mark

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One month ago, I put myself on a Makeup No-Buy, and this is just a little update to let you know how I was doing. 🙂 So far, I’ve only purchased two things with points from a loyalty card: — e.l.f. Liquid Eyeliner — essence Stay All-Day Long-Lasting Eyeshadow in Glammy Goes To… I’ve also received two gifts from my aunt: — BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal — BECCA Beach Tint in Guava And, that’s about it! Skincare things and clothes don’t count, though, and I’m beginning to think I should have a spending ban altogether. Le sigh. All in all, I think I’ve been doing pretty good, though.

Overhyped Products

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Inspired by Cami Loves Kiwi’s recent video and the hype that surrounded MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade (review here), I’ve gathered together a few products that I feel like are overhyped. It’s a good mix of drugstore and higher end products. Here is a summary, but I go more in-depth in the video: — Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains (review): Love these, hate the stains they leave behind. Regardless of the shade, my lips turn a more orange-y color. — L’Oreal Lucent Magique Light Touch-Up Pen: Nothing special. — L’Oreal Shine Caresse & YSL Glossy Stain (comparative review): Generally a so-so formula. I don’t get the fuss. — YSL Rouge Volupté Shine (review): Was originally a fan of the formula, but when I forgot to bring a tube for reapplication and my lips dried up like a shriveled prune. It’s not bad, but it’s not all that. — Sara Happ The Lip Slip & The Lip Scrub: Great products, but too expensive. — NARS Blush in Orgasm: I don’t think it’s flattering for all …

Link Love Vol. 9

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Are you cool/neutral/warm? by Sineady Cady of The Makeup Chair Summer Glow by Sabrina of The Beauty Look Book — a selection of ‘perfect bronzers’ and ‘natural illuminators’ for that warm summer glow. Lipstick Week by Shari of The Misty Mom — technically, this is just an introductory post, but check out her MAC army in the image. I’m excited! Lipstick Week: NARS Satin Lip Pencils by Liz of Project Vanity — an awesome first post by Liz! Lipstick Week Day 1: Orange Red by Claire of Aucuparia Brumalis Lipstick Week by Krysty of Vain Jane Writes Suqqu: Fall 2013 by Haru of Rouge Deluxe Makeup Tips: Prepping & Priming the Face by Natalie of Natzi’s Stash Summer Makeup: How do you overhaul your look? by Makeup Monster MAC All About Orange Lipstick Swatches by Jane of Life’s Entropy MAC Peach & Coral Lipstick Collection by Jane of Life’s Entropy Tellie’s Misadventures: Galaxy Eyes by Beauty by Tellie Tutorial with Luxury Summer Beauty Treats! by amodelrecommends

Waterproof Makeup, Kind Of

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Summer is upon us here in the tropical areas of the world. I’m sorry if you are still stuck in a wintry climate (bah, you!) but I cannot pretend that I live in lovely Spring weather when I’m being attacked by prickly heat despite sitting in front of an electric fan at full breeze power. This is how hot it is in Manila: YOU CAN FRY AN EGG WITH THE SUN. Anyway, now that we have established that it’s Summer Lovin’ weather over in this part of the world, I thought I would put together a list of Waterproof-ish Makeup that is mostly melt-resistant. Sadly, I have not found a face base that can withstand the literal buckets of sweat we excrete this time of the year, but I have a few good things in here that can maybe make up for it. EYES. I think it’s pretty obvious that all of the eye products you use should be waterproof, period. Now, I know some of these selections are kind of hard to get a …

Link Love Vol. 8

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Products not worth the hype by camiloveskiwi Best Cruelty-Free Sunscreens by Phyrra — an awesome list, if you’re thinking of cutting out non-CF brands from your skincare. Too bad none of them are available here! Addiction: Basquiat Ready-to-Wear Eyeshadow reviews by Belly of Wondegondigo — HUHU Intense jealousy! I LOVE Basquiat, he is my favorite of all time. I asked my sister’s friend, Steph, to get me some of these palettes before they were released, but I’m not sure if she was able to get any for me, since she’s busy with work. ANYWAY. These are pretty, pretty. I am in love. Reader Question: Should I get a peel or microdermabrasion? by Liz of Project Vanity Lipstick Week by Romila Marie of Run Barbie Run — yay! Lipstick Week by Wiji of Dandelion Whiskers — double yay! Rouge Bunny Rouge Orpheline Original Skin Blush review by Sunny of Mostly Sunny I don’t know what happened—I guess it was a slow week? In any case, have a happy rest of the weekend! I’ll be on the …

Cleaning Up My Act: Cruelty-Free Facial Cleansers

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I’ve been slowly eliminating non Cruelty-Free products from my daily routine. I started by targeting my makeup, and I think I’ve been doing pretty well, though I’ve had a few slip-ups since making my pledge (I bought Maybelline Color Whispers). I realized that animal testing doesn’t stop at makeup. Facial cleansers are also a part of that. When Wiji pointed out that newer packaging of St. Ives neglected to include “Not Tested on Animals” as it always had, I was compelled to check my skin care, too. Apparently, they were acquired by Unilever, which is a company that tests on animals. I’m currently working through a large bottle of shu uemura’s cleansing oil, which is the best makeup remover I’ve tried, by far. I’m still looking for cruelty-free alternatives, but we have that little bit left from the bottle, as well as a few samples, to tide us over while we look for other makeup removers. Here are cruelty-free facial cleansers I’ve tried so far. Korres Milk Proteins Cleansing & Make-Up Remover Wipes I use …