Review: Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil in Milk Tea

Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil in Milk Tea Review

 After finishing up a lot of full-sized bb cream tubes I bought a few months back I am now a cheap skate kid that can't afford a new one. Boohoo~ So now I need to stick with the basics eh? Like a separate moisturizer, foundation and sunscreen. Yikes. All of those steps will take too much of my every morning. And another misfortune is that I am also all out of concealer!

Yay so fortunately I was in Landmark the other day, I checked several local brands (they are affordable!) and remembered that I have been wanting to try my favorite foundation's concealer counterpart, and so I did! :)

What it is?
Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil is a concealer stick, which is meant to cover up nasty blemishes and perhaps brighten dark panda under eyes.

Check out the ingredients below:

It doesn't have parabens (good thing!) and it contains tea tree oil! Good in controlling acne. Let's read an excerpt from webmd:

Why do people take tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and antifungal treatment. One study found that tea tree oil worked as well as 5% benzoyl peroxide in controlling the symptoms of acne. It appears to be effective with toenail fungus and possibly athlete's foot. Studies of tea tree oil for other conditions such as gum disease, vaginal infections, and dandruff have been inconclusive.

Oh~ so tea tree oil is not just for acne, it can also be a cure for other girl problems as well (now if Head & Shoulders could come up with a tea tree variant?) CR: Photo from Fashion21.

Not just a concealer! It is also a foundation!

The Packaging:

I got myself Milk Tea but it is darker than my skin tone. (T＿T)
The green packaging is eye catching, I didn't even bothered to look at the other concealer line. The product cap is just a cap. Hahaha what I mean is it not even twist type of something.Ｏ(≧∇≦)Ｏ
I like that it is not a loose cap or whatever. It just sits on my kit, safe from product wreckage because the cap is tight and secure. ヽ(*ﾟｰﾟ*)ﾉ

Product Experience:
I tried Fashion 21 Perfect as a concealer. The texture is smooth and it is really blendable. The concealer has a minty scent which I like (might be tea tree?). It has a powder finish, light enough like you are not wearing anything on your face.

I was intrigued on how Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil in Milk Tea will fare as a cream foundation, so I did!٩(^ᴗ^)۶  I was not afraid to use it on my face because it contains tea tree and I didn't had any bad skin reaction when I used it as a concealer. I only used my fingers with blending because it brings better results. If you would use blush, I recommend liquid tints. Blending is like a dream, no streaks or anything. By the way don't forget to moisturize first because as mentioned it has a powder finish which might accentuate dry patches (in case you have any).

Behold for the next photo is when I had a breakout galore. Not-so-good skin days. :(

  

See picture above, the coverage is buildable, not cakey even with layers on but still might not be enough for red acne or dark pimple marks IMO. It helped a bit in covering up my pores. The final result is natural flawless finish which lasts for hours. However I still prefer reapplication because I like the look better when its freshly applied. 

Once I left my powder foundation at home and didn't even had my loose powder with me, I had to make do with Fashion 21 Perfect Stick. I was afraid I'll be so stress looking throughout the day. But guess what, besides being oily on my t-zone everything else is fine. If I was not just oozy on wanting freshly applied makeup I would not even bother to retouch.

Another scenario is using this before swimming. It claims to have UV protection along with coverage (like bb creams? minus the moisture!) My liner and lip tint is gone but I noticed that its like my foundie is still on even after 3 hours of being in the water. Is this some kind of waterproof? Amaziiing~



How much and where to buy?
Landmark and Watsons nationwide at only Php 195 per 11.5 grams tube. Beat that! (ノ＞▽＜。)ノ

What I love?

• The smooth texture
• Buildable/ blendable 
• Cream to powder finish
• It has UV protection
• ]The tea tree minty scent!
• Covers up pores when used as a foundation!
• It is a 2 in 1 product
• Affordable and accessible
• Long lasting and I suspect it is even waterproof! (๑>ᴗ<๑)
• Does not break me out

 What I don't 

• Not good enough coverage if used as a concealer
• Shade I got is darker than mehh~
  

 TIPS 
Moisturize first before using this product!
Double or triple layers on skin imperfections
Use makeup remover and good cleansers for skin cleansing.

Will I repurchase? 
Yessssh I will! I might just bought the wrong shade.Perfect choice for girls in a tight budget. This is a must-try! :)

Overall~
A bang for the buck! Overall quality of Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil in Milk Tea is great. Not for a concealer though, but I can pass that up. As a cream foundation this baby is a winner!



 

Justme: New Passport Application at DFA Manila

Just lettin' you know beauties that yesterday I just applied for a passport in DFA Manila! Yay I never thought they'll accept my rushed and limited requirements but they did! Anyways another news is that I will definitely graduate on May 14! Like hey, hey! reality strikes, I-will-finally-graduate! *tears of joy*
So I wanted to share my experience in applying for a passport, please read on below! ;)

Here is the list of documentary requirements asked by DFA.
So looking at the requirement list I figured out that the requirements for me are:

1. Personal Appearance
2. Confirmed Appointment
3. Birth Certificate from NSO
4. Valid Picture ID's and supporting documents to prove my identity

There are additional requirements for late registered applicants, married, dual citizens and a whole lot more for minors. So as listed, I needed to present an ID and at least 3 supporting documents.

LIST OF ACCEPTABLE IDS (At least 1 of the following):
Government-issued picture IDs such as the following:
Digitized SSS ID
Driver’s License
GSIS E-card
PRC ID
IBP ID
OWWA ID
Digitized BIR ID
Senior Citizen’s ID
Other acceptable picture IDs such as the following:
Old College ID
Alumni ID
Old Employment IDs

LIST OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (At least 3 of the following):
Voter’s ID
NSO Marriage Contract
Land Title
Seaman’s Book
Elementary or High School Form 137 or Transcript of Records with readable dry seal
Government Service Record
NBI Clearance
Police Clearance
Barangay Clearance
Old documents issued at least one year prior to date of application that show correct name, date and place of birth, picture and signature of applicant such as the following:
NSO Birth Certificate of child / children
SSS-E1 Form or Microfilmed Copy of SSS-E1 Form
Income Tax Return
Voter’s Certification, List of Voters and Voter’s Registration Record (for newly issued VRR, please attach receipt)
School Yearbook
Community Tax Certificate

My mind has gone in circles when I saw the requirements. If you will look at it, they only need pretty basic identifications, but I have a problem. My only ID is from school and since it was old, the photo is already fading (it was printed in PVC) and it is blurred already. Another thing is that, it needs to be surrendered soon.
I was aiming for SSS ID but I found out that they need 1 month contribution prior. Boohoo~ I was only about to apply in order to get my SS number. Where in the world can I get an ID?? (Forget about Recto, I want all things to be legit). Even my alumni ID is yet to be given to me. The hardships of a starter in the world of working, no identifications and limited everything.
For the supporting documents on the other hand I needed to present a new birth certificate (costs P140). It should be issued 1 year prior to date of application. Do not try to present an old copy, there is a way of knowing when it was issued. I will share how later. Other documents I tried to get:

Elementary or High School Form 137 or Transcript of Records with readable dry seal (There is a waiting time, based on how busy the people who'll sign the release of the forms)
NBI Clearance (easy but usually there is an 8 days waiting time for new applications, fast 1 day release for renewal based on my experience - apply online for more convenience. Waiting time will be cut in half.) Paid P115 for passport/travel abroad/green type of NBI clearance at Ever Recto near Isetann.
Police Clearance - Got this in 10 minutes or less. It was easy but costs P200 because its for traveling abroad.
Barangay Clearance - Easy and free as well! Requested mine from our barangay hall.
SSS-E1 Form or Microfilmed Copy of SSS-E1 Form - Takes 10 minutes or less! Again, it is free.
School Yearbook - Thinking twice on this one. I rarely hear that this is presented on DFA. Might be one of my last resort.
Community Tax Certificate - This is cedula! Yikes. Haha. I was clueless that I already paid for it when I got my Police Clearance. Only P6.

Okay so let me share my New Passport Application Experience~

I chose to set an appointment at  DFA Manila because this is the closest branch I am most comfortable with. The thought of application scares me so I needed a convenient and comfortable place to get it. Lels. So arte ano? I set up an appointment first here. Make sure to type in all correct information, and do not forget to add in a working email because this is where you will be sent  the file you will present upon your DFA appointment. I was lucky to get the earliest available appointment date available which is only less than 2 weeks away.  
TIP: Sometimes other applicant cancels their application and when that happens a slot opens, giving an earlier option for other applicants.

Fast forward to my appointment date I managed to get the ff:
Old College ID
A newly issued NSO birth certificate
Old but still valid NBI clearance (local employment/orange because the green one I paid for will only be released the next day after my appointment T_T)
Police Clearance
Barangay Clearance
SSS E-1 form
Community Tax Certificate

...and their respective photocopies. My highschool form 137 is 2 days late. Pshh~ Anyway I was crossing fingers that these would suffice. But it won't hurt to give it a try, after all this are really all I have at the moment so it was like its all or nothing for me. I quickly rushed to SM Manila (1 hour away from the office). I almost missed my appointment time which is 1 PM. DFA advises applicants to be there at least 30 minutes before the chosen appointment time to avoid delays. I heard they have a cut-off and they do not allow late comers.

I presented my printed DFA Passport Appointment form and proceeded with the next step:

STEP 1: PROCESSING
They are the ones who will check your documents. The moment of truth for poor me. I was praying so hard not to be assisted by the guy with glasses on window number 7 who seems to be bored and masungit to the first applicants. However by I don't know why, when it was my turn I have no choice but to go to him. Yikes.
Hmm~ but he was okay. He chatted with me about school and all and even joked about how much do I want to pay? Referring to rush or regular processing. I opted rush which is P1200. He got all of my photocopies then he stapled the original copies of receipt, birth certificate, NBI clearance (not the personal copy) and photocopy of my ID.

STEP 2: PAYMENT
I presented my receipt and paid P1200 for rush passport processing.

STEP 3: ENCODING
This is where the biometrics and picture taking happens. Contact lens and earrings are not allowed. Fringes (bangs) and so does hair covering the ears is a no-no as well. I wonder how I will look like in my passport? There I also made a digital signature, they also took digital left and right thumbprints and finally, my fail picture. Boooo~

If you opt to drop by DFA on the date of your passport's release then you are finished here. But if you want to have it delivered then there is step 4.

STEP 4: DELIVERY
They use LBC for door-to-door delivery. They will have your address double checked and they will again, get a sign. I paid for P120 for this. Well just in case a delay or something I was spared the hassle of repeat visits to DFA.


STEP 5: RELEASING 
Waiting for my passport release and delivery on May 16. And so that's it!

TIPS:
If you have questions you can email: info@passport.com.ph
They are so fast in answering queries. Like I just sent an email and they will reply in a minute or so. It was that fast!

Hope this post has helped you ladies in some way especially those graduating beauties who are yet to apply for a passport and has very limited documents like me.
Feel free to share your passport application experience in the comments below! :)

 

Easter Sunday: Cream-O Shake!

Happy Easter Sunday!
In celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we prepared our all time favorite -  Cream-O Shake :)

The ingredients are just basic!

• About 2-3 packs of Cream-O
• Evaporated Milk (even condensed milk works fine! (^ _ ^)/)
• Sugar 
• Ice (crushed or tube, it doesn't really matter) 

Ingredients snapshots!

Steps are easy as 1-2-3! :)

1. First crush the ice and Cream-O (just enough to make blending easier for the blender)

2. Next add all of the ingredients to the blender and blend blend blend! <3

Add more sugar or milk. It depends on your preference. Kyaa~ ლ(⌒▽⌒ლ)

3. Pour in a nice glass, add more crushed Cream-O on top and more milk, voila! Cream-O Shake for this hot summer! Enjoy! ヾ(。◕ฺ∀◕ฺ)ノ

Okay so off-topic, I was never able to watch 'A walk to remember' (my childhood fave: Mandy Moore's movie) so I was really glad when it was aired on tv. A story that revolved in hope, love and trust in God. The quote above from the Bible is mentioned in the movie. Aww~ <3

To end this post yay, lemme share this cute image of a seemingly Bunny working out for Easter. Yay Kawaii~ (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)

Credits: Photo from 9GAG

 

Review: Avon Care Fairness Exfoliation Face Wash

Avon Care Fairness Exfoliation Face Wash with Licorice says:
New Avon Care Fairness Exfoliation Face Wash deeply cleanses skin and removes light make-up. After use, it makes skin look brighter and leaves a healthy, radiant and clear glow.
Formulated with Licorice Extract. Allergy tested. Dermatologist tested. Suitable for daily use.

To use: Take desired amount onto wet hand and create lather. Massage onto face in a circular motion. Rinse off and pat dry, use daily.

Avon Care Fairness Exfoliation Face Wash on the left corner

...And off to a quick review! (＾▽＾)

I use Avon Care Fairness Exfoliation Face Wash in place of my Celeteque Moisturizing facial wash. It smells like candy for me, well I love sweet scents though in terms of beauty products I prefer them unscented. There is nothing special with the packaging because like any other facial wash its also in a tube. Handy and of course hygienic, you control how much product you use.

This facial scrub is in gel form and has micro beads. Somehow this beads are quite grainy and big compared to the usual beads I've used from other commercial brands. It exfoliates well for that matter but does not whiten nor brighten. Skin looks fresh after usage though. I'm glad that unlike other facial scrubs it does not aggravate my pores. （￣ー￣）

I've used this daily until I noticed it dries my skin. Maybe it suits girls with oily skin? (/•ิ_•ิ)/
I have combination skin now, semi dry semi oily type of skin that is. I still use facial cleanser like Eskinol or sometimes makeup remover (hihi, sometimes..lol) to remove traces of dirt and/or easily remove makeup.

How much and where to buy?
P99/tube from your Avon Ladies

What I love?

• It did not broke me out
• Sweet candy smell
• Affordable

What I don't?

• Product is not accessible
• Drying if used daily (coz maybe it suits oily skin type)
• Can't fully remove makeup

TIPS: Use this only once or twice a week because contrary to its name, Avon Care Fairness Exfoliation Face Wash is actually a facial scrub.


Will I repurchase?
Maybe not.

Overall~
A good average facial scrub (with a misleading name). I would like to try other brands that has other functions like giving in moisture, fighting acne etc.

YAY. So whatta long weekend. I'm missing my favorite Coffee jelly Chillz in Mini Stop. Sadly the nearest  store at work is in renovation until July. Boohoo~ (-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩___-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩-̩̩̩)

 

Definitely Japan. Definitely Kojie.san

Definitely Japan. Definitely Kojie.san.

Hey hey summer heat! Well I am still at work and I can definitely feel that it is summer even at night while I'm on my train ride back home (do they really turn off the LRT aircon during rush hours? It is so H-O-T!)
I bet most of you beauties are oh-so ready to jump in the beach waves, spend hours in the sand and under the heat of the sun. But that could lead to tan lines and/or sunburn, so never forget sunblock! However despite usage of such products, exposure to too much sun may still result to a darkened skin tone. Good thing, that problem is no biggie because there are whitening soaps in the market which can help you in bringing back your original skin tone.

My favorite whitening buddy? Kojic soap. I know that there are lots of unbranded kojic soaps in the market. I even encountered scrap kojic soaps in some mall stands. However when it comes to skincare it is important to use only the original kojic acid soap to ensure that you'll get results with every wash. Only the original kojic soap made by a reputable brand can give you peace of mind. By reputable, I can only think of one brand name: Kojie.san.

Kojie.san is the first kojic acid soap to be commercially available in the Philippine market. I can still remember Alodia Gosiengfiao as one of their first endorser (I really really like her!) I am actually one of the first buyers and users of Kojie.san and still a user! All I can say is they managed to really maintain the quality of products throughout the years. Hellamazing.

Simplicity is beauty. The white box with the image of a geisha on the side is eye catching. It is also economical to buy two soaps at a time.

Upon usage you will feel a tingling sensation (a sign that the product works!). It is quite drying (well expected because it is an acid soap), my skin feels a bit tight after using it. However dead skin sloughs off after a week of usage because Kojie.san has a micro peeling effect, which makes it a potent whitening product. However do not worry because it does not contain any harmful chemicals. It contains antioxidants and 100% all natural ingredients. I use Kojie.san not just for maintaining my skin tone but also for removing dark spots left by bug bites on my legs and arms. It is definitely working, the result is gradual but it gave me a glowing type of fairness plus an extra smooth skin too.

Definitely the bar that sets the bar.  Look at the improvement of my complexion. Yay~ :)
Kojie.san deserves an A++ rating!

PHOTO CREDITS: Photo on the right by Totodale Photography