April Skin Magic Snow Fixing Cushion Review

Annyeong! Its already March and I finally got hold of most of the items I have been lemming. Yay! Its better to buy something you really like rather than to think of it too many times. You know you will end up buying it anyway. I restraint myself from  buying too many makeups etc but I can't help myself with April Skin Magic Snow Fixing Cushion.

What is it? 
Full matte coverage Magic Snow Fixing Foundation with its innovative compact format, ensures perfect complexion and is easy to touch up.

April Skin Magic Snow Fixing Cushion is aimed for great coverage especially for troubled skin. this cushion is trending all over the social media due to its truly convincing marketing video. No wonder, that this baby is selling like hot cakes.

April Skin Magic Snow Fixing Cushion is available in 3 shades: 21 light beige, 22 pink beige & 23 natural beige.

Instructions:
Step1 Remove translucent film from the mirror
Step2 Open inner lid and remove the attached film
Step3 Gently press cushion to release the perfect amount of foundation on the puff.
Step4 Lightly pat the puff on skin

Packaging 



I am head over heels in love with the rose gold packaging. I am so glad that I am buying a pink colored makeup item. April Skin Magic Snow Fixing is my very first cushion and I am thrilled when I received it. Compared to other cushions, April Skin offers innovative mesh netting which makes it less prone to drying out fast unlike other sponge type cushions. It also says that its there to ensure even application. The only thing I noticed with it is that it attracts finger prints, so the case looks a bit dirty as it looks in the picture above.

The sponge provided looks flimsy but its not. Although its not soft, I like it because it doesn't absorb too much product. The sponge works great with layering the foundation.

The reality of using cushion is the used sponge. Lol~

Comparing to sponge cushions, April skin uses mesh

Experience
I was originally looking for April Skin 2.0 but feedback says its more on the dewy finish. Given the Philippine weather, April Skin Snow Fixing which is matte is more suitable bonus fact is the case color which is rose gold.

This bb cushion has a slight powder scent. In terms of coverage, it borders light to medium but it managed to cover my red spots. Dark spots still need a bit of concealer though. In terms of pore visibility it kinda lessens its pore size and it gives a filtered soft effect. End finish is matte but not flat, I did not used powder on top but it did not make me look oily. April skin did not accentuate my dry patches which is great because I have patchy skin right now because I am currently using local obagi. I am thankful that although its matte its still a not so dry formula, it even feel like it provides moisture. Its very lightweight and feels like second skin.

Compared to my Etude House Perfect Fit BB, April Skin has a drier formula. April Skin also has yellow undertone while Etude House has pink undertone. Its not visible on the pic above but when worn on the face its more obvious.

Comparing the two I must say April Skin's coverage is better due to its formula. Easier to layer too.

Another selling point of April Skin is that its advertised as a type of bb cushion makeup that won't transfer, well to be honest with you guys, it does but its very very minimal.

At night I take it off with Micellar water. I still reapply and bring the cushion with me outside so I can reapply at midday. Fresh makeup looks best of course. With continues usage I think it can last me a month or so. Without further ado, behold my troubled skin below before and after April Skin.

How much and where to buy? 
There are a lot of fake April Skin cushions nowadays, make sure to buy only original ones, we don't know what is inside the fake ones.
Althea PH offers this at P950 per cushion here, if you are okay to wait (because it will be shipped from Korea) then this is good, they often have promos and sale products, if you plan on hoarding korean products then this is sweeeg~ (awesome, read: Kim Bok Joo fans if you know what I mean).

If you want the product ASAP, BeautyMNL sells this at P1285, still cool given that you get it faster than a speeding bullet, (pun intended) link here.

One cushion has 15g of product which I guess would last a month or so with everyday usage. OMG nooo~

What I love 

• Rose gold cushion packaging is to die for
• Soft effect on the skin
• Moisturizes
• Offers SPF
• Yellow undertone
• A little goes a long way
• Did not accentuate my dry flaky skin
• Lessened appearance of pores
• Brightens skin
• Controls Oil
• Covered redness
• Light to medium coverage
• Lightweight
• Natural looking
• Perfect bb cushion for the korean look you're aiming for
• Doesn't break me out
• Lasts all day

What I don't 

• Product spills to the sides when cushion is pressed
• I still used concealer on my dark spots

TIPS 
Layer on to achieve better coverage after using moisturizer underneath
Remember to buy this variant if you have oily to combination skin. The April Skin 2.0 is for dry skin gals.

Will I repurchase?
Yes to the moon and the back~ I love this cushion!

Overall~
April Skin Magic Snow Fixing Cushion's coverage and yellow undertone are perfect for my needs. It ends into a natural bright finish without the need for powder. April Skin is my very first cushion and I am not disappointed.

*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated

 

Be Summer Ready with Celeteque Dermoscience Sun Care

Be ready to bask in the summer sun!
Whether you’re hitting sizzlin’ spots or sashaying in the city this summer, we’ve got you covered.

You’ve planned and booked, rounded up your besties and filed your leaves. And while you’re saddened that the cool-clime weeks couldn’t last longer, you’re also so psyched to welcome the summer season in style. On your bucket list are new summer spots, and you’re so thrilled to fill the season with exciting new memories.

Equally as important as your summer spot or wardrobe is your summer stash. You want nothing short of the right tricks and tools to ensure that you enjoy your vacay to the max without having to worry about sore summer burns. With these highly specialized summer goodies only from Céleteque Dermoscience Sun Care, you’ve got the sun products for skin-caring sun protection that meet your tough wanderlust criteria:

• When you want light, breezy but potent sun protection

Say goodbye to sticky, icky afterfeel. Céleteque Dermoscience™ Sun Care Face and Body Sun Defense Spray with SPF50 (P449 for 100mL) is a non-sticky water-proof double sun defense against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays that can be used in dry and wet conditions. Leaving no visible white marks, it looks flawless when applied. Also, its Vitamin E and sunflower oil content mattifies when rubbed unto skin all while keeping the skin moisturized even when under the sun.

This nifty product will soon be a summer staple, because it’s so easy to use. Simply, shake well, hold the can 6-8 inches away from the body while spraying generously and evenly on skin before sun exposure. For face application, spray onto hands and apply to the face. Re-apply after swimming, perspiring, or whenever needed to maintain best protection.

• When you want to look and feel flawless in the summer

Make sure your summer selfies don’t show an oil-slicked you. With Céleteque Dermoscience™ Sun Care Matte Moisturizer with SPF30 (P299 for 50mL), you get mattified double sunscreen protection against UVA/UVB rays during prolonged sun exposure. It hydrates the skin and lends the skin an oil-free and smooth matte finish. Hypoallergenic and safe for everyday use, it is also non-comedogenic and tested for efficacy and moisturization. Apply evenly on cleansed face and neck for daily sunscreen protection. Both shore- and city-ready, this’ll be your best friend in the coming scorching months.

·         When you want to soothe the after-effects of the scorching sun

Nothing saps a bright summer mood than a painful burn. Céleteque Dermoscience™ Sun Care Skin Relief After-Sun Gel (P290 for 200mL) provides immediate moisturizing and cooling relief to sunburnt skin. Its Anti-inflammatory Soothing Extracts reduce the skin’s possible inflammation after prolonged sun exposure. Plus, it also has Wheat and Aloe Vera Skin Conditioners that soothe and lessen flaking of overly dry skin. Hypoallergenic and safe for everyday use, it’s the sun remedy you need for those beach visits. Apply generously on dry and reddened skin immediately after long sun exposure for immediate soothing relief and moisture replenishment. You’ll feel insta-relieved as the cool gel glides over your skin. Re-apply as often as possible until the sensation of intense dryness and heat subsides. To supplement the healing process, it is still best to re-apply sunscreen with higher SPF level for intense sun exposure.

Get yourself geared up and ready for the summer season. Stash up on these sun goodies to ensure that you have spectacular time under the summer sun. Happy summer, sun siren!

Céleteque Dermoscience Sun Care products are available in Watsons stores and leading grocery and beauty stores nationwide.


Lots of love,

Miss Universe 2017 in the Philippines

After many years Miss Universe will be aired from our very own Philippines! Everybody is thrilled and later at 8:00am is the big day! Too bad that it was not announced as a holiday, its a historical day indeed because its not everyday that we get to watch Miss Universe done in the Philippines. Of course that might just also be another reason to extend the weekends. Please don't judge me, hehe. But IMHO there is no denying that Miss Universe raised the heads of many and there are a lot of memes and comic strips already. The funniest one I've seen so far:

Credits: FB: www.facebook.com/sskait

*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated 

 

Review: Lolane Z-Cool Color Milk Y6 Pistachio Latte

New Year, New Look! I have gotten this hair dye from last year, it seems so long ago already! Lol. My blonde hair doesn't look as it was before, its yellowish and brassy. My black roots is also showing up so I think this is the best time to color my hair.

I have checked out different hair dye brands and I have seen Lolane Z-Cool which is new and currently on promo. They have cool shades not available with other brands which made me want to try them out. I chose Pistachio latte, but I want to try the pink sakura next time. I am looking into darkening my hair to remove the brassiness. My hair was bleached 3 times and colored twice with Palty milk tea brown. After a few months the pretty milk tea shade has faded and I was left with a brassy color.

Lolane Z-Cool Color Milk Y6 Pistachio

Romantic Garosugil

(Garosugil is a place in Gangnam Seoul South Korea with many shops and restaurants)

Amorous, dreamy & compassionate. She's a real princess!

Vibrant coloring by Lolane Z-Cool Color Milk Micro Crystal Technology and Vitamin C derivatives give better coloring effect to provide long lasting radiant and vibrant hair color as you desire. Hokkaido Milk Extract intensely moisturizes your hair as if treated with milk treatment.

Packaging
Unique box I am actually recycling them because they look so cute. I like how they designed the box with pink and white ensemble. Its clearly made in Thailand because of the wordings but unlike japanese dyes, Lolane Z-Cool offers english translations printed on the box.

Opening the box you will get: Color dye, 9% developer, Intense Care Keratin Repair Mask and gloves.

Experience
This shade is like greenish blonde. I like how they called it Pistachio which makes you think of the type of green it will be and latte for the brown shade its mixed with. The name is really witty. I chose this because I don't like to get orangey/brassy shade again.

So off to the procedure, after mixing for 60 seconds, I've left the formula for a little while to get the mixture runny. The formula is actually a little thick than it should making it hard to spread on the hair but if you wait for a bit, then the mixture will be easier to spread. I doubted that my roots will change color because there is very slight change even after 30 minutes. Good thing the mixture doesn't smell so bad unlike the other hair dyes I've used before and I am glad it have free gloves because like any other DIY process, coloring can be messy.

Okay so this is the before and after photos you've all been waiting for, glad that we will see the effect on blonde and on black hair, lol. Below is the photo for the before coloring process. Look at the black roots.

Then after the coloring process, here it is. Sorry if I look unhappy here. Of course the top is not blondish because its not bleached but I really like the shade of brown that it is. Its just pure chocolate brown with no brassiness at all. The ends looks fine but feels a bit dry despite using the keratin treatment of Lolane. I guess its not moisturizing enough. I was honestly expecting a darker shade than this but when compared to the color on the box I guess it looks exactly as what they promised.

How much and where to buy?
P249.50 for 2 boxes when it was on sale in Trinoma Department Store. Regular price is P249.50 per box.

What I love

• Color stays true to the box
• Greenish shade is love <3
• Complete with gloves and bottle applicator
• No strong ammonia scent
• No allergic reaction
• Removed brassiness
• Lifted color on my roots
• Easy to be done by yourself (perfect for DIY pips like me)
• Affordable

What I don't

• Dry hair, no shine
• Smell of ammonia left on my hair
• Formula is a bit difficult to spread on hair

Will I repurchase?
Yes! Another shade from Lolane Z-Cool!

Overall~
I really love the result of Lolane Z cool and my co workers like it too. Compared to the old yellow brassy strands of last year that is. It borders brown and blonde and kinda green in reality. Lolane Z-Cool Color offers a lot of fun shades you might want to try. Let us have better hair days this year nae? Aja!~

My hair after a month :)

 *I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated 

Korean Dramas you Should Watch this 2017 (if you haven't yet)

This 2017 Korean Dramas are taking away Philippines by storm. All I have in my newsfeed is korean drama here and there. Here is the top ones in my list.

GOBLIN: The Lonely and Great God

Goblin has superb cinematography which will make you feel like you are watching a movie. The story is about a Goblin who has been looking for his Goblin bride to pull out the sword he is cursed with so he can return to ashes. It also have the grim reaper's love (Lee Dong Wook) for Ji Eun Tak's boss which is a funny side story for the drama.

Legend of the Blue Sea

Starring Lee Min Ho and Joo Ji Hyun this is a fascinating korean drama. Ji Hyun has to swim as a beautiful mermaid. Again she never disappoint to make people laugh with her crazy antics. Lee Min Ho on the other hand is a prince like guy who makes money by being a con artist. The twist and turns of the story completes the puzzle on how the two of them are related. 

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo

Sweeeeeeg!~ This kdrama has been dominating my newsfeed lately with 'Do you like Messi?' It even made a huge trend in twitter as well. I won't be spilling too much beans on this one, but if you want a funny love story to take all your worries away then watch this drama.

*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated 
 

AICHI DAY 2: Gamagori Classic Hotel and Gamagori Orange Park

Hi beautiful! So for today I will continue my series of post for my Aichi Prefecture Travel last November. Actually Day 2 is my favorite day in the tour because I get to pick my own oranges! Yay I love being close to nature. So remember that in Day 1 we were from Minamichita Shachi Tei which is in the Bay area. I slept late because I was too excited for the next day.

I woke up late and was the last to eat breakfast. Minamichita Shachi Tei by the way serves japanese breakfast. I was just nodding when they asked me to put the egg on hot rice. I didn't thought that the egg won't be cooked, the rice is hot but not enough go cook the egg. Wew~ its a good meal you might want to try. This meal is called tamago kake gohan. Because I was in a hurry I was not able to take a shot of my breakfast, photo below is not mine.

Photo credits from source link below

Tamago kake gohan ("egg sauce over rice") is a popular Japanese breakfast food consisting of boiled rice topped or mixed with raw egg, and optionally soy sauce. Source

Minamichita Shachi Tei

Cute dolphin in front of Shachi tei Hotel

Our first stop for the day is Gamagori Classic Hotel. On the way to I've seen Laguna Ten Bosch a theme park which houses the ship of One Piece Thousand Sunny. 

Gamagori Classic Hotel

Gamagori Classic Hotel located on a hill top offers a classic feel which is true to its name. The elevator and rooms also depicts classic antique ambiance. This classic hotel was crowned with an honorable history where the Imperial Family members which includes the Emperor and Empress Showa, used to stay. It has 100-years history of superb hospitality.

Arrival in Gamagori Classic Hotel

Twin sharing room

Bathroom shot

It also offer spectacular views of Takeshima Island: a gorgeous Japanese garden and a cafe terrace with panoramic sea views. 

Beautiful Gamagori Classic Hotel

We had a short introduction to Aichi Prefecture.

 Me and one of my new friends

 They showed us a fun promotional video of Aichi. I can't find it uploaded yet anywhere. :(

 On April 2017 they are set to open a new Legoland in Nagoya.

We drove again after to go to Gamagori Orange Park for a sumptous lunch! Most of their dtaff here are Filipinos! We were surprised when the girl who served our meals suddenly talked in tagalog, omg kabayan! :)

Complete set of lunch

Travel agency girls in the group

 Yummy Gamagor Udon Pot!!

 We went straight to the Gamagori Orangr Park right after eating lunch. Its unlimited oranges fellas! But you can only consume them inside the Orange Park, no take outs.

 h

The fruit picker of the day

They also sell oranges and other stuff inside the store. Overall this experience is really fun and I am eager to go back for a different seasoned fruit next time!

*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated