Sneak Peak: Upcoming Reviews of the Month

So I just did a quick haul last week and look at what I've got. Currently Shopee is having this free shipping promo for P500 purchase and above until March 31.

I took the chance to get trending items which caught my eye. These products will be reviewed in the following days to come:

1. Clear Nose Blackhead Remover Strips or Gel Hut Mun White (Clear Nose) - For removing pesky black heads.
2. Orange Peeling Lotion - To get rid of dark spots on the skin.
3. Keratin Hair Reconstructor - -For soft and fragrant hair.
4. Bumebime Soap - Instant Whitening Soap which is said to lift the skin tone 3-4 shades lighter in 7 days.
5. Amino Keratin Treatment - For strong and shiny hair.
6. Grape Gluta Mask - Bleaching Powder which is also offering instant whitening effect.

Yay! I am so excited to see how it goes. Most of the trending products nowadays are from Thailand, there is no questions to that because they market their products so well. I can say that I am into Thai and korean products now. See you in my next post! :)


*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: The Face Shop Kakao Watery Tint in 04

Happy Tuesday! this is what keeping me busy nowadays ~ *drumroll*
Oh-some MNL! If you may ask, yes its an online shop for awesome korean skincare items I've tried, not yet reviewed here in my blog. I hope I get to spread the aim for better skin by using natural and gentle products.

For today we are reviewing The Face Shop Kakao Watery Tint in 04. This is actually my friend's lip tint by the way, but due to liking it a lot I will be getting one for myself soon.

What is it?
This tint contains milk and natural oils that creates a moisturizing shield over the lips,giving them a healthy look.

Color:
#01 Pink Vela,#02 Coralster,#03 Orange scene,#04 Red up,# 05 Racing Pink,# 06 Rose Garden

Size: 5g

How to use:

• Dispense an adequate amount and apply to the lips.
• Create a natural gradient by concentrating on the inner lips and allowing color to fade towards the edges.

Packaging
Plastic tube is sturdy and it has cute Kakao characters on it! I forgot to take a picture but just like typical lip tints it has a doe foot applicator as well.

Experience
My impression of The Face Shop is that it only sells expensive items until I came to know that they offer items at par with Etude House. Remember my review on their Jeju Aloe Vera Fresh Soothing Gel?

First thing we should know, is if Kakao Watery Tint is scented? Yes it is. Its like a sweet scent but when applied it doesn't have any taste. Usually lip tints have this bitter taste and if its too liquidy it transfers on my teeth, yikes. One thing we should know is that the consistency is like watery gel. It doesn't slip once applied and dries just as fast as we spread it on. Below is a swatch.

Its not too watery and not oily but it lasts after a whole meal. My friend who owns this product also only retouches on the end of the day. 

On the lips only one swipe, around 2-3 dots is good. The Face Shop Kakao Watery Tint is really pigmented and the color is very bright red. On cheeks maybe 1-2 dots will do, make sure to blend quickly. 

Here is a lip snap after eating. My lips is still red! Awesome. Sorry for not taking a full blown face shot though.

How much and where to buy?
P360 for a 5g tube and available at The Face Shop kiosks nationwide.

What I love

• Tint is very pigmented
• Sweet scent
• Creamy gel form
• No bitter taste
• Doesn't dry out lips
• No minty feeling when applied
• Long lasting even after eating
• Not blotchy looking on my lips
• Spreads easily

What I don't

• Nothing I can mention

TIPS
Apply on top of similar shade lip stick. It will stay so much longer!

Will I repurchase?
Well this awesome thing is my friend's actually but trying it out makes me want to buy one. I also want to try their other shades!

Overall~
I have a lot of lip products already but The Face Shop Kakao Watery Tint makes me think I need more. Due to the poor lasting power of the usual tints and my often busy days I've came to dislike tints, but The Face Shop makes me rethink otherwise.

~~~

I wanna try MISSHA Poptastic Jelly Tint in Salsa Red, its like brick red or something like brownish red shade which looks really flattering on any skin tone.

Annnnd yes here is the link to my online shop again, yay!

💕~Oh-some MNL~💕

*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: Pilaten Blackhead Remover

Happy Monday! God has let the blessings rain for a while lately, and with that I am thankful. 

Anyway for today will be a quick review about a trending product meant to address one of the most common skin problem of girls and boys alike: Pilaten Blackhead Remover. This product is all over facebook and buy & sell websites.

What is it?
A black gel meant to remove blackheads and whiteheads. This is obviously from China, no english translations for the ingredients. I was wondering what it contains? The instructions is in english though.

Instructions: After cleansing apply it evenly onto blackheads and wait about 30 minutes before tearing it off.

Packaging
I got it in sachet pack by 10's but I am not sure if they sell it in tubes.

Experience
I honestly just bought Pilaten Blackhead remover out of plain curiosity. The other product of Pilaten which is the Hair Remover cream is selling like pancakes which is why I got this also with my purchase. I have history of experiencing itchy skin when using nose strips.

To compare, the black gel of Pilaten is more liquidy compared to iWhite (well that was the last nose strip I've used). I had a hard time on applying it because it drips. It also takes a while to dry, like 30 minutes or so and I cannot do layers on the product to thicken it. Thicker product means easier removal later on. The scent is nice which I can't describe and there is no minty feeling while I had it on.

Soooo did it work? Sadly no. It did lift a few of my blackheads but I can count them with my fingers. Its not as effective as it claims to be.

How much and where to buy?
Online, cheapest is around P5 per sachet.

What I love

• Scent
• Minimize pores
• Temporarily whitens
• Cheap
• Doesn't hurt when peeled off
• did not break me out

What I don't

• Doesn't effectively remove blackhead
• No ingredient list

Will I repurchase?
No. There are better options out there.

Overall~
Not all trending products are good which is proved by Pilaten Blackhead remover. Since ingredients is not listed we can't be sure what is inside. I just ordered Clearnose Blackhead Remover so stay tuned for that. See you in my next posts!

~~~

>>Is it just me or facebook is loaded with too much sponsored posts lately?
Here is what I use to detoxify, Green Tea in a bottle! They also have Jasmine tea variant, which is also oishii~ (delicious) [photo is year old, sorry]

 *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
 

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