iWhite Korea Aqua Moisturizing Cream - Review, Photos, Swatches

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iWhite Aqua Moisturizing Cream is perfect for the humid tropical weather we have here in the Philippines. It's oile-free, non-comedgonic; perfect for oily skin. It leaves a cooling sensation when applied, making it seem like our skin is drinking an ice-cold water. It's color may intimidate people (its blue) but I swear it becomes translucsent once its applied (look at the swatches below).

I've been using it for a month now, and I really love using it before my face primer. It doesn't irritate my skin, and htough its scented, it smells relaxing for me. My only woe about this product is that it doesn't give enough moisturization when I use it at night before I sleep. I have oily-combination (generally oily but with dry patches) skin, so I need something more moisturizing at night. Aside from that, I would continue using this product and will recommend it especially this summer.

iWhite Aqua Moisturizing Cream

PROS: works especially for oily skin, cooling sensation is perfect for summer, translucsent, doesn't irritate my skin, locally available, affordable

CONS: If you have dry skin, you may need to skip this on your evening regimen because it's a little too light on the moisturizing part

VERDICT:

  I will definitely repurchase!

Where To Buy:

iWhite Aqua Moisturizing Cream

Watsons, drugstores and supermarkets

iWhite Korea Whitening Pack - Review, Photos, Swatches

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iWhite Whitening Pack is a peel-off mask that one can use twice a week. It was a little tricky when I used it for the first time since I usually use masks that I will have to wash off. Together with the aqua mosturizing cream, I've been using this for a month now and I must say I like it as well. Whenever I feel like my skin is so dull and stressed (pollution, makeup, lack of sleep?), I use it and I feel like my skin is thanking me after. It's quite relaxing and leaves my skin relaxed and revitalized. It didn't irritate my skin nor cause any breakouts. I couldn't say if it whitened my face (since I'm already quite fair), but I can say it definitely brightened my face and helped me (a little) with my stubborn whiteheads and blackheads. But what I love more about this product is that it's very affordable, so even those who are in a tight budget will love this.
For a whitening range to work, I think all products should be used for best results. I'm also using their sunscreen now and thier nose pack, so let's see if a more visible whitening effect would happen.

*How To Use:

Step 1: Wash face using iWhite Moisturizing Facial Wash and pat the face dry with a clean towel.

Step 2: Apply a generous amount of iWhite Whitening Pack.

Step 3: Spread evenly while avoiding the eyes, nose, and mouth area but making sure it blends with the iWhite Nose Pack if you had previously applied one.

Step 4: Wait for 15 minutes or until it dries.

Step 5: Peel off upwards starting from the chin.

For best results, use 2-4 times a week with other iWhite skincare products.

iWhite Whitening Pack

I only apply this mask on the areas where I have blemishes, scars and dark spots.

I apply it generously with a mini plastic spatula (usually used for depotting makeup).

PROS: will at least brighten your complexion if not whiten, works on any skin tones, did not irritate my skin, very affordable, won't require rinsing with water

CONS: a spatula-like tool is highly advisable when applying, a little getting use to if you're new to peel-off masks, it has a distinct scent so the pickiest noses might have issues with it

VERDICT:

  I will definitely repurchase!

Where To Buy:

iWhite Whitening Pack

Watsons, drugstores and supermarkets

Sachet (8g) PHP22.00, Tube (95g) PHP199

*taken from PR materials provided

MAC Absolute Power Lipstick - Review, Photos, Swatches

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The people closest to me know I'm a feminist, through and through. I was raised by my Grandma and Mama, so yeah go figure. Being with fabulous, strong and nurturing women made me aspire to be the best me. They taught me to celebrate being a woman and go for whatever I want. My gender was never, and would never be, an issue or an obstacle in achieving my dreams.

When I heard MAC Strength Collection, a collection dedicated to the modern woman who doesn't let anything or anyone put her down, won't reach MAC Counters in Asia, I was really pissed. Wanna know why? Click here.

I'm so lucky that I have friends who are nice enough to get the collection for me. Next to MAC Iris Apfel Collection, this would be my 2nd favorite collection. I love the lipstick shades and what the collection stands for. So here is my first lipstick from the said collection. :)

MAC Absolute Power is a blue based, slightly pinky red shade. Its in my favorite matte finish (not the drying kind). Its easy to apply, very opaque in color and is quite long wearing. Even after a full meal, the color is still in tact. After a 2nd meal (snack), a pretty stain was left on my lips. This color and formula did not disappoint at all. :)

MAC Absolute Power

Without Flash

With Flash

Without Flash: ABsolute Power, Ruby Woo, Ronnie Red, Russian Red

With Flash: ABsolute Power, Ruby Woo, Ronnie Red, Russian Red

PROS: long wearing and opaque formula, matte, classic color, leaves a pretty stain after hours of wear

CONS: limited edition and pricey


VERDICT:

  I will definitely repurchase!


Where To Buy:
MAC Absolute Power
Online, prices may vary (try Online Beauty Hub, PHP1200)

MAC Strong Woman Lipstick - Review, Photos, Swatches

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MAC Strong Woman is from the brand's Strength Collection. It's a dark purple (as my friend Dyms would say, Ube Lipstick), but a very wearable one. I think it has red undertones that's why it doesn't come off as gothic. It has a matte and opaque finish. Although its matte, its not drying at all. I really, REALLY love wearing this shade since I usually wear my signature Candy Yum Yum or any red lipstick that I have so this is quite refreshing. I even got compliments because it somehow works with my skin tone (fair, leaning pale).

MAC Strong Woman 

Without Flash

With Flash

Without Flash: Strong Woman, Smoked Purple, Violetta

With Flash: Strong Woman, Smoked Purple, Violetta

PROS: a refreshing new shade to rock, wearable dark purple color, matte finish, long wearing, opaque

CONS: limited edition and pricey



VERDICT:

  I will definitely repurchase


Where To Buy:
MAC Strong Woman
Online, prices may vary (try Online Beauty Hub, PHP1200)

Wine, Dine and Chill at The Wine Bar

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Whether alone or hitting the town with your fellow closest gourmands, selecting a bottle of wine to accompany your feast can seem daunting if one feels they lack pairing know-how. Not at The Wine Bar at the 1771 El Pueblo, where the restaurant not only caters to foodies and wine lovers, but also to those who aim to understand the art of wine pairing.

 

A member of the 1771 Group of Restaurants in El Pueblo Ortigas, The Wine Bar is a gem for those who find comfort in intimate wine and dine experience. Sleek, masculine and inspired from the sophisticated bars of Soho, New York, the venue is built with personalized spaces, comfortable nooks and private rooms that are perfect for intimate get together. With an intriguing Wine Cellar housing over 300 top quality wine choices from all over the world reserved from the enomatic dispenser with theme that varies monthly, take your pick by the glass or decide together with the in-house sommelier Cecille Mauricio. A rare feature of a restaurant outside the hotel, The Wine Bar offers endless wine and food choices coupled with a superior service that anyone can count on.

 

The charming wine and dine concept of WB 1771 also offers private event spaces which can accommodate up to 120 persons, perfect for intimate social events such as wedding receptions or even JS proms.  For smaller parties that need privacy, The Wine Bar features private areas that can be converted into smaller private room good for 6 to 25 persons. Boasting the same convenience of a hotel function space but in a more relaxed and intimate ambience, explore The Wine Bar function spaces if the goal is to celebrate with ease and elegance.

With choicest wine selections, gourmet food on the menu that’s matched with the allure of its architecture, it’s simply a venue to celebrate life’s precious moments. Aside from its chart-topping wines, tasty and filling bites such as oyster Rockefeller (P550net),Grilled Angus Striploin (P1400 net) or the Oyster Rockefeller (P550 net) or the signature Wine Burger Bar(P410 net) can just take off the treat, whether you’re visiting for the wines or food.Selecting a wine that matches with what’s on the plate not only can make for interesting variations and interplay, The Wine Bar‘s ambiance offers a chill out  treat that’s conducive for catching up with people who matters most or simply savoring a recharging moment by yourself in a lavish and charming setting.

Cure Natural Aqua Gel - Review, Photos, Swatches

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I've been Bubzbeauty's subscriber for years now. She's the first Youtube Makeup Guru who I followed and got inspired by. What I love about her is that aside from the makeup tutorials she does, she also gives awesome DIY or product recommendations that really works well for me (I think we have similar skin types). And she's really pretty, too! We also love the same place: Hong Kong! Anyway, she's been raving about this Japanese scrub/exfoliator because its so effective yet still quite gentle to the skin. I didn't get to grab a bottle of this wonder product when I was in HK, so I'm sooo happy Beauty Bar finally carries them. :) Not sure if they have it online. But I know they have in their stores.

*What is Cure? A facial in a bottle!

Spots, pigmentations, pimples, blackheads, dry sin, oily skin, signs of wrinkles and dull skin are caused by dead skin. Cure will help remove (0.01mm) of your dead skin and dirt while supporting the regeneration of your skin. Cure is the most gentle exfoliation for your skin. It's 90% water (hydrogen water), preservative free, coloring free, mineral oil free, artificial fragrance free.

Cure Natural Aqua Gel is a gentle yet very effective dead skin cells remover. It will take whatever dirt/makeup/dead skin cells you have off. It was actually a bit gross when I tried it out at the back of my hands. "Parang naglilibag". Hahaha! But yeah, it is that effective. It can be used on your face and body. Though its gentle it is recommended to be used twice a week only to give our skin a chance to rejuvenate properly (over exfoliating may irritate your skin).

*How to use Cure

1. Wash your face then towel dry very well.

2. Pump a dab of gel on your fingertips.

3. Apply on your face and massage gently in a circular motion for 30seconds to 1 minute to remove dead skin.

4. Rinse face with water then follow with your daily skin care routine.

My only problem is the price. It costs PHP1500, which is quite steep. But since we'll only use it twice a week, it can last you until 4 months.

Cure Natural Aqua Gel

Left to Right, Top to Bottom
1 | I applied a thick BB cream, topped with a mineral powder.
2 | I applied a single pump.
3 | Massaged it over.
4 | Wiped off with wipes.

PROS: very effective on removing whatever gunk you have on your skin (dirt, makeup, dead skin cells), can be used for your face and body, very gentle, doesn't irritate my skin, locally available

CONS: it's quite pricey :(



VERDICT:

  I will definitely repurchase!


Where To Buy:
Cure Natural Aqua Gel
Beauty Bar, PHP1500

*Taken from their PR materials

Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie Pore Cover - Review, Photos, Swatches

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Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie Pore Cover isn't my first face primer, but so far its the best I've tried. Aside from providing a smooth canvas for foundation, it has SPF 20 already. It provides sheer coverage which I love since I tend to look "too red". It also helps in keeping the oil on my face at bay and prevented my foundation from sliding. I don't think it minimizes the appearance of my pores though, but it definitely doesn't make them more apparent. It didn't break me out and it has no distinct smell.

Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie Pore Cover

Left column: w/o flash. Right column: with flash

Before and After applying the product

PROS: it has SPF already, enough tint to lessen the redness of my face, didn't break me out, doesn't have smell, easy to tote around

CONS: it doesn't hide big pores like mine


VERDICT:

  I will definitely repurchase!


Where To Buy:
Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie Pore Cover
Watson's and SM Department Store, PHP695