March 2013 Hit Listers and Happy Easter

Hi. First of all, let me greet y'all a Happy Easter! I apologize for being missing the past couple of days. I've been so busy with our Holy Week celebrations. 

Anyway, let me quickly share with you the stuff that have made my March extremely cool. ^^
1. That Winter, The Wind Blows
-Although the last episode is yet to air next week, this has already made it in my list. I loved Song Hye Gyo in Full House as the perky Jessie but I think I love her more here. She plays a blind heiress Oh Young, who, in my opinion, doesn't have an ounce of will to live. I don't want to spoil much of the story but it includes Zo In-Sung here playing Oh Soo, a gambler who enters Young life pretending to be her lost brother and is in need of money. Should be easy 'coz she's blind! But then again, this story has all sorts of twists and turns.

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2. Artist Studio Powder Brush
- I've been looking for a soft yet affordable powder brush that's also big and fluffy and I think I've found it. Review on this to follow.

3. Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis Ababa
-This has been my most used lippie since I bought it. It's just so awesome and long-lasting I want to buy other colors. Review here.

4. Faux-MAC Angled Blush Brush
-This angled blush brush is a part of a brush set that my mom got for me a few years ago. I took it out recently because I gave my sister my Marionnaud blush brush. And so far, I'm loving this too.

5. Avon Dew Kiss Tinted Lip Balm
-This is one of my favorite tinted lip balms because it comes off as a light pink color whereas most of my tints are either red or orange.

6. Daiso Eyelash Case
-This is hands-down the cutest eyelash case I've ever seen! 'Nuff said. See my review here.

7. Pink Box Donut Maker and Japanese Hair Bumps
-I've finally started investing on cool hair tools, aside from hair clips of course, which I probably have a gazillion of. The donut bun maker is actually my mom's which she passed on to me. And the hair bumps, which I got at Eastwood's bazaar, are for your less-than-a-minute-hair-poofing sessions. 

8. DIY Bleached Shorts
-My sister had a brief phase on DIY and I gave her my shorts to prettify and I love them! I'd probably buy a couple more and have her douse them with Zonrox.

9. Studded Bracelets
-Since it's been crazy hot the past few days, I've been avoiding wearing necklaces. I'm acidic and the heat and metal react on my skin, giving me bad rashes around the neck. So, at times like this, I take out my bracelets to spruce up my outfits.

10. Ramyun/Ramyeon/Ramen
-Our official midnight snack. Not just straight out of the pack though. Cooked on a Korean-inspired pot with eggs and odeng or fish cake. Yum.

Cheerio! And be careful tomorrow. Anything can happen on April Fool's Day.

I Nailed It #6: Bobbie Cocktail Hour Gradation Nail Polish in Cool Blue Martini

Hi. Just a quick post here on what I wore on my nails last week. ^^

Since I learned how to maximize the use of cosmetic sponges by doing nail art, I've been doing gradated nails twice a week. I constantly swap colors because my polish easily chips. And although I enjoy doing my own combinations, I was hoping to own a gradation set that's foolproof.

Etude House was the first one I saw that released a nail gradation set which retailed for around 300 bucks. Since I wasn't ready to cough up that much cash on nail polishes, I was always on the search for a good yet affordable set. That's when I saw Bobbie's Cocktail Hour Gradation Nail Polish. When I saw this in Trinoma, there were only two colors left, this Blue Martini one and a pink one. Apparently, there was also a green one. This is a limited edition set, by the way.

Each box has three 4 ml bottles, which are pretty small and reminiscent of the Mwah polishes I used to own. Each box costs 79.00

The bottles are numbered and labeled as Shaker 1, Twist 2, and Garnish 3. Let me tell you though that I found the directions at the back a little off so this is my own way of doing the gradated nails.

So, first off, apply the Twist 1 all over your nails. Twist 1 is a frosted light blue polish.

After the first layer dries up, coat the top half of your nails with Shaker 2, which is a frosted sky blue color with glitter chunks.

 Finally, apply Garnish 3 (a clear polish with chunky royal blue glitters) on the tip, kinda like doing some sort of a rustic french tip. ^^ 

 After all the layers dry up, put on some of your favorite top coat.

Well, what can I say? This is a life-saver for nail art addicts like me. It's actually great that a local brand like Bobbie is coming up with awesome sets like this. I think they also have the magnetic polish set which I've yet to try. But, just like any other glitter polishes, removing this is painful. ^^ I read somewhere though that you can soak your nails in some nail polish remover but that would mean emptying out a bottle of nail polish remover, which is not allowed here at home. *haha*

Anyway, if you want to wear some party bling on your nails, grab a box of this Bobbie Gradation Nail set while you can!

Cheerio!

M&M's Lip Shake Gloss in Raspberry and Milk Chocolate (Lip Smacker)

Hi. =) Here's another lip gloss review. Unfortunately, let me put this down now, that this is not actually available locally but if you do end up seeing it in bazaars, make sure to grab it. =)

Lip Smacker is one of my all-time favorite lippie brands. Actually, it was Bonne Belle, then I saw how adorable Lip Smacker was. I was in high school I think when I started browsing the Bonne Belle webpage constantly, wishing in my head that any of their products be made available here. And fast forward 2012, Lip Smacker was made available in Watsons. Yey! But I still love the ones in bazaars better because they are the unique ones. Like this one that my sis got for me.

We got this at last year's Noel Bazaar for a little more than 150 pesos. It's a swirly type of lip gloss that has a clear color. Best put on top of a lipstick.

The Verdict:
What I absolutely love about this gloss is that it's a complete head turner. The smell is just so chocolate-y that when I open it, anyone near me would start smelling chocolates. The scent might be a little too much for other people because it has a strong chocolate smell, but I absolutely love it. It tastes like chocolate too. However, it's not as shiny and glossy as most glosses are but that's what made it a little less sticky. I wish though that it had some sort of tint to it so that I can wear it on its own.

This is probably one of the tastiest glosses I've ever owned and definitely one of my favorites. I'm now wishing that this would come with just a little pop of color.

Have you tried a Lip Smacker gloss? Lemme know. Cheerio! ^^

Nature Republic Jelly Drop Gloss in Red Orange and a Little Fangirling

Hi! I think you'd all agree with me when I say it's getting just a tad too warm these days. Iced tea and ice-cold soft drinks have suddenly become mainstay items in our refrigerator.  Anyway, perfect time to take the blender out and make 'em smoothies and shakes.

Today's review or post would be on Nature Republic's Jelly Drop Gloss. I totally made up the red orange color because nothing is indicated on the tube.

The words in the back are of no much help. It's basically Korean for Nature Republic Jelly Drop Gloss. No amount of product stated too. Each tube costs 198.00. This was originally my sister's but since it's orange, it fell into my hands... *haha*

The Verdict:
This Jelly Drop Gloss is just your run-of-the-mill lip gloss. Actually reminds me of the very first lip gloss I owned which was a blueberry one from Penshoppe. Despite it's very stron color as swatched on my hand, on the lips, it actually just gives a peach-y tint to the lips. It's actually my kind of color because it looks really natural. But, like most glosses, this one doesn't last very long and can't survive a drink or a meal. The good thing about this though is it's not really too sticky. I've had thick sticky glosses and this isn't one of them.

Whenever I'm up for a shiny tint, this is the gloss I grab. It requires constant application but no worries.

Have you tried a Jelly Drop Gloss? Shoot me a message! Cheerio! =)

BTW, anyone else caught Demi's concert yesterday? I was a bit far from the stage to actually see her but she's totally, completely, and without-a-doubt the awesome-est. Forgive my fan-girling heart that's been fluttering for Demi since 2007 or was it 2008? =) When I get my thoughts and my head on straight about the concert, I'll give you the longest entry of the century.

Daiso Eyelash Case

Hey! Just another quick post here. A few weeks ago, I finally got a chance to drop by Daiso to find a small case for my falsies. Although I wear glasses, I keep a couple pairs of false eyelashes just in case of emergencies like special events and such where falsies would be life-savers for my mom or my sister, or me when I finally decide to wear contact lenses.

Then I found this cute eyelash case in Daiso and just decided it would be perfect for my growing collection. This can only house three pairs but I find no harm in buying a few more cases when I buy more falsies. These ones are my party-falsies since they're very elaborate. I may buy another case for natural looking fake lashes.

Sadly, this only comes in one color (at least in the Daiso near our place) and one size. But then again, this case is one cute item to collect. Plus, it can even hold a mini eyelash glue up top. =) This one's small enough to tag along when you're traveling.

Have a great week! Cheerio!

Food Talk: Bread Monster

Hi. Sorry for not being able to post anything last weekend. I was playing "catch-up" with my friends from high school and college. So much fun.

I was supposed to do a review on my last cupcake stop, for now, which is Blushing Cupcakes, but no decent pictures can be found. So I'm just gonna swing by there again and finally do a review.

Anyways, last Friday, I finally decided to try out Bread Monster. I see this small stall near Mercury Drug in Trinoma often. It's just on the ground floor, but most of the time, without anyone selling the products, so I've never gotten around on trying their products. What caught my attention was their S'mores. Sorry but I really love S'mores. And I know S'mores when I see one. =) haha. 

The Verdict:
I'd say this box of S'mores is worth the price. It's 160 a box. These are completely awesome, texture-wise and taste. My family also liked this so much. This is actually quite different from the other S'mores inspired pastries I've tried which mostly use marshmallow cream instead of marshmallows. This actually has three layers--the marshmallow, a brownie, and I think an oat-base. It's not too sweet and the flavor is good too. I'm used to graham-based S'mores but this is a good change.

They also have a couple of other brownies and really big cookies that I want to try next. Maybe someday soon. And I promise to share them with you when I do.

Try to drop by Bread Monster anytime you're around Trinoma. You might just find their sweets awesome like I did.

Cheerio!

BYS Lipstick in Everything's Peachy

Hi. Today I'll be doing a review on BYS's Lipstick in Everything's Peachy. My sister gave me this last month during one of SM's Payday Sale. She knows I'm into peachy-orange lippies nowadays.

I've seen BYS (stands for Be Yourself and is an Australian brand) around SM North for quite sometime. Their products are actually really attractive and colorful. They also have all these polishes, like really awesome neon ones. And the accessories which they give away when you purchase a certain amount of products.

Price-wise, I can probably say the brand is about at the price range of Maybelline. Almost all their products are cased in black so they look sleek. Anyway, on with the review. This one was at 20% off. My sister got it for about 180+. 

The Verdict:
When I saw the shade color, I thought it would lean into more of a pinkish-orange shade, but it's actually orange. Like orange juice orange. I actually like it for that because I've been looking for a really orange lippie, like the one from Etude House's Miss Tangerine Line, which I never got to buy.

The packaging, although sleek-looking, feels a little flimsy. It's the type that you wouldn't want getting into the bottom of your bag, and then you drop your bag, because it's the type to break easily.

It's not very pigmented when put on the lips. On my hand, yes it looks orange but when I put it on, it's actually a little, how'd you say opaque? You could still see my natural lip color through. Unfortunately, it also sits on the lines on my lips and makes the dry lip parts very visible. It's also a bit hard to build the color. The scent is of an orange. I like it but it can be a little too strong for some. The lasting power is about 3 hours without drinking and eating, so no, it won't make it through a meal.

But, I'm actually liking it as a blusher. It gives a semi-dewy finish and a natural glow in my cheeks. It actually lasts for about 4-5 hours on my cheeks. So, no harm done.

BYS still has a wide range of lippies that I'm willing to try. Maybe their other lipsticks have a better formulation.

Have you tried anything from BYS? Lemme know. Cheerio!

I Nailed It #5: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Hi. Okay, the title is kinda lame. ^^ haha. Well, it was the only title I could think of since this nail color's yellow and the brand is twinkle so I had to tie both ends together and came with, well, a nursery rhyme.

This has been hanging out in my drafts bin for a while. I guess I just kept on missing it.
Twinkle is actually one of our favorite nail polish brands. By "our" I mean me, my mom, and sis. It's just a small bottle so there's no much worry on having a lot of polish going to waste when it dries up.

I grabbed this color the moment I saw it because I was looking for something neutral-looking yet fun. So tans are out. This one's called Mocha Malt, which is a light mustard color. A bottle of twinkle nail polish costs 17.75 and has about 5ml of product. I wear this color whenever I want my nail color to be a little toned down, like during events and such.

Their polishes are actually very good. They don't streak like other polishes I've tried. My nails here are wearing three coatings. I can't vouch for longetivity though because all nail polishes, except glittery ones, last on my nails for three days tops.

I have another Twinkle polish which is a cross of plum and hot pink which I will do a review on very soon. Twinkle polishes are available at some grocery stores, SM department stores, and Watsons.

Ever tried a Twinkle polish? Lemme know. Cheerio!

Certified Movie Buff: Legally Blondes

Hi. Today, I was supposed to write a review on a BYS lipstick but the sun set down on me a little too fast so I wasn't able to take pictures. Maybe tomorrow, not making any promises but I'll definitely try.

Anyway. No, you are not reading a typo here. The movie really is called Legally Blondes. Not exactly two Elle Woods but you get the pic.

Legally Blondes is a 2009 spin-off of the famed Legally Blonde, with Elle Woods being played by the gorgeous Reese Witherspoon. She wasn't on this one though but her name did come up a few times. The two blondes are played by Camilla and Rebecca Rosso. Please don't ask who's who though. ^_^

Unlike Legally Blonde, this had a more youthful theme and plot. The twins play the roles of Elle's British cousins, Izzy and Annie, who moved to Southern California. With a mean girl trying to sabotage their carefree and friendly image, the girls find themselves being their own "lawyers" and seemingly reenacting Elle Woods' famous court scene in a much, much, smaller scale.

Of course, the pink and the chihuahuas will never leave the screen.

I, of course, love the original one, even the sequel, much better. But this one isn't so bad and is definitely worth watching. I think copies of this are still available at your local CD stores.

Have you watched Legally Blonde? What'd you think of it? Cheerio!

Certified Movie Buff: Wild Child

Hey. Happy Monday! Even though in my head I'm wishing that it's still Saturday or Sunday. ^^ Anyway. Since all I can think of right now is how much I want to watch a few movies but can't since it'd be too late to sleep when I finish, here's a quick movie, well, synopsis for you guys.

This one came out a little after Emma Roberts starred in a Nancy Drew movie. I watched this before Scream 4 came out and I still didn't know she can play the I'm-so-insane-I-can-kill role so well.

kungfunecktie.com

Wild Child is about Poppy Moore, a spoiled sassy teenager from Malibu who one day gets into her dad's nerves so badly that she gets sent to a boarding school in England where her brat-titude is simply not acceptable. So are her Jimmy Choos, I believe. With the strict Mrs. Kingsley (played by the late Natasha Richardson) watching her every move, Poppy must concoct a plan to get herself kicked out of the school, all while finding the reasons that might make her want to stay. Flower boy of the screen is played by Storm Breaker's Alex Pettyfer.

It's probably because this was the first time I've watched Emma Roberts play such a bratty role that I actually enjoyed the movie. She was so convincing by the way that I personally wanted to wring her neck at one point. Kidding. It's a light and fun movie that's just perfect for someone who needs a few hours of ME time. Plus, there're makeover scenes. =)

If ever you get the chance, please do check this movie out. Cheerio!

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis Ababa

Hi. My weekend-day will officially be over in a few hours. I don't know how to feel about that yet but I'm kinda getting a hang of it. This review would be on NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis Ababa. I bought this from Digital Traincase a few weeks ago. I know of a stall that offers products from NYX but with my computation and the recent 20% off promo from Multiply, I figured I'd save more money if I bought this online. The transaction was a breeze by the way. Received the product 3 days after I made my payment.

I've been wanting to try this lip cream for a long time but since it was a bit pricey, I had to think it over. Then one day I just finally decided I needed a new lip tint/stain/cream. *haha* and Digital Traincase seemed to be one of the best online sellers of NYX. 

I opted for a hot pink hue because my mom said pinks and peaches look better on me than reds, so..

The Verdict: 
I can't exactly weigh the pros and cons of this one on a focused manner so I'm going for an umbrella verdict. ^^ First of, this product is awesome in terms of its finish and pigmentation. I had a coat of lip cream on the picture and it's already showing its great hot pink color. It has blue specks though, when you look very very closely on the mirror. No big deal, I just sort of noticed it. It smells like vanilla cream, which is great. It's long lasting too. Although the color stays on after a meal, it lightens a little and the inner part of my lips loses the color. But it's not that bad to look at but I do reapply. The only thing I'd say to be a bad thing about this is it's drying on the lips. Applying lip balm is an option but it would make it last a lot less than if you would use it on its own.

 I still think it's awesome. Probably one of the best stains I own. I bought this for 273 bucks . That's with the shipping fee and the discount. Regular price at Digital Traincase is 280. I'm actually planning to buy other lighter colors and I'm hoping for another discount promo. ^^.

Have you tried any of NYX's lip creams? Lemme know. Have a great week ahead! Cheerio!