Clinique All About Eyes: Review

When should one start applying eye cream? In their 20s? 30s? That is the question. After reading through several articles, it is said and agreed upon by many different dermatologists that eye cream isn't necessary in the 20s unless you have dry skin. Otherwise, they just promote sun protection.

I am in my mid-20s and I've been using eye creams for about 5 years now. I also have oily skin. Does that mean I've been doing my routine wrong all this time? Not necessarily. Although experts say that most people don't need it in this period of time, there are still exceptions to the rule. In my case, I started noticing dryness under my eyes at the young age of 21. Dryness leads to fine lines. Who wants that? I know I don't. This pushed me to start with eye cream.

Sephora Sunset Palette: Review

One of my most abused beauty item this month would have to be my Sephora Sunset Palette, a product that I got almost a year ago. It is the only Sephora item in my collection and even though I had no intention of overusing it this month, I kind of did.

 The palette itself is contained in a transparent plastic box.

I always try to switch out makeup products as much as I can because I want every single item in my collection to be used as frequently as possible. But of course, time and time again, there would be several products that stand out in a certain time period. This month, it's this.

 Just like its name, the packaging is in sunset colors.

I mainly got this palette for my trip last year (December 2013) in Japan. While I was browsing through e-bay, I saw this product being sold at a very affordable price. I looked at the shades and without so much contemplation, I bought it. I thought it would be the perfect travel palette as it contains 14 beautiful wearable shades that can be used both for day and night. What's even better is that it includes a blush, a bronzer and a nice mirror, aside from 12 great eyeshadows.

I was really excited when I placed my order because I've never seen actual Sephora products in real life. I've heard of the brand a couple of times from different beauty gurus I was following so you can just imagine how excited I was at getting a hold of the product.

The palette comes in a handy packaging that is almost just the same size as my hand. It comprises of a combination of matte and shimmery eyeshadows, and of neutral and colored ones. There's also a (very) pigmented bronzer and a (not-so-pigmented) blusher.

For reference, each of the shade are labeled at the back of the palette so it's easy to say which is which.

But of course, it is never enough to just stare at their photos in the pan. An eyeshadow review must have swatches, right? I've swatched each and every single one of them just so you have a better grasp of how the product looks like when used.

 (L-R: Beige, Apricot, Deep Burgundy, Pale Pink, Wine, Violet)

 (L-R: White Gold, Bronze, Khaki, White Shimmer, Silver, Must Have No.6)

 (Blush and Bronzer)

I am very satisfied with this product. Almost all the shades are pigmented. True to my expectations, it is a good palette to bring with you when you travel.

This is a highly recommended product. If you're just starting out with makeup, I suggest you get this palette as it will have all the necessary colors to create a wide range of looks and it doesn't take much space as it's very compact.

Snoe Shoo-zit Don't Bother Me Back Acne Spray: Review

As if pimples on my face isn't enough, for the longest time, I've also had to battle back acne or bacne. Aside from the fact that it restricts the type of clothing you wear (no backless, no low back cuts), it's also really hard to self medicate. It's hard to do back spot treatment on your own. Unless you're The Incredible's Elastigirl, then I suppose you're like me. Your reach is probably limited and there are areas that you simply cannot cover.

Good thing I stumbled upon Snoe's Shoo Zit Don't Bother Me Spray Me From Behind Back Acne Spray (Try saying it. It's a mouthful, I know. Haha). It's basically a pimple treatment in the form of spray and it is commonly used for the back because it helps one cover everything, even areas that are hard to reach, all with little effort. Since it's in a spray form, the range is much wider and it can be applied easily.

 Directions and warnings.

Its main ingredients include PUREFIX-DC and salicylic acid, a pimple treatment I've always trusted. This product really helps soothe swollen and 'angry' pimples. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen over night but rest assured, it performs quite well with continued use.

The only negative thing I can think of about this particular product is its fume-like smell. It's super strong. It definitely seeps in and makes one cough if not used correctly. That is why I would highly recommend that you spray it in a well ventilated place. Otherwise, you won't like the experience.

I got this in Snoe SM Sta. Rosa for only PHP349. What's even more amazing about this is that Snoe is actually a local Filipino brand but the quality of products they produce are amazing. I especially like their packaging and the way they name their products. It reminds me of Benefit.

Feel free to browse through Snoe's web page right here for more information.

Celeteque Sun Care Matte Moisturizer: Review

One thing I get asked frequently is what kind of sunscreen I use on my face. Honestly speaking, I never stick to one brand. I feel that this is the part of my skin care routine in which I don't have to be picky, brand-wise. But even if that's the case, there are still some things I take into consideration when choosing one.

Before I get into that, I would just like to dedicate this short portion to explain why sunscreen is needed. Yes, it is. Whether or not you're using whitening/peeling products, sunscreen is very important. If you've never gone out of the house and never noticed it (which I can hardy believe is possible), the heat emitted by the sun is definitely not something you can take lightly. Especially here in the Philippines, a tropical country, direct sunlight for a couple of minutes might result to unsolicited sun burn and wrinkles. So naturally, if you want even and youthful looking skin, then you should definitely wear sunscreen.

So what do I look for in a sunscreen? For one, I make sure that my sunscreen both has SPF and PA properties to provide me with both UVA and UVB protection. I also feel that the minimum number of SPF that I should use is 30. Moreover, I make sure that the formula isn't too sticky. I like those that feels like a light lotion (THEFACESHOP) or one that has a matte finish (this one). It also helps if the product doesn't come with a hefty price tag.

If you're in a budget, I would highly recommend this one from Celeteque as it has all the properties I'm looking for in a sunscreen. It's actually a moisturizer but it has SPF 30 and a PA protection, which they didn't indicate. It just said broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection but that's okay. It has a matte finish (perfect for those with oily skin like me) and it only costs roughly PHP250 or 5.6USD. It also doesn't break my very sensitive skin out. One tube would last for about half a year with continued everyday use. It is also available in leading drug stores such as Watsons, where I got mine.

If you're reading this and you're asking yourself whether you should buy a sunscreen or not, I'm telling you, you should. If you're in a budget, fret not, because Celeteque is a good dermatologist tested brand that's pretty affordable. So for the final question, do I recommend it? The answer's also 'Yes'.

Etude House Bling in the Sea Proof 10 Bling Eye Stick (#05 Bling Wave): Review

It's time for another Korean trend post/review. One of the popular trends in Korea nowadays is creating/highlighting one's aegyosal. If you didn't already know, aegyosal is the bag that forms under your eyes when you smile. They believe that highlighting this area makes one look youthful. A good product to make use for this, in my opinion, would be eyeshadow sticks like the Etude House Bling Bling Eye Stick I previously reviewed. But for a more subtle aegyosal definition, I like to use this Bling in the Sea Proof 10 Bling Eye Stick in #05 BL601 Bling Wave.

I've actually had this product with me for a year now. It was given to me as gift by a good friend of mine, (Ma'am) EJ. (Thank you!) She was my manager and one of the few people at work who also liked Korean cosmetics. You can only imagine my excitement when she handed me this product when I came back from my birthday leave last year. I don't really know why it took me so long to post a review on it.

Anyway, it's very much reminiscent of the Bling Bling Eye Stick I previously reviewed. With almost the same packaging (this one is slightly bigger), they both function as an eyeshadow stick. This one, however, is just a white stick with bits of bluish purple glitters in it. Also, I personally like this packaging better because it looks girlier with the pastel blue color.

One swipe

2-3 swipes

To be honest, I didn't know how to use it properly the first time I used it so noone noticed its presence on my lids. If you're gonna use it for your aegyosal, most people won't notice it unless you really pack it on, which I often do. It just leaves a nice shimmery touch on the bottom lids that makes people nearby notice and take a second look.

A better way to make use of the product is by layering it on top of a smudgeproof eyeliner. I prefer using liquid liners as gels and pencils stains and transfers to the the actual shadow stick. Since I always use it on top of a black eyeliner, the glitters stand out and becomes a lot more noticeable while still being wearable.

It could be because it's a cream form or maybe just because it's glittery, it is quite long wearing as I don't feel the need to reapply during the rest of the day. This is a good thing especially since I have oily lids and most products just tend to slide off my lids over time.

It's also very easy to use because it's in a stick form so you save a lot of time during the application process. So yes, no need for brushes! ^^

If you're looking for a nice, straight to the point, subtle eye makeup accent, then I definitely recommend this one from Etude House. For more information, you can like their Etude House Philippines' facebook page over here.