Joppa, MAC Haul and RAOK

Yesterday was a good day for packages. I got 3!

From Joppa, I got my FS Refill bag Morning Dew foundation in Grecian Gold and a 3 pc. sample set of Medium 2.5 foundation...

...plus the Mystery Grab Bag. This one cost only $18 but has a value of around $40. I got a good one as shown in the photo:

The following are the Grab Bag contents:

- FS 50gr. jar pf Soft Coverage Medium Gold foundation

- FS blush in Crazy in Love

- FS e/s in Cherish

- FS e/s in Blissful

- FS e/s in South Pacific

- sample e/s in Lovely

- sample e/s in EggNog

- 2oz. jar of Olive Oil Body Cream in Ginger Mocha Latte

- sample of Honey Almond lotion

- 2 in 1 Facial Cleanser

- tube of Banana Smoothie lip balm

- tube of Lip Twist in Bare

- tube of Lip Twist in Melon

Love everything I got! Even the foundation seems to be a match in comparison to the Grecian Gold.

From A. of Shades of U. She sent my CP of MAC Shadesticks (Lemon Chiffon).

A. of Ann's Vanity sent me part of the RAOK which Inan won and shared with me. It's a huge sample of Mandom Cleansing Express Sebum. I'm so excited to try this out as I've been lemming for it for the longest time since it's not available locally. Thanks lovelies!

I think I am on product overload right now, I'm overwhelmed. So many to try out but only 1 face to try it on. I'll post reviews once I've tried them all out (probably in a few weeks).

Eyeko Touch Up & Go Concealer

I was given the opportunity to try out Eyeko's Touch Up & Go Concealer recently. 

 

I like that it comes in a pen-type packaging although it took me ages the first time to get the concealer out. Clickety-click!

Once I got a good flow from the brush tip it was very easy to apply.  Just dab it on the area you want to conceal and blend with your finger or a concealer brush.  You could even use the tip itself if you don't have too much product on it although it is still best to blend it out with your finger.  It is easy to spread but I think it would fare better if it were a bit more creamier so it would last longer.  It didn't last long on my oily skin when I tried it. 

The concealer unfortunately comes in only 1 shade.  Really, I think concealers should come in more shades rather than just 1 because we all have diferent skin tones.  This one is too light for my medium-dark skin (I'm a shade or 2 darker now that I have a light tan) and it really can't cover any of the brown spots/hyperpigmentation on my face.  It would work better on those lighter than me (fair to light medium skin tones).

Maybe I could make it work as an eyelid base on top of UDPP for my eyelid because of it's beige shade.  Much as I want to like it as a concealer, it doesn't work out well for me.

The concealer costs GBP5 on the Eyeko website.  If you want to order any of their products, type in the code E120 at the comments box upon checkout so you can get a free full-sized gift with a minimum purchase of GBP10.  Remember, they ship FREE worldwide!

Memorial Day Sale

The Makeup Mix Shop is having a 15% off sale!  

It runs now through Monday, May 25th 11:59 CST.  No coupon needed and all items are already reduced!  

Just click on The Makeup Mix Shop link box on the right side of my blog

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A note from their store:

They will be closed on Monday for Memorial Day and so is the US Postal Service for the holiday.  They will reopen on Tuesday, the 26th for order processing.  Processing and shipping may take up to 5 days longer during special sales.

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Dreamworld Minerals is having a 30% off sale storewide!

Sale starts Friday, May 22 up to Monday, May 25.  Use the code MM30 with a minimum order of $10.

Happy Shopping!

  

Follow-up Review: Garnier Pure A Daily Moisturizer

For over 4 weeks I've been using this anti-imperfection moisturizer.  My initial review is here. It continues to be so unbearably warm and humid in this beautiful country of ours (even if they say that it's the start of the rainy season now?!?) so I continue to use this product.  It keeps my oiliness down to a minimum while providing light moisturizing properties.  

The latest that I've noticed is that it has somewhat made my pores less visible or more refined on my inner cheek area :-) .   Yeah, I'm happy with this and will continue to use it.  Still I keep wishing that they put SPF in this or made it a bit more moisturizing but I'll take it as it is.  I can still use my anti-aging creams at night for more moisture when needed.  It has also worked well in combination with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50 as I've said in my previous post.

Now that I'm happy with these 2 products, why do I continue to browse other similar items in online stores?  First, I guess it's because I still am on the lookout for just 1 product that can do both so I can eliminate the 2 step layering process with these 2.  Since I'm always in a hurry in the morning, 1 step is definitely better than 2.  Second, is that I've read somewhere that it is good to rotate skincare products every 3-4 months to make them keep working for you.  Sort of like not letting the skin get immune to that single product.  And 3rd reason, I like variety.  I easily get bored so I like to switch things around and try out new things.  That's why I have a lot of open bath products so I can reach for what my mood fancies at the moment.  Guess that's the product junkie in me talking.   

Follow-up Review: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+

I've been using this for around 1 month now and my intial review can be found here. I did not break out with daily use and the more I use it, the more I like it. I even brought it to Boracay with me and used it daily even when swimming at the beach or the pool. It did it's job as a sunblock because my face and neck did not burn. I liked the light tan I got on my face and neck because the color was even.

Did it sting my eyes? I don't think so because even with sweat pouring down my face (doing household chores at home or the heat at the beach), my eyes didn't hurt.

I had an initial review of it making my face oily after a few hours. I've used it with the Garnier Pure A Daily Moisturiser and the combination was very good for my face. My face wasn't an oil slick like I said before. I think it is important to see which combination of products would work well and if at first it doesn't seem to be doing it's job, give it another shot next time with other products.

I've also used it under makeup with and without a primer over it and it works as a good base too.

I will continue to use it in rotation with my other daytime sunblocks. I'm glad I can find this locally anytime (unless they discontinue this too). Surprisingly, I'm liking this more than my HG Olay Complete SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin.

Saizen-Daiso Store

A new store opened recently at Robinson's Galleria, 3rd level.  It's the Saizen-Daiso Store (which is the original Daiso from Japan) where all things sold are Php85.  I read about this store in a few blogs and was really excited to go there since it's a huge shop covering a good amount of space.  

We were able to drop by last Sunday after watching Angels & Demons (which I liked by the way, better than The Da Vinci Code).  OMG!  I was in Japanese cutesy-stuff heaven!

It really is huge and I could probably stay a good half day there perusing everything.  Since I only had little time, I quickly went through the aisles looking for what I "needed".  I am sure for everyone else you could easily fill up your basket with stuff you think you need.

They were very organized with every corner labeled with the specific area like Kitchenware, Gardening, Fishing, Biking, etc.  Even hubby had a fun time looking thru all the biking stuff. There was a corner dedicated to scrapbooking, sewing, bath products, cosmetics, body tattoo(!) and a lot more.  Don't let me get started on the school/office supplies as there are hundreds to choose from.  To compare with the other store which I frequent (Japan Home), the items they sell here are different.  (On our way out I saw Japan Home a few stores down!).

Sorry for the crappy store photos as they were taken by my VGA phone cam.

Okay, and here's what I ended up with (other stuff not included because they're my mom and dad's stuff like a level, a saw (yup, a saw for cutting wood) and kitchen stuff.

The whole caboodle:

Hmm, let's see what we have here- kid's jumbo chalk, gel stickers for glass, body tattoo, blue pocket hanging organizer, cell phone screen protector with bling, sharpener, scent diffuser, cooking brush, 2 sets of muffin cups, stretchable strap for my USB, and a bike tire repair kit for hubby.

 

DD's body tattoo:

Muffin cup papers-30pcs. per set and there are lots of designs and shapes to choose from.

Kid's jumbo chalk so she can write on the floor outside the house.  They're really thick!

At last I have a sharpener for my pencil cosmetics.  This has 2 hole sizes with a cover and a pick to remove stuck things on the blade.

The pick is in between the 2 blades.

The fragrance oil diffuser.  I chose the Peach scent as I don't like floral scents.  They give me a headache.  Just drop the scented oil included in the center well of the egg and that's it.

Cell phone screen protector with bling.  It's now on my phone.  Looks wonderful :-)

So there you have it.  I can't wait to go back there.  I think they accept credit cards too.

My Minerals Bath & Body Haul

A few weeks ago I ordered some skincare stuff from my friend Lisa's website, My Minerals Bath & Body.  She's having a really good sale and since I've been meaning to try out her new skincare products, I took advantage of it.  (I think the sale is still ongoing?).  For a certain amount you get a freebie and if you order $35 and up you get everything!  So yeah, I got everything LOL!  I got my package a week ago but only posted it now (sent Priority Mail Int'l).

What did I order? 

- 8 0z. bottle of Herbal Hair Zen

- 4 oz. Purifying Moisture Cleanser

- 1/2 oz. Purifying Moisture Serum

- 1/2 oz. jar Pumpkin Mask

What did I get as gift (all my choices)?

- 1 oz. Red Clay Masque

- 2 oz. Herbal Hair Zen

- 1 gr. jar of Wine Berry mineral pigment 

- 3 gr. jar of Amethyst mineral pigment

- a tube of Frosted Rose Petal lip gloss

plus 2 more freebie pigments (in the purple drawstring bag) of Khaki and Wild Mushroom!

Woo-hoo!  Thanks a lot, Lisa!

Lovely haul indeed! Hubby has used the Herbal Hair Zen yesterday.  Will post reviews for these soon once I've used them (still finishing up other products) although I have used some of MMBB's skin care products in the past which were sent as testers and they were really good. These new ones I have yet to try but went full size right away since Voxer friends who have sort of similar skin conditions as mine all gave thumbs up for the products.

Nail Polish Haul

Got all these from Head2toebeauty.com.  They sell OPI, China Glaze, Misa, Essie, etc. for a fraction of the price of their own websites and there are a variety of choices.  They do ship internationally but it is a bit expensive.  I ordered thru a friend who ships them via balikbayan box.  The wait is a bit longer but it beats dealing with customs people at the post office.

My first Misa polishes (no base coat, no top coat):

The Grass Is Greener On My Side:

almost neon green that dries matte

(no flash)

(with flash)

A Sin Worth Committing:

a navy blue with shimmer

(no flash)

(with flash)

Push Upon It:

a berry shade which I love

(no flash)

(with flash)

Fashionista:

mauve shade

(no flash)

(with flash)

Dirty, Sexy Money:

teal shade that is so unique

(no flash)

(with flash)

From China Glaze:

I got the Orange Cuticle Oil and Strawberry Fields polish.

Strawberry Fields:

bright pink with gold shimmer

(no flash)

(with flash)

And 1 polish corrector pen.

I'm using Dirty Sexy Money on my toes right now and the shade is really nice.  Goes well with my tanned footsies.  Misa np's applied well, not runny and dried quickly although I do use a Poshe quick-dry topcoat.  Some shades were a bit thick when I got them but a few drops of Poshe Polish Reviver would probably do the trick.  I haven't tried out the Orange Cuticle Oil and will post once I do so.

You also might be wondering why I get my np's abroad when there are a lot here.  The reason is that MOST (not all) of their new formulas are Big 3 free meaning the 3 harmful chemicals in regular polishes (formaldehyde, toluene and DBP) are not used.   Not that all polishes are bad but I'd rather be on the safe side plus our local department stores sell these babies like they're gold.  Cheaper to get them from e-tailers like Head2Toebeauty, 8ty8beauty and Transdesign. Plus, they have better quality (for me) and have long shelf lives.

So many new collections from OPI, Essie and China Glaze are coming out and I can't wait for the next haul.  

Hauls!

My orders from various websites through my friend Z. arrived last Saturday in 2 huge boxes.  I was so excited to open them that I couldn't open them fast enough.

A few essentials from Drugstore.com and Vitacost.com:

Clothes from GAP.com and Old Navy.com:

Nail polishes and treatments from Head2ToeBeauty.com:

I'll show swatches in another post.  Shopping online is really addicting.  I think I have more fun shopping online at times.  It's the wait that isn't fun but ripping open packages once you get them feels so therapeutic LOL!