Review: Etude House Moistfull Mask

Annyeonghaseyo! After almost three weeks of vacationing (traveling + spa here and there), I'm delightfully enjoying the return of d.i.y. pampering with Korean lovelies. Although, it's been a while since I indulged on Etude House's, but I'm swayed to do it more often now. Truth be told, although everything is so artfully packaged and prettily presented , not to mention that Park Shin Hye and Lee Min Ho used to be their mainstay endorsers (and I'm a die hard fan!), I didn't really take time to check out their skincare lines. Personally, I feel that I'm too noona-ish for their target market to join in the whole fanfare of being princessy and all. Haha! That's just also me sourgraping because SM Pampanga where a branch is located, is a mall that we don't frequent at all. But thankfully, I find myself being gifted with Etude House's products. My recent was from my favorite Korean eBay Seller, BHappywithMe. I bought a lot again (as in! ;-D), so for my freebies, she gifted me travel sets of Etude House Moistfull Collagen and Aloe Moistfull Soothing Collagen lines, plus a lot more. Moistfull skin care line in this summer heat? Why not? So I'm trying the line, slowly but surely starting off with the Moistfull Mask.

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Skin Care Kit comes with a Facial Freshener, Emulsion, Essence, Cream and Eye Cream

Etude House Moistfull Mask sells online for Php 50

 

Directions etc. are in Hangul, no visual guides too on how to use, but fret not...I'm an adept Korean Mask Sheets ++ user. 

How to use?

• After washing the face, apply toner, pat dry. 
• Make sure to keep hair off the face, put on the mask.
• Leave on for 15-20 minutes.
• Take off. 
• If there are remaining essence on the packet, apply, massage, and leave on. 
• No need to rinse off.
• Depending on skin type, you can opt to proceed to your usual skin care line (emulsion, serum, cream, etc.) Personally, collagen/moisturizing masks of all sorts and brands will leave the skin uber dewy and moisturize, so I'm content to take a break on my usual moisturizers. 

Before. Fresh off the shower, cosmetics free. 

The mask sheet is thicker than the usual, it's soaked, but not dripping wet. I like it because the thicker, the more essence to enjoy. It has also a sort of perfect fit. I also like that in a way it covers my under eye (some can have a bigger eye hole that the mask will only cover the cheeks), so I get a makeshift eye masks too. It's lightly and pleasantly scented, that's a plus too.

It leaves a cooling and refreshing feel minus stinging. I love. After 20 minutes, I wanted to keep it longer since surprisingly it's not completely dried up, but I have to leave, so I took it off. There were a palmful of essence left in the packet, so I applied it, and tada! I'm moistfull! ;-D

It has a soothing and calming effect. And instantly clears away my dry patches near my mouth and lower cheek (because for the past weeks because of hurried morning travels, I skipped on my moisturizers, and my usual oily skin type turns to dry). 

Finally, someone came and was free to take my photo, instead of d.i.y. shots, so this is a better photo documentation (in terms of pixels etc.), taken with flash. I'm dewy, and glowing. ;-D

Loves:

• Everything. ;-D I applied it in the middle of a extremely sunny day bereft of airconditioning, but it didn't feel too rich, and too greasy at all. It's as if I'm just wearing a healthy glow. 
• No breakouts. I have a sensitive skin, so I can instantly see any adverse reactions, so I can usually tell right away if something is aptly suited or not. This one is definitely fine.
• It's reasonably priced online (Php 50) and the upgraded Moistfull Collagen Mask in store sells for Php 98. 

Drawbacks:

• None that I can think of.

Overall, luckily, I have another mask, so I'm giving it a try after a few days, and then get more online. And I can also try indulging into the upgraded Collagen available in-stores. Gradually, I can also incorporate the Etude House Moistfull Collagen lines in my night skin care routine. I'll let you know asap.  In the end, I'm not too old to be an Etude House princess every so often. ;-D

The Big Apple Express Spa

T.G.I.F. :-D I'm back to regular programming, meaning more "me" time, at least for the remainder of February and the first three weeks of March, until we have to do the major move back to Manila. Anyhow, I've been meaning to share our (Chase & I) trip to The Big Apple Express Spa at the Robinson's Galleria Branch. It's such a special treat because officially, it's my son's first visit to a spa. Although, he's been getting his regular dose of massage from me, and every so often from a hilot when we're visiting Iloilo. If you remember my post here, we had a super extended stay at the mall, so after I had my nails done, we decided to unwind at the spa. It's about an hour before closing time, so we just had to get the 45 minutes treat for Php 299 each.

The Big Apple Express Spa Pampering Area

Chase at his first trip to The Big Apple Express Spa

Rooms and Beds.The Big Apple Express Spa is equipped with cozy treatment areas, separated by curtains and a sliding wooden door/partitions. 

Chase and I didn't fully dose off, because every so often, he couldn't help laughing and talking, but mostly he was amazingly quiet, and enjoying the massage. ;-D For Chase, I asked that they do a swedish + minor stretching routine. Mine was a combination or their signature massage. I like it. I'm really looking forward to trying them out because there's a newly opened branch at Marquee Mall. More than the basic routine, I want to try out the Balinese Massage for Php 499. My fondest memory of my previous trip to Bali, Indonesia was pampering myself with a 2-hr Balinese massage for $50, so I look forward to indulging yet again at a more reasonable rate. ;-D Overall, the place is cozy, and the beds/linens clean. The rates are also reasonable for a mall-based establishment. So yes, I look forward to indulging every so often.

Skin Food Pampering Treat

You ought to know how much I love Skin Food, and I'm happy to share their upcoming event this weekend. Skin Food Megamall presents...

Get spoiled, and be pampered all day with makeovers, brow shaping, manicures, facials, and more.

Please print and present this voucher at SM Megamall to get one complementary service of your choice. 

Indulge away! ;-D Not sure what to get at SkinFood? Read on my blog under Skin Food Label for recommendations. Do checkout the Gold Caviar and the Platinum Grape Cell lines, which are my current skincare bff's. ^_^ I hope to see you there!

Review: The Face Shop Face It Collagen Eyeliner

Hi there! As some of you may know I'm such a fan girl of everything-Korean, foremost I lavishly indulged on Korean brands for my skin care and makeups, and it just gets so much better when I get to try out items for free... from giveaways, sponsors, contests alike such as my recent haul from The Face Shop. Except for the freebies, I've been using all of them for a while now. I have to say that the Collagen Eyeliner is now a mainstay on my makeup kit.

The Face Shop Face It Collagen Eye Liner Php 655

Not to preempt, but I love how it's newbie-friendly. I don't pride myself in being adept on eye makeups, (I'm seriously considering attending a makeup class very soon, once we move back to Manila, so hopefully, I'll do better.) So for the mean time, I'm going for a au naturel look + winged eye lines a la my favorite Korean Drama actress. ;-D

Product Description: The Face Shop Face It Collagen Eyeliner  is a liquid eyeliner with an eyelash essence for a complete and defined eye line.
- A smooth and even eye line as well as providing nourishment to lashes with the Hydra Collagen and P.D.O. provide rich nutrients to eyelashes.
- A smooth, continuous and refined eye line because of a perfect combination of a firm and delicate brush and smoothing gel formula enable easy drawing even with a liquid-type eyeliner with a single smooth stroke.
- May be removed thoroughly with lukewarm water without using an eye make-up remover to prevent loss of eyelashes and carefully protect them. 

Liquid eyeliner applicator wand. Tur to its claim, it does make applying easier. ;-D

Swatch. The applicator brush, depending on the level of precision on application, can create thin to bold eye lines, with an intense black color. 

Loves:

• Everything about it! ;-D... the brush, the intense color
• It's not waterproof, but if otherwise properly set with a primer or a powder to manage oiliness in the lids, it's almost smudge-proof, even after several rubbings. Since, I don't really do extended events, I'm fine with the lasting effect it offers. 
• True to its claim, it's very easy to remove = no irritations and friendly to sensitive eyes like mine. 

Drawback/s:

• Nothing major that I can think of, except a trivial issue on the item's glitzy packaging, since I keep it handy in my makeup kit, the prints on the actual product are fading and scratched.  

As for the nourishing claim, naturally, the fuss-free removal saves me from eye irritations and lash fall.  I'm still using the Lashem Lash Gel regularly, perhaps this essence from the Collagen Eyeliner reinforces the nourishing effect, hence for my healthier eyelashes. 

The Collagen Eyeliner is part of the featured The Face Shop Pastel Romance Spring Trend Make-up 2012. 

I 'm also using the Lovely Me:Ex Milky Tint in Pink, and the Petite Angle Blusher in Pinkish Shade too. I like. Park Min Young is looking mighty fabulous so I'm definitely on a quest to steal her look, even just a little. ;-D 

I recommend this formost to those who are not yet adept on liquid-type eyeliner application. It makes erasing (just in case) not tedious and saves the eye from further irritations, while leaving beautiful Hallyu-ish intense and pronounced eye lines. ;-D Will I repurchase? Although it might take me a while to finish this off, if there's no other like it in the market just yet, then yes. The added lash nourishing care is a big plus, indeed!

OOTD + Baguio Shopping Finds

I have to say that I'm falling in love with Baguio all over again, in fairness! Because the trip was a bit lengthier than usual with the major (!!!) road constructions at most part of Tarlac. I have a coming long post to novelize our recent trip. I love that all of us are feeling touristy this time around, so we just love to have our pictures taken all over, every time. ;-D This is Chase 4th visit to the City of Pines, but it's only now that he has fondest memories to speak of, he's totally nonchalant about the length of the trip, and how we're packed like sardines in our truck. The 17-20 °C (wishing that it could have been lower ^_^) great weather was a welcome reprieve, and an inviting day to dress up, so I sure did try my best to do just that. ;-D

Taken at the new Baguio Technohub inside Camp John Hay... O.O.T.D. Giordano Denim Dress / Accessorize Butterfly Scarf/ FitFlop Dash Boots/ Longchamp Planètes Black Short Handle (my favorite, ever-reliable bag when I'm traveling because it's roomy, while still being lightweight)/ A la leggings-type-thick stockings from Metro Gaisano Marquee Mall department store for Php 350+. 

Trying out DIY O.O.T.D. ;-D...taken at our  hotel room at Bloomfield Hotel. ;-D On a beauty/Korean fan mode, I'm trying out the LizK Color Veil BB Cream which I got from Wishtrend. 

This is such a funny pose... I think I'm naturally demure (haha!), that's us waiting for hubby to set the camera on time mode, and it captured way earlier, and tada! me...all prim and proper. ;-D

Naturally, I just couldn't help shopping too. Not in photos are the usual Baguio travel keepsakes and souvenirs (Good Shepherd Ube Jam, Lengua de Gato, Strawberry Jelly, Vegetables etc.). But I find these goodies worth sharing. :-D

Sagada Seedless Oranges...we bought 7Kilos in total from very insistent sellers at infront of The Mansion. They're really sweet and juicy (at least most of them). We bought them at Php 120-110 per kilos, only to be told by the next guy that he can do Php 90/kilo. :( They were also doing the packing so fast, that some old varieties were sneaked in. So my chic and sassy tips, haggle and take time to pick what they put in the bag. ;-D

Souvenir Shops at The Mines View Park...we got trinkets, and some bracelets for gifts (not in photos). A Php10 per piece can go 12 pcs. per Php 100. 

Bijoux Terner Belt Buckle Hinged Bracelets with Rhinestones for Php 550+ . Technically, this is not a native Baguio travel keepsake, but I got it at Mile Hi Camp John Hay. ;-D 

Saving for Sunny/Rainy Day...Esprit Folding Umbrella on sale at SM Baguio for Php 250. I bought two of these, one I gifted to my mom. 

Foldable Bags at a stall in Burnham Park ...duffel bag (Php 190), back pack (Php 190), multi-purpose bags (Php 50) with nice prints (Fifi Lapin in the house, owls, and more ;-D) They're not really not my needs, more of my whims. But they're pretty functional too. 

Kamagong and Wooden Woodcrafts... on our first ever stop at the Lion's Head, hubby bought right away a set of Kamagong Arnis Sticks for Php 250/set. I've been told that they could get pretty expensive in the city, so definitely worth checking out. ;-D

I'm starting my culinary plus medicinal herb garden, methinks. I bough these at The Orchidarium , Burnham Park...Sweet Basil, Lemon Balm, Lavender, Parsley, and Mint. Thank goodness they survived the long ride at the back of the truck, although I had to do some minor replanting when we reached  Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine. Chase is eagerly taking care of them.

With Chase. Enjoying the sights and some shopping at SM Baguio. 

If you're really into shopping mode, there are more things to buy in Baguio. They're definitely cheaper there, like the socks, and the hosieries for Php 100 each (stockings/tights/leggings all kinds ;-D) and even just the average socks that I used with my boots, in a store in Burnham park, they sell for 3 for Php 100, while I already got them at a bargain at Greenhills Shopping Centre for 3 for Php 180.  Scarves, gloves, beanies etc. too are sold cheaper in Baguio. Just keep your haggling prowess handy, and your money will go a long way. ;-D

My Royal Botanical Velour Juicy Couture Bag

Hello! Oh my, I've been on another hiatus since we went all touristy at Baguio for the weekend. As usual, we have tons of pictures, and my precious MacBook needs purging, and I almost missed on posting my bag love, it's my first ever Juicy Couture Bag, so it holds a special tendre. As you can see from the watermark, I have it for quite sometime. It's definitely a time tested functional beauty. ;-D

Juicy Couture Royal Botanical Velour Hand Bag. The multi-floral appliques and the matching oversized-floral and pompoms fob are love at first sight. ;-D So I just had to buy it. ^_^

Juicy Couture Royal Botanical Velour Bag YHRU2289 (MSRP $198) features gorgeous garland of flowers, a zip top closure, leather trim handles,  and piping along the bottom of bag, metallic hardware and cotton twill logo print lining. 

I love it more than ever because it's very roomy...can fit 2 Coach Pouches, wallet, and an iPad even. 

Juicy Couture Born in the Glamourous USA...love it! ;-D 

Anyhow, I wanted to document the ins and outs of the bag as a guide to distinguish the copies.

As most "original" brands, it comes with a YKK solid zipper. 

Intricate details all over...like the crown for Juicy Couture

Juicy Couture Crown Embossed  Logo 

High Quality Cotton Lining with prints plus more intricate details on zippers etc.. I personally know first hand that the copies may fool you because of the almost similar exterior details, but the inside/hidden details will usually fall behind on the quality. No loose threads/stitching etc... ;-D

More details/branding on the detachable floral and pompoms fob charms. 

This is my go-to bag (second to Longchamp) when I'm attending media events, and even school events, that needs me to bring in a lot of heavy artilleries (DSLR, iPad, more beauty tools, etc.) The roomy interior plus the solid handle attachments leave me worry free that my bag can hold the weight of everything that I stuffed to it, without compromising the form and the design of the bag. This may sound trivial, but I love the girly appliques/logo of Juicy Couture. I usually love seeing the signature bows and heart that usually come with the brand, so I'm eyeing on getting them next. ;-D Juicy Couture lovelies in the Philippines are available at Rustan's Department Store. I visited the outlet stores in the US, but the price is about the same, and the discounts not really near 50% off (unlike Coach), so it didn't compel me to get a Juicy then. But I bought this from a friend, in installment (;-D), which I fully paid (thankfully!;-D) at a bit higher than the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price), but I really took my time in paying it, so not bad at all! ;-D

That's it for my Juicy Couture bag love chronicle. Cheers! ;-D

Giordano Denims Sale Finds

Happy Weekend! Before we're off to another quick trip up north, I couldn't resist posting my recent shopping finds from Giordano today. I know right, I have so many pending posts...giveaway post, Korea Cosmetics eBay loots, hotel reviews, etc. But I think this is a fun post to jumpstart writing about my usual retail therapies, and I don't really need a lot of words since pictures will hopefully speak for themselves (or not?). Here they go...

Denims Love ;-D

Giordano Denim Long Blouse Sale Price Php 550 (not bad!)...but with my height, it's okay to call it a dress! :-D ...I'm wearing this tomorrow to our trip to Baguio, and I know just the perfect shoes to wear (ahem! FitFlop Dash Boots! ;-D)

Giordano Denim Shorts with adjustable lengths Sale Price Php 500... Giordano's pricing baffles me, sometimes they have nice jeans for Php 999, but others are at Php 2000-3000. I bought a shorts from them before for Php 2000+ (ouch!), and I long since avoided checking their shorts because it's just over the top. So finding a Php 500 denim shorts with uber soft fabric, and a cute floral print hints is definitely a great find. ;-D

It seemed I'm gearing up for the summer, I just had to get this another denim shorts. Sale Price Php 500.  I am a bit happy too that my size is already below the 30ish, haha! ;-D

They will look nicely if matched with colorful, floral/butterfly printed scarves from Accessorize, methinks. Hmmm... butterflies or lacy floral prints? Please do let me know your thoughts too. ;-D 

Giordano is our go-to brand for casual polo shirts, and jeans (denims and khakis) too. We're proud holder of their discount/membership cards. It's just really been a while since I stopped by, I'm glad we did. Happy Weekend! ;-D I have more shopping finds to share, please stay tuned for more. Cheers! ;-D