Review: K-Palette 1 Day Magic liquid eyeliner in Super Black

Finally making time for a post after over a month of silence! I promised myself I would never apologize if I was behind on my posts just because I don't want this blog to pressure me (it's supposed to be enjoyable!), so I'll just explain my absence by saying that I have been very busy at work because I got promoted :) I also just got back from a brief trip to Singapore yesterday.

This is my second K-Palette product review. Since I quite like their Lasting 2Way Eyebrow, I decided I wanted to try something else from the brand. I had just run out of my in2it liner pen, so I thought a new liner would be a good idea - something I actually needed to restock!

Review and lip swatch: Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Velvet

In this video about my red lipstick faves, I'm wearing the product I'm about to review, but wanted to go a bit more in depth since I only have a few minutes for every YouTube vid.

I've had Red Velvet for a while in my collection, but it took me months to actually wear it out because it's such an intense shade of red! It's definitely not for shy types. I would call this a true red; not too yellow nor too blue.


Lime Crime has pretty packaging for its lip products. I kind of wish this also had the purple unicorn packaging they have for their lipsticks, but this is a liquid lipstick in a frosted (not transparent) tube. It's also vegan and cruelty-free.


The applicator is perfect for this product because it gives you a lot of control - necessary when working with something as pigmented and long-wearing as this! The product is also not slippery so you don't have to be surgically precise with every stroke. One coat gives full color pay-off. You don't need to layer it on.

It dries after a few seconds and STAYS. PUT. The finish is extremely matte, which may feel uncomfortable to some, but this also means there is no bleeding outside of lip lines, and no danger of lipstick on your teeth.

It stayed put and looked freshly applied for four hours, then I had dinner. So much of the product came off my table napkin as I dabbed throughout the meal. I did have some oily/rich food like buttered vegetables and beef with sauce, so some wearing off was expected, but it was more than I had thought. It also left a ring around the mouth, not an even stain.

I would still recommend this lip product if you're looking for a great matte red. It really does stay on perfectly - just don't go out to dinner wearing this, or quickly touch up after that last forkful.

Travel makeup kit: September 2014

I've previously shared how I pack toiletries and cosmetics when I'm traveling. It might be weird to some, but it actually takes me more consideration when it comes to figuring out what cosmetics to bring, as opposed to what clothes to pack. Is anyone else the same way?

Stem cell facial at Lohas Skin and Slimming Center

To some people, the term “stem cell” may seem kind of taboo. I personally would not want something from animals injected into my system. But I'm okay with non-invasive treatments, so I was interested to try out a plant-based stem cell facial.


After cleansing and toning, cotton pads moistened with a clear solution were laid on my eyelids to protect them from a three-minute steaming session. This was followed by a special tool called a scrubber that helps to remove dead skin cells and unblock pores without using the rather painful pricking tool.

Next, a rejuvenating gel was applied, followed by the plant-derived stem cell formula. A unique cooling machine was used to massage it into the skin for 10 minutes.


Using this machine for cold electrophoresis helps the skin absorb serums and vitamins, without having to use injections. This was great for someone like me, who is wary of invasive treatments. The cooling machine feels like having an ice-cold metal ball massaged on the face; very invigorating, indeed.

Just when I thought my skin already got a lot of pampering, the stem cell was followed by a face mask full of natural vitamins. While it penetrated into my skin, I was given an arm and foot massage, which was nice for further relaxation.


With my combination skin, I looked pretty greasy right afterwards. When I woke up the next day, I didn't see a visible difference in my skin, but it was very smooth and supple to the touch. You may not see instant results with a treatment like this, but it's a good treatment to maintain radiance, softness and hydration from beneath the surface of the skin.

This type of facial is not recommended for those with oily or acne-prone skin because the added oiliness may exacerbate problems, but it is ideal for those with dry or mature skin, as it is deeply nourishing and moisturizing. After the first treatment or over time, depending on the condition of your skin, stem cell diminishes fine lines, prevents wrinkles, and promotes cell renewal (a process that slows with age) to give that glowing look that signifies healthy, youthful skin.

I tried out the stem cell facial at Lohas Skin and Slimming Center on Paseo Saturnino, Banilad. It's a more upscale experience here with your own room, as opposed to being in one large room with dividers, in case privacy is an issue for you. Everything is very clean and quiet without overhearing other patrons, which is exactly how I prefer to have my treatments.


All of their machines and products are brought in from Korea and their staff, like my therapist Jennylyn, are highly knowledgeable and know just how much pressure to apply during the treatment. The service, facilities and products used add up to a luxurious treatment session that makes one feel very pampered.

For inquiries, contact Lohas at 032-520-1381, 0916-439-6586 or 0943-273-5739.

A version of this story was published in my column in SunStar Cebu on Friday, 15 August 2014.

Updating my hair

Is it just me, or does everyone seem to be getting haircuts lately? I recently realized that it had been six months since I had last gotten my hair tended to. The ends had become dry, my color was faded and uneven. Six months is really too long not to get your cut and color attended to! I had to do something about it.

Kiehl's Cebu Grand Opening

I don't go to the mall much unless I have actual plans, so I didn't know until I received the invitation from Zee Lifestyle that Kiehl's was in Cebu. I was very excited about this! Kiehl's needs no introduction, since the brand has been around since forever and so many of their products have cult followings.

Review and swatches: Mary Kay True Dimensions lipstick in Sassy Fuchsia and Citrus Flirt

How I whiten my teeth: Crest Whitestrips and Colgate Optic White

For the longest time, I was really conscious of the color of my teeth. They weren't super yellow but they weren't exactly white, either. I inquired about teeth whitening at dental offices, and they quoted me between P10,000 to P18,000. My parents spent so much on braces and retainers when I was younger, so I really didn't feel like spending that much money on making them white, but also wanted to be able to show off the fruit of all those years of sitting in the dentist's chair. So I did some research and asked a few beauty YouTubers how they whiten their teeth, and the uniform answer was Crest Whitestrips.

You're supposed to use one box of these, which has 20 strips inside, every six months. With the first box, I definitely noticed a difference. I'm now on my second box and my teeth look bright but not unnaturally  white.

Here's my before and after:



The Before photo was taken with a flash at night, while the After photo was taken under fluorescent light. In other lighting my Before teeth looked even yellower, ugh. But the gauge is seeing how my teeth now are closer to the whites of my eyes than my teeth before. I keep reading that the "rule" for keeping teeth looking white but not scary is not to whiten them more than the whites of your eyes.


To maintain my teeth being bright, I use Colgate Optic White toothpaste. It's a more expensive Colgate variety but you only need the tiniest amount, so a tube lasts several months.

I did feel a little sensitivity on my teeth after maybe the first 15 strips, so for the last few strips I would just use them every other night. Of course, you don't need to use up the entire box if your teeth have already whitened to your satisfaction.

I'm much more confident now to wear red or other deep- or bright-colored lipsticks with whiter teeth. I definitely think you can pull off more pigmented lipstick shades when your teeth look nice and white.

I ordered my Crest Whitestrips through my aunt at first and then through a Cebu-based online seller, but they are available in Somera Ayala for I believe P2,500 per box. I highly recommend these if you're looking for a safe, easy and effective way to whiten your teeth at home.

Travel essentials: Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream, Kiehl's lip balm #1, Clinique and more

I'm all about moisturizing when I'm traveling!

* Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is a thick balm that really helps to soften dry skin. I put it on my heels and soles every night to keep my feet soft despite walking around all day and getting really dry on the plane. The Eight Hour Cream is a cult product which I was excited to pick up in-flight on Thai Airways. You don't need much at all, but my only complaint is the smell. Not to insult, but it really has that old-lady smell to it! That's part of the reason why I opted to wear this at night instead of in-flight, to avoid having the smell on my hands while on the plane.

* Kiehl's lip balm #1 in Pear is another purchase I made in-flight on Thai Airways (didn't have time to shop Duty Free on that trip!). This lip balm is another cult product that I've been meaning to try. It's very light and moisturizing on the lips but is a little glossier than stick balms. I love that it makes lips pillowy soft and doesn't feel icky or get clumpy - non-negotiables for me when it comes to lip balms. You also only need the tiniest amount for this.

* Clinique Deep Comfort hand and cuticle cream has been my favorite hand and foot cream for traveling. It also only needs a small amount to be effective, absorbs quickly and doesn't have a strong smell. I love it! I believe I got this as part of a Christmas gift from Rustan's last year.

* Clinique Moisture Surge face spray also saved my skin in-flight. My face tends to get really dry and uncomfortable, especially on the cheeks, when I'm on the plane. This gave me a refreshing boost without the trouble of having to wash my hands before reapplying moisturizer on my face. This was also a gift.

* I reviewed the Beauty Republic BB cream previously, and really put it to the test in Bangkok. Despite being on a 14-hour itinerary on most days, my skin hardly got oily. The discount code JOANNASENTME is still eligible on CarmenClaire.com in case you're interested to try this BB cream for yourself. Just to be clear, I don't get a percentage of the sales or anything like that; the discount is simply a treat for my lovely readers ;)

* Since I got a tester size of the Urban Decay Naked Skin BB cream, I tried it out in Cambodia. It has a nice consistency and is great for evening out the skin, but my face still got rather greasy. This product also has quite a strong smell to it.

* Body lotion is something I wear on a daily basis. I got this Johnson's baby lotion with milk and rice because I had already run out of my travel-size bottle of Vaseline lotion. I guess Johnson's baby lotion doesn't need much other info since we're all familiar with it. I do love the mild smell of this particular variety as it doesn't compete with my fragrance.

* The great thing about all these items is that they're all below 100ml and therefore airport-approved to hand-carry!

Review: Beauty Republic BB Creams in Original Dramatic and Dramatic Green Touch

On a day-to-day basis when I'm just going to the office with no work events after, I skip foundation and just use BB cream because it's quick and not too made up. I think BB cream is all you need for a fresh everyday look, especially for people who hate looking or feeling too made up.

I got these Beauty Republic BB creams from Carmen Claire in two varieties, the Original Dramatic formula and the Dramatic Green Touch formula.


Both of the boxes indicate that these are made in Korea, and are for whitening/anti-wrinkle/UV protection. I love that they both have SPF37; sunscreen is a daily must, even on cloudy days. I use this as an all-in-one product, without using a separate moisturizer or sunblock. Great for when you need to get to work or school quickly!

Here's what they look like when squeezed out of the tube:

The products do come out looking very light, but they quickly blend into the skin without leaving an unnatural cast. You can see the Original Dramatic formula in action in this makeup tutorial with my friend Jacklyn of The Sunday Project. The green formula also blends in just as easily.

Both formulas are moisturizing and work very well at evening out the skin and giving a dewy but not oily radiance. Because I have combination skin, the green formula worked wonderfully for controlling my oily T-zone. I only had some greasiness on my forehead and nose at the end of the day. Because of its very slightly greenish tint, I think this would be great for people with a lot of redness from blemishes or capillaries.

I think the original formula may work better for people with normal to dry skin. The original formula worked great for the drier parts of my face like my cheeks and chin, but I had to touch up my T-zone a couple of times throughout the day.

You don't need much product at all to cover the entire face, so these will last a long time even if used on a daily basis. The BB creams are 1oz or 30ml each, meaning that they're a great size for traveling.

You can purchase these BB creams for P695 each on CarmenClaire.com. As a special treat for you guys, you can get 15% off all orders on the website when you input the code JOANNASENTME. The website also offers free shipping for all orders worth P1,000 and up. Happy shopping!

How to wear a bright lip and brighten teeth + my discount code on CarmenClaire.com

I had so much fun collaborating with my friend Jacklyn Uy of The Sunday Project for this tutorial on how to wear bright lip color! Check out the video below:

Review: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown

I've heard a lot of good things about Anastasia Beverly Hills brow products, so I recently decided to try the Dipbrow Pomade since I didn't have anything like that in my brow arsenal yet. I got mine in the shade Dark Brown.

I had forgotten to take a photo just as I'd gotten it out of the box, so this has a little dent in it where I had dipped my brush.


This is a highly pigmented product that goes on very smooth. Its texture is very much like gel eyeliner and I am sure you can use it that way too. For me, just two dips in the product is enough for each brow; that pigmented! This pot will definitely go a long way.

I used a stiff angled brush to outline and then fill in my brows, and a spoolie to brush it out and avoid a matted-down look with my brow hairs.


I don't really like showing my entire face on my blog, which I know is strange for a beauty blogger, but here's how Dipbrow Pomade looks like:


It gives quite a strong brow look but doesn't overpower the rest of the face if you wear a little bit of other makeup.

You need a steady hand to use the Dipbrow Pomade. I've used it twice so far, and I still need to get used to having a steady hand with it. Application does take patience and precision, but it's worth it if you need a brow product that really lasts all day.

Our weather's been topsy turvy, being rainy at times and hot on others. This adds up to some pretty intense humidity and makes my T-zone and brow area pretty greasy. I used this product alone with no setting gel or anything, and it was still intact after eight hours with just a little fading on the tail. I purposely smudged it with a finger at the end of the day to see how it would stay on, and it barely moved. Smudge-free, indeed, but easily removed with Shu Uemura cleansing oil.

Because this product is designed for "carving perfectly precise brows that won't fade" according to the Anastasia website, the look is just that: perfectly precise. If you prefer a really soft and natural brow look, this may not be for you, unless you combine it with a brow powder or pencil that will help achieve that look.

The Dipbrow Pomade is a very good product for smudge-proof eyebrows, but remember to allot a little extra time for application. I got mine from facebook.com/makeupyourmind.store for P1,100.

When storing this, remember to screw the cap on tightly and store it upside down, to prevent it from drying out. I use the same storage trick with my gel eyeliners and it really works.

If you prefer long-lasting but more natural-looking brows, I would recommend K-palette instead; you can check out my review on that here.

Review: the Sigma F80 flat-top kabuki brush and its awesomeness

Can you believe that up until a few weeks ago, I had never owned a Sigma brush? They are simply not that easy to come by here because they have to be ordered from the U.S., and I am already happy with my current brush collection. My other favorite brushes for the face are the Real Techniques buffing brush and expert face brush. Those are still very good brushes, but the F80 is something else.

Review: Tom Ford Lip Color in 22 Forbidden Pink

I was on the fence about Tom Ford lipsticks because they are so expensive, and I simply could not justify spending over P2,000 on a lipstick. But when a friend in Singapore said she was selling one for a low price because she has other Tom Ford lipsticks, I jumped at the chance to get it.

Elite Anti-aging Facial experience at SkinZone

I wrote about my diamond peel experience in my Beauty Enthusiast column in SunStar, but I'm going to expound on the full facial experience here since I have limited space in the column. (I unfortunately can't find the link for it on the SunStar website.)

I went to SkinZone Skincare Salon and Spa at IT Park on a Friday night. I always schedule facial treatments in the evening so that I can go home right after and people don't have to see my raw-looking face in case I get reactions post-facial. I also want to avoid sunlight and pollution after a facial and let my skin rest overnight.

I decided to try out the Elite Anti-aging Facial. With my birthday coming up next month, I've been mildly obsessed reading up on anti-aging. This facial includes topical collagen, liquid vitamins C and E, and a diamond peel.

The therapist asked me to adjust my top so that my neck and decolletage would be included in the treatment, something I found notable since with previous facials I've had at other places, the treatment is really just on the face and the upper part of the neck. Don't forget to care for your neck and chest as well, as these are often neglected in skin care. On a daily basis I don't forget to cleanse and moisturize these areas.

To start the facial, cleanser was applied all over these areas to remove makeup, followed by a mild apricot scrub, gentle scrubbing with a brush, and collagen elastin. Then a steamer was directed on skin to open up pores, followed by pricking. Pricking is not something I get done on a normal basis because I don't enjoy it, but it's been at least six months since the last time, so I decided to have it done again. I looked at the gunk that was pushed out of my pores, and I think pricking (a term I find misleading because it is really just pushing with a small metal tool) is necessary every once in a while for someone like me, who wears makeup on an everyday basis and is exposed to urban pollution. Even if I have an entire skin care routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturizing, it's hard to get pores really clean without pricking.

Then came the diamond peel, which was the part that I was nervous about because I'd never had it done before. I thought the head would be in the shape of a diamond, but it's actually diamond chips embedded in a round head. It feels like there's a small vacuum working on your face as the peel is ongoing. Here are shots of the tool and how much of my dead skin was removed:


I don't think this is even all of my dead skin as some of it fell while the therapist was removing the gauze. I was kind of shocked to see how much dead skin is sitting on my face even if I exfoliate regularly.


At this point, pores are still open after the steaming, pricking and diamond peel, so to help remove any more dirt, a germicidal laser is used all over the face.


I was pretty amused with this because it kind of looks like an alien tool. Haha :) And then followed by what I think of as the "Phantom of the Opera" look:


I really liked the collagen mask because it's cold and refreshing on the skin and a little massage is included. Collagen is a key inclusion in an anti-aging facial, since as skin ages, it generates less collagen on its own. it's what helps skin look plump and not wrinkly or saggy.

The mask hardens in about 20 minutes, then it's removed and followed by liquid vitamin E. To help the vitamin E penetrate more deeply into the skin, a galvanic iron was used. This was the part I did not like about the facial. I was asked to hold a metal rod to cancel out the static from the galvanic iron, but it didn't seem to work for me.


I asked the therapist to stop after 15 seconds because it really felt like my skin was being electrocuted, and a facial may feel a little uncomfortable but it should never be painful. So she turned off the machine and simply used the tool to massage my face. This part of the facial may not hurt for you because it depends per person, so you may not feel what I did.

The last part of the facial was vitamin C, which helps brighten the skin. Toner and moisturizer ended the treatment.

The whole procedure took about an hour and fifteen minutes. This is another reason I schedule facials at the end of my day, so I don't have to feel rushed about being somewhere else afterwards. Here is what I looked like right after the facial:


I have to admit I was a bit alarmed because my face kind of stung, and the lower half of my face was lobster red. Thank goodness it subsided in half an hour. My face felt super soft, and a bit greasy, which I expected from the rich moisturization my skin had just gotten.

The day after, I just splashed my face with cold water and did not wash my face again until the evening. I decided to wait and see the full effect on my skin before I shared my experience. I had noticeable peeling on my cheeks and nose almost a week after the treatment, so I kept moisturizing. I was diligent about applying sunblock or BB cream with SPF. I usually am diligent but there are days that I skip it. Your skin is extra sensitive to sunlight after a diamond peel or rather intensive facial, so make sure to apply SPF especially the first three days after a similar treatment.

Eight days after the facial, I noticed that my skin looked smoother and younger than it had in a long time. It looked brighter and more-even toned.  I did not notice a difference in my pore size but my nose, which is where I often get whiteheads (gross!) felt much smoother. I could get away with wearing only a touch of concealer under my eyes. Here are some close-ups of me wearing only some Naturactor concealer on undereyes and no other skin makeup, eight days after treatment:


As with the rest of my blog pictures, these photos are unedited and unfiltered, so that I could document what skin really looks like after this treatment. I was really impressed with the effect. There are mixed reviews about getting a diamond peel, especially if you have skin issues, so do make sure to consult with a skin care professional before you try getting a diamond peel. I'm definitely going to have another diamond peel in the future, but it's probably something I'll only do every few months, not on a monthly basis.

The Elite Anti-aging Facial treatment costs P1,050. To try it for yourself or check out their other facials and skin care services, visit SkinZone in IT Park, on the second floor of the i2 building above the Coffee Bean. They are open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, with phone number (032)238-2795. They also have a branch at Osmena Boulevard, phone number (032)254-1239. Check them out on facebook.com/skinzoneskincare where they post about their services and promos, which they have on a regular basis. Special thanks to SkinZone proprietor, Rizanne Ostrea Tiongko, for inviting me to try out SkinZone and for being very patient with all my questions!