Ever since cleansing oils made their appearance in the face cleansing arena, I've seen a lot of converts.  It seems many people love them so much.  I want to try it as well, but I'm a bit skeptical about the product.  I'm not sure if it would do wonders on my normal/combination skin, so I still opted for my good old cleansing buddy, cleansing foam.

Thanks to Tita Mars for this awesome Christmas gift!

I only use facial washes like this at night because that's when I need to really remove dirt and makeup.  In the morning, I use the facial cleanser given to me by Dermax.  I'll tell you more about my AM and PM skincare routine soon.


Innisfree's Green Tea Pure Cleansing Foam promises to gently cleanse the skin without stripping it's natural moisture.  It contains 20% green tea extract according to their website.  I don't see sulfate and alcohol in the list of ingredients as well, though there's fragrance, so people who are sensitive to that might need to stay away from this product.


For me, it is just a simple cleansing foam.  It lathers really well, but doesn't feel too soapy or anything.  You would need only a pea-sized amount and that's enough to clean the face.


It doesn't smell like green tea (or any kind of tea), but there's a slightly strong perfumy scent to it.  Good thing it disappears after a few minutes.

Here's how it removes makeup, or better yet this mess right here.  HAHA!


I only have one thing that's waterproof on the back of my hand, which is the peach eyeliner by Holika Holika.  That's a tough one to remove, so we'll see.


Yep, I told you that's a tough eyeliner right there.  HAHA!  But the rest of the makeup were removed completely.  No traces.

Overall, the cleansing power is easy to beat, but despite of that, I love how it leaves my skin still soft and not squeaky like a newly washed plate.  I don't find it drying at all.

Since it contains green tea goodness, it's also suitable for troubled and dry skin.

One last tip, if you have too much makeup on especially the waterproof ones, better to use a makeup remover or cleansing wipes first.

What do you think?


your sweetest drug,

I know a lot of you guys have already tried this famous pancake restaurant.  Some might have been there since day 1 because of all the hype going on back then.  I think it started to wind down because I haven't seen a long queue at their facade lately.  So, before you get totally uninterested in this post, wait a sec!  You just need to scroll down a few times and I promise I won't bore you with a lengthy post.  HAHA!

IHOP was in our "Restaurants to Try" list and let me tell you, I couldn't count how many times we had planned to visit this one.  So, we thought it's the perfect opportunity for us to eat there  (FINALLY) because it's like a 2-min walk from Central Square, BGC, and that's where I attended Ms. Liz Lanuzo's Blog Anniversary celebration (check out what happened here).

We needed a not-so-heavy dinner because Kris had to play football after and here's what we got.


Breakfast Sampler (395 php) with 2 eggs, 2 hash browns, 2 bacon strips, 2 pork sausages, 2 pieces of ham all in one big plate.

I enjoyed everything except the hash brown.  Of course, they are all fried so expect a very "oily" situation when you order this.  :)

It came with 2 buttermilk pancakes.  Yessss!


You can upgrade it to a flavored one with an extra charge.  We chose New York Cheesecake because the lady there said it's their bestseller.


One piece of this plus a few bites of the stuff in the sampler were enough to make me feel kinda full.  I also had a glass of iced coffee (145 php). 

Yes, it's fluffy and yummy but I don't know.  It's not the "pancakes" that I would go crazy about.  Well, at least for this flavor or maybe even the regular buttermilk too, since this tasted too normal for a cheesecake-pancake.  I was trying to convince myself that there's some cheesecake goodness in it, but there ain't one.  Did we pay an extra charge for the strawberries and whipped cream?  Sad.

Now, my favorite.  Waffle.


Since I just couldn't resist trying their waffle, we ordered a simple one (Simple & Fit Belgian Waffle - 195 php).

Same sentiments.  We're a bit disappointed.  I'd rather buy from Waffos or from Famous Belgian Waffles.  Cheaper but still good (or even better).

But despite of the so-so feelings about their food, I loved their syrups!


Maybe next time, I'd bring Jaela along because the kiddo loves pancakes and waffles too.  She might enjoy a plate or two and guzzle down the syrups.  HAHA!  But if it's just me and Kris, hmmmm.  We'll think about it, okaaaay?  :)


What do you think?


Like IHOP on Facebook.



your sweetest drug,

It's hard for me to skip face powder when I do my makeup, even for my everyday, "barely there" looks.  Actually, I often skip BB cream or foundation and trust my concealer to cover what I need to cover - under eye area, blemishes, you name it.  Then, top it off with my most dependable partner in the whole wide world when it comes to oil control combat, Powdah!

From a Korean brand, I switched to a Japanese brand called Canmake.

After a random visit at their shop in Glorietta, I was mesmerized by the cute products on the shelves.  Kawaii packaging!!!  I checked out few makeup and skin care items and then I remembered that I needed a new face powder.  The saleslady recommended their Marshmallow Finish Powder, which was on sale (10% off I think).  I got it at 612 php.  I was impressed after 2-3 swatches on the back of my hand and near my jawline, so I got it.  Sold. *insert cashier register sound effect here



So...... marshmallow, huh?  Yep, it kinda mimics the texture of that pillowy treat.  Smooth, silky, satiny and...... chewy.  Oops, the last one is for a different category.  HAHA!

I got the shade Matte Beige Ochre, which is a darker one than Matte Ochre according to their website.  This face makeup is like a powder & foundation in one, but IMO it merely works as a regular face powder because of the light coverage and natural finish.

Look at that case people!!!  It's soooo pretty!  It reminds me of Sailor Moon's brooch.


The whole packaging does not look cheap.  It's not heavy as well so perfect to carry for touch ups.


It comes with a puff.  I'm not using it though because I like to apply the powder using a brush.  It feels soft and in good quality, but I have a strong feeling that the ribbon would come off easily.


What I love about it:

• feels light on skin 
• gives a smooth and natural finish
• helps conceal pores 
• perfect for touch ups - max of 2 layers is still good
• contains 72% mineral ingredients
• does not cause unevenness in skin tone
• does not clog my pores
• removes shine without making my face look flat
• blends well with my BB cream and concealer
• contains moisturizing agents such as aloe vera leaf extract, rosemary extract, chamomile extract & lemon extract
• not translucent, but not too opaque so coverage is nice (at least for a face powder)
• great as a setting powder
• does not cake nor sit in fine lines
• has SPF 26
• doesn't feel too drying

I was one of Liz's lucky readers who got invited to her 7th Blog Anniversary party held at Beauty Bar, Central Square.  Yes, you read that right.  It's Liz Lanuzo of Project Vanity!

I went with my friend Meg, the beauty blogger behind sunshinegirl.com.ph and of course, Kris was also there to accompany us a bit (he came back with a shopping bag HAHA).

It was a very awkward situation at first because I was too shy to approach other people and other beauty bloggers.  Seriously, if there's a How to Mingle with People -- for Dummies book, I would grab it right away.


After signing up, I received my loot bags (which I will show you guys in a bit) from the event sponsors.  Then, there I was.  No idea what to do next.  The makeup counters though seemed to call me, so I checked out some of them and did a little bit of swatching.


After welcoming everyone, she demonstrated an easy and fresh summer makeup look.  I loved it because it's fuss-free and light yet still flattering.


And since it's also like a #girlpower event, three of Liz's closest girl friends gave an inspiring and empowering talk.  Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, co-founder of Happy Skin cosmetics - one of the most raved about local makeup brands, shared the brand's story and vision, and what inspired her to enter the world of entrepreneurship. Cheryl Tan-Chua, the person behind the amazing Japanese brands we see here in the Philippines, K-Palette, Cure, and Kracie, taught us a few things about setting our priorities straight.  Lastly, Maymay Samson, Brand Manager of Burt's Bees, gave tips on how to be successful in the corporate world.


Of course, there's this awesome lady who threw funny hirits during the event, Tita K.


And to entertain us, the beauty bloggers did a Lip Sync Battle!

Again, thank you and congratulations Ms. Liz!  Seven years!  Wow!  I can't imagine all the hard work you've put in for your blog and for your readers as well.  What you've achieved is really inspiring!

I look forward to the next event where I can meet them again. #hopeful

Okaaaay, now onto the freebies!


The first bag contains a mix of Beauty Bar products.  I got a sample size of Cure Exfoliator, Fairydrops Mineral Powder and Happy Skin Don't Get Mad Get Even Hydrating Liquid Foundation.


The next bag is from Burt's Bees.  I got Facial Cleansing Towelettes, three lip balms, a lip gloss and body wash.


Overwhelmed!!!

I'm excited to try all of these products.  I will share my reviews for you all as well. :)


What do you think?


your sweetest drug,

I hope you're having a great and restful weekend!

Kris and I had a simple dinner and enjoyed each other's company over a delightful dessert and coffee.  He's not into fancy birthday celebrations, so we didn't plan anything new or extraordinary.  It's like our normal weekend date.

Anyway, here's another facial mask review.  Hmmmm... berries!

This is probably a skincare product I love to collect.  Fortunately, the good ones are not too expensive, so buying in bulk won't hurt that much.  Actually, I wonder if I already have a phobia of running out of these soaked sheets.  HAHA!

They're like an instant gratification for the face.  Each sheet is drenched with all the good stuff our skin needs and needless to say, it is soooo easy to use.  Just open the pack, slap it on and enjoy a pampering session.


The key ingredient of this mask by Innisfree is blackberry.  It is a good source of Vitamin A and C, which are known as great antioxidants and collagen-forming.

From the It's Real Squeeze Mask line, this one's the bomb when you need anti-aging properties.  There's also Kiwi mask for skin purifying and Green Tea for moisturizing. I normally go for hydrating ones, but I gravitated towards Blackberries because I've already tried a green tea mask before.  And besides, all face masks without a doubt, are skin's thirst quencher.


The product claims that skin's moisture will increase by 125% after application.

What I love about it:

• no tingling sensation
• feels very cooling (but not minty type of cool)
• skin feels supple and replenished
• not ultra-sticky
• brings back moisture
• does not break me out
• fast-absorbing
• sheet is really soaked 
• adheres well
• pleasant scent - not fruity nor sweet (not sure if it smells like blackberries because I haven't seen one)

One of my life goals is to get my own pad - preferably nearer to civilization ('cause it's like we're living at the edge of the metro) and an outfit-photo-worthy surrounding would be a nice bonus treat.  I know for a fact that it's kind of a long-shot for a young professional like me who earns a salary in the "Enough To Survive and Splurge Sometimes" category.  The urge to make this dream come true became stronger when I've reached this tough phase called quarter life. #welcometotheclub

Well, my reasons to move out do not revolve around having a fancy life, nor proving my independence, but rather because it is getting harder and harder to travel from home to work and vice versa.  It's tiring and I feel that it's taking a toll on me.  And I know, some of you who are reading this might have raised a brow already.  Believe me.  I'm thankful for my job and I consider myself lucky to have one.  But I'm only human (born to make mistakeeeeeesss... now sing!), so it's normal to complain and feel frustrated sometimes.

Two weeks ago, I had an opportunity to experience the convenience I've been yearning for.  I had a good reason to rent a place close to our south office and to BGC, where Liz Lanuzo's 7th Blog Anniversary celebration was held (I'll tell you more about it on my next post).  And let me tell you my Bae, travel was easy breezy!

Of course, booking a hotel room was the first thing my brain told me to do.  But after a few minutes of trying to find a cheap and decent one online, I stopped and suddenly remembered some sites offering short-term condo unit rentals.

Eventually, I landed on this appealing website called Airbnb.  The innovative, up-to-date layout and easy navigation got me.  


Here are the things I love about this online booking/rental tool.

• Straightforward search options - with just a few clicks, you would be able to browse through different listings according to your preference (I just hope there's a button to sort them by price)
• Hassle-free signup process - just connect it to your Facebook account, verify via email/SMS and you're good to go
• Unique and amazing accommodations - the listings are waaaaay too different from hotel rooms/units, you might even see your dream home here!  I was blown away especially with the international listings
• Short-term rentals - perfect for those who just need a place for a night or two, want a quick break from a noisy neighbor, have early appointments or for those travelling 
• Payment mode - they accept major credit cards, Paypal transaction and more
• Affordable - you can get a hotel-like place with access to amenities for a fraction of the price
• Mobile App - on-the-go booking?  Yes!