Ichi Pestano: January 2015

I got to try a new BB cream, which is by the way one of the most raved about ever since the craze. It's from Missha and it's called Perfect Cover BB Cream.

My cousin bought the travel size in 20 ml version. I find it very convenient because it fits any small makeup pouch or you can just squeeze it in anywhere in your bag. Plus, this is perfect for those who want to give this product a try without spending too much on the full-sized (50ml) version, which comes in a pump tube type of packaging.

Since my cousin has fair skin, I chose No. 21 - Light Beige for her, the 2nd lightest of the 3 shades.

According to Missha website:

The M Perfect Cover BB Cream is suitable for all skin types and can be used as a makeup base or foundation. Combining cosmetics with skin care, this product promotes natural-looking coverage while providing sun protection, treating dark spots, and preventing wrinkles.

There's also a description on the box.

They offer other types of BB Creams for each skin type. I think this one's the most basic of the bunch.

Whitening, anti-wrinkle properties and buildable coverage, these are just a few qualities of a typical Blemish Balm. So for me, Missha's Perfect Cover is pretty much the same with all other BB Creams I've tried and seen. The only features that somehow differentiate this baby from the rest are the whopping SPF 42 and the oxidation part.

What I love about it:

available in a smaller size
sleek packaging
with SPF 42 (no need to worry if you forgot your sunscreen)

the tube has a narrow tip, so the amount of product to release is easy to control
pleasant scent (soap-ish fragrance), not too strong
a thin application can even out the skin tone already

The color seems normal at first look. By normal, I mean the usual yellow-ish cream color.

consistency is just right, not too watery, not too creamy
texture is very smooth and blendable
moisturizing

It's really grey compared to my natural skin color.

not sheer (for me, coverage is light to medium)
conceals redness
diminishes appearance of pores very well

Here's a swatch comparison.

gives a natural finish, very lightweight
slightly dewy
creates a nice base

While waiting for it to completely set, expect to look very pale and grey.

doesn't cake
doesn't make me look like I'm wearing too much makeup on
no breakout

Watch-outs:

shade selection is limited
oxidizes - from gray-ish color, it becomes a little bit darker than the expected shade
veins, pimple marks and other blemishes still peek through (average application)

no oil-control (but it won't make your skin oilier throughout the day)
not long-lasting

Overall, I think Perfect Cover is a very nice go-to BB cream. It gives that my-skin-but-better effect but with a natural glow. I don't worry too much on the light to medium coverage for the pimple marks and all because it does a very good job at blurring my visible pores.

Since it has SPF42, it might give a white cast if you take photos with flash. But looking at my pictures here, it seems there's no effect. I used an SLR with speed light, by the way.

Since it oxidizes and I have a warm, yellow undertone, Light Beige is okay for me. Normally, I'd always pick Natural or Honey Beige.

I now consider purchasing one for myself this time, though I need to rethink because I prefer a powdery finish with a slight dewy effect.

What do you think?

Like Missha Philippines on Facebook.

Happy weekend!

your sweetest drug,

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If you research about Korean's skin care routine, you'll be stunned by the number of products they put on their face almost every day and every night. They really put so much effort when it comes to maintaining that youthful glow. It is part of their culture, I guess? It could be overwhelming at first for those who wanna try this regimen, and you might say that, "Ah, excuse me. High-maintenance much?". HAHA!

Truth is, it still boils down to the basics - cleansing, toning, hydrating, sun protection and targeting your major skin problem. It's just that, you'll be working with layers and layers of product and formula.

Another fad in Korean's skin care world is snail secretion filtrate. Sounds very weird and nasty, I know. But obviously, you won't be putting on the actual snail goo (but some people do it too). Skin care companies filter them multiple times via their own methods.

Thanks to Nature Republic, I got to try these 3 snail slime-based products! They are a part of the Snail Solution line and as you can see, these are just samples.

I wasn't sure what's the correct order of applying this trio, so I did a little research online and got this.

1) Emulsion 80 (the little guy below)
2) Essence 70 (the tall guy above)
3) Cream 70 (the fat guy above)

There are other products included and some come in kits as well, so check them out on Nature Republic's website.

First, this Emulsion with 80% snail secretion filtrate. It's pretty much like a moisturizer, except it's more lightweight. It's my first time to use this kind of product.

I love this little bottle. I think I can reuse it because it's travel-friendly. :D

As I applied it onto my skin, it turned very watery. It felt like there's nothing on, but I could still feel that my skin was moisturized and it became softer.

Next, the Essence with 70% SSF. As the label says, it revitalizes and moisturizes the skin, and at the same time, helps promote the skin's natural cell regeneration process.

This is the step that I really want to incorporate in my skin care routine because it has a direct impact. Actually, it's also my first time to see a facial essence in person.

I didn't expect that the consistency was a bit sticky and thick. I thought it's watery just like the Emulsion.

A lot of people say that the best way to use essences is by patting it gently on skin, rather than spreading it as usual with your fingers.

Lastly, the Cream with 70% SSF. I think this one serves as the actual moisturizer.

After applying everything, my face became dewy.

All of them:

are almost scentless (Icould smell something, but definitely not overpowering and not perfumy)
dry up fast
do not cause irritation (I got 1 pimple, but I can't tell if it's because of the formula or something else)
are easy to apply
I used at night only

Overall, I love it! I'm interested to try the Essence and Emulsion further, but something tells me that they are both pricey.

I know it would be hard to notice the actual effect in just 2-3 applications, that's why I have nothing yet to say about the things it did to my skin. But I'm still glad I got to try these samples!

By the way, this trio comes in a set too. And yep, these 3 types of products are just a part of a Korean multi-step skin care regimen.

What do you think?

Like Nature Republic Philippines on Facebook.

your sweetest drug,

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False eyelashes definitely take any makeup look to the next level. If you want to accentuate your eyes, even create an effect, or just add oomph to your overall look, they are your best choice. That's actually the main reason why I always make sure to stock at least 1 pair. Besides, I have short and thin lashes, so I would really need either a generous coat of mascara or falsies.

I saw this brand on Instagram and I got really interested because a lot of makeup artists use it as well. It's called Red Cherry. Last month was the perfect time for me to try it, because we had a formal event and I would need a pair for my makeup look. I'm sharing the photos here again, but feel free to check out my Beauty Board post about it.

It's in #DW. I forgot the exact price, but I'm pretty sure it's less than 200 php per pair at The Ramp. You can also get it from Digital Traincase.

As you can see in the label above, it's 100% human hair, though I'm not certain how to confirm that. I just know that the strands are not stiff, compared to the synthetic ones I've tried, which were like plastic bristles.

Red Cherry lashes come in sooooo many styles. I had a hard time choosing because almost everything was perfect and beautiful. Eventually, I picked this one which is not that long, yet looks voluminous in the roots.

Now let me show you how I look without falsies and with a thin layer of mascara.

#DW still looks very natural. Maybe because it is thinner in the ends? There's "curl" and it's lifted, but not over-the-top, I think. For me, this style falls on the natural side, rather than on the glam or dramatic side.

I didn't encounter any difficulties putting it on. I also love the quality because so far, no fall out.

Some people are against reusing false lashes because they think it's not hygienic. For me, it's totally fine as long as we make sure that they are clean.

I've used my Red Cherry lashes for 4 times already and I'm glad that quality is still okay. I always clean it using a makeup remover after use to get rid of the glue and the accumulated makeup.

full look here

I also used it in my latest makeup video, Gold & Bold. Here are some photos.

They don't feel heavy as well.

Overall, I'm very happy with my current falsies and I'm planning to purchase another pair.

How about you? Have you tried Red Cherry? Any style you could recommend to me? I'd also love to see your photos wearing it, so comment down below! :)

What do you think?

your sweetest drug,

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Happy weekend, world!

Skin Care 101 - Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel

Makeup Video - Gold & Bold

Sample Stash - Etude House Play Therapy Soft Clay Pack & Moist Up Sleeping Pack

Make Up And Hair (MUAH) - Tony Moly BCDATION in Pink Beige

BURP GUIDE - Tim Ho Wan

your sweetest drug,

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Time for a quick Burp Guide post!

Today, I thought of sharing our first Tim Ho Wan experience. It's been 7 months since their opening day here in Manila, and we had been so curious to try their famous Baked Bun with BBQ Pork.

I love their menu, simple yet organized. Plus, there's a photo of each dish, so that's very helpful for those who are not familiar with dim sum.

The waitress handed us a sheet of paper where orders should be written down.

160 php

Their Hakaw (prawn dumpling) did not "wow" us that much (#seewhatIdidthere), but we still loved it because of the size and plump meat inside.

It's perfectly cooked and the thickness of the wrapper was just right.

Their Beancurd Skin Roll with Pork & Shrimp tasted very similar to what I've tried in other Chinese restaurants. The sauce was not too sweet and the wrapper was a teeny bit chewy, which I loved.

120 php

It's not super stuffed as we expected, but that's fine.

sorry for the blurred photo

Next, everyone's favorite, Baked Bun with BBQ Pork.

I can see the resemblance with a regular toasted siopao, which by the way also my fave.

145 php 3 pcs.

The bun was super soft and there's like melt-in-your-mouth goodness in every bite. The filling was mouthwatering as well, but still very close to typical "asado". The sweetness was just right and the overall taste made us crave for more. And yes, I took home another box. HAHA!

120 php

I also recommend this rice bowl dish called Pork Rib with Black Bean Sauce. It may not look very appetizing, but we got crazy over their special sauce.

150 php

Lastly, Pork Dumpling with Shrimp (siomai). Yes, it's meaty but other than that, there's nothing mind-blowing about it.

One of the staff said that even for take-outs, customers should still fall in line and wait for their turn. If I'm not mistaken, it's something about the service charge? I'm not 100% sure.

What do you think?

Like Tim Ho Wan on Facebook.

your sweetest drug,