SnR finds

Hello! I'm like was lost and then resurrected all of a sudden. I have no plans of reviving my blog just yet but I'm just excited to share my shopping finds at SnR in case you are obsessed with proper skincare. I'm now in my 40 and life begins with me by taking care of my health including my skin.

If you are familiar with Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay which became a craze, then this one might get you hitting SnR in a flash! I got it at 50% off. I bought it at Php299.00. The Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Foam is known to be gentle in the skin so I want to try it too. Got it at 399.00. I think the price is so 'sulit'. That's all folks!

Caring For Our Skin...and Eyes Too!

Hello yah all!  After a very long hiatus, I am finally back!  I was stuck with laziness to write a post thus no updates here.  Though I have so many things that I think I should've shared but the drive to put things in writing came to no avail.  As you could see, when you go back in my previous posts, the photos embedded in it are no longer seen.  I don't know what happened with my Photobucket.  I still have to find out. (UPDATE:  OMG!  I cannot access anymore my account.  I have to figure it out right away.  A lot of my blog photos are in there.  I hope I can revive it.  Anyone from here knows how?  Please help!).  But I am actually active with blogging.  I enjoyed reading other's blog and learned a lot from them.  Like for instance, skin care and make up related and a lot of tutorials!  I admit I am way too late when it comes to make up.  I am now in my late 30's but still I am no expert.  I only use in a daily basis eyebrow pencil/gel (because as they say 'kilay' is life).  I am currently using Monalisa as my eyebrow pencil and gel from Rimmel.  I put on make-up primer in matte (Rimmel) and lipstick (Revlon and Wet N' Wild which are my staples now because they are gifts).  Sometimes I put blush on (from Mac), or curl my lashes (Shiseido) and put on mascara (Maybelline) if I feel like 'gandang-ganda-ako-sa-sarili-ko' moment.  But on top of these, I never forget to prep my face (skin).  As they say, our face (skin) is our canvass.  Bad canvass, unimpressive make-up.  Umm, do I make sense?

Anyway, I wanted to share with you how I prep my skin as 'canvass' before doing my very simple make-up to no-make-up look.  I know mine is not very challenging.  It's a mother-career-woman thing.  Daily rush make-up.  Okay let's begin:  We all know that the first step is to wash face with water and facial soap.  But for me, I don't do it on a regular basis.  I've read in one mommy blogger that for how many years she tried to do it and it works.  Fortunately it works for me too!  I felt that my skin is not that abused with all the soap suds that makes the skin dry all the more.  Since I am not exposed everyday with air pollutants naman, I just use Micellar Water to remove my make up or traces of dirt.  I have used Simple, Maybelline, L'Oreal (in pink) and Biore (in pink).  I like all except L'Oreal.  I feel it didn't remove traces of dirt on my skin as evidenced after I swipe cotton on my face.  I have yet to try Garnier and Derma E Vitamin C Cleansing Micellar Water since I saw the first having great reviews and the latter, well, I want to try because it's interesting having Vitamin C on it.  Though I still wash my face with facial soap and water everytime I commute going to and from work.  Most of the days kasi I ride along with my husband's car going to work.  Right now, my facial soap is still from Simple.  The Simple's Smoothing Facial Scrub.  Though if I were to rate base on my skin's reaction to it, I won't repurchase because I don't find suppleness in my skin.  Though what I like about it is that it is very mild (the scent) and it's not harsh to one's skin.

Next, after cleaning my face, I put on moisturizer.  Even if I have oily face (just at the T-zone), I still use moisturizer because there are some dry areas on my face.  I am currently using the Simple's Hydrating Light Moisturizer.  True to its word, it's indeed light on the skin.  It's what I needed because I have to put on my sunscreen pa.  I don't like the feeling na parang I have too much on my face.  My sunscreen is the Biore UV Perfect Milk in SPF 50+ PA++++ (not the spray type because I feel it's just air coming out everytime I spray.  It's  like nothing comes out and it doesn't give a matte effect on my face compared to the regular one).  It's the blue one for face and body.  I just use it on my face, neck and arms.  So far it worked for me as it gives a mattifying effect on my skin.  No shiny face for me the whole day.  I have oily T zone, so this gives me the right coverage.  I don't use powder kasi because I noticed if do, black and whiteheads settle in my skin to which I abhor.  Sometimes in the afternoon, I just use oil control paper by Biore and after that I'm done na.  By the way, these products I use are what I put during the day.  At night, instead of the Hydrating Light Moisturizer of Simple, I use either Redwin Vitamin E Cream with Evening Primrose Oil or the DHC Deep cleansing oil.  My take on them? The former gives me a moisturizing and cold feel on my face.  The latter gives me a smooth and plumping effect that I don't mind using them alternately.  I recently saw in Youtube one Philippine celebrity who uses all natural and organic product to clean her face.  It can clean and moisturize already and it so safe in one's skin.  She is Coleen Garcia and she uses coconut oil.  See for yourself and click link here.

Okay, I have this one beauty product that I think most women forget to add in their beauty regimen.  The eye cream is important especially as you go older, fine likes and wrinkles are already visible.  A lot of beauty products are available in the market but don't know which one is the best among the rest.  To give you idea on what's hot in store, click link here.

Ultimately, you can only achieve healthy and glowing skin when you eat healthy, drink lots of water, exercise and have a positive outlook in life.  Because as they say, beauty radiates from within.

My Beauty Regimen Products and Olay Anti-Ageing 'Night' Cream

This is not a product review as I just bought this yesterday. But with Olay as the brand, you wouldn't doubt its quality and question its effectivity. I use different brand of beauty products as I don't stick to only one brand because I'm more particular to a certain product's effect on my skin and of course its affordability. I use Biore (the blue colored container) as my facial/daily moisturizer and sunscreen and Pond's facial wash and toner (the pink one). Now, if I want to splurge a bit on beauty products, I would buy The Body Shop's seaweed toner. It doesn't make my skin that oily. For face and body sunscreen, I love Daylong. It doesn't make my skin heavy and greasy. I should've posted photos pala of the products I use in regular basis. Maybe next time if I happen to snap photos of them.

Anyway, one particular beauty product that I've been wanting to buy is a night cream. I haven't tried using it pa because for one it's a bit expensive. And I believe during sleep or at night, our skin renews or rejuvenates more faster that's why it's more effective to put night creams to help boost healthy looking skin. 

To my delight, I read somewhere that Olay will be having a Buy-1-Take-1 promo (27-30 November 2015 or until supplies last) of their night cream. Oh how my heart sang!

Bought this at Watson's. 

Good thing that I knew of this promo because when I asked the Sales attendant, she said that the promo was over. But I said, the promo is until today (which was yesterday by the way). Then she validated it in their cash register. Alleluia! It's still in promo. I'm happy that I was lucky to have availed this because I read in some sites that in Manila at Watsons it's always out of stock even if you visit their other branches. Some even commented maybe they are just holding it up and sell again when the regular price is back.

At Php789.00 for two, not at all bad. I got a huge savings instead! Before, I wasn't mindful of buying and using beauty products. Good thing my mother is very much particular of using and applying skin products on herself that's why I was also enticed to do the same (but not as solid as my mama). I just use the basic stuff: cleanse (Pond's facial wash, the red one), tone (Pond's, the pink one/The Body Shop's seaweed toner), moisturize and use sunblock for protection (Biore Milk, the blue container/ Daylong). You may notice that I don't have Olay products in my basic regimen that's because it's a bit expensive for my budget. But given if I have extra money to buy their products, I wouldn't have second thoughts buying them.

In my 30's, I value the importance of taking care of my skin. I don't have a flawless and healthy skin that's why I have to make extra effort in taking good care of it. Good thing I am not a heavy user of make-up as I just groom my eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil and a lipstick. I don't even use face powder as Biore (my facial/daily moisturizer and sunscreen) gives my face a matte finish already and doesn't make my face shiny at all. That's my everyday make-up. Now if I want to further it more, I curl my eyelashes and put blush on. That's the farthest I can make for myself.

How about you? What's your daily beauty regimen and beauty products that you use? Share it too.

Four in a Row + 1 Free and more

I must have done something really good to have all the blessings poured out to me. Ever since, as I always say, I am not lucky joining in raffles, contests or giveaways. But I was hopeful. I do believe that there is a right time for everything. We'll never know. You can't have it today. But who knows what tomorrow may bring. And that is happening to me since I first won a raffle prize last December of 2011 and became full blown last year. Good things comes to those who patiently wait indeed. The past few weeks had been full of beautiful surprises. But for this post, I'll be sharing my happiness to you of how lucky I am to have won 3 blog giveaways in a just one week and another one came in this morning as I opened my email. 


For my first winning, I got this beautiful package of Pond's product line of BB creams. It's from the blog giveaway of Ms. Rowena Lei of Animetric's World as seen here. I am super overwhelmed because I am a Pond's user of their Age miracle day cream and their facial wash. I love how it makes my skin supple and glowing. As what I have said in my winning entry, that it gives radiance to my skin while it nourishes from within. I really love the effect in and on my skin. It really does a lot of wonders. Though I haven't tried yet their BB creams, for sure it will have the same effect on me.

The vanity mirror is a plus for me because the one that
I have in my desk gave way already and to think it's not mine.
I was guilty pa because it's my officemate mirror.

Okay, this one is a bonus winning I got from Ms. Lei herself.
I can't be more happier. I've been longing to buy K-Palette.
And now I have it for free. No sweat for me and my pocket!

These stuff are silently adding up to my wish list including the second winning I got from a doctor blogger (which i will have a separate post on), 2 food giveaways in which I won a cake (which I was disqualified because I'm not a resident of Metro Manila) and a perishable food (which I was still negotiating or requesting the host that I'll be able to get it on November pa) and the free one was a bag of Unilever products from a kind hearted person. All of them came in just in time and even more than I ever expected. Even if I didn't get the cake prize but still I am thankful that I was chosen as the lucky winner. Maybe a more qualified person needs that more than I needed it. I am still crossing fingers and hoping for more winnings in blogs and non-blog giveaways in the future. I hope this would not jinx everything but will put on good vibes all the more.

So to you dear readers, I will encourage you to join in blog giveaways. Who knows, your time will come.

Selling Online: Accessories thru Olx.ph

Girls never tire reinventing oneself by way of accessorizing, isn't it? You can be glamorous already with just a plain and ordinary shirt and a pair of jeans when worn with fashion neck pieces to boot. It really do wonders in your over-all get-up.

I have been fond of these accessories too. I can say I've hoarded too much of these to the extent that I wore it only at most thrice or even haven't worn some. I was so overwhelmed with the stylishness of the neck piece itself. I considered it as my precious collection over wearing it. But I am letting it go and decided it to be sold instead.

Some of my precious neck piece collection.

It took time for me to decide to sell it because for one, I love the stylish designs that I got. They are really nice ensemble to a woman's wardrobe. But then, I'm giving injustice to these pieces because I'm hardly wearing it and just hide it in my closet. I know these are beautiful accessories that a girl must wear. It's all safely kept in my closet and sayang  lang na hindi sya na e-expose sa madlang eyes. So it should go (though I have kept some because it's hard to let go).

I posted it in my online site at Olx.ph. I know about this site because of some mommy bloggers I follow (SoMom) who advertise to this site and sell also their unused stuff which can still be used. So I gave in. Please do visit my online site cheekeegirl8 at Olx.ph. I'll be posting soon my other shoes I bought which I hardly used mentioning Charles and Keith brands. If you want to sell also your stuff, register to Olx.ph.  

Caudalie Facial Foaming Cleanser: On-hand

I've blogged about it here my recent winning item at Breakfast with Tiffany blog (here's a link to her page announcing my winning. Click Yehey!). Tiffany, I found out her family hails from Davao City. Very nice of her to share this personal details to me. Anyway, Ms. Tiff, I received the item yesterday for you to know. That was fast huh! Here's the package I received delighted and excited to open.

Thank you Xend. Fast delivery!

Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser in 150ml.
I never expected how huge my prize is.

It's the first time I've heard of this beauty product and it's from Paris. I love the lime scent. Another product to try on. You may visit their website at www.caudalie.com. 

You're Too Good to be True

When the time some regions in the Philippines were battered by the strong typhoon Yolanda last Friday, I was getting good news towards the end of the week instead. How is that naman? It was such a blessing and I am really one lucky person! I couldn't believe that good vibes is indeed paying attention to me. Two months ago I won lots of goodies from Ms. Jackie Go's anniversary giveaway which I blogged it here, here and here and until now I haven't completed featuring each one of them. And now, this is what I saw from Ms. Tiffany of Breakfast at Tiffany blog in her post here. Thank you God for these unexpected blessings! You really know what I need and that is paying attention to the woman that I am. That I should still take care of my self despite being a mother, a wife, a career woman rolled into one.

This is my prize ladies and gentlemen. Presenting another beauty loot for me.

It's the first time I encountered this beauty product brand. I was kind of ecstatic reading Ms. Tiffany's prologue of the product line which you can view it here, here and here. I never hesitated joining even it means I'll pay for the shipping fee. But no. Ms. Tiffany didn't oblige me to pay nor does the giveaway says. She willingly shouldered everything until I will just receive it. Sitting pretty lang ang peg ko. I'm excited to have my first hand experience on her love connection with the product. Thank you again Ms. Tiffany for this giveaway. #vanity #feelingblessed #beautyoverload

Prizes Revealed Part 2: Olay and Celeteque

Well as promised, one-by-one I am unraveling the prizes I won from Ms. Jackie Go's blog giveaway which you can view it here. This is the second batch of prizes I am showing you (first part post here). See? It's not only one or two items. It's more than 10 actually (hahaha!). That's how big time, generous and blessed Ms. Jackie of GoJackieGo is. And I'm so lucky to have won these items from her.

The photo below are my beauty essential loots I got. I forgot to take photo pala of the trial Cure Gel pack. But it's included in my loots.

From Left to right: Olay Regenerist Moisturiser in 75ml bottle, Celeteque Firming
Overnight Cream in 50g bottle, Celeteque Anti-Wrinkle Collagen gel in 40ml bottle.

Pulling it out in their cartons, these are how their actual packaging looks like.

I'm a fan of Olay Total effects (side by side Pond's Age Miracle Cell ReGen products) especially their facial wash and moisturizer. I swear by it's effects and they suit my skin type. I'm no vain in using beauty products. Sometimes because of my laziness I forget to apply it religiously. But as much as possible I slather some cream in my face because I have parts in my skin that tends to dry and too much oiliness in my T-zone. I'm afraid that when I get older my skin would not be that supple enough and wrinkles takes the stage. They say when you are in your 20's you have to take care of your skin and begin the 3-step beauty regimen of Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize including wearing sunblock. I'm blessed to have an acne-free skin but white and blackheads are visibly all over.

So here are my beauty loots I won. #vanity #beauty

Currently "Teased" by You

When it comes to scents, I like it that it's not empowering. Just subtle enough that it can notice anyone's attention (on a positive way..hehehe!) when I pass by. Wink ;)). And scents can also be quite tricky because if it doesn't complement with your body's PH, it might not smell good on you even if it does for others. So better try it your own when choosing or buying the right scent. Anyways, I'm sharing this because I am one lucky person to have sponsors/loved ones who doesn't forget me from afar. Every year I have loots that comes all the way from UK. That is already a thousand bucks savings for me (yehey!) and just like winning blog giveaways (yahoo!). This year, one of the presents I received from a friend is this one (referring to the photo). It's a body mist from Victoria's Secret, Noire TEASE. This is just one heavenly scent because I can say it can suit day and night times. Preferably for mornings, scents is more on the citrus-y, mild and gentle while that on the evenings, it's more on the sweet, strong yet pleasing to one's senses. The scent is just right for me. It doesn't itch my nose or make me sneeze a bit.

I'm half way through it.

"Sexy Little Things", as its caption says, comes in this handy parfum bottle. True indeed!

From the name itself, it certainly teases all my senses. Wearing this makes me feel a bit confident and it's like I just stepped out from a long shower bath. Spanking clean and feeling fresh all day long. How about you? What's your favorite? You might want to share and would love to hear from you.

Self-braid

Do you know to braid one's hair? Or better yet braid your own? It seems difficult right? But good for me I can do it on my own. I'm fine with it even if it doesn't seem to look polished. I'm happy of having a skill for it. It looks nice after wearing it the whole day. When I want instant natural curls, I braid it in the morning when my hair is still wet. Then untangle it at the end of the day after office. Photos I got my own showing my not-so-perfect-but-carry-lang braided hair.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Toner and Breakouts remedy?

I've come across this blog by an Architect. I would say she is also into beauty and make-up hauls. SO as I was browsing in her posts, I came across this. When it comes to remedies for our body, nothing beats the natural and organic stuff. The good part is no need to shell out a lot of money. Sometimes, we can just get it from Mother Nature; right in our own backyard or in our kitchen. This is worth-sharing.

ARchicTECT: Apple Cider Vinegar Toner and Breakouts?: I make it a habit to check makeup alley almost everyday to check on the latest reviews for the different beauty products.Someone has advised...

What's my Mother's Day 2013 like

Happy Mother's Day to all my "kapwa" Mothers. We deserve this special day because we truly are worthy of such recognition. Juggling things at home, work and play almost at the same time is no joke and not easy. Mother's Day 2013 falls on a Sunday, sandwiched by non-working days (the Monday is Election Day). What a great way to spend the special day with the family because of a long weekend.

Last Saturday, together with my sister and mother planned for this "date" and sort of unwinding to have a relaxation retreat courtesy of Bioessence Skin Slimming Spa. A gift certificate was given to me as a Christmas present from my sister's family and thought of availing it with them (my mom has a gift certificate too). The package is composed of a Swedish massage, regular facial and hand paraffin. We opt to avail only the massage and facial since I have a hand injury and postpone hand paraffin to some other time. We arrived at the place past 2pm and were escorted to their lobby and reception area. We registered there because it is by appointment when availing their services. After a few minutes, we were ushered to our own rooms in preparation for the massage. I changed on my clothes to their robes and went for a Sauna. After around 15-20 minutes, we went back to our room for the massage proper. After an hour and a half, I was pampered by facial treatment that I fell asleep during the commotion in my face. It was all worth-it and a great way to treat myself. After all the services done to us, we were offered a tea and crackers. Overall it was satisfying and relaxing.

They have an ongoing Mother's Day promo which will run until May 18, 2013. For only P649.00, one can avail of facial, diamond peel, hand paraffin, and back massage. The regular price for all is P1,900.00. So it is already a good buy. Still the gift certificate has no expiration and it can be given in a form of gift if you wanna give it to your loved ones.  For more info about Bioessence, you may visit them in their website: www.bioessence.ph

Blackheads and whiteheads: No More!

For as long as I can remember, (from the moment that I was already particularly vain with my aesthetics) my blackheads (not so much of whiteheads) are killing me (not softly at all!). It's been my dilemma because having a supple, fair and healthy skin is my frustration. My skin is more on the oily type especially on the T-zone and having big pores added to that problem of mine. It shows that I have a poor structure of skin because I have stretch marks too below my tummy caused by two pregnancies pa man din. I am a late bloomer when it comes to vanity. I started using make-up and all sorts of beauty ritual essentials is way after I am working na. But that is not yet full blown. I resort to the basic 'make-up' of baby powder and lip gloss only. That's it, pancit! Even facials, I detest it because of fear that my face will have reverse reaction to all the things they will splat on my face. The baby powder that I put would last like minutes only because of the oiliness of my skin. I chose not to put all sorts of 'chemicals' (my term for make-up then) because I know it will trigger and will create blackheads build-up which I really hate. These nuisances are very visible in my nose where the oiliness is at most terrible. But I noticed later na when I first got pregnant, a lot of people noticed that my skin looks beautiful and radiant. I don't know why but I also noticed a bit. I don't know if my pregnancy has something to do with it. I've read a lot of home remedy solutions in the internet and found it very cheap and effective. Though I haven't tried anyone of it, I know it is effective because you can never go wrong with the basic, natural and organic. And many already attested to its effectiveness so might as well try it. Just this morning my officemate blogger forwarded this link to me.

Who would know that this kitchen finds: a toothpaste, tomato, lemon, lime, cornstarch, yogurt, almond or oatmeal, rice, potatoes, baking soda and honey has its way in beautifying our skin without spending big bucks. Each has its own use and application. So trial and error is likely because some also has allergies that is not suitable for one's type of skin. Some ingredients may not be suitable to you but is effective to me. Like that.

Well as to my beauty regimen and make-up essentials it has greatly improved. For my pre- make-up rituals, I cleanse, tone and moisturize na during day and before going to sleep. I use Olay 7-in-1 products for the 3 steps. I am 'hiyang' with the products. And as for my make-up going to work, I use Human Nature's Perfect coverage mineral foundation in Honey shade, Shiseido eyebrow pencil in Brown shade, seldom I use blush from Avon cosmetics and lipstick from L'Oreal. I love the lipstick of L'Oreal because it doesn't fade right away. As I said some products are suitable to me but not for you because of differences of skin type and the like.

Blog Giveaway: Swirls & Scribbles X Lipstick All U Can

Who doesn't want freebies! Calling all beauty and make-up enthusiasts and freaks, join this make-up giveaway by Abbey. You can click here for more details on the product up for grabs, mechanics and to join the contest giveaway. I'm joining here too. Grab while you still have 24 days to go. Keep sending everyday your entries for more chances of winning. Good luck to us!