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Power of Makeup: Celebrities Before and After Part 1

Beauty 10/09/2013 12:06:00 PM

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Affordable Makeup Part 2

Beauty 10/08/2013 01:03:00 PM

People often ask me where I buy my stuff – and they are always surprised to find out I normally purchase from a drugstore and not some fancy shop. I believe it’s not the brand or the price that matters – it’s how the product is applied.

Finding the right merchandise for your skin type and complexion is hard enough, but discovering something amazing yet affordable is by far tougher. It takes time, not to mention hurting your very own pocket from all that trial and error. Tip: Spend a little more money on your base; be frugal on other items, but never your base and you'll end up having bigger savings! Click here to read Part 1!

As promised, here’s a list of reasonably-priced EYE makeup items you might like.
Note: prices on the items mentioned are from the time of purchase and may have already changed

Image courtesy of http://www.beautylish.com/p/elf-studio-eye-primer--liner-sealer

Image Courtesy of http://www.hotandflashy50.com/e-l-f-cosmetics-product-reviews/

Elf Eye Primer and Liner Sealer (less than 300Php)

The Prime side sets eyeshadow in so color won't fade, bleed or crease. The Liner side transforms any eyeshadow into a waterproof, smudge-proof liquid liner with its unique clear liquid and built-in felt tip precision eyeliner brush.

http://www.beautyliciouslove.com/2010/11/i-remember-first-time-i-bought-some.html#.UlHf6BCWmOg

Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad (less than Php400)

I love Avon's Quad shadows because it's not as flaky as other drugstore makeup quads. Their Sandy Corals quad is probably one of the oldest items I have in my loot, not because I barely use it but because I use it so much that I go back and repurchase.

http://marilenethealkene.blogspot.com/2013/07/fanny-serrano-eyeshadow-quad.html

Fanny Serrano Eyeshadow Quad (Php???)

I don't remember how much I got it for, but it certainly doesn't cost more than Avon's Sandy Corals. While Avon's quad is my go-to eyeshadow wherever I go, Fanny Serrano's eyeshadow quad in Stone is my trusty product for night-outs. My sweat is highly acidic, so colors tend to look different on my skin. I've tried different kinds of black eye makeup, but no other drugstore brand could match up with FS Cosmetics' black pigment.

Image courtesy of http://sabshernandez.blogspot.com/2012/09/fanny-serrano-makeup-haul.html

New Fanny Serrano Eyeshadow Quad (Almost Php1000)

The base has four slots. Save more money with this quad palette by purchasing your desired colors as reserves, and Pop the singles out from its slot with no fuss, then change up the combination depending on your need.

Image courtesy of http://sabshernandez.blogspot.com/2012/09/fanny-serrano-makeup-haul.html

Fanny Serrano Eyeshadow Singles (Php195)

Not needing all four colors? Need to replace one that you already used up on the quad? This is the refill to buy. Works great as singles too!

Image courtesy of http://www.jesroque.com/2011/05/review-nichido-true-colors-collection.html

Nichido Eyeshadow Singles (less than Php100)

If you're the type that just swipes eyeshadow on the lids to give it a hint of color, then this might be the right one for you.

Image courtesy of http://heatherssway.blogspot.com/2013/03/review-maybelline-eye-studio-lasting.html

Maybelline Gel Eyeliner (Php499)

Because of its consistency, this product has been a major hit for a lot of consumers. And even with daily use, the tiny bottle may actually last for a good 2-3 months.

Image courtesy of http://beautysbadhabitblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/review-elf-cream-eyeliner.html

Elf Cream Eyeliner (Php249.75)

The affordable counterpart. Contents might be a little more than that of the above mentioned product. The only debatable part between these two similar items is the free applicator.

Image courtesy of http://sabshernandez.blogspot.com/2012/10/m-cosmetics-where-have-i-been.html

M&Co Liquid Eyeliner (less than Php300)

I love the brand's packaging and the metallic finish. Sometimes its hard to pull out the wand, but it doesn't bother me that much. The liquid formula dries fast. Downside: the tip wears out and bends after only several uses. So if you have heavy hands like I do, maybe try other brands before picking this up.

Image courtesy of http://www.weekendramblings.com/2011/11/elf-brightening-eyeliner-pencil-black.html

Elf Brightening Eyeliner Pencil (less than Php200)

This is my trusty eyeliner. The texture is a bit waxy which makes application easy. Yes smudging and running can be a problem, but that can obviously be prevented.

Image courtesy of http://australianbeautybox.blogspot.com/2012/01/maybelline-ny-falsies-volum-express.html

Maybelline Falsies Mascara (Php499)

Many have gone gaga over this particular merchandise. Not a big fan because its predecessor has the same effect on my lashes, but it does work wonders for majority of the people I saw using it.

Image courtesy of http://www.mywomenstuff.com/2008/11/review-makeup-maybelline-volume-express-hypercurl-mascara/

Maybelline Volum Express Hypercurl Mascara (Php299)

This is the predecessor I was talking about. I've been a loyal consumer for several years.

Image courtesy of http://saytiocoartillero.blogspot.com/2011/01/update-request-look-giveaway-contest.html

Watsons Eyelash Curler (around Php50)

Surprising as it may seem, it actually does the job. The rubber cannot be replaced though, so if you find it useful then consider purchasing more than one on your next visit to the store.

Do you have great makeup finds? Hit me up and let me know so we can share it to all makeup enthusiasts!

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Dry Shampoo in the Philippines

Beauty 10/03/2013 12:54:00 PM

Image courtesy of http://www.divinecaroline.com/beauty/hair/how-use-dry-shampoo

Experts recommend washing the hair every other day to prevent it from drying out, but we Filipinos cannot do so primarily because of our unpredictable weather. The tropical climate of the country dictates our bathing regimen. Can you imagine yourself not washing your hair during the hot summer days?

Yes, dry shampoos are still not common here in our country. That's the reason why I'm dedicating this post to educate the majority of Filipinos who are still not familiar with this product, and to answer common questions they may have about this item.

What is a Dry Shampoo?
It is a popular alternative to regular shampoo that doesn't require the use of water. It absorbs the oil that makes hair look greasy after a day of not washing.

What are the kinds of Dry Shampoos?
So far I've only seen the aerosol-type in stores. It comes in a spray can that looks just like a typical hairspray. I have yet to see the powder-type dry shampoo.

When is it best to use a dry shampoo here in the Philippines?
Topping the chart would be when it's pouring outside. Think about going through the whole nine yards of your hair routine - from bathing, to drying, to styling, but then eventually ruining your tresses because it's raining cats and dogs. All that time and effort wasted. If there is a tropical depression, or a storm that may look like it's parked in the PH's territory, this product might come in handy.

Also consider picking this item up during the cooler months of the year, when your sweat glands take a break. The days are not that hot and humid and the nights are cooler than usual.

How is it used?
Instructions may vary. Always read the back label of the product before using it, especially when it's your first time.

For aerosol-type dry shampoos:
1. Lift sections of dry hair and spray lightly at roots using short bursts, holding 8 to 12 inches away from the head and leaving in for 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Use fingertips to massage through roots and to distribute product evenly. Brush out, then style as usual.
3. Use throughout the day to absorb oil and refresh hair as needed.

Are you sporting cornrows or dreadlocks? Ditch your old hair regimen and start using a dry shampoo in between washes! Woke up late and in a hurry to get to school, to work, or to an appointment? Using a dry shampoo after a quick shower might help you save time. Working in the graveyard shift? Take advantage of this product if you do not sweat a lot - you can use the saved time for other important stuff.

Here's a video about aerosol-based dry shampoos:

Here's a video about powder-based dry shampoos:

Click here to read my review on TRESemme Fresh Start Volumizing Dry Shampoo.

Click here to read my review on Beauty Formulas Dry Shampoo.

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My Horrifying Experience: Globe Postpaid

Philippines 10/01/2013 01:19:00 PM

Image courtesy of http://mbs5.iliganbloggers.com/uncategorized/globe-has-connected-with-ibs-for-mbs5

I used to have prepaid service with Globe from 2000 to 2006, and I've been a loyal postpaid customer for almost 8 years now. I have always been happy with their service, until recently.

My nightmare first started March 2013. I received a text message saying that their billing system was going through an upgrade and that my bill will be delayed for at least 3 weeks. I understood the situation and did not feel the need to worry.

I was surprised when my bill came. It was baffling to see data charges when in fact I am subscribed to a Blackberry service. Php2,232.14 may be a small amount, and I would have settled it anyway to avoid the hassle of disputing. But I decided to call and report the issue because Php2k+ would go a long way.

I called them several times, following up if there was any feedback on the bill dispute but nothing happened. I always heard the same reason "no feedback from the team yet sir" or "hanggang ngayon po di pa rin narereview." One agent even told me that I was being charged for browsing because I was only subscribed to BBSocial and not BBMax. All Globe Blackberry users know very well that the BBSocial subscription doesn't allow browsing pages other than social networking websites. An error message is received whenever BBSocial subscribers would attempt to visit sites beyond Facebook and Twitter.

Alas, I was ready to give up so I called to cancel my service. I told the nice lady on the other line that I will settle the amount but I would discontinue using my postpaid account. She offered to credit Php2000 and convinced me to retract my request for disconnection. However, I was not happy with how it ended. No one reviewed my billing dispute. No one even viewed the several reports I made. And it took 3 freakin' months to resolve this problem! Had not I called to cancel, I bet I would have waited ages!

Image courtesy of http://www.pinaymommyadreamer.com/2013/07/globe-telecom-recycling-phone-numbers.html

I worked for a major US Telecommunications company, so I understand how this kind of business operates. Thus, I gave them another chance.

My current lock up period expired early this year. I temporarily downgraded to the lowest one available due to low usage. And in the meantime, I have been reviewing their current subscription plans so that I can find the best one that will suit my needs.

I called a few weeks ago to recontract two "Corporate Individual" lines. Because of low usage, I requested a lower plan on a specific cellphone unit with an extended lockup period instead of a cash out. I have not again received feedback. I called today to ask the status of my request and I was shocked to hear what the CSR had told me! It was noted on their system that someone called me last September 13, that I was offered a specific plan for this particular cellphone unit with cash out, and that I was undecided.

You guessed it! This call NEVER happened. My request was a long shot anyway, and I would have understood and appreciated a callback telling me that it was declined. But instead they opted not to call and even LIE about it. This definitely is the last straw.

Tsk tsk. Dear Globe, what happened to your service? I cannot stop shaking my head in disbelief.

Even if they gave me all the prizes from their 0917Wonderful promo, I would never forget the horror I went through. I think Globe is too focused on offering better deals to gain new customers that they have forgotten responsibilities to their current subscribers, especially those who have stayed loyal to them for several years.

The only thing left to decide on is what carrier would I switch to. Which I would be researching about and deciding within the next few days. I would probably call Globe this weekend to cancel my service. I am too pissed that they lied and I don't want to lash out on a random CSR, so I will talk to them when I'm no longer fuming mad.

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