Unboxing BDJ Box March 2014

 Hi guys. March passed by so quickly, hope you had a great month. I had a crazy March but I'll try to catch up with everything soon. Today, I'm gonna post something that I'm really excited about---Belle De Jour beauty subscription box. My first but definitely not my last :)

I received this 3 weeks ago but I've been too busy that I only had a chance to take a peak and continue what I was doing. I totally forgot to try the products on that weekend and since I don't  do reviews without testing it first, I can only do this now and I hope it's not too late. :) 

    But for the meantime let's do some unboxing :)

I was really excited upon seeing the packaging coz the box itself is screaming "BENEFIT". This is my first BDJ Box and I felt very lucky that my first ever beauty box contains extra ordinary products.  This month's theme is "Secrets of Spy Gal". It contains 7 sample sizes of 6 benefit products. Here's the rundown:

1. THE PORE fessional.  

According to the BDJ leaflet "It quickly minimizes the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin. Its translucent, oil free formula complements all skin tones and helps your make up stay put. It also contains Vitamin E derivative to protect skin from free radicals". 

My verdict: I was kinda disappointed coz the sample size looks small and I think it's just good for up to 3 use if you'll apply on your entire face (like I do), but I learned that a little of this goes a long way. It does have a light scent, it spreads evenly all over my face and surprise-surprise, it really covers imperfections. 

A full size of 22ml cost PhP 1600.00 Quite pricey but I'll surely try this after I'm done with my 3 current primers.

2. STAY, DON'T STRAY.  

According to the BDJ leaflet "This dual action power primer works 360 degrees around the eyes to make the concealers and eyeshadows Stay Put. Concealer don't crease, eyeshadows stays vibrant and true." You just have to dab 3 tiny dots on your eyelids and around your eyes then blend it, let it sit for a few seconds then you can apply your eye makeup. It also contain sodium hyaluronate for hydration, Vitamin C & E to fight the signs of aging. 

My verdict: To be honest, I haven't use it. I don't use eyeshadows often so I think this is not necessary for me. 

A full size of 10ml cost PhP 1400.00

3. HELLO FLAWLESS OXYGEN WOW. According to the BDJ leaflet "This new oil free brightening liquid foundation builds from light to medium coverage for a natural, luminous, and healthy-looking complexion. Fret not if you got a shade that's too light-apply it on the high planes of your face to serve as a natural highlighter, while using your regular shade on the rest of your face".  It has SPF 25, oil free, hydrating and available in 9 shades, Sounds really interesting :)

My verdict: I love that you only need a very small amount to cover your whole face. I've tried this trice and I'm not really impressed. I'm currently using a Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua so maybe I'm just comparing too  much. I find it lightweight but it doesn't really give proper coverage. I got the shade Ivory bUt I think it's a little darker on me. After a few hours I already feel greasy, something that I don't experience with Vitamiere Aqua. And because it has SPF, I expect some breakout the next day and I had-that very same night. But I'm highly allergic to anything with SPF so this is not new.

a full size of 30 ml costs PhP 1900.00


4. STAY FLAWLESS. According to BDJ leaflet "This instant PRO-long primer acts like a magnet to lock on your foundation for 15 fresh and flawless hours. This invisible stick primer glides directly onto skin for optimal wear and a natural-looking finish. With this product, you'll need to use less foundation to get the coverage you want".

15 hours? Seriously? If true, then this amazing. But I won't really know coz I usually don't wear makeup that long haha :)

BDJ Box sent 2 sample size. I'm glad coz I can really differentiate and try for a few more times than the other products.

My verdict: On my first try, I find that it makes my foundation a bit patchy and cakey. Maybe I'm just being perfectionist, but since I have 2 samples I tried it once again and I didn't experience those things. Maybe I just had a bad skin day during my first try. Now I'm confused if I'm gonna get this or the POREfessional.

a full size of 30ml costs PhP 1900.00

5. UNDER MY SPELL NOELLE Fragrance. According to BDJ Leaflet "This new fragrance has an exotic and glamorous woody floral scent that will surely make you enticing and intriguing to everyone around you".

My verdict: I love floral and woody scent so I'm in love with this. I kinda wish it comes in much bigger sample size like those Gucci perfumes :) I love that I can smell patchouli and vanilla. This is something that I'm really interested on buying.

a full size of 30ml costs PhP 2000.00

6. Agent Zero Shine. According to the BDJ Leaflet "It instantly minimizes shine and helps smooth the look of pores. Pores and shine don't stand a chance with this shine-vanishing PRO powder". 

My verdict: This is the one that I'm getting soon. I love that they included a brush on their sample, it's something different for me. The brush isn't really great but it's cute. This really makes my face shine free and I love it! I'm having a great skin-no problem at all skin- this past week that's why I can easily see the difference.  I think it is a bit pricey but I guess it's worth it coz you'll just need a little amount to totally cover your entire face.

a full size of 7g costs PhP 1600.00

I'm not really a fan of Benefit products coz I think they're pricey, ahhhh let me correct that, I think that I'm getting much more of  my money's  worth if I buy something that's more "elegantly packaged" rather than "cutely packaged". I only have Benefit's Browzing and High Beam (which is a gift from my friend, Claire) but now I"m willing to add a few Benefit product. And to end this I want to say that I'm really impressed with Porefessional and Agent Zero Shine.

I'm quite happy thay I subscribe last December and end up getting a March Box. It's really worth it. So if you want to get something that will surprise you every month- in a good way, subscribe to BDJ BOX and for just PhP 580.00 monthly you can have sample sizes or most of the time full size products.

Ultimate favorite pink lipsticks

Hello everyone :)

I know I've said that I'll be posting regularly but I didn't-I'm sorry, my bad. My February had gone crazy-totally crazy. The weather was bad and so is my asthma allergies.

Anyways, I wanted my first post this March to be a "happy post" so I'll be reviewing two of my ultimate favorite pink lipstick. This will be a heavy photo post so be aware, hihi :)

Hail to the brightest NARS Schiap and MAC Candy Yum Yum!

look how gorgeous they are :)

The usual NARS & MAC packaging

Semi Glossy and silver vs matte black and white tube

black & silver vs heavy black tube when opened

Their brightness is just awesome.

gorgeous shades of pink.

I sometimes need a sunglasses :) 

This is the gorgeous MAC Candy Yum Yum, my second tube actually. I had my first tube when CYY is still the most coveted Limited Edition. I wanted it the first time I saw it on Nordstrom website. This is my definition of hot pink lips. During the first few times that I used it, I got lots of questions from women of all ages at the mall. I felt proud ha ha :) And I was happy back then that it is a limited edition, selfish as it may seem but I used to think that if it's not LE then everyone in the world would be in CYY. That was until I'm down with a few swipes of my beloved CYY. I was scared that I might lose my perfect pink forever. And I was at my happiest when the good angels of MAC made it one of  their permanent line.

MAC Candy Yum Yum is a blue based neon pink with a matte finish. It is drying at times (not every time) and I usually apply a thin coat of moisturizing lip balm before putting this on.  Tagged as the most show stopping MAC shade, CYY is opaque, creamy pigmented and lost lasting. If you love bold lips, this goes straight to that level.

It's a different story when it comes to my NARS Schiap. It's not really my first choice. I was on a lipstick high when I came across this gorgeous tamed bright pink. 

I was eyeing her sister NARS Carthage when the SA insisted that Schiap is more saleable. So to amuse her I put on Schiap on my upper lip and Carthage on my lower lip and walked around the mall like a crazy lady with a two toned lipstick. But I didn't mind as I was testing the longevity and staying power of both lipstick. After a few hours walking and talking and in between meals, I came back at the NARS counter and told the lady that I want the NARS Carthage, she seems disappointed but I didn't care. I went straight to the register, pay and walked passed NARS counter again to try the NARS Schiap this time on my full lips. I headed home after.

I arrived home safely and right after I parked I checked my lips on the rear view mirror and boy! This is the loveliest tamed pink I had ever seen. Regrets came rushing! A week after that day, I finally have this. :)

just gorgeous! 

it looks so perfect on the black tube :)

NARS Schiap is a cool tone blue based pink lipstick. It always bring a happy vibe to me. It has a semi matte effect and highly pigment but not drying formula. It brings total opacity on first swipe. I feel like I'm on my twenties when I wear it. It lasts for a few hours on my lips with meals in between. It is a very wearable pink lipstick.

look how pigmented they are :)

gorgeous is understatement :)

If you're a pink lover like me, then NARS Schiap and MAC Candy Yum Yum must have a permanent space on your make up bag. Just complete the look with a simple "no make up, make up look" and your lips will perfectly stand out. Teehee!

Hope you enjoyed. Til next :)

xoxo,

chaye

Tea Time Diva: January Favorites

Hi everyone, happy Tuesday :)

I've been doing monthly favorites before and I decided to resume it. So, here's my favorite products for the month of January.

Victoria Secret's Mango Sensation. This is given by a new friend, Rachel. I love the fruity, floral scent of this. It smells of summer.

Face products: Revlon Photoready Color Correcting Primer, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Mac Studio Fix and Guerlain Meteorites Perle in Teint Rose.

For my cheeks and around the eyes: Nars Multiple Stick in Orgasm, Mac Mineralized blush in Dainty, Nars Concealer in Ginger, and Estee Lauder cream eyeshadow.

For my eyebrows and eyelashes: Nars eyebrow pencil in Johdpur and my super favorite Maybelline The Falsies volume express waterproof mascara.

What's your favorite products last January? Comment the link so I can check yours. 

xoxo,

Chaye

Mini Lush Haul

Hi pretties :) Hope you're all having a great mid week. It's been so cold here in Batangas even a month after Christmas so I'm usually and casually in my PJ's lately. I'm loving the weather although I'm catching lots of coughs and cold so vitamins is a must.

A week ago, I went for my regular mani/pedi appointment, I was all ready to go home when I realized that LUSH Alabang Town Center sent me a text message a few days ago that they're having a post Christmas Sale. I went straight to the store and almost jump in joy when the staff told me that Christmas bath bombs are on 50% off. I hesitated on buying them on Christmas time because I usually receive bath products during holidays and I was secretly hoping that someone will gave them to me ha ha :) But I'm not that fortunate coz most of the products that I wanted last Christmas was already sold out and I was left with the "not so popular ones" but I still got them. Who can resist a 50% discount? :)

So without further ado, here's my mini haul:

Let's start with the regular price ones:


This is Lush Porridge. This is ideal for sensitive skin, I've been a fan of this soap for 2 years now and a dermatologist friend recommended it to me because it is mild. It is filled with oats that can soften and leave you skin feeling extra refreshed. It is mildly caramel scented.

I can't speak too much about this one. DH picked it and he already throw the paper wrapper. But one thing I can tell you is that it smells so good.

This one is my ultimate favorite. It's called Karma. I love the strong scent of the bar when you're using it but it will leave just a right amount of scent when you towel up. I remember the first time I bought it. I was just walking pass by the Lush Store when I smelled the spicy sweet scent of Karma. I literally asked the staff to give it to me since I was rushing home. I almost didn't get it because of a hefty price. I got these 3 slabs for a whooping PhP 500.00 so it's the priciest thing here in my haul. But the price is all worth it. I only use it during night time as I use different moisturizing body creams during day time coz I'm not fond of using lotions. 

This one is on sale. It's called Snow Globe. Since I haven't use this I can just relay on what Lush says about this, "a frosty looking soap with a refreshingly zesty perfume". I'll get back to you on this one, hopefully soon :)

Let's continue to my favorite Ballistic aka Bath Bombs.

This is my favorite when it comes to bath bombs, it's called Cinders.  Upon placing it to water you can hear a lot crackling as if literally bombing your tub. I love it because of its relaxing scent, I'm a huge fan of coffee, and I put cinnamon on my coffee at Starbucks, so a cinnamon scented bath bomb is a love at first sniff :)   I was once drawn to sleep in the tub while using this. Plus I got lots of compliments from DH when I use this :)

This is Snow Man, obviously a Christmas edition bath bomb from Lush. According to Lush "it contains a cocoa butter which creates a moisturizing creamy soft bath that is great for moisturizing and protecting you skin". I'll get back to you on this one too :)

Curiosity and color sold me this. This is Candy Mountain, I can't resist the color. If this came in different color I won't even smell it, and I'm so glad it came in pink because it smells just like cotton candy. Lush describes this as "creamy candy bubble bar all dressed up for the holiday party in pink and white stripes and swirled in to a majestic peak". Interesting eh' :)

This one is Father Christmas, Lush describes this as "it smells of oranges and will remind you of the satsuma". The satsuma made this one interesting. But I'll make a review soon :)

This one is called Christmas Eve, Lush describe this as "calming deep blue bubble bath to help you escape from seasonal stresses".  The color reminds me of "ube/langka" ice cream ha ha :)

And I was going to get my self a tub of Lemony Flutter but it was out of stock, luckily they have a stock of the travel size so I got 2 small tubs :)

Hopefully, I can find time to review each one of the bath bombs. Catch you later!

xoxo,

Chaye

After 90 days of nail polish diet.

Hi everyone :) Hope you're having a good start for the new year. It's been 3 long months since I last posted an entry here and back then I promised that I'll be posting regularly, I failed-I'm sorry. I hope this time, I can keep my promise :) *crossing my fingers* :)

Anyways, since October last year I promised myself that I won't buy even a bottle of nail polish. I realized I have lots of un-trieds bottles (almost 25) coz I only keep using my favorite shades. And as a consequence of what I've done in the past, I prohibited myself from getting a new nail polish, atleast until the last day of 2013. And I survived and I'm happy with that :)

After new year,  I decided to reward myself a few bottles and I'm fortunate coz Sally Hansen and Color Club on PCX Alabang Town Center are on "Buy 1, Get 1 promo". I was at my happiest :)

I'm a huge fan of Sally Hansen polish. I love the formula, consistency, pigmentation and of course they have the best brush. I feel like a pro when I use them coz I never had a hard time on application.

new bottles from Sally Hansen: Cherry Red, Ice Coffee, Hot magenta and Caribbean Coral.

These are my first bottles of Color Club. I was hesitant to try them coz I find it pricey and my nail salon don't have then so I have no way to try them out. But since they're on B1G1 promo, I guess it's the best way to try them. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, I hope they're as good as those brand that have the same price range aka China Glaze, OPI, Zoya, Orly and Essie.

Seduction and Ultra-Astral 

As you can see from the photos above, these are all in red and pink. Those are my comfort zone colors, but what I'm excited is the Ultra Astral coz it's my first ever glittered matte nail polish.

What do you think about Color Club? Are they worth the price? how's the consistency and formulation? What shade do you think is the best from the brand? Hope to hear from you pretties :) 

xoxo,

chaye

The Story of my September

Hi everyone :) hope you're all having a good start this October.

It's been almost a month since I last post here, my apologies. September has been very difficult to me :( I'm sick almost the whole month-allergy, flu and asthma. Dear Husband went on a month long business trip in Europe (Spain & France) and I got stuck at home doing all the chores because it's been 2 months already since I let go of my house help. This has been the longest time that I don't have a house help ever since I got married (nearly 11 years ago). I'm surprised that I'm surviving :) I appreciate the silence. House chores is not really hard if you'll just manage your time properly. I can suddenly cook, laundry, iron and you can name any house hold chores-I've done it all. The only downside is my time on my garden lessened. I can no longer spend longer time with my beloved roses. But as I can see, they seem to be okay, they bloom as much as they did before. 

The iOS 7 was released and it took my iphone5 8 hours to finally download it while my ipad took a shocking 10 hours, however i love it! I just hope that they put some color on the SMS background and the Notes App, plain white is just boring. I hope that sometime soon they will come out with phone themes.

I already put up the Christmas Tree, i know it's too early but it's raining for almost a week and I got so bored. I decided to use the classic colors-red, green and gold. I had a hard time reaching the top of the tree, it's 9 feet high. (photos soon) :)

And since DH's already back from Europe, here's few of his gifts :)

Laduree macarons at it's finest. Yihee!

It looked terrible coz DH didn't hand carry it. 

Teas.

China Glaze's nail polish.

And some keychains.

And lastly, I was fortunate enough to hear a mass, be blessed, meet and have a photo with Italian priest Rev. Fr. Ermelindo Di Capua, the priest who took care of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina before he joined our Creator. I literally cry when he touched my head. I was so grateful. My faith has never been this rejuvenated, replenished and reassured. I cried even more when he said that "I hope you can visit and I can see you in San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia in Italy". I hope so too Father. I hope I will be more fortunate enough to meet you again there and see how Saint Pio of Pietrelcina lived his life. 

So guys, how was your September? :)

xoxo,

chaye

Watsons Haul

Hi everyone :) Hope you're all having a great Tuesday :)

Yesterday, I visited my long time friend Charisse, she just had a successful surgery-Thank God. Anyways, after I visited her, I was able to drop by at the mall to buy some anti allergy medicines and since I was already there, I decided to replenish the stuff I'm running out off. Most of the stuff I bought are from Watsons Philippines (thus the title), a few from Watsons inside SM Department Store and one from Mercury Drug.

So let's dig in :)

I asked the cashier staff if she can separate the stuff and put them into 2 paper bags, it's kinda heavy and I parked way too far. I once again forgot to bring a shopping bag and Watsons paper bag can be easily torn when loaded.

The smaller paper bag contains hand creams, lip balms, deo for me, feminine pads, panty liners, facial wash and moisturizer.

The bigger bag contains the heavy liquid stuff like hand sanitizer, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioners, body scrubs and feminine wash. Lots of Buy 1 Take 1. :) I'm such a cheapskate, teehee :)

 

Here's the breakdown:

Loreal Nutri-Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner. Last weekend my dear friend Claire told me that Loreal shampoo and conditioners are on a B1G1. I was so excited coz I really wanted to try a different variant  (I had the yellow bottle). I'm so glad I was able to grab these.

Glam Works Nourishing Body Scrub in Avocado. I got these for PhP 129.00, B1G1 too :) I was looking for a foot scrub and saw these. I intend to use these as foot scrub.

DermAid Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer in Dew Drop. I got these for 199.00 B1G1 promo too. I was never a fan of gel type hand sanitizer but I decided to give these a go since they're really cheap.

OraCare Cool mouthwash. I got these on regular price. I'm a loyal fan :)

Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Body Scrub. I was never a fan of whitening stuff but since I just got back from a family swimming day, I got really dark and I don't want to buy a different shade of powder and foundation so I bought these-hoping these will do wonders. 

GynePro Feminine Wash for delicate days and trying this newly released Lactacyd Revitalized for normal days.  I've been using Lactacyd ever since. 

Mane 'n Tail Herbal Grow shampoo and Axe chocolate scented deo for Dear Hubby. 

Kotex Luxe for those special days. Not. :)

Carefree panty liners for regular days to be always fresh down there. teehee :)

Evas Vitamin Hand creams in Avocado and Cherry. I'm a sucker when it comes to Hand Creams. So it's easy for me to grab these upon seeing. It's on B1G1 promo too, so for 109.00 these are amazing. 

Glam Hand Creams in Sweet Berries and Vanilla Passion. And yes, these are hand creams again :) 'told you I'm a sucker. The packaging reminds me of  my favorite L'occitane hand creams. I don't expect these to be as good as L'occitane but who knows, right? :)

Belo Essentials Whitening Anti-Perspirant Deodorant. I've been hearing a lot of good things about this and I want to try although I love Dove :)

Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm in Pink Lolita and Relieving Menthol. Another thing about me is I love lip products. I have lots of baby lips, I'm in love :) 

Olay Regenerist Revitalising cream cleanser and Olay Regenerist Micro-sculpting cream. These two are my holy grail. I've tried almost everything that's available locally. I've tried lots of expensive facial wash and moisturizer but these works the best for me. I've wasted lots of money on Lancome, Clinique, Clarins and so many other brands but my skin always breaks out. These are amazing, hand down. 

Dove Shea Butter and Original beauty cream bar soaps. I bought these for Dear Hubby :) Sensodyne is what I've been using for so long coz every time I change my toothpaste, my gums are reacting badly and becomes really sensitive. Purity cotton balls for Dear Hubby too, he prefers this brand while I'm using Watsons square puffs. 

Physiogel facial cleanser. This one is from Mercury Drug. I was buying an inhaler and I saw this. I wanna try this so I can rotate it with Olay Regenerist cream wash. I usually rotate it with Cethapil but this is much cheaper plus it's hypoallergenic too, might as well try it :)

With all these products, I guess I'll be avoiding a Watsons trip for a month or two. A trip with Watsons is always worth it. I want to try their home brand shampoo and conditioners soon. I heard they're really good too and inexpensive. How about you, guys?  What's your recent Watsons haul? Tag me or leave a link below so I can check yours. :)

Bye for now....

xoxo,

Chaye