Sun Gurad: Sunplay Powdery White Sunblock Lotion

Ever since I've learned the importance of sunblock, I've never turned my back on it anymore. It's on my top three must-have after cleanser and moisturizer. That's how important it is to me. Though I've found my HG sunblock, the curiosity in me still sway me to try other brands. One brand I tried is the Sunplay sunblock which is locally available at Watsons. Can it be my new HG sunblock?

Sunplay Powdery White Sunblock Lotion

• High and effective protection against UVA nad UVB
• Japan "Watery Liquid" formulation is non-greasy, light and smooth on skin
• Japan whitening formulation, regular use helps lighten dark spots and enhance skin fairness
• Vitamin C and E to promote skin health and prevent premature aging
• water-proof
• non-comedogenic (does not clog pore)
• Suitable for daily use on face and body

My say:

Performance: 3/5 stars

Packaging: 4/5 stars

Pricing: 4/5 stars

This will not replace my current HG sunblock. I've brought this with me on my Bohol trip. Sad to say, this is not good for the high-sun trip. I did not feel that I was well protected enough. Good thing I brought 3 (including this) sunblocks with me at that time. I'll review the two soon :) This is a good sunblock to use if you will not be out in the sun the whole day. I've been using this for two-months prior to my Bohol trip. It did help in giving me sun protection. But then I was at work the whole day confine in my little cubicle. Definitely this not something you want to bring if you'll be under the sun the whole time. I noticed that my skin got one or two shade darker. Compare to my Bora trip last year, I did not get dark at all. Perhaps my skin got one shade darker but nobody noticed it. Unlike on this trip, people knew then that I went to the beach. It also does leave a white cast after using it. It also makes my skin look greasy even though its watery and thin in texture. It says that it can be a make up base, but not to me :( Good thing I didn't broke out nor gave me any allergies :) I cannot really attest to its whitening properties because I've been using a whitening cream at that time. Perhaps it did help since I got lighter skin fast :) The packaging do remind me of Biore sunblock. This is really small which really fits in my little purse. I bought this over at Watsons for Php349. There is no way for me to buy this. I am now skeptical to try the other variant of Sunplay available at Watsons. However, I'm currently using one from Missha. Of course, I'll review it to you guys soon.

Have a nice day :) 

Holika-Holika Egg Soap

Cute stuffs are very tempting. I always end up buying stuff because they are cute. Bad me, I know! Packaging always attracts a customer (like me). The cuter or prettier it is, the more I would likely to buy it. However, some of this stuff will end either in my beauty basket or in the my sister's beauty basket or perhaps the trash bin. So where did Holika-Holika ended?

Holika-Holika Egg Soap

-sealed in a cute carton packaging; recyclable!-

-two soaps in one box :)-

-up close with the egg soap-

My say:

Performance: 3.5/5 stars

Packaging: 4/5 stars

Pricing: 3/5 stars

An egg on my face?!?Well it can. A lot of bloggers do recommend an egg mask to help tighten your pores. Though I haven't tried it so I'm not sure if this little thing actually works. But it does. There is a tightening feel after using it. My skin felt tight and clean. Help keep breakouts at bay. It can be a bit drying for me though. It also did little help on my blackheads. Still a great face scrub will do it. It doesn't have any overpowering scent. It was just pleasant enough for my nose :) I think I've used one egg for almost 4 months. That is in daily use and twice a day (morning and night). The egg-like packaging really works. However, finding the right soap dish can be bothersome. I like my soap dish that has a cover. Most soap dish in the market are kinda flat. Finding bigger/rounder that would really fit it is not that easy. I think I bought this on sale from my suki. I can't remember anymore the exact price :( I still have the other soap with me. I'm using another cleanser right now. If I'm done with it, I'll probably used it. I'm not yet sure if I want to try this again. I'm not really a fan of bar soap. I prefer either the liquid or cream type. There are 4 other variants of this soap. 

              1) White (like mine) - good for tightening pores and makes skin sleek

              2) Green - helps control excessive sebum and moisturizes

              3) Yellow - deep cleansing of pores

              4) Black - suitable for sensitive skin and removes blackhead

source: http://oh-myshop.blogspot.com/2011/05/holika-holika-egg-soap.html

Looking for a good cleansing soap? Probably you would like this. Keep safe everybody :)

Nature Republic Eau de Shine Blossom Powder Pact SPF 25 PA++

Powder is essential for an oily babe. It helps reduce the oiliness of the skin plus gives that smooth, clean finish. It also provides a fresh look and feel.However, not all powders can do this. Finding the right one that you can call as HOLY GRAIL is not that easy. I had some powders which works wonders while some were a disappointment. How would I rate the Nature Republic Eau de Shine Powder?

Nature Republic Eau de Shine Blossom Powder Pact #21

- a long-lasting, oil-free matte powder foundation -

My say:

Performance: 2/5 stars

Pricing: 2/5 stars

Packaging: 3/5 stars

This is not the first powder I tried from this brand. Sad to say, both were a disappointment. No matte finish at all. This is a terrible powder. However, it didn't gave me any allergies plus it comes with an SPF 25 :) At least I got some sun protection. I think they have a new packaging for this. I'm not quite sure if this is still available since I can't find it in their site. But I'm not gonna buy this again.The packaging is cute but its hard to look for a back up puff for this since we don't have (yet) a Nature Republic store here. I bought this on sale for Php 575 at again my suki. 

How's the first day of the week?!? Keep the positive vibes coming :)

Nature Republic Age Slick Gradation Blusher

I've only started to love make-up when I started doing office work. It's a norm to wear make-up in the office. It gives that professional aura that you need when you are facing your boss or colleagues. However, I don't wear heavy make-up. Light make-up is always my option. I seldom wear eyeshadow but I love blushes. I love the simple glow in my cheeks. I have always been a user of one-color-shade blushes until I saw the Nature Republic Age Slick Gradation Blusher from my suki.

Nature Republic Age Slick Gradation Blusher in No.1 Pink Collection

it offers two complimentary , rich, luxurious cheek colors

swatches from bottom to top from left to right

My say:

Performance: 4/5 stars

Packaging: 4/5 stars

Pricing: 3/5 stars

The simplicity of this blush makes me love it. I love all the colors. Its a good everyday blush because its very subtle. It is not pigmented so you need to brush your cheek at least three times for the product to really show. But two swipes on my cheeks is already good for me. I like blusher that comes in different colors. You can play with the colors to show different blush colors. One-color blusher can be boring at times so its good to have a blusher like this. No irritation nor allergies when using this. The packaging is made of plastic and a bit boring. It's a bit bulky if you have a smaller purse or make-up bag. I like how they made a separate compartment for the brush and the product itself. At least in this way you can make sure to keep the product clean :) I paid Php460 for this product and it was on sale. The price is okay but I think I'll look for another brand to try.

It's been raining since last week. Be safe everyone :)

Innisfree Herb No Sebum Powder - Mint

Loose powder or compact pressed one?!? I've always been a user of pressed powders. They are definitely easy to carry and handle around. No messing around for me :) However, lately I've opened my heart (?!?hehehe) for those loose ones. One product that I had been admiring is the Innisfree Herb No Sebum Powder - Mint.

Innisfree Herb No Sebum Powder - Mint

 a talc-based compact powder made from herbs effectively controls sebum and gives a minty, smooth feel

My say:

Performance: 4/5 stars

Packaging: 4/5 stars

Pricing: 3.5/5 stars

Loose powder could definitely be messy compared to the compact ones. Of course, we don't want any powder on our clothes, don't we?!? But there will always be an exception to those that makes a difference like this Innisfree powder. I love this tiny (only 5 gms) little powder :) It may be small but it's awesome! This a great powder for oily babes like me. Less greasy even after a couple of hours of use. Though it doesn't keep me shine-free the whole day, at least for half-day my skin is still less greasy :) I love the slight minty feel and scent which is kinda cool and aromatic. After all its in the name: Mint and Herb. There is only one shade which is white. So careful on using it or else you'll look like a geisha or worst, a clown (hehehe!). However, a little goes a long way. This powder comes in a small green-plastic-round container with puff inside. This is really small that I wish they'll have a bigger one with some color to choose from. But I don't mind with the white one ;) I bought this for only Php 365 at a pre-order spree from my suki. I think I have finished two of this before using another one. I might buy the new one which is No Sebum Mineral Powder instead of this. But will definitely in my list of favorites :)

Whatever forms powder may come, so long as its help in keeping me shine-free, will always have a place in my heart :) Enjoy!

Sun Guard: Belo Essential Sun Expert Sunblock for the Face

Sunblock is a must in my daily life. I've been a sunblock user ever since I started working. I've been more vain after college. Maybe it's because I am getting old and that means aging. I'm 26 so I'm in my mid-20s. It's now time to prepare myself from the so-called aging life. One factor to combat aging is a reliable sunblock. I have already met my HG sunblock but it's also fun to try other brand. One brand that caught my eyes is the Belo Essential Sun Expert Sunblock.

Belo Essential Sun Expert Sunblock for Face SPF 40PA+++

• Non-sticky
• Hypoallergenic
• Cell-protect
• Non-Comedogenic

My say:

Performance: 4/5 stars

Packaging: 4/5 stars

Pricing: 4/5 stars

Belo Essential is a local brand created by Intelligent Skin Care Incorporated, an affiliate of the Belo Medical Group. Their products are for masses or commercial consumers who are looking for cheaper yet somehow effective or reliable products such as skin whitening and among others. I have used their whitening lotion and soap before but they end up giving me drier skin :(  Though my aunt loves it, so it really depends on our skin condition. FYI, my skin (except my face) is normal. However, I like their facial sunblock. It has high SPF of 40PA+++ means better protection :) It has a white-thin, yet not that watery, texture and feels light on the skin. It doesn't give any white cast because it blends well on the skin. No irritations nor allergies :) The only downside is that it can leave a bit of greasy look. It's okay since I have my reliable powder to keep me shine-free :) The packaging is really nice since it's in an upside-down type. So that means the product will easily come out upon using since most of the product is near the tip already :) The biggest factor that made me buy this is the price. I bought this for less than Php 300 (I'm not sure if it is 259 or 299) at Watsons and very much available everywhere. This is the cheapest sunblock I bought so far. This may be cheap, but performs well :) 

Have you found your HG Sunblock? Might as well try this product who knows this is the one.

Vacay: Bohol Trip

Summer is long gone in the country since rain were pouring heavily lately. But this won't stop me from going on a week-long vacation :) Yes, I just had my late-summer-vacation last week. It was so good and very much relaxing. This time I went to the beautiful and exotic Bohol :)

Bohol is an island province in the Philippines located in the Central Visayas Region. It is very much near to Cebu, Siquijor, Dumaguete, Camiguin and among others. The island is very much known for the Chocolate Hills. But as years passed by, there were a lot of new discoveries that are worth visiting.

It's my first time to visit the place. On our first day, we had our city tour which is a must-do for first timers. It's a whole day activity around Tagbilaran City, the capital city of Bohol. We were able to visit the following sites:

Sanduguan (Blood Compact Site)

-the site were Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna sealed their friendship/agreement- 

Baclayon Church

-one of the oldest church in the country. Remember to wear appropriate clothes since this is after all a religious site-

Loay River Cruising

-our tour guide/driver Mang Reno suggested this place. We were planning to have our lunch in the famous Loboc River. According to him, most of his clients preferred Loay than Loboc. In fairness, the food was good :) It's an eat-all-you-can buffet for the price of Php450. Though there is a regular one for Php380 but the food were limited. Drinks are not unlimited though :(-

Tarsier

-look how small the cute tarsier against my face (hahaha!). There is no entrance fee here but only donations-

Man-made Forest

-this is my favorite site that we visited. It is so serene and beautiful. I felt like I'm somewhere abroad. Mahogany trees were grown along the road which gives a perfect-picture for anyone. You'll passed this as you head on to the Chocolate Hills. Highly recommended place!-

Chocolate Hills

-I thought I'll never see this famous God-given creation. I only got to see this on my elementary Social Studies books. I'm so happy and amazed when I got to see them finally for real! It was raining at that time so the hills were greens. It should be called then Green Hills, hehehe =)-

Butterfly Sanctuary

-I wasn't really excited for this since I hate anything that flies. For butterfly enthusiasts this is for you :) An entrance fee of Php25 is collected-

Hanging Bridge

-I had fun crossing this bridge several times. They collect a fee of Php10. There is a small tiangge at the other side of the bridge where you can do some souvenir shopping.-

On our second day, we wanted some extreme experience and so we're off to Danao Adventure Park and a side trip to Sagbayan Peak.

 Danao Extreme Adventure

-We spend one-whole day here. You need to be there early to fully enjoy the place. We left our hotel at 6:30am and arrived at around 9:00am. Danao is 72kms away from Tagbilaran. According to Mang Reno, our driver, we need to leave Danao by 3pm because it would be difficult to travel back at night. Though the place provide overnight stay. This place is for those who love extreme activities. I always thought of riding the zipline and the adrenaline Plunge. But the moment I saw how deep and high the mountain we were at, I lost all courage to do it :( We weren't able to ride all because some were close while some will take most of our time. It actually needs 2-days of your time to entirely enjoy it all. A new zipline, which is three-times longer than the current one, is being build right now. Fees are collected on each activity. 

Sagbayan Peak

-Mang Reno brought us to Sagbayan Peak were you could see Chocolate Hills and enjoy the scenery on top of a mountain.This is a resort and recreation center. A Php50 fee is collected.-

We dedicated our third and final day for swimming, diving, snorkeling, island hopping, and dolphin watching! =)

Whew! I wish I'm still there. The place is totally relaxing. Boholanos were very much friendly even though they had a hard time speaking, Filipino. Good thing I know how to speak Visayan at least :) If you haven't come to this place yet, do put it in your list of places to go. You'll definitely enjoy it and worth of your money and time =) Will definitely be back here again!

It's our department 113th Anniversary, not much work today (hopefully!). Enjoy :)