Save or Spend?

If you ask someone who owns a lip balm and a pressed powder on her kikay kit she may not spot the difference between these two retractable kabuki brushes but it's a whole new ball game if you ask a make-up enthusiast like *cough* moi!

Landmark's Retractable Kabuki Brush

Charm Deluxe Retractable Pink Kabuki Brush



Let's review landmark's kabuki first. I just recently purchased this synthetic brush when I saw it in the beauty stand at Landmark Trinoma and I just fell in love with it!

Pros

* Affordable!!! Priced at 129 Php.

* Dense, smooth and gives you good control

* Easy to wash and dry! I washed them both and this one dried first.

* No fall out! It did not lose it's shape either. A lot of cheap brushes tend to do so after washing.

Cons

* It has a weird smell even after washing. I have only washed this once though so I'm hoping the smell will be gone next bath time haha

* The price tag won't come off!! I had to get a scotch tape to remove it

Now, on to Charm Luxe Kabuki, the Luxe Retractable Kabuki is made of synthetic, vegan hair.

Pros

* glides like velvet no matter how much you buff it on your skin!

* Dense, smooth and give you good control

* Unscented

* Did not bleed or lost it shape after washing

Cons

* Nothing really other than it takes more time to dry compare to other kabuki brushes.


Final Verdict:
SAVE!!! Actually both are definitely good buys but you can save a few bucks if you go for Landmark's Retractable Kabuki Brush!!

Quick Post - Hair Brush and Face Brush

Hey gorgeous people I've been quite busy with a few things but I am back!! On to my review/haul , I was  never a person who gives much attention to her hair until now ( late bloomer ) Since I have dyed, styled and damaged my hair I am now in the process of restoring it. I bought this hair brush  in Landmark Trinoma and It's called Vita Brush. It claims to restore and repair hair cuticles with natural ingredients. It's olive oil infused bristles help to strengthen weak hair with rich proteins.Vitamin and protein fortified ball tips gently massage scalp to encourage natural oil production. You guys should get this hair brush it's divine, but I am not really a hair expert but it works superb on my locks!! The other one is a face brush I bought in Saizen also in Trinoma. I used it when I got home but got a few bumps right away. ( sigh )  I'll give it one more shot  just because it 's pink hahaha

Blue- Zen

Everyone should pamper themselves once in awhile and what better way to do that is by simply getting a MASSAGE!!! I think it's one of the inexpensive indulgences a girl even a guy can do to de-stress! I went to Blue-Zen spa right beside J Walten Spa to get a massage. I was welcomed by their male receptionist as he handed me their brochure. He was persistent that I avail their current promo so I obliged. I opted to have ventosa which means "pulling out wind" or the familiar "lamig" - which refers to muscle spasm and tissue congestion, a technique in olden China which opens the body's Meridians and restores the flow of qi. I had to wait for a few minutes cos the masseuse was still attending to someone and then voila it was my turn. Over all my blue zen experience was 50/50 good and bad. It was okay in terms of the massage itself, the masseuse was very kind and skilled at what she was doing She asked me if I wanted the massage to be mild or hard ( some don't ask btw and when you say their pressing too hard they'd insist that was the kind of massage you availed!! ) , very polite and discreet when asking me to tilt, move or lie on my back. When she was going to do the Ventosa cupping I was kinda scared but did not really have the time to entertain scary thoughts as I already felt my skin sort of rising, almost like it was being vacuumed!!! The one thing I did not like about it is the 4 red marks it left on my back that took more than a week to vanish. Plus I think it should be done before the massage not after but hey I'm not an expert. The place was zen enough for me plus they do henna tattoo which I will try next time haha Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of massage therapy to help you figure out which massage therapy style is right for you


Swedish


Swedish massage forms the basis for most massage performed in day-spa environments. Swedish massage has four basic strokes: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement and vibration. A massage therapist performs these strokes on the body in the direction that the blood circulates to the heart


Shiatsu Massage


The shiatsu massage method originated in Japan. A therapist trained in this type of massage works to restore proper balance and coordination to the body's skeletal, muscular, circulatory and digestive systems by applying pressure to certain points on the body. Practitioners of this therapy claim that during treatment, the receiver experiences a peaceful, tranquil state that allows him to view his life situation with clarity and insight.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs.

The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing, balancing, etc. One of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy massage is lavender.

Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions or conditions with an emotional component


Hot Stone Massage


Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body.

The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage.


Thai Massage


Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai massage also includes compressions and stretches.

You don't just lie there--the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. It's like yoga without doing any work. Thai massage is more energizing than other forms of massage. It is also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range of motion.


Reflexology Massage


Although reflexology is sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage. Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet.


Sports Massage


Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity. But you don't have to be a professional athlete to have one-it's also used by people who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance.

A combination of techniques are used. The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage. Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.

Tutuban Mall Finds!

I am a self-proclaimed shopaholic but considering  the state of our economy a true blue fashionista must find ways to keep up!! I just found out a new FASHION HAVEN in the busy place such as Tutuban Mall. If you gals do decide to head there I suggest you come in early. Your  gonna need time scouring and sifting through stores for price canvass and unique finds. One thing I noticed though is that a few stalls have the same items so again being early would give time to haggle! Just a tip be cheeky to the one manning the store,  giving out your sweetest smile sure wouldn't hurt anyone. So without further ado, here are my loots!!!

I got the stripes one-piece dress for 300 Php, the two see-through blouse I managed to haggle for 250 php each and 250 php for  the embroidered shorts! Dirt cheap right? I am definitely going back in there!!

Review: Cover Girl Clean sensitive skin Foundation

Hello cupcakes!!! I am back with yet another haul and a review to boot!  I am very particular with what I put on my face, so for my foundation I use Cover Girl Clean Sensitive Skin Foundation in classic ivory 210.

Cover Girl Clean Sensitive Skin

What I love about this product:

>> 100% fragrance- free and oil-free

>> Hypoallergenic 

>> It's consistency and texture

>> Buildable light to medium coverage

>> Does not break me out

>> Affordable!! Priced at 526Php ( not bad if you ask me !)

What I don't like about the product:

>> Tends to get flaky, and accentuates lines and pores, must use it with a good primer

>> It doesn't have a pump!! 

>> Doesn't contain spf 

>> not much help keeping the oil at bay! 

Over all this product is okay!! Very affordable and practically does the job covering imperfections. I love this product because it doesn't break me out compare to tons of foundies I have tested. So for my other hauls I also bought Celeteque Hydration Facial Moisturizer and kokuryo lipstick in flame!

First Haul!

First evurrr HAUL for this blog!!!!! People who know me very well can attest to the fact that I am not a spender, well, at least I don't consider myself as one. I am always on the hunt for the ''look for less'' in clothes and affordable substitutes of make-up brands I can't afford!! Quality doesn't have to suffer when you say affordable though, you just need to have a keen eye and a whole lot of perseverance walking around the mall to find 'em! So here are my affordable finds on a lazy afternoon!

I am currently obsessing on growing my hair and learning on styling it so I bought bobby pins19.75 Php, Glam Works heat defense 75 Php, and the hair bun maker ( don't know what's its called haha ) 49 Php.  I am in need of a new brush case and I found a decent one reasonably priced at 139 Php. Also grabbed my current facial wash Nivea sparkling white for oily skin 125 Php, a new leather case for my ancient iphone 3g  69 Php. I made a last top at Japan Home in Park Square and ended up with their wall decal for 88 Php only!!! Till my next hunt hunnies!! 

                                                                                                                                

Un deux trois...let's blog!

I have been following several beauty/fashion blogs for about a year or so but it is only now that I actually got the courage to start my own. You see, I haven't always been interested in make-up when I was hitting puberty, I had very troubled skin so it never occurred to me that I can wear any cos I might break out more. It is only recently that I stumbled and fell in love with ( long pause to create dramahhh ) make-up! Ever since that one fateful evening, when I decided to put eyeliner and used foundation for the first time, that I went gaga for hold it... MAKE-UP!! It just hit me that make-up is one of the few things I am passionate about. When you put a hint of blush on your cheek you don't only put color to your face but an added confidence, and that is priceless!! Now, I don't have to sulk whenever my mother or sister stall around cosmetic counters for who knows how long because it has now become my favorite playground!!! So do expect me to muse about anything and everything about being bootaful inside and out!!!! Let me leave you with  photos of my ever so gorgeous friend I forced to make-over!!