Here's a review of the Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream.

Price: Php 1, 050.00 for a 100g tube but I got this 20g sample from Sample Room for free


What Is It?
Burt's Bees Deep Cleansing Cream contains Soap bark which deeply cleanses, removing dirt, excess oil, and makeup. It is also formulated with Chamomile and Aloe to gently soften skin. It also has a hint of menthol which gives cooling and soothing properties. It is also 100% natural.



Ingredients
water, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, stearic acid, glycerin, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, cetearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sodium borate, cetyl alcohol, silica, glucose, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) leaf extractaloe barbadensis leaf extract, anthemis nobilis (chamomile) flower extract, echinacea angustifolia (coneflower) extract, quillaja saponaria (soap) bark extract, theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract tocopherol, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, coriandrum sativum (cilantro) oil, artemisia dracunculus (tarragon) oil, lavandula hybrida (lavandin) oil, jasminum grandiflorum (jasmine) flower oil, xanthan gum, sucrose stearate, menthol glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase. - See more at: http://www.burtsbees.com.ph/product/p/30.html#sthash.2ZwTnf07.dpuf



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My Take
Is it just me or is there a general notion that a wash-off facial cleanser is supposed to be soapy and sudsy? Well anyway, that was my expectation. This is a cream cleanser and it doesn't foam up when applied on the face. I even checked the 'How To Use' on the Burt's Bees page just in case I was doing it wrongly. :)

So you take a dollop of the product and apply it on your wet face. You massage your face and you work the product through the grime. About a minute or so you wash it off. First things first, it smells really good. If that is how chamomile smells, it's really good. It's a relaxing scent with a hint of menthol. It has a cooling effect on the face. But honestly, I was still looking for the foamy feeling. It really feels like it doesn't clean enough without the foam.

I was surprised when I checked my cotton pad after toning. There's basically very minimal dirt or makeup residue left on the face. It seems that Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream really does clean deep. Moreover, my face felt uber soft and smooth, I couldn't help touching it. 

It is priced quiet steeply though, maybe that's one of the negative aspects that I can see about this product. I also feel that maybe this product is not best suited for those who want to get rid of acne or blemishes as it doesn't contain ingredients that will combat those problems. It will be great for those who have dry skin because it really nourishes and moisturizes the skin.

XO,
Cassie
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Mask sheets, mask sheets...
Our Korean friends have really taught us well how to best use our spare 20 minutes. :)
Here are a few mask sheets that I bought from Althea. (www.ph.althea.kr)
Price: Php 20.00 (about .40 USD)

How to use:
1. After cleansing, tone the skin.
2. Open the pouch and apply the sheet on the face thoroughly.
3. After taking a rest for 10-20 minutes, remove the sheet.
4. Apply remaining essence gently to make it absorbed to the skin.

Boom De Ah Dah Everyday Mask Pomegranate for Firming
Details and Ingredients
Boom De Ah Dah Everyday Mask Rice for Brightening
Details and Ingredients
Boom De Ah Dah Everyday Mask Honey for Nourishing
Details and Ingredients
Mask sheets.
They can't solve all the problems in the world.
But putting one on can instantly boost your mood, improve your confidence.
And who knows. Maybe within those 20 minutes of putting the cool mask you can think of how you can best solve your probs.

XO,
Carissa
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Here's a review of San San's budget friendly pressed powder.

San San Pressed Powder
Shade: 04 Porcelain
Price: Php 118.00
Where I Got It: local Mercury Drug

What Is It?
San San Pressed Powder is a budget friendly face powder. It has SPF 15 and is also enriched with vitamins A, C and E.

Packaging
Much like the San San Eyebrow Powder Duo that I have featured a few months ago on this blog, the packaging is also flimsy; there's fat chance that this will shatter when dropped. Careful there!

I appreciate the long mirror inside the compact and the perforated slot for the sponge applicator. I don't like the rubbery smell of the sponge applicator tho. As much as possible, I avoid using it because the smell literally transfers and lingers on the face. The quality of the sponge is great for applying the product, it's just the smell that I can't handle.

The expiry date is also well indicated both in the box and at the back of the compact.
Ingredients
Swatch, In Action

On first photo, I applied the San San Pressed Powder on the right side of my face. Left side is bare.
On second photo, I applied the pressed powder on my entire face.
My Take
I was in dire need of a pressed powder when I purchased this because I had just ran out of my Maybelline White Super Fresh powder. My choices were pretty limited since my local Mercury Drug doesn't carry much cosmetics. I was even in doubt that this shade - 04 Porcelain - would fit me. I would never consider myself porcelain-skinned. LOL. I am light to medium, with warm undertones. I saw on the cardboard container that the color representation had yellow undertones so I picked this one.

Thankfully, it's actually not too light on the pan and in fact looked natural on me when applied.

It yields light coverage and has lessened the appearance of my dark circles. It also minimized the appearance of my pores. Since it only yields light coverage, I prefer using it as a setting powder after applying a liquid foundation or a bb cream. It feels smooth on the face and gives a matte finish. It is also light weight. Try not to pile on too much though, as it can get cakey.

I'm afraid that the biggest negative aspect about this product is its poor oil control. That's bad news for us oily gals. I oil up in less than 2 hrs of wear time. It doesn't have oil control claims though, so it's kind of a give away.

Another thing is the smell of the powder (again). It seems that since it is housed with the sponge applicator, the scent has transferred and now, even the powder smells rubbery. 

To conclude, I may not repurchase this in the future considering that I prefer my powders to have better oil control capacity.
However, if you don't have an oily skin and prefer light coverage, this could work for you.
If you also have a sensitive nose, prepare to chuck the sponge applicator. LOL.

XO,
Carissa
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Because baby was looking lovely today. :)
Thank you uncle IJ for the dress! Celestine had been so excited to wear it for the longest time.
The metallic pink sandals and over-sized bow headband were her choice of accessories. I would've picked a different footwear or hair accessory but once Celestine makes her sartorial choice, it's usually difficult to sway her. So here we are. :) 
Big hair, big skirt. 
Go big or go home, they say. LOLs.
Fortunately, she wore the dress, instead of the dress wearing her.
Work it, girl.
For what's a wonderful day with a wonderful dress if you can't spend it with your friends?
Celestine with her friends during their Christmas Party.
The mommas squad. I took this photo so I'm not in it. See you at the end of this post.:)
My beribboned girl stands next to teacher MJ (in gray shirt).
The face of excitement. Ecstasy? Elation?
Or maybe someone else is more excited to open the gift?
The  party ended quiet early though. We owe it a day-long power outage. Otherwise, the kids (and moms) would have been gyrating to Despacito until 12 noon. But that didn't happen. Instead, Celestine and I found ourselves heading to the Gabaldon Ruins which is located inside the Allen Central Elementary School.

The 'Ruins' is one of the known landmarks of Allen. It is located on a hillside of Celestine's school. I'm usually out of breath by the time I reach the top whenever I accompany her to school. But lately, she's been insisting on climbing up all by herself.
I was a bit of a history junkee when I was still in school so I love being around this kind of stuff. No, I am not at all spooked. I see beauty here. Cracked pillars and moldy walls can only tell so much.
Mimicking the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal.
The abundance of giant trees also bring some fresh air to the area. To be honest, it's like being in a different world when you climb up to the ruins.
At the ruins with Dr. Jose Rizal.
Careful there. Dr. Rizal is looking down on you.
A photo with this cannon is a must when you climb up here. 
Here's a good view of Allen poblacion from up here.
Sorsogon is just over the horizon. LOLs.
Someone's rushing to go home 'coz she's excited to play with her new toy. 

Okay. To be fair, I will not end this blog post without showing you a photo of me.
How's this? :)
Happy holidays!
XO,
Carissa

PS. She's dedicated to wearing the whole outfit. The giant headband stayed on. Didn't complain about the giant skirt. Wore heels while climbing up the hills. Phew!
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Featuring my baby girl, of course. Because she is my favorite subject. :) 
She was just as thrilled as I was to be able to take in some fresh air and be surrounded by a good amount of greens. 
We also took time to explore the inhabitants if this forest. She's always curious, full of questions. I had to ask her more than a few times to keep it down a little. Kids are great companions; you will never get bored.
As for me, you know I've read Paolo Coelho's Brida and I just recall scenes from that book whenever I end up in a forest. Anyway.

Little Critters :)
Sure, the forest is filled with some creepy crawlies both friendly and not. However, my lens weren't quick enough for them. Too bad. I just happened to catch this one and I don't even know its name. It's a bug, I guess. It has a bluish-gray body with six orange colored legs. Quiet pretty. 
Hello Mr. Bug, how are you today? Alam kaya ni Kuya Kim kung ano an scientific name mo?
Plants, Trees and Wild flowers
My daughter has always been in awe of this very responsive and sensitive plant. And why not?
The shy plant. Makahiya or mimosa.
I also introduced her to our national leaf: the Anahaw. Well, we found a fallen one and she turned it into an umbrella.
Anahaw.
Coconuts are in abundance here but you have to meet the Pili tree. :) It's the source of our beloved pili candies and brittle. But getting the nut doesn't come easy, as you can see. The tree is uber tall and kinda hard to climb. And that's just the start of it because the nut is kinda hard to crack. Phew!
The good ol' Pili tree.
Some would prefer to call these as weeds but they add beauty too by breaking the monotony of greens. Just like the little bug earlier, I don't know what too call them too. :) Don't they look pretty?
The forest's little ornaments.
My little girl is tired after half a day's exploring.
Thank God for the shade and the unconventional seat.

And she's like, K THNKS BYE!

Haha

XO,
Carissa
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I've done a previous post about one of my favorite burger spots in Allen: Maria's Kitchen. You can read that one on this link:
Snap Happy At Maria's Kitchen

Silly me, I didn't know that this place is open until 9:00 PM! 
I love how this place feels quiet and "tucked away", moreso at nighttime. It's off the main highway so you won't hear any vehicles bustling around. Like I said before, Maria's Kitchen's garden-like location makes it unique, and lovely.

#ChillOut
While waiting for our food, we kept busy with our own pursuits. Daughter got caught up with that lego-like thing (which she always always fusses with whenever we come here), husband has that game on his phone, and I grabbed a Paolo Caoelho book from their collection (they have lots of books).

We could have ventured on a seat on one of those tables outside, under the umbrella but it's quiet cold this time of the year so we decided to stay close to the counter. :)

The entrance at Maria's Kitchen.
I'd like to think that this clay jar is the main reason why she loves coming back to Maria's Kitchen. :)
Okay, maybe she loves the swing too!
I failed to take photos of our orders, sorry. Must be the hunger. ;) We arrived at nearly 9:00 so they no longer had burgers, just sandwiches. I would've wanted to sample their halo-halo too, but no such luck. Maybe next time? We had ham and cheese sandwiches, a mango shake for daddy and cucumber juice for me. And who could forget the fries. Even if the mango shake was tangy, my daughter loved it. the cucumber juice is refreshing, as always.
The counter.
We always look forward to coming to Maria's Kitchen. Which reminds me, next time if we decide to come at night, I would lather on some mosquito repellent lotion 'coz they bite. 

Lastly, I just can't say XO without sharing our selfie. :)
XO,
Carissa

Maria's Kitchen At Night

by on Sunday, December 10, 2017
I've done a previous post about one of my favorite burger spots in Allen: Maria's Kitchen. You can read that one on this link: Sn...
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Here's a review of Avon's True Color Oil Control Plus Pressed Powder.

Avon True Color Oil Control Plus Pressed Powder
Shade: MP102 Oriental
How Much: Php 189.00 (discounted)
Where I Got It: The Avon Lady next door

What Is It?
It is a pressed powder that promises to do more than control oil. It has Bright Plus technology and SPF 19 which protects skin from the sun and pollution while locking in moisture.
Ingredients and other details
Packaging
I love the black packaging - it instantly makes anything look chic. It's also very sleek so it's very convenient to use, especially for us office girls. It's not made of a sturdy kind of plastic though so handle it with care because it won't survive a fall.


In Action
Very barefaced  me VS Me, wearing a layer or two of the Avon True Color Oil Control Plus Pressed Powder in Oriental
My Take
I have a light-medium skin tone with warm undertones and I think I made a good choice in picking the shade MP102 Oriental. I also have an oily skin so when I read in the label that it is specially designed for controlling oil, I was very eager to try it.

So, to break it down, here are my comments.

The powder is very fine and it feels soft and smooth to touch when applied. It is very lightweight and doesn't feel chalky.  It has a muted powdery scent which is not bothersome. 

It might look too yellow on the pan but it doesn't look like it at all when applied, as you can see on my before and after photos. Take time to study my bare face. LOL. This powder gives a light coverage. It won't go beyond that no matter how many times you layer it. I've tried going overboard but it also didn't get cakey, thankfully.

My dark circles were reduced a bit. A few dark spots were also partially covered. My skin tone was evened out. I think the best part of it was that my pores were minimized.

Since the coverage is only on the light level, I prefer using this as a setting powder to my foundation or bb cream.

By the fourth hour of wearing this, I can see the oil seeping on my nose and my chin. But I still looked good...so hey, this powder's not bad.

Did I miss something? If you have more questions about this product, feel free to drop a comment.

XO,
Carissa
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Even if the beauty world has been stormed over by the liquid lipstick trend, the classic lip bullet has firmly held its ground and remains a favorite. Personally, I think there's something exciting about twisting the bullet and seeing the column of color easing out. That's my kind entertainment right there. LOL. 

So, I "walked" down the hallowed aisles of Watsons over the weekend and eyed some discounted products at the Revlon counter. I had the option of getting just one liquid lippie or one bullet because, budget.  Obviously, I went for the bullet one. I even picked an iconic shade because I want tried and tested stuff that never goes out of style.
Let's take a look.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
Shade: 720 Fire & Ice
Finish: Creme
Price: Regular Php 350.00 but I got it for Php 262.00
Where I Got It: Watsons Save More Tacloban

About The Product
Make a statement with the world’s most iconic lipstick. Super Lustrous™ is formulated with microfine pigments for high-impact color. The smooth, moisturizing formula is available in 82 on-trend shades and four finishes – crème, matte, pearl and sheer.
Image source: www.revlon.com
This poster here, featuring the beautiful Dorian Leigh is from Revlon's Fire and Ice Campaign in 1952. You read that right. This shade has been in existence since the 50's. There were other shade options, although not all 82 of them were available at my local Watsons, but I opted for this one because I was so intrigued. So, is it worth the hype?
Ingredients, labels


Swatch
Fire & Ice is a coral-pink red.
Swatches of Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire and Ice//Top: Without flash//Bottom: With flash
In Action
That's me, wearing the lipstick with different lighting. But it brightens my face on both occasions. :)

About two hours into wearing this and you can see slight fading on the lower lip.
My Take
Pigmentation is great. With just one coat you get a good coverage but I love putting on two coats for added drama. For a more natural look, you can just apply it with a light hand and blot it out to create a stain.

Formula is also good. It applies real smoothly. I've never had any issues with application. It just melts like butter on contact with the lips. I have also never experienced any dryness while wearing it or after taking it off. 

A creme formula lipstick will always have staying power as one of its weaknesses. So yes, this one transfers. If you eat and drink while wearing this, expect that you will be left behind with a coral-orange-y stain on your lips so a touch-up would be necessary. But if you don't eat or drink too much, it still looks lovely even up to three hours. I'm not complaining here though; I knew what I was getting into when I bought this lippie. Not all of us have the will power to wear matte on a daily basis. This is how I give my lips a breather. :)

For those who are wondering if it is scented, well...I've been really trying hard to find out if what kind of scent it has because it's very very very faint. The closest description that I have is chocolate-y orange. But real faint; it's almost like it's never there and you won't even notice the scent while wearing it.

For all this talk about pigmentation and formula, it still boils down to one thing: does the color fit me? 'Coz nice formulas can fly outta the window if the color doesn't look lovely on me. Well, I think my photos can speak for themselves. It flatters and it brightens. And it also looks lovely on different skin tones as I have asked some girlfriends to try it out. It registers more orangey on other skin tones.

If you are looking for red lipstick that doesn't suck the life outta your lips, this lippie is certainly worth the try. It is very affordable at Php 350.00 so it's not like you could loose an arm. I even got it at 25% off so, lucky me!
I hope Revlon is still on sale until the end of the year because I would really love to have a light pink shade in this creamy formula.

If you have other questions about this lippie, feel free to drop a comment below.

XO,
Carissa
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