Celeteque Brightening Multi-benefit BB Cream

Being a woman with large pores, I read somewhere that BB creams are better to cover up my pores. I've tried Maybelline BB stick and I love its effects on my face, the coverage is great but it does clog my pores and quite difficult to remove. 

I decided to try Celeteque's Brightening Multi-benefit BB Cream. I figured that Celeteque is known for being gentle and caring for one's skin. Actually, I was quite surprised to know that the brand offered a BB cream.  Not only does it claim to cover up one's blemishes, with the help of the Biowhite technology, it has other benefits as well as whitening and moisturizing. You can apply it liberally on your face and neck before make up and it will act as your moisturizer, primer and make-up base. It will help the make-up last a bit longer. 

I bought a tube and immediately tried it. Here's my review.  I put a small amount on my hand. It felt smooth and light on the skin. Here are some swatches.

Smell was ok, it didn't smell like old make-up. =) Coverage was light to medium. It was really easy to apply. Too bad the Celeteque BB Cream is available in one shade only. Some might find this limiting as it might be too light for some skin tones. Luckily, it fit well with my skin tone. Having a combination skin though, I found that I had to put on some powder on top of it because the finish is a bit shiny and after a few hours, my T zone was already oily. It is best to have blotting paper ready and to touch up every few hours to maintain matte finish. It was easy to remove too. 

My Verdict:

Good: 

Affordable at less than P300.

Easily available, can be bought at Watson's and beauty counters at SM Department stores.

Easy to apply.

Gentle on the skin, doesn't clog pores

Has SPF 15 and acts as moisturizer and make-up base

Easy to remove 

Not So Good:

Has only one shade

Not a matte finish

Pores still visible after application

Combination/oily skin is oily again after a few hours. 

I like how it is gentle on my skin and that it has SPF but it doesn't really work that well for me as a BB cream. I think I'd just finish my tube but I won't repurchase anymore. I would definitely recommend it for people with dry or sensitive skin beause they won't need heavy coverage and won't be as oily after a while. 

I hear Garnier has a BB cream for Oily and Combination Skin. I'd have to try this once it is available here. 

 

Watson's Nose Pore Strips

Years ago, my mom brought me to the dermatologist for the very first time. I was still in my early twenties and she wanted to get me started on a good skin regimen. The dermatologist said that genetics granted me with big (huge) pores, and there’s nothing I can do about it, except to make sure that I keep them clean so that there will be no blockage that can cause pimples and breakouts. Then she gave me a facial. The facial itself was ok,  what I found really traumatic was the pricking. My huge pores gives me huge blackheads, especially on the nose area. Unlike others who get itsy bitsy white and blackheads, I get really numerous and big blackheads. So the doctor had a field day taking them off. My face was literally red and swollen by the time she finished. My eyes were swollen too by all the tears I shed. It was really PAINFUL! They were all involuntary tears, the kind you automatically get when you get really hurt. My doctor told me that it was painful because it was my first visit, I should make my visits monthly so that my pores will get used to the attack (my words) and it will not hurt as much. As I said, I found that visit really traumatic. My mom had the best intentions but my face hated her for it.

I didn’t return the next month.

It was until I found my blackheads too distracting whenever I look in the mirror that I gathered enough courage to go back to the dermatologist. Same scenario. Same trauma. I even tried to make it monthly just to test if my skin will get used to the pain. I went for four months straight. Still too painful.

Thankfully, I discovered nose pore strips. The first one I tried before was a Chinese brand.  It was initially liquid, but as you apply it on your face, it turns gooey solid. After a few minutes, you peel it off your nose, pulling the stuck blackheads with it. It’s not as thorough as a dermatologist, but it’s not as painful too.

Then I discovered Watson’s sold boxed nose pore strips of various kinds. The brand is Glam Works. There’s the classic, charcoal and green tea. They usually cost P99 for a box containing 12 strips, but when I bought my supply, they were having a sale 2 boxes for the price of one! I’ve already tried the charcoal variety so I decided to try the  classic and green tea variants. I really liked the charcoal nose strips. It really grabbed on the blackheads, but it left a black residue on my skin that I found yucky.  When I tried the classic pore strip, I didn’t leave any residue, but it wasn’t as effective at pulling out the blackheads. I found that it pulled only the big ones, leaving the little ones still on my skin. I’ve still yet to try the green tea one. I hope this is better. Will post my thoughts on this when I get the chance to test it.  

I Finally Found a Solution For My Cuticles!

I don't like going to the parlor. I feel that paying for a manicure and pedicure is just too much. I can buy a whole bottle of branded nail polish with the amount they're charging. So the cheapo in me just refuses to avail of professional services. The problem is that I'm not really good in doing my own mani and pedi.

That's why I was so happy when I watched a YouTube video sharing tips about cleaning and conditioning the cuticles so that they'll be easy to clean and maintain.

She (I forgot her YT name and channel, sorry) talked about a cuticle remover that you'd just drop on your cuticles, wait for 30 seconds as the cuticles soften and melt, and then you can go and wipe off the gunk away. Voila, clean nail beds in seconds! No more pushing and scraping!

After watching the video,  I went off and looked for this dropper. I initially found the Sally Hansen Problem Cuticle Remover Aloe Formula. It costs P300++.





It already contains 2 bamboo manicure sticks. I couldn't find a liquid solution so I figured a lotion type cuticle remover is the closest thing I can get. Off I went to the cashier, which had a long line, and paid for my purchase. Just as I was heading for the door, guess what I saw: a liquid cuticle remover!

I found the American brand Kiss No More Cuticles Cuticle Remover, exactly what I was looking for! I decided to get it too, plus a cuticle and nail balm from the same brand so I can condition my cuticles. This way, the next time they grow, they won't be as hard and easier to remove. Both are also P300++ each.  I also got a 4-way nail shaper (P70++) since they didn't carry a glass file. I heard somewhere that glass nail files are gentler on the nails than emery boards or metal files. All of them are available at Landmark Department Store in Trinoma.





I tried it and it was so easy to use! Just put a drop on each cuticle, wait for a few seconds and wipe off with a tissue. Don't leave it on for too long because the solution can harm your nail beds.

At night I also apply the cuticle and nail balm on my finger and toe nails, so I can keep them soft and conditioned. Dry cuticles are the hardest to remove, so better to maintain them with this balm so that they will be easier to clean.

I am so happy I discovered this solution to my cuticles! Now I have better looking nails! =)

ELF Eyelid Primer

 

I have really oily eyelids. This is why whenever I try to put on eye make-up, it doesn't last that long. That's why I was so happy when I discovered that other people actually have this problem too. And that there are actually products out there that addresses this problem. I discovered this very affordable eyelid primer from Eyes Lips Face or E.l.f. It comes in this little tube and contains 5 ml of product. It comes with a wand with a spongy thing at the tip which makes application really easy. 

After all the skincare ritual (clean, tone, moisturize), apply this on the lids. It glides on the lids smoothly and leaves a powdery, matte feel to make the eyeshadow and eye liners stick on better and last longer. Even if you plan on just putting on gel liner, it is good to put primer first to avoid smudging. 

I can't remember how much it really costs but I think it was only about P129 or thereabouts. It is easily available at SM Department Stores at the Elf Make-up counters. 

When I did try this, I was so happy because it worked! Haha! My eyeshadow lasted longer. If you want it to last even longer, I guess you should put on more shadow. I put just enough to color my lids and it lasted up to after lunch, which is an improvement in my experience. 

Go ahead and try the elf eyelid primer. It is affordable, readily available, and really easy to apply. =)

Cutie Mickey Mouse Ecobags

While Berto and I were shopping in the Robinson's Department Store in Festival Mall, shopping for last minute items we thought Berto would need for his outing with other photographer friends in Baler, we saw this cute ecobag near the counter. We all know that ecobags are so in nowadays since there are so many places that ban plastic bags. I am one of those people who own a lot of reusable bags, some received as gifts while some were bought out of necessity, but I always forget to bring them with me whenever I go out. So frustrating. I try to resisit buying these ecobags as much as I can because I already have a lot, but I just couldn't resist this mickey mouse bag! Berto loved it as well!

Mickey Mouse Reusable Eco Bag

View from the side

So affordable!

For only P39.75 it is so affordable. Now if I could only remember to bring it with me the next time I go out to shop!

Basic Personal Makeup Workshop held at Glambox Studio

A few days ago, I chanced upon Say Tioco Artillero's instagram account saying that she will be having a basic makeup workshop. I immediately texted her number to inquire if there were available slots. She replied in just a few minutes confirming that yes she still has a couple of slots l left. I decided I wanted to attend. I have been watching Say's YouTube beauty videos and vlogs and I find her funny and thorough in her reviews. Her videos are so amusing that I keep coming back for more!

I worked in corporate for years and when I first set foot in Makati, my makeup kit contained only my face powder and one shade of lipstick. Over the years, my kikay kit grew but I never really learned how to use makeup well. I would just make sure I powdered my face, lined my brows, curled my lashes (without mascara) and put on some lipstick then I'm good to go. I never learned the fine art of eyeshadow and blushes. I had no idea how to blend or contour or highlight.

Now that I work from home, have more time and opportunity to experiment with colors and makeup. So I decided to learn the basics thru YouTube videos, and that's where I got to "know" Say and other makeup gurus.

Yesterday hubby dropped me off at the Glambox Studio located at the corner of Gamboa and Salcedo streets in Legaspi Village Makati City. When I arrived Say was filming one of her videos which was a collaboration with her fellow YouTuber , a 12 year old girl who also gives make up tutorials for young girls. (I will have to check her channel out) it was fun watching the actual filming.. It gave me ideas on how I would film hubby in this project we're cooking up..

My first impression, this girl was taller than I expected. =) She looked smaller in her videos. And she's so bubbly, and perky, and nice.

Anyway, we only had 2 hours for the workshop. It started well enough with Say telling us tips about basic skin care, answering our questions . I have oily/combination skin and apparently I still needed to moisturize everyday. I just have to choose a water-based product so I won't be greasy.

She went on to explain the merits of putting on primer before applying makeup to make it last longer. She then took our "before" photo. She also taught us how to find out what the right shade of foundation for our skin tones. She proceeded to apply foundation on the model as she encouraged us to do the same ourselves. After the foundation came the powder, blush, eyebrows, eyeshadow, lashes and lipstick. She also taught us how to switch from day makeup to nighttime makeup.

Say let us use her products and brushes. She also had lots of tips and stories as she went along with the workshop. She would hop over from one participant to another checking our progress, answering our questions, demonstrating the correct technique. She then took our "after" picture.

In the end, 2 hours are just not enough! Haha... She gave us our certificates, recorded our comments for her vlog and even offered to trim the other girls' eyebrows. Too bad hubby and I had a photo coverage to go to or I would have stayed longer.

I do admire this young lady who has identified what she wanted to do with her life early on and is now pursuing her dreams. I really enjoyed Say's makeup workshop. I would recommend it to girls and professionals who'd want to learn the basics of putting on makeup. This July she will again be having a series of makeup workshops. For more info follow her on instagram @saytioco and subscribe to her YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/saytiocoartillero

Frustrated Over Nail Polish

Back when I was in the corporate world, I loved to polish my nails. I give myself regular mani-pedis. I do it myself because I get so paranoid about hearing and reading horror stories about how nails and toes/fingers get "murdered" by beauty parlors and nail salons. The good: I get to choose my nail polish brands and shades, the bad: the end result is never as good as the ones done in the salon. Oh well. It's a small compromise for safety and convenience. 

Back to my kwento. Back when I was in the corporate world, I was confined to "safe" earth tone colors. I had to stick to shades of beige and pink. I had to confine my firetruck red nail polish to my toes only since they're hidden. Now that I'm a wahm, I always thought I'd get to pamper myself more, changing nail polish shades every week, trying all the different colors, not just the reds and purples but blues and greens... Two months into my new life, still no nail polish, in fact no mani-pedi! Waaah! How can I let this happen?

So now I vow to give myself a much needed mani-pedi as soon as I can. I'll post these colorful images as inspiration:

Here are some pics from my friend Sarah Lynn. I hope I can do my nails as well as she does...

Wish me luck!