Lava Bean

Skinpotions Review! Tomato Serum , Flaunt Thy Lashes, Snow Potion Oil

8:40 PM

I don't usually buy skincare products sold in Instagram because they're expensive. I saw an underarm serum worth Php 600 and I'm like "Seriously?" So when I noticed that Skinpotions offers a serum worth less than Php 300 coupled with positive reviews, I knew I gotta try it.

30 ml, Php 280 (USD 1= PHP 45-48)

Bought at Trinoma (Pop Culture) but Skinpotions have several resellers locally and abroad. Follow their Instagram account @skinpotions.

There's no indication what kind of plastic it is. I think that the ingredients listed on the sticker isn't complete because it doesn't list "fragrance" whereas the serum itself smells like strawberry. That's definitely a con for meticulous shoppers.

Ingredients:

Performance

This clear gel serum feels refreshing upon application. It doesn't leave any slick or oily sensation, making it perfect for day use. I personally use it under my makeup, too because it doesn't make my foundation feel greasy. I am anemic so naturally, I don't have pink cheeks. I don't even blush when I'm laughing hard. I'm pale like a mannequin. Within 2 weeks of use, it didn't make my skin appear pinkish white but I noticed that I don't look as sallow and olive as before. Somehow I look fresh. The small bumps on my face have diminished which is great because they always make my skin look rough. As for the acne scars, well I don't have existing acne scars so I wasn't able to test this serum on acne scars. It didn't have any effect on my wrinkles, however.

One pump is enough to cover my whole face and neck. I think this would last me around 4-6 months of daily use.

Overall, I'd rate this 3.8/5. For the cost, this serum is a steal. If you want a serum that is affordable, try this one. 30ml is the only available size at the meantime but shelling out Php 280 for a natural face serum (not organic) isn't so bad.

Moving on to the next product....

Flaunt Thy Lashes!

I have sparse lashes that's why I have two boxes of false eyelashes to compensate for it. I figured, well this bad boy is only Php 150 so I might as well try it.

5ml, Php 150

Bought at Trinoma (Pop Culture)

This eyelash gel/serum has a doe foot applicator and is meant to be applied on the roots of your eyelashes.

Ingredients:

Performance:

I saw thickening of my eyelashes on the 10th day. A lot of baby hairs started to grow on my top lashes. As for the length, there was little growth, about 1/5 of the length of my lashes. I noticed that my lash curler doesn't drag my eyelashes like it used to, meaning my lashes really got longer. Flaunt thy Lashes has a refreshing scent but it doesn't sting the eyes. Although there were a lot of oils in the ingredients, this one doesn't feel oily at all. I could only wonder.

Overall, I'd rate this 3/5. It's a good budget eyelash conditioner but if you want dramatic length increase, this may not be for you. I plan on trying other lash serums next time because why not :). I want to explore so I will not buy this again.

Update: On December 28, 2015, I bought...

Snow Potion Oil!

30ml, Php 280

Bought at Trinoma (Pop Culture)

Snow Potion Oil is a lightweight oil housed in a dark amber bottle with a glass dropper dispenser. It has a vitamin C derivative so the amber bottle protects the vitamin C from oxidizing from UV rays. The glass dropper tube isn't so sturdy; I could nudge it side to side so I need to be careful with it.

Also, notice that the bottle isn't filled to the brim when I took out the dropper. This is no problem for me, as long as the bottle contains 30ml.

This lightweight and scent-free oil spreads easily and didn't cause me breakouts so far within 5 days of use.

Here are the ingredients and product description of Snow Potion Oil:

I will try this oil on my discolored leg scars, lips and intimate area. However, I will only be posting before and after pictures of my scars and lips but I will update this blog after 2-3 weeks if I noticed any changes with my skin "down there" ;). I have no sunspots so I will focus on the whitening and anti-wrinkle effects of Snow Potion Oil.

**To be updated**

Finds, Human Nature, oil, review, reviews

Review: Human Nature Tea Tree Oil

1:58 AM

I don't have problems with acne. However, as I get older (meh), I noticed that my face develops these tiny bumps, especially around my eyes. They're not pimples, they're just painless bumps. My mom has milia around her eyes and I figured, damn I might be on the way to developing those. In addition, I noticed that I am getting small facial warts. A big NO! So I knew I had to do something. Take note that I oil cleanse and use 2 toners before applying night cream, so hygiene isn't the issue here.

What: 30ml of natural tea tree oil.

Price: Php 295. My mom is a Human Nature distributor so I got it for a cheaper price.

Where: In Human Nature boutiques and distributors.

Packaging

Human Nature Tea Tree Oil is packaging very well in a thick cardboard box. The bottle itself has this tamper-proof plastic ring that gets detached when you twist the cap. The amber color prevents the oil from being oxidized by UV rays, thus extending its shelf life. However, I still suggest you keep essential oils and all your beauty oils away from direct sunlight and temperatures more than 30 degrees celsius. I still store this inside the box.

The ingredients and other product description are printed across the box. This is not pure tea tree oil, as shown in the ingredients. This isn't marketed as essential oil either.

Inside, you'll see a small leaflet with a few ways on how to use tea tree oil.

Upon opening, the intense tea tree oil scent is very noticeable. The glass dropper delivers controlled drops. If you'll mix this with your lotion, don't let the glass dropper touch the rim of your lotion bottle so no traces of lotion will get mixed with the oil itself.

Performance

Although this isn't pure tea tree essential oil, I still like it. It isn't sticky or oily at all. I apply it around my eye and cheek area to prevent those small bumps and warts and I must say, I think it's working. I wasn't able to take a before and after picture of my eye area unfortunately. The 30 ml bottle means that this will last a long while. I applied it on one of my toes when I lost my toenail there (it has grown back) to prevent fungal growth. Overall, I like this and I think I will repurchase again. It's affordable, effective and packaged well.

concealer, LA Girl, review, reviews

LA Girl Pro Concealers: Porcelain, Creamy Beige, Toast and Orange Corrector

11:53 PM

Concealer is the one thing in my makeup bag that I shouldn't run out of. I have extremely dark undereye circles. Some of my friends even call me goth because my dark circles look like smudged black eyeliner lol. To add insult to injury, I'm anemic so having dark circles makes me look extra worn out.

For this review, I'll be talking about LA Girl Pro Concealers. They have new shades, namely Porcelain, Light Ivory, Mahogany, Green, Yellow and Orange color correctors. I have Porcelain, Creamy Beige, Toast and the orange corrector.

Quick description: 8 grams of liquid concealer with a brush applicator. I bought these for Php 120 online and they sell these for Php 299 (limited shades) in SM department stores & LA Girl kiosks in the Philippines. (US$1=Php 45-46).

Here is a thorough description of the 4 shades I have and some swatches.

Swatch time! Take note, I used very little concealer here, just one tiny squeeze so my swatches appears dry on the picture.

With Flash:

Porcelain: Porcelain is their lightest concealer shade. If this is too dark for you, then probably other concealer brands will do. This has a neutral undertone so it has neither yellow or pink undertones. I tried this alone on my dark circles and as an NC25 girl, Porcelain can make your undereye area look ashy. I use this to lighten Creamy Beige and to brighten my nose bridge and brow bone.

Creamy Beige: This is the perfect shade for me. It merges into my skin tone well and brightens up my undereye area without looking garish. I bought Porcelain as a highlighter by mixing it with Creamy beige. This shade has warm undertones. It's not exactly yellow, but more like yellowish peach. On very fair skin, this may look a bit orange. See my full review on Creamy Beige HERE. As of writing, I learned that my Creamy Beige concealer is almost 1 year old (bought September 2014). Very economical indeed.

Toast: Toast is a slightly warm shade for me. On the tube, it looks neutral but when swatched, it gives a slightly warm deep brown shade. I couldn't pick up any green tones with Toast. I use this to contour my nose because my sweaty nose washes away powder bronzers easily. When spread, I could really notice the warmth, although thankfully, Toast doesn't appear orange on me.

Orange Corrector: This orange corrector is a deep, carrot orange corrector. The swatch can be overwhelming at first, but just think of this: you can mix this one with your typical concealer to create a salmon concealer! I personally prefer using this by itself then topping it of with Creamy Beige. I recommend applying this AFTER foundation because in my experience, the foundation just spreads this all over my cheeks. Another reason is this orange corrector doesn't set very well. It lasts longer when applied after foundation. This is my first color corrector. Before, I use a creamy persimmon lipstick. It worked ok but it was quite waxy even after spreading it so I had to blot it with tissue. Overall I'm pleased with LA Girl Pro conceal orange corrector, even though it didn't entirely neutralize my undereye circles.

This is my attempt in testing the orange corrector topped with Creamy Beige. As you can see, you can still trace my undereye circles, but the discoloration has improved.

Will I buy again? Most probably yes, but as usual, I'm willing to try other concealers. For now, I'm satisfied with these. Good buy.

CIty Color, eyes, eyeshadow, review, reviews

Review: City Color Barely Exposed Palette

10:55 PM

I've had this palette for 2 months now so it's safe to say that I can make a sound review. Honestly, what I hate about most beauty review blogs is that bloggers make a first impression, few swatches then promise to update the blog if the product works or if the makeup held up well under humid climate WITHOUT ever updating! And to think they got the products for free like hello, at least make your readers' time worthwhile. Anyway, enough. I just hate "review" blogs that don't even test the product right.

To summarize this blog, yes I like City Color Barely Exposed Palette. The color selection is obviously a dupe for Naked 1 palette which I don't have because I just find the price ridiculous. I recommend this palette to novices and professionals alike. :)

12 color eyeshadow palette (12 x 0.75 grams)

Bought online for Php 330 (Preorder. 4-5 weeks waiting time)

Available in Robinson's Metroeast for Php 600
(US$1=Php 45-46).

Packaging

The 12 eyeshadows are grouped into 3. The casing is made out of sturdy plastic. There is a glass mirror about 0.75 inches thick on the flip cover inside. The sponge applicator comes handy for retouches in the car or on the bus. I haven't dropped this palette so I can't say how sturdy it is :P. Using it everyday for a month, I'm impressed that the flip cover didn't get flimsy even with constant use for 2 months.

This is what the hinge looks like:

Ingredients and Palette Information:

Performance

Here are the swatches for City Color Barely Exposed. I tapped my fingers 1-2x on each color.

Here it is with flash:

It blends perfectly with any eye shadow brush. I like that I can mix up different looks with just one palette. They are not chalky or gritty. The eye shadows are well pressed since they don't crumble when I dab my eye shadow brush firmly. Each eye shadow color feels buttery to touch. Fallouts are expected, especially when you use a fluffy crease brush. The matte colors aren't that buttery but with an eyeshadow brush, you can pick up enough color. For reference, my skin is Mac NC30 and the colors show up well on my lids, although the first 2 lightest colors kind of looks the same, with the first one just more shimmery.

I recommend using a good primer or at least dabbing concealer on the lids so the eye shadows have something to stick to. I am confident to say that these eye shadows can pass the hot and humid Metro Manila climate. When it comes to pigmentation, I can say Sleek I-Divine palettes are more pigmented but I can simply build up Barely Exposed to achieve a strong color. For the price and the quality, it's a win-win.

Verdict

4/5 Stars

Pros

Affordable! Good but not perfect dupe for Naked 1.
A blend of light to dark neutral mattes, shimmer, satin finishes makes this palette very versatile.
Perfect everyday palette for school or work!
Sturdy packaging.
Pigmented. Even more pigmented with a good eyeshadow primer.
Long-lasting if applied on top of concealer or eyeshadow primer.
Fits any pouch perfectly.

Cons

Not Widely Available
First 2 lightest colors look almost similar on the lids.
Not that long-lasting WITHOUT primer or concealer underneath.
Eyeshadows are kind of small (0.75 grams each color)

I would love to buy this again! But you know, we girls must try new things ;). I want to buy Coastal Scents Revealed 1 next which contains both UD Naked 1 & 2 shades. It sounds like a good bargain. But then again I might change my mind. As for City Color Barely Exposed, it's a must-try if you want a good set of neutrals. If you already have a UD Naked 1 palette, pass on this one as they have almost the same set of colors.

Finds, government, NBI, NBI clearance

My NBI Clearance 2015 Experience

11:43 PM

This post is going to be my experience at getting a new NBI clearance at Robinson's Metro East.

I was supposed to get it in Robinson's Big-R but seeing how the Lingkod Bayan NBI booth doesn't cater to their customers well when I pass there from time to time (people sit on the floor even inside the mall plus I heard Junction is a haven for hold-uppers), I decided to go to a farther place and that is Robinson's Metro East.

NBI clearance fee: How Much?

The fee for NBI clearance depends on the purpose! You can see the whole list on the picture below. For the accepted valid ID's, go here: http://www.nbiclearance.com/valid-ids-accepted-in-applying-for-nbi-clearance-application/ . I brought my original and photocopied Postal I.D. and NSO birth certificate since I don't have classes yet. When you did NOT enroll for the semester, you school ID is NOT valid, even though you're still an undergraduate.

My Online Registration

I made a couple of attempts and cancellations on my online NBI because I couldn't be so sure on the date. Anyway, if you plan to register online, visit clearance.nbi.gov.ph. The English and Tagalog instructions are very easy. Just fill-up the fields dutifully and complete your profile. The available payments are:

Bank Deposit

Bank Transfer

Mobile (Gcash)

Bayad Center

I was supposed to pay via Bank Transfer because it's convenient but good thing I clicked on the confirmation page first because it automatically said "reference number is already expired." Woah. How can that be? Doing brief researches, I learned that many bank transfer NBI clearance applicants weren't able to log into their NBI accounts after transferring cash. Now that's some dirty business. Ironic how something that should be against crimes aka NBI would oversee that!

I proceeded to click "Bayad Center" instead since they give out receipts. Non NBI booth payments have an additional Php25. Over-the-counter bank deposits cost P190 for a P115 NBI clearance of any purpose so Bayad Center is the way to go if you want lesser additional fees.

I decided to get one for "ID Purposes" and for "Local Employment" at P115 each but at P140 each (that's P115+P25) if paid via Bayad Center. I also decided to schedule 2 dates. I scheduled one on July 22, 2015 and decided to show up with an UNPAID reference number and I scheduled one on July 23, 2015, planning to pay via Bayad Center.

On July 22, I plan to drop by Metro East in the afternoon, around 12 noon since I have read some reviews that the horrible 4 AM lines are already finished around that time. So I wanted to try it out by presenting my unpaid reference number. Why unpaid? Because I'm not sure what would happen if I paid and was welcomed with long, anaconda queues. If my application wasn't finished, what happens to my payment? Also, have read that Metro East only entertains 600 people. If the line is still long, I'm dropping by on July 23, with my PAID reference number.

What Happened on July 22?

NBI satellite office in Robinsons Metro East. The seats accommodate about 30-40 people (I forgot to count how many chairs are there exactly).

On July 22, I paid my July 23 reference number. I paid two P140 for ID purposes and Local Employment. Bayad Center payments are more convenient because your payment automatically gets confirmed to your NBI online account. You will also receive email confirmations like this:

I arrived at Robinson's Metro East at 3:30 PM with little hope that I can claim my NBI clearance but I decided to drop in anyway. Guess what? There's no line! There were around 3-5 people who were claiming their clearances. If you already paid online, you go directly to Window 2 and skip Window 1. I wasn't given a stub or a number because there was no line. You will present your payment receipt to the personnel at Window 2 & he/she will take your picture and fingerprints of all 10 fingers. I didn't smile because I don't like smiling in government documents. I just showed my Postal ID and my NSO birth certificate but the personnel didn't ask for any photocopy. The personnel will encode the details in the receipt and after 5 minutes, I was asked to proceed to Window 3 for release. I just stood in front of Window 3 & the personnel called out my surname, asked Php5 for the brown envelope and I'm done with my two NBI clearances. The envelope will contain your clearance, of course, and the same payment receipt (Bayad Center). For short, I got my NBI clearance in under 10 minutes.

These are some of the pictures I took secretly while sitting down after I got my clearance. There were 3 guards at the entrance so I shouldn't be obvious at taking pictures because it's prohibited.

Philhealth & Pagibig satellite offices are also present.

This is the number of people after I got my clearance. They were just resting and waitng for their companions in the Philhealth center beside NBI.

So yes, I claimed my NBI clearance on July 22 with a paid reference number scheduled morning of July 23. I guess they aren't strict with the schedules.

The satellite center is just beside Level 4 parking lot and next to the cinemas. If you're commuting, just look for Timezone on the 4th floor. It's funny how there are massage chairs near the satellite center as if "hey, tired of lining up from 4 AM? Have a massage!"

I was wondering, why do people line up as early as 4 AM outside Robinson's Metro East just to get their clearance? Because NBI satellite centers only entertain a certain number of people per day, around 600 I believe. When you set up a schedule online, you will see the numbers of AM and PM slots left. So a lot of people rush before the mall opens so they would make it to the cutoff.

Overall, I feel that the online system is a big help to NBI applicants. I just wish the slots aren't limited because there are so many people in the country. Maybe I was lucky that I made it to the cutoff at 3:30 PM. Some satellite centers lile Big-R junction has one line for walk-ins and those who have acconplished their form online.

Tips:

It's a relief to go there after lunch, however, if you have something to do in the afternoon (work, other appointments, etc), make sure to line up early.
Accomplish your profile online at clearance.nbi.gov.ph to have your biometrics taken immediately. If you lined up early, there's a separate line in Metro East for walk-ins and for those who have paid online. They will ask those who have paid already to enter first. So pay beforehand. I prefer Bayad Center because your payment gets confirmed automatically real-time.
If you're a girl and you commute, please don't sacrifice your safety for a piece of paper aka NBI clearance. Don't attempt to commute at 4 AM just to secure a slot. The line for NBI clearance in Metro East occupies the entire concrete foot bridge and there's no police there.
Long lines will occupy the Level 4 parking lot so expect it to be hot and humid until you enter the mall. Bring a fan and wear comfortable clothes.
Most people get their NBI clearance on a Friday, so if you want to avoid horribly long lines, don't schedule on Friday.
Satellite centers are NOT open on Saturdays and Sundays but you may drop by there from 10 AM to 7 PM.
In Robinson's Metro East, you DON'T need a baranggay clearance and cedula. Some satellite offices (I don't know which ones, sorry) demand those

It would be ideal if NBI set up municipal or baranggay booths so people from different cities won't crowd in malls and main offices. Imagine how easy it is to go to your munisipyo or baranggay hall, get a stub, go (or walk) home to eat or pass some time then go back again when it's your turn.

Newer Posts

Older Posts

Skinpotions Review! Tomato Serum , Flaunt Thy Lashes, Snow Potion Oil

Review: Human Nature Tea Tree Oil

LA Girl Pro Concealers: Porcelain, Creamy Beige, Toast and Orange Corrector

Review: City Color Barely Exposed Palette

My NBI Clearance 2015 Experience

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