My January Beauty Haul from Beauty MNL

Hassle-free, fast, and convenient - those are the three words to describe my Beauty MNL online shopping experience. Earlier this month, I was lucky to be handpicked by the Beauty MNL team to give their site a test run. The site carries a smorgasbord of brands to satisfy your beauty cravings. It is definitely a one-stop online shop for all your vanity needs.  I am warning you, if you are a beauty junkie, you will lose track of time window shopping and checking out their items. 

Here are the items I got to refill my makeup and skincare stash:

From left to right:
1. Maybelline Micellar Water 4-in-1 Makeup Remover

2. Lóreal Mat Magique Liquid Foundation in N5 Nude Cream
3. Skin Genie Lip and Cheek Stain Alive in Cherry Pink and Burgundy
4. Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Brown Nude Lipstick in Nude Nuance

Micellar Water 4-in-1 by Maybelline (Php 199)

 Mat Magique Liquid Foundation by L'oreal (Php 400)

Lip and Cheek Stain by Skin Genie (Php 80)

Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Brown Nude Lipstick (Php 299)

What I liked about Beauty MNL:

1. Easy to navigate and user-friendly site

The products are categorized into skincare, makeup, hair care, and so on which makes it easier for you to browse the item you need. The categories I frequent the most are makeup and skincare. I also find it helpful to go directly to 'Our Best Sellers' section since it includes holy grail and must-have items. You can also browse by brand. As for me, I have already bookmarked my fave brands so I am updated with their latest products.

2. Super fast delivery

I ordered and checked out on a Sunday night and got the package on Monday noon. So it arrived in less than 24 hours. Impressive right?? I even got an SMS update from Beauty MNL right before the package arrived. Double thumbs up from me!

3. Earning beauty credits by writing reviews

Aside from helping fellow beauty mavens by writing product reviews, you can also earn PHP300 worth of beauty credits for every 30 reviews completed. Beauty credits can be used to purchase in conjunction with the other modes of payment.

4. Bloom Magazine and Beauty by You product reviews

The other sections of BeautyMNL apart from its online shop is its own online magazine called Bloom and its beauty review section known as Beauty by You. 

Bloom Magazine

Inside Beauty MNL's site is an online magazine to keep you updated on the latest beauty trends and fresh beauty products in the market. The articles in Bloom are categorized into Beauty 101, Makeup, Skincare, Top Reviews, Budget Buys, Celebs, and Experts. All articles are tastefully written by the Beauty MNL team. They also invite and collaborate with beauty gurus, bloggers, and vloggers to contribute as well.

Below is one of the recent articles I have enjoyed reading and found extra helpful from the site.

Customer Recos: 4 Makeup Products that Do Everything

Beauty By You

If you are still confused on what to purchase or if you are still mulling over a particular item, then you will find these reviews useful. All reviews are written by real-life customers so they are all honest and unbiased. These reviews helped me in picking which products are worth spending money for.

Overall, BeautyMNL is an impressive site built for every Filipina's beauty needs. Their online magazine publishes helpful articles on beauty tips and how-to's to keep us updated with the latest beauty trends. Their online shop complements these articles by providing the products recommended and curated by the beauty experts. BeautyMNL is definitely a great guide to every Filipina's beauty journey. 

BeautyMNL

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Bloom | Beauty by You

Getting Organized with LadyPlans App

As you may have read in my previous post, one of my goals includes finding balance and establishing it in daily practice. But once again, busy work and errands schedule sometimes makes it impossible and turns me into a ball of  a disorganized wreck. Up until recently, a certain app helped me get back on track and regain the sense of balance between work, personal life, and everything in between. 

image source: LadyPlans.com

The LadyPlans app is a personal organizer dedicated to women and helping them manage their daily lives easily. It is developed by Julie Dando, a working mom, and a mother of two toddlers. This app is helpful for women struggling with busy schedules and myriad of responsibilities not only for themselves but for their family and loved ones.

WHAT'S INSIDE

Homepage

image source: LadyPlans.com

As you may notice, the homepage is very clean and is user-friendly. The event maker section is not only limited to you but to your kids, partner, home, and holidays.

Perfectly Pixi by Glamourbox

As all of you may know already, I am obsessed about curated beauty kits and boxes. To date, I got the Saladbox March, April, & May boxes, Project Vanity Universally Chic Kit, and now Glamourbox's Perfectly Pixi, a Pixi by Petra curated box. I knew right away I had to preorder when I saw the Instagram post two weeks ago. I am over the moon about the brand as I bought some of their products last month. Here's a little unboxing for you guys and I am telling you, this box is super worth it!

Here's what the box looks like. As you can see, it's in signature Pixi green. Inside is a mix of skincare and cosmetic items which I all love. 

 Here's a little card with the contents and other information.

Little Beauty Bits - Mini Products I've Been Loving

I always adore mini beauty bits and sample products not only for their cuteness but simply because they help me decide which products to get by trying them out on my skin. I do read product reviews but each of our skin will have a unique reaction to different products. These samples and minis will save me a lot of money for a full size product that won't work for me. Among the numerous bits I have, these are the ones I reach for the most. 

For my chapped lips - Apart from Glossier Balm Dotcom, I also tried and loved this Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips. Yes, you've read it right, "Nipple" balm for lips. This can be used not only for parched lips, but also for nursing mothers whenever their areola and nipple area gets very dry form lactating. I use my Glossier everyday and reserve this one for severe cases of dryness. I got this sample for free from Sephora.ph upon checkout.

For skin detox on my T-zone - This Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask is all I need for my weekly dose of detox. I put this one on my forehead, nose, and chin area where it is usually oily. Take note, I have combination skin type. For those with oily skin, I recommend putting this all over your face. I just leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with water after. I got this one for free at Origins Megamall. 

For toning and exfoliating- I have always loved Glycolic Acid in my skincare routine and this mini Pixi Glow Tonic is the one I'm reaching out for more often. This acid is an AHA which is a good chemical exfoliant. It is advised to use a cotton pad but I prefer using my hands and pat this product all over my face. It contains 5% Glycolic Acid which is perfect for twice daily use.  I got this from Glamourbox for P390 (15mL). 

For eliminating skin dullness - Philosophy Brighten My Day Brightening Essence is the first essence I have used and incorporated in my routine. I use it before my night cream. It has a milky texture and is easily absorbed. I am not a fan of the smell but it is tolerable. I noticed my skin is less dull after a week of using it every night. I got this for free from Sephora.ph. They gave me a Philosophy skincare kit since I ordered two products from the brand.

For my tired eyes - I use Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Eye Treatment for my eye area for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. This product is packed with anti-aging antioxidants and mineral pigments for subtle luminosity. It's non-sticky, fragrance-free, lightweight, and packaged in a pump bottle. This was given to me as a gift by a friend.

The only thing mini about them is their size! They have been nothing but giants of my skincare routine. Any other beauty minis would you recommend? Share them down below!

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat (@jabsmd), and Twitter for more Lights & Latte scoop

Glossier Balm Dotcom: Universal Skin Salve

So I have been in a mini hiatus again lately. I really missed blogging for you guys! There were some work and personal issues I needed to attend to. For my comeback post, I decided to review a product that has parked in my purse ever since I got it. It's none other than Glossier's Balm Dotcom.

About Glossier

Glossier (gloss-ee-AY) started as a successful beauty blog IntotheGloss.com since 2010 and started their skincare product line just in 2014. Emily Weiss, a former fashion assistant at Vogue, is the founder and CEO of Glossier. I have watched several of her interviews and she is inspiring. She was featured in Forbes 30 under 30 in 2015 and yup, I already followed her on Instagram and Snapchat lol.

For my first Glossier product, I decided to get one of their bestsellers, the Balm Dotcom Universal Skin Salve. It's an all around balm you can use on your lips, elbows, and elsewhere that is running low on its moisture bank. I chose the Cherry variant which is part of their recent releases. My favorite thing about it is its smell. It smells like the cherry bubblegum I used to buy from a sari sari store when I was young - those red little round bubblegums. My second favorite thing is its formulation. It's non-sticky, lightweight, and really hydrating for my chapped and parched lips. The packaging is a simple yet delightful minimalist tube which I love. 

Kojie San Men celebrates the saktong pogi with ‘Saktong Pogi Night’ | PR

What makes a guy attractive? Is it really his looks? Although some may say so, this conventional definition of pogi—that is, having movie star looks and a well-built physique—is no longer totally true in the modern world. These days, a guy’s looks don’t really matter as much as his personality and characteristics.

Most girls now believe that for a guy to be deemed attractive, he must have attributes such as being confident, well-rounded, independent-minded, goal-oriented, and multi-talented. Most importantly, he must practice good grooming and hygiene and is focused on being the best version of himself.

In other words, it is the combination of a guy’s positive traits that make him attractive. And this is what makes a guy Saktong Pogi.

Three cheers for the Saktong Pogi

With this, Kojie San Men puts the spotlight on all the Saktong Pogi guys of the land with the Saktong Pogi Night. It was held at the 12 Monkeys Bar at the Century City Mall, Makati City, last June 2, Thursday. The guests had a grand time as we enjoyed good food, beer pong games, and music courtesy of up-and-coming alternative, soul, and indie rock band, SUD.

Saktong Pogi Night is hosted by no other than the lovely Joyce Pring

Wil Dasovich, Joyce Pring and Bogart the Explorer open the night talking about what the ideal ‘Saktong Pogi’ guy is

The Saktong Pogi Night was hosted by popular TV and events host and radio jock Joyce Pring, and was graced by Saktong Pogi ambassadors Wil Dasovich and Marco Ho. During the event, Wil and Marco—who have both gained local prominence with their YouTube channels Tsong and Tsonggo and Bogart the Explorer from Davao City, respectively— explained the Saktong Pogi concept to the attendees.

Meanwhile, Meredith Villanueva-Balmes, Brand Manager for Kojie San Men, was also be present and talked about Kojie San Men and the brand’s Saktong Pogi campaign.

According to Balmes, “Kojie San Men pursues the idea that being handsome isn’t measured solely by how physically attractive one is. He can simply practice proper hygiene and good grooming, and be confident, and still be considered handsome.”

“Proper hygiene and good grooming play a huge part in being ‘saktong pogi.’ And with its line of skin care products, Kojie San Men is here to help men become ‘saktong pogi’—the best version of themselves—by making available to them all the products they need for good grooming and hygiene,” she adds.

The Kojie San Men skin care line includes products for the face and body, namely the Kojie San Men Whitening Body Wash, Kojie San Men Facewash, and the Kojie San Men Whitening Soap and Extra Fresh Soap.

Win a date with Jinri!

The highlight of the Saktong Pogi Night was a Dating Game with actress/model and former radio jock, Jinri Park. Two weeks before the event, an online contest was held via the Saktong Pogi Facebook page to determine the Dating Game’s five finalists as well as two friends who would act as wingmen for each finalist.

Rainy Day Beauty Do's and Don'ts

Seems like the weather here in the Philippines has started to transition from clear skies to cloudy with a chance of rainfall. Rainy season is finally here! While it's a joy to finally escape from the extreme heat of summer, rainy season can be also be a bummer. Read: sticky face + hair and smudgy makeup is not a pretty sight. So before heading out with that umbrella on hand, here are some of the beauty dos and don'ts during a rainy day.