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3.31.2015

Hair Story | Lolane Z-Cool Bubble Color Foam in Ash Cocoa.

It's no secret that I'm a fan of DIY hair coloring kits. I've tried four different shades from the Etude House line, one from Tony Moly, another one from The Face Shop, and yet another one from Japanese brand Palty. This time around, I'm trying something from Thailand - the Lolane Z-Cool Bubble Color Foam, which I chanced upon during the last SM 3-Day Sale.
Lolane Z-Cool Bubble Color Foam.
Originally priced at Php 349, I got this for only Php 251. Quite a steal, eh?
Now I'm not sure how many shades there are in the Lolane Bubble Color Foam line, but I did see four different shades on display at the SM Department Store. I chose Ash Cocoa, because this was the lightest shade of brown among the bunch.
Inside the box - Color Foam, Developer, Keratin Repair Mask, gloves,
instruction booklet (written in English and Thai).
Inside the box you'll find a bottle of Bubble Color Foam (1), a bottle of Developer (2), a sachet of Keratin Repair Mask, a pump, a pair of gloves, and an instruction booklet written in both English and Thai. Sad to say, there's no cape included. And so prior to application, I had to wear my most ratty shirt that I wouldn't mind staining along the way.
Usage directions and shade reference at the back of the box.
To use:
1) Pour the Bubble Color Foam (bottle number 1) into the developer (bottle number 2).
2) Put on the pump dispenser. Close tightly.
3) Mix the solution by gently swirling the bottle for about 5 - 10 minutes. Do not shake!
4) Wear the gloves, then pump the foam onto your palm.
5) Apply the foam on your hair, starting from the roots all the way to your tips. Massage thoroughly on your hair.
6) Leave it on for 30 minutes.
7) Rinse off with water, then apply the Keratin Repair Mask.
8. Leave it on for at least five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Bubble Color Foam.
Developer.
Keratin Repair Mask.
Here's how my latest hair experiment turned out.
Before.
The growth on my roots (well, more like 1/3 of my tresses) was covered up completely and evenly. The brassy tones on my hair are gone, and are now replaced with a medium shade of brown. Not bad for Php 251. :)
After.
Now as far as the scent is concerned, Lolane smells fruity, though not as mild as Etude House's. I was able to tolerate the scent, but for those with overly sensitive noses, you might find Lolane's a bit overwhelming. 

And just like any other Bubble Hair Coloring, your hair will feel stiff and dry after rinsing the foam off. Nothing to worry about since the Keratin Repair Mask does a good job of making your hair soft and smooth right after application.

Care to give the Lolane Z-Cool Bubble Color Foam a try? :)

3.30.2015

Pucker Up! | Max Factor Lipfinity EverLites.

Every once in a while, my grandmother in Florida (she's my Mum's paternal aunt) would send a cargo box to my siblings and I here in the Philippines. And each time she does, she makes sure to include makeup items for my sister and I.

Case in point, this Max Factor Lipfinity EverLites which was neatly tucked among the collectible dolls that she sent to my sister. The funny thing is, my sister hates dolls - all the more after having watched The Conjuring. (You know, Annabelle the haunted doll.) Oh, the irony. Lol!
Max Factor Lipfinity Everlites.
Anyway, the Max Factor Lipfinity EverLites comes in a pack of two items - one is the standard lip color (called the 'Color Base Coat'), while the other is a clear one (called the 'Moisturizing Top Coat') which is applied over the base coat to keep the color in place.
Product description at the back of the box.
Both come in a silver pen-shaped packaging, with the bottom section of the Color Base Coat showing the color for easy shade reference.
Color Base Coat + Moisturizing Top Coat.
There are 20 shades to choose from in the Lipfinity EverLites line, and the one that I have is shade #200 Impeccable. It's a deep, rosy pink with a light mauve undertone.
Color Base Coat #200 Impeccable.
The Color Base Coat comes with a doe-foot applicator. It's easy to apply, and glides on your lips the way lip gloss does. This shade is nicely pigmented, and dries to a velvety, matte finish. If you like your lips matte, you can wear the Color Base on its own. But if you like your kisser glossy and plumped-up, you need to apply the Moisturizing Top Coat, too. It's like a lip balm (think eos Smooth Stick) that you wear on top of (not underneath) the lipstick.
Moisturizing Top Coat.
Make sure the Color Base Coat is completely dry (about a minute or two, depending on how much you apply) before you wear the Top Coat. You'll stain it with color otherwise. 
Color Base Coat on the left, Moisturizing Top Coat on the right.
True to its claim, this product does have great staying power - eight hours on my lips and the color is still there even after eating and drinking. And although there were instances when my lips would feel dry after a few hours, reapplying the Top Coat does the trick. :)
#200 Impeccable Color Base Coat.
#200 Color Base Coat + Moisturizing Top Coat.
Products Used:
FACE: Etude House Beauty Shot Face Blur,
Etude House Correct & Care CC Cream,
Etude House Precious Mineral Any Cushion,
Benefit Erase Paste in Medium.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
K-Palette Real Lasting Micro Eyeliner in Black,
Tony Moly Lovely Eyeliner Pencil in Black.
CHEEKS: Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Raisin.
LIPS: Max Factor Lipfinity Everlites in #200 Impeccable.
Now I'm not really sure where my grandmother bought my EverLites. I'm assuming it's either Walgreens or CVS because those are the drugstores in her area. In eBay, these EverLites sell from $15 up (around Php 671 when converted).

Have you tried this product before? What are your favorites from Max Factor?


3.27.2015

Foodie Goodie | Chocolate Chip Muffins.

I live next door to my brother, and right now there's a wonderful smell wafting from their kitchen. Apparently, he's making Chocolate Chip Muffins, and yes, my brother knows how to bake!

And because I can't concentrate on anything else but those yummy muffins (and sinking my teeth into them), I'll skip on writing a product review for now and just share the muffin recipe instead. :)

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄3 cup light-brown sugar, packed
1⁄3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2⁄3 cup milk
1⁄2 cup butter, melted and cooled
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 package (11 1/2 ounce) milk chocolate chips

Procedure:
1. Grease twelve muffin cups.
2. In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, stir together milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla until blended.
4. Make a well in center of dry ingredients.
5. Add milk mixture and stir just to combine.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7.Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in center of one muffin comes out clean.
8. Remove muffin tin to wire rack. Cool for 5 minutes, then remove from tins to finish cooling. Serve warm or completely cool.


3.25.2015

Sponsored Video | Knorr's Flavour of Home.

Ever since we were kids, my siblings and I would always look forward to the summer season with eager anticipation. Aside from the fact that we're on a school break during the months of April and May, it's also that time of the year when Mum usually comes home for her annual vacay. (She's a cardiology nurse in London who officially became a British citizen three years ago.)
London calling. :)
And for us, Mum's vacation would mean lots of pasalubong, shopping trips, videoke nights, weekends at the beach, and home-cooked meals everyday! My Mum makes the most awesome kare-kare (a traditional Filipino ox tail stew in a thick peanut-based sauce) in the world, and I'm pretty sure my brother and sister would agree with me on this one. Sure, my Mum taught me how to cook this dish, but I can never ever replicate the taste of her kare-kare. It's true what they say - nothing beats your mum's cooking!
Just another weekend at the beach.
In a research conducted by Knorr, results show that regardless of how much time passed, many of us still find our mother's cooking to be the greatest flavor on earth, and how these flavors can make people happy, feel comforted, and be reminded of loving childhood memories.

These sentiments are echoed in this short film, which celebrates a mother's love, the taste of home, and the power of flavor. Dubbed as 'Flavour of Home', this heart-warming film by Knorr tells the story of Carmen - a husky safari guide who works in the Arctic - and her mom, who traveled more than a thousand miles just to surprise her with a wonderful, home-cooked meal.


This video tugged at my heart and made me miss my Mum - and her cooking - all the more! We all can't wait for her to come home this May!

How about you, which of your mom's dishes do you love or miss the most? :)

About Knorr
One of the world's largest food brands, Knorr defines itself by a high standard of quality, flavour, and freshness. Sold in more than 87 countries around the world, Knorr has a variety of products including the iconic bouillon cube and soup mixes. For more information on Knorr, their products, and recipes, visit the Knorr website.

*This is a sponsored post. Thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Wordless Wednesday #127 | PLDT Problems.

Oh PLDT, when will my misery end?!



3.23.2015

Success Secrets for Makeup Artists.

In case you’ve missed it, makeup artists work in competitive fields - film, TV, beauty, and fashion, to name a few. But, a handful of professionals know how to stand out from the competition regardless of where they work. Here, we share three ways you can set yourself apart from the crowd and succeed in the rough world of makeup artistry.
Photo credit: Efamous.
Know your employers.
This advice might be targeted towards recent graduates of makeup school, but it’s still important knowledge for all makeup artists. Before you can shine in any field learn all you can about who you will be working for. Makeup artists might work for ad agencies, art directors, or photographers. Discover what each type of employer is looking for and why. The more you know about your boss and how they hire makeup artists the better your chances of landing the job you want.

Master your craft.
It’s not enough to graduate from makeup academy. To truly excel in your field, it’s important to become highly skilled in your trade. This means hours and hours of practice. Whether you work at a department store or as an independent makeup artist, it’s important to practice the basics as well as the latest techniques as often as possible. Then, don’t stop practicing.

Know more than makeup.
The most successful makeup artists can do more than makeup. They also know how to style hair and wardrobe. While pursuing your education in makeup or after you’ve graduated, consider taking basic courses in hair and wardrobe styling to boost your skill set and make you more valuable to employers. Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry is one of the top schools for makeup artists in the nation. The school provides comprehensive programs in fashion, beauty, and special effects makeup.

Written by Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry.

3.22.2015

Free Seminar | Juicing for Health, Beauty and Wellness.

SpeedyCourse Philippines has teamed up with Hurom Slow Juicer to kick off the summer season with a FREE health and wellness seminar - Juicing for Health, Beauty and Wellness.

Free Seminar!
As the juicing trend continues to make waves, the increasing number of recipes, ingredients, “diet” menus and contrasting opinions on juicing leave many people with the question: "How is juicing really beneficial to our health?"

In this seminar, Maria Socorro 'Cocoi' M. Andal, Naturopathy Practitioner and Health & Wellness Advocate, will talk about what our bodies need as true nutrition, its sources and how fresh fruit and vegetable juicing can help meet these nutritional demands. She will also touch on detoxification, an essential process to losing weight the natural and healthy way, helping to recover from ailments, as well as keeping the immune system strong and fit to prevent diseases.

Using Hurom Slow Juicer, Ms. Cocoi will also discuss and demo various juicing recipes for multi-dimensional needs. Attendees will get a chance to ask questions during the seminar.

The free juicing seminar will be held on March 28, 2015 from 9:00am to 12:00nn at Roofdeck, Prestige Tower, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Online registration starts on March 20, 2015! To register, visit www.speedycourse.com.ph.

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About Hurom Slow Juicer
The Hurom Slow Juicer is a juice extractor that uses the world’s first patented technology LSTS, which allows juice to maintain its natural flavor, original color, vitamins, enzymes, and nutrients. For more information about the product, you may call Zinven International Corp. through 926-7782 or 926-7786, the exclusive distributor of Hurom Slow Juicer.

About SpeedyCourse.com.ph
SpeedyCourse is an Online Course Finder where you can search for short courses, workshops, trainings, seminars and other learning events. https://www.speedycourse.com.ph


3.21.2015

Make More Music, and Make it Better!

Computers, digital emulators of old-school analog machinery, and cutting-edge editing software are all now easily attained by anyone with passing interest in music and a little extra spending money. Albums, record-deals, and careers have been born out of much less, so a small set-up in the bedroom or basement makes the dream of being a rock star seem even more attainable. Something that used to require schlepping gear all over town, praying to get spotted and signed, is now something doable independently, through drive, talent, and, naturally, lots of luck.
Old school!
There is, however, something most on-label acts have at their disposal that at-home artists lack: a professional-sounding recording space. The acoustics of a room play a huge role in the sound of a record, and how one hears the music they're working on, mixing, and mastering. Studios often include rooms that are built for superior acoustics off the bat, and then include a substantial amount of room treatment products to make sure the sound being recorded is true to the one being produced by the musician and his or her instruments and voice. On the other end of the spectrum, small, square, boxy rooms in homes represent one of the worst acoustical environments for recording music.
Photo credit: Musicblazt.
Fortunately, along with the technology people have access to, acoustical treatment has become more accessible too. With the right research and testing, you can address issues in your room with particular products, be they store-bought, or one of the multitude of effective DIY solutions. With the right combination of research and testing, you can identify what sonic areas you need to address most. In addition to the companies offering surprisingly affordable treatment products, like low frequency absorbers, wall tiles, and diffusors, most provide acoustical advice as well!
Regardless of how expensive or minimalist your gear is, music will only sound as good as the room allows. With the advances in room acoustics, you can get your room to help you make some of your best music ever.

Article submitted by The Foam Factory, an online resource for room-improving acoustic products, with items like wall tiles, low-frequency absorbers, and eggcrate foam for economy treatment.

3.20.2015

Make Your Product Stand Out.

Whether you are serving frozen yogurt, ice cream, sorbet or gelato, you need a container that will make your product stand out. Gelato Products offers industry standard ice cream cups that will show off your product at affordable prices. They pride themselves on competitive prices and fast delivery -with top-notch customer service.
Ice creeeeeeaaaaammmm!
Choose from an assortment of attractive containers in an assortment of sizes, colors, and designs. You can even personalize the paper cups you put your fantastic product inside! If you are environmentally conscious, there are earth friendly plastic cups that can easily be recycled as well as earth friendly paper cups in 12 and 16 oz. sizes.

The company has one of the largest assortments of cup styles. Pick a style that fits your color scheme or your personal taste. They offer octagonal cups in 200cc and 150cc sizes in pink, blue, crystal and green. Emerald cups come in brilliant colors - neon orange(150cc.) , neon pink (200cc.) and neon yellow (90cc). The regular round "rotonda" cup comes in yellow (90cc.), pink (130cc.), green (170cc.) and blue (210cc.). The smaller diamond cup comes in blue(100cc., 130cc., and 220cc.). For larger portions, you'll have the green (130cc.) and red (220cc.) size. The elegant fruit cup design comes in 4, 5, 6, 8 12 and 16 oz. size.
All that cuteness.
Don't forget the spoons! They come in either matching colors or a collection of pastel shades.

Custom logos can be printed on cups using 1, 2, 3 or 4 colors. Personalized ice cream cups is a perfect way to move your advertising message out into the public. Using a custom cup design is a simple yet cost-effective way to market your business and serve delicious desserts using the best ice cream cups available in the marketplace today.

There are exclusive offer benefits such as no minimum orders, 24/7 online access to the vast inventory of gelato products and frozen yogurt supplies, and FREE domestic shipping within the continental United States. Make your ordering experience a good one. Plus you can be sure that you're getting high-quality products at affordable prices.


3.19.2015

4 Benefits of Knowing your Family History.

Family history is one of those things that most people don't think to learn about until their grandparents are gone. However, there are all sorts of benefits to tracing your roots. You can build better relationships with your grandparents, gain a sense of understanding and meaning for your life, prepare for future health issues, and have fun discovering things about your family. Take a closer look at the benefits of knowing your family's history.
Image via Flickr by Tim Pierce.
Family History Bridges the Gap between Generations.
It's sometimes difficult for people to connect with their grandparents because their life experiences are so different. For instance, if you grew up surrounded by technology, the thought of using an outhouse or traveling by horse is foreign. Through family history work, generations can learn to understand each other and connect in more meaningful ways.

Sharing stories is a great way for people to connect with their grandparents. Take the time to sit down and listen to what they have to say. Simply ask about your grandparents' childhood. Did they grow up on a farm? Where did they go to school? What was their house like? Do they have a favorite memory of growing up? You might be surprised to learn that more of their circumstances are similar to yours than you had originally thought. 

Family History Brings a Sense of Inner Peace.
Instead of just talking to relatives that are still alive, you can go online and find information about relatives that have died. You can find out a lot about your family even if you just know a couple of names to start your search. Knowing where your ancestors came from helps bring meaning to your life. You get a sense of inner peace knowing that you belong somewhere.

People have been keeping histories of their lives for as long as people have been around. Even in the absence of journals, there are census records. You can learn about your family and yourself by doing the research to figure out where your family is from and what they have contributed throughout history.

Most religions support the need for family history work. The Jewish faith is rooted in traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation, and you can read the records. The same is true of Muslims. Christians are also taught the importance of family ties. The book of Malachi in the Bible specific states, "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse (Malachi 4:6)."

Photo credit: Family Holiday.
Family History Helps You Prepare for Possible Genetic Diseases.
Everyone knows that cancer and other diseases tend to run in families. So another benefit of family history work is that you can learn what diseases you are more likely to encounter. For instance, you may learn that your grandfather has a heart condition and the exact same problem was responsible for the passing of your great grandfather. This information is often included in obituaries. Knowing this information can help you adjust your life to keep your heart as healthy as possible, so you can live a longer life. Some diseases that run in families include specific cancers, heart conditions, diabetes, and even mental conditions. This is valuable information for your future well-being.

Family History Is Fun.
It's easy to find out about your roots through the Internet. Several websites have compiled census records and created family trees to help you out. There's no telling what you're going to discover as you trace your roots. You might find out that you are related to someone famous or your roots even tie back to royalty. Maybe your ancestors are among those that migrated to the U.S. or were involved in historic battles. It's lots of fun to find out where your family is from, and it's addictive, too.

Of course, family history is about more than learning about your past. It's also about writing down your stories and memories for future generations. If you're ready to start family history work, turn to Crestleaf. It is a place where families can share stories and photos with each other that will be preserved forever. 

3.18.2015

Wordless Wednesday #126 | Hello, Summer!

It's 30 degrees outside today! Time to cool down with some halo-halo!
More food photos and snippets of my life on Instagram. ;) 



3.17.2015

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® | Creating a Benchmark for Volunteerism and Social Responsibility.

Long before corporate social responsibility and volunteerism became a buzzword for brands and corporations, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® has already made it an intrinsic mission and company philosophy.

It’s a commitment that they took on back in 2008, when they started the Give In To Giving, 12 Cups with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® campaign, an initiative designed to share this mission with its loyal customers.

“It began by taking something that was relevant to customers at the time—the “planner craze,” if you will— and creating something more meaningful that could be an extension of our commitment as a brand to giving back. What spurred out of this intention was a Commemorative Notebook that became a medium for us, and our patrons, to support advocacies in need and share their blessings. It was and continues to be the only journal that encourages more purposeful action towards ones’ social responsibility,” explained Paolo del Rosario, Vice President for Marketing of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®.

Customers were asked to collect 12 stamps and choose from any of the 12 advocacies and organizations that The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf was supporting. These ranged from women’s groups, to children, animals, the environment, indigenous people or those with disabilities and illnesses. Completing all 12 stamps meant the customer could bring home the commemorative notebook that featured artworks from contemporary Filipino artists and proceeds collected went to each customer’s chosen organization. The original artworks featured in the covers of the Commemorative Notebook were also auctioned and were donated to the charities. The entire campaign was such a success that not only was it well received by loyal patrons; it also won numerous awards.

The following year, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® introduced its follow up with 24 Cups of Goodwill, where proceeds from the campaign were given to its 24 partner organizations. In 2010, for Changing Lives with Every Cup, they shifted their focus on sending scholars to school by partnering with Real Life Foundation and their Adopt-a-Scholar program, where the company was successfully able to send 8 scholars to university.

In 2012, they continued their efforts with the iBuild campaign, which helped raise sustainable housing solutions for impoverished families. And by 2014, they introduced the Brew Your Best Year campaign, which evolved their efforts into giving back to their loyal patrons by helping them give back to themselves as well. Through this initiative, they hope to help each person in their journey towards becoming the best version of themselves. Their efforts through the years prove how a brand can become meaningful in addressing social change.

Is it naïve to expect businesses to take on a responsibility as great as this, the way The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® did? Not necessarily.
Companies today, locally and worldwide, are putting more focus on developing a culture of volunteerism and social responsibility—recognizing how working together can make a real difference in the community, while at the same time opening up opportunities for learning, cooperation and leadership within the organization.

What makes The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®’s efforts stand out however, is the sincerity that drives their initiatives, where they have managed to uplift the true essence of what it truly means to care.

Case-in-point, expanding annual efforts to now cover a full year of advocacies. Consistently, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® brings people together to participate in various community outreach events. “We place great effort into putting such events together not only for the sole purpose of helping the community, but also to encourage our own Customers and Team Members to spend meaningful time bringing joy to others in an impactful and sincere way,” explains Nella Lomotan, Engagement Marketing for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®.

These pocket initiatives, held monthly, are part of the Caring Cup series. And whether it’s a simple story telling event in a hospital, a physical fitness session with public school students, a tree planting project, an art workshop for children with disabilities, each event is designed to foster the spirit of volunteerism and giving among its participants.

In fact, last February 14, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® made sure to create an avenue to give love and receive love as they mounted the 'Paint the Town Red this Valentines' event. Volunteers spent the day of love giving love to children with disabilities at AIME home via a t-shirt painting activity with the intent of giving kids something that they will always remember.
“The Caring Cup is a way for us to expand and uphold a vision that we have long established for the company, where we hope to cultivate the spirit of volunteerism in our Community. We strongly encourage everyone who wants to be a part of something that impacts the life of others in a meaningful way to visit our stores and sign up for our next events.” ends del Rosario.

Follow The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®’s social media pages and subscribe to www.brewyourbestyear.com to stay updated on their Caring Cup events.

3.16.2015

Spotlight | Ever Bilena Pro Flawless Finish Foundation.

As you might recall, Ever Bilena sent me a box of goodies last month. Included in that box is the Pro Flawless Finish Foundation, which takes the spotlight on the blog today.
Ever Bilena Pro Flawless Finish Foundation.
Working on this review made me realize that I haven't used liquid foundation in a long, long time! I think I stopped using them when I joined the BB Cream bandwagon (and eventually the CC Cream hype) and have never looked back since. Can the Pro Flawless Finish Foundation make me think otherwise? We'll see. :)
Product description at the back of the box.
Here's what Ever Bilena says about the product:
"A long lasting liquid foundation that dries faster than the ordinary foundation. Leaving a soft natural finish without flaking effects. Enriched with Vitamin E that helps maintain natural skin moisture. Easily covers dark circles, redness, and minor skin imperfections. This unique foundation creates instant affinity with the skin that makes it glide on like silk and stay fresh looking as it imparts a glowing skin all day."
Ingredients also listed at the back of the box.
The Pro Flawless Finish Foundation comes in a frosted glass pump bottle and is available in four shades - Natural, Beige, Gold, and Oriental. Ever Bilena sent me the Oriental shade, and surprisingly, it matches my skin tone nicely. 
Shade reference at the top of the box and bottom of the bottle.
I like the elegant vibe of the frosted glass bottle. However, I have to be extra careful in handling and storing this product because of its fragile packaging. As for the pump, I'm not too keen about it (which is actually a euphemism of 'I don't like it!'). Either it dispenses nothing even after pumping it a few times or it dispenses a lot more than what I actually need.
Pump it!
Now here's how the foundation looks like.
Ever Bilena Pro Flawless Finish Foundation in Oriental.
It has a light and runny consistency, making it easy to apply and blend. Lightweight and leaves the skin with a silky feel, this foundation does a good job of covering blemishes and imperfections. It also has a nice, sweet scent which isn't exactly subtle, but fades a few seconds or so after applying.
Blend, blend, blend.
At first glance, I thought this shade would be a little off for my skin. But once blended, it matched my skin tone just right. Coverage is buildable from light to medium and has a slightly dewy finish.
Left, without foundation. Right, with foundation.
Staying power, however, is so-so. It doesn't stay on very long, especially now that the weather is warmer. (Hello, summer!) My forehead looked like a greased pan by midday, and to think my skin isn't the oily type (I have sensitive/combination skin). Plus I even wore a makeup base underneath and set it with Ever Bilena Makeup Cake afterwards (more about this in a separate post).
Bare face.
If you're staying indoors most of the time (say, at the mall or in your airconditioned office), this product will probably hold up longer. Also, this foundation doesn't have sun protection, so remember to wear sunscreen underneath.
With Ever Bilena Pro Flawless Finish Foundation.
What I love:

- Easy to blend and apply.
- Buildable coverage.
- Lightweight.
- Slightly dewy finish.
- The scent. Sweet, but not overpowering. 
- No breakouts, no allergic reactions.
- Affordable at Php 165 (around $3) per bottle. 
- Available at most beauty counters, supermarkets, and even drugstores.

What you might not like:
- The erratic pump.
- Staying power is so-so.
- No SPF!
Products Used:
FACE: The Face Shop Lovely ME:Ex Makeup Base,
Ever Bilena Pro Flawless Finish Foundation in Oriental,
Ever Bilena Makeup Cake in #559,
Benefit Erase Paste in Medium.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
K-Palette Real Lasting Micro Eyeliner in Black,
Love & Beauty Eyeliner in Dark Brown,
Fairy Drops Volume Burst Mascara.
CHEEKS: Tony Moly Cristal Blusher in Pleasure Peach.
LIPS: Peripera Frozen Magic Glam Tint in Let it Go.

In the end, while this product did not and could not make me forego my love for BB Creams, I did like how this foundation made my skin look smooth and flawless. It's not the stuff HG foundations are made of, but for Php 165 a pop, you really can't complain.

How about you, what's your HG foundation? :)