Sneak Peek | Miniso x We Bare Bears Collection.

I got hooked to We Bare Bears just recently, thanks to my cartoon-loving eight-year-old son. If you're a parent, you probably have an idea of what I'm talking about.

We Bare Bears!

We Bare Bears is an animated sitcom about three adoptive bear brothers, Grizzly, Panda, and Ice Bear. The bears awkwardly attempt to find their place in civilized society and try to do what everyone around them does - whether it's grocery shopping, going to the museum, or posting photos on social media. Created by Daniel Chong, the show first aired on Cartoon Network in 2015 and is currently on its third season.

I've been following Daniel Chong on Twitter for awhile now, and thanks to his tweets, I discovered this makeup collaboration between We Bare Bears and Chinese variety store chain Miniso. My jaw almost dropped as I marveled at this cuteness.

Miniso x We Bare Bears collection.

More of the bears after the jump! :)

Seoul Searching | Revisiting Hongdae: Trick Eye Museum + Cafe de One Piece.

Remember our trip to Hongdae last year and how this fun and funky neighborhood immediately and absolutely swept me off my feet? I was so enamored by this place that I made a resolve to bring my husband here the next time we visit Seoul. That plan finally pushed through last winter when we revisited Hongdae on New Year's Day. Our main agenda was to visit the Trick Eye Museum, as per Yue's request.

A 3D interactive gallery, the Trick Eye Museum first opened its doors in Hongdae in 2010. The museum features paintings that make use of the 'trompe l'oeil' (trick of the eye) technique, which gives 2-dimensional paintings the illusion of being in 3D.

Trick Eye Museum in Hongdae.

Everything in this museum is touchable, and guests can freely interact with the artworks and take photos to their hearts' content. Most of the paintings have sample pictures on how you should pose so that you can achieve the 3D illusion, and there are arrows and markers on where you should stand, sit, or lie down so that you can get the best shot.

Here are some of my favorite photos. As you can see, the boys had a blast posing with the paintings and Yue really enjoyed hamming it up for the camera. :)

Yue is trapped!

Hi ho Silver, away!

Surfing with winter coats on, haha!

More photos after the jump!

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Hydrating Face Mist with Aloe Vera.

Upon receiving a bottle of Human Heart Nature's new face mist during the last Magalogue Turnover/Product Launch (many thanks to Elaine and the ever-so-wonderful staff of Human Heart Nature Laguna), my initial reaction was, "Oh, cool! This will definitely come in handy when I travel!"

Little did I know that I would get what I wished for sooner than expected. I was admitted to the hospital two days later due to a severe asthma attack and this product was one of the few things that I hurriedly stuffed in an overnight bag, together with some clothes and hygiene basics (i.e. toothpaste, deodorant, bath soap).

Human Heart Nature Hydrating Face Mist with Aloe Vera.

Bringing this along was a wise decision, as this face mist became my skin-saviour during the course of my confinement. Staying in an air-conditioned room for an extended period of time can send the skin's natural moisture out of whack, and you can end up with dry, flaking, itchy skin.

Product description, directions for use, and ingredients on the side of the bottle.

This is where the Human Heart Nature Hydrating Face Mist with Aloe Vera came in handy. I would spritz this on my face whenever it feels tight and dry and boom... instant hydration!

List of ingredients.

This product is infused with aloe vera gel whose benefits to the skin are well-known. Not only does aloe vera moisturize the skin, it also helps remove dead cells. In addition, aloe vera improves skin elasticity and helps prevent the early signs of skin ageing. Furthermore, aloe vera is rich in vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants which can reduce skin inflammation and heal chronic skin problems.

All-natural, chemical-free, cruelty-free.

Aside from aloe vera, this face mist also contains beetroot extract which moisturizes the skin and keeps it smooth and supple. A rich source of iron, vitamins, and minerals, beetroot also has anti-inflammatory properties for healthy, glowing, acne-free skin.

Expiration date indicated at the bottom.

And so despite being confined to an air-conditioned room 24/7 for the next five days, my face was in a much better condition than my lungs. 

100% natural and certified by the Natural Products Association.

It's a good thing that this face mist is lightly-scented and easily absorbed by the skin. Otherwise, it could have triggered another attack and aggravate my condition. 

The spray nozzle.

As much as I love the wonders that this face mist does for the skin, I dislike the spray nozzle. It takes extra effort to pump it, and the nozzle is too difficult to control. Also, the nozzle does not give you a mist, but a rain. A rain!!!

Here's how the product looks like when sprayed on the skin.

This product could have been all-too perfect, if not for the nozzle and the dollops of liquid that it dispenses. But as they say, there's always room for improvement, and I hope they can tweak the nozzle to make it suitable as a makeup setting spray. :)

The Human Heart Nature Hydrating Face Mist with Aloe Vera comes in a travel-friendly 50 mL bottle and retails for Php 250. You can purchase this product at Human Heart Nature branches nationwide, or through the Human Heart Nature online store.

Pucker Up! | Moomin x Code Glökolor M.Tint Lip Balm.

I became acquainted with The Moomins a few years back, when Uniqlo first launched a clothing range featuring the cartoon family created by Finnish author and illustrator Tove Jansson. I've been smitten by these adorable characters since then, and I now have a small collection of Moomin items, most of which were bought in South Korea.

Some items from my 'relatively small' Moomin collection.

The Moomins are quite popular in the Land of the Morning Calm; no, make that extremely popular that there's actually a Moomin Cafe smack dab in the heart of Apgujeong Rodeo. Korean cosmetics brand Code Glökolor even has a makeup line featuring The Moomins, and the collection includes cushions, blushers, eyeshadows, nail polishes, and lip products.

I chanced upon a 1+1 sale on the Moomin x Code Glökolor collection last spring so I bought hoarded a few items - including this M. Tint Lip Balm.

Moomin x Code Glokolor M. Tint Lip Balm.

It's uncertain what the 'M' means, but my wild guess is that it stands for Moomin? Haha. :)

Product description in English, ingredients in Hangul.

The Moomin x Code Glökolor M. Tint Lip Balm comes in three different shades, and this one is Medium Cherry Red, the darkest shade in the collection.

Shade indicator on the top flap.

Licensed product.

All three shades for your reference. :)

The lip balm comes in a transparent plastic jar. Sturdy yet lightweight, this jar easily fits into your makeup pouch and even in your pocket.

Moominpappa loves Moominmamma!

I'm a sucker for cute packaging, and this product is a perfect example of it. Moominpappa and Moominmamma are so lovey dovey adorable!

Moomin x Code Glokolor M. Tint Lip Balm in Medium Cherry Red.

Here's what the 'Medium Cherry Red' looks like. Very bright and neon-like, right? Thankfully, I had the chance to swatch this product while at the Code store in Myeongdong and from there I knew that this won't look Cyndi Lauper on me. LOL!

Cute and handy!

And here's how the product looks like when swatched. The color payoff isn't as pigmented as it seems, but the sheer, barely-there formula works nicely on the lips. The lip balm also has a subtle raspberry scent; too subtle you can only smell it when you sniff the product right under your nose. 

Swiped thrice.

I love how this product gives my lips a nice pop of color while moisturizing it at the same time. The color is buildable, and stays on the lips for a decent period of time. It does fade after a bit of drinking and eating, but it leaves a nice, natural-looking, pinkish stain on the lips.

Medium Cherry Red on my lips.

Not bad for Php 150 pesos, right?

This lip balm was originally priced at 7000 won (around Php 300 or $6), but since I purchased this during the 1+1 event, I got two products for the price of one. (I gave the other lip balm to my Mum, who also likes The Moomins.) That makes each lip balm worth just 3500 won or a little over $3!

Products Used:
FACE: Beyond Alice in Blooming Skin Tone Sun Base,
Ever Bilena Liquid Concealer in Light,
Missha x Line Friends Magic Cushion in #23.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Liner,
Missha x Line Friends 4D Mascara.
CHEEKS: Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Raisin.
LIPS: Moomin x Code Glokolor M. Tint  Lip Balm in Medium Cherry Red.

Excuse my moon face. I'm currently on doctor-prescribed steroids for my asthma. Boo hoo.

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Natural Lip Scrub.

Matte lipsticks are all the rage these days, and I must admit, I have a growing fondness for this lipstick trend. However, my major - and perhaps my only - concern is how they make my lips look parched and dry afterwards.

Thankfully, my favorite local skincare brand Human Heart Nature now has a product that can address this problem. Ta-daaaa ~~~ the all-new Natural Lip Scrub!

Human Heart Nature Lip Scrub.

I was looking forward to this product so much that despite being under the weather, I made it a point to attend the Magalogue Turnover/Product Launch held last March 18. Two days later I was rushed to the hospital because of a severe asthma attack, haha.

Product description.

All-natural ingredients.

Expiration date and storage instructions.

So anyway, the key to keeping your lips moisturized despite the annoying drying tendencies of matte lipsticks is to exfoliate properly. And by that, I mean exfoliating before and even after wearing (matte) lipstick.

Here's the lip scrub, uncapped.

This genuinely natural exfoliant does just that - it buffs away dry, dull skin and makes your kisser soft, smooth, and yes, kissable. It's made with all-natural, homegrown ingredients such as raw sugar from Negros, beeswax, sunflower seed oil, and jojoba seed oil.

A closer look. The jar is stuffed, like super-stuffed with sugar crystals.

The sugar crystals gently slough away rough, dry skin while the medley of moisturizers soften the skin and make the lips look plump and healthy. Oh, and this lip scrub contains peppermint too. I love its minty-fresh scent and its cooling effect on my lips!

Swatched. :)

To use, simply apply a pea-sized amount of the Human Heart Nature Natural Lip Scrub on the lips. Then massage the scrub gently for a minute or two. No need to worry about the sugar crystals falling off from your lips. They adhere pretty nicely, so none of those precious crystals go to waste. Afterwards, rinse your lips or simply wipe it off with a wet tissue or a damp washcloth.

My lips, parched and dry after 8+ hours of wearing matte lipstick.

I also used this product on my son, whose lips are often as dry as the Sahara. As soon as I applied the lip scrub on his lips, he licked the sugar crystals off the corners of his mouth because 'they were sweet', he said. Guess what? They're actually edible, but I don't recommend you to eat it. Lol. Also, you don't need to exfoliate everyday; twice or three a week will do.

After using Human Heart Nature Lip Scrub!

Overall, this product does a stellar job of getting dry and parched lips back in shape. I love its cool and refreshing formula, aside from the fact that it does not contain chemicals and is made with natural, locally-sourced ingredients. It's reasonably priced, too - just Php 175 for a 12-gram jar. Definitely pure bliss for my lips. :)

The Human Heart Nature Natural Lip Scrub is available at the Human Heart Nature online store and all Human Heart Nature branches nationwide. I'm thinking of doing a giveaway in collaboration with Human Heart Nature Laguna, so please stay tuned for details! :)