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3.29.2018

Good Movies To Watch With Your Kids.

Do you sometimes find it hard to watch movies with your children? Some films are not ideal for watching as a family. But there are some that you can watch with your kids without having to worry about lack of respect. We have combined a list of movies for family to enable you to have a fun family evening with your children. Keep reading!

Photo credit: Fabrikasim.

Frozen
From the time when she was a youngster Elsa, Arendelle’s princess has had factually alarming powers. Using a gesture of her hand, she can cover anything completely. But when her chilly capabilities almost take the life of Anna, her sister, Elsa gets locked up in an area in her citadel. She is made not to come out until she is fully grown enough for her coronation as the queen. Predictably, on the same day of her inauguration, things go wrong. Anna and Elsa with the assistance of a gracious snowman, who has dreams of spring, have to join hands to rescue the kingdom from the forever winter.

Let it go. :)

Cinderella
This is a story of one girl, Cinderella, with the purest heart residing in an unkind world full of evil stepsisters and stepmom. They are ready to ruin Cinderella’s life. Cinderella tops with her clean heart after she comes across the prince and enjoys her way to a decent life. This is with the assistance of fairy grandmother and her friends, the birds, and mice.

Cinderella.

Pollyanna
This is one of the most loved films by kids, but adults will be enamored by this classic as well. This is a movie about an orphaned child sent to live with her rich yet strict Aunt Polly. The girl is incredibly positive to see the best in life. And with her determination, she confronts the town in a manner that makes you feel like putting her on the shoulders and applauding her name. Even as you think about this while you watch the movie, the people of the town decide to cheer her towards the end of the film. Don’t miss to watch this with your kids as it encourages positivism not only in you, but the kids as well.

A classic - Pollyanna.

Pride & Prejudice
This is one of the best movies to watch with your kids. Elizabeth Bennett is a young and stubborn, sarcastic, and witty lady who has an opinion about so many things. She has a reason why she wouldn’t want to marry just because that is what is anticipated of her. On the other side is Guy Darcy, a shy and wealthy gentleman who disobediently thinks superiority exists. Unfortunately, Guy falls in love with a lady below his class. Watch this family movie to find out if they both can overcome their arrogance and prejudice.

Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy.

Movies have some lessons that help our kids learn so many things they are yet to understand in life. We also get to learn some of the things we need to avoid in parenting. Above all, movies help us have fun together with our kids.

3.26.2018

Spotlight | Tupperware Brands Colorfull Satin Lipstick & Colorfull Cheek Magix Cream.

We're currently on a Holy Week break - no classes for an entire week, which means I don't have to worry about Yue's homework or quizzes or projects or what-not, and I have lots of free time to catch up on my favorite Korean dramas and blog backlogs. Yay!

Let's start with my review of these lip and cheek products from Tupperware Brands' Colorfull line. These items were included in the Happy New Me package sent by Tupperware Brands Philippines earlier this year.
Colorfull from Tupperware Brands Philippines.
A trademark of Colorfull products is their fun and playful packaging and kitschy designs. I reckon this makeup line is geared towards a 'younger' audience - as in teens and women in their early 20's.
Colorfull Satin Lipstick in Midnight (top) and Fierce Red (bottom).
The price point of these products are one of the lowest in the market, too. These lipsticks, for instance, retail for just Php 109 a pop. 
Colorfull Satin Lipstick in Midnight.
Colorfull Satin Lipstick in Fierce Red.
But affordability doesn't necessarily mean that you're sacrificing quality. In terms of pigmentation, these Colorfull Satin Lipsticks deliver intense color payoff with just one swipe.
Midnight (left) and Fierce Red (right), indoor lighting.
Midnight (left) and Fierce Red (right), natural light.
They glide on your lips like a dream, and leave your lips feeling soft and supple with a lovely satin finish.
Fierce Red.
Fierce Red is a shade that's somewhere in between pink and berry red, while Midnight is a cool-toned plum that looks flattering on most skin tones. There are ten other satin lipstick shades in the Colorfull line, most of which are pinks and reds.
Midnight.
In terms of wear time, Fierce Red is so-so - about two or three hours before the color starts to fade; Midnight is more long-wearing as the color stays in place for up to five hours.
Colorfull Cheek Magix Cream.
The Colorfull Cheek Magix Cream, on the other hand, is a cream-type blush that changes from white to pink as you apply it on your skin. This product retails for Php 149 and is available in just one shade - Pink Spice.
Product description and usage instructions at the back of the box.
It comes in a cute, convenient, and hygienic squeeze tube with a small opening that allows you to control the amount of product to be dispersed. 
Cute, convenient, and hygienic.
The cream is mildly scented (it has a hint of berries, which I certainly don't mind), and has a velvety texture when applied.
Start with a small amount...
Blend...
Build color as desired.
Colorfull Cheek Magix Cream in Pink Spice under natural light.
The key to achieving a natural flush with the Cheek Magix Cream is to start with a small amount of the product and blend it rapidly across the cheeks. Wait for the color to pop before applying another layer until you get the pink flush that you desire.
Sheer flush of pink on my cheeks using the Colorfull Cheek Magix Cream,
Colorfull Satin Lipstick in Midnight on my lips.
I like how this product gives your cheeks a gentle wash of color and a subtle, pinkish glow. If you're going for the 'no-makeup' makeup look, this product will give your cheeks a lovely, natural-looking flush. The only downside is that the flush doesn't stay all day. You have to retouch every once in a while to keep that pinkish glow on your cheeks.

The Colorfull Satin Lipstick and the Colorfull Cheek Magix Cream are available at Tupperware Brands branches nationwide. You may also purchase products through registered dealers near you.


3.23.2018

Sneak Peek | The Face Shop x Coca-Cola Collection.

Coca-Cola, the most popular soft drink brand in history AND one of the most iconic brands in the world, has just dropped new products that are better than their beverage. But that's just my opinion, because I'm forever on a diet and trying my best to stay away from sugary, carbonated drinks, lol.

What's better than Coke, you ask?
Makeup! An entire collection. In 'Coke red' packaging. With the world-famous Coca-Cola script logo.
The Face Shop x Coca Cola Collection.
View the complete The Face Shop x Coca-Cola Collection after the jump!


3.19.2018

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Cooling Body Cleanser.

If you're following me on Instagram and/or viewing my IG stories, then it's highly likely that you've seen snippets of Human Heart Nature's latest product offerings over the weekend. My friends at Human Heart Nature Laguna graciously invited me to last Saturday's Product Launch where I got first dibs on the all-new Natural Feminine Wash with Odor Protect, Refreshing Hair Mist, and the Cooling Body Cleanser which takes the spotlight on my blog today.
Human Heart Nature Cooling Body Cleanser.
Contained in a sleek and travel-friendly squeeze bottle, the Human Heart Nature Cooling Body Cleanser promises a spa-like experience with its special blend of essential oils - rosemary, lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus.
Product description + usage instructions.
You're probably familiar with rosemary as something that adds flavor to baked potatoes and roasted chicken. But this aromatic herb actually does so much more, and is considered as one of the most powerful essential oils in the planet. It's a rich anti-oxidant, a memory enhancer, an immunity booster, and a hair grower - among many other things.
Ingredients list.
Peppermint oil, on the other hand, contains menthol - an organic compound with innate anesthetic properties that helps soothe discomfort. Aside from the cooling effect, this essential oil also works to brighten up dull skin and can alleviate stress and pain after a long and tiring day.
99.8% natural and cruelty-free.
Similarly, eucalyptus oil helps relax the body and calm the nerves with its sweet and minty scent. It also has a cooling effect which is a welcoming treat during these hot summer months. 
Flip-top cap, easy-to-squeeze bottle.
And finally, there's lemon oil, known for its antiseptic properties and its ability to detoxify and rejuvenate dull, tired-looking skin. Its lovely citrus scent is calming in nature and can also help clear nasal passages - perfect for days when you're down with the sniffles!
Here's a small drop of the cleanser - clear, with gel-like consistecny.
I absolutely love everything about this cleanser - the simple, no-fuss packaging, its woody/minty scent that invigorates the senses, the cooling effect that refreshes the body and relaxes the mind, and how it makes my skin soft and smooth after every bath. Truly, a spa-like experience in the comforts of your own home (your bathroom, to be exact). Oh, and I also love the how this tingling sensation lingers on the skin even after patting my skin dry. A summer must-have, indeed!

A word of caution, though. This cleanser contains coconut-derived ingredients which tend to thicken below 20 degrees Celsius. If the product becomes difficult to dispense, you simply need to warm it up with hot water. I've personally experienced this with Human Heart Nature's Salon Care Shampoo and Conditioner which I brought to my spring trip to Korea last year. Spring temperature in Korea ranges from 15 to 21 degrees, so yeah, it was a daily battle between me and my hair care products for the most part of our trip, lol. Thank goodness we have a boiler that also heats up the water in bathroom!

The Human Heart Nature Cooling Body Cleanser retails for Php 199.75 per bottle and is available at the Human Heart Nature website, and all Human Heart Nature branches nationwide. 


3.14.2018

5 Ways Good Hair Can Improve Your Life.

Do you ever envy individuals who seem to have luscious locks? They walk past you, and you can’t help but stare. We get it - it is human nature to be attracted to a good head of hair! Whether they just know how to style it or it’s naturally perfect, having good hair is an overall good attribute.

Good hair also means you have healthy hair, which is achieved by good hygiene and giving your body its proper nutrients. It is often we give up on our hair and start putting it up every day or cutting it off because it is too much to deal with or extremely time-to consume. However, you don’t know what you are missing out on when it comes to having good hair! Here are 5 ways having good hair can improve your life:
Photo credit: Evolve Beauty.
1. Improve Your Love Life
Every guy or girl is immediately attracted to someone with a good head of hair. Keep up with the maintenance of your hair, and you will be sure to improve your love life! If you are putting a lot of care and effort into your hair, it will just happen naturally. You will start noticing people wanting to talk to you more, or maybe your crush will finally notice you.

Good hair can enhance an individual’s appearance almost immediately. Everyone notices someone with nice hair, whether it is the color, the style, or the length. Choose something that fits you well because good hair is hair that complements your look.

2. Increase Your Social Media Exposure
Good hair always kills the social media game. You don’t even need to show your face when it comes to taking great pictures! Flip your hair, hold a coffee cup, laugh, and you now have the ultimate photo. Often people with great hair amass a huge number of followers because people love their hair, or want hair tutorials, styling ideas, or hair inspiration from these stars. If you always have a cute hairstyle, you will immediately be more popular online. In fact, you could become a hair vlogger if having good hair every day comes naturally to you. Once you kill the hair game, you should share your secrets with others!

3. Boosts Your Confidence
Having good hair will immediately increase the number of compliments people give you almost daily. You will find that everywhere you walk, someone will either be staring at your hair or talking to you about it. If you got it, flaunt it!

Good hair will give you that extra boost of confidence you need every day. If you didn’t have time to put on a good outfit, no need to worry—your hair will make up for it. Everyone can appreciate someone with great hair every day. So flip your hair, flash a smile, and feel good about your hair! Take advantage of your new confidence booster.

Photo credit: Prima UK.

4. Good Hair Shows Good Health and Hygiene
If you have good hair, it shows the world not only that you are put-together, but you have good hygiene. It is important to give off a vibe that you know how to take care of yourself and that you care about how you look. Everyone knows that one person who has their hair in the same bun or ponytail every single day and never changes it up. It shows they don’t care about their appearance or they don’t take good care of themselves. Taking good care of your hair is important to maintain hair health and its appearance.

5. Increases Your Chances of Getting Things You Want In Life
It is easy to dazzle people with a good hair flip—have you ever tried it? Whether you are being told you can’t enter a certain party, or you can’t get a table at that special restaurant, or you can’t get the job you wanted, sometimes having effortlessly good hair will increase your chances of getting the things you want that you normally can’t have. Good hair shows status and that you can be taken seriously! If you want to achieve that effortless look, this includes a fair review on hair products that will help.


3.13.2018

7 Ways to Prevent Unwanted Blemishes.

Unwanted blemishes can strike when you least expect it. It always seems that they come at the worst times—right before a first date or the first day at a new job. As much as we would all like that quick and easy fix to magically erase our acne, it simply doesn’t work that way. Why worry about getting rid of those pesky pimples when you can prevent them in the first place? Here are some helpful ways to keep your skin free and clear of blemishes.

1. Don’t Stress!
I know, I know—stress isn’t something that’s easily manageable for everyone. Big projects, boy troubles, and finances can keep us on our toes 24/7. There no single solution for everyone when it comes to managing stress: exercise, yoga, meditation, herbal teas, the list of stress remedies goes on. Experiment with the different stress relievers you can fit into your busy schedule and find what works for you.

2. Understand What Causes Acne
The causes of acne may not be as mysterious as you think. Breakouts arise when the small pores on the surface of your skin become blocked by sebum (oil produced by your skin), dead skin cells, and bacteria. Each pore is connected to a follicle beneath the skin and a sebaceous gland. Red and white blood cells create white puss as they attempt to remove dead skin and destroy the bacteria P. acnes responsible for infection.
The most basic step in any skincare routine.
3. Wash Your Face
It might seem like a no-brainer, but washing your face every morning and night is critical for preventing buildup and clogged pores. Find a facewash that doesn’t irritate your skin and apply it to a warm, wet, wash cloth to clean your face. Using a washcloth will exfoliate your outer layer of skin and help a newer, healthier layer replace it.

4. Eat Clean
Your diet is going to be half the battle when it comes to preventing unwanted blemishes. Your body uses its immune system to fight acne and the bacteria that causes breakouts. Replacing those greasy fried foods with fresh salmon and whole grains can give your body the tools it needs to fight and prevent blemishes. Here are some foods you should add to your diet:
  • Salmon
  • Fruits rich in vitamin C
  • Whole grains
  • Nuts and seeds like flax, almonds, and sunflower
  • Avocado
  • Blueberries
  • Orange and red vegetables
  • Leafy greens
Don’t forget to cut out foods that are full of dairy and sugar. Dairy products are often loaded with growth hormones that can throw your body out of whack and too much sugar has been associated with acne.
Sweat it out!

5. Exercise
When you look good, you feel good. Not only will exercise help you feel great and improve your physique, but it can also help prevent blemishes. Exercising improves your body’s overall circulation. An improved circulatory system means that your body can carry toxins and waste away from points of flare-ups more efficiently. The common belief is that you sweat out your toxins but it’s actually your liver that filters them out. If your body can deliver toxins to your liver more efficiently, it means your blemishes will heal much faster.

6. Don’t Pop Your Pimples!
It’s a lot easier said than done for most of us. The temptation to relieve the pressure and discomfort can be too much. If you have the mental fortitude, resist—your skin will certainly thank you. Popping pimples can push the puss further under the skin and cause returning breakouts in the surrounding area. Instead of popping, keep the area clean and allow your body to naturally remove the buildup. You can always use legitimate products that can give your immune system a little help while it heals your skin.

7. Get Lots of Rest
Sleep is so important for multiple facets of health and well-being, one of which is skin vitality. Your body needs sleep to rebuild muscle and run general maintenance—including repairing your skin. Your immune system can fight bacteria in your skin and increase revitalizing oxygen flow while you sleep. They call it beauty sleep for a reason! If you want your skin to look clear, rejuvenated, and beautiful make sure you get plenty of rest.

Use these preventative steps to keep those blemishes under wraps. Take control of your skin so you never have to worry about surprise pimples again.



3.12.2018

Spotlight | Sleek Makeup Eye & Cheek Palette.

When I first started writing about makeup and beauty products in this blog more than seven years ago, Sleek Makeup easily became one of my favorite brands. Known for their high-quality makeup with strong pigmentation, this British high street (drugstore) brand also earned a cult following for their expansive range of shades in all skin tones.

Today I am rekindling my love for Sleek Makeup with this Eye and Cheek Palette, a gift from my Mum a few months back.
Sleek Makeup Eye & Cheek Palette, retails for £10.  
This palette is called Dancing 'Til Dusk which contains four eye shadows and two blushers from Sleek Makeup's bestselling i-Divine and Blush range. Packaged in a handy-sized travel compact with magnetic closure, the palette comes with a mirror the size of the entire lid, a mini brush, and a mini sponge applicator.
What's inside the palette.
The brush and sponge applicator that comes with it.
I personally love this magnetic closure concept, because now I don't have to worry about stubbing my nails or ruining my nail polish just to get the palette open. This has always been my issue with my older Sleek Makeup palettes - they're too difficult to open! Thankfully, the brand seemed to have resolved this common issue, and most - if not all - of their palettes now close magnetically.
The larger pans are the blushers, the smaller ones are the eyeshadows.
Dancing 'Til Dusk features complementary and bold shades suitable for all skin tones. The eyeshadows are velvety browns and shimmering fawns from the Au Naturel i-Divine palette. As for the blushers, one is from a limited edition release while the other is from Sleek Makeup's current range.
From L-R: Mirrored Pink (blush), Cappuccino and Mineral Earth (eye shadows).
Mirrored Pink is a cool-toned, bright pink shade with silver shimmers. It has a pretty nice texture and glides on smoothly on your cheeks when applied. It's also well-pigmented, and has great color payoff with just one or two swipes. 

Cappuccino is a light beige matte shade. This eye shadow has a different texture, a little too hard if I may say, and it took me a few swipes to make the color noticeable in the swatches. It's the least pigmented product in this palette, and you really have to make extra effort to get good color payoff from this shade.

Mineral Earth is a deep brown shade with a hint of gold. It's shimmery, nicely pigmented, and has a smooth, easy-to-apply texture.
From L-R: Sahara (blusher), Taupe and Regal (eye shadows).
Sahara is a matte orange blusher with a touch of brown. This shade has a lovely, smooth texture and is highly pigmented. You need to be light-handed in applying this on your cheeks as the color can be pretty intense with just one or two swipes.

Taupe is a champagne shimmer with a smooth texture and good color payoff.

Regal is a cool-toned purple shade with a hint of brown. Unlike the Cappuccino, this matte eye shadow has a smooth and creamy texture which makes it easier to apply. It's nicely pigmented, and you get good color payoff with just a swipe or two.
All six shades - Mirrored Pink, Cappuccino, Mineral Earth on top,
Sahara, Taupe, and Regal on the bottom.
All six shades have great staying power, especially the blushers. Both Mirrored Pink and Sahara can last for more than six hours on the skin, while the eye shadows can stay put the entire day with a good primer/eye shadow base underneath.
Sahara on my cheeks.
Mirrored Pink on my cheeks.
Overall, I love how every shade in this palette is wearable for both night and day looks, and is suitable for most skin tones. With its sleek and sturdy packaging, this palette is perfect for traveling -and I will most likely bring this along on my next Seoul Searching trip. I'll bring my own brushes though, as I'm not very fond of the brush and applicator that's included in the palette.
Products used:
FACE: Beyond Alice in Blooming Skin Tone Sun Base,
Nature Republic Botanical Stick Concealer.
Innisfree Long Wear Cover Cushion in N23.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Liner,
Nature Republic Pure Shine Mascara.
CHEEKS: Sleek Makeup Mirrored Pink Blush.
LIPS: Vice Cosmetics Good Vibes Matte Lipstick in Ekzaj.

3.11.2018

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Pollution Defense Face Cleanser.

Summer is now in full swing and we're just a few more weeks away from the much-awaited school break. It's the perfect time to travel, go on an outing, or hit the beach. On the downside, the warm and sunny season (which is more like hot and arid here in the Philippines) brings a myriad of skin problems such as breakouts, sunburn, and excessive sweating. While the latter may not seem that much of an issue because sweat rids your body of toxins, profuse sweating combined with daily exposure to pollutants such as smoke, dust, and fumes can clog your pores and lead to the formation of acne.
Human Heart Nature to the rescue!
Thankfully, there is a way to 'shield' your skin and protect it from pore-clogging, moisture-zapping daily pollutants - with the Pollution Defense Face Cleanser from Human Heart Nature.
Human Heart Nature Pollution Defense Face Cleanser.
If you're a fan of Human Heart Nature's Pollution Defense Face Mask, then you'll love this cleanser just as much; maybe even more, because this product is ideal for daily use. That means you get to wash away those nasty, skin-damaging pollutants day in and day out.
Product description and usage instructions.
It's infused with NaturProtect Actives such as moringa seed extract which has the ability to filter out impurities that are deeply rooted within the skin and counteract skin aging. 
List of ingredients.
It also contains passion fruit seed oil, an ingredient rich in antioxidants that rejuvenates and nourishes the skin and protects it from DNA-damaging free radicals.
Cruelty-free, and 97.8% natural.
Also found in this face cleanser is bamboo charcoal, an amazing natural ingredient known for its ability to draw out filth from pores, control facial oil, and make the skin tighter and firmer. It also contains lemon peel oil which brightens the skin and helps improve the complexion.
Love that it comes in a convenient and hygienic pump bottle.
The Human Heart Nature Pollution Defense Face Cleanser comes in a 100 mL pump bottle. Like any other cleanser, you simply pump the product out, work into a lather, massage onto your wet face in gentle, circular motions, and then rinse it off. 
You get this much product with one pump.
With its light, watery consistency, this product makes a great 'second cleanser' subsequent to my current favorite cleansing balm - because you know, I swear by double cleansing. And while the Pollution Defense Face Cleanser doesn't really foam much, it does a good job of removing dirt and oil on your face without drying your skin. Like the Pollution Defense Face Mask, this cleanser also has an earthy, herbal scent but now I have sort-of gotten used to that smell and no longer find it overwhelming. 
Working into a lather...
I've been using this as my night cleanser for about a month now and I love how my skin feels soft and squeaky clean after every wash. The cooling sensation that I get whenever this product comes in contact with my skin is also a refreshing treat in this warm (very warm, actually) weather.

The Human Heart Nature Pollution Defense Face Cleanser retails for Php 245 per bottle and can be purchased at Human Heart Nature branches across the country and at the Human Heart Nature online store. For a limited time only, this cleanser can also be bought as a set with the Pollution Defense Face Mask for only Php 625.  That's Php 70 off their combined regular prices, a special offer available until March 17.