Pucker Up! | Guerlain KissKiss Matte Lipstick.

Last October, Guerlain had a Facebook contest with the recently launched KissKiss Matte Lipsticks at stake. I joined for the fun of it, not expecting to win in the slightest bit. A few days after the contest ended, I received a text message from Guerlain Philippines saying that I won the contest. I was like, "Wha-aaat?! I almost even forgot that I joined this thing!"

Turns out, my name has already been announced on their Facebook page while I, the lucky winner, was still clueless. Well you know what they say, good things come when you least expect them!

The much-coveted prize, worth over Php 8000, came in the mail last week.

My prize from Guerlain Philippines!

The parcel contained four KissKiss Matte Lipsticks packed inside a small black pouch, a paper bag, and a congratulatory note from Guerlain Philippines.

Thank you, Guerlain Philippines!

Launched last September as part of Guerlain's Fall 2017 collection, the KissKiss Matte Lipstick is dubbed as the matte version of the brand's iconic lipstick, KissKiss.

Totally chic!

The lipsticks come in a totally chic, eye-candy packaging - a weighty, metal case in frosted gold, with elegant and graceful curves that look like three sleek cubes stacked on top of each other. It's a complete work of art from the packaging alone.

The Guerlain logo.

The Guerlain logo is engraved on the top part of the case, while the bottom cube bears the word 'Guerlain'. The shade name and number are indicated on the bottom of the lipstick case, as well as on the top flap of the box that comes with every KissKiss Matte Lipstick.

Shade name and number.

Shade name and number on the box.

Even the bullets have the 'KissKiss' logo on it, making these lipsticks even more appealing.

KissKiss logo on the bullet.

Guerlain and gold - a total beauty.

Now as for the lipstick itself, Guerlain describes this product as 'a hydrating and plumping lipstick, with the intensity of a lipstick and comfort of a balm'. And that's exactly what the KissKiss Matte Lipstick is.

From L-R: Caliente Beige, Hot Coral, Wild Plum, Spicy Burgundy.

With its soft and creamy texture and vibrant matte finish, the KissKiss Matte Lipstick glides on the lips beautifully without tugging or pulling against the lips. Its highly-pigmented, full-coverage formula gives your lips a gorgeous pop of color even with just one swipe, though I tend to swipe my lips two or three times more with the lighter shades.

Swatches from L-R: Caliente Beige, Hot Coral, Wild Plum, Spicy Burgundy.

Made with spice extracts, hyaluronic acid, and precious oils, the KissKiss Matte Lipstick also gives a slight (albeit temporary) plumpness to lips, while keeping it smooth and nourished over time.

Swatches in natural light - Caliente Beige, Hot Coral, Wild Plum, Spicy Burgundy.

Staying power is excellent, with the darkest shades lasting for up to eight hours with a bit of eating and drinking. There are nine shades in the KissKiss Matte line, and the ones that I have are Caliente Beige, Hot Coral, Wild Plum, and Spicy Burgundy.

Caliente Beige.

Caliente Beige is a lovely nude beige, perfect for that MLBB look.

Hot Coral.

Hot Coral is a bright, coral pink, the kind of lipstick that reminds you of cherry blossoms in the spring.

Wild Plum.

Wild Plum is a gorgeous, versatile shade of pinkish mauve, and without a doubt, my most favorite among the bunch.

Spicy Burgundy.

Spicy Burgundy, on the other hand, is a deep crimson red that's perfect for partying all night long during this season of merry-making.

Products Used:
FACE: Beyond Alice in Blooming Skin Tone Sun Base,
Benefit Erase Paste in Medium.
Missha x Line Friends Magic Cushion #23.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Liner,
Clio Salon de Cara Backcomb Cara.
CHEEKS: SkinFood Sugar Cookie Blusher in Bebe Pink.
LIPS: Guerlain KissKiss Matte Lipstick in Wild Plum.

I must say, I am totally smitten by these KissKiss Matte Lipsticks that I would love to own more - if not all - of the shades in the collection. Each KissKiss Matte Lipstick retails for $37 or Php 2084. A bit pricey, yes, though not surprising since Guerlain is a luxury brand.

That being said, I'd like to thank Guerlain Philippines once again for these gorgeous lipsticks! These babies are now the star(s) of my lipstick collection! :)

Experience an Excellent Christmas with TAITRA's Promo Treats!

Make Christmas even more special with awesome promotional prizes from Taiwan Excellence! As the holidays draw near, Taiwan Excellence has an exciting lineup of activities for us consumers, giving everyone a chance to bring home their top notch products bearing the Taiwan Excellence seal.

The Taiwan Excellence campaign promotes Taiwan’s superior-quality products and encourages technological innovation. Along with TAITRA, the initiative is sponsored by Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

Taiwan Excellence Christmas Treats promo!

For the Christmas Treat promo,  Php 2,000 worth of participating products in a single transaction from PCExpress entitles the costumer to one raffle coupon. More items purchased means more coupons, and greater chances of winning. Entries will be accepted until November 30, 2017, and winners will be drawn on December 8, 2017, 4PM, at PC Express, Gilmore Plus.

At stake are the following prizes:
-     1TB ADATA External Hard Drives and Transcend 310 32GB Flash Drives for storing your extensive movie, photo, and file library;
-     ASUS Zenfone Live for taking glamorous selfie videos live;
-     TRANSCEND DP50 DrivePro Camcorders for capturing moments on the road;
-     SUPER Z 125 KYMCO Scooter for giving you a ride in comfort and style.

If your name wasn’t drawn in this Christmas Treat promo, don't fret! Taiwan Excellence will be releasing three mini-games on their Facebook page this November, with some surprises up for grabs. Help Formosa Bear navigate through the busy streets of Taiwan and shop for the perfect gift items, and you may get a surprise. Participate in these activities and don’t forget to like and share Taiwan Excellence’s Facebook page.

For more information, visit https://pcx.com.ph/taiwanexcellencerafflepromo/ and Taiwan Excellence on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph/.

-------------------------
About Taiwan Excellence
The symbol of Taiwan Excellence honors Taiwan’s most innovative products that provide tremendous value to users worldwide. All products carrying this symbol have been selected for specific Taiwan Excellence Awards based on their excellence in design, quality, marketing, Taiwanese R&D, and manufacturing. Started by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C. in 1992, the symbol of Taiwan Excellence is recognized by 101 countries.


Sponsored by Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), MOEA
The Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C. implements policies and regulations governing foreign trade and economic cooperation. Established in January 1969, the BOFT's role and position adjusts regularly to meet the needs of the ever-changing international economic and trade environments. The BOFT has been guiding and working with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) in numerous promotional trade projects and activities both internationally and domestically. Having worked with TAITRA for many decades, the BOFT continues to commission TAITRA for various critical government projects relating to business, trade, and investment, while promoting Taiwan internationally.

Organized by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)
Founded in 1970 to help promote foreign trade, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is the foremost non-profit, semi-governmental trade promotion organization in Taiwan. Jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations, and several commercial organizations, TAITRA assists Taiwanese businesses and manufacturers with reinforcing their international competitiveness and in coping with the challenges they face in foreign markets. TAITRA boasts a well-coordinated trade promotion and information network of over 1,200 international marketing specialists stationed throughout its Taipei headquarters and 50 overseas offices worldwide. Together with its sister organizations, the Taiwan Trade Center (TTC) and the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotion strategies.

Join | Love & Beauty Giveaway!

I was supposed to run a giveaway last December to celebrate the second anniversary of this blog. But because of unforeseen circumstances (i.e. my old laptop conking out on me), I was not able to do so. Now allow me to make it up to you, my dear readers, by doing this mini giveaway. It's my first for the year, and hopefully (fingers crossed) I can run a few more giveaways in the months to come.

This giveaway officially kicks off today (January 31) in time for the Lunar New Year, and will end on Valentines Day (February 14). This giveaway is open worldwide, and one winner will receive a Human Heart Nature gift pack with the following items:

Many thanks to Human Heart Nature Laguna for these lovely prizes! :)

1 Sunflower Beauty Oil 

1 100% Natural Healthy Lotion

1 Kids Bath Soap

1 Balm for All Seasons

1 100% Natural Lip Balm
(Click on the links to read my review of these products!)

As always, we have the good old Rafflecopter for your entries. You earn ten entries by doing all of the mandatory tasks, and you can earn a lot more should you choose to do the optional tasks. I repeat, you have to complete all of the mandatory tasks for your entries to be valid. They're pretty simple, so I'm sure you'll be able to complete all of them without even breaking a sweat. And the more tasks you complete, the more entries you earn, the better your chances of winning. :)

Good luck everyone! And a Happy Lunar New Year to all! 

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Sae Hae Bok Manhi Baduseyo!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight | Homewoods Creation + a Giveaway!

I'm no interior designer, and I'm no Martha Stewart, either. But I do know good furniture when I see one. Take for example the furniture pieces in Doug and Cheska Kramer's new home.

Photo credit: Cheska Garcia-Kramer

Photo credit: Cheska Garcia-Kramer

I first saw the photos on Cheska's Instagram, then afterwards in an episode of Kris TV, where the couple gave a tour of their new home. I took note of who made their furniture (or where they bought it), with hopes that one of these days, I will also be busy shopping for furniture for our new home. (Dreams do come true, don't they?)

Photo credit: Cheska Garcia-Kramer

Photo credit: Cheska Garcia-Kramer

Turns out they were from Homewoods Creation, a home furnishing store that makes all sorts of customized furniture. From beds to sala sets, dining sets, tables, shelves, and cabinets - name it, and Homewoods Creation has it. And in case the furniture you need is not available in their Makati showroom, then they can make one for you, just the way you want it! (And just the way the Kramers wanted theirs!)

Take a look at the craftsmanship of Homewoods Creation:

While here are some photos of their products straight from the showroom.

Kids Bunk Bed in Ducco White Finish, made of solid wood.
Php 32,500. 

Alfy Japanese Day Bed in Wenge, made of solid wood.
Php 13,500.

Joseph Trundle Bed in Wenge, made of solid wood.
Php 15,500.

Queen Bed in Upholstered Cream, made of solid wood.
Php 25,000.

Now here's the best part. I've teamed up with Homewoods Creation to bring you this amazing giveaway! And if your instinct is telling you that I'll be giving away furniture, then give yourself a pat on the back because your instinct is right!

Up for grabs is this set of Contemporary Wall Shelves, valued at Php 4,600!

Contemporary Wall Shelves by Other Metro Furniture and Accessories 

Homewoods Creation

To enter this giveaway, all you have to do is to complete the MANDATORY tasks indicated in the Rafflecopter below. Remember, you have to do ALL of the MANDATORY tasks for your entry to be valid. The other tasks are not mandatory, but doing so earns you more entries. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

This giveaway will run until from July 12 all the way until August 12 and is open to Philippine residents who have access to the Makati area. The prize can be claimed at the Homewoods Creation showroom 20 days after the announcement of the giveaway winner. Good luck!

Homewoods Creation 
Unit A-100, State V Condo, 
452 EDSA Guadalupe Viejo Makati City
Tel. No.  (02) 2681861; (02) 2681932
Mobile No. (0927) 898-4907; (0932) 856-7454; (0910) 621-7063

Like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Homewoods-Creation/153578648141136
Follow them on Twitter https://twitter.com/HomeWoodsCreate

Haul | Korean Cosmetics + Forever21.

The little man goes back to school tomorrow, so expect me to be busier than the usual in the coming days. Mommies, you understand what I'm saying right? :) We all go back to the daily grind tomorrow, after all. But before chaos ensues around here, indulge me with this quick post and allow me to show you the stuff that I have bought the past week.

You might have heard that the husband and I just celebrated our tenth-slash-fifth anniversary. My better half treated me a to shopping spree at Kimchi Jib, which gave me the chance to stock up on some of my favorite Korean skincare products.

Clockwise from L-R:
Laneige Snow BB Cream, Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX,
samples of various skincare products from Missha, Apieu, & Liole,
Skin79 Skinny Mirror Pact, Skin79 Kick It Side Thin Sponge.

This loot arrived on the eve of our anniversary, and it came just in time as the night moisturizer that I've been using was already running on empty. Ms. Maggie, the owner of Kimchi Jib, even included a bunch of product samples in the package. So yay, I'm a happy customer! I got me some new products to try! :)

I also did a bit of shopping at Forever 21 last Friday. I was in Makati to attend to claim my prize at the EON office, and I made the most out of that trip by getting me some new clothes for the new school year. As if I were the incoming student, haha!

Clockwise from L-R:
Grey Knit Top, Blue Dolman, Black Knee-length Leggings,
Black Regular Length Leggings, Basic Tee in Tomato,
Basic Tee in Sea Green.

And that's it! I told you this post is gonna be quick, haha!
I have to get some shut-eye now, as I need to wake up awfully early tomorrow. Flag ceremony is at 7 freaking 30 in the morning and I wouldn't want the little man to arrive late on his first day at the new school. Ah, good luck to me! Lol!

Something Special for Mom | Win a pair of Firmoo Sunglasses + e-vouchers!

The month of May is a special time to celebrate Mothers. Whether you are a mom yourself or you're doing something special for your own mom, the Something Special for Mom Giveaway Event is for YOU!

A great group of bloggers have come together to show you special items you might like to receive or give as gifts this month. You'll be able to enter to win these great products from May 10th-26th thanks to the Blogging Mamas Network!

 Be sure to hop around to all of the participating bloggers, in the linky below this giveaway, as they have some great prizes to share with you! Make sure you also enter the Grand Prize - a $250 Gift Card to Mía Mariú! One lucky Mama is going to look so pretty with all that eco-friendly makeup!

 

For my giveaway, I am so happy to be working once again with Firmoo - the global online optical store.

Firmoo is the world's Most Popular Online Eyeglasses Store - as evidenced by their 580K+ fans on Facebook. Firmoo's mission is to offer varieties of unbelievable cheap yet fashionable prescription & Plano eyewear to the consuming public.

Their collection of eyewear comes directly from an affiliate factory, hence, prices are 85%~90% lower than those being sold at traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Purchasing eyeglasses from Firmoo is very convenient too, since you can do the shopping right in the comfort of your own home (or office, even). And they ship to over 40 countries worldwide!

Remember this pair of sunglasses that I got from them last year?

You too could be sporting one of these babies by simply joining my giveaway! Seven prizes at stake for seven lucky winners*!

Grand Prize: One pair of sunglasses, to be shipped to the winner free of charge. 

(Winner can choose his/her pair of sunglasses from this collection.)

Consolation Prizes: 6 Firmoo e-vouchers worth $20 each.

*Prize setting for 50 or more giveaway contestants. If there will be less than 50 contestants, only the e-vouchers will be raffled. As such, let's keep the entries coming, okay? :)

Enter my giveaway via the Rafflecopter below.

This event will run from May 10th to May 26th, and is open worldwide. 

Good luck! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

According to Jenny, So Easy Being Green, the Blogging Mamas Network, and the Something Special for Mom participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

Shaping Up for Spring | Coloud Earphones Giveaway!

We are a few weeks into Spring and as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, it's time to shape up! What better way to make the act of exercising more enjoyable than giveaways!?

The Blogging Mamas Network is hosting the Shaping Up for Spring Hop from April 11th through the 25th to motivate you to get active and healthy!

For this event, I'm giving away The Pop - the most popular style and my personal favorite among the collection of Coloud Earphones.

Highly durable and comes in a variety of funky colors, the Pop comes with a direct sound, has a powerful bass, and eliminates the noise around you. It lets you enjoy your music as you jog, run a marathon, or do Zumba at home.

Its ergonomically designed earbuds guarantee a snug fit, while the flat cable and the Zound Lasso ensures that your earphones are always tangle-free.

Ready to rock and roll with these headphones? Join my giveaway by sending your entries in the Rafflecopter below! Remember, the more tasks you accomplish, the more entries you earn, the better your chances of winning! Best of all, this event is open worldwide! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: According to Jenny, So Easy Being Green, the Blogging Mamas Network, and the Shaping Up for Spring participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.

Be sure to hop around to all of the participating bloggers, in the linky below. They have some great prizes to share with you!  Don't forget the GRAND PRIZE which includes, a 3 meal box from Hello Fresh, Aurorae Yoga Apparel and Yoga Mat, a Accessory Pouch and Hair Bands from Active Accessories, and the best way to get your greens from NewGreens Organic!