Spotlight | BeautyCornerPH Mixing Palette.

Earlier this week, I received a surprise package from my friend Smile - the one-woman-army behind Updated Trends and Beauty Corner PH. Inside the package was a bunch of goodies - a Mixing Palette, the famous BCL 24-hour Browlash EX from Japan, Sleek Makeup's Flick It Eyeliner, plus Smile's handwritten note for me.

Don't you just love getting handwritten notes? In this day and age of Viber, Kakao Talk, and LINE, a cute stationery with a friend's penmanship is such a refreshing sight.

Thank you, Smile! :)

I'll do a separate review of the Browlash and the eyeliner, but for now, the spotlight is on the Mixing Palette.

A must-have for makeup artists!

An up and coming product from Beauty Corner PH, the Mixing Palette is a must-have, and should be a staple tool for every professional makeup artist. Made with acrylic, this mixing palette offers a hard, durable and easy to clean work surface where you can do some serious mixing, mashing, and blending of makeup products right before applying.

Mixing, blending, swatching.

Whether you're a professional or freelance makeup artist, or simply someone who likes experimenting with makeup on other people's faces, then this tool is for you. Not only does this palette make it more convenient to mix shades of lipsticks or foundations, it also makes the process more hygienic as you avoid constant dipping into your makeup and cosmetics.

My mixing palette and Seunghyun, my Samsung Note2.

The ring on the top-left corner allows easy grip on the palette. And mind you, this product is no bigger than a Samsung Note2.

This Acrylic Mixing Palette sells for Php 480 each, while the Mixing Palette with Stainless Steel Spatula sells for Php 650.

For orders and product inquiries, you may contact Smile via email (amberlights.laguna@gmail.com) or mobile (09162675881). And don't forget to like The Updated Trends on Facebook, too! :)

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

Spotlight | Amethyst Teardrop Earrings from SuperJeweler.

Oh, happy day! The San Antonio Spurs won Game 5, Manu Ginobili played a colossal game and showed the fans what he was made of, and as if these were not enough, my package from SuperJeweler came in the mail today!

A gift from Super Jeweler! :)

SuperJeweler is a New York-based online jewelry store, and sometime last month they sent me an email asking if I would be interested in doing a product review. Any girl who has an affinity for jewelries, accessories, and gemstones would agree, which I of course did.

Stephanie, the store's representative, gave me the liberty to choose which piece of jewelry I would like to receive. I chose this pair of Amethyst Teardrop Earrings for several reasons: 1) Purple is my favorite color; 2) Amethyst is one of my favorite stones (not my birthstone, though); 3) I have a penchant for dangling/chandelier earrings.

Purple is love! :)

Crafted in sterling silver with 18k gold overlay, these earrings are guaranteed to draw attention and spice up even the most basic wardrobe. The earrings, which feel light as a feather when worn, hang by an inch. The stone itself is pear-shaped and weighs 15 ct. It even comes with a Lifetime Guarantee, as with all pieces purchased from SuperJeweler.

Lifetime warranty.

These Amethyst Teardrop Earrings, by the way, retail elsewhere for around $399. At SuperJeweler, they're priced a hundred dollars less. (Do the math, that's $299.)

If you're from the Philippines and would like to order at SuperJeweler, you'd be glad to know that they offer free shipping to anywhere in the world, via the US Postal Service. My gift took about three weeks to arrive, so expect yours to arrive within the same time frame should you place an order at their website.

To end this post, here's how I rocked my Amethyst Teardrop Earrings.

No, I'm not wearing false eyelashes. 

Thankful that I inherited my dad's long neck.
I used to hate my neck when I was a kid, haha.

Disclosure: The Rebel Sweetheart received the aforementioned product for review purposes, and was not compensated in any form. Thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Summer Splash Event | Win a Waterproof Smartphone Case from Hokkoh!

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Summer Splash Event
hosted by Life With Two Boys and With Our Best!

A bunch of great blogs have come together to bring you some amazing prizes to help you kick off your summer... with a SPLASH! Each blog is giving away at least $25 worth of prizes, plus we have an awesome grand prize for one very lucky winner. Be sure to hop along to each of the participating blogs because the more giveaways you enter, the more chances you have at winning the Grand Prize!

But first things first. This giveaway, made possible by Hokkoh - home of the coolest, cutest, and most unique accessories and gadget peripherals in town. I had the chance to work with them on a giveaway last year, and now I have the honor of collaborating with them once again for this event.

Now for the prize. At stake is *drumroll please* ... a Waterproof Case for Smartphones!

This waterproof case is ideal for smart phones and allows for full functionality of your phone. With simple twist and lock access this easy to use, this case provides all the protection you need for your smart phone. 

It protects your phone against water, sand, and dirt. Its hard outer shell also provides shock absorption. With a transparent silicone membrane, you maintain full functionality of your phone.

One lucky reader will have the chance to own a Waterproof Case in his/her color of choice! You know the drill - enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter below. The more tasks you complete, the more entries you earn, and the greater your chances of winning. You have until May 27th to send in your entries! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And for the Grand Prize...
Thanks to Trex Outdoor Furniture, one very lucky winner is going to win a Yacht Club 3-Piece Rocker Set valued at $1,317! Made in the USA and constructed of durable HDPE recycled lumber, this Rocker Set is sure to help you slow down and relax this Summer and for many years to come!

Enter the Grand Prize!

Disclaimer: Please note that the Summer Splash hosts and participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prize. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation that they will fulfill their prize in a timely manner. While we are not responsible, we will make every effort to assist the winner in obtaining their prize.

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.

Happy 65th Anniversary, Cetaphil!

Heads up, Cetaphil fans! I've got some great news for you!

Cetaphil is turning 65 this year and to celebrate this milestone, they have an ongoing 2 for 1 Promo on our favorite Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion and the Daily Facial Moisturizer. Yep, you heard it right. Two Cetaphil products for the price of one. Isn't that awesome?!

Two Daily Advance Ultra Hydration Lotion for Php 642!

Two Daily Facial Moisturizers for Php 760!

Also, Cetaphil remains to be the most prescribed brand of cleansers and moisturizers by Dermatologists and Pediatricians in the Philippines. How's that for an achievement? :)

Now our friends from Cetaphil Philippines are also cordially inviting you to the Kutis ng Bata, Alagang Derma - a child skincare clinic program which will be held on May 5, 2013 at the Megamall Mega Trade Hall. The event will kick off at 11am. There will be lectures and pedia/derma consultations, plus free skin care goodies will be given away!

Kutis ng Bata, Alagang Derma.

To get first dibs on promos and updates, make sure to like Cetaphil Philippines on Facebook and follow Cetaphilippines on Twitter. I'll be hosting a Cetaphil giveaway here in my blog very soon, so stay tuned my dear readers!

Cetaphil is Love! :)

Many thanks to Mr. Joel Andrada and Cetaphil Philippines for sending this box brimming with goodies! :)

Spotlight | Tough Love by Human Nature.

Sometime last month, (yes, I have that much blog backlog - sorry!) I had the honor of receiving this package from Human Nature. Inside the box were the Tough Love Natural Dishwashing Liquid and the Tough Love Natural Liquid Detergent - two of the latest additions to Human Nature's continuously growing product line.

Tough Love!

Launched in the first quarter of 2013, Tough Love is the home care brand of Human Nature that's 'tough where it matters and loving where it counts'. In other words, these Tough Love products work well against grease, dirt and stains but are mild on the skin, safe for your family's health, and for our environment, too.

Tough Love Natural Liquid Detergent.

It's a known fact that laundry detergents, despite their ability to remove dirt and stains on your laundry, have poisonous effects that can cause substantial damage to marine life. With Tough Love Natural Liquid Detergent, you can garb your family in clean clothes without causing harm to the environment.

I personally love its refreshing citrus smell. The scent is so distinct that my four-year-old, who was then watching the telly in the living room, was able to smell it from afar. He loved the scent, too, and even thought that I was making juice when in fact, I was washing his dirty underpants in the bathroom.

If you have uber sensitive skin like mine, you'll love how gentle this all-natural detergent is to your skin. No more allergies caused by chemical-laden detergent bars and powders!

Cruelty-free, made from natural ingredients, safe on baby clothes, too!

One thing though - Tough Love's consistency isn't as thick and syrupy as the brands we usually see in the supermarkets. Hence, I tend to use a little bit more than the amount indicated in the measuring guide.

The 950mL jug of Tough Love Liquid Detergent retails for Php 299.75 (at present it comes in one size only) and is available online, and at all Human Nature branches.

As for the Tough Love Dishwashing Liquid, it has a grapefruit orange scent that can perk up the senses. The Tough Love Dishwashing Liquid has just about the same consistency as the liquid detergent (not so thick, not too syrupy) and is also free of phosphates, chlorine, bleach, dyes, enzymes, petroleum, synthetic fragrances, optical brighteners, and other chemicals that are detrimental to one's health and harmful to the environment.

Tough Love Natural Dishwashing Liquid.

It cuts through grease and leaves your kitchen utensils squeaky clean without the slimy, soapy residue. Doesn't dry your hands, too!

Read the label! :)

It now comes in two sizes - the 250mL bottle for Php 99.75, the 500mL bottle at Php 169.75. Available at Human Nature's online store, and at your local Human Nature branches.

Need a little more convincing as to why you should ditch those chemical-laden cleaning products? Here's a little something for you to read. Please click on the image to enlarge.

Tough!

Hope you're all having a meaningful Holy Week, everyone! Stay safe if you're on the road! :)