Spotlight | Sleek Makeup Pout 4 Perfection Set (Solstice Highlighting Palette + Matte Me Metallic Lip Cream).

Currently obsessed with highlighters, I've been buying one highlighter pan after another these past few months. My latest purchase is the Pout 4 Perfection Set from Sleek Makeup, which includes the Solstice Highlighting Palette and a Matte Me Metallic Lip Cream. I bought this set for Php 1150, which is actually a good buy considering the palette costs Php 875 while the lip cream retails for Php 450.

Sleek Makeup Pout 4 Perfection Set.

Honestly, I was only after the Solstice Highlighting Palette. I've been eyeing this highlighter for quite sometime now, after watching countless vlogs about it and reading all these reviews which have nothing but praises for the product.  Unfortunately, the palette is almost always out of stock online, and the only way for me to get my hands on it was to purchase it as a set. And so I did - even if I had qualms about the shade of the lip cream that came with it.

Product details at the back of the box.

A versatile palette that suits all skin tones, Solstice instantly enhances the complexion with a radiant glow. The palette contains four shades - all of them highly pigmented with a lovely metallic finish. All four shades create a gorgeous, luminous sheen on the skin, making this palette a must-have for anyone who's as obsessed as highlighters as I am.

Clockwise from L-R: Ecliptic, Hemisphere, Equinox, Subsolar.

The palette comes in a gold metallic case with magnetic closure - looks elegant and classy, save for the fact that it's a magnet for fingerprints. Inside is a big mirror, and a small brush which I did not even bother taking out of the plastic packaging. I'd rather use my own highlighter brush, thank you very much.

From L-R: Subsolar, Equinox, Hemisphere, Ecliptic.

The four shades contained in this palette are the following:

Ecliptic - a cream highlighter which turns into a velvety, powdery formula upon application. It's rosey beige in color with a sheen, pearly finish - the perfect shade to use if you don't want a 'super shiny highlight' and prefer a more subdued glow. The best way to apply this shade is by using your fingers, applying it on top of the cheekbones and along the brow bone. 

Hemisphere - a baked highlighter with a luminous, lavender sheen. This shade was actually the one that made me fall in love with this palette, because you all know I have a thing for anything lavender/lilac/purple. Hemisphere looks a bit intense when swatched, but it looks a lot softer on the face and gives the skin a subtle pink glow. 

Equinox - another baked highlighter with warm undertones and metallic sheen. It's coppery peach in color and the most reflective out of all four shades. 

Subsolar - a finely milled, ultra soft powder highlighter with warm undertones and pearly sheen. It's pastel yellow in color and the most subtle shade among the four. It's not as shimmery as the other shades, making it perfect for everyday wear.

From L-R: Ecliptic, Hemisphere, Subsolar, Equinox.

Now let's talk about the Matte Me Metallic Lip Cream that comes with the highlighting palette.

Solstice Highlighting Palette + Matte Me Metallic Lip Cream.

Released last year as part of the Distorted Dreams Collection, the Matte Me Metallic Lip Creams come in a range of of luminous, trendy colors with metallic, foil-like finish. There are nine shades in the collection, and the one that I got is Roman Copper, a rose gold, coppery shade which screams for attention, lol.

Matte Me Metallic Lip Cream in Roman Copper.

Not sure if this is the default shade included in every Pout 4 Perfection Set, but if I had a choice, I'd probably go for a darker shade with plum/mauve undertones. I just can't seem to make this product really rock on my lips, that's why. 

Roman Copper on my lips.

Sure, it's nicely pigmented and easy to apply, but it tends to accentuate the fine lines and makes my lips look parched and dry after a few hours of wear. It is long-wearing, though (eight hours straight with no touch-ups) - I'll give this product points for that.

Roman Copper, swatched.

Nonetheless, I love this Pout 4 Perfection Set because I finally got my hands on this HG highlighter. I absolutely love all four shades in the pan, and I love how they can brighten your skin in an instant and give your face a healthy glow. I probably won't be looking at another highlighting palette again, at least for now. :)

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 Lienr,
Nature Republic Pure Shine Mascara.
CHEEKS: Sleek Makeup Blush in Sahara,
Sleek Makeup Highlighter in Equinox.
LIPS: Sleek Makeup Matte Me Metallic Lip Cream in Roman Copper.

Seoul Searching | Summer Festivals in Korea You Wouldn't Want to Miss.

Truth be told, summer isn't my most favorite time of the year here in the Philippines. The hot and humid weather and the inferno-like temperatures often take a toll on my poor lungs, and they're not very friendly on my sensitive skin either. This is one of the major reasons why I love flying to Korea during this time - to stay away from the extreme heat and humidity and the 39°C-plus temperatures.

This year, however, saw a change of plans in our travel schedule, attributed to the adjustments in my son's school calendar. We had to push back our supposed 'spring trip' by an entire month because Yue still had school activities until the first of May. Other kids are already preparing for next month's school opening, and we just started our school break, lol. Nonetheless, we're glad to finally take a break from all the school work and fly back to Korea in a few weeks' time!

Spring will be nearly over by the time we arrive in Korea, which means no more cherry blossoms for me yet again. Still, we're excited to experience a different season in the Land of the Morning Calm - summer, or at least the onset of it. My husband assures me that summer in Korea won't be as hot and humid as summer in the Philippines, and I sure hope that would be the case. I don't want my asthma to act up while I'm on vacation and miss the chance to enjoy these summer festivals in Korea!

1. Korean Folk Village Chosun Cultural Festival (April 7 - June 24, 2018)

Welcome to Joseon.

Held annually at the beginning of spring until the first few days of summer, the 'Welcome to Joseon' festival gives visitors a glimpse of what life was like in Korea during the Joseon era (1392 - 1897).

The festival features parades and performances as well as hands-on activities such as making traditional hopae identification tags that were carried by male citizens age 16 and above, mapae tags that were used to register horses and males from far away locales, and even hangnang incense pouches which were used to prevent contagious diseases and keep the bad spirits away.

One of the live shows during the festival.

The event is hosted by the Korean Folk Village, the country's premiere cultural theme park. You'll feel like you've traveled back through time as you see the cast members wandering freely throughout the park and interacting with visitors. If you're lucky, you might even get a chance to 'go on stage' and join the cast members during the performances.

To get to the Korean Folk Village, get off at Suwon Station and take the shuttle bus located at exit 4. Bus fare is free, but you have to take note of the bus schedule.

2. Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival (May 27 - June 12, 2018)

Photo credit: Iamnazza.

One of the most beautiful festivals during this time of the year, the Seoul Grand Park Rose Festival aims to share the beauty of these gorgeous blooms with its citizens and guests from around the world.

Held at the Seoul Grand Park from May to June each year, the event gives visitors a chance to take part in various cultural programs amidst a sea of ten million roses. Concerts, workshops, and cultural performances are some of the highlights of this annual event.

To get to Seoul Grand Park, take the subway to Seoul Grand Park Station exit 2. 

3. Seoul Land Character & Flower Festival (March 24 - June 6, 2018)

Photo credit: Visit Korea.

Seoul Land, Korea's first amusement/theme park, hosts a variety of festivals and exhibitions throughout the year. One of them is the Character & Flower Festival, an event well-loved by families with kids and even kids-at-heart. 

The festival kicks off at the onset of spring and transforms the amusement park into a colorful garden with flowers of various types. Children will love to meet their favorite animated characters such as Larva, the Pawmily, and the Canimals, while parents will have the chance to enjoy nature and learn more about the flora and fauna through the exhibitions and special events. The highlight of this festival is the parade of characters, where guests can dance and march along! 

Parade of characters.

To get to Seoul Land, take the subway to Seoul Grand Park Station exit 2 and ride the elephant train going to the theme park.

4. Haeundae Sand Festival (May 19 - 22, 2018)

Photo credit: Apple Holiday. 

Taking place on Haeundae Beach in sunny Busan, this festival centers on beach-inspired activities such as beach volleyball, a marathon race, and an exhibition of different types of sand from around the world.

One of the highlights of the Haeundae Sand Festival is the sand bath, where visitors are buried in the sand from head to toe. Also known as sand therapy, this practice has been known since the time of Ancient Egypt and is said to be beneficial for one's health as it cures an array of musculoskeletal diseases, as well as neurological diseases.

Sand bath.

At night, the festival gets even livelier with live music and performances, plus a spectacular display of fireworks. 

To get to Haeundae Beach, take the KTX to Busan Station. From there, take Bus 1003 and get off at the Haeundae Beach bus stop. 

5. Ultra Korea (June 8-10, 2018)

Photo credit: UMF Korea.

If music festivals are your thing, and if you're visiting Korea this June, then you should not miss Ultra Korea. The first and the biggest music festival in Asia, Ultra Korea made its debut in 2012 as a two-day event. Now on its eight year, the festival returns as a three-day event with top artists from around the world gathering in Seoul for one huge, heart-pumping party.

This year's line-up includes The Chainsmokers, Zedd, and David Guetta. The event will be held at the Seoul Olympic Station with ticket prices starting at 180,000 won (around Php 9000 or $170).

To get to Seoul Olympic Station, take the subway to Sports Complex Station exit 6 or 7.

6. Boryeong Mud Festival (July 13-22, 2018)

Boryeong Mud Festival!

Among all the festivals in Korea, the Boryeong Mud Festival is perhaps the most popular among international visitors, attracting millions of tourists from around the globe each year. Promising nothing but sheer fun and entertainment, the festival takes place at Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, a city in Chungcheongnam Province.

They love mud!

During the festival, the entire beachfront is is decked up with arrangements such as slides and inflatables, allowing visitors to swim, splash, and wallow in the special mud of the region. Mud wrestling, mud sliding, and swimming in mud pools are some of the most popular activities; among the women, spa and beauty treatments using the Boryeong mud are huge hits.

To get to Daecheon Beach, take an express bus to Boryeong via the Seoul Central City Bus Terminal. From the Boryeong Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Daecheon Beach. 

7. Sinchon Water Gun Festival (July 7-8, 2018)

Stick to your guns!

Every summer, the streets of Sinchon are closed off for two days of wet and wild fun, otherwise known as the Sinchon Water Gun Festival.

Each day of the festival kicks off with an opening ceremony, followed by a parade, and then a 'bubble bath', where the crowd is doused with soap foam bubbles. If you're lucky, you might chance upon your favorite idol or Hallyu star in attendance - like Suzy, who took part in this water festival a few years back.

Suzy at the Sinchon Water Gun Festival.

But the highlight of this event is the epic water gun fight, which needs no further explanation. Everyone is welcome to participate, including kids. Just make sure you're all geared up for battle with your own water gun and some spare clothes.

This means war.

To join the battle, take the subway to Sinchon Station exit 2 or 3.

Planning a trip to Korea this summer? Which festivals would you like to take part in? :)

Hypnosis | A New Way to Cleanse your Blood.

Blood cleansing is a very important step on the road to a healthier life. Your blood is your life force. It transports oxygen and contains the immune system’s army to help heal us. Yet our daily lives often take a toll on this vital personal resource, leaving us feeling weak, out of breath, and unhealthy.

One way to ensure your blood is thoroughly cleansed is to use a form of hypnosis which focuses on your internal physical body. Using your spiritual self, you can cleanse the body and immediately begin reaping the positive effects this process has.

If you’re ready to start trying, look at the steps below. Do not feel discouraged if it does not work the first time. It requires a deep hypnotic trance to successfully accomplish this procedure, but patience and practice will pay off.

Photo credit: Smithsonian Magazine.

Start by Creating Your Intention
Before trying to fall into your trance, you must create your intention and set it firmly in your mind. Your intention is to cleanse your blood of impurities. This includes high cholesterol, toxins, clots, and anything else that may make your blood impure.

Fall into a Deep Hypnotic Trance
With your intention firmly set in mind, bring yourself into a deep hypnotic trance. This is a state of deep relaxation in which your body may feel either heavy or weightless. Both are normal. You can use music, a spinning wheel, or another tool to help bring about a deeper trance if it helps. Many people find external tools such as these improve their focus.

Focus on Your Blood
Once you’ve fallen into a deep trance, focus on your blood. Feel it flowing through your body, pulsing in and out of your heart. See how it looks. Feel how powerful it is as it rushes through your circulatory system to bring nourishment to every vital organ in your body, from your skin to your heart and your lungs to your kidneys. Once the image is firmly placed in your mind, it is time for the last step.

Photo credit: Erin Cooke Art.

Use Visualization to Spiritually Cleanse
Using visualization, cleanse your blood with bright, spiritually vivid colors. Watch as the colors wash your blood of any impurities, making it thick, clean, and healthy once more. Slowly go through each section of your body, ensuring you have cleansed each part of your life-giving blood.

Feel the Positive Effects
Now that you have cleansed your blood of impurities, you can enjoy the positive effects this process will have on not just your physical self, but your overall well-being. You should now feel ready to tackle anything, even dating. With healthy blood, you will be more energized and confident. No more sluggish feelings or uncertainties about your physical health to weigh you down.

Hypnosis is a free way to cleanse your blood, without the use of harsh medications. It is a natural, productive resource we could use more in our lives. Remember to cleanse your blood on a regular schedule to continue reaping the positive effects.

The Top Seven Things to Change About Yourself for Someone You Love.

1. Your health.
This is not the same thing as saying that you should change your appearance, by any means. You should change your health for someone, as that shows that you care for how you present yourself, and also that you care about your overall health. It is quite easy to make sure that you have something which makes you feel good and motivated these days – more and more people are on health kicks, after all – so finding something to do should be easy.

There is also an added element in healthiness - it shows that you are willing to put an effort in. Too many people think that they deserve somebody who is top-quality, without making any effort to be so themselves.

Lee Joon Gi does Jiu Jitsu!
Photo credit: @actor_jg

2. Your hobbies.
You shouldn’t pick up an entirely new set of hobbies just to impress people – but so many people just list watching TV as their main hobby, and that is too generic. Choosing good hobbies has two distinct advantages: one, it gives you places to go where other people who enjoy the same hobbies as you are – not only will you make friends, but you may also find romantic partners there. Two, having hobbies over and above simply watching TV will make you seem more interesting on sites for adults who date, and will give you more things to talk about than simply what was on TV the previous evening.

3. Your home
People like to see a well-maintained home – it gives the impression that your life is under control. Whether that is true or not is of course beside the point, but it will definitely give a good impression. People walking into a well-maintained home want to stay there, and this is something you want.

Laneige for men.

4. Your personal hygiene
Change your personal hygiene if you want to get a date. This isn’t negotiable, I’m afraid. Clean your teeth, your hair, your body – wear nice smelling cologne (although not too much).

The same goes for beards and clothes and shoes. Make sure that they are clean and not stained. Make yourself look presentable, and you will be much more of a romantic prospect than you otherwise would be.

5. Your life plans
Again, this is not a hard and fast rule, but you should bear in mind that by asking someone to share their life with you, you need to change your plans to include them in them. Your future plans will need to be done with two people in mind, not just one.

Photo credit: Daily Mail UK.

6. Your abilities
People don’t need to be Michelin star chefs, but being able to cook and wash dishes and do other basic housework is a blessing, and is looked on very favourably.

7. Your habits
If you have a bad habit of simply leaving dirty towels and clothes lying around, you might need to change that if you have someone around. They will most likely not appreciate the odour or the sight.

Moose Play Camp 2018 | Gear up for Fun and Fashion this Summer!

I was around my son's age (he's turning ten this year) when I first came across the clothing brand Moose Gear. My brother and my cousin John owned several pieces from the brand, and they would often wear Moose Gear polo shirts and denim pants to church on Sunday or to birthday parties, family gatherings, and the like. The two boys always looked so dapper whenever they wear those clothes, and Moose Gear sort of became their unofficial Sunday best.

Fast forward to twenty years later, the Moose Gear legacy continues as it dresses up young boys in cool, comfortable, and hip fashion. This well-loved brand's claim to fame is their consistent use of high quality cotton fabric and the wide selection of styles and designs that kids (and their moms) love.

Moose Gear and Moose Girl, too!

The clothing company has also ventured into girls' fashion with Moose Girl - fun, stylish, and comfortable clothing apparel for young girls. The brand was launched in 2003, and became a hit among little girls and girls in their tweens.

Moose Gear kids - can you name them all?

Even celebrity kids are fond of the brand. From the child stars of my generation such as Patrick Garcia and Angelica Panganiban to Goin' Bulilit kids then and now (Nash Aguas, Sharlene San Pedro, Makisig Morales, and Bugoy Carino) - all of them have been part of the ever-growing Moose Gear family. The list goes on as Moose Gear continues to tap the talented and amazing kids in the entertainment industry.

Even Scarlet Snow Belo wears Moose Girl!
Photo credit: Moose Gear on Facebook.

This summer, it's our kids' time to shine in the Moose Play Camp 2018 - a fun workshop slash meet-and-greet activity where kids can meet and interact with the Moose Family celebrity endorsers for hours of fun, inspiration, and entertainment.

The Play Camp also provides the opportunity for kids to attend a talent workshop conducted by professional teachers and harness their skills in dancing, singing, and modeling along the way. The workshop is geared to discover, cultivate, and enhance your kids' talents with the intent of helping build their confidence so that they may shine like their Moose Gear and Moose Girl endorsers. The Play Camp also marks the launching of the Moose Summer Collection, where participants and their parents can have a preview of the stylish kiddie outfits before they hit the stores.

Moose Play Camp 2018 mechanics.
Click to enlarge.

Interested in joining the Moose Play Camp 2018?

A minimum of Php 1000 worth of Moose Gear/Moose Girl products purchased within the promo period at participating SM branches entitles one (1) kid to the Play Camp. The following are the event dates and venues, and the corresponding promo period.

DATE OF EVENT	PARTICIPATING BRANCH	PROMO PERIOD
MAY 6, 2018 * SUNDAY	SM SAN LAZARO	APRIL 1- MAY 6, 2018
MAY 20, 2018 * SUNDAY	SM DASMARINAS	APRIL 1-MAY 20, 2018
MAY 27, 2018* SUNDAY	SM CABANATUAN	APRIL 1- MAY 27, 2018

Two workshop batches will be held per event to accommodate more participants and make sure everyone will enjoy the experience. Participants will get to walk and perform on stage, with the celebrity endorsers joining them. Photo ops and autograph signing will also be held during the event.

Visit the Moose Gear stores at malls near you to check on the details, and don't forget to follow the Moose Gear official social media pages:

Facebook -      https://www.facebook.com/moosegear/

Twitter -          https://twitter.com/moosegearkids

Instagram -      https://www.instagram.com/moosegearkids/

See you all at the Play Camp! :)