Seoul Searching | Sending Mail from Seoul.

If there's one thing I never imagined I would be doing while in South Korea, it's to go to the post office and actually send mail. But I eventually did, all thanks my niece Sam's school project.

My cousin Mary, who's based in Southern California, asked me a favor to send a postcard from Korea and address it to her daughter's school. Sam is currently in first grade, and one of the lessons in her Social Studies class is to locate places on the map through the use of postcards. I thought this was a fun way to teach kids about geography, and a nice way for relatives and friends to reconnect outside of social media.

And so I went hunting for postcards and easily found them at one of the souvenir shops in Myeongdong. A set costs 5000 won (around Php 200 or $4), and contains 12 postcards depicting some of the famous tourist spots in South Korea. It's a good thing there's a post office in our neighborhood, just a stone's throw away from where we live.

Hello, Korea Post!

Yue and I dropped off Sam's postcard before heading to Insadong, and I was completely blown away by Korea's postal service. There are no long lines, the staff are very helpful and friendly, and the rates are extremely competitive.

Inside the Korea Post.

As soon as we entered the post office, we were greeted by an English-speaking employee who ushered us towards the queue number machine. She asked me what type of mail will I be sending, and I showed her the postcard that Yue was holding. She smiled, and asked us to sit down while waiting for our turn.

Our number from the queue number machine.

There's a table near the waiting area where you will find various types of mailing forms - Air, Surface, EMS, just to name a few. They also have pens, in case you forgot to bring one; a calendar for date reference; a calculator if you want to compute the postal rates for yourself; reading glasses, in case you can't see clearly what you're filling out, and tissue, just because. 

Mailing forms, and other things that you will need to send mail.

Located on the other side of the room is the packing section, where people pack their boxes and tape them up for mailing. Here, you will find scissors, markers, glue, and packaging tape which you can use free of charge. They also provide bubble wraps, too. Just let the postal clerks know and they will give you rolls of bubble wraps - again, free of charge. Talk about awesome customer service!

Markers, packaging tape, glue...

The boxes, however, are not for free. Each box has a corresponding rate with the smallest box priced at 400 won (around Php 20 or $0.35).

Box sizes and their corresponding rates.

It didn't take long before our number was called. Well, more like flashed on the LCD screen right above the counter. Yue kept on looking at the screen, patiently waiting for our number to be flashed on it. And when it did, he stood up right away and excitedly marched with me towards the counter.

Waiting for our number to be 'called'.

The postal clerk checked my postcard, weighed it (though it's almost weightless), and billed me at 370 won (around Php 17 or $33). Upon checking the Korea Post website and US Shipping Statistics, this is the standard rate for post cards sent to international destinations. I was amazed at how cheap the rate was. I'd probably pay double or even more if I were sending mail from the Philippines!

Hassle-free service, brought to you by the Korea Post.

I fished for change from my coin purse, and placed it on the plate in front of the counter. The postal clerk then took my payment and printed my receipt. It was a painless, hassle-free transaction, and I was very much impressed! All the more after I got word from my cousin that my postcard arrived in a few days' time! She also told me about LSO, their services, and how they have shipping options nationwide.

My postcard for Ceana, my goddaughter and daughter of Icar aka My Charmed Mom.

A few days later, we went back to send another postcard - this time, for my goddaughter Ceana, who's currently based in San Francisco. Her mom - my good friend, Icar - asked if I could send Ceana a postcard, too. And I did! Because Korea's postal service simply rocks! I really should be making the most of online shopping while we're here! :)

Korea Post office in Myeongdong. 

Marker for Young Sik Hong, father of the Korean postal system.

To know more about the rates and fees and the zones covered, visit the Korea Post website. 

Spotlight | NYC Cheek Glow Powder Blush + NYC Ultra Last Lipwear.

Happy Easter, everyone!
I hope you had a meaningful, if not blessed, Holy Week spent with family and loved ones. I know most of you either went on an out-of-town (country, even) trip, or spent the long weekend back in the provinces. As for me, I spent the most part of the Holy Week at home, de-cluttering and doing household chores.

I did a spring cleaning of my makeup stash, too - getting rid of the old, almost expired makeup, and finally opening some of the new, unused ones. That includes this blush and lipstick from New York Color (NYC), which takes the spotlight on my blog today.

NYC Cheek Glow + Lipwear.

If my memory serves me right, I got this as gifts from my favorite cousin, Jeanie, who loves makeup as much as I do. Now just to give you a background of NYC, it's a drugstore makeup brand which started as a relatively small company until they were bought by Coty, one of the world's leading beauty companies, in 2007. The brand is known for their bargain-basement prices, with some products selling for as low as $0.99.

NYC Cheek Glow Powder Blush in West Side Wine.

The NYC Cheek Glow Powder Blush is a sheer matte blush that gives your cheeks a natural flush of color. It comes in four shades, and sells for $2.99 (around Php 150) each. The shade that I own is West Side Wine.

Product details at the back of the case.

As you can see, the blush looks a bit brownish in the pan, and I was expecting it to be plum-y when swatched, as the its name implies. Alas, both the color and the name are pretty misleading. On my skin, it's a dusty shade of pink that appears quite sheer on first swipe. The color is easily buildable, though, and gives the cheeks a nice, pinkish glow after a few swipes.

It comes with a small, almost flimsy brush which I chose not to use.

The blush comes with a tiny brush which I chose not to use because it's too flimsy and doesn't pick up color. On the contrary, I had no trouble using my good ol' kabuki brush with this blush. With its soft texture, the color easily clung on to the bristles of my brush and I had no trouble blending it on my cheeks.

West Side Wine, indoor lighting.

Wear-time is pretty decent - around five or six hours at the most - but you might find yourself doing touch-ups sooner if you're out and about and perspiring a lot in this hot and humid Philippine weather.

West Side Wine under natural light.

The sheer pigmentation might be a disappointment to those with fair or light skin, but sheer can actually be a good thing. At least you don't have to worry about 'over-blushing' or looking like a clown. 

NYC Ultra Last Lip Wear in Red Flame.

Now on to the next product. This is the NYC Ultra Last Lip Wear, a long-wearing lipstick with rich color, long-lasting shine, and silky finish.

The labels on the side double as tamper-proof seals.

The Ultra Last lipsticks used to sell for $1.99 (around Php 100) a pop, with 20 shades to choose from. The line is now discontinued, and has been replaced by the 'Expert Last Lip Color' line.

Shade indicated at the bottom.

The lipstick comes in a rather flimsy black plastic case with transparent cap. The lipstick does not retract completely inside the bullet, which allows you to identify the color easily. However, there is a risk of nicking the lipstick every time you remove and replace the cap, so you need to be extra careful.

Red Flame.

Red Flame is a coral red shade, which appears slightly peachy when applied with a single swipe. The color is buildable, and you can achieve a brighter shade of red with three swipes. 

Red Flame, indoor lighting. Swiped once on the left, thrice on the right.

Before I got into this matte lipstick craze, shiny, shimmery lipsticks were my favorite and this product hit that category spot-on. It's nicely pigmented, has a smooth and creamy texture, and a non-drying formula which makes it very comfortable to wear.

Under natural light. Swiped once on the left, thrice on the right.

True to its name, this lipstick is long-wearing - around six to eight hours at the most. If you're a fan of shimmery, frosted lipsticks, this would come as a steal considering its quality vis-a-vis the dirt-cheap price.

Red Flame when worn.

West Side Wine on my cheeks.

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: NYC Cheek Glow Powder Blush in West Side Wine.
LIPS: NYC Ultra Last Lipwear in Red Flame.

Have you tried using makeup by NYC? Which ones are your favorite? :)

Seoul Searching | Under Stand Avenue.

With the ever-growing popularity of Korean dramas, filming locations in South Korea have become must-go destinations among tourists - whether they're hardcore Kdrama fans or not. I fall under the first category, and have been to several Kdrama filming locations during my previous trips to the Land of the Morning Calm.

Now let me tell you about this area in Seongdong-gu, our neighborhood, which is slowly becoming a Hallyu hotspot. I'm talking about Under Stand Avenue, which I have mentioned in passing in one of my previous posts.

Under Stand Avenue.

More of Under Stand Avenue after the jump!

Spotlight | Nutri 10 Plus Syrup.

I'm a bit OC (obsessive compulsive) when it comes to traveling, especially the packing part. I usually start packing a week or two prior to my trip and with a checklist at hand - because I want to be sure that I don't miss out anything that we need for our trip.

We'll be traveling again in a few weeks' time, and I've already begun this whole packing process. I've listed down all the things that I need to pack, sorted out which clothes to bring, bought the food stuff that I will be giving away as 'pasalubong' to my friends abroad, and most important of all, prepared our medicine kit which includes our good ol' nebulizer (can't leave home without it!), medicines for cough, colds, fever, and asthma, and of course, my son's vitamins.

Thank you, Wert Philippines!

I had the privilege of receiving these bottles of Nutri 10 Plus from Wert Philippines; they were delivered a few weeks back and I'll be bringing along a bottle or two, just enough for our month-long trip.

Nutri 10 Plus multivitamins.

Prior to this, Yue had been taking a different brand of multivitamins for years. Although I had no qualms about switching brands, I did check the nutritional composition of Nutri 10 Plus before giving Yue his first dose.

Nutritional Information (click to zoom).

Good thing this product has everything a growing child needs. First of all, it has Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), which I'm very particular about. CGF, a complex substance from Chlorella extract, accelerates cellular regeneration and helps as a growth enhancer. I want Yue to achieve his maximum height potential, ergo I want him to be taller than me or his Dad as he grows older. 

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It also has taurine, which aids in brain development and enhances memory and mental clarity; lysine, which helps improve appetite; and zinc, an essential element in regulating the body's immune system. In addition, Nutri 10 Plus also contains all the essential vitamins such as A, B-complex, C, and D3. 

Ingredients, usage instructions, and other product details.

Yue has been taking this for almost three weeks now - 2.5 mL daily after breakfast - and I've seen a lot of improvement in his appetite. He is constantly hungry, which is a good thing for a kid his age. He eats a whole lot more after his karate training, which now happens twice a week. And despite this hot and humid weather, Yue has not had a cough or a cold - thank goodness!

Like Nutri 10 Plus on Facebook! :)

Nutri 10 Plus Syrup is sold in 120 mL and 250 mL bottles, priced at Php 180 and Php 310, respectively. For babies, they have Nutri 10 Plus Drops sold in 30 mL bottles for Php 125. These can be bought at Mercury Drug outlets nationwide.

Nutri 10 Plus + Dayzinc.

For best results, take Nutri 10 Plus in conjunction with Dayzinc, a non-acidic Vitamin C supplement with zinc. Also available at all Mercury Drug outlets, Dayzinc is priced at Php 110 for 30 mL drops, Php 125 for a 120 mL bottle, and Php 240 for a 250 mL bottle.

To know more about Nutri 10 Plus, follow them on Facebook.

Now back to packing! :)

Spotlight | Laneige Multiberry Yogurt Pack.

When I entered my 30's, I started to pay more attention to my skin and my skin care needs. I've become fussier actually, and follow a 10-step regimen consisting mostly of Korean skin care brands.

Laneige Multiberry Yogurt Pack.

Just recently, I've incorporated the Laneige Multiberry Yogurt Pack into my 'seemingly endless' (as my husband jokingly puts it) skin care routine. I bought this on a whim the last time I was in Seoul; I was somehow sweet-talked by one of the staff at the Laneige store in Myeongdong, claiming that this product is (in verbatim) "very good, your skin will look more healthy". She let me take a sniff of the pack, and I was sold! I dished out 22000 Korean won for this product, around Php 950 or $19.

Hangul text at the back of the box.

I'm a sucker for strawberry-scented products, and this pack smells a lot like my favorite Binggrae Strawberry Milk. Not surprising since this product contains a complex of berry extracts which includes strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, and blueberry. These berries are known for their antioxidant properties that nourish and repair the skin.

Here's how the jar looks like.

This pack also contains a specialized fermented yogurt called Sogurty™, which promotes collagen synthesis and reinforces the skin's barrier against the elements so that the skin stays healthy and supple.

Hangul text at the back of the jar.

In addition, this product contains shea and cocoa butter - both moisturizing emollients, and glycerin and squalene - both skin-repairing ingredients.

Comes with a spatula and an instructional pamphlet.

The product is housed in a pink tub, and comes with a spatula and an instructional pamphlet written in different languages. 

Product details and usage instructions in English.

To use, 1) you need to wash your face first with your usual cleanser then prep the skin with your usual toner. 2) Take an ample amount of the product and spread it on the face while avoiding the eye area. 3) Leave it on for at least 5-10 minutes (I usually let it sit on my face for 15 minutes or so), and then 4) rinse it off with lukewarm water afterwards.

Looks like yogurt.

The pack has a creamy, yogurt-like consistency. It has a somewhat fluffy texture, making it easy to spread on the skin. It feels a bit sticky when applied, but that's okay since you're going to wash it off anyway.

And looks yummy, too! :)

The best part? You get immediate results! And it's safe for sensitive skin! :)

The first time I tried this pack, I had about five or six tiny bumps running along my jawline. They weren't zits or acneic bumps, and they weren't red or itchy or swollen or anything, but they bothered me nonetheless. I figured my skin needed not just an extra boost of hydration but also deep nourishment, so I turned to this 'repairing' pack for rescue. 

This product did exactly that - my skin felt softer and looked healthier, and the bumps were not as prominent as they were before. After two uses, those annoying bumps were gone, like they never existed. I have never been so glad to have bought a skin care product on impulse, haha!

Laneige recommends using this once or twice a week together with the Multiberry Yogurt Peeling Gel for best results. I, however, prefer using this alternately with my all-time favorite Water Sleeping Mask. Both jars now have a special spot inside my fridge, because these masks feel even more refreshing on the skin when chilled.

Have you tried this pack before? What masks/packs do you use as part of your skin care regimen? :)