Quick Review: ck Delicious Luxury Creme Lipstick in #108 Naivete

I recently got a ck gift set that included this lipstick and a duo eyeshadow and nail polish that I haven't tried yet. I wanted to write a short review right away about the lipstick, which I found to be quite nice. 

The lipstick, as the line indicates, was creamy and moisturizing, and it left a nude sheen that blended well with my skintone. The creamy texture reminded me of a less heavy version of Bobbi Brown lipsticks, so this is great for those who find BB lipsticks a little too thick. I had to reapply every two hours, though, to keep my lips moisturized and the color intact. I guess this is the trade off for the lighter consistency of the lipstick. 

Below are swatches of the shade under yellow and fluorescent lights. I always love to pair nude lips with smoky eyes, although I'm not wearing any makeup below to show the natural effect of this shade. 

Just a final note, upon doing a bit of research, I found out that ck makeup was already discontinued but might still available in some online makeup retailers and probably in Sasa in HK.

LC SS 2011 Collections

Better late than never, here are a few favorites from their catalogue.

As always, thank you Queen J for remembering to send me such wonderful treats.

Product Review: Dermalogica Clean Start

During one of my visits to Sasa (HK), I was going to quickly pick up a couple of pots of Olay after having experienced its wondrous effect on my skin when a sales staff approached me and questioned my choice of moisturizer. According to her, Olay is more suited for the mature woman and proceeded to introduce me to the item sitting just next to Olay, one that's around 4 to 5 times Olay's retail price, and this item happens to be Dermalogica Clean Start. I must note, though, that I am often a smart shopper, so I picked up the Clean Start set instead of just the moisturizer and saved myself about a hundred (HK) dollars.

Anyway, I discovered that Clean Start, with its salicylic acid content, fruity scent and colorful packaging, is intended for the younger set (teens). Despite this, I'm pretty satisfied with the items that I got. Here's why:

wash off: The tangy smell of orange peel helps to energize me in the mornings. More importantly, the semi-gel-like consistency of this facial wash is gentle on my skin even with its 0.5% salicylic acid. I wouldn't call it a foamy facial wash, though, as they do on their website as it doesn't foam up at all.

all over clear: The directions on this toner is to spray it all over the face and neck then wipe it off with a cotton pad. Since I believe in maximizing my skincare products, I do the opposite, that is, spray the toner on a cotton pad then apply it on my face. I would certainly prefer it if the packaging of this item were more conventional. It pretty much does what toners do, which is to prep the skin for what's coming next, the moisturizer. One thing I like about this item is the combined scent of lemongrass and sesame seed extract, which makes me feel fresh and healthy.

Finally, welcome matte with SPF 15: This item is described as a "moisturizer with oil controllers to minimize shine." On my fifth day of using it, however, my skin felt taut and super dry. I began applying my night cream before welcome matte, and doing this instantly made my skin feel better. It does deliver on its promise of minimizing shine, though, which makes it perfect to use with makeup.

Clean Start set including wash off, all over clear, and welcome matte spf 15 at HKD 498 in Sasa HK.

Overall, I am happy with my this skincare set, but I wouldn't say that I'm not excited about my next discoveries after I finish my Dermalogica Clean Start.

Not Quite Summer Yet

But I'm ready for it.

Forever 21 sunglasses and dress

A failed attempt to visit Mactan Shangri-la Cebu during February for my early dose of summer fun is not going to stop me from getting an appropriate amount of sunshine by the beach this summer.

The weather is still playing tricks on us, though. By the last week of Feb, it was still cold enough to get away with sweaters and tights. When March finally greeted us, it was not with the promise of fun in the sun. Instead, we were greeted with heavy rains. And when it's not raining, it's so hot that the heat is painful on the skin. The balance in nature is certainly going bananas, and it's not just here, it's everywhere. My point..I just wish everybody a safe summer, and let's try our very best to eat less meat for the health of our environment.

At Last, Hello Clogs!

My quest to find the right pair of clogs started when I spotted this pair from Zara. I loved them because they instantly added 3 inches to my height but were still comfortable, plus they're made in such a way that I could walk normally in them. On the other hand, clogs are basically modern bakya, and I felt there should be a limit to how much I spend on a pair.

*photo from alltheprettybirds.blogspot.com

A few months later, I saw the same pair in Zara HK where the original price (no discounts) was way cheaper than here in Manila. I was relieved I let them go the first time even though they're so pretty. Unfortunately for me, they weren't available in my size anymore.

Anyway, fast forward to the present, I still see clogs in spring/summer 2011 catalogues which means I shouldn't completely give up my search yet. Luckily for me, I love to window shop just to have a look at what's new. So, finally, I come across this pair from (um) So Fab! (one has to be completely perky in order to properly say the store's name). A twin of the pair from Zara at a third of the price but just as comfy. They're also a notch above the other clogs made of plastic "wooden" heels. I can't wait to wear these with my skirts, dresses and even shorts!

Lane Crawford x MO Bar: Afternoon Tea with Stella McCartney

I'm disappointed that I will miss this.

Afternoon Tea with Stella McCartney

A vegetarian affair available this March only, HKD 200 +