12/28/13

Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm Haul

It doesn't get any more natural and unprocessed than this. Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm has been around for at least thirty years now producing honey, propolis, pollen, royal jelly and beeswax; further creating other natural handmade bee products like soap, shampoo, candles and more for affordable prices. By visiting their farm you can see how simple and honest their philosophy is, behind the store I witnessed three ladies sitting by the window making and packaging their soaps. All receipts were hand written and they only accept cash. They even limit their Virgin Honey to one per customer!

I recommend giving them a visit and even booking a tour on their website, which I now regret not doing. My family and other family friends were in Tagaytay for vacation so it was a spontaneous trip to the farm. Although if you are interested in purchasing some of their products and won't be able to make it to Tagaytay, you may also order online and have it shipped to Manila.

I have only tried the lip balm so far and I'm really liking it, it's similar to Burt's Bees but I like this one better. We were so overwhelmed with all the products that we ended up hoarding (this doesn't include the pasalubong we bought) but for once we weren't guilty because of the affordability. 

"Propolis is better for coughs, colds, flu, fevers, asthma and boosting immune system."

"Made from beemilk or royal jelly, honey, beeswax, propolis, & natural flower, herb and seed oils. Can be used as a make up remover or moisturizer."

"Calming hand soap with green tea oil."

"Made from beemilk or royal jelly, honey, beeswax, propolis, & natural flower, herb and seed oils. Quenches dry and scaly skin to make it supple and smooth. Excellent for cold climates, and for alleviation of dry rashes."

"An aromatic blend of essential oils of herbs, flowers, fruit and nut oils with honey and bee propolis. Our massage oils do not leave a sticky feeling."

"Made from honey for conditioning and hair growth; propolis for scalp infections, dandruff, falling and graying hair; and natural oils like palm kernel, castor and coconut oil for a gentle cleanse."

"Made from virgin honey, beeswax, oatmeal, pollen, and royal jelly. Good for cleansing, moisturizing and softening."

"Good for eczema, ringworm, pimples and all types of skin infections. Stimulates blood circulation to ease muscular pains, powerful skin cleanser and excellent stain remover."

"Soothes and relaxes tired muscles, calms away stress, exhaustion, fatigue, and nervous tention. Promotes restful sleep."

"Beeswax, honey and propolis with sandalwood oil that is soothing, healing and relaxing."

"Proppolis gold is anti fungal, antibacterial and antiviral action."

"Breath freshener, bacteriostatic throat and mouth spray. Prevents colds, coughs, even fever / flu, if taken immediately after feeling an itchy throat. Made form virgin honey, propolis gold, and peppermint / spearmint oils."

"For skin irritations and infections. Good for relief of persistent skin rashes, skin itches, insect bites, infected wounds and burns, and acne. Made from propolis gold and beeswax in an olive oil base. Scented with eucalyptus oil for its added anti-microbial effect."

"Made from refined beeswax, propolis gold, virgin honey and a medley of fruit oils."

Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm
Address: 47 Aguinaldo Highway, Lalaan 1, Muncipality of Silang
Email: info@ilogmaria.com
*Operating Hours: 8 pm to 5 pm from Tuesdays to Sundays (closed on Mondays and some holidays)

12/9/13

November '13 Favorites

Everything included in my November Favorites are fairly new except for my Fairydrops Platinum Waterproof Mascara, which was a rediscovery of mine. The reason why I put off using it is cause the wand holds too much product and fiber, making my lashes too dramatic and clumpy looking for everyday. I was getting fed up because literally all mascaras are lousy when it comes to holding a curl on my eyelashes, I recently started using this again but this time wiping off the extra product on a tissue and I don't think I can be without this again. It's everything I want in a mascara; it does a good job with separating, elongating and most importantly holding a curl on my lashes. Even though I love this mascara it's a pain to remove. My Bioderma wasn't cutting it so it was about time to add a cleansing oil to my night time regimen - I went with Muji's Cleansing Oil for Sensitive Skin. It's been saving me time in the bathroom and is way more gentle than rubbing my eyes off with Bioderma.

Continuing the eye trend in this post, I've been really minimalist (or you can say lazy) when it comes to eyeshadow. Most days I just smooth MAC's Paint Pot in the shade Groundwork all over my lid and that's that, looks like I put a lot more effort than I actually did. I've tried a few different kinds of dry shampoos and the Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk is by far number one on my list. It absorbs oil the best and I need fewer sprays compared to when using other dry shampoos I own. For some odd reason my hands have been dehydrated lately. My go to hand cream of the moment is the Soap & Glory Hand Food; it was made to live in a bag, smells like marshmallows and keeps my dry palms at bay. Okay I'll be honest, it's all about the scent. Even if I had buttery soft hands I won't stop slathering this on!

Another thing I've been loving in the bathroom is Colgate's Slim Soft Toothbrush with Charcoal Bristles, super random I know! It has bristles that are thinner towards the top that leaves my teeth feeling spotless and they're extremely gentle, hands down the best toothbrush ever. The last random thing I've been using nonstop this month is my new Type Wreath Mug from Fab Manila. It'll make a great Christmas present to any tea or coffee drinker, and the best part is it's only 150 pesos! 

What were your favorites during November?

12/8/13

Now Open: River Island in Manila - Glorietta 5

River Island in SM Aura has been open for over a week now but the brand's second branch in the Philippines opened their doors to the public just yesterday, December 7. To celebrate their opening they generously offered 25% off on all items yesterday and today to their customers!

Have you paid a visit to either one of the River Island stores yet?


River Island
Address: 2nd Floor, Glorietta 5, Ayala Ave., Makati City 
Instagram: @riverislandph

12/2/13

Now Open: Inglot in Manila (Glorietta 5)

Inglot is a Polish cosmetics brand that I've heard about from a few beauty bloggers a couple of years back. It's not as widely known compared to other bigger brand names in the industry like MAC and Nars, but definitely has a solid growing fan base with over 400 retail locations around the world. Its first in the Philippines which just opened in Glorietta 5 two days ago; November 30, 2013!

They've got lots of makeup goodies to offer as well as nail polishes, makeup accessories and makeup brushes. Have you ever bought a makeup palette but not like every single shade included? Well what sets Inglot apart from all other cosmetic brands is their Freedom System. It enables shoppers to customize and build their own unique makeup palettes with the liberty to choose what palette (the base, the size containing how many shades you want) and what shades you like. The Freedom System is available for eye shadow (158 colors), blush (24 colors), face powder, concealer, eyebrow and lipstick (90 colors) palettes.

The freedom to make your own palette is convenient in so many ways. Whether you're a makeup artist or simply just a makeup lover like me, you'd surely love to check Inglot out. I left the store empty handed but that's just because I was so overwhelmed with everything that I was so indecisive. I can't wait for my next visit though and finally get to customize my own!

What do you think of the Freedom System?

Inglot
Address: Ground Floor, Glorietta 5, Ayala Ave., Makati City (beside Starbucks)
Instagram: @inglotph

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Camel Coat


I've always been a fan of cream eyeshadows - they have better lasting power than powder eyeshadows, which for a girl like me with oily lids is a must! The only ones I own are metallic and shimmery (Maybelline Color Tattoos) so I thought it was time to invest on some matte or more everyday appropriate shades, and my brand of choice was MAC. I've heard lots of great reviews on MAC's Paint Pots so I thought I'd give it a shot and bought two, Camel Coat and Groundwork.

MAC is pretty much spot on with naming Camel Coat, tan with a tinge of gray that looks beautiful worn on its own or as a base. The consistency is creamy with a smooth application, the pigmentation and color intensity is build-able plus it lasts long too. I'm obsessed with the two shades I picked up and have been wearing either of the two everyday since I got it. I feel the start of a new obsession coming!

Have you tried any of MAC's Paint Pots yet? I'm currently eyeing the shade Stormy Pink!

MAC

12/1/13

Poco Deli

Citrus Delight PHP 130

Basically carbonated water or Sprite with various citrus fruits like grapefruit, orange, lemon and lime. Refreshing and served as a palate cleanser too for all the different kinds of meat we were eating.
German Sausage Single Sampler PHP 360
"German/Italian/Polish sausages, one big and three small sausages: Kielbasa, Nuernberger, Bratwurst, Cheese Krainer, Chicken Sausage, Bockwurst, or Frankfurter. Served with homemade sauerkraut and toasted NY bagel chips."

Tasty and full of flavor, you can really tell these sausages are homemade. Oh and don't forget to ask for some mustard! You're welcome.
Gourmet Tapa PHP 360
"Thinly sliced U.S. steak, pan-grilled with our special garlic marinade. Served with eggs and bacon rice."

I love me some tapa and this is hands down one of the best I've had! The meat was tender, the garlic marinade was really flavorful and the eggs were perfectly cooked.
Bacon Slab PHP 380
Thick, savory slices of bacon served with eggs and bacon rice. A taste of heaven for bacon lovers."

The only thing I like more than processed strips of bacon are thick juicy slabs of bacon. One of my favorites is from Cue in the Fort and this is definitely a competitor. The meat isn't tough at all and not too fatty!
Chili Seafood Pasta PHP 380
"Pomodoro sauce and seafood."

Probably my least favorite meal out of everything just because everything else was so good. I enjoyed this though after all the meat, rice and eggs. It's not something I would recommend for someone to order as their only dish since their meat is their specialty, but it's good for sharing for some variation.

Poco Deli
Address: 21 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City (beside Nav)
Email: poco.deli@gmail.com
Telephone No.: 477-4332
Mobile No.: (0922) 892-9211 / (0922) 892-9233
Other Branches: Ayala Triangle, Makati
*Wi-Fi Available

11/3/13

October '13 Favorites

This October I've included a few more steps into my skincare routine that I've really been enjoying so let's kick things off with those bits first! I've been on the look out for a good toner for awhile now and I think I may have found the one - Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion. It leaves my skin feeling so refreshed and clean but not tight or too stripping at all. The next product is something I have never been consistent with since I was a kid and that's sunblock. I haven't realized the importance of sunblock until recently and figured it was about time to incorporate that into my skincare. I wanted something affordable and at the same time performs well so when I saw Vivianna from Vivianna Does Makeup recommend the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ in one of her YouTube videos, it went straight to my list and I've been loving it. It's exactly what it claims to be on the bottle; ultra sheer, dry touch, ultra light, and moisturizing too. The last for skincare is the Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil and I've been indulging my skin with a few drops of this every night since I got it.

Out of all the beauty products I bought in Singapore I think the Smashbox Photo Matte Anti-Shine is the best and also my top favorite for the month of October. I have combination skin and living in a tropical country makes me oily throughout the day to the point that I have to blot every once in awhile and carry a powder with me at all times. Ever since I started using this I find that I don't need to blot at all, at the most only once a day. Mind you, this was tested in Singapore's heat with me walking around Orchard Road all day from the moment I left the hotel before lunch time and got back around 10 pm. My primer's partner in crime from keeping my face shine free all day is Make Up Forever's HD Powder. Smashbox for my t-zone and Make Up Forever lightly dusted at the rest of my face.

Aside from using NYX Blush in Taupe as a bronzer I've been loving sweeping this all over my eye lids even more this month. In every eye makeup look I wore this month, Taupe was there. For lips I've been reaching out for my Topshop Lips in Beehive the most, a pretty everyday color. If my nails weren't bare, I was wearing Topshop Nails in Tidal.

What were your favorites last month?

11/2/13

Travel Skincare Bag

Morning Routine
A good morning cleanser (or second cleanser at night) since it doesn't remove makeup. I still prefer my Apivita 3 in 1 Cleansing Milk over this because it helps remove my makeup and smells even better.
My dermatologist recommends using a more gentle toner for the mornings. I just dispensed the toner into a 30 ml Muji spray bottle and I was good to go.
A product that I don't particularly like but will finish up, and also my only eye treatment at the moment. Plus it's travel friendly!
I can't get enough of this moisturizer and its scent! I would most definitely repurchase this again and again.
(not included in the photo)
Everyone needs SPF especially when traveling to a sunny country. The weather forecast predicted cloudy weather but it was anything but so I slathered this all over my face before putting on makeup and heading out to Orchard Road. 

Evening Routine
Traveling's the perfect time to use up those samples hiding at the back of your closet. I had a couple of Shu Uemura samples stashed away that my friend generously gave me and I was particularly excited about the cleansing oils. I've been meaning to purchase a cleansing oil but still haven't figured out what brand to go with yet. I'm leaning towards the Shu Uemura ones just because I've enjoyed using it and it dissolved my waterproof mascara like a dream.
While I used my Shu Uemura samples for my eye makeup, I opted for Bioderma for the rest of my face.
My second cleanser of choice since it wouldn't be practical to bring a separate morning and evening cleanser anyway.
I'm loving this toner and it will actually make an appearance in my October Favorites post real soon! The container though isn't suitable for traveling since it comes in a flip top squirt bottle (if you know what I mean) so I transferred some of the product to a 30 ml flip top Muji bottle
Again, it's not my favorite but it's there and it's already in travel size!
I didn't not like it but four nights of using this wasn't long enough to leave an impression on me. 

Treatments
The only blemish busting product I decided to bring along with me in case a few popped up. 
I had a facial a few days before leaving for Singapore and was suffering from some hyper pigmentation afterwards and relied on this to get rid of the scars faster. 
My face usually gets dehydrated and bothered during plane rides so this was my mask of choice to redeem moisture and soothe my skin.
I brought this along with me in case my skin needed a quick pick me up.

Last but not least, some cotton pads for my toner and Bioderma.

If you can recommend to me any good cleansing oils, that would be great!

Singapore Haul: Sephora, YSL, Topshop & Guardian


With every trip, comes a beauty haul. I can't feel anymore blessed and thankful to my parents who bring me along and on top of that cope with my beauty addiction. A big big thank you to them! A lot of these are stuff that I actually need while the rest were merely indulgent purchases. I was sorta disappointed with the Sephora in Singapore because they didn't have almost all the things on my list, the only two brands that they had that I was on the look out for were Soap & Glory and Josie Maran (and their products weren't even complete)! Then again it's alright since it held me back from spending even more.

None of these products are repurchases so I'm completely new to them (except for the YSL and Topshop lipsticks). I'd love to hear your thoughts on the products if you've tried any of them before, so make sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think!

10/29/13

Singapore '13 Food Photo Diary

I just got back from Singapore yesterday and I thought I'd share with you guys another Food Photo Diary from my trip! Check out my previous Food Photo Diary post when I went to Hong Kong here

Have you been to SIngapore? What's your favorite's Singaporean food? Mine would definitely have to be Chicken Rice, Laksa and Kaya Toast!