PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: L'OREAL ULTRA VOLUME COLLAGEN BOOST MASCARA (BLACK)

Here's an initial review on L'OREAL ULTRA VOLUME COLLAGEN BOOST MASCARA IN BLACK

PRICE: 795PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: PCX, POWERPLANT MALL, ROCKWELL MAKATI CITY

OTHER LOCATIONS: DRUGSTORES, SUPERMARKETS AND BEAUTY EXCHANGE BOUTIQUES NATIONWIDE

THE VERDICT:

So, welcome back to one of the mascaras in my MASCARA MENU. Today, I'm having this latest mascara by L'oreal. It is infused with collagen that instantly stuffs every lash in your eyes with volume, just like how grandma would stuff the turkey for thanksgiving because it promises ultra plump looking and voluminous lashes in an instant.

Well, the wand is kinda' fat. And check that it's in a pseudo- hour glass shape. Hope you get to picture it.

So the mascara's consistency is a wet mousse that's creamy. It does pay- off well on the lashes and I love that it's so easy to apply, as compared to my not-so-exceptional exceptionelle by Chanel wherein it almost takes me forever to get the effect I wanted.

So here's my pair of lashes on my left eye. Bare and curled with my HG curler, Shu Uemura.

Here it is after 2 coats. Check out the super plump lashes and sexy looking volume right there! 

A shot from below.

My eyes with the Ultra Volume Mascara, each had 3 coats of mascara.

Overall, this delivered great results. It really did a great job in volumizing my lashes, so to speak. However, I find that this would clump a bit if you don't have great skills in separating your lashes and applying mascara. It is also washable and it does fade a bit, leaving some black streaks on my under eyes, which is not so pretty at all. But it's not horrific. I can do with it. Just make sure to pay the powder room a visit after some hours.

I would love to repurchase, but this is hell expensive. But I love it. So yeah, I'll repurchase.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: L'OREAL ULTRA VOLUME COLLAGEN BOOST MASCARA (BLACK)

Here's an initial review on L'OREAL ULTRA VOLUME COLLAGEN BOOST MASCARA IN BLACK

PRICE: 795PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: PCX, POWERPLANT MALL, ROCKWELL MAKATI CITY

OTHER LOCATIONS: DRUGSTORES, SUPERMARKETS AND BEAUTY EXCHANGE BOUTIQUES NATIONWIDE

THE VERDICT:

So, welcome back to one of the mascaras in my MASCARA MENU. Today, I'm having this latest mascara by L'oreal. It is infused with collagen that instantly stuffs every lash in your eyes with volume, just like how grandma would stuff the turkey for thanksgiving because it promises ultra plump looking and voluminous lashes in an instant.

Well, the wand is kinda' fat. And check that it's in a pseudo- hour glass shape. Hope you get to picture it.

So the mascara's consistency is a wet mousse that's creamy. It does pay- off well on the lashes and I love that it's so easy to apply, as compared to my not-so-exceptional exceptionelle by Chanel wherein it almost takes me forever to get the effect I wanted.

So here's my pair of lashes on my left eye. Bare and curled with my HG curler, Shu Uemura.

Here it is after 2 coats. Check out the super plump lashes and sexy looking volume right there! 

A shot from below.

My eyes with the Ultra Volume Mascara, each had 3 coats of mascara.

Overall, this delivered great results. It really did a great job in volumizing my lashes, so to speak. However, I find that this would clump a bit if you don't have great skills in separating your lashes and applying mascara. It is also washable and it does fade a bit, leaving some black streaks on my under eyes, which is not so pretty at all. But it's not horrific. I can do with it. Just make sure to pay the powder room a visit after some hours.

I would love to repurchase, but this is hell expensive. But I love it. So yeah, I'll repurchase.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: L'OREAL TELESCOPIC CLEAN MASCARA IN BLACK

Here's an initial review on L'OREAL TELESCOPIC CLEAN MASCARA

PRICE: 500PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: RUSTANS SUPERMARKET, POWERPLANT MALL, ROCKWELL

OTHER LOCATIONS: SELECTED MALLS, SUPERMARKETS, DRUGSTORES AND BOUTIQUES NATIONWIDE

This mascara promises to lengthen and provide a clean- looking and natural finish to your lashes. The thin wand is sure to reach every lash and the precise arrangement of the bristles provide a clean definition for your lashes.

THE VERDICT:

I really have no idea what's behind the "clean" concept. But one thing I noticed is that my lashes don't clump that much and every lash is evenly coated.

I'm not impressed with the lengthening and volumizing capability of this mascara but I'm pretty this will work well for those people with thick lashes, who don't need much definition. It will help the thick lashes become styled and it will add a bit of intensity by adding color on the lashes

W/O TELESCOPIC CLEAN

W/ TELESCOPIC CLEAN

For those who would just want a natural- looking yet defined pair of lashes, This is your best bet. The formula is quite sheer, semi- glossy so you don't have to worry about gunky lashes. This delivers by adding a bit of volume, lengthening the lashes a bit and adding color for a livelier looking lash.

If you're someone who prefer sporting the NO MAKE- UP LOOK, this is good for you. :D

PRODUCT REVIEW: L'OREAL ELSEVE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

When the L'oreal Elseve line hit the local Hair Industry, I instantly grabbed a bottle because they have this Color Care line that promises to prolong hair color, and make it more vibrant even after a long time. You could pretty much assume that I got a hair dye when I purchased a shampoo and a conditioner. Well, you're right. I dyed my hair jet black and I seriously wanted to save money by prolonging my hair color. Honestly, dye retouching is kinda' costly ya know!

Okay, I've been using the shampoo for 2 years now. I've moved back and forth from the Ceramide Technology shampoo and the Color Care line, both from L'oreal Elseve respectively. I must say the Elseve line truly works wonders. The Ceramide line promises stronger hair by covering each strand with a cement ceramide, a new shampoo innovation, that protects it from everyday wash and wear, whilst making it silky soft and smooth. I love how it made my hair tangle- free and smooth every single day. And every time I'll get a new hair dye, I'll always go back to the color care line.

They introduced this pink Elseve line (which name I forgot) around 2008 but I was never interested because I'm already satisfied with my L'oreal Ceramide Line.


Around summer of 2009, L'oreal's Royal Jelly Line was introduced. It promised bouncier, silkier and healthier hair. FYI, My hair's kinda' limp and the strands are thin, and uber straight. I love how silky, soft and smooth it is but I could wish for some volume for it to bounce a bit.

What brought me to trying this line? I got a magazine sample of the Royal Jelly Hair mask and it promised volume and nutrition right after washing your hair. Of course, you have to dry it first before seeing the exact results. :D

It didn't disappoint me. Right after my hair was dry, my hair felt bouncier and the strands felt a bit thicker, which goes to show that the Royal Jelly line fortifies your hair with nutrients from the Royal Jelly complex. In short, the Royal Jelly Line is like "Hair Food".

I'm using the Royal Jelly Shampoo and the Ceramide Conditioner from L'oreal Elseve. For everyday, I need some volume and something that would still shield my hair from bad elements so getting the two products might prove to be a good experimentation. And boy oh boy, these two didn't fail my expectations. :D



For the price, the biggest bottle of a L'oreal Elseve shampoo is around 295php and the conditioner is at 190- 200 (?). But don't fret, the consistency of the shampoo is thick, and it really does create a lot of suds so a small amount during every shower will do you justice. I have long hair so the biggest bottle and conditioner lasts at around 3 weeks on me.

Another best thing about this product, I didn't develop dandruff since my first day of use. I have a sensitive scalp. But finally, I found a "hiyang" shampoo for my hair and scalp. Also, all the products smell so good, ala- salon shampoo, so you'll feel as if you've been to a salon for shampoo and blow- dry right after every shower! :D


If there's one con of this product, it's too expensive. But other than that, I can't think of anything else! :D



HOW ABOUT YOU GUYS? WHAT ARE YOUR ALL- TIME FAVORITE SHAMPOOS AND CONDITIONERS? :D

YESTERDAY'S HAUL AND A LOVELY DISCOVERY :)

I ran out of body care products last week and I just managed to shop yesterday because I was uber busy last week. Imagine, I've been using hotel shampoo and body wash for my face last week because I'm already out of products! I've always hated hotel shampoos because they never fail to make my hair dry and frizzy and I dried out my face from using a body wash :(.

Good thing it was my rest day yesterday so I got 9 hours of sleep and I was able to move in slow- mo because I don't have any schedule for yesterday, except for a party in Penguin Malate after watching the closing of Tanghalang Pilipino's Virgin Labfest 5, which all took place in the evening.

So here's my haul for yesterday. I've been using Clairol's Herbal Essences shampoo. I just realized L'oreal Elseve is too expensive. Unfortunately, there weren't any stocks left so I ended up buying Elseve anyway. I tried their new Royal Jelly shampoo formula. In all fairness to this product, my hair feels smoother and more bouncy right after usage.

I'm no conditioner user because I hate how it takes time to rinse it off your hair. But I've realized that at the middle of the day, my hair's prone to entanglement and frizz so I made a vow to use a conditioner starting yesterday. Besides, I always here cracks and snaps whenever I comb my wet hair so that doesn't sound really good. I always see chunks of strands on my comb! Imagine the damage that I've been doing to my hair for years! I bought the L'oreal Damage Care with cement- ceramide technology. And I love how it eases my combing sessions and it lessened my hair fall and hair damage because my hair is very silky and smooth. :D

I also bought a deodorant. I swear by Nivea's cream stick formula and I love how it lessened the darkening of my underarms incurred by Secret deodorant! ):x.

I also bought Ponds Perfect Matte because I don't want to use a body wash as my facial soap again so this will last me for around 2 months at least. I also bought a travel size Perfect Matte facial wash because I'll be needing it for my play. I like perfect matte because it also has scrubs so I cleanse and exfoliate my face in one washing. And I like how my face feels matte after patting it dry with a towel.

SO WHAT'S MY LOVELY DISCOVERY FOR YESTERDAY????

I've already emptied by 30ml bottle of Eclat D' Arpege by Lanvin. My mom bought herself a Stella McCartney Sheer perfume 100ml from Singapore and since I have no more perfume, I ended up using hers. And Sheer smells so good. My mom keeps on telling me that it's hers andshe wants to use it for a long time. So in short, she doesn't want me using it. Haha. :) But I understand. It's her gift for herself so it's justified that she has a say on whatever I plan to do with that perfume.

After hauling my body products. I asked her if she could buy me a cologne so I won't be using her Sheer anymore. I had Calgon's Tahitian Orchid in mind because Lanvin is expensive.

Besides, I plan to buy one in a 100ml bottle when I get my pay check.

I went to Bescost, a px store in Cash and Carry (it's a stone's throw away from our house) in hopes of finding Tahitian Orchid. Unfortunately, they don't have it. Before I went out of the store. I asked the saleslady if they have Lanvin Eclat D' Arpege. She said yes. I asked how much.

"1300php, 100ml."

WHAT?!?!?!?

I was sooo surprised to know that the price is SOOOOO CHEAP for a Lanvin Perfume. Not to mention, 1300php is for the biggest bottle already. So I asked her why.

Apparently, they are selling testers of hundreds of perfume brands. THESE ARE NOT KNOCK- OFFS. These are all- original and they came straight from their manufacturers. They are cheap because these testers are what you find in malls and you spray some on yourself to have a whiff of the perfume/s.

The only difference is, these testers don't have their caps on (refer to my small Lanvin bottle on the pic below). Another thing is, they don't have their cases, boxes whatsoever because these are testers so they come in a box labeled as TESTERS.

Imagine, CK One 100ml costs 1300php, J.LO Glow 100ml costs 1200php, Anna Sui Secret Wish 100ml costs 1300php and a whole lot more perfumes that don't even exceed 2000php!

Talk about getting a BARGAIN huh? 

I got myself my HG for scents. And I am soooo happy because I was able to spare myself 3000php+ if I buy this in malls. Landmark sells the 100ml bottle at 4850php plus. Whew! At least I could spend my 3000php on something else because of this rather LOVELY DISCOVERY.

The not- tester- variant of Lanvin 100ml is at 600php. It includes the cap and box. But I won't be needing it anyway. I could use the 300php to gas up my ride. :)

I might try Anna Sui Secret Wish next time. At least, I don't have to worry shelling out thousands of bucks to buy myself a perfume. Thank goodness for these testers. :)

I also found this sticker on the bottle that states the essences used to create this LOVELY scent

TOP NOTES: SICILIAN LEMON LEAVES, LILAC GREEN

HEART NOTES: RED PEONY, PEACH FLOWERS

BASE NOTES: SWEET MUSKS, PRECIOUS AMBER

So at least, you know what are the essences used to create the scent you love. :)

**BESCOST IS LOCATED AT THE MEZZANINE LEVEL OF THE CASH AND CARRY MALL, FILMORE ST., COR. OSMENA HIGHWAY (FORMERLY SOUTH SUPERHIGHWAY), MAKATI CITY

DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT AFFLIATED WITH BESCOST NOR I HAVE RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM THEM FOR ME TO ADVERTISE THEM.

TOP 5 MASCARAS

I eat mascara (that's a hyperbole). I love it so much that I always have money to spare to purchase mascara. As a tribute to this instant beautifier that keeps me looking fresh and pretty (:D), i have nominated my top 5 favorite mascara brands.

1. GREAT LASH BY MAYBELLINE- Gives you long and thick lashes that look GREAT. It's uber waterproof and may take time to remove but this has been my steady companion during theatre shows that keeps my eyes from looking like a raccoon therefore, sparing me time from touch- ups and cleaning.
2. LANCOME DIFFICILS/EXTENCILS- Lush lashes. that's what it'll give you. Kinda' pricey but gives you a very visible volumizing effect. I love this product so much because it makes my sparse lashes thicken in a matter of seconds. And above everything else, it looks so natural.
3. AVON ASTONISHING LENGTHS MASCARA- Due to the recession, i went out to search for the cheap but good mascara and I found Avon. Gives you longer and lush lashes and dries fast. It's a better alternative for the now unavailable Great Lash. It's waterproof but washable so for those who'd rather sleep than to remove your lashes with baby oil, this is your best bet.
4. L'OREAL DOUBLE EXTENSION MASCARA- One of the pioneers of the ceramide (white) mascaras. It's a double- edged beauty weapon with the ceramide mascara to give fibers to make your mascaras look thicker, and the finisher, the black mascara to coat the white one. Gives you absolute volume and dramatic eyes.
5. CLINIQUE- Their little mascara tube gives your lashes that instant oomph by adding volume and length. But the sad part is, I don't think it's available locally.