Testing some Majolica Majorca products

I'm happy to say that Majolica Majorca is now here in the Philippines. I've been lemming to buy these online especially the mascara, but I don't want to waste money buying something that might disappoint me later. So, when I knew that this Japanese brand is already in stores, I went crazy and impatient to go to the mall. Wish granted and off to Makati.

Straight on to the scene as I went to Watson's and go straight to the Majolica Majorca counter. I can't hear what the saleslady was saying, my eyes were just focused on the products arranged on their places smiling at me and hypnotizing me. Crazy. In short, I tried out the testers. I've realized it won't hurt that much on trying because before, I'd skip that part; and that leaves me clueless.

Eeh-nee-my-nee-mowwww. The important one first: a lipbalm. There.

Rouge Majex Lipbalm (with menthol, evening primrose oil and royal jelly extract)

Thoughts: I LOVE IT. It's my first time to try out a minty lipbalm without the irritating itch. Also, its fast action on moisturizing my easy-to-get chapped lips made me want to buy it. But not yet, I have to walk around first for hours to see how it lasts.Oh, it's unhygienic to use so -_- I might look for something better.

Anything cute? Haven't used a lipgloss for years because I think they're gross, hmmm lemme try this.

Rouge Majex Lip Gloss

Thoughts: Kawaii. Not sticky, not gross, not too glossy, just natural and comfortable. These are good to use over nude to pink shaded lipstick. Kawaiiiiii.

I walked away and thought my mission was done, but oops I forgot to try out the mascara!

I noticed there's another Majolica Majorca counter and went straight there. Good to see a huge mirror with proper lighting, and I tried out the famous mascara.

Lash Expander Mascara 

Thoughts: I have indeed achieved my dream to have longer looking lashes. Hahahaha. I'm puzzled at first on how to apply it but thanks to the bubbly saleslady, I realized I have to put it on top and under the lashes. I'm amazed how it greatly made a difference on my lashes' length. Also, don't underestimate its 'waterproof' property because I got it totally washed out after 2 days of 6 normal washes. It's awesome. But then I thought, I need volumizing mascaras more than lengthening ones.

Tried out lining the black pencil eyeliner and liquid eyeliners on the top my hand.

Jeweling Eyeliner Pencil

Perfect Automatic Eyeliner

Thoughts: The black pencil eyeliner for me just looks normal. It was easy to smudge and easy to erase. I wished I tried out the other available colors though.

The liquid eyeliners, also available in different colors, are nice to look at. The colors were cute and glittery. These aren't easy to erase so I assume it would last long on eye application. And oh, they are easy to use for drawing that defined line. :)

Overall: Majolica Majorca make-up products that I've tried were definitely a must have. The quality isn't disappointing at all. Instead, they are top notch for a price not over 1000Php ($23). The price might not be that affordable for some but I assure you that you are paying for the good quality that you get from these. The prices in the local store is not that way higher than online. Sorry to say, but I'd get what's cheaper so I'd get them through Multiply. >_< At least I've tested and affirmed Majolica Majorca's awesomeness.

I'm not sure though but my sister told me their Pressed Powder was just ordinary. I wanna try it later to know if it's true.

♣

Shampoos and Conditioners for the Sensitive Scalp

Long time no blog. Looks like my friend Ms. Depression brought me here, to start typing and let her put to rest. I'm glad to have that 'high' again to talk about some hair products that I love and love my hair and scalp back.

Before, I could easily use random shampoos and conditioners that I can easily find available in our shower rack. No problemo even if I use the same brand for months or a different one every other day.

Then, my hair has become dry and frizzy for a long time because I wasn't aware of how the sun was frying my hair. I didn't care anyway. So when I felt like I need to take care of my hair more, I started to choose my products wisely. My saviors before were Pantene Green (Smooth & Silky) and Violet (Total Care) Shampoo and Conditioner, Rejoice Hot Oil 3in1 Shampoo, and Creamsilk Pink Conditioner.

I've also tried doing the 'shampoo-conditioner-today and conditioner only on the next day' cycle. Doing that kind of routine just made my hair oily every other day, like there were two me's alternately showing up every passing day. It was too much.

Then my experimentation overload paid me off by making my scalp get itchy easily from the classic brands that I've used. The type of itch that made me thought I got lice, or much worse, leeches on my head. Weird description haha.

What I did during that time was ending my hair washing with Lactacyd Blue. It helped relieve the itch that I might feel hours after but it tends to dry out my hair. So no, it's better to look for more.

Luckily, I found good products that are gentle on my scalp but are still good in helping my hair remain soft and controlled from frizz. Notice that most of the products that worked for me are botanicals/organic products.

So here are the products that I've tried and loved...

• VMV Hypoallergenics' Essence Skin-Saving Body and Bath Superwash Hair and Body Milk Shampoo - The best shampoo for me but the price is also the best LOL -__- Smells like baby's milk shampoo. It makes hair soft and your scalp totally itch-free. I could even use this without conditioner.
• VMV Hypoallergenics' Essence Hair-Volumising Milk Conditioner - Used after the VMV Shampoo and you've got a great combo. VMV Hypoallergenics Essence Link
• Human Heart Nature Moisturizing Egg Yolk & Aloe Vera Shampoo - Cute consistency like an egg yolk's! Cheaper organic shampoo that maintains hair's softness but VMV's is much better.

• Human Heart Nature Moisturizing Avocado & Seaweed Conditioner Human Heart Nature Hair Care Link

• Pantene Nature Care Shampoo - Never thought this organic-shampoo-wannabe is definitely real and doesn't make my hair itchy. As always Pantene never fails to make my hair soft.

• Beauty Formulas Henna Wax Hair Treatment/ Deep Conditioner - Recommended by yaptus, I'm currently using this as my conditioner and I love how it made my hair slowly revive from it's poor condition due to frequent dying. Much better if rinsed with warm water for more softer and manageable hair. Hoho!

But there are still products that I sometimes use just for a few days like..

• Elastine Moisture Control Shampoo & Conditioner (Green) - the scent of this Korean product lastssssss for hours, and my hair looks good when I use this but after 2-3 days... *scratch, scratch* Still, I use it sometimes kweh.

• Creamsilk Strength Boost Green - Creamsilk is the best. Bow.

What I miss though...

• That Japanese Pantene Treatment (Blue) where you apply it after shampoo and conditioner! - made my hair super soft, straight that my full bangs and bob were so in place! No flyaways! Too bad it's not available anymore in the market. :((

So that's it. I dunno how to close this post. Lemme just say... I'm off to bed! Brrr.

Remember what works for me might not work awesomely to you. At least you know what you can try. Meow.

♣

My new Angel Brown Geo Lenses yey!

I bought my lenses from the mentioned multiply shop almost a year ago; and now, I don't know what happened to the seller that is why I edited this post to make the online shoppers aware. BTW, I BUY MY LENSES NOW FROM www.japanesecandy.net Thank You!


It's my second time to purchase and use Geo circle lenses. I bought them all from Kim Parducho of geocontactlens30.multiply.com. My first pair was a XCM-105 14.7mm Black Lenses. Actually, I ordered a CM-105 14mm Black Lenses and I got the one with an 'X' on it. It was new from the market at that time but I'm scared of having big eye or even colored lenses so I'd go for the safe one first. Unfortunately, I got the XCM-105 haha. I want to complain but I already wore it and it was shockingly HUGE for me. It was scary for a first-timer like me. As time goes by, I loved it for making my eyes dollish; but blame Lady Gaga for having those big eyes in 'Bad Romance' MV. Later my eyes were called Lady Gaga's eyes. o_O

Well anyway, I purchased new lenses again from the same seller after 1 year of using the black ones. (Yes, I'd use one until it expires because I have that habit of using a product til it's dead/ruined/useless and I don't want to waste anything haha.) Now, I have colored lenses for a change but still on the safe side. I bought the Angel Brown Geo Lenses and this pair of 14.0mm lenses are so scary when you look through the bottom of the container with solution; BUT they're so sexy when worn. Hahahaha.

Bought it on Valentine's Day so I got a free Hello Kitty case. I don't use it though.

What's inside the multi-colored pouch?

Mine's -3.50 o.o yerrr

I can't explain it correctly but contact lenses do really give you that boost of confidence. For me, I just want to get away from the geeky look with glasses that's why I started wearing contacts but I think this would turn into an addiction. Sometimes, I'm a bit thankful for having poor eyesight (yeah, crazy WTF).

If you ask me if it's comfortable, I'd answer a big YES just like the XCM-105 lenses I've used before. The difference I noticed between the two is I think the Angel Brown Lenses looked thinner than the black lenses. It makes me more scared on handling these lenses when trying to put them in and out of my eyes; thinking I might lose it. It's easy to see though which side is the correct one because the correct side shows much more of the color 'brown' than on the other side. The XCM-105 I've used is color black so it was troublesome looking at it sideways and observe if it is a concave or convex. 

It doesn't enlarge eyes dramatically but it still does make that doll-ish/anime-ish/whatever-ish effect. It brightens the face making the eyes not to look dead-tired even when the wearer feels so. It is not that noticeable since the people here didn't notice any change, unless they would look closer and see those pixels on the lenses.

*_*

Overall, these geo lenses are awesome and I won't stop trying other varieties but maybe next year again LOL.   One of my main concerns before wearing contact lens is the factor that it might make my eyes bloodshot red again like what I've experienced from the clear contact lenses I've bought from a local optical shop (won't name it though); I'm happy to prove that these lenses won't. They're also not that easy to tear. The best is they're cheap. I bought the clear ones for over a thousand pesos and I bought these geo lenses for 535 Php from geocontactlens30.multiply.com. A pair is actually worth 570 but my sister also wanted to buy Tearful Brown so we got Package 2 worth 1070 if 2 pairs are purchased. The more you purchase the cheaper it would get.

Oh yeah oh oh oh yeah~

♣

Wasabrrrrr :((

Though everything right now is in a state of melancholy, let's think positively and calmly. Everything will be fine.

Be strong like you've sniffled in an inch of wasabi paste! 

♣

But I can't help bitching out how these people on Twitter have the face to be selfish and keep on trending and comparing Hurricane Katrina to the earthquake + tsunami in Japan. Like it's more awesome than the latter. What the eff is their problem?!

Mario Badescu Haul

Yes I love Mario Badescu Products because of their use of herbal ingredients which are mild and very suitable for my skin. I don't remember how I discovered and convinced myself to try these products though I just started using them last year. I think it was because the salesman in Rustan's was recommending me to try Mario Badescu when I was looking through all these brands (Kose, Murad, Dermalogica, etc.) with confusion. He also caught me looking totally wasted and barely no makeup at all so it was a bit easy for him to know what I really wanted, no... needed.

What I bought first from Mario Badescu in Rustan's were the AHA Botanical Body Soap (P495 maybe) and that famous Drying Lotion (P1095).

I bought two items only but I got some free testers already. I had samples of Oil-free Moisturizer SPF 17, Cucumber Cream Soap, Drying Mask, AHA Botanical Body Soap (although I bought one already), and Sun Protection SPF 30. WOW. (Thanks to that super nice saleslady in Rustan's ATC)

Well what can I say? I loved them all! Why?

• AHA Botanical Body Soap - It claims to slough away dead skin cells, soothes sensitive and irritated areas, and perfect for troublesome acne on back and chest. What they claim is so effing TRUE. Best when using a loofah, hand towel or any scrubbing cloth or brush to exfoliate the skin because it will really get rid of the dead skin. I noticed scrubbing away the tiny balls (WTF) of dead skin especially on the usual hidden areas: armpits, inner thigh (scrub only using hands for these two please), back, chest, and abdomen. It also did its job when my right foot is having a serious yucky dry skin forming on the bone near my pinky toe. I just scrubbed it often and tada it's much better now. It also calmed my chest and back acne! Right now I  will only have to focus on the scars left and some acne on my chest (about 3 or 4).

• Drying Lotion - It claims to dry your stubborn whiteheads overnight and yeah it does make it dry and shrink; but don't expect overnight of course, it'll take 2 or more nights depending on how terrible that round thingy is. I also use this for chest and back acne when some pop out.

• Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 17 - My first time to use a moisturizer that is sooo light. What I like about it is... it is not like most of the moisturizers that are thick and greasy (of course it's oil-free) .  It is very suitable for those who have oily or combination skin. What's nicer is it has SPF 17.

• Cucumber Cream Soap - Not really my type when it comes to its foaminess. It was like using a creamier Cetaphil with a hint of unexplainable creamy mild soap scent. it wasn't the proper facial wash to use since it's better for dry and combination skin. Good thing though, my skin reacted to it positively even I really don't like that no foam texture. It calms the skin and it is mild on sensitive skin.

• Drying Mask - A kick of sulphuric scent and its thick texture were the things I noticed first after opening the lid of the Drying Mask. It is too thick and takes time to evenly spread out using my fingers unlike other facial masks. I usually leave it up to 30 mins and it was so damn hard to remove and the sulphur scent (if you know Dr. Kaufman soaps) still lingers even after rinsing. The hardwork pays off though. It helps dry whiteheads and a great combo if used before drying lotion for those big bububumps.

• Sun Protection SPF 30 - Just like the oil-free moisturizer, this sunblock is super light on my skin. It is not greasy and doesn't leave your face all white. It is also very easy to apply and the SPF 30 is just right for the sunny days here in the Philippines though I don't know this summer. I don't even know if there will be summer as of March. Blame climate change.

First purchase with freebies. All are empty now T_T.

Too bad what's left in my cabinet are empty bottles and jars wahahaha ( I don't even know why I'm still keeping them. o.o) But because these products were good for me, I decided to have my next batch to try.

MB products that I'm currently using. 

AHA Botanical Body Soap in a bigger sample container I love you!

Will post another blog for these awesomeness soon.

♣

Mild Facial Foams/Cleansers for Acne-prone Skin

I've posted before the type of skin that I have and how it was a struggle for me to look for good products suitable for my face. In this post, I have listed the facial cleansers that I recommend. :)

Remember, each person has their unique type of skin. What suits me might not be good for you or for that person behind you... or for that person beside that person behind you (crazy o.o); but it's not that bad to try :3

These are listed in random order. ♥

Lactacyd Blue

This one I just recently found out and proved that it actually works. During those days when my face had a major break-out, I decided to give this a try and it works. It has this watery consistency so watch out, you might put in too much. The only problem with this is that it could make your face really dry if used for months. I think it would be better to use this during 'break-out' days or try using it every other day, switching it with a non-drying facial wash. 

Actually a friend told me that her friend uses the Lactacyd Pink (a feminine wash), and I think there's no problem with that because the difference is only the scent and its use (Blue for babies, Pink for the ladies').

Herb day Cleansing Foam in Acerola from The Face Shop

I love this facial foam! Even the people here in the house loved it. The scent is lovely and you'll only need a pea size every time you wash your face. It leaves your face soft and bright. From my experience, it calmed my face and some acne marks were diminished. For my teenage sister who is also acne-prone, it did the same to her face. Another good thing is this cleansing foam is very affordable and lasts for almost a year (that's for me or maybe because I kept on switching -_-).

Yogurt Peel from Etude House

My current cleansing foam. Actually, my sister bought it but she stopped using it because she also keeps on switching stuff. Then my other sister used it until she got a Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser and Cetaphil (I don't know what she uses right now). I've decided to try this one when that Lactacyd Blue is already making my skin very dry and I found out that it was good. I'm not into Etude House's skin care products that much but this one deeply cleanses my face. It doesn't leave a dry feeling after washing and the micro-beads inside didn't make me wash my face with pain. The foam together with the beads are easily washed away.

to be continued... :)

♣

Acne-prone, sensitive, combination skin that changes as the season changes? Yeah my skin is like that too.

I've got acne last week and now they're all gone and tomorrow they'll be back. Cystic, whiteheads, blackheads, or whatever futureheads.

My oily skin in summer and veryyyy dry skin from December to January. 

Oh an expensive miracle cream and now I've got break-outs.

It has been very troubling to look for facial cleansers and facial meds that won't make my face break-out, dry, or even greasy. It has been also very tiring to go to different dermatologists giving me the same type of meds that made my face even worse (Too bad derma's fave 'retinol creams' gave me horror). My sensitive skin won't accept harsh products.

I've also been in and out of facial salons trying to get rid of bad stuff from my face but I think it would help for only a eee-wee bit of time. I've read and agreed from the 'Mysterious Skin' article from Sense&Style Magazine Oct 2010 issue, the points stated by top dermatologists of the country that facials are just like going to the spa; they'll give you relaxation but they are not medically a 'must'.

Brrr. I wish I could just buy products like Pond's from a drugstore. :Q

For my skin, the simpler the better. I've wanted to follow the regimen I've read used by most Koreans (but they insist they don't really follow it) that is using: first, makeup remover~ then facial wash~ then toner~ then emulsion~ then breathe (jk :P)~ then essence~ lastly, a moisturizer~~ (plus sunblock on mornings). I've tried different products from skin food, face shop, etude house, beauty credit and also hera (i loved that whitening toner btw) and following that long process but it was a big nahhhhh. Nothing dramatic happened, I even had breakouts for some but I guarantee that they are good for moisturizing and whitening but for my skin... no, thank you. i wanna say, 'No, it's not you, it's me' (wtf haha)

So for me, I only needed 3 essential products plus 2 bonus products that give my skin what I wanted: acne control with less harsh chemicals.

The 3 essentials for me are:

• facial foam/wash
• toner
• sunblock

The 2 are:

• moisturizer
• cleansing oil/ cleansing wipes/ make-up remover

As simple as that and I don't want to complicate things anymore. The problem is I am complicating it by trying several products and I won't stop til I find that so called 'Holy Grail' My mom would even scold me for trying so many and tell me what I do is the reason why my skin can't find its 'peace' ':S. 

So for the upcoming blogs I'll post a list of products by category that gave my skin good results. Hope I could help some peeps out there :3

 ♣