Monthly Favorites | February 2017

Can you believe that it's already the 3rd month of the year? Man, and I thought 2016 was fast. It has been awhile since I've done a favorites and it's because I was going through products left and right and testing out almost everything that I could get my hands on. Now that I've gathered some products that I'm pretty sure I'll be repurchasing and will be using religiously, I'll be showing it to you guys just incase you're interested as well.

Just a little disclaimer, some of the products that I have here are some of what I've mentioned before along with some other items that I used for awhile. I'm just going to include the items that I loved and used religiously last February. Also, I am in no way sponsored by any brands mentioned in this post.

• BENCH / paintbox Brow Lasting Eyebrow Mascara

PHP 89 (Original Price PHP 139) from BENCH/ at SM Megamall 

I bought this eyebrow mascara last January while I was going to buy my favorite mascara from the same line. I haven't used this since last February because I was still trying to empty out my previous eyebrow mascara that I have used for as long as I can remember. I got this on sale, which was PHP 50 off from its regular price. I didn't have any expectations on this product since it was kind of cheap and I think that it would be worth the try. After using this eyebrow mascara for the first time, I instantly fell inlove with it. The color didn't look tacky, it helped my eyebrows look a little more full and it definitely stayed on my brows for awhile. 

• BENCH / paintbox Gel Shine Nail Polish in Warm Clay

PHP 69 from BENCH/ at SM Megamall

I remember that I posted somewhere raving about Bench paintbox nail polishes saying that they make really good quality polishes. Seriously, they could be comparable to the high end, well-known brands that most of us probably couldn't afford to buy. I first tried out the champagne shade of the Gel shine line from this brand and loved it. Champagne became my go-to nail polish so, I decided to try out this new shade. The thing that I like about this nail polish is that, the color payoff doesn't look harsh, it isn't too vibrant and it isn't too bright. I'm not sure how else to describe the color other than it looks like a "frosted" or "muted" or it's like when you use the VSCO app and press the "Fade" option. Other than the color, it does look like a Gel nail polish rather than a normal polish. This nail polish even beats the lasting power of a normal polish as well. 

• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in London

PHP 390 from NYX at SM Megamall

These soft matte lip creams from NYX has always been a favorite of mine (it was one of the products that I've reviewed first on this blog). I think the thing that I love about these is that, there's a huge color or shade selection that you'll definitely find something that would suit your interest or what you see as something that would look good on you. For more of my review of this product, click here.  

Anyway, London is the shade I have been obsessively wearing almost every other day when I have to go out of the house. It is that simple nude type of shade that isn't too natural looking, isn't too pale or grayish, it has a hint of orange into it that I think suits my skin color and the look that I was going for. 

• Cathy Doll Aloe Vera & Snail Serum Soothing Gel

PHP 199 from Robinsons Department Store at Robinsons Antipolo

Of course, you will see some products of the brand that I'm currently obsessing on which is Cathy Doll. You could see some of my other picks from this brand right here.  

This Serum has been a life saver for the past month. I was going through a dry skin phase in some parts of my face. This is one of the moisturizers that doesn't break me out and the stickiness of it only lasts a few minutes until it sets into my skin and makes it feel smoother and of course, moisturized.

• Cathy Doll Eyelash Curler

PHP 179 from Robinsons Department Store at Robinsons Antipolo

Okay, I get it, eyelash curlers are so easy to find almost everywhere. But here is my take on it, I have bought eyelash curlers that are cheaper than this one and I always witness some of my eyelashes falling out after trying to curl it using the curler. Now, I'm pretty sure that I wasn't pressing too hard nor was I pulling on my lashes. I just don't know why. I decided to buy this eyelash curler because I lost the extra one that I had (I always have to have something extra for whatever reason because it bothers me if I don't, yeap, idk too). I love that whenever I use this, I don't experience any of my eyelashes falling out and I don't have to press on my lashes over and over again using this curler because once is enough for my lashes to curl. I also noticed that my lashes lasts longer throughout the day / night even without the use of a mascara. If you're wondering, I tried to curl my lashes before I went to bed and I woke up with my lashes looking like how I did them the night before. 

• Dear Darling Tint 05

PHP 99 from 2358 at Sta. Lucia

I bought this around October last year at the 2358 store and have been using it ever since. To see more of what I got around that time, click here. Last month however, I was just obsessed with it that it actually became a necessity whenever I do my makeup, whether it'll be a full face of makeup or just a natural simple look. 

What makes me love this product so much is that it's easy to apply on my cheeks and lips, it blends easily and doesn't leave those lines on your cheeks where you first placed them before spreading it out. The color isn't that pigmented which is fine for me because it means I wouldn't have to worry about putting way too much and could build my way into a color that I'm comfortable in. For the lips, I have experienced some lip tints just sinking into the lines of my lips or some dry parts of my lips which just looks horrible. This however doesn't make my lips look dry and the color doesn't fade easily, which is what most of us would want in a lip and cheek tint. I almost emptied this one out so for sure I'll be buying another one to two when I pass by Sta. Lucia again.

• Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

PHP 249 from Robinsons Department Store at Robinsons Antipolo

Micellar water has made its way into the beauty community recently and it just makes every beauty junkie want to get their hands on it. It made everybody curious on how "water" could easily remove makeup, especially eye and lip makeup easier than a makeup wipe. Well, to be honest with you, idk the scientific explanation for it. I only know that when I tried this, it just removed all of my makeup quickly and easily. I could say that this ain't cheap though, but at the same time you wouldn't really need to use a whole lot whenever you remove a day's makeup. I think its just a good option to have if you are just tired of trying to wipe that eye makeup off and having to purchase a separate one than your makeup wipes that would do the job. 

Disclosure: I am in no way sponsored by any of the brands / companies mentioned in this post. All opinions / statements made are based off of my own experience towards the products.

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Cathy Doll Picks!

Lately, I've been discovering more and more products that I love from Cathy Doll. I always loved using Korean products because they probably give the best results for my skin. Whether we admit it or not, Koreans (atleast, most of whom I've seen) has amazing skin, so why not try out products that are Korean inspired?


To start things off, I am in no way sponsored or have been sent these products to review or test out. I purchased all of them with my own money due to curiosity and in need of a new skin care product and makeup.

• Acne Solution Serum Foam Cleanser

PHP 299 at SM Megamall 

I've been using this product the longest out of all of these so I could definitely say that it has worked wonders for me. I started out using the sachet version because a) I wanted to test out the product first if it would irritate my skin or not and b) because they didn't sell the larger or tube version at first. I bought like 3 of the sachets to use for 2 and a half weeks just to see a hint of results, by then I felt that my skin has been feeling and looking okay with this and at the same time, they started selling the bigger version so, I immediately bought it. The saleslady that was assisting me at that time told me that this is a cleanser and toner in one, so I wouldn't have to worry about using an additional product as a toner after using this.   

• So Happy Berry Yogurt Peeling Gel

PHP 499 at Robinsons Department Store in Robinsons Antipolo 

This was actually a product that I was kind of iffy about buying due to its price and how fast I'll probably go through it. So again, I tried using the sachet version which I bought from the same place, it costed about PHP 49 (more or less) for a single one. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the sachet is good for one use only since it doesn't exactly have a seal and it doesn't contain a whole lot of product inside. 

So, when using it, you apply it all over your face by doing a circular motion with your hands. This tends to remove some inactive skin cells from your face (you will actually see and feel it falling), and this happens quite quickly so I'd rather you do it on the sink in your bathroom to avoid the mess it's going to make. After that, you just rinse it and your done. After using it, you would notice that your skin looks brighter and feels smoother. I would say that it is worth the price since you only need a small amount every time and I only use it twice or a maximum of 3 times a week depending on how my skin feels.

• 99% Aloe Vera & Snail Serum Soothing Gel

PHP 199 at Robinsons Department Store in Robinsons Antipolo 

I'm not exactly sure if this is a new release, but I haven't really seen this before. If I did, I probably skipped it due to the fact that snails actually give me the creeps but hey, curiosity lead me into buying this when I first saw it. But anyway, my skin has been going through a weird phase wherein sometimes I have really oily skin, but then a few weeks later, I'll suffer from very dry skin. To be honest, I don't know why, probably due to my diet or lack of sleep, I've yet to find out. Due to my experience with the 2 skin care products from this line, I decided to browse through the Cathy doll stall again and I saw this which wasn't really there when I last visited. It says that this product can be used as a skin moisturizer anytime your skin is feeling dry. So, that's what got me interested, since I needed a decent moisturizer and my skin was definitely feeling dry at that time. Also, the price isn't all that bad compared to the last 2 that I bought. I now use this for my face all the time because I could actually feel that it's working, like my skin is definitely moisturized and the stickiness of this product after putting it on your face lasts only a few minutes until it sets in and gives a smooth finish. I only use about 2 pea size amounts on my face so, I guess this would last me a little bit longer than expected.

• AA Matte Powder Cushion Oil Control SPF 50 PA +++

PHP 449 at SM Megamall

*Price not exactly sure since I keep seeing different prices online, but yes I only bought it for 449 a few weeks ago.  

This is the newest product that I decided to try on their line. If you're a beauty junkie like I am, you've probably heard of this cushion foundation that almost everybody is trying out. Seriously though, it is quite a trend since it's practically a foundation, concealer and powder all in one because it has coverage and sets by itself. Also, it has SPF which means you don't have to worry about putting on sunscreen especially when you're a person who is practically always on the go. I have been researching about good cushion foundations and have decided on trying out some other brand, though I was going back and forth if I should buy it or not especially when the price range is above a thousand pesos (what if I won't like it right?). I again, browsed through the Cathy Doll stall to see more products that they have and I stumbled upon this. First of all, I like that it said Matte on it because my skin honestly handles being dewy on its own most of the time so, matte has been a perfect choice for me. It also says that it is an AA Powder cushion. On the box, it says that this product includes the 9 effects of AA which are auto aura, whitening, moisturizing, covering blemish, cooling, sun protection, oil control, quick step using, tone correcting, that are all of which, what most of us are looking for when buying products similar to this. Second, the price was what I considered reasonable since comparing it to the other brand that I first saw, it is a lot cheaper.  

Top: No makeup, Bottom: With AA Cushion Powder (Just used my Cathy Doll Eyelash Curler, more details below)

So, I tried it and I have to say that it covered all of my insecurities and problems on my face. I have spent less time doing my makeup due to this because it means less time for blending, concealing and setting. It didn't fade throughout the day as I feared that it would, but even if it did, I wouldn't really have a problem of reapplying it since it doesn't crease or have signs of product build up. I also noticed that I don't feel my face getting all greased up in the middle of the day when I use this, so I could definitely say that this is perfect for people who has oily skin. 

• Eyelash Curler

PHP 179 at Robinsons Department Store in Robinsons Antipolo.

Okay, I get it, some of you may think that Eyelash curlers are easy to find since they're practically everywhere which are much cheaper or more expensive. Hear me out, I've been using cheap eyelash curlers for awhile and I always experience pressing into my eyelashes too much that my lashes either breaks or falls out. I never really looked into that too much, but I decided to pick this one up since I thought that I may need a new one since I lost my extra curler a few weeks ago. I could definitely tell the difference from my PHP 18 eyelash curler that I got at a store near my place. This one from Cathy Doll felt like I wasn't pressing into my lashes too hard and I didn't need to do it over and over again for my lashes to follow. Another addition to that is, I haven't experienced my lashes falling out like I've witnessed from using my cheap curlers. This also includes one replacement rubber pad for when you want to change the ones that are already placed into the curler. 

What are your favorite products from Cathy Doll that you would recommend me to try out? Don't forget to tell me what other lines of products that you're interested for me to give my top picks on down on the comment box.

Check out more of Cathy Doll HERE.

Disclaimer: These are my personal picks from this brand that are based on what I've tried so far and what I would actually recommend people to test out themselves. But please do remember that our skins are different, some things will work for me and maybe not so much for you and vice versa, so I would also advise you to do your research first if you are curious about a certain product. 

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Monthly Favorites | October 2016

This month has been an emotional roller coaster ride for me that it felt like this month just flew by but not in a good way. I kinda wish I did more of my time but hey, I'm glad I realized that and its time to actually do something productive.

With all the stress and events happening, I clung to just limited items this month that I know would not let me down especially when I have little to no time to actually pay much attention to how I look or what I need, basically what I would call my "go-to kit".

• Unicorn Powerbank

This cute little thing has been my best friend for the past couple of months. I purchased this back in June and I had no problems with using it. It's easy to carry around which is useful especially at times when I'm out of the house.

• Dear Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream

This has been sent to me awhile ago, going to be a year now in just a few months. I've been loving using this for when I just need to head somewhere that won't exactly need that "made up" look. It looks like it's my skin but better. I'm just obsessed with using it. I also made a review about this product so if you want to check that out, click here.

• Sleek Matte Me Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream in Birthday Suit

If you're a beauty junkie like me, you would know that this liquid lipstick is definitely a must-have. Everybody says that the quality is amazing and it's perfect for an everyday lipstick which I could definitely say is true.

• Daiso 5 in 1 Beauty Care Massager

If you've read about my 6 Daiso favorites, then you would know that this is one of them! I use this mainly for when I need to massage my face and for cleansing my face. It just makes it a whole lot easier and makes my skin feel amazing.

• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in London

This is one of my most natural looking liquid lipstick that I use almost on a daily basis. Though it doesn't last very long especially when I eat, it's easy to reapply and gives that smooth finish to your lips. If you want to read about my review for the other colors that I got, click here.

• Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick in Mauvey

My 3rd favorite lipstick that I've been wearing for months now is this Ever Bilena lipstick. I feel that it just suits every look I want to have. It's pink but not too pink. Really simple that suits whether your going for a day at work or a fun night out.

• Innocence by: Kathleen Tessaro 

This has become one of my favorite books of all time. Maybe because I could relate to some of the events that has happened in the story. Basically, it's about a girl named Evie who has this dream of becoming an actress so, she leaves her hometown to go to London to study drama. Evie experienced a new way of life, learning a lot of things she hasn't experienced before. Then, life just happened and everything for Evie changed. She became a mother who is teaching night time drama classes. Her old friend died but haunts her with the past she tried to forget. With that, everything was about to change again.

That's pretty much my favorites for this month. Let me know what else would you guys recommend me to try or if you tried out any of the products that I mentioned and what were your experiences with it? Leave a comment below and I'll respond when I can.

What were your favorites this month?

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Best Of 2015 || Beauty Products

So instead of me doing a monthly favorites this month, I thought that I would do my best or mostly used products for this whole year and I really picked out the ones that I think everybody else should try out.

• Stila all day liquid lipstick in Patina

I have been wearing this shade whenever I see myself wear a plain tee or just anything ordinary since it does make a bold statement even if I had minimal to no makeup on. Click here for the price and review. 

• Stila all day waterprood liquid eyeliner

This would have to be my all time favorite eyeliner because of how opaque the product is and how easy it is for me to play around with how I put it around my eye. Click here for the price and review. 

• LOL (lots of love) bronzing powder

A very subtle bronzer that is good for an everyday wear. It stays in tact for awhile and easily buildable if you want more of an effect to your look. Click here for the price and review.

• NYX soft matte lip cream in Abu Dhabi

A super simple shade that is quite similar to the natural lip color. I like to call this my "when in doubt" product because of how natural the finish is to the lip and it's matte. Click here for the price and review.

• Benefit roller lash

Works as a eye curler + mascara. Most beneficial for those who are on-the-go. Read more about that here.

• Lush daddy-o Purple shampoo

Used this ever since I started bleaching my hair to avoid having brassiness and it worked like a charm. The scent is not too strong but very subtle to the nose and it lasts the whole day on my hair.

• Chic "Gypsetter" from the boho chic! collection

A periwinkle blue nail polish. Super cute that for me is perfect for all occassions. 

• Silky girl moisture rich lipstick in Sensual

If you are looking for a cheap but good quality lipstick, then this collection is for you. More details here.

• Chromastix Hair chalk intense

I used this last Halloween and loved it! If I wanted a temporary hue to my hair, I'll definitely reach for this because of how amazing it looks. And, it's pretty cheap too. More about this here.

• Nichido Tru Lashes Eyelash Adhesive

It may look small but it definitely does it's job. I admit that I don't often wear fake eyelashes and when I do, I find myself struggling at the middle of the day to keep it in my eye due to bad quality glue. This however helped my lashes to stay intact throughout the day. 

• Real Natura Organics Soft Matte Lip Gem in Caramel Glaze

A nude lipstick that is perfect for an everyday wear plus, the brand promotes all organic (cruelty-free babes!). Check out more of this here.

• Mac Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy

I have been hunting this lipstick down for the whole year and finally got it this month. I love it! I finally get why it's always sold out because of how amazing the quality and lasting power is. I will be posting a more elaborate review on this in January so stay tuned for that.

• Rucy's Vanity Mascara in Black

I mentioned above that Roller lash from Benefit is indeed one of the top mascaras this year for me but due to it's fast expiration (mascaras tend to only last for 2-3 months max) and it's price, it did break my heart to stop using it. This mascara however is really cheap and does almost exactly the same job as the roller lash. The packaging is very sleek and professional and the wand prevents the mascara from plumping. To know more, click here.

• Virgin Coconut Oil

I just started using VCO on myself this year and all I could say is, why haven't I used this sooner? It's a miracle product all on it's own due to having so much benefits just by using it everyday or when you need it. The brand actually doesn't matter since they are all made from the same ingredients and they are natural. A little spoiler, I will be posting a "why I love virgin coconut oil" here on my blog around January so keep an eye out for that one. 

What were your favorites this year?

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Disclosure: I am in no way sponsored by any of the brands I've mentioned. All statements were based on my own experience. 

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Monthly Favorites || November 2015

The end of the month...
Christmas is coming..
New Year is coming...
Why am I growing up so fast?

You know that time when you reach a certain age where you're like "slow the fudge down time!" Well anyway, one day at a time so today I will be showing you guys the products or things that I loved during this month of November and what I recommend you guys checking out.

Beauty Products!

Quick FX No-Shine Mattifier

PHP 89 (1.89 USD). I actually can't believe I haven't done a review about this because this is a holy grail primer for Filipinas or you know, has the quick fx brand in their country. It's super cheap and does help your makeup stay in tact for the rest of the day. It however doesn't hide the pores but still is a really good primer a 10g sachet lasts for awhile since you only need a few product on some parts of your face and it has a resealable cap which makes it great for traveling purposes too. It's usually sold out on most places so be sure to keep an eye out so you could get 1 or hoard like me.

Silky Girl Moisture Rich Lipstick in 28 Sensual

PHP 149 (3.16 USD) .Another cheap product that you can get your hands on is this lipstick. The brand isn't quite familiar to many but this lipstick is very promising and long lasting, I can get into more of that HERE. 

Terra Cotta Blush in 01

PHP 280 (5.93 USD) from theclosetqueen on Instagram. I use this as a highlighter because of it's shade and it is very subtle when applied to the face so it will need building up but I guess that's what I like about it because I could adjust it to whatever I want it to look like. Really easy to apply and have found myself reaching for this whenever I do my makeup. A photo and review of this product HERE.

Chic Nail Polish in Gypsetter from the boho chic! Collection

Periwinkle blue nails? Uh, yes! I swear that this will be a staple color of mine because of how good it looks on almost anything I wear. It's easy on the eyes but makes people do a double take on what shade it is because it really is just so pretty! I do add my ORLY matte top coat after this polish because I just love matte nails and it makes it look even prettier. And not gonna lie, it reminded me so much of Ariana Grande because I always see her photos with this kind hue to it. PHP 33 (0.70 USD)

Non-beauty related things

Q&A A Day: 5 Year Journal

I have been wanting this ever since the 1st time I saw it from either tumblr or bubzbeauty which is years ago. If you don't know what this is, it's gives a question a day for you to answer all year. It says 5 years because you would have to answer the same questions a year or so after to see how you've changed or haven't changed. A perfect gift to give for somebody if they love writing on journals. Read more of this journal HERE.

Spotify Playlist

The tunes I blasted constantly during this month. If you've been following me on snapchat you'd probably heard some of these from there already. So if you aren't following me there yet, my id is blissyjojo.

Hope that you enjoyed and found this post helpful and if you have any more questions, suggestions or request, leave a comment below and I'll reply as soon as I see it.

How about you though? What were your favorites for this month?

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Disclosure: The Terra Cotta Blusher was sent to me by theclosetqueen on Instagram but statements and opinions made are based on my own experience from using their product.

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