Ellana Sheer Velvet FP vs Aromaleigh URFP

I've been testing both Aromaleigh Ultra Resolution Finishing Powder (URFP) in Transluscent and Ellana Minerals new Sheer Velvet Finishing Powder in White Chocolate this past few weeks..I really have oily skin and I usually get oily and shiny after 3 hours since I applied my makeup..so I am always on a hunt for a good oil control powder that is MMU (I rarely use non MMU stuff on my face)..I've tried Monave Angel, Milan Oil at Bay, Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil, Valerie Beauty oil control powder (i forgot the name hehe), etc.

Lately, I've been "hearing" good reviews about AL's URFP doing a good job of keeping oilies at bay..actually "silica" as the hero is more like it..it is the main ingredient of Aromaleigh's infamous URFP and Dreamworld's Illuminating powder too.. so I got a sample for my self a couple of weeks ago..and it does work wonders! (check out my review on it here) I really am saving up for a full size of URFP in Clear coz it's not cheap (for me anyway) and shipping is quite pricey too..but then, I luckily discovered that a local brand of MMU, Ellana Minerals, has released their own version of an HD powder..Lucky me, coz when I visited their showroom to get some stuff for my sister, Coney was there and she told me about their new product..I got a sample of White Chocolate Sheer Velvet FP so that I can test it for myself..and I loved it! It's main ingredient is Silica too so this is almost the same as AL URFP..According to Coney, they patterned their sheer velvet formulation to MUFE HD powder..here's my take on it :)


ELLANA MINERALS SHEER VELVET FINISHING POWDER in White Chocolate

Price: 5/5 - this is quite affordable compared to Aromaleigh's URFP ($13.75 for a 6g product).. this is sold for only P380 (around $7-8) for 6g too! Plus shipping is cheap too coz this is locally available.

Packaging: 4/5 - this comes in a big jar and sometimes spill on the sides like any other brands but at least you can use the top for swirling your brush for touch ups.

Quality: 5/5 - this really keeps my oiliness at bay for hours..I just need to use this before and after my foundation and my face will have a smooth and oil free skin for at least 5- hours! I even use this alone on tp of my tinted sunblock for those days that I am too lazy to put anything haha :)

Will I buy it again? Definitely! I'll surely get the full size as soon as I finished up my sample :)

For those looking for a cheaper alternative for Aromaleigh's URFP but still works wonder, do try Ellana Minerals' Sheer Velvet FP..tatak pinoy!

note: I edited this post to add an actual picture of the sheer velvet :)

Job Hunt

*not beauty related*

I'm so sad today..actually, hopeless is more like it...me and my bf have been busy this past few days looking for a hospital to apply for work..but we couldn't find any! either they are not hiring at the moment or they only accept applicants for "training" purposes but not for absorption at the end..we will just pay them and work as a staff nurse (for free..no salary) for a couple of months..we won't even be given an allowance or something..then we don't have a job again at the end of the training period..

actually, we only found 1 hospital that is currently hiring.. out of the dozen we inquired at.. the sad part is, we have so many (as in hundreds) competition that it really looks impossible for us to get picked out of all the applicants..actually, I have sent my resume already to that hospital 2 months ago but until now i have not heard from them yet.. :'(

I'm really losing hope that I could still work in a hospital here in the Philippines to finish my required 2yrs of hospital experience before I can go out of the country...actually, that is another problem..I did not pass my NCLEX for US..and I've heard that Canada is not hiring too..I'm still thinking about Singapore and New Zealand..but I have no clue yet on how to apply there and what are the requirements..

sorry for ranting..I just need to express my frustration right now..I've been staying home for a year already and I'm already embarrassed to my parents coz I can't even help them a little..they are not asking me for help..and they don't even pressure me to find work..but I can't stand being a bum for so long..it's so hard..I'm used to being busy all the time and responsible for my own expenses..but having no source of income for my own extra needs is depressing too..

Please advice me..I need to hear some thoughts about my situation from another point of view..thank you so much..hope to hear from you guys..ciao!

Gale Reads: Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer

I have read so many great reviews on the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer from friends, forums and blogs..I got really curious on why there is a craze..then I saw the trailer of the movie..so I told myself, "okay, I'll give it a try..I love vampires and I love to read love stories..and I want to know the story before I see the movie.." after making that decision, I borrowed all 4 books from my bf's sister..I read all 4 within 4.5 days! and they are not small books to begin with hehe :)

THE BOOKS

my verdict: 5/5 -- I love the story and how the saga is written by Meyer..it really is my kind of style..not boring and the story is really a page turner..I can't seem to get enough of the characters! I'm so glad that each book is thick coz it gave enough room for the phasing of the story..It feels like watching a series on TV :)

FAVE BOOK: I love "Breaking Dawn" out of the 4 books...It has so many action and also sweet moments..many twists too..I just hope this is not the last book in this saga..I still want to see a continuation of Renesmee and Jacob's story, and also how Edward and Bella's eternal love blossoms with time and what will be the next attack of the Volturis...

Now I know what the commotion is all about..I'm a Twilight fan now..and I don't think I'll get tired in reading the books all over again just like my favorite books by Julie Garwood and Johanna Lindsey..This series is really a MUST-READ!


THE MOVIE
I'm not really a fan of this movie..I know that I shouldn't have expected more from a movie based on a book coz majority of the time, they ruin it..I didn't say that the movie sucks..its just that, it is just a so-so movie for me..not great.. just okay..

First off, the character of Edward and Bella on the movie don't have any chemistry at all..I didn't feel the "kilig" factor I was expecting...I can't point out why but they don't just give me the look that they are "deeply in-love" with each other..

I got a little confused with the sequence of the scenes too..but it's okay I guess..as long as they didn't murdered the whole movie hehe..actually, I like the scene on the tree..

lastly, the casting is really off..majority of them don't really look like what I have imagined them..but I guess it's really hard to find actors and actresses that will fit all descriptions and act good at the same time.. 

I also don't like the acting of the actors who portrayed Edward, Bella and Jasper..Especially Bella..Sorry to all K. Stewart fans but her acting is not good..she delivered her lines monotonously and doesn't show any emotions in the whole film! I really hoped she will improve in the acting area on New Moon the movie..I really am hoping for it.

Over all Rating: I give this movie 3/5..I hope the next movie "new moon" will be better :)

MMU SALE UPDATE

Hi guys! my sister is having a SALE for ELLANA MINERALS COSMETICS this month! Please check out her site for great deals this Christmas..great prices and promo awaits you..enjoy shopping!

http://itzmei.multiply.com

***

HURRY!!!
Get 10% OFF on all items

for purchases Php 1000 and up .!!

ALSO,
Check out ourclearance sale album
for other great deals.!!

Promo runs from Dec. 3, 2008 - Jan. 3, 2009

*For more inquiries, Text Mei @ 0906.538.5476* or leave a comment here

Review: Skin Hour's Revitaleyes eyebalm

Most of you guys know how I was into organic and natural skin care lately because I came into conclusion that since I was already into healthy makeup (mineral makeup) for 3 years, why not go all out "healthy" for my skin care too..well, it is hard to go all out organic since the choices available in the market are either not 100% organic or they are too expensive for my budget..luckily, more and more locally available organic products are coming out at a much affordable price but still with superb quality products..I already found some organic items that I love (really HG material) that has replaced my traditional products already: Venus & Mars lip balm, emu lotion and soaps, Leyende shampoo and conditioner, and now Skin Hour eyebalm.

Skin Hour (http://skinhour.multiply.com/) is another local company that sells organic products..at first, I wanted to try their cleansing oil coz the Beautinomics have given it a great review and also some multiply friends of mine..but then, I can't seem to get myself to try it coz I'm really not sure about oils for my face (I break out easily)..so I really was skeptical..actually, come to think of it, I still am hehe..anyways, lately, they have released a new product call RevitalEyes..it is an organic eye balm that promises to help in dryness, dark circles and puffiness..and since the price is so affordable (only a P100!) and I am really in need of a new eyecream, I got one for myself :)


Here's what it says on their site about the product:


Revitaleyes Eye Balm
P100


An unscented eye balm applied under the eye during the night to diminish puffiness, firm skin and reduce lines. It also lightens dark circles and moisturizes the most sensitive area of the eye.


Ingredients: Organic beeswax, sweet almond oil, apricot seed oil, coconut stearate, collagen, vitamin k, calendula extract, vitamin e, grapefruit extract and orris root extract

My take:

Price: 5/5 -- the price is so perfect for my budget

Packaging: 4/5 -- it is in a pot and I need to dip my finger to get some product so it is a little un-hygienic just like in a lip balm on a pot..the good thing about it is that the pot really is filled with the product so you get your money's worth..no cheating like other containers.

Product: 4/5 -- i love it! it really keeps my undereye area well moisturized the whole day..it not only lessened the occurence of lines on my undereyes when I have concealer on but it also kept it looking fresh and free of dry patches..this made my concealer stay put too!
Will I buy it again? 100% YES! this is the best eye balm I have tried to date.

For all thise ladies and gents who love to use chemical-free products on your skin..this is definitely a must try..and for the price, how can you not even try it? hehe I LOVE this product so much that I don't think I will look for another eyebalm any time soon :)

My Birthday Bash

*Warning: Pic Heavy*

Sorry if it took me so long before posting again..been busy with so many things for these last weeks..promise, I'll try to post more frequently from now on..coz I have accumulated many reviews and hauls that I haven't posted yet :)

Anyways, I celebrated my 23rd birthday last November 15..Here's some FOTD/EOTD and pictures taken throughout the day..I didn't actually had a birthday party but I did celebrate my birthday with my family and Angkong (grandpa in Chinese) and the whole Land Cruiser Club of the Philippines (LCCP)..LCCP had a 10th anniversary celebration last night, 6-12pm, and so I just joined them since they will also be my visitors anyway haha..I had a very big free celebration because of that :)


Here's a pic that my mom took while I was still fixing myself in her room..

Here's a giddy pose!

in Natural Lighting
Sorry, I can't remember all the stuffs I've used that day..but they are definitely MMU..my blush is Meow in Cat got your tongue topped with Dayna's glow in violet vesper :)

Here's me and my Angkong in Trinoma Mall..i love this christmas tree coz it's blue! :)

My family at Max's Restaurant :)

My mom surprised me with a birthday cake..I got really teary eyed when my mom came in with a cake in her hands and singing "happy birthday" hehe..here's a shot of me blowing my birthday cake

here's a shot with my yummy birthday cake :D

Ciao!

Review: Venus&Mars Lip balm

I have said before that I love Venus and Mars' products..all their products are organic and are made from pure Emu Oil (I so love emu oil..so I tend to buy stuffs as long as it has emu oil in it haha) plus essential oils that are all good for the skin..also, their products are really affordable and the quality are very good..I have bought twice from them already and so far, I haven't had any problems..customer service is really superb and the products arrived in perfect condition..shipping was fast too :)

Well, my last haul from them was last week..I bought a big bar of Minty Geranium Mud Emu Soap (this is my fave from the 3 soaps I have tried before since this has whitening and anti-microbial properties and it doesn't dry my skin like other whitening soaps plus I can use it as a shaving cream so this is really a 3-in-1 product!) and their Lip Balm..I told Jamie that I will give my review after I tried the lip balm for a week so that I could give the product a chance to work for me..and here's my opinion of the product:

Packaging: 5/5 --> I love the tube container coz I won't need to worry about dirty and sticky fingers when applying the lip balm like in cases of lip balms on pots..The balm container is a traditional white plastic container used by different brands like Chapstick and Blistex (same size too)..all you need to do is rotate the bottom part whenever you need to get some product and that's it! no mess and easy to carry in purses.

Price: 4/5 --> this is only P170..although this is a little pricey compared to other lip balms in the market, this is still a good buy coz this has no petroleum and is 100% organic.

Quality of Product: 5/5 --> this worked wonders on my super dry lips..unlike the other lip balms I have tried before, V&M's lip balm did not leave any whitish stuff on my lips (this happens when my lips are dry and flaking then I put any lip product)..this has no waxy feel and is not sticky..I love the minty and cool feeling that it gave my lips everytime I put it..I also love the moisturizing effect it gave my lips :)

Will I buy it again? Definitely! This is one of the few lip balms that I like using..I also hope that V&M could make a tinted version so that I won't need to put tints or lipsticks anymore :)