Cyleina Organic Haul

Because of the rave, I gave in and got myself some Cyleina Organic soaps. I love organic products and since I'm also looking for whitening soaps I gave this brand a try. Why not get 2 things I'm looking for in one product right? So I got the super famous Black Pearl (P60), Rice Bran (P65) and Strawberry (P65) soap variants. I plan to use the Black Pearl soap on my face but since I'm still under treatment, I'll just test this on my underarms and butt area first and see if they will get lighter. The Rice Bran variant is antibacterial and whitening so it is great for the body while the Strawberry soap is an exfoliator so this is best used 2x a week..I plan to test out the soaps one kind per 2 weeks so that I will know if my skin is okay with or not :)

I have so many insect bite marks on my legs so I hope this combination of soaps will help me even out my color..wish me luck! I'll post a followup feedback after a month :)

What about you? Have you used these soaps already? I would like to hear your feedbacks about them ..thanx! Ciao!

A Derma Visit + Pedicure

Today, I went back to my dermatologist for a checkup. Dra. Manuel wants to see the condition of my skin after the 1st chemical peel she did on me last December 30, 2008. Since I still have areas that are still peeling, my forehead and jaw, she gave me a new skin care regimen to follow.

AM:
wash with blue soap
apply acne lotion on areas with pimples
apply sunblock spf 80

PM
wash with blue soap
apply acne lotion on areas with pimples
apply Tretinoin cream <-- this is a new addition to speed up the peeling on my face

I'm still on an every other day antibiotics, Tetralysal. She told me to come back after a week to see any improvements and if I can decrease my antibiotic to every two days (I'm already on the tapering period). She also want to check my right cheek's condition (my right cheek is the only area on my face that still has pimples now, and they are recurrent on the same spots), and if tretinoin can't help in treating that area, she will give me a special topical antibiotic to use on those antibiotic resistant bacteria that's causing my pimples. Here's a picture of my skin care stuff now..from top: the blue soap, acne lotion, lightening cream (for spot treatment of dark spots), tretinoin cream, sunblock spf 80, V&M lip detox, mama lotion (sample given to me for testing), skin hour revitaleyes and clearagen lip therapy :)

I arrived early in the clinic so while waiting for Dra. Manuel to arrive, I asked Ate Sel (her assistant) to give me a pedicure. I rarely get pedicure coz I easily get hurt but I got the urge to get one today and Ate Sel did a great job! I didn't bleed and still my toes got clean. She suggested a red colored nail polish to make my feet look fairer. I was skeptical at first coz I haven't tried any red toned polish ever, they are scary for me hehe..but I felt adventurous today so I agree. After she cleaned my toes, she applied Orly bonder then a red Orly nail polish (I forgot to ask the shade name..sorry). This shade of red is so pretty..I'll definitely buy this shade when I go to the mall (after I get the name) hehe :)

And here's my smallest and oldest dog..her name is Petite..She's almost 13 y/o already :)

And here's my snack of the day while doing this blog entry..Yummy!

Waterthins Cheese Twist in Feta and Olive

*I transferred the cheese twists on a plastic container and placed a label on the cover so that it will stay crunchy*

Seminar for a Cause

Hi guys! My online friend Nikki of askmewhats will be doing a "Makeup Seminar for a Cause". Check out the complete info below..Let us help her by either joining the event or by spreading the word about the event. Thank you so much!

Source:
http://askmewhats.blogspot.com/2009/01/askmewhats-seminar-for-cause.html
*Copy and Pasted POST*

Dear Philippine Readers:

Yours truly will be holding a 3 hours make-up seminar to a limited number of slots. (details below)

Why?
My high school friend, Kerby, who's sister Judith suffers from Leukemia, she's undergoing Chemotherapy and my friend is the one who takes care of her. They already spent so much for the treatment and the group of friends (us) already sent a couple of emails and messages to others to help our friend Kerby.

We've got positive responses, but last night, I got a text from Kerby himself, thanking us for the help, and told us that his sister was in the hospital since December 23, yes they spent Christmas and New years in the hospital. He messaged all of his friends to let us know that his mom is selling off watches and some jewelries to help out with the finances.

I felt bad...I wanted to help... and just right on asking money won't be right...I have to do something... with a lot of thinking, and eating LOL (joking aside)

Askmewhats Seminar for a Cause was born!
(note from author: ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE GIVEN TO JUDITH'S FAMILY)

(Thanks to my friend Sophia for the flyer! :D)

When: January 31, 2009
Time: 1:30pm-4:30pm
Fee: Php1,500/head (snacks will be provided)
Where: 2107 21st Floor One San Miguel Bldg, San Miguel Ave. Ortigas Pasig City
For Inquiries and Reservations: email ntiu1027@gmail.com

Thanks and please help me spread the word!
God bless!!!
Stay Happy!

Review: Ellana Buffer Brush

As promised, here's my take on Ellana Extra Large Buffer Brush that my sister gave me for Christmas :)

Description from Ellana's Website:
"Feel the difference with our brushes which are made of the highest quality nylon hair, for professional and personal use. Our brushes do not stiff in prolonged use, and are extremely soft and best for use on sensitive skin."

"This brush [extra large buffer brush] is larger than your average buffer brush. It is a full, dome-shaped brush for applying and distributing powder on the face for a polished, flawless finish. It's similar to a full size kabuki with a longer handle [5 inches] for better control"


My take:

Price: 4/5 - I am very much happy in getting this brush as a gift coz the price is a little pricey for me at this point in my life. But if you have a constant source of income, the Php750 is probably very affordable. Considering you are getting a good quality brush for less than a thousand pesos.

Quality: 4/5 - This brush has been with me for 2 weeks now and I have washed it (with mild shampoo and water) twice already. I am glad that even without conditioning the hairs, they are still as soft as when I first touch it. The quality of the hairs did not change. It had shed a couple of hairs but I guess that is normal in all brushes and hopefully will stop after a few more washes. And since this is synthetic, there is no weird smell from it. The hairs doesn't irritate my sensitive skin too because it is so soft just like my EDM long handled kabuki. It makes my makeup application a pleasurable experience hehe..I also like the size of the head, this allows me to finish my makeup faster coz it can cover a bigger space. The size of the brush head is similar with Charm pink kabuki (I'll edit this post later to add a picture comparing Charm and Ellana). I think with proper care, this brush can last me a very long time.

Size Comparisons:* Buffer brush vs my hand

* Buffer brush vs a P5 coin

Will I purchase again? Yes, if ever this get broken or lost. It has everything I want in a brush. Soft, doesn't shed, big dome shaped head, synthetic hairs and affordable. But hopefully, I'll get lucky and won't need to buy another one to replace it :)

For those of you want to get one of this, I got mine from my sister and her online shop is http://itzmei.multiply.com

My attempt of being a MUA

I played makeup artist last December for my two aunts..My sister was showing her ELLANA MMU stash to our aunts (selling actually hehe) and when they want some demo on how to apply the powders, they asked me to teach them since they know I love MMU..so here's me playing make up artist using Ellana Minerals products :)

Here's my Tita Armi..She loves glowing makeup but still full in coverage so I layered the premium foundie then applied glows on top of her blush..since it's getting dark already, I applied a black eyeliner and red lips :)
- Ellana Premium foundation in Hazelnut Latte
- Ellana White Chocolate Sheer Velvet finishing powder
- Ellana Blush in Heaven
- Dayna's Glow in Violet Vesper
- Ellana lip color in Sensual
- Ellana MPM in Ethereal as liner

Here's my Ninang Mayet..she loves fresh natural look..so I just applied 2 layers of premium foundie to give her a flawless base then applied matte blush..I skipped the glows coz she doesn't like shimmer very much..and a reddish lip to complete the look :)

- Ellana Premium foundation in Hazelnut Latte
- Ellana White Chocolate Sheer Velvet finishing powder
- Ellana Blush in Bliss
- Ellana lip color in Sensual

I used the new HD finishing powder of Ellana to both my aunts so that I can test its photogenic effect..and my experiment is a success..it does give a beautiful finish :)

Here's an FOTD from me..I used the following to achieve this look :)

FACE:
- Meow Flawless Feline foundie mix
- Dayna's Mineral Foundie in G2
- Ellana Sheer Velvet FP (sandwich method)
- Meow Cat Got Your Tongue blush
- Dayna's Minerals Violet Vesper Glow

EYES:
- MAC paintpot in painterly
- Lumiere e/s in Turquoise (base)
- Clinique e/s in Beach Plum (on crease)
- MUFE star powder in 902 (all over)
- MAC e/s in Unorthodoz (highlight)
- Ellana e/s in Ethereal (upper lashline)
- Clarins purple eyeliner (lower lashline)

LIPS:
- Venus&Mars emu oil lip balm
- Ellana lip color in Sensual

What do you think about my work? Is it okay? What can I still do to improve the looks I did? thanx!! Ciao!

My Christmas in 2008

Hi guys! As promised, I will make my official first post of the year 2009 to be about my Christmas...so here goes :)

I celebrated my Christmas Eve with my family at Tito George's house (my dad's best friend who lives a few houses from our place)..this is a first for us..we usually celebrate our Christmas with my great-grandmother in our province, but since she already passed away last year (January 10, 2008), we decided to just stay here in Manila..then on December 25th, Christmas Day, my mom's family had a reunion on my Tito Rich's house in Commonwealth...here's a shot of me with their cute puppy.
I have a huge zit on my right cheek..yah I know, it sucks to have a huge acne during the holidays when everyone are taking pictures...anyways, this acne is due to those late nights and oily foods during the holidays hehe :)

One of the most unexpected gift I got last Christmas is from my sister..I did not expect to get any from her..so I was quite shocked when she gave me a package full of my "to buy" stuff..thank you Mei! actually, I love the note she placed on my gift better haha

It's so sweet right? Now I don't need to buy the White Chocolate HD powder and buffer brush...I'll give a separate review on the buffer brush next time...I'm still testing it out :)

And since I was so excited to try my brushes, I cleaned my new and old brushes on Christmas Eve!

Here's how I dry them..this method cuts the drying time i half..especially for my kabuki brush..

I hang the thick brushes in front of the fan so that instead of a whole day, they will dry overnight..it saves time and keeps the water from seeping into the ferrule of the brushes..preventing shedding.
Thanx Aileen of Shades of Hue for giving me this idea :)

I also attended a Reunion Christmas party with my high school classmates..here are some shots with my best buddies :)

Ciao!

Good News!

I'm so happy right now coz our computer is finally fixed!! yehey!! hehe I can now blog everyday if I want to...this is a good start for my 2009 isn't it? :D

I'll get into the swing of thing starting Monday..I promise :)

I plan to up some blogs about what I got for Christmas and some happenings too these past days..I will also post the entries that I did last month but was not able to upload because of lack of opportunity because of the holiday :D

so see you on Monday guys! mwah*

love,
Gale

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Thank you guys for being with me this year..for sharing with me my experiences and interests..my ups and downs that only kikay girls like us can understand haha..it really is nice to have someone to share these stuffs with..that can understand what I'm talking about :)

Wishing you all a great 2009..more prosperous, happy and blessed..God bless!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Love Gale

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and GOD BLESS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!!!

Tagged! -- by Crystal

Deal: once you’ve been tagged, you have to write a blog with sixteen random things, facts, habits or goals about you. at the end choose ten people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them. don’t forget to leave them a comment (“you’re it”) and to read your blog. you can’t tag the person who tagged you.



1. I'm eldest of 3 but I'm always thought to be younger than my siblings hehe :)

2. I love dogs very much

3. I can spend a whole 24 hours just reading a good novel

4. I love reading historical romances

5. I care for animals more than I care for people 

6. I'm a self proclaimed nerdy girl

7. my usual outfit is shirt and jeans pared with sneakers or flats

8. I love sweets!

9. I don't gain weight even if i eat a lot

10. I can eat 3 cups of rice in one meal if I like the food

11. I love being a nurse

12. I have a heart problem

13. I became KIKAY after I became a member of GT

14. I'm fighting pimples 24/7 since I reached puberty!

15. My favorite color is BLUE

16. I'm sometimes an impulsive buyer



I'm tagging: Everyone in my contacts here in blogspot hehe :)

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!