My Thoughts: LA Girl Flat Pigment Gloss in Dreamy

When the LA Girl Flat Pigment Gloss came out and hit shelves some time last year, I was all sorts of excited. Many other brands have hopped on the liquid lipstick bandwagon, and some I confess to loving, but of course, I'd still want to give LA Girl's a whirl. After all, it is a brand that I have adored from when I was still beginning to love make up. And I'd have to hand it to the team behind this because they are definitely catching up with the liquid lipstick trend! And given their 16 eye catching shades, I don't see how anyone can go wrong with it. But despite that much curiousity and enthusiasm in me, I promised myself that I will remain reasonable with my purchase this time so I decided to try just one shade for starters.

If I end up liking it, I can always go back and buy some more, right? Impulsive buyer moments are ones that I bid good bye in 2016. Haha. So  I went with Dreamy in the end because out of all the 16 shades that they have to offer, it seemed the most neutral one to me.

So did it or did it not put a smile on my face? Read on to find out! xx

Packaging: So the product itself is housed in a hard plastic tube. It comes with a doe foot applicator which I think is a plus because then, you can be as precise with application as you wish to be. It's much easier to get around as well, especially into the inner corner of the lips even without the help of a lip brush or lip liner. 

Fragrance: Fortunately it doesn't come with any smell. 

Color: The color I would describe as a soft brown coral with a finish that starts off with a sheen and eventually turns into deep matte. 

Finish: When you apply it, it starts out with a slight sheen  (refer to the picture below) and then it eventually turns into matte. 

Longevity: Longevity wise, it's impressive. It holds up pretty well and unless I eat a hearty meal, there really is no need to retouch. Such a time saver, I tell you! 

Price: In stores, this retails for about 350php ($7.35) but when you do buy it in online shops which you can easily find on Instagram, you can get it for about 265php depending on the shop that you buy it from. 

Downside: If you don't prep your lips well enough, it can be very drying to them puckers. Also, the longer that you have it on, the heavier it tends to feel. And because it's very matte, you have to remove it with a make up remover. Otherwise, you're just going to be tugging and hurting your lips trying to remove the lipstick. 

Tips: When applying this, don't rub your lips together. Let it settle on its own for a couple of seconds and you will find that the finish seems more flawless that way. Another thing I've found is that the most effective way to remove this is with virgin coconut oil. You can use whatever beauty oil you have on hand, but I like to use VCO because it's what I have right now. I find that it's the easiest and most gentle way to remove this lip product while also providing moisture for my lips. It's basically hitting two birds with one stone! :)  

And finally, here's how it looks on me on two different occasions. 

Overall rating: 4.75/5

So how about you guys? Have you tried this lip product before? If so... Tell me all about your experience with it. Let's talk on the comments section below! xx 

--- JEM

City Color Creamy Lips in Triple Berry Spritzer

What a beautiful Wednesday night. It inspires me to write about something. 

And since I never got a chance to write a single post before the year ended, allow me to greet you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR! You know what they say.. Better late than never! That said, I hope you've all had a great time during the holiday season. I had a great time for sure because I got to spend it with the people that matter to me the most. I certainly wish time did not have to fly by so fast in rare times such as that one. It scares me to think that everything moves in fleeting motion nowadays; I think the best way to really enjoy a certain moment, is to just get lost in it. Forget all that's bothering you for a while, every single one of it, and just enjoy the moment while it lasts. You can always go back to being a worry wart later, right? xx

So all those sentiments aside, let's get right into business! On today's hot seat is yet another lip product that I'm pretty sure a lot of you will appreciate. It's none other than City Color's Creamy Lips in Triple Berry Spritzer. I always see this particular brand being sold by so many sellers on Instagram but it was only lately when I gave in & bought a couple of their products to try out.

So the product itself comes in a plastic tube. It comes with a doe foot applicator just like most lipsticks that come in liquid form nowadays. True to its claims, it really is creamy and just glides on my lips evenly. Even if my lips are less than stellar in texture (because they're hella dry like that), this does not enhance them like mad. The texture is very mousse-y & it finishes off satiny so there's definitely going to be a slight sheen when applied. Nothing over the top like a lip gloss but it's there. The smell is slightly off putting, it's like a mix of a citrusy cologne gone wrong with a splash of paint in it somewhere. Smell wise, I'm not its biggest fan but okay fine, I can overlook that. What I cannot overlook is the fact that it transfers to just about anything you make contact with. But then again, even when I use my trusty ole matte lippies, that still happens so not a deal breaker. 

As for the color pay-off, it is a bit darker than my natural lip color, but you'll see in the swatch below that it's actually a very wearable type of brownish mauve with a hint of plum in it. When I do wear this though, I have to make sure that the blush that I have on is slightly leaning on the cool side of the spectrum rather than warm just so they're in sync with each other. 

And finally here is how it looks on me. 

Very simple, very wearable, it's almost as if I didn't wear anything at all. Haha. But kidding aside, it truly is wearable in the sense that it goes well with a bunch of eye make up looks. If you decide to wear it on its own (just like I did below), just make sure you add on a dash of blush and a bit of mascara & eyeliner so as to avoid looking washed out. 

It's still a beautiful shade to me and I would definitely recommend it to a friend or two. 

I give this product two thumbs up! xx

Bought from: Instagram (@cosmetix.unlimited) 

Price: 250php ($5.27) 

Hair Talk Thursday: Nature Republic Argan Essential Moist Hair Mist

Whenever I have to prepare for a given occasion, my hair always takes the longest to do because it is thick & not to mention defiant to any type of hair taming products. Sometimes I just want to throw it in a pony and be out and about. However, I always preferred my hair to be down so I really have no choice but to take my time to fix it.  I actually have natural curls, which I haven't sported since high school because I always have my hair straightened just to save it from looking like a real mess, but if I were to leave it alone, it is all sorts of curly and wavy. I don't even remember how many times I've gone to the salon already, but obviously, it's been a lot. That said, taking care of my mane is really of utmost importance. That's why I'm always in the look out for moisturizing products or at least, taming products for my beast of a hair. Haha.

One product that caught my attention when I was perusing the aisles of Nature Republic is this mist from their Argan line. This line also consists of other goodies such as shampoo, conditioner, hair pack and even an essence. I went for this instead because I wanted something that will calm my fly-aways but also not weigh it down to the extremes.

So... let's jump into the review, shall we?

So the mist itself is housed in a spritz-type plastic bottle. I like that it's transparent so you actually see how much of it is still left inside. The product itself is pretty dense so you have to give it a good shake before dispensing some of it out just so the mist is distributed well. A slight downside to this otherwise lovely product is the smell. If you are quite sensitive to perfumed products then you might find this to be quite overwhelming to the nostrils. When I used this on my mom, she did not like the smell of it and even told me it makes her nauseous. I find it to be okay, though, because it goes away not long after. Not a deal breaker. I guess when it comes to this, it varies from person to person.

As for how well it works?

What made me buy this in the first place is the fact that it really soothed my hair when I tried it in the store. Coming in there, my hair was all over the place. Some of my hairs were standing out and the ends were going to different directions -- basically it wasn't in great shape.

So I casually spritzed it all over my hair just to try it out and went on to checking out other skin care stuff because that's what I came in there for in the first place. I wasn't really into it at first because I was distracted by how the smell exactly resembled a perfume. However, when I looked at myself in the mirror, I was surprised to see that my hair looked a lot more tamed. My baby hairs are not flying away and my bangs are in place. I know that was a lot to claim considering it was only a matter of minutes, but for something so innocent looking as this bottle to calm my beast of a hair in just a matter of minutes, that's something else. 

I know trying a certain beauty product inside the store imparts a somewhat "halo" effect to it. I can attest to that because I've experienced that a thousand times before, but I don't find that to be the case with this lovely mist. It's been three months now since I purchased this & I'm still in love with it as ever.

Really, I can't recommend this mist enough if you have the same hair type as I do. It's definitely worth it because you get so much product for only how much, and most of all, it does the job!

So here's a little hair selfie which may not be all hair, but I quite liked how my hair looked in here. I do blow dry hair my hair just to get rid of the fly-aways and this is what I spray right after. The fact that it's a mist instead of oil is ideal because it makes my hair 10x more manageable without completely weighing it down. The volume is still there without the mess of fly-aways.

I won't go around the bush here anymore.

Definitely a 5/5 for me.

Price: 495php ($10.45)

Bedazzled with Mac's Razzledazzler

You know the saying "nothing haunts you like the of pair shoes you didn't buy"?

That is exactly my life in quote, although instead of shoes, I am being haunted by a tube of lipstick (which I loved) but chose not to buy. It's funny because I would talk myself into not needing it, but the next day or over the weekend whenever I am free, I would come back for it and purchase it anyway. At least I could say that I tried, right? Lol.

So today's feature comes from Mac -- a brand that needs no further introduction anymore because it's probably the most well-known brand out there used by make up artists and make up enthusiasts alike. Whenever I feel like I want to widen up my lipstick collection,  the Mac counter is always my first stop.

So the shade that I have today is Razzle Dazzler, a different hue from what I am normally used to wearing but the perpetually curious person in me decided to just go for it, because seriously, why not?

So at the time when I bought this lipstick, I was beginning to get bored with the rotation of the lipsticks that I wear. It's either nude, pink, nude, or pink -- there really isn't much color going on, and it has gotten to the point when I stormed out of the house wearing nothing on my lips because I could not for the life of me, decide on what to wear on my lips for that particular day. You ever get that feeling  too, when you want to sport a different lipstick, but you're not sure if it's going to look great on you, so you just go back to your fail proof lipstick in the end? That was me, literally, so when I got the chance to drop by at  Mac's counter, I decided it was about time I realize that there are millions of other shades out there that isn't pink or nude pink.

So basically, the first time I tried this out, I immediately fell in love with it. I came back for it the next day and used it right away like the excited kid that I am. I don't usually go for these type of colors because like I said, I'm used to pinks or nudes, but this is really something else. It was worth the shot. The color is nothing like I've ever worn in the past -- a sheer (but buildable) orange with a hint of peach in it, making it perfect for my warm skin tone. The finish is lustre so it comes with a slight sheen to it, but it's okay because my perpetually dry lips is loving it. Application is such a breeze because like I said, it is sheer so it's pretty much like applying a lip balm.

I love the fact that the color is so versatile, you can wear it on its own or pair it with an eye make up look of your liking. The way I would normally wear this is with a neutral eye make up look, which you will see below, but on its own it is just as gorgeous. I'd say it's the perfect sheer orange-peach shade for Asians because it really compliments the yellowness in our skin tone.

I don't know why it looks as if I'm about to break into laughter here....Haha.  

HITS

Is of lustre finish making it non-drying on the lips 

Compliments a variety of skin tones 

Sheer but can be built up 

Suits a variety of looks 

Easily available 

Functional packaging 

MISSES

Not long lasting 

Price 

Overall Thoughts: 

I adore this lipstick, still, even with its misses that I find to be very minute of an issue to an otherwise lovely lip product. The price point is reasonable because it does last quite a while. The color is versatile, you can use it with a variety of looks, or on its own if you simply cannot be bothered with make up. 

If you can't catch the color from the pictures above, that's because I applied it quite sheer on the lips. The swatch on my arm, however, is as close to its true shade as possible. 

Bottom line is, I'm in love with this shade and I would definitely recommend this to a friend or two. 

Overall Grade: 4.5/5 

So, what do you think of this shade ladies? Is it something that you would buy or nah? Would love to hear your thoughts on this one. Chat me up on the comment's section below! xx

-JEM-

Hello!

If I look anything new from your blog feed, that's because I am. 

(Sort of, anyway) 

I was actually AWOL for over a year due to reasons which, perhaps, I'll share to you guys in a separate post. For now though, I just want you all to know that I'm back to blogging again and I couldn't be more thrilled about it! The feeling is like I've taken up a new hobby or found a new passion. And you know how exciting it feels like when you're doing something you are mad about, right? The excitement can and will drive you nuts! Haha. 

So that said... I can't wait till I get the swing of things again! Hopefully you'll stick with me until then. See you around? xoxo

JEM

Why Say No When You Can Just Say Cheese?

It is bright and sunny as I am typing this - the storm has settled down and finally found its way out of the country. "Glenda" certainly gave Manila a beating huh? It sure spooked the hell out of me too, during its height two days ago, what with its mighty blow running for three hours - an ample amount of time to leave the entire metro in absolute havoc. Even though I was in the comforts of my own room, I still couldn't help but be worried about the safety of my loved ones. But good thing that's all over with now. Only thing left for us to do is to clean up the trail of mess that is occupying the major streets of the Metro, move on, and just charge everything that happened to experience. 

(Photo from my instagram: jemyeahreyes) 

 Meanwhile, while I was confined to the four walls of my room yesterday, since pretty much the entire city was experiencing a total blackout, I decided to catch up on my reading. I ended up reading Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson. It's such an easy and light read that I finished the whole thing in less than an hour. What fascinated me the most with this self help book is how simple and blatantly written it was, and if you didn't know anything about it, you might even associate it with a children's book because of the large fonts and the fact that it is a less-than-a-hundred paged writing. Shortly after reading it, I found myself thinking real hard about life again. 

Do you ever get of one those moments? Moments wherein you begin to question life, you begin to question your philosophies in life & whether the path you're treading on is of the right path? Very rarely do I get those, but when I do fall into that abyss, I always pick up something from it. 

See, what I realized is, that life is simple. Yes, I know, everyone's heard of this story before, it's what graduation ceremonies, cell groups, and whatever self-help group out there is made of, but I'll go on with it anyway because who knows, someone out there might actually need it. (I needed it) 

Yes, life is simple. The questions that we have in our heads all this time? They come with an even more simple answer. In Who Moved My Cheese, there are four characters in the story namely, Sniff, Scurry, Hem, & Haw. Now, these four guys, they all live inside a maze in which they struggle, everyday of their lives, to find cheese. Yup, THE CHEESE. And the cheese is a representation of what our goals in life are - whether it's got something to do with our career, relationships, family, or some other thing, that's the Cheese. 

Sniff is a little mice who, as his name suggests, "sniffs" his way into life. He trusts his instincts and therefore, know when it's time to move on and change. Scurry is, again, as his name suggests, is one who scurries. He doesn't over analyze things, he scurries instinctively, and when he senses that something isn't working out already, he walks away. They're pretty similar as you can see, but instead of being like these guys, most of us (including yours truly), end up being more like Hem & Haw. 

Now good guy Hem is a little human being who has gotten way too comfortable living with his Old Cheese, that he stays "hemmed" in that station forever. He doesn't prepare for the worst and therefore, when life brings it hard to him (like when his Cheese went missing), he becomes emotional, he blames people, and he denies the change that is happening right before him. To cope, he assures himself that everything's just temporary, that eventually it'll come back to normal. 

And then there's Haw, who, just like Hem, denies the change that is happening right before his eyes. But what sets Haw apart from Hem is that, he is not afraid of change, is not afraid to see it and in the end, learns to accept it, and then does something about it. When he noticed that the Cheese isn't coming back, he gave it much thought, and after realizing his own folly, laughed at how simple the answer could have been, and decided to go back into the Maze in search for New Cheese. 

To sum this long entry up, change is what makes up life and not everything is meant to work out in this life time - whether that's your career talking or your bad relationship talking, it's the same story. We have to learn how to be flexible and we have to learn how to adapt to new situations. We can't be stuck in this rut, incessantly questioning where we went wrong, what we could have done - no. Because over analyzing things, only leads us to more questions rather than answers. And the answer, my friends, couldn't have been more simple. If something isn't working out in your life anymore, move on. 

And moving on isn't going to be easy, not now not ever, not when you feel like you're okay with this, that you could live with this, but get this. The only thing standing between you & your chance of finding your Cheese, is your fear. Your irrational man made fears, all thanks to your over active brain. Yup, all you my friend. However, when you're able to laugh at your own follies & realize how absurd your fears are, things are going to look up for you. All of what you're going through (as what Haw figured in the book) is all a blessing in disguise. Because it's going to lead you to finding New Cheese. A better one at that.

My Thoughts: Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner

There is always a certain thrill in trying out new things, whether it be hopping on a crazy, near death-like ride in an amusement park, skydiving, having your belly button pierced, or getting inked - whatever it may be, there's a certain high that we get from trying out something for the first time. And no matter how insane or out of this world that is, if it's a new sensation, then count me in sister! 

 However, I can't share the same drive when it comes to trying out a new skin care routine. In fact, there are only a handful of brands that I trust enough to use on myself simply because I have the most ultra sensitive skin in the entire world. Don't get me wrong though, I'm open to the idea of trying out new things, even if that means being my own guinea pig, but unfortunately, my skin doesn't share the same sentiments. 

I remember a time when a favorite blogger of mine wouldn't stop jabbering about the Pond's cold cream, always mentioning it on her blog/vlog telling the whole world that it's all the goodness in the world in one jar (or something akin to that at least). So, like the forever curious person that I was (& still am), I took the plunge & bought the said cream. It was dirt cheap anyway so I figured, what have I got to lose? Needless to say, a couple of days after, I broke out in places I never thought I would in this lifetime! I. Was. Outraged. As it turns out, I have a sensitivity towards "mineral oil", one of the main components of that infamous cream so since then I said, never again.  But that's history and I think it's safe to assume that I know better now. 

So today, I want to share to you a product from Etude House that my skin seems to agree with lately, what else but the Wonder Pore Freshner. Was it a hit or miss for my skin? Read on to find out! 

First of all, I love that this can be used in multiple ways: a toner, a mist, & even a mask if I'm not mistaken! Talk about value for money, eh? And not only that, you take home with you a massive bottle. As in, give-me-a-lifetime-to-finish-this-whole-thing-up kind of bottle. So at first, the retail price which is around 600php (more or less) may seem like a rip off, but with the amount that you get, really, it's just fairly priced. 

However, this product has its own limitations. As a toner, I feel like it doesn't do much for my skin. It's pretty similar with the Skin Malgem actually, & the only thing that sets them apart is the smell. The Wonder Pore, as its name already suggests, is supposed to not only cleanse our pores, but to minimize its appearance as well. And I do have big ass pores by the way, so that gives me the chance to review this product extensively. This toner isn't at all that bad though, because it cleanses my face thoroughly,  thereby preventing future breakouts & it's also free of any alcohol content. It doesn't give me that dry feeling afterwards & it doesn't strip my skin of its natural oils, so in a way it does the job, but that's that. After about two months of using this, I am yet to notice a difference on the size of my pores. And on top of that, I am still as oily as ever. So honestly, when I run out of this thing, I wouldn't repurchase & instead, I'd go back to my good old Dickinson's Witch Hazel because it yields better results than Etude House's.  

The Wonder Pore Freshner, however, is amazing and practically heaven sent as a mist. You would agree, too, if you live in Manila and therefore, know how harsh (if not agonizing) the weather can be sometimes. Anyway, I transferred some of it to a smaller, spritz-type bottle just so it's easier to lug around. When I'm in need of an instant boost, I just whip my bottle out & spritz some on my face. What I love about it the most is that when I put this right after doing my make up, it eliminates the powdery & matte look, so what I get is this ever so slightly dewy & healthy looking skin which I'm absolutely digging at the moment.

So literally, I have a love/hate relationship with this product. Love as a mist, hate as a toner. 

I'm not disappointed with it though, but I'm not blown away by it either. I'll use it up for now, and enjoy it (mainly as a mist) while it lasts. 

But like I said, I wouldn't repurchase. 

So, tell me, have you tried this toner before? 

Comments are mooore than welcome as usual 

JEM