PRODUCT EMPTIES # 7

Good day beautiful people online. It's that time of the month again to continue this series which  I call my product empties # 7. Oh yes, I'm on my seventh installment already. Whew, time, indeed flies so fast. What are you waiting for? Let's unveil my list and read on.

PRODUCT EMPTIES # 7 My Lucky Seven

1. Human Nature's Natural Conditioner in Lush Vanilla

** Pardon me. I already cut the upper half of the bottle. ^ ^

This is a good hair conditioner that's made with some of nature's most intense moisturizers, avocado, sunflower and soybean oil to deeply condition the hair. It also contains virgin coconut oil that gives hair a healthy shine, without the use of harsh chemicals. Plus, the scent of lush vanilla is an added bonus making the bath experience relaxing and soothing to the nerves.

VERDICT: This is a winner for me! Yes to natural products!

2. Human Nature Natural Shampoo with CREAM Foam 

This helps reduce hair fall by 80% after 4 weeks of continuous use. It is infused  with hydrolyzed  wheat  protein to fortify   hair   and Philippine coco nectar  that can  burst  amino acids, vitamins  and minerals   to our hair strands. It also  has a   breakthrough

CREAMFoam technology that acts like a lotion to moisturize hair and scalp, leaving it so much stronger, healthier and shinier.

VERDICT: Yes to this. Good job Human Nature.

3. Belo Pore Refining and Whitening Toner for Oily Skin

It promotes skin renewal and removes deep-seated dirt and excess oil as it also whitens our skin. It has witch hazel that soothes and evens out skin tone, while the powerful combination of Glutathione, Kojic Acid and Gigawhite ensures maximum whitening power. 

VERDICT: I only have so-so feeling about this. I don't see pretty impressive results so far. I'd say no. I won't repurchase this anymore.

4. Milani Infinite Liquid Eye Liner in Everlast

This claims to be waterproof and can be worn 24 hours. This eyeliner at first was really on point, can be used to make thin and thick lines. Overtime, it became sticky and some liquid inside tends to create lumps in a way making it difficult to apply already. :( 

VERDICT: No, it's a fail. I have other eyeliners here, much better than this one.

5. It's Skin Vitamin C Serum

 " It's Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector ( VC stands for Vitamin C) is dermatologist tested and specially formulated with high-potency of Vitamin C derivatives, Green tea extracts and PGA  (Poly Glutamic Acid) to make the skin's surface radiant and eventually evens out the skin. Also it is made to tighten pores and refresh the skin to make it healthier, softer and even more glowing. " -- some descriptions from my previous blog post. 

** Click on this link to get to know more about this effective Vitamin C serum. 

http://luzbelleathome.blogspot.com/2016/07/review-its-skin-power-10-formula-vc.html

VERDICT: Yes, yes and more yes! A holy grail product indeed!



6. Skinfood Choco Powder Eyebrow Wood Pencil

It's a wood-type eyebrow pencil that applies smoothly on the brows because of its creamy texture. Also, it makes the eyebrows look natural. I have here color # 3 that is described as gray brown.

It has 2 ends  here. On one end, it comes with the wooden eyebrow pencil itself and the other side  has an attached brush applicator. "  --- some information I wrote from my previous blog post.

http://luzbelleathome.blogspot.com/2016/07/review-skin-food-choco-powder-eyebrow.html

VERDICT: Yes to this! Will definitely repurchase this again.



7. Pond's Age Miracle Eye Cream

This is truly a reliable eye cream sold in the local market. Though it doesn't give fast effects overnight, gradually I can see the wonders it gives with continued use daily. 

Here are the KEY BENEFITS of using this.

Soothes puffiness and lifts the upper eye area while brightening the under-eye with its unique combination of two gentle and soothing eye creams in one pack.

THE PINK UPPER EYE CREAM is enriched with cell boosting collagen and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow's feet for a smooth and lifted look. "

THE WHITE UNDER BRIGHTENING CREAM helps to stimulate the skin to reduce puffiness and dark circles to instantly brighten tired looking eyes.

Click on this link for more details description about this product.

http://luzbelleathome.blogspot.com/2016/03/review-ponds-age-miracle-dual-eye-cream.html

VERDICT: Another holy grail in my list. Truly effective and decreases the appearance of some wrinkles.

That's it for my product empties this time. Another installment of the products I've used up literally. Hope you find this helpful. 

You can leave me a comment if you have some questions about them.Thank you for the time in reading this. Take care and always be happy. 

---Belle

10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT ALTHEA KOREA

Annyeong beautiful friends. I'm pretty sure you've heard about this pretty Korean website, Althea.com. It is basically the bridge that links the Philippines to Korea. It literally feel like shopping in Korea but in the convenience of our own homes. How amazing right? Here's the link of the site if you want to know more.

http://ph.althea.kr/new-arrivals

I've decided to try and order from them first to check out and understand what's the hype all about. Truly, they don't disappoint. Every shopping experience with them is just getting better every time. I've realized why not write something about them to somehow thank them for making me happy with my purchases. Let's get down to business. Shall we?

10 THINGS I Love about ALTHEA KOREA

1. Fairly new in the Philippine market
Actually, this is an interesting way of bringing Korean skincare and make up goods to the Philippine shores. It's like a new thing that makes online shopping experience better and fun.

2. Offer wide selection of products
Yes, they are known for their wide selections actually. You name it and they basically have it. I am talking about skin care, make up, hair & body and everything chic and fashionable. 

3. Update new items
Again, this is one of their advantages. They always update their site and offer new items that are hot trends in Korea. I mean they launch new Korean products, new make up line, new brands and the list goes on. ^ ^

4. Sell cute and trendy items
Yes to this. Since Korean items are known for their being cute and trendy so does Althea.  They have this "Korea's Trendy part" (on their website) where it introduces everything trendy and fashionable. Thumbs up to this.

5. Reliable and trustworthy
This is actually tested and proven. They guarantee safe shipping that means no product gets spilled, broken or damaged. They make it a point to seal everything appropriately and gets delivered on time. Kudos to your team.

6. Convenient shopping method
No need to explain it. It's like shopping in front of your PC and then the next time you know it's already delivered right in front of your doorsteps. Haha. Fast shipping and convenience rolled in one.

7. Organized and systematic
I like that their service and website (of course) are both in a very organized method. Shopping online becomes easy because of them. In addition, they send regular e-mails also to inform the shoppers about their updates.

8. Give freebies, promos and giveaways
I'm pretty sure ladies will agree to this. I mean who doesn't love freebies, discounts and giveaways, right? More to come please.

9. Offer cheaper prices compared to the ones locally available
Thank you for keeping your prices reasonable. At least, Korean products are already at hand and still don't burn our wallets.

10. Recommend good products and provide reviews about them too
It's that part where you can see "The Most Viewed and Best Sellers part".   I frequently check these two sections to make sure if I'm really buying the good stuffs and also approved by others. That way we can be sure that we get value for every penny we spend.

Anyhow, if you wonder about what items I bough from them, you can check out my previous post. I listed them down for you. Here's the link .
http://luzbelleathome.blogspot.com/2016/09/my-althea-haul.html


More power Althea. Keep up the good work. Continue to make many ladies happy and beautiful. See you online in my next purchase. ^ ^ Fingers crossed.

---Belle

My ALTHEA HAUL

Annyeong Haseyo Luz Bella-imnida!  Jal Isseoseoyo? Hope you all are doing good and healthy. Let me share this time my shopping experience online from this website, Althea Korea.  Don't be deceived by the number of items here. I somehow accummulated them for quite some time already. That's why it looks a bit massive. Here's the link of the site if you guys are interested. ^ ^

http://ph.althea.kr/new-arrivals

Basically, you just make an account and shop online directly. Absolutely, you can be guaranteed of the authenticity of their products. One good thing is they actually ship the items you ordered from Korea straight to your doorstep. Great! Just great. Anyway, let's keep going.

THINGS I Got from Althea Korea website

1. Nature Republic aloe gel

This is my go-to moisturizer everyday. I use this as a hand cream, lotion for everyday use, facial moisturizer and the list goes on. This is my second tub already and I've no complaints whatsoever.

**If you want an in-depth review about this, check this link. http://luzbelleathome.blogspot.com/2016/07/review-nature-republic-aloe-vera.html

2. It's Skin Vitamin C Serum

It's from a company, It's Skin that is famous for their bottled serums. This is also a hot item online and even in Korea actually. I use this for an instant boost on my skin especially if I attend some gathering and events. It instantly brightens the skin tone and gives this happy glow on the face. 

**If you want to know more about this, check this link. I reviewed this before already for you.

 http://luzbelleathome.blogspot.com/2016/07/review-its-skin-power-10-formula-vc.html

3. Guerisson 9 Complex containing German Horse Oil

It treats our skin with Guerisson 9 complex containing German horse oil to promote a clear skin. The expected results are the preservation of moisture good for 72 hours and improvements of our skin in terms of elasticity, skin lift ( achieving a young look) and moisturizing. I plan to use this at night like a heavy cream, quite similar to a sleeping mask to instantly boost that  hydration overnight while sleeping. Anyhow, will report about this soon and do a future review.

4. Missha's Under Eye brightener

From the name itself, it already gives me enough reason to buy it. Since it's one of the best sellers from Althea.com, I bought  it because it's a good concealer and eye brightener at the same time. Can't wait to try and write about this soon too. 

5. Piolang Keratin Silk Injection

Yes to this. My go-to keratin treatment everyday whenever I feel my hair needs an instant boost and lift. Literally it tames dry and frizzy hair. It always doesn't disappoint.

** You can check this link if you want added information about this product. I reviewed this one already. 

http://luzbelleathome.blogspot.com/2016/08/review-piolang-cp-1-keratin-silk.html


6. Innisfree No Sebum Loose Powder

This is again one of my repurchased items. Always giving me good performance. It really sets our make up and is also perfect for touch-ups without that heavy feeling or even cake-ing on the skin. It always erases the shine on the face literally. It does its job as expected. 

7. Banila Co balm Cleanser

This is a balm cleanser that actually melts all sorts of make up  that are applied on the face. A  little goes a long way already. It's best to wash the face with warm water after to maximize its benefit. Taking off make up is definitely made easy because of this.

8. Skinfood Eyebrow Powder Cake

This is a good eyebrow set that is suitable to create naturally looking brows. To get to know more about this product, check out this link. I reviewed this before already. :)

http://luzbelleathome.blogspot.com/2016/06/review-skin-food-choco-eyebrow-powder.html

9. Argan Glow  hair oil

This is a kind of argan glow hair oil that seals in moisture allowing our hair to stay softer, longer and healthier. It claims to restore the natural quality of damaged hair. Keeping my fingers crossed for this. ^ ^ I shall report to you soon about this.

10. It's my Perfume Hand Cream

This hand cream that has a mild and fruit-y scent. I bought the orange one in Honey Berry and blue green in Baby Bubble. It's pretty average though and does the job as expected. This is pretty affordable too.
Click on the link for a complete review about this product. 
http://luzbelleathome.blogspot.com/2016/07/review-its-my-perfume-hand-cream.html

11. Etude House Dr. Mascara Fixer for Super Long Lash

This is a transparent fixing gel mascara that offers perfect curl. It contains micro black fibers to maximize the lengthening of our lashes. 

A COLLECTIVE HAUL

Hello beautiful people. I am back to do a pretty different entry. Over the a couple of months, I've collected some items here there and everywhere. I've decided to show what I've got and who knows we may have purchased the same items too, right? Let's continue this haul-ing entry and pretend we're shopping somehow. Let's go.

MY RECENT HAUL

1. Pond's Age Miracle Dual Action Eye Cream

This is my favorite repurchased item. I like this because it has 2 creams in it, one for the upper eye area and another for the lower eye area. So far, I've been liking its good effects on me. Usually, one tub like this lasts for about 4 - 6 months with daily use.

**If you want detailed description about this, check out this link. I reviewed this before.

http://luzbelleathome.blogspot.com/2016/03/review-ponds-age-miracle-dual-eye-cream.html

2. Fashion 21's Eyebrow Pencil

I bought this one because of its brown shade. I like how creamy and how easily it glides on my brow hair. Another cheap finds from Watson's. It only costs P 125 if I'm not mistaken. If you're on the look out for a new eyebrow pencil, you should definitely check this out. Good value for money.

3. Watson's Body Wash 

This is a really good set. Was lucky at the time because of the buy 1 take 1 deal. Here I have Body wash in brightening cream formula with orchid and vitamin E and the other is goat milk scented. Both of them cost about P 240++ totally. Also, each container has 1000 ml. Pretty good steal. Thanks  Watson's. ^ ^ 

4. Human Nature's Clarifying Shampoo 

The scent of this shampoo has a citrus-y like an apple zest.   Plus, it's organic and 100% free from harmful chemicals. I plan to use this to completely cleanse my hair especially from dust and pollutants from outside.

5. Human Nature's Natural Conditioner for Strengthening 

Again, another product from Human Nature This is their natural conditioner with soothing aloe ingredients. I intend to use this to strengthen my brittle hair from regular hair coloring and also prevent falling hair. Hope it's effective. Fingers crossed.

6. Likas'  Papaya Skin Whitening Soap   

This is a repurchased item. I like that the ingredients here are safe and natural.It is enriched with papaya enzyme and blended with tropical herbs to whiten the skin. Yes to whitening products! ^ ^

7. Avon's 24K Gold Lipstick  

This is a lipstick that is ruby in gold. I've heard good things about this. We will see how it goes and report later. 

8. Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick

This is in Fuchsia with blue pearl in it. It says it's creamy and can be build-able to light-to-medium coverage. This looks intriguing. ^ ^

9. Colormates' Eyeshadow in 8109  

.

I have here the 8109, Garden Party. This looks like a pretty decent eyeshadow palette. It has a good mix of brown, pink and teal shades. Can't wait to use this soon. 

10. L'Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation

I have here the shade F1 Rose Ivory. I love how light and smooth it feels on the skin. Absolutely a good foundation to wear daily.

11. Nivea's Anti-Perspirant Deo Spray

This is formulated to tighten pores and smoothen skin. It contains 10 nutrients and vitamins that are good for us.  It promises also 48-hour anti-perspirant protection.

That's it for now. ^ ^ If you have some questions, just shoot me a comment and let's share ideas.  Enjoy your day.

Take care always.

--Belle

Foodie Alert : The BEST Burger in Town

Good day everyone! Raise your hands if you love pigging out! Yes, yes, and more yes! Well, this post is dedicated to all food lovers out there. Once in a while, let's pig out and enjoy cheat days sometimes, right? I have here my new fave fastfood store. I mean every experience there always gives me a happy tummy. I am talking about the famous Burger King in the Philippines. Let's continue and enjoy this mouth-watering experience. Just kidding.

What's it about?     

It's a burger chain that has many branches all over the Philippines. Basically it serves mouth-watering burgers freshly grilled and other sandwiches ( chicken variation) desserts and good beverage included.

How much it is?   

It's pretty affordable. Price ranges from P 99 ~ P 300 depending on the type of burger you choose. You don't have to worry because they have combo meal that surely fits any diner. Combo meal costs as low as P 99 only. Such a good treat already.

Where is it located?

They are basically everywhere in the Philippines. The one I prefer is located in Ayala Center Cebu. Just check out their FB page for more information. ^ ^

https://www.facebook.com/burgerkingph/?fref=ts

My Personal Thoughts

PRICE: It's quite reasonable but not that cheap. You get every penny's worth with every order you make.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: It's pretty fast and good. I always feel at home every time I go there.

QUALITY OF THE FOODS: So good and yummy! Every bite really screams cheat day and happiness. ^ ^ I guess it has to do with flame-grilled effect that they do in their patties that makes a whole lot of difference. 

TASTE AND FLAVOR: The flame-grilled effect that they do in their patties always entice the senses. Literally! I can say whatever smells good always tastes even better.

WILL I COME BACK? : Oh yes! Absolutely. They always have good foods to offer. Every time I crave for comfort foods, Burger King always pops in my mind. Once in a while though. ( Fingers crossed)

Hope you find this helpful guys. What's your favorite food from them? Let's share ideas and be friends. 

Bye for now and have a good day today. 

--Belle

Life Hacks : Travelling Overseas Without Getting Broke

Good day everyone! Yes, you've seen the title correctly. Especially for us Filipinos, going and travelling overseas costs us an arm and leg every time. However, I believe travelling enriches our soul and widens our horizon and perspectives at the same time too. Knowing what's outside of the box is always a mystery and interesting enough to find out. Don't you think so? Besides, it is always a good piece of investment for our memories later on. Let's continue and explore these tips one by one.

HOW TO TRAVEL OVERSEAS WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

TIP # 1 Research and plan ahead.   

Nothing beats a good amount of research. That just basically means you can gather more alternatives and filter them according to  what fit you best and selecting the cheaper ones instead of doing everything at the eleventh hour. As they always say, it's better to be safe than be sorry later on. 

TIP # 2 Wait and find cheap flight tickets.

No need to expound this actually. If you are lucky enough, getting a cheap flight ticket is actually like the same feeling of finding gold literally. The better idea here is you can always book flights like 8 months to a year in advance prior to your target date. Not only it will be much cheaper but also it gives you ample time to prepare for everything. 

TIP # 3 Travel in groups. 

I don't mean about booking for package tour especially for groups of people. Sorry, not that kind. I believe that if you travel in groups like the DIY style (do it yourself), you get to divide and share many expenses like food, accommodation and other things which are essential for the trip. Sharing these memories together makes the friendship deeper and long-lasting also. 

** Just a side note though. Make sure you know your group very well. It's like you go there together and whatever happens, you'll always be there for each other too. Helping each other out and extending a hand are always good advantages if you know your pack well.

TIP # 4 Avoid peak seasons if possible.

I guess you know the drill already. Peak season means everything is just bloated and overpriced from the rate of the accommodation and prices of souvenirs and foods sometimes. Also, it is the time that people go out and everywhere is just crowded and noisy. Definitely not a good idea if you want to relax and just enjoy your trip. 

TIP # 5 Set aside some money if you can.

This I call my TRAVEL FUND. Yes, you heard it right. It's like setting aside 5% of your total income in a month and make it your travel fund. That way, you forget all about it in the long run. Then when the right time comes that you want to go overseas and travel, at least you have some extra money already to help you somehow. It doesn't create a sense of panic and anxiety either.

TIP # 6 Eat more in local food centers and fastfood stores.

Yes, it may sound interesting at first. But well, you travel overseas for a new culture and experiences not because of their expensive foods and fancy restaurants.  How about this? You can eat in a decent restaurant once a day while travelling and for the rest of the day, just find a good local food stalls if you can. It's like you eat economically already and at the same time, you mingle and eat like a local person, right?  It is always up to you. If you still have some extra cash left, then indulge yourself to a sumptuous meal for an authentic feel of the country you're visiting. 

TIP  # 7 Walk if you can.   

Yes, it is definitely true. We know for the fact that riding taxi is cheap here but not in other countries. If you think, your next destination is just nearby, just keep walking.  That way, you can observe how a typical life is like when you walk and see the real scenario. Take pictures as you walk too. In addition, you may try riding the local trains.  It's a good feeling to enjoy their fast and convenient means of transportation.

TIP # 8 Bring some snacks and water bottles with you.

Yes, if you can hoard your favorite cup noodles and snacks, then bring them all. Also, bringing water bottles and water containers also comes in handy. Not only you can save some money by doing that but also you save yourself from being hungry and thirsty from roaming around for the whole day of sightseeing. 

** Those cup noodles can be a good alternative for your breakfast and snacks if you like to. 

TIP # 9 Focus more on culture and experience.   
Actually, you can skip those touristy places which are always crowded. Why? They are an effective money trap unfortunately. That's why, there are so many stalls nearby famous sightseeing spots because it makes sightseeing more interesting. It's like you can see more ideas for souvenir shopping. Your money just evaporates instantly, just like that. 

TIP # 10 Book your accommodation ahead of time.

Absolutely this is the next priority after you have booked your plane tickets already. This and the cost of the plane tickets already cost much so I repeat, it's always best to save earlier. Going back to that, the rate of hotels and accommodation is always cheaper if you book earlier. It's like this. As soon as the travel date gets nearer, then the rate also increases due to the law of supply and demand. 

Hope you find this helpful. Try this life hack and I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy and save money at the same time too.

Take care and enjoy life. Travel and be wiser.

--Belle

Review: Nature Republic's Powder Pact from their Flower Collection

Annyeong chinggu! ( Hello my friends)  How are you all doing? I have here a good and reliable powder by Nature Republic. It's in the shade # 21. Let's continue and make it as quick as possible.

What's it about?

The name of this is the Powder Pact by their Flower collection series.  Plain and simple. It is basically used to set our make up and promises to avoid making that greasy and oily appearance on the T-zone area especially.

SHADE: This shade # 21 is a nude shade. 

PACKAGING:  It comes in a white plastic case (a sturdy one ) , a clear plastic that separates the powder and the puff ( a good one actually) that comes along with it. Truly Korean products are pretty consistent with their cute and good packaging, I guess.

PRICE: I costs P 200. 00 only. Good steal I guess. 

TEXTURE: It really feels very smooth on the skin. The powder grains feel like nothing like very minute particles on the skin. That means it is easily absorbed by the skin instantly. 

How long does it last?

It doesn't last long probably 2-3 hours.  You can re-apply it anyway and it doesn't cake or something.

My Personal Thoughts 

Overall, it is just an average compact powder that's available in the market. Don't get me wrong. It does its job being a powder, of course.  I guess if you're on the look out for a good Korean compact, then this is for you. Pretty reasonable and you'll get your money's worth. I will call this product -- pretty straightforward ^ ^

Once again, hope you find this helpful. Thanks for reaching this point in reading this review.

Do take care and let's all be happy.

--Belle

REVIEW : Nivea's Mattifying Toner

Hola! I am back to do another short review about this Mattifying Toner from Nivea. It's my first time to try this and if you could remember it was part of my Nivea haul months ago. I decided to wait first for a couple of months and  tested it out before I would write something like this to really see if it's effective or not. Let's cut the chase and keep going then.

What's it about?   

It is enriched with Ocean Algae and Hydra IQ. It is formulated to tone the skin deeply and removes excess residues. Also, it claims to reduce excess sebum and oil with it mattifying formula.  Plus, it maintains skin's natural moisture balance. 

How to use it?   

Simply apply it on the skin by gently massaging in small circles to the face and neck using a cotton pad avoiding the eye area. 

PROS   

• It doesn't dry out the skin.
• It is very gentle to use. Doesn't sting or anything like that.
• It feels refreshing after putting it on.
• It has a good mild scent to it.
• It removes make up residues especially those that can't be removed by washing the face alone.
• It somehow makes the face shine free but not thoroughly.
• It is mostly effective on controlling the shine on my T-zone area.

CONS     

• So far, I have no complaints about this product. It does the job as expected. Pretty average though. 

MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS 

So far, this is the best toner  ( Western version) available in the market that does its job aside from the good ones which are Korean products.  I like it that it's gentle and really does a good job of thoroughly cleansing the face. The price point is just reasonable also. 

TIP: You can buy and hoard this every time Nivea has their big sale like 50% off on all their products.Catch them and try it for yourself. 

** Hope you find this helpful. If you have some questions,  just leave a comment. As always, thanks for reaching this point in reading this blog entry. Take care and be happy always.

--Belle