REVIEW: Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer and Eye Primer

I have never been a fan of foundation because it makes me breakout. I only tried about three brands but they all failed me and I'm never trying again. Even BB Cream doesn't work on my skin and I'm pretty much scared to try anything that looks like a foundation, and that includes primer, until I tried Revlon Photoready.

I am currently recovering from a breakout and I'm avoiding all kinds of cream and oil-based products as I'm still undergoing acne treatment. But, I wanted something that will conceal my battle scars while they're healing and I needed something that is light on skin. That's when I came across Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer while window-shopping at SM Makati with my boss. I was hesitant at first, and a bit of skeptic since all the  previous products I tried really just made my skin worse. But, the Revlon lady... well... convinced me in the end. We tried samples, and since I've also been using Revlon's Eye Primer, I bought it. I've been using it for weeks now and I'm loving the results so far.

My left hand without primer

My right hand with primer

The first time I used it, the texture seemed too thin to hide my scars, but it really helped, not by actually concealing them but by lightening my face,including the scars and fading them so that they're not too obvious and harsh-looking. The best thing about it is that, it has a powdery finish without drying the skin. I apply it right after VMV's Id Gel Treatment (I skip moisturizer). The Perfecting Primer + my mineral powder combo gives my skin a bright, dewy glow without the oil. It doesn't make my skin oily even after the day is done so two thumbs up for this product! You can actually skip powder after the primer if you want to. I just apply it to give my skin an even finish and hide my acne marks.

It comes only in one shade (flesh / light beige tone).

Price: P825
Effectiveness  Rate: 5/5
Top Tip: If you have dry or combination skin, make sure to put on moisturizer before the primer as it tends to feel dry.


Also, I would just like to share, I got myself a Revlon Photoready Eye Primer + Brightener last year when I was starting to learn (eye) makeup, and one of the basics my friend and tutor required of me was a really good eye primer. As reluctant as I was, I followed her instructions telling myself that it's only the eyes, anyway, plus, I really wanted to create the best results for my eyes. A few months after, it became a staple in my everyday routine.

Revlon Photoready Eye Primer + Brightener comes in a retractable pen-type container and is tipped with a brush so you have full control of the application and amount you'll put on. Plus, the brush helps you avoid touching your skin especially since the skin in the eye area is so delicate. The creamy texture brightens your eyes and doubles as a concealer so you can skip that step and go straight to powder. This primer has a matte finish as well so oily girls like me need not worry!

Price: P725
Effectiveness  Rate: 5/5

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This is a make-up newbie's firsthand encounter so I apologize if it's not too technical or a make-up-ish review. :)

Mrs. Fields My Rewards Card

Christmas is finally here, and it is felt more than ever with the release of the traditional planners from our favorite cafe's and other brands and along with it, the yummy, yummy drinks and treats (Toffee Nut addict here!) we only get to taste every holiday season. This year probably has the most planner offers so far, with brands offering not only schedule planners but also diaries, notebooks, etc. It's always fun to complete the traditional card and get a new planner from an array of fun and sophisticated options. But if you are not really a planner kind of person or if you are on the lookout for something different this year, then you have to try Mrs. Fields' My Rewards Card!

Mrs. Fields' My Rewards Card

Get your first stamp when you get your card!

Mrs. Fields recently launched their Christmas offers (which I will share with you in another post) and their My Rewards Card where instead of a planner, you get free treats when you get stamps on your card. There's a catch though. Each of the 12 circles on the card, corresponds to a milestone that you have to achieve like helping a stranger and making someone smile. You are encouraged to achieve these little goals and reward yourself with your favorite Mrs. Fields products to get a stamp. :)

See the full mechanics here

Get your own My Rewards Card at any Mrs. Fields store with a minimum purchase of P150 and start achieving milestones. Easy Peasy. You're probably thinking "How do I prove that I really achieved a milestone?". No worries because they won't actually look for proof that you indeed watched a new movie or tried a new dish. Just tell them when you purchase your treat.

Though no proof is required, there lies in the milestones the exciting part of this whole program! As much as you can, try to really do them so treating yourself would feel more rewarding :)

Get free Mrs. Fields treats with every 4 milestones you achieve. For your first 4, you can get a dozen  of their Cookie Pops, for your next 4, you can get their Pops-in-a-Jar (also containing Cookie Pops) which is one of their holiday gift offers. And lastly, get a Cookie Pops Pairing for 2 for your last set of 4 milestones! The Cookie Pops are popcorn-size cookies and are actually a newly launched product. More info on Facebook.

Through this program, they are encouraging everyone to live in the moment and celebrate the little things and achievements by treating ourselves. No need to wait for that promotion before you finally decide you deserve a treat.

I myself am a strong believer that happiness need not be expensive. It can be a cookie here or a drink there when you beat a deadline or get commended for your work. And what sweeter way to reward ourselves than with desserts and sweet treats. :)

Scents For Your Every Mood: Moschino Cheap and Chic & Versace Bright Crystal

If you're a perfume-addict like me, you'd know how exciting it is to score great deals on your favorite scents! That's exactly what I got from SM Department Store a few months ago. They have a promo that they do not really publicize where BPI and BDO Credit Card holders can get 3 perfumes for only P5,000 AND have their transaction on a 3-month installment AFTER 3 months. As far as I know, it's for those two major banks, correct me if I'm wrong :) I was so excited because until then, I didn't know such an offer existed. Here are the scents I bought:

I have always lusted after Moschino Cheap and Chic's I Love Love but since my dad would buy me my perfumes abroad (he's a retired seaman), I never bothered to buy myself one... until I discovered this deal. I love it because it has a very light citrus-y floral scent perfect for everyday use.It's sexy, feminine and not overpowering. It's composed of these lovely ingredients: Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange, Red Currant (top notes), Bulrush, Cinnamon Leaves, Lily-of-the-Valley, Tea Rose (heart), and Cedar, Musk, Tanaka Wood (base). It's now my everyday scent. The fragrance stays for hours but I always spritz multiple times day ;)

By the way, if you don't want to splurge on a perfume, Petit Monde has a similar-smelling cologne called For My Dreams. :)

The second perfume I got was also by Moschino Cheap and Chic: Light Clouds. It's just as light and refreshing as I Love Love; muskier yet still feminine. Its main ingredients are peach, cyclamen, lotus, jasmine, rose, ambrette, cedar and musk. This one's a tad too plain for me though, with none of the sexy floral and citrus notes of I  Love Love, so I gave it to my  mom ;) Its smell though, is something that I think teenagers or 'tweeners would love.

Lastly, of all the perfumes I tried on top of the Moschino scents, Versace Bright Crystal won my heart. The sexiness of this scent can't be beat! It exudes femininity, fierceness and independence. Composed of Frosted Accord, Yuzu, Pomegranate (top notes), Peony, Magnolia (heart), Lotus Flower, Acajou, Vegetal Amber and Musk (base), Bright Crystal is the scent to go for when you're in your "Miss Independent" mood. Its sweet, floral scent is dominant but not overpowering as it is neutralized by waterlily and lotus. It is also perfect for after-office parties, get-togethers, and romantic dates! My boyfriend actually loves this scent on me to the point where he notices when I am wearing a different scent. The scent lasts all day long, too. 

There's just something about perfumes that can improve the mood we are in. Whether you're feeling sweet and innocent, fierce and seductive, or sporty and active, you bet it will an extra oomph to your entire vibe. As for these three, Moschino I Love Love is the sweet, carefree girl, Light Clouds is the sporty, active lady, and Bright Crystal is the seductive, independent, Miss Boss woman. My favorite among the three? Versace Bright Crystal. I don't use it often but it's the fragrance most people notice and compliment the most. :)

So the next time, you're out in the mall strolling, think of the top 2 or 3 moods you're usually in and find the scents that will go best with those moods. Perfume shops always offer a spray, or sometimes even a free sample when you're lucky so you can always test and find the best scents for you.

REVIEW: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil

I have experimented with a good number of brands before realizing that what works best for me are the gentle products. My skin hates and breaks out on products with too much chemicals that promise major results. That being said, one of my go-to places when I want to update my pampering and beauty regimen is The Body Shop. My usual purchase are their bath products which smell sooo good! I also get them to give as presents.

But just recently, I read up some good stuff about tea tree oil and its effects on skin and because I was having a little break out at that time I decided to get one. I already knew The Body Shop has it, so I went straight to the branch in SM Makati to buy one.

A few technical details: Tea Tree Oil is  extracted from the Tea Tree (apparently :P) which is different from  the tea plant used for making teas. It can be used for various purposes such as treatment for skin infections like acne and fungal infections, and may also be used to treat vaginal infections, sore throat, and toothache among others.

You have to be careful though when using it as it can have some side effects like drying, itching or even worsening of acne when you use it as treatment. Pure tea tree oil is strong so you have to either mix  it with other oils like lavender oil or water or use very little amount on just the affected areas of your face.

Luckily, The Body Shop's tea tree oil is a ready formulation. A 10 ml bottle is a mixture of 15% tea tree oil and the following: Aqua (Solvent/Diluent), Alcohol Denat. (Solvent/Diluent), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Emulsifier), Polysorbate 20 (Emulsifier), Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil (Natural Additive), Limonene (Natural Additive), t-Butyl Alcohol (Denaturant), Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent), Citral (Natural Additive), Leptospermum Petersonii Oil (Natural Additive), Denatonium Benzoate (Denaturant), Tocopherol (Antioxidant). Click here for more details.

For the skin, it can be used as a toner or moisturizer, preferably morning and night. You can also use it as a steam regimen. Just put 3-4 drops on a bowl of hot water and steam away.

As for me, I used it as a moisturizer, applied with a cotton pad every night. At first it felt oily specially on my already oily skin and I was afraid that it would worsen the few pimples I was trying to cure. Since this is a natural cure, it takes longer for the effect to be seen and felt than other products.

After about 4 weeks of use, my skin became smoother and softer especially after applying my powder foundation. The few fine lines I have under my eyes also disappeared. Sadly, it did not work on my pimples. They looked just the same as before and some new additions even popped up. I would have stuck  to it if I was not breaking out but I needed an alternative that is not of oil which is already abundant on my face.

I used my tea tree oil instead as moisturizer for my whole body which also worked fine. I mix  it my lotion giving my skin a really nice minty lavender scent. I would probably go back to it once my face cleared up. :)