HAUL: hbc products

I am always grateful for weekends because I get to do my hobbies. Beauty blogging is one hobby I think I'll never get tired of. There's always something new to discover. And, speaking of something new, I've got a bunch of beauty products from hbc. 

During the National Makeover Day Preview, each blogger got to take home a box full of goodies from hbc.

NOTD: Revlon Colorstay in Buttercup

Product Description: 

ALL SHINE. NO LIGHT. GEL-OUS? 

Up to 11 days of lasting color (When worn with Colorstay base and top coats)

No light required

Yellow is such a happy, bright color. It has always been my favorite. So yellow on my nails, why not? Revlon Colorstay in Buttercup is light, subtle yellow. Buttercup is just the right name to it. It is inspired by salon gel nails to provide a long lasting colour and shine. The nail polish line has 30 shades to choose from. I can't wait to try other shades! 

I wasn't actually planning on posting this but it is really worth sharing. Why? Because the quality of the product attests to its name - Colorstay. Revlon says that it can last up to 11 days if used with Colorstay base and top coats. I don't have those so I cannot prove that. (Source: Beauty Haven, Revlon)

Mine lasted for 6 days until I noticed chipping and tip wear. Impressive, right? My average polish wear is only 3-4 days when worn without top coat. I applied 2 coats of Buttercup to achieve that shade. The consistency of the nail polish is such a breeze to work with - not runny nor thick, just the right consistency. It is also formaldehyde, toluene and DBP free, the three most harmful elements found in most nail polishes. Yay for that! Aside from its amazing consistency and long wear time, the brush is also a wonder. It has a unique double barrel brush that provides a smooth, streak-free application. 

Photos are taken six days since I applied the polish hence the fading/slight chipping. Cracks also appeared on the top part of my nails which is visible on the top photo. Now here's an OOTD to match my nails: 

Sorry for the #filter

Buttercup is such a sweet, sophisticated shade of yellow, I think. A great way to brighten up any outfit. Revlon Colorstay is included in the May BDJ Box: Summer Radiance. See my unboxing post. 

Revlon Colorstay is Php 325 available at Revlon counters in SM Department Stores/Watsons

My interest in nail polish has been rekindled recently. So, watch out for more nail-related posts!

Have you tried Revlon Colorstay yet?

What is your favorite nail color?

Goodnight and God bless!

Review: Pixy UV Whitening Two Way Cake

I'm too glad to be seated in front of my laptop, typing for a blog post. It has been quite a while since I last wrote a decent product review. Finding time for blogging has been difficult for the past few months. But, as they say, If there's a will, there's a way! 

Product Description: This lightweight powder refill is clinically tested not to trigger blackheads and is enriched with natural extracts and antibacterial kanzo, making it suitable for oily skin. Feel free to swap it inside the Perfect Fit Compact!  

I'll be sharing with you my current foundation - Pixy UV Whitening Two Way Cake in Perfect Matte. Pixy is an Indonesian makeup brand, by the way. This product has been a staple in my makeup kit ever since BDJ Box introduced it last April. (Check out my April BDJ Box.)  Shade, finish and coverage are my top three criteria in choosing foundation and Pixy Two Way Cake perfectly fits my criteria. Why? Read on!

Shade: Honey Beige borders medium to dark shade with yellow undertones, perfect for a morena like me. It matches my skin color really, really well which is probably why I love the product so much. Shade is such a critical factor in choosing the right foundation. Wearing a foundation shade lighter than my skin tone is a big no for me. 

Coverage: Since it is a lightweight foundation, coverage is only light to medium. It cannot provide complete coverage to dark spots and acne marks. It does minimize the appearance of blemishes though especially when wet application is used. The lightweight feel of the product is great for everyday use. I prefer using lightweight foundation during hot and lazy days. 

Finish, texture: As the product name suggests, it is Perfect Matte! It blends out smoothly and looks very natural when applied. it is like my second skin, no kidding. The texture is smooth and silky - very easy to blend. 

Formulation: The product has a Two Way Whitening formula from combination of Natural Whitening Powder, Vitamin C derivate and Sunscreen (SPF 15). It is also oil-free and non comedogenic. While I cannot attest to its whitening properties, my skin is doing fine with the formula - no breakouts nor allergic reaction. It has a soft, powdery scent which I find pleasant. 

Lasting power: Now the downside that comes with its being lightweight is the lasting power. It only lasts up to 3 hours on me using dry application and barely 5 hours in wet application. I don't mind touching up, however. I don't think this product is ideal for oily skin. 

Price & packaging: Only Php 145 for 12g of product. Affordable, isn't it? As for the packaging, I'm loving how compact it is (because it's only a refill). I can easily fit in my makeup kit. BUT I guess it's really meant to be transferred to the Perfect Fit Compact (full packaging) because it got broken after a week's use.



When applied: Left photo is my face sans makeup. Dark eye area, pimples and blemishes are very visible. Right photo is taken after application of the product. It did minimize the appearance of my pimples and blemishes but didn't totally conceal it. I love how it looks so natural on me.

What I like: 

• Shade. I'm saying it over again, it is a perfect match on me. I can highly recommend this product to morena ladies like me
• Affordable. I honestly think that the product is worth more than Php 149
• Finish, texture.

What I don't like:

• Lasting power 
• Powder easily got broken in a week

Where to buy:

You can get it at BDJShop

Overall Rating:

7/10

Have you tried Pixy products?

Unboxing May BDJ Box: Summer Radiance

I can't believe summer is already over. Days go by really fast! I didn't even had the chance to hit the beach. Have you?

Anyway, the May BDJ Box is full of beauty products that will give you radiance even if summer is already over. The box is tightly packed with so much products. It's heavier than the usual monthly boxes. So..shall we go check out what's inside?

Skincare: Godiva Lico White Whitening Lotion | Godiva Lico White Antiperspirant Deodorant | Dermal Sheet Mask | TooCoolForSchool Pumpkin Sleeping Pack

Haircare: Organix Hair Care Set

Others: Free Brassiere from Avon | 50% Off on Reshape Ultra or Caci Non-Surgical Face Lift from Dr. CRB | Revlon Colorstay Enamel in Buttercup & Rain Forest | Php 300 Add-ons for every mani and pedi from idonails | PAC Make Over Voucher | Php 100 Off from Bifesta | 50% Off from Lucido - L variants

I think I'll be able to use everything in the box. The sachet packs are very handy for trips. I am thrilled to try out the Hair Care Set from Organix! BDJ included enough packs for every variant. The coupons are really useful too - I want to have that free makeover from PAC.

A BDJ Box isn't complete without the stickers! I love how true the statement is - A Happy Woman is a Beautiful Woman!

I like everything in the May BDJ Box because of the usefulness of each product. As always, the entire value of the box is way more than the subscription fee of Php 580. The value of the box is around Php 2500+ excluding the coupons. That's how sulit your subscription fee is.

Get your dose of monthly beauty box surprise with BDJ Box!
July boxes are now open for subscription

Like BDJ Box on Facebook for updates
Visit the BDJ Box Website for more info

What do you think about the May BDJ Box?
Any product that you'd want a review about?

I would love to hear from you!

National Makeover Day by HBC: A Preview

The thought of makeovers always excites me. As a makeup enthusiast, I both love giving and having makeovers – new hair color and haircut, makeup, manicure and pedicure, name it! Getting makeovers is such an exciting way to welcome a beautiful change.

An intimate gathering with fellow beauty bloggers was held at Stacys BGC where HBC talked about the National Makeover Day. Yes, you’ve read that right. Let me tell you what happened during the event first before I go into the details of the National Makeover Day.

Delicious food was served before the program began. Fried chicken was my personal favorite!

Even the cupcakes match the white and pink theme of the event. How adorable!

 The event was organized and hosted by the ever jolly Kumi of LovingSunshine; Ms. Chi did a short welcome message while Drei who happens to be one of my best friends in college did a short presentation about The National Makeover Day. So proud of you, Drei!

L-R: Kumi, Drei, and Ms. Chi

After the short intro, we had a group discussion where we shared what Beautiful Change is all about for us. It was the most interesting part of the afternoon for me because I get to listen to the stories of fellow beauty bloggers. It is always wonderful to share insights with people who have the same passion as I have.

Photo by: HBC

The Beautiful Change that I experienced is about having the courage to wear bold red lipsticks. I used to be uncomfortable in wearing red lipsticks because I felt that it was too much. I felt that red lipsticks may only be worn in parties/special events. However, I am in the field of sales where I meet and talk to a lot of people everyday. I figured that I needed to look presentable and powerful especially when delivering sales presentation...and that's how I learned wearing red lipsticks. Wearing one gives me the extra confidence that I need.

Photo by: HBC

So, are you ready to say yes to a beautiful change?

The National Makeover Day will be on June 12, 2014 from 10:00 AM onwards at Trinoma Mall Activity Center and in all HBC outlets nationwide. Free services will be given - hair colouring & hair styling, facial and diamond peel, makeup makeovers, manicure, pedicure, foot spa and more! There will also be Personality Development Talks where practical makeover tips will be given. And oh, celebrity guests will be there to grace the event as well!

As usual, the day wouldn't pass without picture taking. More photos!

I think I'll see you more often, Drei!

Photo by HBC

Don't miss the chance to say yes to a Beautiful Change! 
National Makeover Day |June 12, 2014 | Trinoma Mall Activity Center

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