Unboxing January-February BDJ Box

Hooray for new products to try out for a new year! As always, BDJ packed their boxes with products worth trying out. Change it up, the theme of the current box seems very apt for the new year. The BDJ Team simply encourages us ladies to be more adventurous in trying out new products and incorporating changes in our beauty regimen. Ready for the unboxing? 

Yes, that's a full-sized hair coloring cream from Garnier in Darkest Brown which I'll be using real soon.

At first glance, the variety of products inside the box seem fewer compared to BDJ's previous boxes but don't be fooled. I'll give you a closer look!

Hair Products:  Azta Urban Salon Coupons - Php 600 off Brazilian Keratin Treatment and Php 800 off for Cynos Nano Digital Perming, My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Shampoo & Conditioner (15ml each/Php 1200 for 300ml), Garnier Color Naturals (100ml/Php 199).

Skincare: Beauty and Bright Moringa Soap (130g/Php 114), Tony Moly Skincare Revolution Kit - Tomatox Magic White, Luminous Pure Aura CC Cream, Intense Care Live Snail Cream and Oriental Gyeol Emulsion

Cosmetics: Revlon Nail Art in Supernova (7.68ml/Php 375), Ellana Minerals Lip and Cheek Tint (20ml/Php 220), Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp Mascara (9ml/Php650), Avon CC Cream (30ml/Php 699)

Coupons: Browhaus Free Brow Construction (Php 598), Aesthetic Institute of the Philippines (3 gift vouchers Php 500 each)

Now, isn't that a lot? I am especially excited to try out the hair products and the brow construction from Browhaus. How about you, what new products will you be trying out this year?

Hope to hear from you!

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God bless! 

Belle de Jour Power Planner 2014

Belle de Jour Power Planner is especially made for the Pinay fashionista achiever. The term Belle de Jour (bel duh zhoor’) is French fashion lingo for “It” girl, we have redefined it to mean the modern day renaissance woman who dares to achieve her goals, lives her dream life, makes a difference in her community, while doing everything in great style.

It has been 12 days since 2014 started, how are you doing so far? As for me, I faced the new year with a new job. It is exciting yet very challenging not to mention, very strict with schedule. Anyway, I wouldn't talk about my new job here. I would talk about what has been helping me manage my time really well - BDJ Power Planner, nothing else! BDJ is well aware how difficult managing time can be that is why it is loaded with time-management principles. For complete list of BDJ Power Planner 2014 special pages, weekly layout features and monthly tools, click here.  

Gone are the days when I can enjoy a whole day lying around my bed, watching a movie or simply bum around the house. Everything has changed now. Every second, every minute is precious! I'm in a very fast-paced industry. We all are. Planning ahead and plotting daily, weekly or monthly activities helps so much. While doing so, no time can be put to waste. Trust me! It may be too late that I'm sharing this only now but, but, I just cannot not share this.

The first time I saw it, I noticed how smaller and less bulkier it is from last year's planner which is a great plus for me. I can now take it with me whenever I go out. Now, here are some of the features of the planner that I find important at the same time, interesting.

Daily & Monthly Pages: I simply love how spacious the daily page is. Aside from being a planner, I sort of use it as a diary page as well wherein I write the activities I did at the end of the day. The boxes below are handy for additional notes, too. I actually utilize the box as my outfit tracker. :p

Events Tracker, Cash Flow Tracker, 2014 Goals, #Choosetoshine: These are a few of my favorite features of the planner! With Events Tracker, I can now plot the important events easier - birthdays, anniversaries, parties, conferences, all in one page. Cash flow tracker which is a staple feature of BDJ Power Planners would be a great help too as I am planning to save up for some things this year. Goal-setting and #Choosetoshine or sort of like a habit page are both essential in developing/improving oneself. #meganon!

Coupons!!! A major bonus. Major may be an understatement with the free coupons that BDJ Planners always come up with. It is loaded with so much coupons!  

2014 BDJ Checklist: Will I be able to tick off a few? I sure hope so!

Stickers, BDJ Lifestyle Card, Coupon Storage: More bonuses! I felt giddy upon seeing the stickers - something to decorate with! BDJ Lifestyle Card serves as a membership card in attending BDJ events. I can say that BDJ holds the most exciting events with its informative talks, beauty brand partners and the chance it provides in meeting fellow bellas. 

BDJ has done an awesome job in crafting 2014's planner again. It just gets better and better, each year! BDJ truly knows what a Pinay fashionista achiever needs. More power, BDJ! 

It's not too late to get your own BDJ Power Planner. Go grab one, now! Visit BDJ Power Planner.

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How about you, what is your planner of choice? Hope to hear from you!  :)

God bless!

Review & Comparison: Milani Eye Tech Extreme vs K-Palette, BYS, Mememe

Eye Tech Extreme Liquid Eye Liner takes our best-selling Eye Tech Liquid Liner to the extreme. Extreme fine felt-tip point and easy grip handle make creating lines easy. Non-feathering, waterproof blackest black formula lasts all day without flaking our budging. (Milani Website)

Since my K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner ran out, I went on a lookout for a cheaper alternative. I rummaged through various makeup counters swatching eyeliners of sorts. Nothing seemed to match the quality of K-Palette in terms of opacity, precision and lasting power. And so I started my quest online and ended up with Milani Eye Tech Extreme which had several positive reviews. I was too glad that BonMarche had it on hand. 

Price: It's only Php 285 (1 ml), definitely way cheaper than K-Palette at Php 895. The big question would be, is the quality comparable with the latter? Read on!

Brush Tip: As its name suggests, the tip is extremely fine and pointed. Fine enough to draw the thinnest, most detailed lines. Like most pen type eyeliners, it has a felt tip. My only issue with felt tip eyeliners is that they tend to wear out over time thus losing precision. For almost a month's usage, the felt tip is not as firm as the first time I used it.

Packaging: It's made up of a black shiny plastic packaging with non-slip grip for easier use. The name of the product is stamped in gold lettering which I find so sleek. I'm really pleased that the label has not rubbed off yet. The K-Palette label rubbed off after only a few weeks.

Opacity, Staying Power: It boldly claims to be non-feathering, waterproof, blackest black that could last all day without flaking or budging. It is indeed really really black in one swipe. One layer is enough. Its opacity is probably the best thing about the product. I'm fairly impressed with the staying power. It could last whole day on me with minimal fading.  It doesn't feather or smudge. A makeup remover is needed in removal as it won't come off completely with water.

When applied: Here's how it looks like when applied. This is how my eyes look like almost everyday. The fine tip of the brush makes eye lining as easy as 1, 2, 3! You can go from simple thin line to a thick, dramatic line! 

Now for a quick comparison with my other liquid eyeliners - BYS Liquid Eyeliner, K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner and Mememe Eye Sweep

Left to Right: BYS Liquid Eyeliner K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner, Milani Eye Tech Extreme and Mememe Eye Sweep 

BYS Liquid Eyeliner has got to be the finest, thinnest eyeliner that I own. It is perfect for detailing! It's mighty fine tip has a trade off though - the brush is scratchy, a bit hard for the delicate eyelids. The first time I used it, the feeling was close to poking the eyelids with a sharp object. It took me some time to love this product because of the brush. Lasting power is good, no flaking/smudging and waterproof. The finish is slightly shiny which I'm not entirely fond of. Available at BYS counters on local department stores for around Php 300, if I remember correctly.

K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner is still the best eyeliner for me - brush tip, opacity, lasting power and ease of use, 10/10. Totally worth the price at Php 895! Read my full review here. 

Mememe Eye Sweep reminds me of Sharpie! Its felt tip is thick as opposed to the three eyeliners. Opacity is great. Its thick tip makes it ideal for drawing dramatic lines. It may also be used in defining the tail of the brows that is if you are up for black brows. It is not waterproof and smudge proof. It easily fades as well. 

That's it for the quick comparison! Going back to Milani Eye Tech Extreme, I think it can be a good alternative for K-Palette. Opacity, lasting power and ease of use is amazing. The only issue I have with the product is its brush tip. It is fine, yes but it softens/wears out over time making it a bit difficult to draw with. K-Palette's brush tip is still the perfect brush tip for me.

If you are looking for a liquid eyeliner with superb quality in terms of formulation and lasting power that is very affordable, I can highly recommend Milani Eye Tech Extreme. It doesn't disappoint!

What I like:

• Opacity/pigmentation is amaaaaaazing. It truly is, blackest black.
• Very affordable at Php 285.
• Very fine tip. Felt tip is soft on the eyes.
• Lasting power is great. It can last the whole day on me with minimal fading.
• Waterproof, sweat proof and smudge proof

What I don't like:

• Felt tip wears out/softens over time 
• Not available in local department stores. Only available on selected online shops.

Rating:

9/10

I honestly think that the formulation of this product is close to K-Palette. The only downside is the felt tip. It's nothing major though. Even with a soft tip, it can still draw fine lines. 

Where to get: Php 285 at BonMarche

Unboxing October BDJ Box

October 2013 BDJ Box. Hmm, exactly a year since BDJ released its first ever beauty box! Remember last year's October box? I can still recall the excitement I felt during my first unboxing experience. Aaah! The joy of opening presents! It goes with the theme Sugar N' Spice. Everything inside the box is from Maybelline. 

These stickers couldn't say it any better when it comes to self expression. I'll be sticking one on my closet!

A welcome message, product list & description and additional information about the box are written on these cards. The Lip & Eye Makeup Remover (Php250 purchase required) is a bonus!

Consisting of 6 full-sized products, the October box is worth Php1,914!! That's Php1,334 savings (BDJ Box subscription is Php580 a month). I am thrilled to try these products out.

Clear Smooth All in One Shine Free Foundation (Php249)

Clear Smooth BB Stick 8-in-1 Skin Transformer (Php279)

Color Sensational Lasting Lip Color (Php399)

Volum' Express Hypercurl Mascara (Php299)

Baby Lips Runway Brights (Php89)

Eye Studio Lumineyes Shadow (Php599)

And yet another great box from BDJ! Every box gets better each month, don't you think? I will be sharing with you my thoughts about these products as soon as I can. Taking the BDJ Box 7 Day Challenge seems fun. 

Happy Anniversary and congratulations to the BDJ Box team! Thank you for sending me the October box! 

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Good night and God bless! <3

Haul: Colour Collection Makeup

I've been meaning to share this haul with you for so long but I really couldn't find time. Truly grateful for non-working holidays! Now, I'll stop babbling and go on with the haul. 

Most of the products are from Colour Collection, a local makeup line by Tupperware Brands. Find out more about the brand here. I've known the brand through my sister who is an avid user of their lipsticks. Now, I'll stop babbling and go on with the haul.

White Result Exfoliating Gel (Php599) - Product claims to whiten skin and increase the rate of cell renewal. Now that my pimples are starting to heal, I think this will come in handy for the nasty acne marks the pimples might leave.

Perfect Cover Dual Powder Foundation in Honey - Out of the bunch, this one has got to be my favorite. The shade is a perfect match to my morena skin. Also, it did not cause any breakouts. I've been avoiding makeup for several months now because of my acne problems. For ladies with acne prone skin, it is such a relief to find makeup products that would not cause acne build up.

Colour Intense Eyeshadow Trio in Terra Cotta - I think the colors are perfect for day to night makeup looks. What do you think?

Colour Intense Blush-On Duo - Reminds me of ELF's blush and contour powder. I find the product a bit too powdery. A single swipe of the brush sends the product all over the packaging.

Vitamin E Lipsticks (Php330 each) - Aaaah! Too giddy upon seeing four tubes of lipsticks from the brand. The quality of the lipsticks are superb in terms of pigmentation, staying power and formulation. Comparable to high end brands! Check out my product review on Kissmark. 

I got three shades, Red Wine (Satin), Kissmark (Matte) and Pinkish Nude (Satin). I got 2 tubes of Red Wine if you're wondering about the fourth shade.

Lip Therapy with Argan Oil - I am intrigued to experience the effect of Argan Oil on my lips. And oh, are you attracted with the its sophisticated packaging as much as I am?

Pop Shop Lipstick in Be my Baby - Hmm. I still haven't opened this one up to now. I'd probably give this one to my 3 year old inaanak, hehe. The size and design of this product makes it look like a toy! Cute!

Everything was sent by Sample Room as a prize for their Colour Collection Contest. Check out my entry here. Congratulations to the other winners as well! Thank you, Sample Room and Colour Collection! 

Visit Sample Room 

Visit Tupperware Brands Colour Collection

Have you tried anything from Colour Collection? What are your thoughts? Let me now by commenting down below. I would love to hear from you!

God bless!