Dove Hair Care

If it weren't because of the massive promotions and sample distribution during the launch of the Dove Hair Care products this year, I wouldn't be able to try and eventually buy full sized bottles of the products. I usually just stick to my usual hair care products. 

Trying something new would mean a risk in having dandruff.  I've experimented through the years and it helped me to stay away from the brands that would cause irritation and eventually dandruff.

I was so amazed on how unbelievably soft my hair was when I used the samples. I had a few that lasted me for a couple of days. I had to go back to my usual products at that time and it took me a week or so to finally get the full sized bottles.

BUT, honestly it was a disappointment. The softness and smoothness is not comparable to  the samples I tried especially with the conditioner. It's not really bad since I didn't have any irritation in the long run but I can really tell the difference. 

This is just based on my own experience and observation. Though Dove is a great brand, I'd still use their shampoo but I had to go back to my usual conditioner brand.

-Dani

Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea Body Cream

This may not be very new but I love the recent sweet pea product line design that the Bath and Works are sporting. I remember Bath and Body Work's Sweet Pea Cologne as the first BBW I had that a friend gave me. This time is another gift, BBW Triple Moisture Body Cream in Sweet Pea. Adoring the  vibrant color of the packaging. 

This triple moisture cream comes in thick formula.

It certainly boosts the skin with extreme moisture without the sticky and heavy feel. 

There's one more! Anti-bacterial hand soap has never been this moisturizing, sweet-smelling and nice-looking!

Dark Chocolate Madness

I started to love dark chocolates since learning they are still very comforting sans the sweetness, they won't trigger an old enemy - tonsilitis, and less the extra calories found in regular milk chocolates. One of my favorite treats is finding in the local supermarket new dark chocolates to try. And here are my recent finds.

Villar's Dark Chocolate with hazelnut from Switzerland

Villar's Dark Chocolate with coffee crisps. Chocolate and coffee lovers will love this!

Tudor Gold Dark Chocolate Almonds

Kitkat's Dark Chocolate coated wafer

Villar's and Tudor come in many other different variants, Last time they are available at Metro Supermarket Ayala Center and SM City. 

Human Nature 100% Natural Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Orchid

Product description from HHN website: Get a hint of color and nourishment in one soothing lip balm! A feel-good blend of cocoa butter, beeswax and all-natural plant oils keeps your lips soft and moisturized all day.

Ingredients: Castor seed oi, Beeswax, Cocoa seed butter, coconut oil derived caprylic/capric triglyceride, Sunflower seed Oil, Peppermint oil, Calendula extract, Rosemary extract, tocopherol, zinc oxide, iron oxide, manganese violet, mica, titanium dioxide.

  

  

The Good:  All natural ingredients, natural color, moisturizing, proudly filipino-made product, soothing peppermint feel, affordable (Php 79) and locally available at Human Nature shops or online

The not-so-Good: Doesn't glide easily on the lips, not long lasting


Over-all rating: 4/5

I have long been looking for a natural based lip balm and it is only recently that I tried HHN. I don't know, I wasn't paying attention with the blogosphere raving about the brand for quite some time already. In general, I'm very happy with this purchase. I like the tint shade, natural-looking and evens out my lips uneven color. Although the moisture retention doesn't last that long, I'd still consider this an everyday must have, and a healthy one at that.

Extra Sheet Japanese Style Roasted Seaweed

I love seaweed snacks and have been eyeing this one at the supermarket. Sadly I just find them too pricey for around 75Php per pack, even though they're huge seaweed sheets. I used to find the smaller ones before but never saw them again recently.

To my delight this afternoon, this Extra Sheet Jap Style Seaweed in Garlic Flavour is Buy1 Take2! Isn't that a great deal!

Each pack comes with 8 huge seaweed sheets like this. It's available in garlic flavor only, though it also comes in Chili, which would have been much better. The sale is probably due to its near expiry status by next month but its still tasty, crunchy, and delicious. Well that's just the seaweed lover me. 

For those who would like to try, this was available at Metro Supermarket in Ayala Center Cebu, but hopefully all Metro Gaisano stores are also doing the sale. So just check it out and we'll never know!

Current Beauty Favorites

This is supposed to be more of the beauty and cosmetics blog but unfortunately, it was just hard to keep up lately. So I hope its not too late to share some of the products that I love using at the moment and for a few months now, some bits of why I'm using them on a daily basis.

Missha Vita BB Cream [Matte]

This is my first Missha BB, and since I am combination oily skin, I opted for the Matte. It's a nice everyday BB, with sufficient SPF, with sheer to medium coverage. As for the oil control? Not enough for me, but that's just how my skin is thus far with the rest of the BB's and primer that I've tried. Got this for Php 375 ($8.5) at Cutie Beauty Shop

Rimmel Lasting Finish Minerals Loose Foundation in Ivory

The first one I got was originally from UK and was given by a friend. And since then I just got hooked. It's the lightest color available but it serves as my bronzing powder, which I really like. Purchased the second jar for Php 150 ($3.4) from Highstreetlady Shop.

Aery Jo Gelly Lip Gloss

This is a Korean Lipgloss with a sheer tangerine color that is just divine. I like how the color appears on me and its pretty long lasting. Unfortunately this was only a sample from a Cosmetic Expo in Seoul last May. I'm gonna be sad when it runs out.

M and Co Lip Gloss in Bougainvillea

I've been wearing this for a long time now and its a beautiful rose color with a bit purplish iridescence. It's a little sticky but long lasting and affordable at Php120 ($2.7) from a M and Co dealer.

Pink Tulip Lip Balm

Another gift item, this time from Japan. I didn't bother with the packaging because it was all in Japanese characters. Obviously I love using this sort of magic lip balm. The only remaining print now that I can identify it with is Pink Tulip. It appears as a clear balm, but on application its a pretty pink color which lasts for hours. Though its not as moisturizing, this is a bit similar with the Maybelline Lip Smooth Color Bloom (Review HERE) but longer lasting and more color.

Nichido Length & Curl Mascara

I was to do makeup for a special event and I needed a mascara, so this was what the SA at Watson's recommended. It's waterproof (remove with oil), gives enough volume and I'm satisfied with the curl result even without a lash curler. Php 199 ($4.5) at Nichido counters.

Favor ladies? If you first knew the online shops Highstreelady and Cutie Beauty from this blog, and happen to visit them, please do let them know.

Thanks! Have a fun weekend!

Random Fave Finds

Sharing some random things other than beauty and food stuff that I am adoring lately. Some of these I've been already using for a year or two, having acquired them through the years. I think nothing's wrong with being a little girl at heart over little things. For sure when I get married and have a little girl or boy of my own, I will have more reason to shower them with cute stuff like these...

I love Hello Kitty items but don't really own that much. This mug I found at Japan Home in Parkmall, has green hearts on it instead of the usual pink bow. I just couldn't resist anymore the next time I was there, I had to have one! (Php 88 / $2)

I'm not going to Paris anytime soon but this is a cute passport and travel documents holder/organizer and a great buy at that. This was the only piece on sale due to the damage of the packaging, for Php 59 ($1.34)  instead of the regular Php 129 ($2.93). It's patiently waiting for my new passport.

These are Hallmark stickers on my notebook, with very inspiring, encouraging quotes and Bible verses. Bought a bunch from National bookstore a while back.

My trusty green ceramic tumbler. Php 150 ($3.4) at Metro

I used to have a real cactus on my office table. Unfortunately Thorny died. So this one makes a great alternative! And a useful pen as well. Php 88 ($2) at Japan Home Parkmall.

A cute notebook is still one of my weaknesses and a guilty pleasure even though I don't really need them anymore. Php 70 ($1.6) at SM. 

Finally, the perfect camera bag that I've been looking for! This is the Nikki Lomo Purse from Izzoshop, Only Php 350 ($7.95). To see all their other cute bags, visit Izzoshop's fb page HERE.

Next will be my current beauty favorites!

Little Victorian Ladies

They're beautiful, fashionable and doesn't mind some rain, sun or grass. The perfect models for an impromptu photo shoot. 

Tasty Goodness

Here are a few sumptuous goodies and dishes from recent travels and local faves that I just wanted to share. I know I took the longest break from blogging but I didn't stop taking pictures for keeps sake. 

Leona's Napoleons

Leona's Red Velvet  mini cupcakes

Leona's Lemon Squares

**Leona Cakes and Pastries has got to be one of my favorite bakeries in Cebu City, if not the most fave. They have 3 shops located at Mabolo, Banilad and SM City Cebu.

I could finish up this whole serving of Brocolli at Yang Chow Chinese restaurant in Quezon Ave. 

I love this Red Iced Tea at Karate Kid, SM Mall of Asia

 It was a buffet lunch at Intercontinental Makati and I went a lil' crazy when I saw this yummy Profiteroles! And no not just on how it looks but because its the same dessert served at Slughorn's dinner party in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince film! Please excuse my shallowness. :)

Blueberry Cheesecake at its finest, still at Intercontinental Makati

Finally! Em and I made it quiet right! Not the perfect and authentic Okonomiyaki but its an improvement from the previous experiments.

Have a grand weekend!