Celeteque DermoScience Hydration Make-up Remover Cleansing Facial Wipes

After receiving a sample for Celeteque DermoScience Hydration Make-up Remover Cleansing Facial Wipes, I've decided to craft out my first impression.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] My wipe[/caption]

Following in the footsteps of many a cosmetic company, Celeteque has come out with its own make-up remover wipes as part of their Hydration line. The promise is, of course, hydrating ingredients in addition to being hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. Currently, you can get a pack of 20 sheets from Watsons for PHP 160.

These are the ingredients as listed on the official site:

Aqua (Water), Propylene Glycol, Sodium Coco-glucoside Tartrate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor oil, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Polysorbate 20, Proprylparaben, Methylparaben, Centella asiatica (Centella) Extract, Secale cereale (Rye) Seed Extract, Prunus serrulata (Sakura) Flower Extract, Fragrance, Disodium Phosphate, Disodium EDTA, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Steareth-2, Steareth-100, Laureth-4, Ethylhexylglycerin, Laureth-23

I immediately tried my sample out last night, wearing a makeup combo of primer, BB cream, powder, blush, Essence gel liner, Essence concealer, pink eyeshadow, and Maybelline The Falsies waterproof mascara. Yes, I brought out the big guns by using waterproof and long-wearing makeup.

Once I got the moist towelette out of the packet, I immediately noticed that it was hardly damp enough. I'm quite used to a cotton ball soaked in my favorite makeup remover, so uh-oh was the first thing that came to mind. Maybe it's because of this lack of moisture that may have caused the following: first, it took a lot of scrubbing the towel against my face to get most of the color off; second, the gel liner came off, but most of the mascara remained on my lashes; third, I felt a slight tingling sensation, but I wasn't sure if it was from the hydrating ingredients or the fact that my face had just been scrubbed.

I love the idea of makeup removing wipes because it's so practical, and it would be nice to see small packets of individual towelettes intended for travel. This particular brand had a clean, pleasant smell that didn't overpower. However, I wasn't completely satisfied with the makeup-dissolving capabilities when it came to long-wear and waterproof products. Maybe a wetter wipe would've sufficiently broke down the oils, waxes, and whatnot. It seems better-suited to tackle light makeup.

Bench Paint Box Lip Gloss in Icy Peach

My latest obsession is the nude lip. I've always been okay with a light, shimmery pink to go with a smoky eye, but all that has changed. It's mainly the Kardashians' fault for launching their Khroma Beauty line, which I haven't stopped obsessing over since I first saw the products on their show. My wish list includes Kourtney's Kardazzle Palette (excuse the "korny" name) and the Au Naturel Nude Lip Set (lip liner, lipstick, and lip gloss included). Coupled with the sad fact that the cosmetic brand has not yet reached Philippine shores, I've been on the lookout for good alternatives.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="632"] Clockwise from top: Khroma Au Naturel Nude Lip Set, Kourtney's Kardazzle Palette, Nyx Xtreme Lip Creme in Natural[/caption]

I've had Nyx Extreme Lip Cream in Natural (PHP 240 - 280 at Digital Traincase) on my "Nude List," but I've decided to hold out a little longer because I saw Bench's Paint Box lip gloss in Icy Peach (PHP 148). Hey, it was almost PHP 100 cheaper, so I just had to try it out. Here are the other reasons I was drawn to it:

First, they've changed the packaging, thank goodness! From their tacky-looking transparent, round tube and lid to a more sophisticated shiny opaque black lid, there looks to be an improvement in the presentation department. Second, the color selection wasn't half bad. There were grown-up reds and browns, a fun-looking plum, and some pretty pinks. Third, I was immediately won over by the scent. The tube I bought smelled of vanilla and marshmallows, which is what I love about MAC lipsticks and Bloom vanilla lip balm.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Life's a Peach: Paint Box Lip Gloss in Icy Peach[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Ingredients; Fun Fact: Made in Italy[/caption]

Come to think of it, the shades brought to mind Givenchy's Gloss Interdit (yes, the colors look kinda fancy that way), while the packaging looked like MeMeMe's Light Me Up Lipgloss (but without the light). The main difference is in the applicator. Bench and MeMeMe have sponge tips, while Givenchy has a small lip brush.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="800"] "Sosy" like Givenchy[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="376"] Like an unlit tube of MeMeMe[/caption]

For the record, don't ever mistake Paint Box for anything that resembles liquid lip color. Coverage-wise, it comes on really sheer and light. It's gloss, after all. Definitely a far cry from the pigmentation of Nyx Xtreme Lip Creme, a liquid lipstick with some sheen. The shade I got, Icy Peach, is a Peach Beige with fine shimmer.

Because the formula is light, the gloss isn't icky sticky. It doesn't have much staying power, but lips won't look weird if touch-ups aren't done immediately. I did notice that the formula causes dryness, so lip balm underneath is a must.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="433"] Testing, testing[/caption]

Nyx still remains on my Wish List, because it's both lipstick and gloss rolled into one. And that's exactly what I need. However, If you already have a nude lipstick and would like to finish it off with a nice, natural sheen, or maybe you don't like heavy glosses, then Paint Box is a-okay.

Total Rating: 4/5 - Looks pretty, smells pretty, not sticky. Unfortunately, drying.

*Photos: Givenchy taken from Sephora site. MeMeMe and Khroma taken from their respective official sites.

Sample Room Goodies, Part 2

Aaah, finally, the chance to write about another Sample Room haul! Since the last time I got some goods there, I didn't think I'd ever catch items in-stock again, seeing as there's always such a flurry of purchases happening on that site at any given time. Products are often gone faster than you can say "Cebu Pacific Seat Sale," so imagine my delight when I stumbled upon available stocks of Celeteque Hydration Spray and Nivea for men Cooling Volcanic Mud Foam.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] The package arrived (literally) warm and a little rumpled.[/caption]

I tried to get Nivea's SUN Protect sunscreen spray or Nivea Body whitening serum to no avail, so these items were my second choice. Still, what I got was pretty cool. No regrets.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Spray Bottle[/caption]

My bottle of Celeteque Hydration Spray was at a full-size 120mL, worth PHP 349. For a glorified bottle of "mineral water", that's expensive, but the ingredients seek to justify the price. Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are known in the cosmetic world as agents for hydration. Thus, the extra ingredients make it a legit moisturizing spray rather than just a fancy spray bottle of mineral water.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Ingredients[/caption]

I've been using the product for a couple of days now, and the results are good. There's no major shift in the suppleness of my skin, but it feels refreshing and I'm comforted by the idea of building up my skincare regimen. I like that it works as a setting spray just as much as it functions as a moisturizing fluid. Pretty glad it's non-aerosol, so the mist isn't too fine that I inhale it. And while the label instructs one to spritz away on a pre-made up/bare face and "tap dry with a soft cloth,"  I'd rather just let it air dry. No fuss.

Dare I say, this moisturizing formula was invented for the lazy. No time to slather on cream? Hate the texture of cream or gel? This may be the alternative for you. Personally, however, I'd recommend this as an additional moisturizing solution rather than as an end-all moisturizer. You can never have enough hydration, yes?

As I wrote in my Sample Room review:

I can imagine the optimum use of this mist for several occasions/reasons: hot summers, cool/dry "-ber" months, travels to other countries (where the skin has to adjust to different climates), and people with dry skin type. That said, it's not exactly at the top of my must-have items, but it's good to have around when you need a little boost.

Tip: Practice your aim. I accidentally sprayed a little too near the eye area and it stung!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Face wash[/caption]

As for the Nivea Cooling Volcanic Mudfoam, well, I gave it to my dad, but not before giving it a try. Again, I was able to get it at full-size, 50g with a retail value of PHP 79. There's also a bigger one for sale at 100g for PHP 139. As promised, my face felt the cooling effect after washing. The scent is masculine but mild and refreshing. There's no bubbly lather, regardless of how much is applied, but the oil control is in full effect. I'd even consider buying this for myself. Really.

Not a bad haul, huh?

Putti in My Hands: Aido Eye Putti

The occurrence of the one wonky, uneven eyelid crease is something that bothers me endlessly. I did't always have it, but I'm guessing my nights of staying up caused my one occasional monolid to become a permanent fixture I've tried to hide it with contouring eyeshadows and nobody seems to notice, but then I still know it's there. Argh.

I remembered that one of my high school friends was an avid user of Aido Eye Putti (PHP 140) for correcting the notoriously annoying single monolid. She gave generally positive reviews for it, so I decided to take my chances.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="378"] Aido Eye Putti box[/caption]

The box contains the putti and a small plastic fork for prodding the lid into place. Instructions are simple: On a clean/freshly-washed, dry eyelid (before you put on any beauty product, except for toner), brush on a light layer of adhesive where you want the fold to be. Use the ends of the plastic fork to lightly push the adhesive-dampened area in to create a new fold. If you have sensitive eyelids that easily hurt from the ministrations of the fork, use clean fingers to pull and shape instead.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Plastic fork included[/caption]

Don't be shocked, but this formula looks like a wetter version of Elmer's Glue. Heck, it even smells like it.

Eye Putti dries clear and stays on for a long time, but try not to get sweat on the lids as a milky white film tends to form. It's fine to put on eye makeup after it has fully dried, but I take some extra care with my brushstrokes. So far, I haven't experienced the adhesive wearing off before I've decided to wash my face. A very good sign.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] (L) Before, (R) After[/caption]

A word to the wise: Make sure to clean your plastic fork with soap and water before and after every application. Extra-sticky putti residue can remain on the fork and gather dust. You can never be too careful with your eye area.

White Smoke Adventure at The Iscreamist

I've always considered ice cream to be a "safe dessert." You know, a treat that you can have anytime, anywhere with generally positive results. When I travel, I make it a point to try the distinct ice cream flavors of the places I visit: Other Asian countries love their red/adzuki beans, and China always has something with black sesame seeds (my favorite). As for the gourmet selection, my go-to flavor has always been Salted Caramel, even before it went mainstream. Merry Moo makes superb Salted Caramel, and their Earl Grey is also a must-try. That said, I'm definitely no stranger to out-of-the-ordinary creations.

The Iscreamist has been on my radar for over a year now. My Dad took us there on a Sunday night for dessert, but found out that they were closed on Sundays. So after a year of wondering when I'd finally get to try it out, M called me up one night to join our friends for a quick ice cream break.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Menu[/caption]

Located in Teacher's Village, the small ice cream boutique is bathed in blue light from the glowing neon sign in front. My attention was immediately drawn to the counter where all the "magic" was happening. Staff was hard at work pouring liquid nitrogen into stainless bowls and mixing like crazy to freeze the ice cream. Mystical-looking white smoke covered the entire counter and wisped down towards the floor, reminiscent of the vanilla flower scene with Sarah Michelle Gellar and Sean Patrick Flanery in Simply Irresistible (light and cute movie, by the way).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpCG0tGHHcs

M and I had a hard time deciding on what flavors we wanted. Having heard of this shop as a purveyor of artisanal ice cream, I wanted to "go big or go home" by trying the most unusual thing on the menu. There was plenty to choose from: Bacon Leche Flan, Xecret Breakfast (whisky-based), and Guinness (as in, the stout) to name a few. Dragon's Breath is also a famous concoction, but was out-of-stock at the time. M wanted to try Butter Pecan at first, but we both eventually agreed on orders of Xycret Breakfast and Guinness instead. Our friends picked Coffee and Blueberry Cheesecake.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Xycret Keeper: A bowl of Xycret Breakfast[/caption]

For a non-drinker like myself, Xycret Breafast has that alcohol taste and a hint of bleu cheese. I'm sure the base doesn't contain bleu cheese, but that's just the impression I got: a creamy, pungent flavor. Corn flakes were sprinkled all over for an added texture. Weird as that sounds, the flakes and flavor go well together. It's like eating a spiked bowl of cereals, all right.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Dark, Sweet and Salty: Guinness with pretzels[/caption]

Guinness was different but the same. I find stouts a bit too strong in flavor, and this ice cream spells yeast right from the first spoonful. With a drizzling of caramel syrup and a topping of peanut butter-filled pretzel pillows, it's a bar snack and dessert in one. Again, the topping and the ice cream go well together via the yeasty taste of both. Personally, this isn't my cup of tea, but stout fans will be satisfied.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Chip Off the Ice Block: Java Chip[/caption]

Unusual as I wanted to go, Java Chip was still the best for me. They didn't scrimp out on the quality, so it was like taking a cup of Starbucks' dark mocha. It'll make a coffee-lover smile.

The shop is small and there are only a few seats, so it's not uncommon to see The Iscreamist filled with people. Since menu items are made-to-order, you have to deal with the wait time, especially if the place is packed. It's not exactly cheap as we paid PHP 110 for some of the flavors.  The price depends on the ice cream base used. I'm definitely coming back to try Dragon's Breath, so I hope they'll have it available again when I get there.

The Iscreamist  -  46 D, Magiting St., Teacher's Village, East Diliman, Q.C.

Summer Heat vs Mango Sago

I thought it was all in my head when it felt 10x hotter these last few years in Manila. Well, science has proven me sane. These scorching summers are making everyone tire easily. Thank goodness for ICE! Ice that lets me make all sorts of delicious fruit smoothies. :)

Another really good trade-off for this intense heat is the ripe and juicy Philippine mango. It pains me to see that all the Class A ones ship straight to other countries, but I can't complain about the sweetness of the mangoes that remain in Philippine soil. Just last Sunday, I was able to get 2 kg of tasty-looking medium-sized mangoes for PHP 80.  Metro Supermarket in Market! Market! had a buy-1-take-1 promotion. Oh the things you can do with ripe mangoes!

Aside from eating them as they are, one of the best things that can be done to mangoes is to make Mango Sago. This Chinese restaurant dessert is a menu staple all year round. A big punch bowl costs a ton of cash in some high-end restaurants, but the main ingredients are always rather simple: Mangoes, ice, sugar or (ideally) simple syrup, and small sago balls. The dessert can be dressed up with canned mango puree, cream, coconut milk, and/or evaporated milk.

For my own kitchen experiment, I made a batch inspired by the Cantonese version, called Mango Pomelo Sago. I tried this once at a famous fusion cuisine resto and was amazed at how well the dessert came together. The sweet mango puree, the creamy evaporated milk, and the zesty explosion of pomelo pulp made it all the more refreshing after a heavy lunch. Purists might roll their eyes at the pomelo, but I think the citrus flavor cuts into the rich milk in just the right way. And it's not as if you get a bowl of citrus curd.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Clockwise from left: Ice, Sugar, Evaporated Milk, Sago, Mangoes, and Pomelo Bits[/caption]

Keeping my ingredients to a minimum, I ended up using 4 mangoes (8 cheeks), a tray of ice, some sugar, half a can of evaporated milk, a whole lot of sago, and a smattering of some shredded pomelo. I personally cooked the sago earlier that afternoon, since I had a small bag of Sunshine (brand) Sago lying around the house. All those chewy bubbles for just 120g (half a small bag) of raw sago, by the way. It only takes 15 minutes of boiling, plus 3-4 hours of leaving it to settle.

Essence Stay Natural Concealer in Soft Nude

Let's talk concealer. Here's the assorted info on mine:

First, I use concealer interchangeably with foundation meaning, at any given time, there is either concealer OR foundation in my beauty kit. I don't feel the need to have both as I find them too bulky to lug around all day. Second, when I buy concealer, my specific intention is to apply it to my eyelid and undereye area to cover up dark circles. Third, I try to avoid thick concealers for my undereye area because it takes so much dabbing to even the color out. That eventually leads to more wrinkles.

As far as my experience goes, heavy concealer formulas are good for banishing fat blemishes, but tend to look cakey around the eyes. Therefore, my ideal consistency is a light cream or liquid that has medium coverage. Then I can dust a layer of powder on top to set.

When I went out to SM Makati for a makeup run, I found Essence Stay Natural Concealer Pen (PHP 149) that fits the above description of what I look for in an undereye concealer. There are four shades to choose from: two cool tones and two warm tones. I've wanted to try a pen-type concealer for so long because it's so slim and handy. How can I resist the PHP 149 price tag? 

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Stay Natural Concealer[/caption]

The first time I tried the pen, I had to twist repeatedly to get the contents out. Just when I thought I had a busted pen, the liquid started to color the white brush. As per the advice of other bloggers, I didn't rub the pen all over my eyelid/undereye but dotted it along the area instead. Then I blended with my ring finger and topped with powder. Other users argue that touching the brush directly to the face ups bacterial development, but I don't plan on dabbing it on my blemishes anyway. It's strictly for my dark circles only.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="574"] You can still see the dark circles up close, but less pronounced than usual. (I'm wearing Stay Natural Concealer and Gel Eyeliner, both from Essence Cosmetics.)[/caption]

Like I said, it's a medium-coverage concealer, so it doesn't hide all my "sins". However, being true to its name, the coverage does look natural. Natural like "I didn't get to sleep as long as I wanted, but at least I don't look haggard. That's good enough for me." It's a go for everyday use. Just don't forget the setting powder, or you'll be faced with color that collects on the creases of your eyes. Then the wrinkles look more obvious.

Overall Rating: 4/5. It's a standard liquid concealer with increased value-for-money, because of its low price and convenient packaging.

Essence Gel Eyeliner in Midnight in Paris

I've always envied the ladies who can pull off such stunning cat's eye looks. (Sarah Jessica Parker does it flawlessly!) A perfectly executed cat's eye is a sight to behold. It is elegant and feminine. Very old Hollywood. My last attempt was somewhat botched, so I skipped the liner and it became a mild smoky eye instead. Clearly, I need more practice.

For the sake of getting the look down pat and also because I wanted to add to my collection of liners, I started to consider investing in a pot of gel eyeliner. I didn't want to overspend, so I did my full-on research. Fact: Did you know that, with a budget of PHP250 - PHP 350, you can go to SM Department store and take your pick from 3 brands of gel eyeliner? There's Fanny Serrano (methinks around PHP 299), ELF (PHP 249), or Essence (PHP 229).

I went to SM Makati to check out the new Essence counter and to test their top-rated gel liner. There were only 2 colors to choose from, whereas Essence in other countries has more available shades. The locally available colors: Midnight in Paris (matte black) and Miami's Ink (shimmering steel gray). Upon swatching both colors, it was easy to see that gray was not the shade for me. It had a teenage playfulness to it, while I was definitely set on luxurious and elegant. Midnight in Paris it is! After a few minutes, I started to rub at my swatched hand to test for smudging. I'm happy to report that there was hardly any.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Brush sold separately[/caption]

Unfortunately, the brush is not included with the pot, so you have to buy it separately for PHP 109. I decided to go for it, since it's a one-time buy anyway. Said brush is of a good quality. It has synthetic purple hairs/fibers cut asymmetrically, and those hairs are firm enough to deposit the bold color in a thin, straight line, but soft enough not to hurt or irritate the eyelids.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] The pot[/caption]

No sooner had I bought it than I already gave it a comprehensive test drive. That very evening, I was to attend an outdoor event. Being subject to wind, sweat, oil, and heat seemed like the perfect (if extreme) trial environment.

I had no trouble with application, since I'm used to employing steady hands for liquid liners. Little mistakes could be rubbed away while the gel hasn't completely dried but it takes a whole lot of rubbing, so try to get it right the first time. The liner survived the evening well, except for slight smudging on the inner corners of my eyes where the lashline meets the eyelid fold. (It's not noticeable at all when my eyes are open.) I'd chalk it up to oily lids.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Finished product. I lightened the deep black liner by dusting a layer of eyeshadow over it[/caption]

That same weekend, I got to wear the gel liner for a whopping 15 hours straight for two gatherings in one day. The results were similar to that of the first time I tried it. Halfway through my long day, I went to the restroom for a touch-up and rubbed the light smudging away with damp fingers. Then I dabbed on some eyeshadow. Good as new.

The hardest part is the removal, since the eyeliner rests directly on the lashline. I had to use 2 cotton balls soaked in Maybelline makeup remover for each eye. That aside, I'm very happy with the PHP 229 I spent on this item (and the PHP 109 on the brush). It's cheap and requires minimal maintenance. Oily lids require an extra layer of powder or shadow, but I don't mind. It's top-value for money, so you can expect me to do more shopping from Essence in the future.

Getting My "Essence" On

My first encounter with newly Philippine-distributed European cosmetic brand, Essence, was back in February for a post-Valentine's date. I was looking for comfy flip-flops in SM MoA's Deaprtment Store because of a shoe-selection faux pas (a.k.a. I was wearing heels that turned out to be too painful for Baywalk strolling), and did a quick stop by the cosmetics section out of habit. That's when my eye caught sight of the Essence counter.

Confession time: It's the first I've ever heard of this brand, but when I read user reviews, I found plenty of good comments to go around. The common thread that linked all those comments was about the affordability of the brand's quality products. Naturally, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Packed with goodies[/caption]

What item do I want to get? Aah... My million dollar question. I wasn't in the market for anything in particular, especially because I just bought myself a brand new haul last month. In fact, I had to pass on purchasing anything from the counter at MoA in February because I already felt like I had too much loot. So what didn't I have yet? Gel eyeliner, that's what!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] The Essence of it all in SM Makati[/caption]

What's fantastic is that Essence opened another makeup counter in SM Makati (and also SM Noth Edsa, according to the sales staff). Bliss! I was thrilled to find out that I didn't have to go all the way to MoA for my fix. With fingers crossed, I am waiting for a counter to appear in SM Megamall.

Because of an event I had to attend near Fort Bonifacio, I finally found the time to drop by SM Makati yesterday. Sweating like crazy from the commute, I breathlessly came up to the Essence sales staff to inquire about the eyeliner. (Those counter ladies were quite nice and really helpful.) I swatched some on the back of my hand and tested out some concealer as well. The initial results were good, but I'll save the full reviews for later.

Here's the "Mini Haul" I got:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="504"] A 3-item mini haul totalling to PHP 487[/caption]

Gel Liner Brush (PHP 109), Stay Natural Concealer Pen in Soft Nude (PHP 149), and Gel Eyeliner in Midnight in Paris (PHP 229).

The price range is around PHP 80 - PHP 300, and most products are in the PHP 150 - PHP 250 zone. Drugstore prices that are particularly impressive for imported products. Plus, it's a good sign that I'm already plotting out my next purchase. (Next time I'm building a haul, I'm looking to try their Ready for Boarding Collection Lip and Cheek Cream in Beauty on Tour, a coral-pink shade that somehow reminds me of bright-looking Tarte blushes. That, and/or their Fruity Collection Blush Sorbet with its fine pearly pink shimmer and liquid-gel texture.)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Their newest collection[/caption]

From this visit alone (and from all the swatching I did), I can tell you that I generally like their products. The only items I found to be lacking were their lipsticks that came off as too lightly pigmented for my liking. Think Maybelline's Watershine Pure lipsticks, but less glossy. It took a lot of swipes to get the color to be well-defined, which makes me think of it as more like a heavily tinted lip balm than lipstick.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] SM Makati actually has 2 Essence counters. The other counter (one of the photos at the top) has the big vanity mirror.[/caption]

How I wish this brand was here when I was still in high school! I would've been all over this like crazy. It's cheaper than Maybelline and they've got a good variety of cosmetics going on, in addition to having shades that range from bold to teen-friendly (i.e. light, subtle colors). Moms, if you've got teen daughters who are only just getting into makeup, get them age-appropriate cosmetics like these--though I'm not saying that older ladies can't pull off this brand. Essence may be packaged a la girly-girl, but I'm willing to bet there's something each lady will love.

Subtle Smoky Eye

I'll be the first to admit that it took me forever to get the hang of the smoky eye look. It's tricky business, what with all the bold colors and the contouring. Mistakes are obvious and precision is key, so it's difficult to do it in a hurry. Needless to say, I reserve this bold eye for leisurely weekend nights when I have more time to correct and adjust.

Last night, I was trying to go for a cat's eye that turned into a smoky eye instead. Originally, I wanted a cat's eye with some mild contouring, but I got a bit heavy-handed so it became something in-between. The results were satisfying though, so I went with it.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="472"] Day-friendly smoky eye[/caption]

I find gray/black eyeshadows a little severe, so I prefer to use browns and pinks together most of the time. When the mood for gray strikes, I use the shadows sparingly. With contours, I don't want to "carve" out my features too much because I don't want that huge contrast between having no makeup and being decked out.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="384"] Not-too-smoky eye and not-too-nude lips[/caption]

This is the kind of technique I'd use for when I'm feeling dramatic, but don't want to look like Kim Kardashian. (I love her, but her makeup is not wearable to the grocery!)

The Makeup:

EYES - H&M Eyeshadow Palette in grays and blacks (Mine's the old version. They've re-launched it into this).

CHEEKS - I used Ever Bilena Mousse Blush in Aster (PHP 150 original price, but it's often on-sale for much, much less). It's a shimmering bubblegum pink that looks too bright on the pot, but works fantastically with fair skin. The shimmer particles are fine, so there's no "smeared with body glitter" look. This is my default blush.

Case of The Missing Wheelchair

Traveling with a small kid or a senior citizen is never easy, not that I'm complaining. It goes without saying that you must make sure your vulnerable companion doesn't have a hard time. That's why there are strollers and wheelchairs to make the whole experience more convenient.

Now here's my grandmother who has arthritis, as with plenty of elderly people. After multiple shots to the knees of lubricating sodium hyaluronte to ease the pain, her doctor forbade her from walking or standing for long periods of time. It was agreed upon that any long trip, from now on, would require the use of a wheelchair. That same arrangement was decided for a family vacation to Hong Kong, and the chair would simply be checked with the luggage at the airport.

It was all well and good on the way to Clark International Airport. We were told by Seair staff that the chair need not go into cargo immediately and that granny could still use it all the way to the tarmac. As promised, a member of ground crew collected the chair as we boarded the aircraft.

Trouble started upon our arrival in Hong Kong. Fresh off the plane from the early morning flight, we stood at the aerobridge exit looking to see if they already had it waiting for us. No sign of the wheelchair, so we went to immigration and then proceeded to the luggage carousel. Still nothing. Eventually, most of the other passengers from our flight had already left with their respective bags, so it was time to ask airport personnel for assistance.

A young man armed with a walkie-talkie directed us to one end of the carousel, where all irregular-shaped luggage from the same flight were gathered. Only baby strollers were found, so we had to explain to him repeatedly that we were lacking a wheelchair. After several exchanges with his walkie-talkie contact, he asked us to sit and wait while they double-checked. We spent the time walking up and down the other luggage conveyors checking to see if, by some coincidence, the chair wound up there. No dice.

Eventually, he came back and told us that they didn't find it in the plane. We countered that we had the chair right up until we had to board and were told that Clark staff would make sure the chair was with our flight's cargo. We had to insist for him to triple-check the plane, so more waiting time elapsed.

Some 15 minutes later, the young man came back and told us that the Seair plane was already en route back to Clark. He urged us to file a lost item report with their office. By then, another airline (this one coming from mainland China) had already taken over the luggage claim from our Clark flight, so there was nothing left to do but to follow. Of course, we didn't go without at least demanding they either lend us one of their own chairs or replace it on the spot, but the staff insisted that they couldn't lend or replace without first conducting an investigation. We ended up filing the report and leaving our contact number. Having little choice but to let their investigation take place, we finally got out of the airport early afternoon.

For the meantime, we convinced granny to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel. Come nightfall, we placed a call to the airport office and inquired about the chair. The investigation was still ongoing and they were awaiting the response of the airline, they said. That's when our end started to get seriously upset. How long does it take to locate a wheelchair? We were the only party on that flight with a chair, while the others all brought strollers. It wasn't even a connecting flight! The only thing we got out of them was the promise to contact us immediately once they locate it.

The next morning was roughly the same conversation when we called them up again. We were upset, whereas they were polite but non-committal. After sending out a few e-mails to the airport management and airline customer care, we were on our way to Disneyland with no choice but to try the wheelchair rentals.

While we were buying tickets at the train station, we finally got a call from the airport informing us that the chair had been found. They would deliver it to the hotel within the day, but could not guarantee what time it would arrive. After heaving the initial sigh of relief, we asked them to leave it with the hotel. There was really no sense in going back and waiting for it.

Despite being incredibly thankful that a perfectly good wheelchair didn't go to waste, I have to comment on the way the situation was handled. It's funny because we're in the age where contacting  each other and getting answers is already expected to happen in real time, yet a day had to pass before there was word on the wheelchair. We're not talking about a bunch of missing clothes. A wheelchair is fundamental for mobility. If the passenger was totally disabled without it, how then, do they plan to fix things?

United Village Breadhouse Spread

I'll keep this short and sweet. My weakness is all sorts of cheese, cream cheese included. Yesterday, I passed by SM Supermarket, Megamall (the one in Building A), and saw a bazaar-type display of spreads/dips by United Village Breadhouse. The salesman whipped out crostinis and asked me to try the pimiento cheese spread that turned out to be ick (at least, for me), so I went for the Cream Cheese w/ Garlic and Spinach (PHP 120; but there's also a smaller container for only PHP45) instead.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Cream Cheese Spread[/caption]

I like a strong garlic taste. Perhaps it's one of the Filipino traits I've grown to inherit. It's the perfect zing of flavor that awakens the tastebuds. On that front, this product delivers. There's also the right proportion of spinach. I prefer a good amount of herbs that I can actually taste, as opposed to just a sprinkling for decoration's sake.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Breakfast de Jour![/caption]

Of all the spreads I've tried, this most reminded me of Pancake House's whipped butter because of the airy light texture and the way it melts right onto a slice of toast. In fact, the whipped butter is primarily the reason why I go to Pancake House. I miss it more than I miss their pancakes.

This spread will go great with toasted bread, crostinis, or plain chips (dip!). Look for it at your local grocery or the SM grocery bazaars. :)

 

Komoro Soba

I don't find myself craving Japanese food often because it's just not at the top of my foodie list. However, in the rare instances when I am in the mood for it, I prefer food that's ready-to-eat. No, I'm not talking about just-add-hot-water noodles or tetra-packed preserves. I like cooked dishes or sushi, but not anything I have to grill myself. Hey, I seriously hate reeking of grease and smoke when I'm in my Sunday best. It feels like I have to run home and shower immediately after the meal.

By no means am I a snob. Off the top of my head, I can list Komoro Soba in SM Megamall as one of the places I'd visit in a snap of the fingers for reasonably-priced and delicious Japanese food. No kidding, their prices match your typical Japanese fast food, but what you get resembles yummy homemade goodness.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] A Hole-in-One: Chicken Teriyaki Don Buri (Rice Bowl)[/caption]

I discovered this resto through M, who frequently gets the egg-topped Katsu Don (breaded pork chop rice bowl; PHP 92) and a side order of Gyoza (PHP 76+ for 5 pcs). Not being much for pork, I stuck to the Kuwayaki Don (Chicken Teriyaki rice bowl; also PHP 92), which I immediately fell in love with. The teriyaki sauce is a little sweet and goes fantastically with their slightly sticky rice, while the portions of chicken have already been deboned--a great pleasure as I hate having to himay (debone) anything if I can't do it the old-school way (i.e. eating by hand).

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Cold Soba[/caption]

In another visit, I've tried their refreshing cold Ebi Soba (Buckwheat Soba with Tempura at PHP 116; or PHP 170 for a set meal with a small version of the Katsu Don),  Age Tofu (PHP 39 for 2 big cubes of tofu), Miso Soup (PHP 25), and Kani Salad (PHP 74). The tofu is mild on the tummy because it isn't swimming in sauce or ground meat, while the salad seemed like the most unreasonably-priced menu item for a very simple and slightly-chilled preparation of kani strips, cucumber slices, and a dollop of Japanese mayo. The sodas are at PHP 38 per can.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Kani Salad in the most simplistic sense[/caption]

All in all, I can say that I haven't ordered anything that I didn't like. The only problem I encountered the last time I was there was they ran out of Ebi Tempura and Sushi. If you're with people who prefer authentic cooked Japanese food at budget prices, come visit Komoro Soba.

Komoro Soba - Building A, SM Megamall. When you see the new SM supermarket, turn right into the area with Roti Mum and Almon Marina. Walk straight and you'll see it on your right.

Roti Prata Mirienda

There are days when I seriously miss Malaysian food. Once upon a time, there was this small Roti Prata restaurant in the Rustan's grocery part of Shangri-La Plaza. They served up two pratas with fried egg and a curry dip for around PHP 75. It even tasted 100% authentic. Unfortunately, the resto closed down permanently when a fire that started from the supermarket required the mall to undergo lots of renovations. I was heartbroken.

It's a good thing the groceries here have such a wide range of products that it's totally possible to whip up an international meal right at home. My latest find has been the frozen Prata from Robinson's Supermarket. It's less than PHP 100 for 4 sheets (if I remember correctly) and you can choose from original or spring onion flavors.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Spring onion Roti Prata with homemade curry dip[/caption]

Personally, my absolute favorite Malaysian snack is the roti telur, which is prata with an egg folded into the dough right before frying. The addition of the egg just completes the meal and makes it much more satisfying. But since I don't quite have the skills to properly fold the egg in without making a mess, I stuck to frying each item separately instead.

As for the curry dip, well, that's my biggest work-in-progress. I haven't managed to make it taste like the ones in the restaurants as I'm using a random mix of supermarket curry pastes. I combined red curry paste with masala curry paste, and it ended up really spicy but not quite what I had envisioned.

My next move is to improve my curry dip, so I'll definitely be picking up a pack of frozen pratas quite soon. Wish me luck!

Happy Wedding Daze

Before you jump to any conclusions, this wedding daze doesn't particularly refer to myself. Okay, it does a little bit, but not in a couple-y way. Early this year, I got into writing for an exciting new bridal magazine. The how is a bit of a long story that's too dramatic to tell, but I'm happy to say that I jumped into this project wholeheartedly and with no regrets. I'm even more happy to say that the hours and hours of hard work by our team have bore pleasant fruit, if I do say so myself.

May I present to you Themes & Motifs' INSPIRATIONS for Weddings Magazine:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="533"] INSPIRATIONS[/caption]

One of my fan-girly dreams has always been to intern or work at a magazine. Well, I was lucky enough to have had that dream accomplished as part of a whirlwind 2012. Imagine my glee at the idea of starting the brand new 2013 still on the road to fulfilling that wish! :)

For soon-to-wed couples, you can still grab a free copy by following the details on THIS link.

If you weren't able to get the magazine from Themes & Motifs or Golden Hills, you can find the hard copies in National Bookstore and Fully Booked.

How about a sneak peek at our great content? Click HERE to see some of our pages.