Colour Collection Lipstick in Red Wine

How time flies! In the blink of an eye, it's already a wee bit past mid-year and we're hurtling fast into the -ber months. To me, this has so far been a great year for cosmetics and beauty. It's my guilty pleasure to pamper myself (when time permits), and I've had the opportunity to try (and buy!) some pretty cool products from affordable sources. One such source is Sample Room.

Today's post is my review for Colour Collection's Vitamin E Satin Lipstick in Red Wine.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] 4g of product[/caption]

The packaging is a simple glossy black box with gold writing, while the lipstick is contained in a shiny black plastic case that tapers around the edges. The barrel is gold and has a classy gold rim effect when the cap is on. Packaging reminds me of old-school Lancome. Simple, but elegant.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Ingredients[/caption]

The first time I've heard of this brand was when KC Concepcion was signed as the endorser. Back then, I wasn't able to order anything because I didn't know any Tupperware or Fuller Life dealers, unlike I knew Avon ladies. So no dice.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] 3 cm of lipstick[/caption]

This time, I'm happy to say that I was finally able to get a Colour Collection lipstick. Sample Room offers 3 colors (one being pink, and the other a peach hue), but I specifically selected this one because of my obsession with a Gucci ad featuring Fan Bingbing, a Chinese actress.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="581"] Fan BingBing for Gucci[/caption]

I stared at this ad for minutes because I just love the smoky bronze eye paired with the dark red lips.  The general rule is to pair a strong eye with light lips, but this was a happy compromise. Though sultry, the eye shadow isn't too dark. It's just enough to contour the eye and show off some color, making the look totally wearable.

So of course, I just had to recreate this for myself...

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="539"] Red Wine as is; My Look of the Day[/caption]

To get as close as possible to the peg, I went and did a more visible bronze streak to the contours of my eyelids. Then I took the lipstick for a spin: The color, though it looks like a deep wine red on the tube, comes on lighter. I had to do a thick coat to get it it a bit darker, but definitely not as dark or as blood red as Fan Bingbing's lips. Notably, the color glides on smooth. I used lip balm underneath, so I didn't suffer any dryness. I also used a reddish brown lip liner for definition. One more thing, the scent is amazing! It smells exactly like MAC, a delicious vanilla!

Now, to make my lips even more dramatic, I tried topping this color with another lipstick, this one in dark plum. The effect is this:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="516"] Another way to wear this look[/caption]

I liked it, but it was getting farther away from Fan BingBing's version. I notice she has a deep garnet shade on, while mine morphed into plum. Oh well, I love my version anyway. No regrets with this lipstick. The color is great for fall. So excited! :)

 

Colour Collection Lipstick (PHP 330, regular price)

Body Wash = Bath Foam

For the last few Christmases, I've been receiving bottle after bottle (or tube after tube) of bath products. It works out great because I love body wash and lotion. Incidentally, I got into the habit of using body wash instead of soap a few years ago when someone gifted me with a bath set. At least, nothing goes to waste.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Possibly half-a-year's supply?[/caption]

I was going through my bath products today, trying to arrange things in FIFO (First In, First Out) order when I stumbled upon some of the older bath sets I've kept for some time now. The reason I haven't cracked them open is because they are full sets of body wash, lotion, foam bath, cologne, and bath fizzies. While I love using matching products, I didn't know what to do with the fizzies and foam baths. I'm not one to soak in the tub, you see.

After carefully pondering, if I should just use the foam baths as a body wash, I decided to check the label to see if the two were similar. Lo and behold, foam baths and body washes are almost identical ingredients-wise. I just always thought that foam baths were more harsh because they're needed to bubble up the tub water.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="504"] Same—with the exception of glycol distearate, an emollient found in plenty of moisturizers[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Exact, same thing[/caption]

YAY! I just learned that tidbit today. Now I only have to think of what to do with the freaking bath fizzies...

Sassy Nail Polish in African Plum

Cheapo polish is perfect for me, because I'm the type to only wear nail polish for the two days of the weekend. The rest of the time, I'm happy to see short, neat nails that don't encumber my typing. I love Sassy (PHP 19 at Watsons), a local brand, for their inexpensive mini bottles.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Sassy's African Plum[/caption]

Mini is champion! I pick a color and stick to it for an entire season. After that, I seldom ever use it again. Just when I'm about to finish the tiny bottle, I get tired of it. Clean, cheap break.

For 2013, I have not been on the neon nails bandwagon. I've always preferred dark or simple colors that are more suitable for use all year round. My pick of the moment is Sassy's African Plum. It's a rich red-based purple that looks so put-together. Think a deep grape color. If you're a fan of Pussy Red nail polish (I'm not joking, this clotted blood color has been around forever, name and all), then this is the plum version of that.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="614"] 3 coats and a couple of days later...[/caption]

Now onto the quality. A freshly opened bottle of polish is the best to use, of course. The consistency is thin that you can do several coatings to optimum opaque  effect. I usually do 3 coats for a vibrant deep plum, and 4 for a darker, wine-like shade. Naturally, the more use this bottle sees, the more it starts to dry out and get thicker. As I write this post, I have used this particular bottle 3 times, each time I did both a manicure and a pedicure. It's gotten a bit more viscous so each coating has also gotten thicker, but still dries nicely.

As for lasting power, I have to mention that I skipped both base and top coats for all 3 times. Like I said, I don't wear it long enough to make a priority out of its staying power. Since I very frequently wash my hands and use my nails, chipping starts at about 2-3 days in.

If your nail polish habits are same as mine, the value-for-money is unbeatable. I already have 2 colors of Sassy at home. (Perhaps I'll review the other bottle next time.)

Busan When It Sizzles Part 1

Okay, so it doesn't really sizzle. In fact, the Korean summer is much milder than the arid Philippine summer. There's lots of sunlight, but there's also a nice breeze because of the nearby Haeundae Beach. Then at night, it's nice and chilly. How I wish we had the same weather in Manila!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Haeundae Beach at sunset[/caption]

Now, anytime anyone mentions "Korea", the first thought that pops into my head is "COSMETICS!!!" But of course I'm well-aware that it is so much more than that. It's a nice country to visit, even though you cannot speak a word of Korean. The first time I was in Korea (Seoul), I had my master communicator cousin with me, so I was quite nervous for this trip. Luckily, charades is a universal thing.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Y Yoo So Young?[/caption]

Busan is a much smaller city than Incheon, comparable to our very own Cebu. The vibe out there is also a lot different because people have a more laid-back style. The metro never gets too full (even on weekends) and people never elbow or jostle, unlike in Seoul. There are plenty of shopping and dining options. Sidewalks near the beach feature arcade games, if you want to try your luck. Definitely, this is a fantastic place to relax.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Aaah, a cosmetics store at every corner :)[/caption]

For budget accommodations near the beach, I strongly recommend staying at Popcorn Hostel. Ideal for backpackers, families, and groups, Popcorn takes up a mere 2 floors in a multi-level building. You can book a family room with an en suite bathroom, if you're particular about communal restrooms. Originally, we asked for a room for 4 but they overbooked, so we got upgraded to a room for 6 instead (a bed for two plus two bunk beds).

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] *Photo taken from Popcorn Hostel website[/caption]

It's fairly basic, but clean. We didn't have a TV in the room, but the air conditioner functioned nicely and they provided us with towels. As for the bathroom, the dual shower gives a good bath (one rainfall, the other a detachable shower head), though I do have to complain about the drainage system in our room. You see, the entire bathroom has a singular drain hole located between the shower and the sink. (The position of the drain is not the same as in the photo below.) For some reason, the water from the shower went down very slowly, to the point that there was a puddle developing under the sink and toilet bowl. It got gross pretty quickly.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="371"] *CR photo from Popcorn Hostel website[/caption]

Other than that, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. They provided free breakfast, albeit a simple one with coffee, eggs, toast, jam, and butter. There's a communal kitchen complete with utensils and cookware and a dining area with desktop computers you can borrow for free. They do not allow eating in the quarters, but you can use the communal guest refrigerator for food you've brought from outside. They also sell alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages by the reception area.

From what was written in chalk on the dining area walls, plenty of guests share my sentiment in loving Popcorn. Staff members were friendly and super helpful. The beach and shop clusters are only a few blocks away and there's even a small grocery store a block to the right. Given the chance, I'd love to stay there again.

To Be Continued

Popcorn Hotel -- Tower Marin 10F & 11F, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 321, Haeundae Beach / BEXCO, Busan, South Korea

RUB Ribs & BBQ

Ever the Quezon City restaurant fanatics, we've found yet another  (literally) small establishment with a BIG following. RUB can be found in the Tomas Morato area, tucked away in one of the more obscure sides streets. It would've been easy to miss, except for the perpetual sight of a crowd waiting outside for tables. We braved the wait list and sat on monoblock chairs outside the tiny 2-storey restaurant.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Rub is tiny with 2 floors[/caption]

Patrons were the Teacher's Village type. You know, foodies who are very much updated on the "indie" resto scene or college student types. Customers who aren't afraid to position themselves into cramped spaces for good fare.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] First Floor and kitchen[/caption]

If you're the claustrophobic type, then this restaurant may not be for you. Because of the small space, tables and chairs are positioned so close together that you can't help but overhear the conversations of everyone around you. Save the dirty laundry for your post-dinner Starbucks run.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] 1st floor table[/caption]

For such a small space, the menu had a fairly sizable selection.:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Menu Cover[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] All about RIBS[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] And when you want something else...[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] And a little something to nibble...[/caption]

We always get the Family Brunch (PHP 685). Big enough for 4 people, the package consists of ribs (usually 2 slabs; slab size is according to weight) and 3 sides. For garlic lovers, you simply MUST get the Roasted Garlic Mashed Potato. It's rustic-style with the skin mashed into the mixture, but the flavor is splendid. For potato lovers, the Bacon and Potato Salad also goes well with the ribs. The parentals had to order the Sprice (their take on Java Rice) as their additional side (PHP 65 per order), simply because they can't function without rice. The other sides were okay.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Ribs and 3 sides[/caption]

By the way, they got the ribs just right. The meat easily comes off the bone. Smeared with sauce, you've got yourself a burp-worthy meal.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Mac n' Cheese[/caption]

I can have mac n' cheese anytime, anywhere, so I had to insist on ordering a bowl. Nothing amazing though.

We shared a pitcher of iced tea that was, again, good for 4 at just over PHP 100. Noteworthy mention is their deep fried Oreo dessert. While I haven't tried it in Rub yet, I've eaten enough elsewhere to know that  it's a very sinful must-try.

If you're a rib person, this joint is considerably cheaper than the ribs places found in malls. Because of the high traffic, the service staff can be a bit scatterbrained. You may have to call their attention repeatedly to request for water, tissues, and other minor orders. Other than that, it's a-okay. We've already been here twice and counting, so you know I'm a fan.

 

RUB --   64 Scout Rallos, Quezon City

 

Cookie Butter Craze is Overrated

Finally, I was able to personally experience the "Cookie Butter Fever." While walking past the Gonuts Donuts store window for the nth time this month, I was able to persuade myself to drop PHP 36 on a Cookie Butter Donut.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Cookie Butter Donut[/caption]

The verdict? Cookie Butter is 100% what its name makes you think of. Basically peanut butter, but with crushed shortbread cookies instead of, well, peanuts. Throw in there some spices for some European flare, and there have it. That said, I'm not sure I understand the big Philippine reaction to this spread. From what I've tasted, Almond Butter surely trumps Cookie Butter. Heck, good ol' Peanut Butter (with nicely roasted nuts) trumps Cookie Butter. Don't even get me started on Nutella.

I hardly think that I'll soon be begging to have Cookie Butter Ice Cream/Cake/Cupcake. At this point, I'm simply awaiting the next big ingredient fad that'll come along.

BBQ Chicken: Chicken & Beer

As many of my friends know, I'm not much into beer but I am a huge chicken eater, so it's not completely out of character that I found myself at BBQ Chicken, Eastwood City. I've passed by this establishment many times while I was still an active member of Fitness First (teehee!), but now was the time to finally come in and try.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="432"] Here, they promote the beer[/caption]

A little background info: BBQ Chicken is a worldwide chain that specializes in Korean-style spicy chicken, but they also have Western-style food in the menu.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Stairs[/caption]

The biggest "issue" I can think of is the location of the restaurant. While It is smack in the middle of the outdoor activity area (where all the bazaars are held), you have to climb a set of stairs to get there. That basically makes it not-so-friendly to the senior citizens or the disabled. The view, however, is good.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] You can dine inside or outside[/caption]

We started with a 6-piece chicken platter with two different sauces, Yang Nyum (sweet and spicy) and Honey Chicken. I find spicy Korean food so breathtakingly hot that this is more than enough for me. No crushed chilies please!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] 6-piece combination[/caption]

I always say that cream sauce pasta is hit or miss. This one happens to be a hit, but it could do with a little more salt. It's a simple dish, but you can easily taste the good quality of the cream.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Cream Chicken Pasta[/caption]

Dad had the Grilled Chicken Bulgalbi Set, which is their rendition of chicken barbecue. Dad loves his chicken barbeque. The side salad was absolutely plain.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Grilled Chicken Bulgalbi Set[/caption]

Lastly, we ordered Smoked Chicken Pizza. It had a thin but bread-like crust vs. the traditional crispy thin crust. There was an ample amount of smoked chicken. Very satisfying.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Smoked Chicken Pizza[/caption]

The ambiance was nice and quiet for our Sunday night dinner. No rowdy beer drinkers, so it could be an ideal date place. The chicken alone is enough to come back for more. Expect to spend PHP 1,000 - 1,500 for 3 people.

 

BBQ Chicken - Eastwood City, Libis