Pan Project: Innisfree Smart Make Up Blender

Another beauty products I purchased back in 2015 during my hoarding period. And 2 years after I am still trying to finish it. Photos overload first.

Innisfree is a Korean brand of beauty products. It is not available in physical stores in UAE but you can get it from online sellers. I bought mine along with other Korean cosmetics last 2015. I think this per tube is around 35AED to 38AED. Anyway beats me if I know why I purchased it in the first place. All I know was that time I wanted to try out so many products in the world. Hoping to find the holy grail that will give me a chok chok skin. But since I have too much items that I was not able to use them all at once. Like my Innisfree Smart Make Up Blender. The two tubes had to sit inside the drawer for more than a year. Before finally seeing the light of the day. 

Maybe I purchased it because the lady endorsing it have a glowing skin that I am dying to achieve. This product promises to enhance the skin and so I purchased two variants. But then blimey I cannot distinguished the two. One is supposed to be regular while one is supposed to be shimmer; but even so both are shimmery anyway. At first I thought the seller made a mistake but I checked all the sides of the box and the tube to find out that there was no mistake.

The products on my hand and the last photo after spreading it. If you can differentiate it congratulations! Because I don't. If you are using it and find it useful to you then again congratulations! Because as for me there is no use for it. But I am still using it anyway just to avoid wasting it. For sure a fellow ex hoarder will understand what I mean.

The shimmer does not bother me because I find it cute. It goes on matte on my skin. But I do not know if it helps making the bb cream and make up last longer. One may say that it is a good product but my skin tells me otherwise. My face simply cannot absorb everything [Essence-Emulsion-Cream-Sunscreen-Base/Primer-BB Cream-Blush]. Even if there at least 5 minutes between each product. Skin care products will do just fine in my face. But when it comes to make up and Innisfree Make Up Blender is also a make up since it serves as a base/primer, it is nothing but chaos. No matter what I do they will be just flakes sitting on my face.

Needless to say once I am done with two tubes, I will not repurchase. I will not repurchase any base or primer as long as I live. I do not see the flakes I am seeing if I am not using Base/Primer and BB Cream on my face. I know because I had been observing it for many months now. I do not have the patience and time anymore to investigate why it is happening. I do not have vices. I drink a lot of water. I eat fruits and vegetables. I sleep well. I do not skip on my skin care products. I do not use makeup everyday. So my skin can breathe properly. But things are never enough. Making me feel like surgery/filters/photoshop are the answers to have those fine poreless Asian skin that I am seeing all over the internet. Doing trial and error will just cost me a fortune. 

It is not fair none of the ladies seem to have whiteheads on their noses. Even though they seem to be overloading their face even their nose with makeup. I am using whatever I have right now but I will not repurchased majority of those products.

My Story

PHOTO Credits to the owner

On Sale: Beira Rio Shoes

Hello there!
Beira Rio is a Brazilian brand of shoes. Price is usually up to 100AED but sometimes I am lucky enough to find Safeer Mall on sale. This lovely pair of purple shoes was for only 20AED. But this is not for me. Purchased it months ago to give to my cousin as a present. So if you love shoes especially the affordable ones you might want to check Safeer Mall for Beira Rio and other Brazil brands.  

Empty Tube #93: BBW Stress Relief Pillow Mist

Everything I am about to say about Bath and Body Works are not something new. The term in Tagalog is 'sirang plaka' or a broken record. When you keep on listening to a record over and over again. Anyway the back story was I purchased this Stress Relief Pillow Mist in Eucalyptus Spearmint for the first time because it was on sale for Buy1, Take1. And I made the purchase not because I am a collector or enjoys any perfume. But because I love experimenting what can defeat the smell of cooking. 

Like I always say rent in UAE is extremely expensive so one cannot be choosy. Or not have too many choices. I live in a flat which is not affordable but then one of the cheapest I can find in the area. And the downside is the space or kitchen is very much closed. There is no way for all the air to go out of the flat or building. So I ended up experimenting which perfume can at least tame the smell. Unfortunately so far none could. As of the scented candle I am staying away as it is dangerous. If a small fire broke out it can spread easily.

This is expensive. Just like all the other products of Bath and Body Works. Smells good if you enjoy Eucalyptus Spearmint. But does not last long as an air spray. For additional info: I went to Bath and Body Works a few weeks ago because they were having a promotion. But I came out of the shop empty handed because I was taken aback by their price increase. Instead of increasing price gradually let's say 5AED then finally 10AED, immediately they added 20AED! I can only imagine how much their prices will be once they implement the VAT next year.

The Aromatherapy sugar scrub used to be 60AED and now it is a whopping 80AED. So no thanks. I can live without any body scrub. For good. My fear has come true. That time will come that I will no longer be able to afford anything at all. Unlike before that I can treat myself even once in a while. So Mi Ultimo Adios to Bath and Body Works.

Goodbye #95: Forever 21 Black Long Sleeves

I wish I have all the time in the world to stay at home and get rid of whatever I do not need all at once. But that is only just a dream since I am still working from 8AM to 6:30PM. So just add the time I need to do other chores. And sleeping at least 7 hours per day. And so for now I will just continue getting rid of an item per day until this year end. My original plan was from June or July 2016 to December 2016 but alas, after throwing at least 50 plastic bags of garbage and sending 4 Balikbayan boxes to Philippines, I still have way too many earthly possessions.

Today saying goodbye to my Forever 21 Black Long Sleeves. Back story was I purchased it back in 2015 for only 15AED. It was on sale. I purchased 4 pieces. Small size. Medium size. Large size. Purchased on Gray color too. In UAE summer I do not have issues wearing it since I will not be exposed much under the sun. Even if it is degrees Celsius. Vehicles and establishments have AC. But summer in Turkey wearing it was a big mistake. Granted that summer in Turkey is almost the same as summer in Philippines. Meaning it is not extremely hot as the UAE summer. But then not all vehicles and establishments on Turkey or Philippines have AC. 

So I came to conclusion that if I will be spending summer vacation in Turkey or Philippines or anywhere with the same weather this will be no use for me. If I will be keeping it for the winter, well winter in UAE is not that much cold and I have way too many winter clothes. There is no other way for this Forever Black Long Sleeve but to go out of the door. 

Lastly more than ever I am determined to have less possessions so the bastards (cockroaches) will not have any space they can hide to. I am sick and tired of spending time cleaning the flat only to realize that only when the flat is bare that they will all go away for good.

Goodbye #94: Loreal Make Up Remover

Normally I am finishing the products up to the last drop to avoid wasting it. But that is not the case with this Loreal makeup remover. That it belonged to items I have to get rid of instead of items for Pan Project. It has been with my stash. And if my memory serves it right I purchased it 5 years ago. Granted that sometimes I am still using expired products but there is a limit. I cannot even be sure if indeed I have it for 5 years and it could be longer than that. Going to dermatologist is much more expensive than buying a new makeup remover. And so this one has to go.

I would have save it if I can think of other uses for it but right now I can't think of any. And I cannot let a day pass by without me getting rid of something. Thank you to never ending cockroaches that more than ever I want to discard all my items. Just so they do not have any place to hide.

There is still a controversy in Minimalism..

Okay so I installed one social media app in my phone and since I do not know yet what do I want to share that I posted a photo about minimalism. And for the first time I was shocked with the responses. They sound angry and bitter with the idea of minimalism or with the people trying to live a minimalist life or promoting it. While I can understand where do their feelings are coming from, I decided to express my opinion regarding the matter. I admit I do not have a vast followers and readers but then I still do share about minimalism just to spread it and try to influence even one person. Or at least to serve as a reminder because even me I need to be reminded every now and then.

Admittedly it is very easy to be bitter with most of the people I am seeing online preaching about minimalism because they are actually people with money. Who have chosen to be a minimalist (minimalism and frugality seems to be working hand in hand) for whatever reason. While others do not have many choices. I mean there is a difference if I want to experience (extreme) consumerism at one phase in my life then minimalism to the next. Unlike with dirt poor people like me that do not have those liberty. But at the end of the day if I will choose to have bitterness or hatred in my heart it will just add up to all my problems and concerns in life. My hands are full enough to add more negativity. So instead I just look for the positive things in life (while being a drama queen once in a while though haha).

First what is your idea of minimalism? Because the way I understood it, I should have only what I need. Some maybe extremist but to each his own. People like me are sharing what we are doing just to give an example and other not necessarily has to follow it to a T. You will just be frustrated if you do so. And also minimalism is not something new. It has always been there since the beginning of time. It is just about simple living and it doesn't take a genius to grasp what it means. And aside from religion like Buddhist (I was born in a Catholic family and remember gluttony is a sin, so even Catholic teaches one to have only what he needs) even from elders we often hear to have only what we need. Labeling it with minimalism just happened to be easier than using other words. 

I am sharing a lot about it in my Social Media Accounts because honestly I am seeing a lot of my 'kabayans' or fellow OFW's that need it badly but I just don't have a heart to say it to their face. I do not want to sound like I am interfering in their lives. I am just merely suggesting for them to try it too because maybe it could help them in some of their burdens. Let me count the ways it helped me and after hearing me out and you still choose hating it then it is you call now. First of all I am living in a very small place. I am doing so because that is all I can afford. Everybody knows that rent in UAE can be insanely expensive (been hearing the prices will go down but never experienced it to be at the affordable level). We can all cry and complain but that is the way it has always been and it will not change anytime soon. And we all need to live in the present. Adjust with it.. Now for the last 10 years I accumulated a lot of things to the point that each corner of my space has something on it. End result? Sometimes I need something but I cannot easily find it. Most of the time I am too tired to clean everything. Not cleaning often then I am giving cockroaches a chance to stay and breed. And if ever that I have time to clean I find it very tiring.

So you see for me less stuff, less cleaning and more time for other things. And since I am documenting the items I am discarding ~ you will notice that most of the items I do not really need. I used them once. Or I never used them at all. Which makes me regret buying them in the first place. I should have kept the money and saved it for the future. Happiness do not lies in the possessions I own. I am at the happiest when I am on a vacation. Experiencing new things. That if I can turn back the time I would have saved the money for travels than buying whatever I purchased in the past.  And one more thing, as long as you do not own the place then there is always a possibility that you have to move. I have been here for a decade now and in that decade I moved a lot.

Because I have too many items that moving is also a pain. I need more time in packing items. I need to shell out money to pay people to help me move them and of course to rent a truck. In the examples alone that I stated, being minimalist is easier than being a hoarder. Easy to move. Easy on pocket. Easy on cleaning. I can go on and on with other details but then again allow me to repeat myself: this is just a friendly reminder and no need to throw a dagger on those who do so... 

Korean Soju

Soju is a Korean alcoholic drink made from rice if I am not mistaken. It is available in UAE. In Ajman to be exact. I got this bottle for only 15.00AED and I bought it even though I am not a drinker, but because every time I watch a Korean drama I always see them drink Soju. Giving me an impression that this is so good. And anyway if I can't drink it then I can use it for cooking. 

I drank one bottle and I swear that I will never do it again ever. It tastes like rubbing alcohol. And after one bottle I was so dizzy that I had to sleep immediately. I still have some bottles at home and I am keeping it only for cooking purposes. But drinking? Nah. Only if my life depends on it.

Pan Project: HM After Hour

The story was July 2016 HM was on sale. That the eye shadows were available for only 5AED each. And if not on sale it is around 50AED. I do not love make up but I went ahead and bought 30 pieces if I am not mistaken. But of course I do not mean to finish them all. I will just try them out then hand them all with my sister and sister in law. So far the only HM eye shadow I shared was Stargazer. 

If I will try to finish them all then it would take me decades to do so. I purchased them just for the sake of trying them out. And sending them over to Philippines is fine with me as they are using makeup on daily basis anyway. So somehow their expenses will lessen for not having to buy eye shadows. It is a must in Philippines to wear makeup at work but it is not compulsory in UAE offices. But I am keeping this cream eye shadow as I find it easy to use. And will try to finish it off this year along with all my items for my Pan Project.

I do not have much photos and these ones available were not even good as I was in hurry. But anyway I think I am able to show the correct color of the creamy eye shadow. It is called After Hours and honestly it will be okay to wear at night than in the morning at the office. But I do not go out at night. Hmm. It is dark blue with glitters. But don't be afraid of the glitters. I prefer cream ones because I can use my fingers in applying and blending.

If using primer then it can last the whole day. That is if I do not keep on touching my eyelids which happens a lot whenever I am wearing my glasses. 

Pan Project: Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Liquid Nose Pack

First photos overload:

Innisfree is another South Korean brand of cosmetics. I do not know if this is affordable in South Korea or not. As of here in the UAE it is not available in physical stores. But you can buy it online. And I do not consider it as affordable. I got this Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Liquid Nose Pack from an Instagram seller for 55.00AED and the pack has 40ML of the product.

Almost everything you need to know are written in the box as can be seen from the photos above. And actually this product is meant to remove the blackheads/whiteheads on the face. It is like a jelly on the face. Sadly it can only remove one or two whiteheads from my nose and nothing else. Needless to say I will not repurchase even if they bring down the price.

I just brought it out from my stash so I can finish and avoid wasting it. And that's all I can say regarding the product. Moving on to other things...  I heard that UAE will be introducing the VAT next January 01, 2018. Whatever they say or their version of it, it only means bad news for us (expats). But I am not sure if I am still here by that year anyway.

Bad news because almost all the goods will come with tax. And the rent will go up too. But the salary remains the same. If I am finding it hard to survive now that there is no tax how much more if tax has been implemented? It is not like I can sleep on someone else's couch. People pay for every inch of a space. Ooohh life. 

Goodbye #93: Vox 3D Glasses

Since we started watching 3D movies we accumulated a lot of 3D glasses. Until one day we decided to keep on using the ones we have. And for now I am throwing away the extras. I know that I have others hidden in my clutter. 

Now more than I ever I feel the need to get rid of my items as soon as possible. I might not last long anymore in the same company or in this country. Whatever we are experiencing is worse than the recent recession that hit this place. This thought also helps me in preventing myself from purchasing. 

Goodbye #92: Wet and Wild Lipsticks

I think Wet and Wild lipstick is pretty popular because some says that they are similar to Mac in colors. It is another China made US brand of cosmetics. Used to be available in UAE through online sellers only. But I found it in Ajman last November 2015 and bought some lipsticks. I bought 4 or more I think. But not all for me of course.

I am not sure if I only have 2 shades. But when I was rummaging through my items these are the only Wet and Wild lipsticks that I got. Maybe I got a tube for only 18.00AED. And probably people are right when they compare the colors to Mac.

But I am letting it go now. Because it is matte and I dislike matte as it is too drying on my lips. And as I have said before 2016 ends, I will be finishing my make up. Letting them go if in case I can't finish them.

The colors are wonderful but this brand is matte and my lips don't like matte. Ever. To think I do not wear lipstick all the time. I do not find them attractive in on my lips also. Setting on the fine lines. So instead of Wet and Wild I would rather search for other affordable European make up.

That's all for now and thanks for dropping by. While I keep on shedding my items. At at the same time fighting the urge to keep on buying.

PS: I feel like I will not be in this place any longer. I might go anytime soon. But then as much as I hope to speed up the process of my discarding items I cannot find enough time yet. The situation is not even close to the 2009 crisis. Things are changing. And I am getting old. Now I understand what old people usually feels in ever changing world. We are not in some kind of Buddhist countries where they give respect for old people for their contribution in the society. Tsk.

Goodbye #91: LCS Depil

LCS is a very affordable brand of cosmetics from France. Available in Carrefour UAE. And so this LCS depil I got it for only below 10AED. It is a cream meant to remove the hairs from the legs. Now I can't remember if it has been sitting in the bathroom for one year. Or two years.

 

I am not the one to waste products no matter what. But whatever I do it is exception to the rule. Whatever shave cream I use, they all have the same effects on my skin. They are making my skin itchy. I can't help myself from scratching them that I always end up having small wounds and scars. And so only waxing is the best option for me.

 

Because I am allergic to any hair removing cream I am throwing it out now. I can't even think of what else I can use it for. When it is clearly not in good jibe with my skin. I tried different brands already for me to say that I am allergic to it.

That's all. While I continue to hunt in my magical space as to what other items I should throw out.

Pan Project: Elf Shimmering Facial Whip

Another purchase from 2014, Elf Shimmering Facial Whip. Elf is China made American brand of cosmetics. That is not available in UAE. But some online sellers were selling it. I am just not so sure if until now they still do. And I honestly don't get why it is quite popular. I kept on seeing it on social media.

I ordered at least 3 items as they were on sale for only 5AED each plus shipping fee which is not bad rather than me meeting the person. Spending time and fare. I did not like the other 2 items and discarded them long time ago. But I kept this Elf Shimmering Facial Whip. And after more than 2 years I am now taking it out from my stash of hoarded products. Just so I can use it and hopefully finish it off. I am now having a long list of items I wish to finish this year.

It comes in a small tube. White in color. Cream type and meant as a highlighter. Well I will say it again. Silly me for purchasing it. I bought it just because it was on sale. But honestly speaking I do not need it. But since I have it and I don't want to throw it then I will be just using it.

Actually writing post about products that are included in my Pan Project helps me a bit in controlling my impulses. After purchasing Mac nude lipsticks first week of March since it was on sale, I was itching into buying other items that I do not need. And so from time to time I have to take a look at my current products that I'm dying to finish it. As to remind myself not to fall into senseless spending again.

Swatch of the Elf Shimmering Facial Whip. Me thinks this will work best for occasions that you have to glam up like wedding and parties. But it has been years since I last attended a party. So I end up using it at work. Just using it minimally so I won't look like a clown.

Thanks for dropping by. And remember the Minimalist Mantra: Everything in your house should be something useful to you. If they are not, get rid of them.

Pan Project: Carlo Di Roma Cream Eyeshadow

Carlo Di Roma is a Spanish brand of makeup that no longer exists. I found it at Xpressions Style of Safeer Mall way back in 2014 or earlier than that. And during that time it was on sale as they were just trying to finish of their stocks. I got this nude cream eyeshadow for only 10AED. I do not use makeup on daily basis but I was on my hoarding spree. This is just one of the many items I purchased during that sale.

Let me clear again that I do not advocate using expired makeup or cosmetics. But I am not sure if it is indeed expired already. And I am taking a risk by using it. And will not blame anyone but myself if ever it irritates me. For it is my fault. Purchasing items I don't need and stocking them up in my dresser.

Photo of the product and swatch on my hand. I love it for being nude. And this swatch reminds me of other products that I currently own like Kiko Glow Stick Highlighter for instant. I wish to finish it within the year but then I am not so sure. I am pulling all the other items I intend to finish. Putting them in one pouch. And looking at them whenever there is an urge to purchase another product again. 

Instead of giving a brownish pink look on my eyes it comes off as white due to my brown complexion. And that's all for today. Thanks for dropping by.

Empty Tube #92: Une Rouge Lipstick R06

I first wrote about Une Rouge Lipstick R06 two years ago. As I have said a numerous times I love Mac lipstick but since it is expensive, I went out and tried different brands. To find something similar or better to Mac. In that quest of mine I found Une or Une Beauty. The mother company is Bourjois. It is an organic cosmetics. Supposed to be a drug store brand.

In spite of being a drug store brand it is still expensive. But I got mine during on sale. But then all organic products I have known are expensive anyway. Honestly I found Une better than Mac when it comes to lipstick. It maybe expensive but cheaper if compared to Mac. The only downside would be it is not available widely in UAE. And limited color selection.

I got mine for 59.75AED during sale back in 2015. I got it from Centrepoint Mirdif City Centre. I don't know why Centrepoint doesn't have a standard set of brands. Meaning if this is available in Mirdif City Centre then why other branches do not carry it? And it is not included in their online shopping as well.

I used it from the time of purchased until early 2016. Kept it for a while as I was about to finish it. Pull it out from my stash. Meaning to use it up to the last drop. But unfortunately black color showed up. I read somewhere that it is actually bacteria. It is not surprising to think that this is an organic makeup. Anyway this is my first ever lipstick that I finished up to this point.

I have 3 Une Beauty lipsticks and I swatches them on my hand as can be seen in the photo. The swatch of Une Rouge Lipstick R06 is in the middle. I can't think of anything negative about this brand. I am just not so sure if Centrepoint Mirdif City Centre still carries it. Maybe I will check one of these days. 

This shade gives me that MLBB look. Perfect for brown skinned girls like me. And perfect for everyday use.

Empty Tube #91: Ponds Flawless White 🌸

Bought some skin care products last February 2015. Ponds Flawless White was included in the said haul. But I was able to use it only last year due to having too many products to finish.

Sadly this does not work for me. It promises to be an anti spot intensive whitening serum. But did not help at all regarding my sun spots. It failed me badly. I was able to finish it last year. But only now that I am throwing the tube away.

After Ponds Flawless White failed me I stopped altogether buying products that promises to whiten the sun spots. Instead spent my money on sunscreens.

Holy mothballs. I wish beauty products would simply stop fooling the public with all their empty promises. This has been the Nth product for me!