My ADVANCE day off and Footwear!

Thursday... And I am calling it advance day off because next week Saturday is supposed to be HOLIDAY and at the same time my normal OFF DAY. But then since the new manager decided that in spite of us achieving the target last month and will be able to achieve the target again this month, the best reward will be taking away our off day next week! With no plans of giving us an off set the following week or the next month. As in NADA! Officially we don't have work today because of the holidays but for me this is already rest day that will be taken away from us next week. And yes I am aware that with my way of writing I'm just going back in circles. Explaining the same thing huh! I'm sorry but I have to rant about it through blog. Through writing to let it off my chest. But at least today I feel much better than yesterday. It sucks that I won't be able to go out but at least I was able to enjoy myself in little ways. So it is not wholly a rant post. A mixture of a little rant and a little happiness. Life is one big drama so one must find happiness even in little ways. 

Yesterday afternoon until today I was able to catch up on watching the current teleserye in the Philippines called On The Wings Of Love. I'm just currently downloading the episode 32 and 33. Haha. Watching the series somehow makes me 'kilig' again. And I can say that it can compete with Koreanovela that the whole world goes gaga for. It has an element of drama but not so heavy. With a bit of comedy. Pacing is fast enough. And some scenes are in line with the current trends/situation. Like the Balikbayan Box issue. I think all Filipinos all over the world knows about this one. If I am not mistaken when Jig's mother came out as a lesbian it was also during the time that the same sex marriage has been approved in the USA. How they portray the lives of OFW's and their families back home is something almost all us can relate. That I find myself crying in some scenes when they were not even crying. Meaning it really touched me. It hit a nerve. I really hope they can sustain it until the end and if the story can't really go farther then finish it off rather that drag it. This is not your usual rich guy meet the poor girl ploy. 

And the lead stars James Reid and Nadine Lustre. I know they are not dating in real life but they have this strong chemistry. I would really love to see them grow as an artists. And have a longevity in their showbiz lives. And after this I hope to see them again in another series. And that's it for now as if I don't want to end up telling the whole story as I know some people/friends/colleagues who haven't seen it yet and I'm convincing them to give it a try. Even if I have to give them a copy of it. 

You pretty much have an idea now how my 2 days passed by. Haven't been able to shop items that I need like my current favorite snack Nutella On The Go or even bring my uniform to the laundry. I will be able to go out tonight just because I'm done watching. Because if there are still available episodes on my laptop I don't think I can have the willpower to move my arse from the bed. And speaking of footwear I realized that compared to 3 or 4 years ago I don't buy much of footwear anymore. These 3 pairs I have are purchased months ago. The wedge one is more than a year old but haven't got the chance to wear them. All are Brazilian brands of shoes and you can trust them. They are affordable (on sale I don't buy when there's no discount) and lasts for years.

I used to be some sort of shoe collector having too many pairs of high heels in my shoe cabinet. But then things changed. I don't have my own family yet but when I set my goal of leaving this place for good I know that I must save all the money I have. And when I do love for shoes is one of the things I let go of. Also at this point of my life and the current situation over here even if I'm not a shopaholic I feel that money is very hard to manage more than ever. So hard that I can't even bring myself to use these new babies. As I doubt I'll be able to afford a new one in the future. Not being pessimistic more on realistic. 

Need to go now. Hopefully one of these days I will be able to tell more about my life here in the desert and why I always say that life is very hard. Or do I still need to do that? I think in my previous posts I always say how salary is not align with the prices of the rent. Also I will try to take other photos of the shoes so I can post them again. Although I haven't much to say except the quality is really good. I would not be vouching for it if quality sucks. Ciao! 

My HOLIDAY and some shoes..

Well happy holidays to all wherever you are in the world. Today is the first day of our supposed to be four days holiday. Do I sound happy? Naahhhh. Don't get me wrong please I don't have anything against the celebration but what causes my sadness is unlike some of you guys (I'm not too sure if I should share stuff like this in the internet but hey I'm disappointed) for us in the office it is like we only have one day holiday. Because next week our new manager will not give us any off day. Meaning we have to be at work by Saturday. Uhm, our business is doing well so we were expecting that we will have a reward by letting us enjoy the holidays but they love to do the opposite. The more money we bring in the more we lose our holidays because if we achieved 110% out of 100% target they want again to surpassed whatever we last achieved. Great just great. Whatever happened to the word quality time. Balanced work and life. Don't work too much that you forget how to live. Just great. Simply great. And top of it all I don't have a choice but to follow. 

In the UAE I think there are only 9 days holiday in a year and we don't get to enjoy them all. That I think it would have been better if there'll be no holidays at all for all of us. Sorry as that sounds selfish but at least that is fair for all. You'll feel this way too if you have a well deserved off day taken away from you. It is like this all over the world? That whatever is written in the labour law does not really matter? I'm just at home. Sulking. Doing household chores. Daydreaming that one day a chance to work somewhere else will come. Someday. I feel so helpless that in the end that is the only solution I can see. To be able to move away someday.

 

I was taking some photos while there is still light outside but then the camera's battery is about to die soon that I have to charge it. I may have a good camera but I don't like the shots it produces at night. Here's just one photo that I wanted to share with you. Some Brazilian shoes that I got. I love their quality. I'll be posting more photos as soon as I can. As these Brazilian brands of shoes are totally worth of every penny spent on them. I have this black slippers that I had been using since 2009. That's how great they are. But I rarely find my size. That's the only downside as I have a very small feet. 

I'll just watch some episodes of On The Wings Of Love before continuing household chores. Thanks for listening to my rants in life. And please don't judge it is not everyday that I am like this. There are just times. As I had been carrying too many burdens in life that I need an outlet to vent out. Ciao!

Gosh Velvet Touch 151: Lady Luck

Gosh Velvet Touch Lipstick 151 Lady Luck

Retail Price: 45.00AED
Sale Price: 33.25AED

Available at Beauty Bay/Centrepoint

www.goshcosmetics.com

Good morning/good evening guys wherever you are in the world. I am about to sleep but decided to write a post since I'm listening to some good songs. Well back to the product this is my 10th lipstick from Gosh. Gosh is a Danish brand of cosmetics and available across UAE via Beauty Bay and/or Centrepoint stores. With the exception of NYX this is the most affordable brand in the said shop. The cheapest European brand. As I have said only in the said shop. 

I don't have much photos to share tonight as I have given up I took a lot of shots for only 2 photos came out a little decent. Sorry for that. This Gosh Velvet Touch 151 Lady Luck is orange red kind of lipstick but becomes pinkish when applied on my lips with the hint of orange. And I don't mind wearing it at the office. It gives color to my lips but not so bright unlike the other red shades. I am not against wearing red lipstick in the office as long as it looks decent but I'm refraining to do so as to avoid teasing from my officemates haha!

Typical Gosh tube. Matte with glossy part in the middle where the name Gosh is embedded. Bottom is where the sticker indicates the shade name and number. And the color of the sticker corresponds to the color of the lipstick.

And the swatch. Gosh lipstick is the creamiest brand of lipstick I own so creamy that it breaks so easily so I am very careful when using it. And they have fairly wide selection of shades. And that's it!

Actually since Friday last week I have an ample of time after work meaning I could have taken a lot of photos and write posts but I don't know I end up sleeping a lot. Making up for those weeks that I was not able to sleep/rest properly. And catch up with some series that I missed. I'm currently watching On The Wings Of Love. It is a Filipino romance comedy series and I surprised myself as I was not really into teleserye before. I'm also watching kalyeserye of the longest running noon time show in the Philippines called Eat Bulaga! As of today they already have 57 episodes and I have seen less than 10 episodes. Meaning I have a lot of catching up to do. But then those nights of staying late and watching has taken its toll on me today as I woke up not feeling well. Got a little headache and if I did not rest it could lead to another migraine again and migraine is something I don't want to experience again ever in my life. As I will surely not be able to do anything even eating. Okay.. Got to go to sleep now.. Thanks for dropping by. Ciao

Gosh Velvet Touch 164: Adorable

Gosh Velvet Touch Lipstick 164 Adorable

Retail Price: 45.00AED
Sale Price: 33.25AED

Available at Beauty Bay/Centrepoint

www.goshcosmetics.com

This is not a lipstick blog but I'll be posting another lipstick today as lipstick is my current addiction since late 2014 and not too sure if this will go away soon. But then even so I buy only those I can afford and if I don't really have an extra budget I don't buy at all even though I'm dying to have a new shade/brand. Today's lipstick post is about Gosh Velvet Touch 164 Adorable and I had it since January 2015. I purchased it during the Dubai Shopping Festival or DSF. And I wonder if the in the coming DSF I will still be able to shop for items that I love. 

I know this post is supposed to be for the lipstick only as the title suggests but at the same time I can't help but share tidbits about my UAE life (hoping others planning to move here can at least have ideas about life here) I may not be able to purchase lipsticks again not because I don't want to but I'm dreading about the price of goods in the coming months as you know there has been a price oil increase that started last August. So this might be the last year/months that I'll be having lipstick posts. It's hard nowadays to stretch the budget even with basic needs like food. Oh well that's life. What to do yani. But back to my Adorable lipstick the shade is bright pink. 

Photo was taken during my lunch break so there was still sunlight from outside but it's not going through the room and I can't open the door as the terrace is one big mess. Not much space inside the room that we have to use it as a storage. And once again not much time to practice. Above photo I used the Automatic mode of my Sony Alpha 600 while the next photo was taken using the Aperture mode. 

Gosh for those who are not aware is a Danish brand of make up. In the UAE it is available at Beauty Bay and/or Centrepoint. I had some extra bucks back then and I wanted an affordable lipstick and that led me to Gosh. Gosh lipsticks are the creamiest lipsticks I own. They are moisturizing. Does not dry out my lips. But the down side of being this creamy is I have to take a very good care upon applying as compared to other brands I have this brand breaks so easily. I only have 11 shades. Bought them without swatching first so as a result only few are quite decent enough on me. 

Took a photo of it at every corner of the room hoping to capture its beauty and color perfectly and this is the best shot I got. It is a bright pink that I thought I can rock it. But I was wrong and the last two photos are the swatches to give you an idea. Still working on how to take my selfie photos wearing it. Taking a selfie should be effortless nowadays but it is one of the talents that I lack.  

Those who loves pink will surely love this. I can't say that this will look good more in women with fair complexion or not. I mean it I can't say that it will suit best a woman with a certain complexion as I had been seeing women Filipinas who have the same complexion with me rocking this color. [BTW, I heard that this brand is now available in the Philippines and in spite of it being a European brand this is one of the most affordable out there. Yes it is still available even if the amount is converted to Philippine Pesos]. But I don't feel good with it. What I do with other lipstick colors that I don't like is I blend them with others. As to not waste them. You know money is hard to come by.  

And that's it for today. Thank you for dropping by to my page. Feel free to leave a comment just please don't be rude. 

PS. Now the Aldub Fever has caught me. And I see this Yaya Dub most of the time rocking the red lips. I used to love red lips for a brief time some 2 years ago and because of her I find myself reaching for the red lipsticks I own. Just too bad that I can't wear them at the office. I'm working in Automotive company and it is a male dominated industry I'm getting conscious as some are teasing me. It is not hard for them to notice it as I don't usually wear make up in the office let alone a red lipstick. Been wearing nude lipsticks that they don't even know that I'm wearing any. One of these days I'll post about the red lipsticks I have. Have a great day everyone while I try to watch some KalyeSerye via FB!

Gosh Velvet Touch 161: Sweetheart

Gosh Velvet Touch Lipstick 161 Sweetheart

Retail Price: 45.00AED
Sale Price: 33.25AED

Available at Beauty Bay/Centrepoint

www.goshcosmetics.com

Initially I wanted to write a rant post but then changed my mind a few minutes later as I believed somehow things will get better soon. And I am so happy to know that my superiors give nothing but good feedback about me. The law of karma. You reap what you sow. I work hard and I get recognition in spite of me not saying anything. And so instead of ranting I'll just share another Gosh lipstick that I own. Featuring Gosh Velvet Touch 161 Sweetheart.. Tada!!!!!! 

Gosh is a Danish brand of cosmetics. In UAE Market Beauty Bay or Centrepoint carries it. I believe in all their branches across UAE as I got mine at Ajman City Centre branch. Admittedly the first factor that lured me into buying this brand was the price range. This is the most affordable brand I found at the shop. And the black tube looks expensive. Purchased this at the time my lipstick hoarding started. Chose this shade as this is nude even without swatching it first at the store. As you can see the black round tube does not come with a box. There's a glossy part in the middle where the name Gosh is embedded. The bottom sticker represents the shade of the lipstick. And where the name is written.

Name Gosh is also embedded in the lipstick. And look at that gorgeous shade of nude brown. This is so far the Gosh nude lipstick that looks good on me. I went crazy and purchased all the nude lipsticks without trying them out first or even reading a review about them. Lesson learned anyway. 

Gosh is the creamiest lipstick I own. The good is it glides on smoothly on the lips and moisturizing. The bad is this creaminess make the product breaks easily when pressed a little harder on the lips. 

This is yay for me. Perfect for everyday use especially at the office. My favorite shade. If I will get a good incentive on this coming salary and Centrepoint is still on sale I might get myself another Gosh lipstick or get a cream blush from them if they have any. How about you? Do you love Gosh? Are you crazy about their lipsticks like I do?

Essence Makeup Haul Part 7

For the month of September there's no occasion and my birthday is over. But then I visited Carrefour Express at Oasis Mall and as expected I did not walk away empty handed. There's no way that I can resist buying anything from Essence. Since it is the most affordable makeup in the UAE market. For those who doesn't know Essence is a drugstore brand of makeup from Germany. The brand is targeted for students and young ladies hence the low prices. Only a few shops in UAE carries this brand. Here's what I got myself this time:

I'm not into red lipsticks now but as I've said since it is very affordable it wouldn't hurt to get myself a few shades eh? Each lipstick costs only 12.00AED so bought 2 sets of these. One for me and one for my little sister in Manila. The sad part is there are so many Essence items that are not available in the UAE. But can't blame the shops though. For them to bring them all there must be a huge demands from the customers, right? This is not really popular over here. This may not be the best lipstick in the world but not bad either. It does not bleed. Color pay off is great. Won't hurt the pocket. But a very few color selection. In fact I think I already have almost all the colors in this line of Essence Long Lasting Lipsticks.

That's all for now. Thanks for dropping by. And I'll try to get some sleep now.

Gosh Velvet Touch 162: Nude

Gosh Velvet Touch 162 Nude

Retail Price: 45.00AED

Sale Price: 33.75AED

Available at Beauty Bay/Centrepoint 

www.goshcosmetics.com

I discovered Gosh late December of 2014. Prior Gosh I was crazy about Mac lipsticks. I am not a make up junkie but I developed a habit of being addicted to lip products especially lippies. And Mac simply became too expensive for me. I'll try to buy if the UAE price will be the same as US price but that is just so impossible. So with my quest for alternative to Mac my feet took me to Beauty Bay inside the Centrepoint where I met Gosh Cosmetics. I was drawn into it because the sleek tube looks expensive. Price wise it's one of the most affordable brands I came across at the shop. And in UAE. Price was the number one factor why I have chosen it out of all the other brands the sales associate offered me. Well Essence is a different story. And they seem to have a lot of nude and light colors so I went ahead and purchased some. Today I'll be sharing you my Gosh in 162 named Nude and here it is:

Gosh for those who are not aware is a cosmetics and fragrance company based in Denmark. Their products are Made in EU otherwise stated. But I'm not too sure if this lipstick is made in EU as it is not written anywhere on the tube. But I don't mind. It does not come in a box. The middle of the tube is glossy where the name Gosh is embossed. And at the bottom of the tube you'll see the name name/number of the lipstick. The color of the paper/sticker correspond to the shade of the lipstick. I bought this one sometime in January during Dubai Shopping Sale means it has been sitting inside my dresser untouched for such a long time. 

There's a very slight difference between the photo and the actual lipstick and believe me it has been my long time frustration in taking photos as I wanted my photos to be exactly the same color with the objects as much as possible and I'm trying to work on that. But anyway without swatching it and by just looking at the lipstick the color looks like pinkish brown and I think the name Nude just suits it perfectly.

Here's the swatch. 

And another swatch. Gosh Velvet Touch 162 Nude in color looks like pinkish brown but leaning more into brown but when swatch you'll see it more of a peach. Sadly photos did not really do justice. This is nay for me. But just because it does not work for me does not mean that Gosh is a bad lipstick. I love Gosh lipstick. But this shade does not suit me. And I purchased it at the time that all I know was I want nude lipsticks but do not know yet how to choose one based on my skin tone and/or lip pigmentation. That being said I have quite a few epic fail lipsticks in my drawer. But at least now I know better.

Gosh lipstick is creamy and glides on smoothly but you have to be careful as it breaks easily. It happened in one I owned just because I put on a little pressure while applying it on my lips. That's all for now. I'll be back again with another Gosh Lipstick post. Thanks for dropping by and feel free to visit my page again and/or leave a comment below. 

My Friday and some lipstick swatches

Every Friday I'm out of the flat. Eating out in some fast food chains and doing some window shopping. Then the weekly grocery shopping. But today it is different as no one will be with me. So I had to stay home. Before I went to bed last night I decided how my day will go. Will try to take some photos for this blog. Will pack some goods for my cargo this coming December. And clean up the room. Alas, the day is about to end I haven't accomplished much. It started when I woke up late. Woke up at 9 instead of 6 as I originally planned. I was dying to watch all the episodes of Aldub as well but then I overslept! And when I woke up ended up reading my favorite blog then watched some clips via YouTube. What a day.  

Here's the swatches of the lipsticks I own. Taken using aperture mode and during my lunch break last week. My Sony Alpha 6000 will be one year old soon and yet I haven't master it at all. I still suck. As of the lipsticks I planned to write each post but even that until now is just well a PLAN! But I will try. 

Photo taken when I placed my hand under the brightest light in the room. But the messy background is not a good sight for me to take photos which led me to my original plan weeks ago to clean up the room especially the floors and the corners! Hay buhay OFW. I always end up not doing it as every night I am too tired to do anything else. 

Clear photo because I used the Auto Mode of my camera and sadly I'll be using much of it. Sad because it means that I'm not improving at all. Well the day is not yet over but instead of sulking because I lack the photography skills I'll try to at least finish something before I go to bed again. Bye for now! Hope you are enjoying your Friday :)

Daiso Product #13: Lemon Peeling Gel

Daiso Lemon Peeling Gel

Price: 7.00AED @ Daiso Dubai Mall

Made in Korea

Peeling gel is a product from Asia that's serve as a cleanser. Not only for the face but also for the body. It is an a very gentle exfoliant that uses fruit enzymes to remove dead skin cells. The most popular brand right now is the Cure Aqua Gel which happens to be expensive and unavailable in UAE market. Thankfully good old Daiso decides to release their own version of peeling gel. I think this is a new product from Daiso. I purchased it from Daiso Dubai Mall and haven't seen it yet in other branches. Daiso Lemon Peeling Gel.

Nectar of Nature and LCS Wax Strips

Good morning/good evening wherever you are in the world guys. Well a week ago I have seen over the Instagram a quote that says don't keep on trying to make a living that you forget to live your life. I can't help but to smirk at the said quote. It is easier than done. And once again I asked myself the same question that I asked a countless times before 'what exactly am I living for?'. For me having a good life means having a balanced work and personal life. But then I think that concept might exists only in a few countries, mostly in European countries I heard. But that idea is totally unknown to the rest of the world. Rich people are too busy how to become richer at the expense of little people like us. Not having enough time for myself is my rant of the day. I know I am not the only one in this boat. Sorry guys that I have to share my rant first before going on into details about the product I'm about to introduce to you. I'm feeling bad because there are so many things that I want to do like general cleaning of the whole room/flat but after writing this post I need to go out and pay bills. Then shop for food that I am about to cook later. And before I know it the day is over. The place now looks like a mini warehouse. But what to do yani? This is the life over here. And this is my life. Who knows one day some good changes might come my way.

I'm not going to sell them. I purchased them when they had a sale last month on Carrefour. Each box costs 1AED only. And maybe it was for one day only. Because when I came back after a week they were back on their original prices and not only that those prices increased a little too. Guys if you are here on my page hoping to see an in depth review and dissecting the information about this product then I'm sorry to disappoint you. This is a personal blog where I write my rants/experiences in life and beauty products like this happens to be a part of my life. The purpose is for me to introduce the product. Or spreading awareness that such product/brand exists. I'm always after brands that are affordable and easily available and if ever that are having a massive sale then I would like to share that information too.

Nectar of Nature underarm wax strips ~ I had been buying this brand since forever but I don't use it on my underarms. I'm using it on my legs. I have a small legs because I am petite so this one is enough for me. Price was 8.75AED they it went on sale for only 1AED and after the sale it becomes 10.75AED! If I had know that they will be increasing the price I should have taken all the items on the shelves that day. I don't know how often I use wax strips but as soon as I feel some hairs growing on my legs I remove them immediately. I don't have flowery words to describe this brand but I can assure you that it can do the job properly and this is the cheapest brand in the market. 

Nectar of Nature face wax strips ~ I had been buying it too for the longest time but then I don't use it on my face. I'm using it on my legs especially when there are just small areas that the bigger strips missed. I went on sale for only 1AED so I hoarded a little. Good thing is after the sale it did not have any increase on price. So maybe when I finished all the boxes I'll stick to this strip.

Nectar of Nature ~ a name to remember when looking for an affordable line of toiletries or skin care. It is a French brand with a goal to create products that every household can afford. Admit it everywhere the prices are increasing so it is good to know that there are still companies that cares. That's why I just can't help but shake my head whenever I see an overpriced items. Would you believe that other brands of wax strips in the Carrefour are insanely expensive? Double the price of Nectar of Nature! Duh!

Nectar of Nature and LCS are both brands under one company. I don't know why they have to introduced two brands anyway when both are the same when it comes to performance and price range. Or well maybe aside from packaging the ingredients used on both products might be different. Haven't read/inspected the box yet. 

LCS mini gentle wax strips ~ it used to be 8.75AED before the sale of 1AED each and now the current price is 10.75AED. I don't like it much because even if it is supposed to be gentle this is most stickier of them all and sometimes hurt a bit. But then if Nectar of Nature is nowhere to be found I will still choose it than the other brands in the UAE market.

Country of Origin and Ingredients for those who cares. Okay guys thank you for visiting my page. Thank you for reading this post. Comments are welcome just don't be rude. And I'm about to throw out the boxes now to lessen the mess in my little room/flat. Hopefully I'll have a time like this again so I can take more photos and get to share them. Yes as much as possible I write a separate post on each product that I'm using. If you have any suggestions about affordable products I can try on please feel free to say so. Ciao!

Essence Makeup Haul Part 6

August is my birth month and recently I celebrated my birthday. I'm not the type who would tell people that it's my birthday. Having a party is not my thing. But then as my friend says I should be happy and celebrate it as life is meant to be celebrated. Well what can he expect from the drama queen like me? And because of my birthday I decided to treat myself to some make up. But honestly it left me with guilt feelings afterwards as I barely wear make up and it might just be one of those items I purchased but I never use. Anyway, I can't return these anymore and I opened them already so since I have I might as well share them with you through photos:

Essence is a brand of make up from Germany. And so far it still holds the top spot of being the most affordable makeup in UAE. The only shops I know that carries them are the Carrefour in Oasis Mall and Geant in IBN Battura. But if I were you don't bother visiting Geant as they seem to be always out of stock unlike Carrefour Express that seems to replenish the items from time to time.

It is so affordable that I'm able to have an almost complete collection. I have all the lipstick shades that I like. I think I also have all the shades/line of lipgloss. All the shades of Essence Silky Touch Blush. And I don't know what has gotten into me that I purchased a lot of Essence Mono Eyeshadows and now as I think about it I should have just spent the money into buying another Timberland Boots. Each Essence Mono Eyeshadow costs only 9.00AED. While the Essence Silky Touch Blush in Sweetheart costs only 23.00AED. That's all for now. Thanks for dropping by. Will post some swatches as soon as I get time to take photos.

Why do I have so many face products?

Women has so many different products and let me try to explain them (and it is making me smile.. me out of all the people when I can't even explain myself properly most of the time. But what the heck, ha!) in the best way that I can. 

Facial Wash ~ is it a soap designed for the face only. As we know face is sensitive compared to other parts of our body. Using a body soap or a body wash in our face is a big no no. I love trying out different brands due to their smell but I don't pay much attention to their claims as it is usually for marketing purposes only. 

Facial Cleanser ~ they come in different forms and usually being used at night to clean the face from make up and other dirt and impurities after the long day. Micelle solution is the current trend of facial cleanser right now as they are the most gentle. But if it is not available in your area then it is okay as the market has too much to offer. Others love to use cleansing oil. Wipes. Rose water. Even toner is a type of facial cleanser too. Did I miss anything out? 

Toner ~ as I have said above toner is a type of facial cleanser too. You have to use it after cleaning your face with a cleanser to make sure that there's no more residue left by the cleanser and/or make up. It is believed to be restoring the PH balance of the skin too. Honestly I think it is just a personal preference. I always have a toner but I don't use it on daily basis especially on the days that I don't even wear make up. 

Exfoliator ~ product meant to remove the dead skin cells. The top layer of the skin. So we will have a glowing skin. But exfoliating shouldn't be done on daily basis. 2 to 3 times a week is the recommended use. But then I am still skeptical if it is really the dead skin cells being removed from my face. Because it does not look like dead skin to me. I think exfoliator is just another facial cleanser with different ingredients/formulation. But still I do so to pamper myself. As it feels great.

Scrub ~ it is a product with micro beads. It claims to soften the skin and open the pores (here we go again with opening the pores thing) so the active ingredients can penetrate the skin and promises to give a youthful look because of this. It is safe to use on daily basis.  But methinks this is the same thing with exfoliator just in another name. Again it is a person's choice is he wants to use scrub even if he is already using an exfoliator. If it makes him feel good then go ahead. 

Hope this little post helps anyway. Till next time.

Fino Leatherware License Card Holder

Fino Leatherware License Card Holder

Price: 595.00PHP @ Fino MOA

Made in Philippines

Good morning/good evening guys wherever you are. Well I had been checking my stats and I have seen that some who dropped by are people who are looking for information about Fino Leatherware. For those who doesn't know Fino is a Philippine brand of leather goods. They had been around for 2 decades if I am not mistaken. You can check them on Facebook, Instagram or just visit their website.

I came to know about this brand a little late and I'm already here in the Middle East. Fino License Card Holder is the 3rd Fino product I own. What I love about Fino is they offer small leather goods in different colors. I visited some leather shops in the UAE and I'd say only Fino has this license card holder. If ever that others might have then expect it to be in black or brown color only. Price starts from 195.00PHP (keychain). Guys I'm sorry but I have to go now and I don't have much to share with you. If you have any questions just leave me a comment and I'll try to answer them. Okay? Ciao! 

Current Brands I'm Using

I still have so many items that I would like to share with all of you. Why am I doing so? Well even here in the Middle East the price of gasoline became high. And expect the prices of other goods to follow. I personally don't like it but then just like the rest there is nothing I can do about it but just take it or leave it. Even if the cost of living is so high that it's hard for all to make ends meet BUT still we are all consumer. We all have to eat. We all buy cosmetics. And women like me still buy make up. We still have other needs. 

What I am doing is to keep on looking in the market for the items that would cost less than the other brands we all know. And I want to share them more of public awareness that a certain product exists. No photos for me to share now but here are some affordable brands that I'm using and they are available in UAE Market. I think blogs help as sometime we will not just pick up a brand that we don't know about. When we shop we usually go for brands that we trust. We trust because we had been using it since forever or we see them all the time in advertisements. Or personally recommended by a friend. Blogs introduces us to many brands we don't know exists and actually good. Brands that will not pay for advertisements so they can keep their prices low. Since ads can cost a fortune.

Daiso ~ this is a Japanese shop that we can all compare to a Dollar Store. As much as I can I am writing posts about items that I purchased from them. I know there are still people who are skeptical to use Daiso products but please at least try as I am a living proof that not because they are cheap means they are harmful. I had been shopping to since late last year and it helps to stretch my budget. 

Byphasse ~ it is a Spanish brand of cosmetics that happens to be so affordable and in Dubai it is available in the Tati Shop. Unfortunately there's only one Tati Shop and it is in Mirdif City Centre. I don't know if there are any plans of expansion. I hope so.

Nectar of Nature ~ it is a French brand of affordable cosmetics and available in Carrefour across the UAE. So far the items I tried are water mist, wax strips and body washes. So far so good.

Now to get the best deal I usually buy when there is an on going promo or sale. But not with Daiso. They'll never go on sale as their prices are already the cheapest in the market. Even though I am enjoying these brands for now I will still try to look for cheaper brands if ever there is. And expect me to share them all with you. That's all for now. Thanks for dropping by. Feel free to leave me a comment if there is any questions or suggestions. Good night!

Nectar of Nature

I grew up using limited brand of products and I don't know why. Most of us back then in Manila only knows Colgate and I keep on forgetting that it is a toothpaste and there are so many brands available in the market. Same goes with soap that if you want something that smells nice and luxurious then Dove is the answer. I could go on and on with others. And whatever I was using when I was in Manila I did not switch brands when I landed here in UAE. There are handful of grocery stores that offer Filipino products. And when I'm feeling extravagant then I'll go for Loreal. Yes. Loreal was the most expensive product I knew of.

My products knowledge broaden only when I became addicted to skin care products and decided to treat some skin issues I'm having. For a moment I became obsessed with French, Japan and Korean brands (only those well known or highly recommended by beauty gurus which can be soooo expensive at least for me). But then that obsession was short lived as I had to go back in reality that I'm not rich enough to sustain those prices and I used enough products that does not really work. Especially the whitening ones. This is where the Nectar of Nature brand enters. 

I found some blogs about this brand but they are in another language that I don't bother to read anymore. All I know is Nectar of Nature is a French brand of cosmetics that aims to provide affordable products to every family as the cost of living just keeps on getting higher. Their slogan is 'Beauty is not a luxury. It is a right'. It is available in Carrefour across the UAE but I don't know since when? I had been shopping in Carrefour since 2006 but then I don't go to areas where there are SAs (I'm sorry ladies I know you are just doing your job) and they are stationed in cosmetics area. I found Nectar of Nature in the aisle of sale items and that is one of the sections where no SA will persuade you to choose a product.

What draws me to the Nectar of Nature was their body wash has so many variants that looks good and smells good. Plus it was on sale. Price was lower compared to other brands I know. That I went ahead to give it a try. And after my good experience with the body wash I came back again to try other products from the line. But only those that are on sale. The body wash as can be seen in this photo. I got it for only 8.00AED on the promo of buy 1 take 1. 

I know the world right now has so many problems. I am just a poor girl having to work overseas and for sure a lot can relate to my situation. But then in spite of being a poor I am still a consumer. I still have to purchase. Food. Make up. Toiletries. We can't do anything (quick solution) about the cost of living skyrocketing. The only thing I can do is to hunt down the market for the most affordable I can find. What others called dirt cheap. And writing about them to let other women know about it too. Though I haven't gotten around into posting about food and recipes. One of these days I hope. 

That's all for now. Expect me to introduce some more Nectar of Nature products soon. Thanks for dropping by. Ciao!

Daiso Haul Part 8

I keep on saying that I am broke. I will not spend anymore. I will first finish whatever products I have on hand. Which takes up much of the space in the tiny room. But then I visited Daiso in Dubai Mall and my plans of not spending dirhams anymore flew out of the window. But still I'd like to think that I am a smart spender. Because I did not buy items that would cost me an arm and leg. And even though I hoarded a little these items would last for months. Maybe until next year just before they expired. Isn't it one of the things smart spender do? When there is an item that you always use and they are on sale better buy it in bulk if you can. 

 

I love Daiso Dubai Mall because I think it is the only Daiso in UAE that keeps on selling new products. This time I got myself Daiso Almond Peeling Gel and Daiso Lemon Peeling Gel as can be seen in this photo:

Peeling Gels! I bought myself 6 pieces each because I know once the stocks are finished it will take time for Daiso to replenish. A tube costs only 7.00AED and contains 100grams. And for those who wants to know what is peeling gel is, it is a gentle exfoliator. I would like to say that this is big in Asia but the none of my friends and family knows about it. Even in my loop in Social Media are pretty clueless about it. So much for me for saying about it being a BIIIGGGG thing! Well maybe for those who are updated about beauty products.

I was about to say that there is no counterpart of it in western products. But then this has the same function with western facial scrubs. Peeling Gel and Facial Scrub both do the same job of skin exfoliation. But just made of different ingredients. Both I'd say are gentle on the skin. But I'm sticking around to this Daiso product because of the price. I ain't going to spend a fortune again for another product. 

Daiso Peeling Gels are available in 2 variants. Daiso Almond Peeling Gel and Daiso Lemon Peeling Gel. I know there are still some people who would not give a Daiso product a chance just because of the price and they think it will ruin their skin or something. I hope you guys will change your mind and give it a try. This has been my nth Daiso product and so far so good. That's all for now. Thanks for dropping by. 

Empties Part 3

It has been a long time since the last time I have written a post. Well life has been harder since July. Company owners decided to apply for ISO Certification. Well I am not against it but for those who are working in an ISO certified company knows that there's too much documents needed for it. I have gotten busier than ever that I don't even have time to share a favorite song like I used to do. Plus July weather was unbelievably so hot. That I don't know anymore what to do. If you are in a cold weather just put on layers of clothing and walk a lot and you'll be fine but in extremely hot weather like this all I can think about is staying in the shower the whole day if possible. Even with umbrella while walking outside was not enough. I don't even want to cook not because laziness creeping up but every time I want to cry and just run away from here as it is so damn hot in the kitchen too. Feels like I'm inside a big oven. Weather is the main reason why I'm wishing to land a job somewhere cold. But still lady luck hasn't smiled on me yet on that area. 

Moving on.. Today I'll be sharing the 3rd part of my empties post. Before I don't really pay attention that much in whatever I was using (cosmetics) only last year when I started observing closely and noting down if there will be at least changes depending on what I was trying to achieve.

From left to right: Olay Refreshing Toner, Bioderma Face Wash and Clearasil Face Wash.

Clearasil Face Wash ~ this is affordable and easily available. I used this at that time I was desperate to find a cure for my whiteheads. Yes I thought it can be cured. I read a lot and some says that whitehead is also an acne so I treated it as one. People who are acne prone uses oil free products even on facial wash. And so did I hoping to see some results. I use nose strips on regular basis but of course it came to a point that I don't want to do it anymore and I searched for a permanent solution. I'm sorry if you landed here in my post hoping to see an in depth reviews of the products but I don't have. It is not my forte and I even lack in writing skills. I'm just listening to my pocket and my skin. As of this Clearasil Face Wash all I can say is it is really good as it does not irritate the skin. It does not hurt the skin. It does not have a scent. Cleans properly. But as of my whiteheads it did not help me at all. I did not notice any difference. It was good that it did not aggravate it but it did not lessen them either. And for that reason that I decided to try an oil free facial wash in the first place. Did not repurchase and moved on to another brand.

Olay Refreshing Toner ~ it a very affordable alcohol free toner in the market. I tried it as aside from my concern regarding my whiteheads I also started taking care of my aging and dry skin. It has been said that using Alcohol Free products will be a big help in maintaining the moisture of the skin. But honestly I tried so many toners hoping one of them might miraculously help in lessening the whiteheads but to no avail. I spent a fortune before it finally dawned on me that no facial wash or cleanser in the world not even a toner that can help with making those white bumps vanish! Nose strip is the only way. Meaning I clean my face everyday but without using a nose strip then it will not be gone. Olay Refreshing Toner is true to its name. Using it feels like your skin being refresh as it has a cooling sensation. Does not dry out the skin as it is alcohol free. I did not repurchase because of the reason that I can't stand the smell of it.

Bioderma Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel ~ and because Bioderma Micelle Solution is so good that I went ahead and purchase other Bioderma products I can find. If I were to compare Bioderma to other quite known French brands then this line is affordable. But then according to my financial status it is still expensive. I bought the items with my eyes closed thinking it is worth it if it will help my skin to get better. This Bioderma Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel is created for combination/oily skin yay that's me! It is also oil free which is advisable for acne prone skin. And I think one more selling point of this is being suitable to sensitive skin. I'm sorry but I will be just repeating the words I have written above about Clearasil. The only difference is Bioderma is Paraben Free compared to Clearasil. But then I don't really care about Parabens. I have tons of products at home with Parabens and I'm still alive and kicking. Bioderma is a good face wash. No scent at all. Gentle on the skin. Cleans properly. Just leaning on the expensive side. And how about the whiteheads? If I will stumble upon a product that will help me about whiteheads to the point that I can give the nose strips for good then I'll be jumping with joy and might write about it daily no matter how busy I am.

Overall the above products are good only if you are looking for something to clean your face. If there is a specific problem in your skin then you must use a separate product designed for it. That's all  and thanks for dropping by.

There's no excellent beauty products.. yet!

I am working in a customer service industry that being said even if we know in ourselves that we are giving our best to the clients does not mean that they can call us (customers) excellent or even give us praises. The only time that they might do so is when we go out from what are expected from us. And so whenever I write a review/feedback to whatever beauty product I am using so far only a few I had been called the best but usually for the lame reasons.

There will never be an 'excellent' beauty product as long as the product just delivers what it is meant to be and most of the time they tend to promise heaven and earth and yet under delivered. So most of the time I'll just use the word 'okay' or 'good enough' in each of them.

As a customer I am not hard to please. As long as it is affordable. Easily available. Does not harm the skin. But as much as I am easy to please does not mean it is easy to earn my loyalty. The best customers in the world are the repeat customers. Those who keeps coming back. But there will always be a brand that will challenge an existing brands when it comes to affordability and availability. That's the reason why I don't really stick to one brand. Not unless they can offer something that others cant.

Just sharing.

Current sale in UAE shops

Just a quick post as I was lucky enough to visit at least 3 malls over the weekend. And here are the shops that are still on sale right now:

Tchibo is a shop in UAE that offers affordable clothing and household items and they are still on sale. They are offering 30% off on clothing items.

While Centrepoint/Splash is having a clearance sale. Meaning everything must go. Old collections of clothing.

And in Outlet Mall almost all the shops are having a massive discount too! So if you need anything this is the right time to purchase. And I can't say prices will still be the same in the years to come. It might be the last year that we all can enjoy this kind of sale.

That's all for now. Ciao!