Empty Bottle 6: Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash

And here I am with another empties post series. I found this bottle the other day I can't remember anymore why I still have it as I emptied it more than a year ago. So I have taken photos before throwing it away.

 

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash

Facial Wash

Price: not more than 50AED

As I have said this is already an old bottle. And let me share the story behind this. Before circa 2014 I had been using facial wash like Ponds and Loreal. Then I got tired of it because no matter how I clean my face I always have white heads on my nose. Yes those white heads made me spent a fortune as I tried so hard to banish them for good. So after Ponds and Loreal I switched to RDL face soap but still nothing happened.

 

Then I came across some write ups saying that white heads actually are acne or pimples and so I thought anything can cure an acne can cure the white heads too. And it has been told that an oil free face wash is good for acne. And it has Salicylic Acid. So as soon as I saw this Neutrogena on discount, but I can't remember anymore the price before and after the discount. I bought it without blinking. Even though that time I was the type who would not spent more than 30AED just for a face wash.

Results?: It dried out my skin and upon smelling it I feel like drowning (and some sensation I can't understand and I can't stand). I would not mind the drying part as I can splash some moisturizer on my face but then it did not help me out with my little friends on my nose. I still have to use nose strips twice a week to lessen them. I was able to finish this bottle in spite of my dislike to as I used it alternately with some other gentle wash. But I vowed never again with this brand. Or any brands claiming to fight off acne.

And that's all for now.
Thanks for dropping by.
Till my next post again.
With stories about my quest in having a perfect skin in spite of having a tight budget ☺

Empty Bottle 5: VS Secret Charm Body Mist

Victoria's Secret Body Mist Secret Charm

Honeysuckle and Jasmine

Price Old Packaging: 70.00AED

Price New Packaging: Not sure if this scent is still available

Made in USA

 

Another 'Empty Bottle' post in my aim to finish all my stash in the house and throw out all the empty bottles lying around. Today is another product from Victoria's Secret. Victoria's Secret is a US brand of lingerie and cosmetics and I am quite a new customer. It started only last October and Victoria's Secret Secret Charm body mist is one of the VS products I owned and managed to finish.

 

Price: It is too expensive for me. Instead of buying it from Victoria's Secret Beauty Store in Dubai, I made the purchase from Xpression Style in Safeer Mall as their price is quite lower and actually closer to the US Price. I got this for only 39.75AED and as of this writing it is on promo, that you can get 3 bottles for only 99AED.

 

Scent: It said to be Honeysuckle and Jasmine. And yes it gives off that flowery and feminine scent. I mean it is not strong to trigger my headache. Just a lovely subtle scent. Not screaming that yes I am wearing it.

 

Longevity: I mostly used it as spray for the room, curtains, clothes and walls. Sadly in spite of it smelling good, the scent doesn't really lasts long. I'm lucky if it can stay for at least an hour but sadly it does not. And as of using it as a spray to 'kill' the smell of food coming from cooking ~ I need to pour the whole bottle in the whole flat which isn't economical.



This is the best photo I have ☺
Anyway I still have Secret Charm Body Butter and Secret Charm Body Wash which I'm trying to finish off soon. Means I still have far too many products to go and write about soon. Will I repurchase? No. I got this variant just to try it out and since the scent cannot last long I don't see the need of repurchasing it. Not unless it comes back in a stronger scent. And actually when I'm done with all the body mists I own I think I'll try the concentrated room spray from Bath and Body Works since my main concern right now is how to keep the room smells good even while I'm cooking.

And that's all for now.
Thanks for dropping by.
Till my next empties post again.
And I think there's more to come.

Why I became crazy to South Korean Skin Care

I had been hearing/reading the name Lee Min Ho but I don't know why it didn't capture my interest back then. The same way that I had been seeing Big Bang in my FB home feed. Maybe I was too busy? That I didn't even ask Google? I am not too sure what am I doing back then. Anyhow, fast forward 2013 when I downloaded Boys Over Flower. And please don't judge me as that is the only way for me to have a copy. I have done so because they told me how cute the series was. But then the copy has been in my external disk for months before I finally decided to watch it. I think it was between late 2013 to early 2014. Boom! I realized that I really was living under the rock for such a long time. It turned out that Boys Over Flower is South Korean version of my beloved Meteor Garden. And my oh my only then I understood why were women of all ages go crazy over him. After watching Boys Over Flower I downloaded again handful of Korean Dramas.

 

Between 2014 to early 2015 I can't remember anymore just how many Korean Dramas I had seen. At some point I had to stop not because I'm not enjoying watching them anymore but because I spent nights awake trying to finish a series which is not actually healthy at all. 2016 came and seems like there are less and less torrents available and I don't know why. Anyway out of all the Korean Dramas I have seen there's one thing that I noticed with all the Korean actors. They have radiant skin. And no not because they have a white skin. Almost all Filipino actors do have white skin. And so Americans. British. Europeans. But I was drawn into the skin of Korean actors. Their skin looks dewy but not in oily yucky way. They have the skin that I only dream of. Seems like whiteheads in the nose and sun spots are unheard and uncommon in South Korea.

 

Needless to say I was introduced to South Korean Skin Care products because of that. I thought I too would have that kind of skin if I will be using the products they are using. Aside from the skin care products I purchased some make up too. Well I also like Japanese products but here in UAE it is easier to get Korean products than Japanese products. And the prices are quite lower too. I think the only Japanese skin care line in Dubai is the ever expensive SK-II. I'm sharing only 5 products in one photo. As my other products are stashed somewhere in the room.

The FaceShop Rice Ceramide Moisturizer

Secret Key Essence

Skinfood Peach Pore Sake Serum

Skinfood Tomato Emulsion

Skinfood Peach Pore Sake Toner

Initial impression: Almost all the products are tempting because of cute packaging, colors and names. And sometimes because of the models too even though I don't know their names at all. Those product names and supposed to be ingredients sound like a break through or something like that in the world of skin care. Their constant use of words nature too helps quite a bit. Now what did I get from using Korean skin care products for more than a year now?

Well my main concern is the never ending white heads on my nose. I guess sometimes men cannot really go against nature. Because naturally our noses secrete oil the most in our face so when there is an oil then having white heads can be inevitable. Products can only hold off the oil for a few hours but not totally discard the white heads. It is in control but then I can't really attribute it to the usage of Korean skin care products.

Please don't get me wrong I'm not going to bash the Korean skin care products nor the Korean skin care regime. What I'm trying to say is they are GOOD but being good does not mean they are the BEST in the whole world. But I still use them or will buy them because as they are fun to use. The good thing that came out of all of this is now I have a hydrated and supple skin. In spite of some issues are still there. Their regime can be confusing and overwhelming at first but you'll be fine once you get used to it. I'm just a little bit busy with other tidbits in my life but soo I will be sharing about the South Korean Skin Care Regime and whatever products I own. Ciao!

Empty Bottle 4: VS Sheer Love Body Mist

Victoria's Secret Body Mist Sheer Love

White Cotton and Pink Lily

Price Old Packaging: 70.00AED

Price New Packaging: 85.00AED

Made in USA

Sorry can't find any better photos than this. I guess empty bottle or any bottle is quite harder to capture in photos than other items. Anyway this is the continuation of my Empty Bottle Post Series. First of all I am not exactly crazy about perfumes or body mists from Victoria's Secret. Last year when I made a purchase from the shop for me to get the items in much lower price I have chosen to buy in bundle. Simply put last year any Victoria's Secret Fantasy Line product costs 70AED and that is expensive, right? But they have bundle options that you can get 3 items for 145AED or you can get 5 items for 200AED. And so I have chosen the latter. So my haul last year from Victoria's Secret was body butter, body lotion, body cream, body wash and body mist. And there are other shops out there too that offers VS body mists in much lower price than getting it directly from a VS Beauty Store. One of those shops is the Xpression Style at Safeer Mall.

In short I purchased Victoria's Secret body mist just to try it out. Nothing more, nothing less. Then I became a little obsessed with body mists not particularly from Victoria's Secret only this year. When by accident I found out that body mist is a good room and clothes spray. For the longest time I don't know what to do in this small flat as every time I cook the smells hung in the walls, curtains and the clothes. I have given up on air fresheners as expensive they are but totally useless as their scents last for a few seconds only and the food smell overpowers it. I tried using a Bath and Body Works body mist and voila! It seemed to solve the 'smell' problems. 

Bath And Body Works body mist lasts longer than Victoria's Secret body mist and I'm sorry because I don't have much brands of body mist here and so I can only compare these two brands that happened to be from the same company. I'm not too sure how long did I use this bottle as I would use it every time, every chance I have even if I am not cooking. Well because the smell from other flats goes in here too like if a neighbor is smoking or worst cooking fish in wee hours of the morning. And I used it alternately with other BBW mists which would be the next in my Empties Post Series some other time. I was not able to take a photo properly of Ingredients for those who are interested, I tried but to no avail.

Let me just share that this body mist in Xpression Style at Safeer Mall costs only 39.75AED. While at the Centrepoint across the UAE they are offering it for 55.00AED. And in the V Brand Gallery in Dubai Outlet Mall they are selling it for 53.00AED. Some small shops carry it too like Giant Store or Manila Grocery Store in Ajman. I'm just not sure about their prices. And this month Xpression Style has a promo of buy 3 pieces for only 99.00AED. Victoria's Secret did not phase out body mist. What they have done is put it in new packaging and sell it in a higher price. They can do so as they can get away with it. Maybe a flock of customers would still support it though. Yeah, I am bitter with the price increase. Because I love Sheer Love and I would not mind buying another bottle again. But with the price increase when I finished all the bottles of my body mists time for me again to move and look for another brand that hopefully cheaper.

What I like about Victoria's Secret body mist ~ the smell is subtle. Not too strong to set off my headache. But when I use it for my closet and clothes the smell lasts longer. And I'm using this as well for the bedsheets and pillow cases. But unfortunately for the curtains and as a room spray I can't say the same as it lasts for only an hour. And I would need to keep on reapplying them again. Which is not affordable in the long run as I would be needing a lot of it. But even so I'd say it is still much better than an air freshener. But anyway I still have other scents of body mist from Victoria's Secret that I am using now and observing if they will be the same as Sheer Love. 

Empty Bottle 3: VS Deep Softening Body Butter Sheer Love

When I was trying to take photos for this post; I was not aiming for a creative photography as I have given up on that I was just trying to get a clear and clean photos. And I already set my camera into Auto Mode. So anyway as I was taking snap shots the more I realized that this little room has so many items that has became a clutter. I ran out of good space where I can put the product and take a photo without too many things in the background. Hence, I am in the right path of using whatever I have and not buying anything until every thing has been cleared up. 

As I have said a few days ago I sort of joined the band wagon of people posting their empty bottles as a way to track down their success of emptying their space towards to simple living. This is not only for well off people because even dirt poor people like me can also have a tendency to own a lot of items. Accumulated in so many ways. Today's Empty Bottle post is about Victoria's Secret Deep Softening Body Butter and I know that I had been talking about it since October as this is my holy grail.

I remember this tube as this was my very first body butter and it has been given to me as a gift ~ don't know what I have done to receive such a gift. But I am thankful. This was the door for me to Victoria's Secret Beauty Store World. As of this writing I don't think you can still find it anywhere as this has been discontinued and beats me if I know why? Maybe this has a low sale or something. You might find some at online shops like Ebay or Amazon but for sure there will be a high price to pay. Sad.

You can see how I emptied the tube that I really love it and I used it up ~ up to the last bit. I know that scent depends from a person's preference. But I happen to love this scent. This is called Sheer Love. Said to be made out of white cotton and pink lily. But I can't remember if I had seen a pink lily before. I had been living here in the UAE for a decade now and if you must know I see tall buildings and sands mostly than trees and flowers. Anyhow this body butter smells floral to me in a good way. I mean it is not too strong to trigger my migraine. But strong enough to stay for a few hours. When I use it before I go to sleep the smell still lingers when I wake up and about to take a shower.

Victoria's Secret Deep Softening Body Butter. To be perfectly honest the claim is true that somehow it helps to have a soft skin but as of moisturizing agents you can find other brands superior than this in cheaper price. But what makes me love it than those better and cheaper brands is the consistency. This is as thick as a mousse but goes soft on skin and sinks in immediately. No greasy or watery feeling that lotions give. So you can wear your clothes immediately and you won't feel any discomfort. I haven't found any other brands that can work like that except this one. In finding a product like this I spent money again as I purchased from Bath And Body Works, The Face Shop, Dirty Works and good old Tati Department Store. And those brands were a let down. Nothing came close to its consistency. Well BBW almost came close but with issues. BBW has an overly sweet scent that ignites my migraine so I can't use it much and it has been sitting in my drawer for weeks now.

Shea and Jojoba Butters ~ this is very common and I see this in all the body moisturizers out there that it boggles me why other brands has to be watery compared to this? I should take a photos soon and post so you will see and understand. And I love to use it whether it is summer or winter. Anyway the winter here lasts up to 2 months only. And I don't even need to wear a jacket during those times. As of the price: used to be 70AED but I did not spend 70AED on all the tubes of Deep Softening Body Butter I own as all the purchased I made was during a promotion. I maybe crazy about it but still I'm careful in spending my hard earned money.

That's all for now.
Thanks for visiting my page.
Till my next empties post.
Ciao!

My Current Favorite: BBW Aromatherapy

Out of all the body moisturizers I've tried the best for me is the body butter. But then not all body butters have the same consistency. Most body butters are just like body cream and tend to be thinner than body cream. The perfect body butter for me is the Victoria's Secret Deep Softening Body Butter which sadly has been discontinued. Yeah I have a few stocks but I will finish it all sooner or later. And so when I'm done whats next that I am going to use? When I don't want to go back to lotion anymore? 

But then Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy line made me use lotion once again. And this is my current favorite. Well it cannot replace the body butter but then I prefer it than other lotions in the market. I love its soothing and calming scents that lasts longer. It has variants of Bath And Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep, Bath And Body Works Aromatherapy Stress Relief, Bath And Body Works Aromatherapy Sensual and Bath And Body Works Aromatherapy Energy.

There are still some variants that can be seen from the US website that is not available here in the UAE market. Or maybe other BBW branches have it as I'm visiting only one branch and that is in Mirdif City Centre. As of the price I find it expensive. Lotion has the lowest price that would cost you 45AED. Body wash would cost 50AED. Body Mist/Pillow Mist retails at 65AED. While the Body Scrub/Body Cream costs 85AED. So because of the said prices I don't think I will be able to try the other products than lotion. I got my lotions when they had a promo of Buy 3, Take 3. Making a bottle for only 22.50AED ~ and I will be waiting again for next promo so I can buy again as I'm planning to give it as a gift to some friends. 

I can only WISH that they will turn this body lotion into a body butter. The only issue I have with it is it is too watery that I had to wait for a while for this to totally sink it to my skin before I wear clothes. I don't like the feel of my wet skin in clothes. But aside from that I don't have any other issues with it.

Bath And Body Works Hand Soaps

For the month of April I visited Bath and Body Works in MCC twice ~ both times I did not came out empty handed. Because both times there was an ongoing promotion. Yes I love Bath and Body Works but this is too expensive for me that I buy only when they are on sale. I wanted to talk to the SA but I was in a hurry. Instead I took my question to their Twitter account. BUT sadly I don't know why do they keep their SNS accounts when no one bother to answer the queries and questions of their supposed to be valued customers. They would not be where they are if not for customers. My question is what is their point in taking the number and name of customers when they stopped sending SMS a long time ago? I used to received SMS whenever they have an upcoming promo but it stopped after their GRAND SALE last January. If I did not stopped by at their shop I wouldn't known about their promotion. Is this a sign for me to stop shopping over there for good? 

Anyway this looks like another haul from Bath and Body Works after I told myself that I would stop buying items not unless I finished all the items that I have in the room. But then I can't help myself because these hand soaps were only 10AED. And the original price is 40AED per bottle. I wanted to try it out for a long time but I can't shell out 40AED just for this. Since I promised myself that it will be the first and last time I have taken 5 bottles. The two are not in the photos anymore as I started using them right away. 

These hand soaps have so many variants that I lost count anymore but I controlled myself so I did not end up getting all the variants. Initially I have chosen only Japanese Cherry Blossoms and Sea Island Cotton and was about to get some more Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy lotions which I'm planning to give as gift to friends. But unfortunately the Aromatherapy line's promotion was good for the first weekend of the month only. Instead the SA offered me the Aromatherapy Hand Soap which I was not aware of. I have taken only 2 bottles. I would have taken more only if I was not in a hurry. 

Japanese Cherry Blossoms ~ whenever the SA says that this is the most popular scent I don't dare to question them as even me this is my number 1 favorite. Even my friends love this scent that I got two bottles of the hand soap. One for me and one for my friend. 

It was my first time to pick up this Sea Island Cotton scent. I can't remember now the smell of it but I know that I chose this because this is not overly sweet unlike the other scents. Haven't use it yet. Maybe next month. I'm just finishing first the bottle that I have in the bathroom.

Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Hand Soap ~ didn't even know this line has a hand soap. And I did not notice it. The SA suggested it to me when I returned the Aromatherapy line lotion upon finding out that it is no longer in a promo. 

Admittedly I'm using the Aromatherapy Hand Soap as body wash. But before doing so I asked Google to see/check if other people aside from me are doing it? Don't roll your eyes on me please. All my life I had been using bar soap on my body and I was fine with that. I switched from bar soap to body wash only less than a year ago because I read somewhere that body wash is advisable for people with a very dry skin. And I'm one of those people with insanely dry skin.

After months of using a body wash I'd say there's no actually difference from using a bar soap. Except that body wash feels luxurious. And smells great. That taking a shower using a body wash feels like giving myself a reward after working hard. But the problem with body wash is that it is so expensive. And the great smell does not last long. As you have to rinse yourself. As of dry skin? It is in control now as I'm using body moisturizers night and day. Sometimes even on lunch break I'll put on a moisturizer all over my body. So body wash is not really the answer. Good moisturizer is the answer. And not forgetting about it.

What I'm trying to say is ~ as I need to control my expenses to save money and live simply I stopped stocking up body wash. What I'm currently using are bottles I purchased when there was a sale last year from various shops. I'm just finishing them before going back to bar soap again. But then if these hand soaps can be used as body wash then it will be a win-win situation for me. I would not need to give up on smelling the scent I love on my body while taking a shower but at the same time I would not have to shell out a fortune. If I will use the 4 bottles of hand soaps that I have as body wash I think it will last for a few months more. Just in time again till the shop has another promotion as low as this. But anyway I'm still observing what will happen. But so far so good. I'm just a little ashamed to tell my friends about it as they might find it weird. ☺

Empties Challenge

The other day I was browsing photos in Instagram and I landed on this post called 'Empties Challenge'. Or 'Empties Review'. It means people are finishing off whatever products they have before buying new one again and posting it so they can track down their progress. The other term that they are using is 'Pan Project'. Mostly it is about make up and skin care products. It means I am not alone in this situation. I mean ever since I started this skin care regime thing from 2014 I have purchased quite a lot of products. Then keep them and forget about them. I stopped purchasing months ago but then it came back again this February ~ March because of promotions. It is not healthy anymore. I'm wasting money and space. The money that I should have spent on lunch/food and on vacation. I will try my very best not to purchase anymore. But except on June or Ramadan as The FaceShop goes on promo only once in a blue moon. Yeah the struggle is real but I know I can do it. 

Beats me if I know why I needed ton of them. I would recommend for women to buy this much if something good happened to me but unfortunately not. People can still have a good skin without spending this much. Oh well, at least I learned my lesson. And it did not take me long time to learn. 

Rice Ceramide @ The Face Shop

I was in the Matajer Mall ~ the only mall between Sharjah and Ajman that carries the South Korean store The Face Shop. It has been the second time since last month that I was in that shop. And for the longest time I had been eyeing a moisturizer from the said shop. It has taken me a long time to buy one because honestly I don't need it yet. I will be needing it after a month or so. And they don't even have a promotion. They rarely have a promotion. But then the SA told me that in Ramadan they will have and that's what? More than a month to go! Yay. 

Rice Ceramide Moisturizer Cream

Price: 40AED

Made in South Korea

I purchased it without reading any further reviews of the product. I was attracted to it because of its name. For me it means that this product has a rice extract or something. And being a Filipina I'm used to eating rice all my life. And if it is good for my tummy then it means that it can also be good on my skin. Here's the photo of the product. It is quite small. So you can carry it around in your purse. 

Initial Impression: I used it immediately when I got home. And it feels a little heavy and leaning on the oily side. I wish I can compare it with other Asian or South Korean brands but I can't think of any right now and I haven't tried that much. I mean I may have quite a few face products that are moisturizing too but they are not exactly a moisturizer (Serum, Emulsion, Essence etc..) So I can only compare it with La Roche Posay moisturizers I've tried. LRP tends to be on the lighter side but triple the amount of Rice Ceramide. I will keep it for now but I will definitely use it again. If it won't work on my face then I'll use it in my elbows and knees. Those parts of my body tends to be drier specially now that summer starts to kick in ~ HARD!

Trial packs of Chia Seed No Shine Hydrating Cream are the freebies ~ that is why I love that branch. They are so different from the branch in Mirdif City Center. I will use it next month. And for now I will do some de cluttering of my stuff. Thanks for dropping by. 

The EFFECT of promotions and my Reebok Shoes..

I'm trying my level best to be frugal. Save money. Be minimalist. Simple living. I don't need another shoes. But relax, I did not purchase this Reebok Shoes. This was a gift for me. I am not sharing it to brag. But I just want to tell something about UAE life through this shoes. 

There seem to be a sale or promotion every month across the UAE. For example this shoes the original price was 285AED but since it was on sale the price then became 49AED. What I am trying to say is this promotion can be good or bad but the control is in the person. 

For the last 8 years I had been living a frugal life by buying what I need only. During those times promotion has been a big help for me since I buy whatever I need and when only they are on sale. But then when I decided to give in to my lust over material possessions then promotion is more of a disadvantage than an advantage for me because I kept on buying items since they are on sale. Wasting money, space and time in the long run. 

I still have unused make up and skin care products. And in spite of the brands I used I still have the same skin complexion. And the skin problems won't go away. Sigh. Right now I'm finishing them off and swear to never buy again. 

But that crazy shopping spree lasted for only a year and half. I learned my lesson. Learned it in a hard way. When I was not able to go on vacation last year because I wasted too much money. I would not mind receiving another gift again though. But spend? Nah, I'll skip.

You are here ☺

PHOTO Credits to the owner

Victoria's Secret @ Matjar.Ae

So for the month of February Victoria's Secret UAE has a promotion of Buy 2 Fantasy Line Products for only 50AED; but unfortunately I was not able to hoard my beloved Victoria's Secret Deep Softening Body Butter. March came and I found out that it really has been discontinued for good. Along with body washes. But then methinks maybe some shops out there still have a stock, right? Tried browsing Google for some online shop in the UAE and out of that search I landed at the website of Matjar. And they are using the courier Mara Express as can be seen in this photo:

I am not really familiar with this online shop to be honest. It was my first time to order from them without thinking twice. And anyway I don't think there are fake VS Deep Softening Body Butter out there. I'm not even sure about its popularity because if it yes well loved by many then how come it has been discontinued. Next photo shows their address where they are operating:

First of all that time only Matjar was the only UAE online shop that happens to have a remaining stock of Victoria's Secret Deep Softening Butter. Second, the price is affordable. Almost the same with the US price. They were selling it for only 35AED per tube. And so I have taken their remaining 3 pieces of tubes. I made that order around 6PM and I immediately got a call  from them. Then I got my order the next day before lunch break. Talk about being fast and hassle free. And the shipping fee was not so bad either. It was only for 15AED compare to other courier companies.

As of the product's authenticity? ☺
Yes it is authentic. No fakes. And so my first order with the shop was memorable. I even gave their website to my colleagues who might want to order something online. Fast. Reliable. What more can I ask for? In fact they waaayyy better than Souq. Ooopppsss. No offense meant!

Tada!!! My items from Matjar. I'm sharing this for those people out there who are looking for an online shop in the UAE that you can trust. Totally recommended. I'm a happy customer and I'm enjoying my Victoria's Secret as this is the last batch. Not unless that company decides to bring it back from the dead. That's all for now. Ciao!!

Woman ☺

PHOTO Credits to the owner

Bath And Body Works Aromatherapy

I had been a customer of Bath and Body Works only last year. Sometime between October and November and I had a haul for quite a few times. But I would not say a regular customer as I make purchase only when they have a sale or promotion. God knows there's no way I would buy or afford their product on a regular price. So many things has been going on in my life that buying an expensive product for me is a no ~ no not unless it is my birthday or something very important has happened in my life.

 

I don't have any purchase from Bath and Body Works from late November until March in spite of them participating in January's Dubai Shopping Festival or DSF. In fact I was disappointed in their supposed to be biggest sale ever. That biggest sale ever turned out to be only for products I don't even know/recognized and not for all items inside their store. So even if I badly wanted to try out their Aromatherapy line I stayed away from it just because I can't bring myself to shell out 45AED for a bottle. Instead I patiently waited if there will come a time that it will be included in their promotion. And so imagine my surprised when April came and finally... (drum roll please) Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy is finally on sale tooooo!!!!!!!!! Needless to say I got myself all the variants as can be seen in the photos below.

I was interested in Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy as someone gave me a bottle of body gel/wash. And from that I knew that it will be my favorite out of all the products the Bath and Body Works offer. In the past I have tried at least 6 or was it 9 variants of their body wash and even those in spite of having different names/scents they seem to have one thing in common: being extra insanely sweet that I feel 'suya' or 'umay' if I will use it everyday. Well in English word they say that the translation is fed up. Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy has a strong scent too just like the other products but what makes them apart is the scents are more natural and something you wouldn't get tired of. There is a reason why it is called Aromatherapy anyway. 

I started using it immediately. And when I do so only them I realized that this line actually has 4, wait is variant a correct term? I mean there is a Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep, Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Stress Relief, Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Energy and last but not the least Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sensual. I asked Google for reviews ~ looks like this has been around since 2012. And there has been other variants that seems to be available in the US only. And not outside. Or maybe those has been phased out? I don't know. I'm not too sure. Bath and Body Works as well as Victoria's Secret are from the same company and they love to do that with their products ~ introduced something and when you start loving it they will discontinue without giving a reason why or at least asking the customers ☻

A bottle of Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy retails for 45.00AED slightly lower than Bath and Body Works Signature Collection. But since it was on promotion of Buy 3, Take 3 I paid 135AED for 6 bottles. Making a bottle 22.50AED each. And the amount of 22.50AED a bottle isn't bad at all and it is the normal amount of lotions you'll get at Carrefour. But of course the huge difference between those from Carrefour and BBW is this scent lasts longer. Here are the Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep in Lavender Vanilla and Lavender Chamomile. I first used the Lavender Vanilla and surprisingly I enjoyed it in spite of me not really into Lavender scent. Makes sleeping more pleasant. If only budget is not an issue for me (as always) I would have gone back and purchase shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body scrub ~ in short the complete line. But then since financial is always a hindrance for me I just have to be content with my body lotions for now. At least I get to use a different scent every night.

And here are the Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Stress Relief in Eucalyptus Spearmint and Eucalyptus Tea. Upon first use of these I thought there was no difference until after a few seconds. I mean they smell the same for me. But Eucalyptus Spearmint is called that way for a reason. After a few seconds I felt a minty sensation in my body. Which makes me wonder how would I feel once the summer is in full bloom over here. Our summer in UAE is like being in one big oven. Imagine 50 degrees Celsius. I think it would be best to use in in Winter. Or just at night when I'm about to go to sleep but never when I'm about to go out of the house and be exposed in the fierce sun.

Here are the Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sensual in Jasmine Vanilla ~ this is my favorite of them all and I wish the Blackcurrant Vanilla I'm seeing in the US website would be available here too. Okay I admit not remembering how the Jasmine flower smells but this fusion of Jasmine and Vanilla is so divine. So calling it sensual is appropriate methinks. I haven't tried yet the Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Energy in Orange Ginger. I love Orange. But can't say the same for Ginger. In cooking yes, but as a skin care? It might be my least favorite, maybe. I might use it this weekend. Because with the way I'm using the lotions I might finish them off fast. But its hard to see in the blue bottles above how much already I'm consuming.

And that's it for today. Thanks for dropping by. I would have love to write a post for each of them showing them in different photos but as always I can't find the time. Maybe I'll have all the time in the world when I'm gray and old and retired. As of my TIME nothing has been changed since last year. Actually nothing really changed at all. Except the products I'm using. And I wish this is still on sale (Bath and Body Works UAE has a Twitter and IG accounts. But they don't bother to answer the queries anyway. And they don't send SMS all the time. I found about this sale when I visited their shop. If I didn't I would have not known). If in case this is still on sale I'll purchase more lotions but not for myself.

Finally after planning since 2013 looks like my dream vacation in Turkey will push through this year. I'm not afraid to go ahead as I have a distant relative who has a flat/house in there where I could stay. Well paying for your accommodation while on vacation is the most difficult part. If that vacation materializes it is only fitting that I give her some gift. And in that case I wish to give her some Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy to enjoy. I really had to visit the shop for me to know. If ever the sale is over I'll just wait for May. As May last year they had a promotion. If still no luck in May then I'll wait for June for Dubai Summer Festival. ♥

Victoria's Secret Body Mists @ Xpressions Style

Made these purchase in March and April 2016. I have done so because they were on sale at Xpressions Style. I think it is still on sale until now. The reason for it in being discounted amount is this is the last batch of Victoria's Secret on old package. If you will visit their stores across UAE they are now selling Victoria's Secret Fantasy Lines in new packaging and in higher price. So some shops who still have the old packaging now wants to finished them off from their shelves.

Victoria's Secret Fantasy Body Mists retail at Xpressions Style for 39.75AED per bottle. But while on promotion you can get 3 pieces of only 99AED. And if you will visit their website and order from there you can have the 3 bottles for only 85AED this is the website Xpressions Style. I stocked up not because I'm obsessed with it but I found out that body mist or perfume are better in keeping the flat in smelling good. As well as the clothes, curtains, pillows and bed sheets.

If money is not an issue I would have taken all the Sheer Love and Love Addict variants but unfortunately my budget says NO. So I just got at least 9 bottles in different variants. If at the end of April some are still left and still on sale then its meant for me to purchase again. But if not then I'll just move on to other brands in the market but of course I'll choose those affordable ones or which would be on sale price.

Concept II Hype @ Lifestyle

Here I am again sharing another purchase of mine. I got these items for the month of March. They were having a sale. A body mist would cost 29AED per bottle but since it was on promo I got 3 bottles for only 59AED. 

The name is HYPE by Concept II. This is available in all Centrepoint branches across the UAE. Even in Ajman Branch. But I got mine at Lifestyle in Matajer Mall. I would have gotten the 5 pieces promo but they don't have much selection so I ended up getting 2 variants only.

 That's all for today. Thanks for dropping by. Will write another post when I start using it. For the month of March I purchase far too many body mists and perfumes. So it take time for me to use them all. Have a good day!

V Brand Gallery @ Dubai Outlet Mall

The short version of this post: I was looking for Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Cherry Blossoms Perfume last month but it was not available at Safeer Mall. I found it at V Brand Gallery of Dubai Outlet Mall. Scroll down for photos if you want to see what I am talking about. But this is not a review as I'm not yet using the perfume ☺

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea

Cherry Blossoms Perfume

www.elizabetharden.com

Part of their Green Tea Perfume Series

Price: 59.00AED

Purchased At: V Brand Gallery

Dubai Outlet Mall

The paper bag where the name of their shop is stated as well as their website. But honestly I couldn't care less. What matters to me is to get the item at the lowest price. Now here's the back story. I am not a collector of perfumes. In fact out of my 10 years here in UAE I only have 3 or 4 bottles can't even remember my reason for purchasing but one of them was just a gift. My decision to buy perfumes just happened last month. I had been thinking of ways to combat the smell the cooking emits at our tiny and closed space flat not until I tried using Bath and Body Works body mists which turned out to be effective and safer than scented candles and air spray. Then upon reading reviews/blogs/write ups people says that perfume is long lasting and better than body mists. And you only need to use a few spray. So I said why not? Buying one perfume a month would not hurt my pocket so deeply right? Not only the room/flat would smell great but as well as our clothes.

What I think about the V Brand Gallery shop: looks like they have a vast selection of perfumes. Even the ones you will not normally find outside. Those that are already phased out. Or hard to find brands. BUT their prices are not really a discounted price which in the first place should be their selling point. Dubai Outlet Mall is supposed to be a mall/place where you'll find items at a discounted amount. That is why people travel hours just to be there. This mall is in almost a middle of nowhere to be honest. So methinks this is the last purchase I will have over there. Elizabeth Arden Green Tea perfume series retails at the same price at the good old Safeer Mall.

Whoah bad photos eh? Taken them for a few seconds during my lunch break. I have chose the Green Tea Cherry Blossom perfume as the other Cherry Blossom products I own are love and smells good. So I have high hopes for this one. Hope it will deliver.

The two variants of Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Series Perfume I own right now. First was Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Honeysuckle and second is Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Cherry Blossom.

But as I write this I have a strong feeling that it will be the last. Not because they are bad products. But because the guilt creeps in. The goal is to be able to get out of this place and be somewhere cold. And every dirham I spend is taking me away from that goal hence the guilt feeling. But when I was in a shop browsing items for a moment I forget all my problems that seems to be just getting bigger every time. Oh, the life of an OFW.



Your LIFE is right now

PHOTO Credits to the owner

The Deal @ Dubai Outlet Mall

Dubai Outlet Mall is a mall in Dubai and quite far from Ajman and the selling point of this mall is that they are selling items in lesser amount if compared to other malls in the region. Can't sing all praises as this mall could be a hit and miss. But even so I love going to that mall whenever I can.

 

This was the first time that I purchased some items at the shop called The Deal. I had been at that shop a few times before but not buying anything as I find their prices are still too steep for an Outlet Mall. But this purchase is an exception for a reason.

L'occitane a French brand of cosmetics. I can't even pronounced the name ☺. It is a high end brand of cosmetics and never even once I dared to step in, in their shop at Mirdif City Center. I haven't seen them go on sale (just like Lush) even when there is a promotion on going in the UAE like the Dubai Shopping Festival or Dubai Summer Sale. I know their prices as they have an online shop in the UAE. Buying from them defies being frugal. So I just end up checking their website and that's it. And the only chance I get to try L'occitane is through The Deal in Dubai Outlet Mall.

The packaging in the first and second photo are the same. Both are sun protection products. But the first photo is oil while the second photo is cream. Original price as per their UAE website is between 149AED to 169AED and it is currently on sale for 79AED. Maybe they will be phasing this out soon? Because out of all their items this is the only one on sale. As of the price in The Deal Shop it is 35AED only for the Jenipapo Jelly Milk sunscreen while the Jenipapo Sunscreen Oil is 39AED.

Honestly 35AED and 39AED are still too expensive for me but comparing it with other sunscreen brands from the good old Carrefour then I can say that this is the normal (affordable price) of sunscreens in the UAE market. What I like about this L'occitane brand is their scent. I was the one who uses unscented skin products before not until I met Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works. Then after that I'm always on the look out for affordable ones with good floral scents.

Been using it for 2 weeks now and because of the good smell it makes putting on sunscreen so much fun. And I'm a little excited on my next visit again to The Deal. When it comes to L'occitane the shop really suits itself. I got a good deal. ♥

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Honeysuckle

The first perfume I purchased after so many years! I have chosen this Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Honeysuckle because this is the most affordable I can find in the market. But haven't started using it yet. So can't share much at this point if it is yay or nay. Will use it mostly as room spray. I love green tea but let me see if I could say the same with the perfume ♥

Wishlist: The FaceShop Perfumed Body Cream

I got this photo from the website of The Faceshop. I'm loving The Faceshop Milky Lotion that makes me want to try this too. But not now. I will be waiting for their next sale :)

Monochrome Series 1

Used to study basic photography but unlearned everything that I learned. Stopped practicing as I don't really have the eye or talent for it. But I still take photos from time to time for memories and for this blog. Black and white is one of my favorites. I will be sharing them here with the title of Monochrome Series. I'm just using iPhone apps to turn them into black and white photos. For the meantime my subject is beauty product: