I REVIEW: Australian Bush Flower Essences Replenishing Night Cream

I can really say now that I should be an official model/ambassadress for Australian Bush Flower Essences.  Every product from them that I have tested were all totally worth it- and I am proud and happy to say that I have been privileged to use such amazing green products from a respectable company.  It’s an overall package- they don’t really just have effective products but it is also worth-mentioning that ABFE has the most accommodating staff ever.  They’d answer to every inquiry I make and in a very friendly manner.  Win win!

For the past two months I have been using the replenishing night cream from ABFE.  Like the previous products I have tested from them, my first impression is that it smells heavenly.  It’s like a mixture of different fresh flowers and fruits- I almost wanna eat it.  Ha!  Now I don’t really like sticky or very thick facial creams- I tend to have breakouts after using them but this one has just the right consistency, almost like a body lotion but for the face.  Also, it won’t leave your face oily afterwards which is a big plus for me.  And I am proud to say that after two months of using it, my face is clearer, noticeably firmer skin and less pores.  I am really happy of the results that I will be buying one for my mother as well.  Yay!

For best results, I recommend you using it after applying ABFE’s Gentle Face Wash Serum (Evening).  And once again, it is organic, which makes it a win-win-win in my book!  Thank you ABFE!  You’re simply the best!

x,D

I REVIEW: Garnier Fructis Hydra Recharge

I am pretty meticulous when it comes to my hair care routine- shampoo, conditioner, and in certain cases some hair serum if I feel as if my hair needs that extra boost.  You know, we all have them issues of bad hair days, and as much as possible, we do our best to avoid that.  And when I say meticulous, I make sure I am getting the best quality- have to make sure it’s moisturizing, smells good, and will make my hair smooth, shiny, and hydrated.  Of course, as much as possible, no dandruff.  But on cases like that, I use an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner.

Some weeks ago, BzzAgent sent me a kit to try out the new Garnier Fructis Hydra Recharge range.  I was so excited when I found out I will be one of the members testing- so I waited (patiently) for my box to arrive.  The system is composed of 3 items:  fortifying shampoo, fortifying conditioner, and the 1-Minute Moisture-Plenish Treatment.

The Hydra Recharge Shampoo is the first shampoo to have encapsulated beads of superfruits goji berry, passion fruit, and kiwi.  The results: weightless bouncy hair super silky and super smooth.  I can’t get enough of this shampoo and I am totally hooked.  I have color-treated hair but still, it was a good fit for my hair type.

Now I am a conditioner type of girl, and I cannot live just on shampoo alone.  I have to have conditioner afterwards.  When I do not have it, my hair is frizzy, gets oily, and hard to manage.  So when I used Hydra Recharge Fortifying Conditioner it was love at first application.  I can’t rave enough of the smell either.  So sweet, and even sweeter is the effect it brings to my hair.

The Hydra Recharge 1-Minute Moisture-Plenish Treatment is a powerful deep treatment with lightweight creme-gel formula transforming dry hair with a surge of high performance hydration in just 1 minute.  Another great addition to my hair care routine.

Overall, I am very satisfied with Granier Fructis Hydra Recharge system.  I will definitely continue using them and I am once again very thankful that I was given the chance to try it.  Thank you BzzAgent!

x,
D

Did Someone Say Free Samples?

I was at Marina Bay Sands this weekend and what better way to spend it than to visit beauty shops, try new products and request beauty samples.  Win-win-win!  Sometimes, you really don’t need beauty box subscriptions and all you need to do is just walk out of your door, head to your nearest mall and visit the beauty counters.  Don’t shy away and ask if they have new samples on offer.  The best part is, they’re free and you have the the chance to inquire more about what they currently offer, new products, etc.

I got tons of perfume samples from different high-end brands like Creed, Miller Harris, Serge Lutens, and a whole lot more skin care samples from popular and definitely favorite brands like L’occitane, Aesop, and other less popular ones that I think are also good.  The key is to be vocal about it- you cannot just go to a certain store and expect them to offer you samples right away- you have to ask for it but also make sure you don’t sound like a cheapster only after the freebies.  Make some talks, be friendly.  It’s all about being nice!

xo,
D

COVERGIRL: The Art of You

Clump Crusher Mascara

COVERGIRL has the perfect palette for brilliant spring style and I am so excited about it.  First, I have seen a lot of positive reviews about the new COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Mascara that early December, I bought it already.  Bad news is, because I am so busy I yet have to try it and give a more proper review.  But here is a little preview of what you can expect from this new wonder from COVERGIRL.

This spring, go behind the scenes of the COVERGIRL “The Art of You” photo shoot in New York City. Check out this VOGUE TV video to hear on-set fashion stylist Lisa Von Weise’s inspiration for the shoot – pairing the season’s top trends with COVERGIRL’s must-have products.

The innovative double-sided brush features a lash-loading section to saturate lashes and fine-tooth comb bristles to evenly distribute mascara. Creates beautifully separated lashes with 200% more volume, zero clumps.

x,
D

Oscars 2013: The HOTs

I wasn’t able to watch the Oscars live last night but hey, there’s always that endless stream of online updates from different news sites.  Before you know it, a Youtube full show video will pop up anytime soon and I am just gonna look forward to that.  For now, the fashion showcase.

Let’s do The HOTS, shall we?

Jessica Chastain

I’m a big Chastain fan.  I loved her being Celia Foote on the movie The Help, and I certainly agree with her red carpet choices.  This is simple elegance .  Love her hair and makeup too.  Lovely!

Jennifer Lawrence

I simply love this girl’s outfit.  Although I haven’t seen any of her movies yet, I must say that she knows how to play the red carpet.  I have seen her gowns from past award shows and she really is consistently winning it- both the acting awards and the fashion.

Anne Hathaway

When she went for the shorty, I noticed her more- her fashion sense, her aura.  This woman is becoming more and more of a fashion icon.  I wish I can carry that hairstyle well- I guess I need to lose weight to win this look.  Fab!

Jennifer Hudson

You go girl!  Werq them bangs, werq them curves.

Samantha Barks

I don’t know her but I adore the simplicity of her Valentino black gown.  Winner!

Maria Menounos

When I see Maria Menounos, I think of Giuliana Rancic, and when I see Rancic, I think of Menounos.  Anyway, I love her hair, and the simple pink gown.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Oh my, oh my.  He’s looking great, oh my, oh my.

Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts

Two things:  I am jealous of Naomi Watts for having Schreiber as a partner.  But at the same time, I also super love this couple.  Okay, I am jealous some more.

Bradley Cooper and his mom.

Bradley Cooper, please marry me!  We can do it Vegas style and divorce the day after.  Just please marry me.

Chris Evans

I love you long time Captain America!

Jamie Foxx and Corinne Bishop

Not a Jamie Foxx fan, but his daughter?  She’s beautiful!  If I didn’t read the label, I’d mistake them as a couple.

Daniel Day-Lewis and Rebecca Miller

I admit, I have a crush on Daniel Day-Lewis.  He remind me of Matthew Fox, the older version.

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck is someone I initially didn’t like before.  But as he age, he’s becoming hotter and hotter.  Don’t you all agree?

Paul Rudd and Julie Yaeger

Paul Rudd.  I love you.

x,
D

 

I REVIEW: Birchbox February 2013

My February 2013 Birchbox

I have to mention that I am a little disappointed with my Birchbox this month.  There were two inappropriate samples that’re included- don’t get me wrong, I love love love chocolates but I can subscribe to a food box if I want to eat.  I still do not understand the reasoning why they have to include chocolate, and a disadvantageous headband.  No, no, no!  I am just glad that they’ve included fragrance sample by Nicole Richie and a nail polish from Color Club.  The remaining item, a facial exfoliator by Vasanti, I cannot use it right now because I am on a certain facial care routine and I don’t want to mess that up especially it’s doing well on my skin.  Like they say- if it ain’t broken, no need to fix it!

My final verdict?  I am giving Birchbox another month and if I do not see improvement, then I think it is time to move on.

x,
D

 

A Nice Surprise to Start My Day

I love Adam Levine, and I cannot wait to experience his new fragrance.  This will be fun!
Also, I think it is worth mentioning that I am extremely busy these days and I might not be able to post regularly until I’m settled.

x,
D

SHOPBAZAAR Fashion Week Finale Look Sweepstakes

Enter for the chance to win an editor-selected look from the CH Carolina Herrera Spring 2013 runway show.

This season at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, American Express has partnered with CH Carolina Herrera on a runway show featuring the label’s Spring 2013 collection. BAZAAR’s style director Joanna Hillman and executive accessories editor Sam Broekema selected five key looks to be made available for sale on ShopBAZAAR beginning February 14 at 6:30pm EST.

Good luck!
I hope you win!

x,
D

I REVIEW: Flormar Longwearing Lipstick

Flormar Longwearing Lipstick in L 08

So Flormar is supposedly Turkey’s best cosmetic brand from what I’ve read.  There’s still tons of information I need to read in order to keep up with the (beauty) world- and I guess I will have a long long time discovering.  But as they say, everyday is always a new day to learn and find out about new things.  And I totally agree with that.

Now there are reds my lips simply cannot tolerate (hello MAC Russian Red)- maybe because once red is applied to my thick and full lips, it can make it look really sexy, or in most cases, funny.  I have very large mouth admittedly, and as much as possible, I try not to wear reds or in several cases, pales/nudes because they emphasize it and I end up making myself look like a clown (with red) and a drag queen (with nude lips).  So I have to be always careful with colors I choose for my diva lips.  A little gloss here, a little light pink there.

Wearing Flormar Longwearing Lipstick in Red (L 08)

Flormar Longwearing Lipstick has apricot seed-oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter which locks in moisture to the lips.  Color-wise, it looks similar to MAC’s Russian Red so I was very skeptical if I will wear it or not.  So what I did is that, after application I coated it with NYC Nude York Color Liquid Lipshine that I got from Influenster, so as to not make it look really strong red.  And I think it worked.

The verdict?  Unfortunately, the color is not something I really want for my lips.  I can wear it every now and then, but not on a regular basis.  Like mentioned earlier, reds either make me or break me (ha!) and I don’t want to risk that. This one retails at $8.50 in case you’re interested.

Happy Sunday everyone!

x,
D