BDJBOX UNBOXING: JULY 2015 'PREPPED AND POLISHED'

At last I got free time to do this long overdue unboxing. July is the month where BDJ Box Team wants us to be prepped and polished during the rainy season.

INSIDE THE BOX:

Dove Oxygen & Nourishment Shampoo and Conditioner

full size: 180ml each / Php 115 each

The newest variant from Dove Hair specially designed for Filipinas with dry. flat hair. Use this everyday and let your hair bounce back to its glowing condition. This has Oxyfusion technology that gives you soft, nourished hair plus 95% more volume. You would not need to compromise between volume and nourishment as it gives both.

It's new and very happy to be the first ones to try it. I did use it already and I am loving the scent. 

V10 Plus Serum

sample size: 2ml/each (full size: 30ml / Php 4750)

An award winning serum from Japan. V10 Plus is the world's first Skin Supplement Concept. This comes in 10 variants that will enable you to find what's best for your skin need. May it be dry, oily, acne-prone skin, suffering from aging, fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C Serum: The perfect treatment if you're worried about blemshes on your skin. It treats old spots on your face, slowly evening your skin tone and at the same time, prevents any future breakouts.

Licorice Serum: Makes your skin radiantly smooth. It has an ant-inflammatory effect, and soothes skin irritations, perfect for blemished or sensitive skin.

I am into asian serums this year and I am happy I get to sample this one.

Benefit They're Real Mascara

deluxe sample: 3ml (full size: 8.5ml / Php 1300)

It lengthens curls, volumizes, lifts and separates lashes. It contains a jet black, long wearing formula that won't smudge or dry out, perfect for a quick and easy, daytime to nighttime look.

This brand isn't readily available in the place where I live and I am so pumped to receive one. Got a few mascaras and this would be nice one to try on.

Celeteque Cleansing Oil

full size: 50ml / Php 199

With Dual Vitamin Regenerating Complex that promotes healthy tissue regeneration, this double-duty cleanser also helps firm skin and reduce fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.

I am nearly running out of make up removers and cleansing oils, it is about time I get one.

Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar

sample size: 28g x 3 (full size: 127g / Php 441)

Gentle enough to use daily but effective at cleaning and soothing your skin. It's your skin's constant companion in the shower or in the tub. It is specially designed for dry, sensitive skin and leaves it feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. It cleanses without irritation or dryness and moisturizes as it cleans to leave skin restored of its natural protective oils and emollients.

I do love Cetaphil because it suits all ages and with its size, it is difinitely easy to bring during my travels.

FS Luscious Lipstick in Matte Primrose

full size: 4g / Php 299

It will give you a fine-looking lips ready to show off a wide and vibrant smile. This is the ultimate lipstick collection for all season. Luscious lipstick is rich in pigment colors that comes in 9 creamy shades and 9 matte shades giving you many options to choose from. 

I am not sure whether I like or not like this because I don't usually use bold lip colors on a daily basis but we'll see. I'll make up my mind when I start trying it out.

Carmex Click Stick Lip Balm

full size: 4.25g / Php 110

Carmex Tube Lip Balm

full size: 10g / Php 110

The unique formula helps soothe, moisturise and relieve dry, chapped lips caused by environmental factors resulting in soft, healthy-looking lips.This award winning lip balm is a favourite of celebrities and make up artists all over the world.

Carmex is a realiable brand when it comes to lip moisturizing, I've tried one in my college days. I am happy I get to get not 1 but 2 from Carmex but I have overflowing supply of lip balms and I don't know how I am supposed to used them all up when the expiration dates are ticking. But what the heck, I might just end up using these babies just because Carmex lip balms are best suited for my dry and chapped lips.

Canmake Nail Polish

full size: 3.8g / Php 330

It has funky range of colors with pearl highlights you can try plus a benefit of quick-dry formula so no need to wait long until it dries. It goes on evenly, with every single color looking just as good on your nails as it does in the bottle. Comes with a fine brush to help you easily swipe on a wonderful color in your nails.

I am not loving this nail polish. I will do a review on this later on.

stickers

What I love about this box:

• I value this box at Php 2662 (sample size computed by volume) vs subscription fee of Pph 580. Now isn't that 4x what your paid for?
• Out of 13 items inside the box: 7 are in full size, 1 deluxe sample (mascara) and 5 sample size. More products in full size.
• Dove Oxygen & Nourishment Shampoo and Conditioner are newly launched products from Dove Hair and hell yeah I get to try it. V10 Plus Serum is an expensive product from Japan which I have only known thru this BDJ Box and boy am I happy to try them on.
• I live 5-6 hours ride from the Metro and Benefit is a brand which is not readily available so yes you can definitely say I am glad I get to receive my first Benefit product.
• Carmex? No questions asked. a very reliable brand for my dry and chapped lips. Carmex to the rescue.  

What I didn't like about this box:

• I didn't like the Canmake Nail Polish because it isn't as promising as its description. So not loving it. 
• I am so not in to FS Cosmetics and really adamant in trying one.
• Most of the items inside the box are just to replenish my beauty product supplies which is at some point I am not happy about.
• Dove, Cetaphil, Carmex, FS and Celeteque are brands which are easily accesible for me to buy. 

BDJ Box Unboxing: June 2015 'Bioderma'

At long last I have received my June BDJ Box, my 2nd box. Here's the contents:

Bioderma Samples:

Sebium Pore Refiner 5ml (full size: 30ml / Php 1468)

This targeted daily treatment works to tighten pores that are dilated, prevent imperfections, and mattify the skin both immediately and over the long term, thanks to the astringent and pore minimizer property of Fomes Officinalis (muschroom extract). Antioxidants boost the skin's radiance and protect it from external aggressors. The lightweight, fluid formula melts into the skin instantly, and creates an excellent base for make-up application.

Sebium Gel Moussant 10ml (full size: 200ml / Php 1238)

The gentle, soap-free formula can be used on the face and other imperfection-prone areas of the body, such as the chest and the back. The non-comedogenic wash reduces sebum secretion with its patented Fluidactiv sebum-correcting complex, and ensures that the sebum is of better quality to reduce the risk of breakouts. After use, skin is left feeling purified and fresh.

Sensibio DS+ 5ml (full size: 40ml / Php 1628)

This is an intensely calming moisturizer with a lightweight texture. Designed for those who have sebhorrhoeic dermatitis, its soothing formula works to relieve high colour and smooth the skin using a dual and anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory action. It uses a targeted action to boost the skin's healing process, while the patented natural D.A.F complex improves the skin's tolerance threshold. Its pleasant, non-oily gel-cream texture provides instant comfort.

Sensibio Light 5ml (full size: 40ml / Php 1548)

This silky everyday moisturizer protects the complexion from external aggravators, and works to build the skin's own tolerance over time with the patented Toleridine complex. Formulated with rigorously selective active ingredients, it is an ideal step in the treatment of sensitive skin. Over time tightness and overheating of the skin is reduced thanks to the restoration of the cutaneous barrier. In its place is a supple, comfortable and less inflamed complexion.

Sensibio Eye Contour Gel 2ml (full size: 15ml / Php 1248)

Restore the youthful brightness of your sensitive eye area with this gel. The lightweight hydrating gel works to decongest this most delicate area of our skin, reducing the puffiness and smoothing line lines with its rigorously selective active ingredients. Immediately, eye skin is soothed and protected, and becomes resistant to external attack thanks to the patented Toleridine complex

Atoderm Intensive 8ml (full size: 200ml / Php 1418)

When skin is a atopic and dry, it can be extremely irritable, itchy and uncomfortable. The Intensive Soothing Emollient Care is created with Bioderma's exclusive Skin Barrier Therapy complex, which restores the integrity of the skin barrier, prevents the penetration of allergens and enhances suppleness and comfort. Added Zinc and Betasitosterol provide intense anti-inflammatory care and helps to stop the itch.

Atoderm Preventive 8ml (full size: 200ml / Php 1998)

Limit the aggravation of very dry skin from birth with a delicate formula created for infants and children. It has been developed to intensively restore the integrity of the skin barrier by strengthening and protecting young skin, ensuring that the evolution from dryness to atopic dermatitis in childhood is prevented. With its quick application and ultracomfortable texture, skin is soothed swiftly and durably.

Photoderm Max 5ml (full size: 40ml/ Php 1348)With maximum anti-UVB and extreme anti-UVA performance, it guarantees optimum protection against sunburn, sun intolerance and premature ageing. Exclusive patented Cellular BIOprotection complex effectively shields the skin against risks of cell damage. The melting texture feels very comfortable on the complexion and is perfectly colourless when applied, leaving no trace of white marks or a greasy film.

The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain

full size: 8ml / Php 795

This dual-purpose stain from The Body Shop gives your lips and cheeks a healthy-looking glow with one wash of color, or builds up for a richer, deeper coverage. Used alone, it's a sheer stain, but can also be used as a great base for lip and even cheek products for a longer lasting flush. Its moisturizing formulation helps to condition the skin with Vitamin E.

The Body Shop Php 200 discount coupon

(for a minimum of Php 1000 purchase of regular-priced items)

What I like about this box:

• They focused on a brand Bioderma that is new in the Philippine market. A brand that looks promising and isn't readily available in stores. A good chance to try new product.
• Variety of samples. Bioderma is quiet expensive so you get to try it first and see if it feels right to your skin before you even decide to empty your pockets.
• Excited to try my first The Body Shop product, believe it or not it is my first from the brand.

Why I am not impressed with this box:

• Box Worth: Php 795 (plus samples and a coupon) vs subscription Php 580. I did not include the price for the samples, samples are samples. It is not their usual 2x or 3x the subscription fee. 
• I do understand that BDJ Box had been busy on their Boot Camp but they shouldn't have compromised releasing subscription boxes. They released this box just a few days before June ends. I think BDJ box needs to improve on that manner. Subscription items are supposed to be shipped and delivered at the start of the month and not at the end of the month. 
• Samples are way too small. I wish they could have added at least one big sized sample. 

To sum it up, I am very happy I get to try Bioderma but I am not satisfied at how small the samples are.

BDJ Box Unboxing: May 2015 'Kiss Dry Goodbye'

Been on a hiatus for a long time now. Getting hired just took much of my time but now I'm back. This unboxing is basically long overdue. I had received this box on the last few days of May. I have waited for this since I started subscribing last February. Now I get to unbox a BDJ box.

The box is first and foremost heavy and jam packed with a variety of products. Here's what's inside:

Full Size Items

Colgate Optic White Plus Shine

full size: 100g / Php 115

Not 1 but 2 tubes in full size. Now that is a good bargain. I am not blessed with a set of pearly white teeth and this is a good chance for me to try it.

Garnier Skin Naturals Light Complete Whitespeed Multi-Action Whitening Serum Cream with SPF19/PA+++

full size: 50ml / Php 265

Garnier Skin Naturals Light Complete Whitespeed Multi-Action Brightening Scrub

full size: 50ml / Php 84

FS Powder Blush

full size: 6.2g / Php 350

Nivea 3in1 Exfoliating Wipes (20 sheets)

full size / Php 140

Dermal Masks (3 sheets: Gold, Grape, Honey Grapefruit)

full size: php 70

Aloe Derma Pure Aloe Vera Gel

full size: 45g / P280

Samples

Cetaphil Daily Advance Moisturizing Lotion

sample size provided: 14g x 2

(full size: 85g / Php 675)

I love Cetaphil, I wished this was in full size. But still I am happy they gave out 2 tube (sample size).

*Himawari Dear Beaute Oil in Shampoo and Conditioner

sample size provided in sachet: 10ml shampoo + 10ml conditioner

(full size: 500ml / Php 695)

*Pure Savon Body Wash 

sample size provided in sachet: 8ml Rose Blend Scent + 8ml Classic Floral White / Lily Scent

(full size: 300ml / Php 545)

Cure Natural Aqua Gel

sample size provided in small sachet x 4

(full size: 250ml / Php 1500)

What I love about this box:

• Box contents worth Php 1559 (excluding samples) vs. subscription of Php 580.
• More full size items rather than samples. Now isn't that a bargain? 
• I am pumped up on the Japanese Beauty Bundle Samples (Himawari Shampoo and Conditioner, Pure Savon Body Wash & Cure Natural Aqua Gel), excited to try them. 
• I am a fan of Cetaphil as it caters to all skin types of all ages, happy I get to try their moisturizing lotion. 
• Aloe vera gel is a multipurpose product which is a great deal although I do have one big tub at home but it isn't travel friendly and the 45g tube provided just solved my problem. 
• More face masks.

What I didn't like about this box:

• Some of the items are readily available in stores anywhere which takes off the excitement of discovering new products.
• I do have a variety of facial washes and happy I get to try a Garnier facial wash but I am not a fan of Garnier creams. I have tried it before when I bought the ones in sachets and I am not really impressed as it feels too thick on my face. 

In the end, I am happy that there is more to like than to hate in this box.

UNBOXING SAMPLE ROOM: Pond's Pearl Cleansing Gel, Dewy Rose Gel & Belo Intensive Whitening Bar

So on my 2nd Sample Room purchase. I'll show you guys what I got. I actually received this last April 30 but then I was quite busy with some family and friends get together that I didn't have enough time to do my unboxing. I have been around Sample Room checking out what products I want to have, something I haven't tried yet. I really wanted to try those Bobby Brown products but I just don't have enough points to avail it. I only have just enough points to avail Pond's Pearl Cleansing gel (comes with Pond's Dewy Rose gel) and the Belo Intensive Whitening Bar.

SUN PROOFING MY FACE & SKIN: With BELO SunExpert, NEUTROGENA Beach Defense, BANANA BOAT Baby Natural Reflect & OraLabs

Summer is not yet over. Almost everyone had looked forward to summer because it is definitely the perfect time for a vacation. It is not complete without hitting the beach or the pool. And summer is when we are exposed to the scorching heat of the sun and are prone to sunburns. Everybody hates sunburns. You wouldn't want to be one of those who have to recover from it. Two days ago during the celebration of the Philippine's Labor Day I hit the pool with my family and the next day, I went yet again but this time with my friends. So if you ask me, 'Did I get sunburned?' No I didn't. (Hurray!) As I have been very diligent in sunproofing my skin and so far it paid of. So how did I manage to do that? Simple. With the help of sunblocks and sunscreens. So now, I am going to share what I did to keep my face and body protected including the products I used and still using for the rest of the summah! 

Me and my Neon-inspired nails

Me and my friend were walking around the department store when we came across displays of nail polishes. I decided to buy as I have been bored with monotone painted nails and would love a pop of color. I love the summer vibe of neon colors on my nails so I bought 5 of them.

So how did I do it? Simple. Apply 2 coats of nail polish. A different color per nail. Make sure the first coat is almost dry before applying the second coat. Let it dry. You might notice that the colors are a little bit dull, so apply a layer of top coat to give it a shine. Dry and there you have it. Neon-inspired nails. You can also paint the letter 'm' if you want just like the m&m chocolate candies.

Nail Polishes used are the ff (available in all leading stores)

Sassy Color in Neon Blue 7ml / P15

Sassy Colors in Neon Violet 7ml / P15

Sassy Colors in Neon Green 7ml / P15

Sassy Colors in Neon Red 7ml / P15

Klik in Neon Orange 7ml / P18.25

(top coat) Caronia in Natural 8ml / P22.75

MEMEBOX Unboxing: 'Anti-Aging'

This is my first memebox as I have been a late bloomer with regards to subscription and beauty boxes. I have just learned of Memebox in the early February and just when I was starting with it, I learned too that they will be ending international shipping outside South Korea, China and US starting February 11, 2015. Despite it, I did have enough time to get a box of my own 5 days before international shipping was discontinued. Most of their boxes during that time were sold out and among the available boxes, the Anti-Aging box was the one that I was really interested in. So I did purchase this one. 

This Membox cost me $29 + $5 regular internationl shipping to the Philippines. It was definitely an agony mixed with

UNBOXING SAMPLE ROOM: Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF40 (1st purchase)

I have registered for sometime at Sample Room but at first didn't have enough points or didn't find any products am interested to sample on. Hence, I have been regularly checking their site for newly released or restocked samples that I would like to have and luckily I finally found something I would like to try on.

But first of all, for those who don't know about Sample Room, it is a sampling website that offers free samples. Upon registration you will be given 100 points which can be used to avail free samples. You can avail a maximum of 3 samples in one transaction. Be reminded that samples are free but you will have to shoulder shipping fees. To learn more, visit their website at www.sampleroom.ph

So going back to Belo SunExpert Face Cover SPF40, I am really glad to have this as it was given in its full size. It retails at P329.75 but I just used 90 points to avail it and paid P140 for shipping. I could just buy this in leading department stores and drugstores but by availing at Sample Room, I get to save P189.75! Isn't that just awesome? I know I am somewhat acting like a cheapskate but it is also the perfect time to try Sample Room for the first time.

UNBOXING GLAMOUR BOX April 2015: "Beauty and The Beach"

Yet again another Glamour Box Unboxing. First of all, I didn't plan on buying this box when it was released earlier since I have stocked up on body sunblocks and I have just enough underarm whitening cream and deodorant. But recently, I have been on family vacations and am running out. There's this summer outing I'll be going to this May. I planned on buying sunscreens in preparation but ended up buying this box, after all I'll be needing it. It is a complete set perfect to beat the summer heat.

 CONTENTS: 6 Full size Belo skin and sun care products Yes you heard me right, full size!

Unboxing GLAMOUR BOX February 2015: 'Eye Love It' Unboxing (My first Glamour Box)

This is my first ever Glamour Box and might not definitely be the last. I have heard of beauty boxes even before but I never pursued trying them out until lately. I have seen Glamour box through Google search and read reviews about it before trying. So far there are more good reviews than bad ones so I decided why not give it a try. I really planned on 1 month subscription to try it out and see how it goes before deciding to subscribe for 3 months.

Recently, I have been looking out for eye liner products and

REVIEW: Etude House Moistful Creams (Flower, Collagen & White)

I've had these Etude House Moistful Cream Skin Care Kit for a long time now. When I saw this, I immediately ordered one. I really loving how cute it looks. This kit contains 3 different creams in 10ml sample size: Moistful Flower Cream, Moistful Collagen Cream, and Moistful White Cream. They also included a short English text, on the back of the box, what the kit comes with and simple instruction on how to use.

REVIEW: Laneige Moisture Trial Kit & Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX

Need moisturizing? Worry no more. Today, I am going to introduce you to a brand called Laneige which is from South Korea. It's concept is on the hydrating science of water. It is a little bit more expensive than your usual South Korean Cosmetic brands. So if you don't want to buy them yet on their full sizes, don't worry they do sell a variety of trial kits for different skin types and for different purposes (be it cleansing, whitening or moisturizing). I actually got 3 trial kits: Cleansing Trial Kit, White Plus Renew Trial Kit and the Moisture Trial Kit which is the one I'll be discussing about. I'll also include in today's review the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX. I got all these products from an online shop based on South Korea that offers shipping worldwide.

The Moisture Trial Kit is packaged in a small box

REVIEW: Etude House AC Clinic Line (Daily Gel Lotion, Intense Red Balm Spot, Acre Cleansing Foam)

Hi there! For my first review I would like to do it on the Etude House's AC Clinic Line which includes the Gel Lotion, Red Spot Balm and Acne Foam Cleanser.

To start of, let me just tell you first about my skin condition which prompted me to buy these products. I have a combination skin type. (Normal or dry in some areas and oily in some areas.) I have hormonal pimples which means on my red days, most often the not, I get to welcome these unwanted pimples. I also get pimples at times due to lack of sleep, stress, and when my T-zone gets too oily. I used to take some hormonal pills for at least a year and it worked really well for me.  The pill cost me a lot and I was afraid of the consequences of long term use, hence I decided not to take them anymore. So now, I had to find other option to keep this nasty pimples under control and I got these products from Etude House in hopes of good results.

1. Etude House AC Clinic Daily Gel Lotion (548php)