Product Review: H2Pro Ceramic Tourmaline 300 Styling Iron (Special Edition)

Product Blurb: H2Pro Ceramic Tourmaline 300 Styling Iron (Special Edition) incorporates advanced combination of three distinct Nano technologies: Nano Ti + Nano TiO + Nano Ag. This powerful trio instantly creates unmatched styling capabilities and health benefits, leaving your hair healthier, shiner, and more vibrant. The advanced self adjusting plates equal more smoothness and sleekness from a styling tool like never before.

Heat temperature: 140-450°F

• Nano Titanium (Ti) = enhances the ionic effect, allowing hair to absorb more moisture for superior conditioning and shine
• Nano Titanium Oxide (TiO) = removes chemical pollutants and toxins from daily exposure
• Nano Silver (Ag) = removes harmful or damaging bacteria from the hair

Price: $160

Available at: http://www.h2prousa.com/





H2Pro Ceramic Tourmaline Styling Iron packs some major heat. I've had my fair share of drugstore brands to expensive straightening irons, but this one tops my list (yes, I've tried out so many straightening irons that I have a list).

What I like about this straightening iron is that it really heats up in mere seconds. I mean it gets really hot, and it stays hot. I've had straigtening irons that don't heat up consistently which can be a problem when you're in a hurry because it's not doing its job properly. Although my hair is relatively straight, certain sections of my hair do tend to go their own way or it gets puffy. Also, my hair is really thick and sometimes it usually takes several runs of the iron to get my hair really straight. But because this straightening iron maintains its heat temperature, it only takes me one run of the straigtening iron per section of my hair which also means less time spent on the mirror straightening my hair. It takes about 10 minutes max (for me) to acheive the pin-straight hair that I always want.
The iron also makes a good curler. Since the plates are not that wide, it makes it easy to wrap the iron around your hair.

Another good thing about this iron, is it keeps my hair nice and shinny, and it doesn't dry out my ends the next day. I don't know if it's just me, but whenever I straightened my hair (using a different iron), my ends tend to get really brittle the next day. I never experienced that using H2pro.

And, one more thing to love about this product is it doesn't pull your hair. I really hate straightening irons that snags your hair. Some irons tend to catch a strand or two of your hair, and ends up pulling it. But with this iron, it only glides down your hair nicely and won't snag or break your hair.

The only negative thing I can say about this iron is it's not recession friendly. But if you are looking for a good quality straightening iron, you might want to check this one out.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

China Glaze Fifth Avenue (Swatch)

I think I'm getting into a nail polish obsession. For some reason, I've had the need to buy a bottle more often than I used to. If it's not makeup, it's nail polish. I've also been really diligent with keeping my nails nice, pretty, and painted lately. It pretty much changes every week just because there are way too many colors that just needs to be worn. And it has become a pet peeve of mine to have ugly, chipping nail polish.

With that said, I present ya'll my new favorite pink nail polish (at the moment), China Glaze Fifth Avenue. I love how dainty and feminine this nail polish looks. It's a really pretty color and at the same time very work appropriate. This is definitely a nice change with my usual dark and vampy colors.

L'Oreal Double Extend Mascara (Review)

Product Blurb:L'Oreal introduces Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lash Extension Effect Mascara, a revolutionary lash extension effect mascara the provides up to 80% longer-looking, nourished lashes.

Step 1 - Nourish & Protect
Step 2 - Tubes extend lashes
Step 3 - Remove with just water

Tube Benefits:

Clump-free length

Smudge-proof

Flake-proof

Long wearing hold

Ophthalmologist and allergy tested

Suitable on sensitive eyes & for contact lens wearers

Ingredients:
Magnifier
Inactive Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Paraffin, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Acrylates Copolymer, Cera Alba/Beeswax, Cera Carnauba (Carnauba Wax), Steareth 2, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acacia Senegal Gum, Rayon, Panthenol, Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Methyparaben, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, 2 Oleamido 1, 3 Octadecandiol, Disodium EDTA, Ethylparaben, Simethicone, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben
May Contain: CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide

Extender
Inactive Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Sodium Laureth 12 Sulfate, Acrylamide, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Phenoxyethanol, Rayon, Polysorbate 80, Methylparaben, Imidazoldinyl Urea, Sodium Dehyroacetate, Disodium EDTA, Silica, Ethylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben
May contain: CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491/Iron Oxides, CI 77007 (Ultramines), Mica, CI 75470 (Carmine), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77289 (Chromium Hydroxide Green), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide), FIL D32060/3

Price: $10.95

Available at: Leading drugstores or at Drugstore.com

More Product Images











L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lash Extension Effect Mascara is a cheaper alternative to Blinc Kiss Me mascaras if you like the idea of coating your lashes through tubing. What I like about this mascara is that the brush evenly coats your lashes, and I didn't even have to worry about clumping even after several coatings. There were no weird or putrid smell like some mascaras tend to have. As for the voluminizing factor, it only did a mediocre job. I've had other mascaras that gave me a more voluminous lashes.

Some gripes about the mascara: I had a hard time controling and holding the mascara wand because the wand itself was too short. Application took a lot longer for me to do and at one point became frustrating because of the trouble I'm having trying to hold the mascara wand. It also didn't help the the tubes were bulky and fat.

As for the lengthening factor, there were no apparent changes in length with my lashes even with the primer and regardless how many coat you choose to apply. The mascara also weighed my lashes down and leaving them flat looking and nowhere being anything sexy or sultry.

But, the worst part of using this mascara is taking it off! For some odd reason, makeup remover only makes it even more difficult in taking it off, but sometimes just washing it with water like it suggests you do will also not get the job done. The idea of tubing your lashes might be a neat one, but not when they're getting stuck on your cheeks. And most of the time even after you thought you completely took it off, you'll wake up the next day with traces of mascara. The 'tubes' can be quite messy and annoying.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

(Photo Credit: Drugstore.com)

TheFaceShop Quick & Clean Oil Free Moisturizing Cream (Product Review)

Product Blurb:
Concept
Quick & Clean is the skin solution to combat excessive oil acne and minor break outs with Tea Tree which proves very effective anti-bacterial quality.

DescriptionSilicone gel network forms a thin layer of silicone gel over skin to prevent moisture evaporation without disturbing skin's ability to breath. Purslane and Grapefruit extracts normalize skin. Tea Tree Chamomile and Licorice prevent inflammation while reducing skin stress.

The FaceShop Quick & Clean moisturizer might have found it's way as my must have moisturizer. It is by far, the only moisturizer that I'm actually going to see the bottom of the tub that I'm both happy and sad to see. Happy because I found a moisturizer that works for me, and sad because I'm running out!

What I really like about this moisturizer is it works well with my acne-prone and combination skin. The consistency of the moisturizer is very light, yet it gives my skin the moisture it needs. My skin just drinks it up as it sinks in my skin. I also like how it doesn't leave any greasy feeling.

Since I started using this moisturizer, I also notice that my pimples were relatively smaller in size (I still get pimples occasionally) and has kept my breakouts at bay because of the Tea Trea ingredient that usually helps with breakouts. I've really notice improvements on how my skin look after using this day and night.

The moisturizer has a somewhat herbal smell, but it doesn't linger and nothing that's insulting to the the nose.

The only thing that I probably didn't like about this product is that the moisturizer is stored in a tub. And at the time when I bought this in the Philippines, it was quite expensive for such a small tub of moisturizer.

Skincare Routine Part 2 (Night): Skin Food Black Sugar Mask

And the series is back up after a long wait. I know this kinda fell off a major hole, but the show is back on.

Here's a quick recap of the products I use at night (click for complete post here):
1. Mandom Cleansing Express Cleansing Lotion Sebum
2. shu uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil 15.2 oz

3. After cleansing my face, at least once a week, I exfoliate my skin to remove any dead skin or debris that might be clogging my pores. I've noticed that I do tend to get bigger pimples if I don't exfoliate. Since I'm still breaking the bad habit of sleeping without washing my face, for me exfoliating is pretty crucial just to make sure my pores are unclogged.

Product Blurb: Moisturizing and exfoliating wash off scrub mask with minerals, vitamins and glycolic acid. Cleanses and revitalizes the skin.

Price: $25.50

I picked up this Black Sugar Mask on my last trip to the Philippines. I know I mentioned that a scrub is probably the only skincare product I'm not willing to pay money for, but this one piqued my interest enough for me to shell the dough.

Prior to the Black Sugar Mask, I was pretty much making my own scrub. And if I have to compare this to my usual honey and sugar scrub, I would much really prefer the the former just because it was cheap yet effective.

Skinfood's Black Sugar Mask probably only trumps over it because of it's convenience. I don't have to mix my sugar and honey and there's no hassle of cleaning up the sticky mess of honey on your hand (or anywhere for that matter).

However, I did notice a difference that my problematic blackheads are almost gone (or at least they're not as noticeable or as bad as before). But... I wouldn't exactly hold this scrub entirely responsible for the improvement because of the other slew of products that I use to maintain my skin.

Just like any other store bought scrub that I've used, this one is no different when it comes to texture. I found that the exfoliating sugars are too big that it can be pretty harsh on your skin when you're using it. Although the sugar tends to dissolve after massaging it on your face, so it's crucial that you do it gently when you're massaging it on your face. The scrub also has a citrusy smell that might put off some people who don't like any fragrance on their skincare products. I wouldn't recommend this scrub for people who might have acne because it might irritate or pop your pimple which might lead to scarring. I would only use this if your breakouts are mild to none.




Ingredients


Overall: I would probably stick to the cheaper alternative of making my own scrub after I've gone through the whole tub.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Product Review and Swatches: YSL Lilac Eyes Palette

Product Blurb: Yves Saint Laurent OMBRES 5 LUMIÈRES5 Colour Harmony For Eyes in 4 Lilac Sky is a palette of five monochrome eyeshadow colors. Each palette holds four luminous, alluring shades of varying intensity and finish—matte, shiny, pearly, or iridescent—and one highlighter. The highlighter is the magic touch, to lighten and widen the look instantly, while the deepest color is used to structure and define the eyes.

From the most natural style to the most sophisticated, from the most demure to the most audacious, the colors of each palette coordinate to create your perfect look. Everything is possible—explore numerous interpretations of color and endless changing effects with this versatile palette. You simply cannot go wrong in making your eyes your most captivating feature.

Shades include: matte purple, shimmering pink pearl, shimmering lavender, shimmering golden violet, and eggplant shimmer plus two double-ended sponge applicators.

Price: $56

(Source)

More Product Photos





Swatches



Click here for a previous look using the palette.

Although the colors look pretty in the pan, it was such a struggle getting the colors to show up on my lid even with a primer. The only color that I really fancied was the matte purple which made a nice crease color for some dimension on your eyes. The shimmering pink pearl and shimmering golden violet for some reason look the same after packing it on your lids.

The eyeshadows weren't as smooth as I hoped for which also caused some grief in applying my makeup, but luckily the eyeshadows aren't gritty or chalky. But, unlike any other high end eyeshadow palettes, YSL doesn't provide a pouch to house the palette. For the price you're paying for, they could've at least included a pouch for the eyeshadow palette.

Overall, I'm just disappointed with YSL's eyeshadow palettes. You're only really paying for the name of the brand and not so much for the quality (and maybe for the palette case). The colors are not that exhilarating or unique. The only reason I can see why you might get this is because you are a hardcore makeup junkie or collector.

Rating: 2 out 5

China Glaze Nail Polish in "VIII" (Review and Swatch)

Believe it or not, but this is my first China Glaze Nail Polish.

I am never really big on nail polish as much as I am with makeup, but then I realize that a nicely manicure make a whole difference in the world. Since then, I make it a habit to change my polish when I notice that my nails are growing. I don't even wait til they chip off because I just don't want busted looking nails.

I dropped by Sally's today to buy some nail polish remover. And, since I was already there, I figured to at least try one China Glaze nail polish, so I picked up a purple shade, VIII.


Right when I got home, I quickly removed my nail polish, and I must say that China Glaze equals LOVE!

China Glaze made it super easy for me to apply my nail polish. I practically fail in that area especially when I do it in my dominant hand (right). The nail polish has a very thin consistency, but it applies evenly. It took me two to three coats to get the my desired shade. I loved how this nail polish didn't streak and just gave me a smooth application.

I also have a habit to putting way too much nail polish on my nails that after I'm done, my nails would end up looking fake because I slathered it in too thick. Not the case with this nail polish. My nails just looked like I got them done in a salon. And the brush head is perfect that it was easier for me just to put nail polish on my nails rather than making a whole mess with it.

I love darker nail polish on my hands because they don't make my hands look like they're "dirty". And it's just vampy. The purple shade itself is the purple that I've been looking for in a purple nail polish. It's almost black, but not quite because of its purple tinge.

China Glaze nail polishes dries almost instantly. I don't have to worry about ruining my perfectly good nail polish because of all sorts of nicks or marks because I accidentally swung my hand somewhere and the nail polish hasn't dried yet (the horror!).

Snowboarding and Sunscreen

Back from my short but fun trip to Mammoth. Mammoth was really amazing. It's my second time being there, but this was a whole new different experience (especially now that I'm a bit passed the beginning stages of learning how to ride a board). It was definitely fun while it lasted, and it was probably the best snowboarding trip I've ever been to. The trip definitely made a dent in my memory. It still hadn't ceased to amaze me about what happened towards the end of our trip.

Anyway, I'm loving my BB cream right now. I wore it when we went on top of the mountain on top of my sunscreen, and I walked away with zero sunburn after six hours of being out on the slopes!

If you're a snowboarder, sunscreen is key to your skin. You should be wearing it everyday no matter what, but once you're out in the mountain with snow, it's even more crucial. Not only you're closer to the sun, but the UV rays from the sun hits the snow and bounces off.

Don't forget your lipbalm with SPF! Your lips need protection too.

I'm glad I know better to wear sunscreen. I walked away with no burns after two days of snowboarding.


P.S. Notice anything different? Hint: my teeth :D

Top 10 Products I Can't Live Without

If these companies ever stop production on any of these items, I know all hell will break lose! Why would they discontinue such amazing product anyway? Here are my current top ten products that I'm just currently in love with (in alphabetical order).

1. Eyeko 3 in 1 Cream: The best highlighter in the world. I would choose this over NARS Coppacabana any time of the day for my highlighting needs. It's inexpensive. It's not insanely shimmery. And, most of all, it's easy to apply and blend on your cheeks. And it doesn't hurt that the packaging is so cute! It's definitely a face saver when you want to fake an awake look (Buy it here and Enter Code E122 for a free gift).

2. MAC Blacktrack Fluidline: My favorite eyeliner for my upper lashline whether it be a thin line or a cat eye. With or without a base underneath, fluidline doesn't crease on my oily eyelids like most eyeliners do. It's better than liquid eyeliner in my opinion.

3. MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot: The base of my choice. It keeps it from creasing and my eye makeup pretty. Nothing is worse than an eye makeup being salvaged by oily lids.

4. Mandom Cleansing Express Cleansing Lotion: Like I have mentioned before, I could've sworn these are unicorn tears in a bottle. This makeup remover will wipe your makeup clean off your face with two pumps. It's amazing what this product can do. I especially love this stuff on my "lazy" nights where just getting to the sink to was your face is an impossible mission. It will get you in bed as soon as possible (Buy it here).

5. NARS Lip Gloss, Rose Gitane:
My favorite lipgloss shade! Can give you a that stain effect look, or just lick, lick juicy lips. It looks dark on the tube but it's perfect on my lips.


6. Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque: This literally saves my face from breakouts. Breakouts don't stand a chance with this mask. It's the cheapest yet most effective mask that I ever bought in my life. It really does what it promises to do, and this is one of the products that has definitely brought my face back to clearer state.

7. shu uemura Brightening Cleansing Oil 15.2 oz: Great cleanser for oily skin. Picks up any dirt or makeup debris and give you a clean and squeaky feeling without the tight and dry feeling.




8. shu uemura Eyelash Curler ($19): It's practically the holy grail eyelash curler of everyone in the beauty community. The only eyelas curler that didn't seem such a torture device. Self-explanatory why this made the list.




9. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, Zero: My kohl eyeliner of choice for my lower lashline or waterline. It doesn't smudge or budge. It stays put the whole day until you have to take it off. The pencil is super soft that it glides during application, and won't tug your eyes


10. Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream 2.75 oz Jar ($24): Despite of the camphor smell (aka Vick's Vapor Rub smell), this works wonders on dry and chapped skin. It moisturizes your had without the greasy feeling, and only leaves it nice and smooth. It doubles as a lip balm as well and it really moisturizes your lips.

What makes up your list?