Aromaleigh samples + eco bag haul

Another first with Aromaleigh! And I think it's the start of something good. I like how they shipped out fast, that their international shipping fee is okay ($5 for orders under $40), and that they gave out some freebies. The local post office was very good and delivered these to my house, got 'em 11 days after ordering.

My AL samples (click on the pics to see them in bigger size):


Ultra resolution finishing powder in English rose, Translucent, and Peaches and cream. I LOVE Translucent!


Illuminating Perle Powder in Afterglow and Mirage. Afterglow is really not that scary dark in actual, Mirage is a tiny bit lighter too.


Gothic Lolita Rouges in Dolly, Corset, and Rococo. These are amazingly pigmented. A few tiny specks are all I need so these will go a long way with me.


Glissade foundations in 3W and 3WL. I chose the wrong shades- 3WL is too brownish/pinkish on me, and 3W I haven't tried yet but looking at the bag it looks too light. Hope it looks better on.


Twilight Supernatural Face and Body Powder in Sparkle (super curious how this would look like on my skin), and these 2 came for free (yay!): Eye Lustre in Kiki, and Pure Eyes Frost in Mocha.


Kiki and Mocha swatched.


I put Sparkle on my hand here but you won't see it unless you click the pic :) I'll be getting the 2 other Twilight Supernatural Face and Body Powders next time (Lustre and Dazzle).


Samples of Color Infusion Botanical Lipsticks and and 1 Gothic Lolita Nourishing Color Creme: Karma (another freebie), Pinafore (this is the Gothic Lolita one), Sassy, Coquette, and Crush. These all go on really sheer...they're not really like lipsticks, but more like liptints or tinted balms.
Very wearable colors plus they don't dry out my lips.

Tip: visit their coupon + deals page as well as the new at aromaleigh page before ordering. You'll see items on sale, and applicable coupon codes for your order. I used FIRSTORDER since of course this my (duh) first order, which took $5 off the total.

And my newest eco bag. I'm guilty of forgetting to bring my eco bags with me when I go out and shop. Must remember to put them in my bag before going out!



Mama Earth Canvas Bag. All wrinkled from being folded up in the package. Got it from Indigo Manila where I regularly purchase my baby's bath and body and other items. I cannot get enough of their products, they're heaven-sent for nursing moms like me and for those who prefer all-natural products for their babies (or for themselves).

How 'bout you, what's your favorite Aromaleigh product?

Do you use eco bags when you go shopping?

:)

Sad news about Dreamworld Minerals

I just heard that Dreamworld Minerals is now closed, although Ellie says she still hopes to reopen soon. Such sad news for me because I was only able to try my DW samples recently and I thought they were awesome! I ordered a bunch of samples and they were promptly shipped out but they got delayed in transit and for some reason took 6 weeks to arrive.

Anyway, today I got out the samples and chose a foundation shade to try on. I sprayed my Garden of Wisdom hydrating mist on my kabuki just before applying the minerals on my face and that felt SO great, creamy, and I felt like that made my make-up stay on longer. I was happy that the DW foundie did not make me itch (unlike the first 2 mmu brands I tried- bare escentuals and joppa), gave pretty good coverage, and didn't dry out my skin.

The creme topping is love. It definitely brightened my face and goes on smooth and light. I so loved the slight color and glow it gave me. And this finishing powder miraculously did not dry my skin up either. I was set on ordering my first FS mmu, 'cause this seemed like my first successful try at mmu, but oh! The site is now closed for business. I hope it's not for too long.

used:

Pure Luxe Eraser for primer
Dreamworld Minerals foundation in Hebe (luna)
DW Ecstasy for blemishes
EG Liquid Minerals in Medium Golden for undereyes
DW Minerals Pasiquea for undereyes
DW Butterscotch Creme Topping
DW Minerals Ciara blush
Pure Luxe High Voltage lip wand in Lewd

Still all about foundation and working towards putting on eye makeup :)
I initially found Hebe too light for my skin tone but after a few hours it seemed to darken a bit, which made it a better match for me. Is that how it usually is with mmu?


Hours later, with my baby girl here who's looking grumpy. She was starting to get bored because we got stuck in traffic. I was, too, so I just took photos of us two.

How did your Friday go? My weekend started early and I'm glad. Enjoy yours! :)

Trying out Earthen Glow Minerals

Been hearing a lot of good things about Earthen Glow Minerals! So I decided to try their stuff. The minimum is $10 per order, and domestic and international shipping for orders under $20 is at a fair rate of $2.50. My items were shipped out about 2 days after I submitted my order. I just got samples, as usual.

The Get Acquainted kit at $3.50 consists of baggie samples of 1 finishing powder, 1 blush, and 3 mineral foundations. I chose:


Soft Focus Finishing powder in Tan, and Cherry Blossom blush


Foundations in Jocelyn (youthful glow), Soon (cover me), and Jin (youthful glow)


3 more freebie foundations were included: Kaylee, Mia, and Maria. All 6 shades are from the yellow family. I haven't tried them yet but judging from the color in the bags, Jin, Kaylee, and Mia seem to be my closest colors.

I wanted to use the Liquid Minerals first:


Medium Golden and Tanned Warm ($4 per 5g jar)

From the EG website-

"Liquid Minerals"

Our Premium liquid Mineral foundation. Its base formula also contains PRIMROSE oil, which has proven beneficial, soothing skin conditions like Eczema and Dermatitis. This natural foundation is mineral based and provides medium coverage with a matte finish. Liquid Minerals is ideal for those who prefer using a liquid foundation. It applies effortlessly and provides coverage that lasts well into the night. This is the liquid foundation for women who celebrate their beauty naturally.
Anyway, here's me:


Please excuse my face (I made the picture small 'cause I am soooo shy). Heehee. My skin is still pretty bad and very dry that's why I wanted to try the liquid minerals.

I just applied it using my fingers but I'm not sure I did it right. Next time I think I'll use a sponge or foundation brush for a more even application. It feels light on my face and it turns into a powdery finish once it's dried. No irritation or itchiness. I like it but Medium Golden is a tad bit light for me. And Tanned Warm, I don't know why I chose that shade- it's way too dark on me.

In the photo I am wearing Medium Golden mixed with a bit of Tanned Warm...still not sure it's the right shade for me though. I applied a light sheen of the Tan finishing powder, and Cherry Blossom blush (I like this one a lot). Also some Aromaleigh lipstick in Crush but it seems to have worn off.

Staying power seemed okay but today was a cool day. I only went out for a quick errand then came home and gave my daughter a bath but I didn't sweat much. It's be better to test this during a typically hot day in Manila.

I'm pretty excited to try the mineral foundies, wish I'd discovered EG before their Buy One Get One sale. Well. Will get more of their blushes and glows next time!

Tagged :)

What is your current obsession?
Natural and organic skin care, getting rid of my zits!

What is your weirdest obsession?
Well it's not an obsession but a weird habit I guess- each time I point at something, I have to bite my finger! =P

What are you wearing today?
I'm at home and dressed for comfort, so pink cotton shirt and gray shorts.

What's your favorite comfort food?
Fastfood especially Jollibee and Mcdonald's. Soooo unhealthy.

What would make today special?
Today my baby is exactly 6 months old (she was born october 21)! We (more like my husband) made spaghetti and crema de fruita. And I tried Selecta's Chocolate truffles ice cream!

What would you like to learn to do?
How to properly apply makeup and I'd like to study photography :)

What’s the last thing you bought?

Selecta's chocolate truffles ice cream.

What are you listening to right now?
News on the TV...

What is your favourite weather?
The type of weather during Christmas! It's just right. <--Yup! Or when it's unexpectedly chilly in the Phils.

What is your most challenging goal right now?
To take good care of my daughter :)

What do you think about the person who tagged you?
Crystal - she is so cool (a musician!) and friendly and warm :)
Soapaholic - she writes great reviews, I like the items she chooses to review. Friendly as well and appreciative :)

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
By the beach...in Pagudpud, Bicol, or Batangas.

What would you like to have in your hands right now?
Same answer as the previous posters: money. haha.

If you could swap lives with anyone for one day who would it be and why?
I could easily answer with a celebrity's name but it'd have to be my dear hubby. So I can be more understanding. Ooh, what a personal answer.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Vacation in Bicol with my relatives!

Which language do you want to learn?
Japanese/Nihongo - studied elementary japanese in college and got to practice speaking it briefly in japan but now I'm rusty.

What do you look for in a friend?
Somehow who listens; we should be comfortable talking about pretty much anything; trustworthy as well.

Who do you want to meet in person?
Natalie Portman 'cause she's my ultimate girl crush!

What’s your favourite type of music?
Classic pinoy rock, alternative, broadway, and sometimes pop.

What is your favourite piece of clothing you own?
My old pair of jeans because I can fit into them again.

What is your dream job?
Writer, maybe. Hehe, I dunno.

Any favourite models?
Kate Moss, I guess.

If you had £100 now what would you spend it on?
Go on a weekend getaway with hub & baby.

Thing you wish you could change in your past?
I wish I'd started a skin care routine early.

Fashion pet peeve?
Being too trendy. I like unique.

Do you admire anyone’s style?
People from college. I'm not so up to date with celebs and tv shows.

Describe your personal style.
Vintage/jeans-sneaks-graphic shirt/when I'm lazy, I like wearing baggy shirts.

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate, sometimes mango.

What is your favourite makeup brand?
Can't say yet, still trying to decide which I like best.

Do you get enough beauty sleep? Yes or no, and why?
No, my daughter wakes up early and sometimes I like to sleep late.

Okay, here's the rules:
1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.
2. Tag eight other people.
I tag:
Anyone who happened to read this and would like to answer it too. Yup, really! It's fun :)

Thank you to Makeup Masala

I won my first blog giveaway! It's from Makeup Masala. Beginner's Luck? It's, like, only the second one I've ever joined, the first one was from the same blog. Then I saw this entry and joined on a whim. And I won! I never win anything.

Got my package today, I was surprised that it was brought to my house and that I didn't have to get it at the post office like I usually do.






Avon Magix tinted face perfector. I chose the medium shade. I touched the surface and it's creamy. I haven't tried on my face yet, but will do so soon. I like the black compact. Looks sleek.

Makeup Masala's free international shipping for $20 (or more) orders is a pretty good deal, in my opinion. Plus the items on the site are affordable. I'm just waiting for the 6-piece EcoTools brush set to be available again so I can go ahead with my first order :)

First Garden of Wisdom Haul

My first Garden of Wisdom order :) And there will definitely be a second (third, fourth) one!

At first I had no idea what to get, as GoW not only has a lot of finished products, they also supply pretty much everything you'd need for formulating your own all-natural skin care line. Their forum is a big help, and Markey (the owner) replies lightning-fast to emails and let me modify an order I'd already submitted. Very nice people.

I had to pay around $13 for international shipping, since GoW is based in AZ, USA, but it's worth it.

Fresh out of the box:


Heather Blossom Cleanser
Neck Sculpting Serum (freebie!)
Winter Balm
Coconut Cream
Banana Hydrating Mist
Glacial Clay
Microfiber Cloth
German Chamomile Hydrosol

I chose to get the small sizes to see how my skin will react. Been using all these for nearly a week now. No irritations from anything. First impressions:

Heather Blossom Cleanser - creamy and I only need a small amount for my entire face, has small and few exfoliating beads, not drying and seems to clean thoroughly, very faint herbal smell. I'm liking it so far.

Neck Sculpting Serum - it's supposed to tone and firm, which I don't really need, but it's also kinda hydrating which I like. Great that I got this as a freebie 'cause I don't own anything for neck care yet.

Winter Balm - guess it seems a bit strange that I got this when we have no winter and right now it's soooooo hot here in the Phils, but my skin is just so dry! I use this as a night cream, and for the first time in months I didn't wake up to flakey skin. Smells a bit like lemon tea :)

Coconut Cream - for spot treatment. It works! Reduces swelling and the morning after the zit just dries right off and sloughs off when I wash my face.

Banana Hydrating Mist - a number of scents to choose from and I just ended up with banana 'cause I wanted something moisturizing. Smells like banana cake. Yum.

Glacial Clay - I've only tried it once and I got the consistency wrong. Will try again.

Microfiber Cloth- ooh, good for exfoliating. Shouldn't rub too hard though.

German Chamomile Hydrosol - it actually does reduce redness but I think it might be drying out my skin a little. Will be getting a hydrosol specifically for dry skin.

Next I want to formulate my own day cream and sunscreen :)

More EDM

How did your Easter go? My hub and I got sick while on vacation but things still turned out quite well. My baby had a lot of fun playing in the water! :)

My EDM package arrived soon after we got home. I got new brushes:


the Baby Buki


and the Oval Concealer brush! A closer look:



Just like the other EDM brushes, these are very, very soft. The baby buki is good for those places that a regular kabuki would have trouble reaching. Size is perfect for travel. And it just looks so damn cute. Hehe.

I like how the Oval Concealer brush's bristles are so soft that they have no chance of irritating the skin, even the delicate undereye area. The handle is long and thin, making it pretty easy to control. I prefer this over the other concealer brush that I have, which is Ellana's.

I also restocked on the Flat top, Foptic, Long Handled Kabuki, and Angled Blush Brush, and I'm still selling them at Php 450 each! I have pictures in this previous entry. You can also get the Baby Buki at Php 3oo, and the Oval Concealer Brush at Php 250. Just email me at idalorena@gmail.com if you'd like more details :)

'Course I also availed the free sample kit, and got the ff:


Foundation all in Original Glo - Winged Butter, Light Tan, and Buttered Tan
Back to School Blush
and Mint Color Corrector.

I liked the last blush that I got, which is Snuggle...a light, sheer pink that's very easy to wear. Back to School seems like an even lighter shade, will test it out soon. I wanted to get more of their blushes but I held off because I have some other packages that should soon arrive (if they don't get delayed in customs).

Also got these lippies as freebies:



The one on the left is called Missing Socks, while the one on the right is Fresh Linens. I tried each just once, and I love lippies especially if they're free (heehee), but unfortunately I don't care too much for these two. If you're getting the brushes and would like these I can just send them to you :)

Revitaleyes

Been feeling a bit tired lately and a bit worried as well that some of my packages have gotten lost in the mail, but hey! It's lenten season which means holiday. I can't wait to visit the beach :)

Lately I've become really conscious about my eye area. I have premature wrinkles! This due to years of bad sleeping habits, not wearing spf, and being a former smoker. I've got dark undereye circles too, but I've had those forever.

I've only tried a few eye creams, and used The Body Shop's Vitamin E Eye Cream for nearly an entire year (applied everyday), and it was mild and hypoallergenic and all but it had no effect on my eye area whatsoever.

Dunno if you've noticed, but these days I'm more drawn to small companies rather than drugstore/mall finds. Here's what I'm using for my eyes now:


Skin Hour's Revitaleyes.

Ingredients: organic beeswax, sweet almond oil, apricot seed oil, coconut stearate, collagen, vitamin k, calendula extract, vitamin e, grapefruit extract and orris root extract.

I thought the product name was cute, and at only Php 100, I had to try it!

Product description: An unscented eye balm applied under the eye during the night to diminish puffiness, firm skin and reduce lines. It also lightens dark circles and moisturizes the most sensitive area of the eye.

The texture is much like that of a lip balm, but softer and easier to spread. Not too sticky. As advised though, use this at night. I tried applying this during daytime on a hot day and it made me sweat even more. It's totally unscented and caused no irritations on the sensitive skin of my undereye area.

I remember getting this in Christmas packaging, which means I've been using this regularly for more than 3 months now. Of course I was hoping it would help, but honestly I wasn't expecting much, hehe. There has been no reduction of fine lines nor dark circles. I keep using it though because I like how it keeps my undereyes moisturized...no more dry patches since I included this in my regimen. The skin on my undereyes is quite smooth.

Once I run out, I'll be buying this again. Mainly because I haven't found a better eye cream. I recently ordered from Garden of Wisdom and ohh, I'm so excited to try the items I bought. I forgot to get one of their eye creams though. Ugh. Must remember to get that next time!