Review: Saizen Black Charcoal Peel-off Face Mask

Ok, I must admit that I only purchased this item because of all the raving from local forum sites. I've also read extensive reviews from a lot of users and most were not really satisfied with it. However, I still got myself a tube because money-wise, I really got nothing to lose. It is dirt cheap at only PHP85. I am fortunate enough that we have a local Saizen here in Angeles City. I think this is one of the only two branches that they have as of the moment. By the way, this is going to be an initial review since I have only tried the product once.

front

Product description:
- comes in a squeeze tube with Japanese text
- cap is screw type (not the one you flip open --- I'm sure you know what I mean)
- consistency is rather thick
- mask is shiny upon application and matte when dry
- size: 80g (80ml)
- price: PHP85
- Made in Korea

back

How I use it (once a week):
(1) I wash my face with Teranex then pat it dry with a clean towel.
(2) I spread the mask evenly throughout my face with the use of my fingers (avoiding my hair line and delicate under eye area). I also do not apply the mask in the area between my upper lip and nose.
(3) I wait for it to dry.
(4) I slowly peel it off.
(5) I wash off the tiny particles that weren't peeled off with the rest of the mask with my facial soap -OR- I remove it by applying my toner.

What I like about it:
(1) It is dirt cheap --- PHP85.
(2) It is locally available in my place --- Saizen, Marquee Mall
(3) The tube comes sealed.
(4) I like the feel I get when the mask dries --- really tight and hard.
(5) I generally have fun applying and waiting for it to dry --- but the peeling part is another story (Haha!)
(6) Product feels cool upon application.
(7) Face feels smooth after peeling.
(8) Manufacture date is printed in the tube's sealed end.

sealed tube

What I do not like about it:
(1) It did not get rid of my blackheads. All it did was pull off my facial hair and very little whiteheads on my chin area.
(2) The smell is a bit strong for me.
(3) Their is redness and slight burning/stingy sensation after peeling.
(4) Peeling is painful but tolerable for me.
(5) It is not locally available nationwide --- Saizen has only 2 branches as of yet.
(6) Text is in Japanese --- I would really like to know the ingredients, product description, product claims, etc.
(7) May quickly go out of stock --- but not here in my place, at least not yet (LOL)

fine hairs and whiteheads

If the product claims to get rid of blackheads, SO NOT TRUE! If the product claims to dry up pimples, lessen sebum production, shrink pores, whiten the skin, lighten dark spots, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, etc., the results are still yet to be seen.

This is how hairy my chin is (LOL)

MAJOR CONCERN: Since it pulled out a lot of fine facial hair after my initial use, I am now eager to see what else could it suck from my face on my next use. And what will happen to all those pulled out hair? Will they grow thicker, darker, coarser? Yikes!!!!

Review: NYX Round Lipsticks

One thing you should know about me is that I don't buy too much of one stuff because:
(1) I know I won't be able to use/consume all of them.
(2) I don't want to waste money (no matter how little) on impulse buys.

Once I find products that work for me, I usually stick to them (And try my very best to be loyal, and not be tempted to try new stuffs, LOL). Hence, I only have 2 lipsticks in my entire makeup collection as of the moment.

my NYX lipsticks

These 2 lipsticks are from NYX. Here's what I like about these lippies:

(1) I find NYX Round Lipsticks very creamy (glides on easily even without a lip balm or lip primer).
(2) They are cheap at $3.50 each (regular price). Moreover, they sell for as low as $0.99 each when on sale at Cherry Culture.
(3) There is a very wide range of lovely shades (although NYX also has its share of out of this world, yucky colors! Haha!)
(4) Size is that of a typical full-sized lipstick (4g)

What I hate about them:
(1) NYX is not available locally. I bought mine from a multiply seller. She sells them for PHP 170 each.
(2) Even if there are local online NYX sellers, shade range is still limited. There is a very big chance of not getting all the shades you want from one seller.

Mars (left) and Fig (right)

The two round lipsticks that I got are MARS and FIG. I use MARS for everyday wear. It is somewhat a nude medium beige color which is perfect for day wear. I usually wear this shade with smoky looks.

swatches with flash --- Mars (left), Fig (right)

On the other hand, FIG is a very pretty pink shade which is more suitable for night wear. I usually use this on special days/occasions or when my look just needs an extra oomph.

swatches without flash --- Mars (left), Fig (right)

So there you go lovelies, I suggest you try NYX Round Lipsticks and see how it differs from other affordable lipsticks in our local makeup market. I would probably purchase other shades in the future but I am happy with these 2 right now. There are a couple of other online sellers carrying this line, all you have to do I search for the cheapest deal. Good luck! ^_^

Review: Belle de Jour 2010 Power Planner

So here's the scenario, the year's first quarter is almost over. Two months had already went by. Would you still go out of your way and purchase a planner? Well, I DID!!! Haha!

I finally got a Belle de Jour 2010 Power Planner! Yes, I finally got it JUST NOW! Haha! I know 2 months had already passed since the start of 2010 but I just can't help myself. A few months ago, our local Fully Booked didn't have any copies available. One second I thought maybe I am just not meant to have one. (The drama! LOL). So I just shoved the idea of owning one at the back of my head.

My BF just loves Fully Booked because it carries the whole line of books (Forgotten Realms) that he goes for. One day while I was out with my him, we stopped by the other Fully Booked branch in our place (we only have 2 here in Angeles City). And lo and behold, there were available copies of the planner. I was hesitant to get one at first but I eventually gave in. I bought it for PHP 598.

Here are the things I like about the planner:
(1) The cover is made of a hardbound material. However, if you examine it closely, the pages are actually held by a spring coil.

Front cover

(2) There are a lot of useful pages such as menstrual tracker, habit tracker, health checklist, savings and expenses tracker, etc.

Menstrual tracker

Health checklist

Savings tracker

(3) Useful topic pages on fashion, health, beauty, lifestyle, etc. are presented before each month's first week.

Makeup tips for the month of June

(4) Very cute and cool designs/prints.
(5) There is a separate monthly view/page and weekly view/page.

Monthly view

Weekly view

(5) It comes with a separate to-do list/scribble/note pad.
(6) Of course it comes with 60 discount coupons from a variety of beauty, food, health, fashion establishments.
(7) Every page in the planner has tons of inspirational quotes and motivational goals.

notepad and already detached coupons

Boo factors:
(1) It is a bit too pricey for me. However, one must consider the 60 discount coupons that comes with it. So if you really think about it, its a fair deal.
(2) The planner is too heavy, bulky, big for me.
(3) It has too many "special pages" that are intended for the same purpose which is scribbling down quick notes, things to do, etc.
(4) A majority of the discount coupons are from establishments in Manila so provincial BDJ owners (like me) will not be able to utilize all of them.

Overall, I really like this planner. It also offers this coupon completion promo which basically means you have to use up at least 55 coupons in order to get the 2011 planner for free. However, I think this is very hard to accomplish especially for provincial BDJ users like me. And probably even for those who have quick access to all the establishments. I mean come on, you have to use 55 out of 60 coupons. Haha! There are even bizarre coupons like those from Motolite.