Food Escapade at Locavore

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Christmas festivities are over! But it's not the end of festivities cos we still have the New Year to celebrate!

Now, if you wanna take a breather of all the festivities and still want to eat out for a sumptuous food, then I highly suggest Locavore for you. Located along Brixton Street in Barrio Kapitolyo, Pasig, there's a chance that you'll miss this place if you aren't paying attention.

I've been hearing great feedback from this restaurant and finally got to try it one random Saturday (which was 3-4 months ago).

locavore

Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Foundation

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I'm a huge liquid foundation user. I already have my HG liquid foundations but that doesn't stop me from trying new ones - especially if they are not locally available. It makes me want to try the product more actually!

I was watching Saaamage on YouTube a few months ago and she has a video on her first impression of Maybelline's new liquid foundation which is the Better Skin Foundation. After watching the video, I knew I gotta try it! Search for it, I did!

Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Foundation saaamage

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Transylvania and Copenhagen

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Revisited an old makeup brand that also has matte lip creams. NYX Cosmetics released their matte lip creams all the way back in 2010. There weren't a lot of liquid lipsticks back then so this was a huge hit! A year or so later, they released new shades. Very nice shades as a matter of fact. But I only paid attention to the new shades this year. You probably know why :)

I settled for the vampy shades. I love how it makes me feel sexy without even showing skin.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

L.A. Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss

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2015 has got to be the year of liquid lipsticks! The craze is well.. cray! Lol.

I had to try (almost) all the brands that I could. I don't feel like I've found my Holy Grail liquid lipstick.

When I found out that L.A. Girl released liquid lipsticks, I was on the fence about it at first. It didn't appeal to me at all. I don't know if it was the packaging or what.

L.A. Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss

Another thing that held me back a bit was the price. Alright, it's cheaper than other liquid lipsticks but I didn't know until I asked. I thought this is being sold at PhP500 a pop! Apparently, it only retails for about PHP300 at online shops. At SM Beauty Store, it's PhP399 but shades are very limited.

Zenutrients All is Well Set*

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I was supposed to answer another e-mail on Christmas gift selections but I think it's pretty late for that since Christmas is only 6 days away! I'm sure you're all done with Christmas shopping!

One of the things that made a cut to my Christmas gift selection is the Zenutrients All is Well set. All my friends are working and being stressed is already second nature to them.

Zenutrients

What I like about the Zenutrients All is Well set is that it helps make calm whenever I smell that eucalyptus scent on they candle. I light it up as soon as I come home from work. It's one my ways to de-stress. I use the All is Well oil when I have a headache or colds. Same goes with the All is Well Salve. It's like the organic version of Vicks vaporub. I have asthma so I have to have something like this with me all the time. Sometimes, I also use the salve on the itchy parts of my skin.

All is Well Oil retails at PhP130 (10ml). All is Well Salve retails for PhP234 while the candle retails at PhP250 (3oz).


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Unboxing the (2015) December BDJ Elite Box: L'Oreal Paris, The 2016 Beauty Standard*

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The December BDJ Elite Box came early this month! I wasn't expecting it til next week.

I saw the teasers posted by BDJ Box on Instagram and I somewhat knew it's an exclusive box of L'Oreal. Quite honestly, I was expecting a box full of makeup similar to last month's BDJ Elite Box.

BDJ Box

Me Time at Cedar Salon*

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A few weeks ago, I was invited by Digify to try the hair services of Cedar Salon.

It's Yuletide season and Cedar Salon recommends Schwarzkopf Metallic Collection and Milbon Linkage Meu hair aromatherapy.

Resident hair stylist, Jake, checking my hair and thinking of what shade to use on me.

Cedar Salon

Ask Me Mondays: What I Want for Christmas

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Hi Ms. Gem. I'm just curious if you have a Christmas wish list. Hope you could share it on the blog. Curious ako sa mga wish list ng beauty bloggers.
- Maan P.

This question was timely. I got 4 of the same question. Nice! As a beauty blogger, my Christmas wish list might be a bit disappointing because it's not mostly comprised of makeup or beauty product. But nonetheless, here's my list!

1. 2-year subscription to iFlix
     Come on, you guys! This is like our Netflix version here in Manila. Why wouldn't you want this? I wish for a 2-year subscription because 1 year is too short. Besides I love watching series. iFlix and chill it is, literally.

iFlix

2. Burberry London Trench Queensbay
     I have one too many trench coats and pea coats already but I gotta have this one from Burberry. This one in particular.

Burberry Trenchcoat

3. Cards Against Humanity
     Dubbed as the game for horrible people [according to the makers of this game LOL], this game can test how witty you are. It's just a really good game to play and have a laugh with friends!

Cards Against Humanity

4. Diptyque Scented Candle in Sapin
     I've always loved Diptyque scented candles because they really make our rooms smell damn good. It's pricey but the scent is worth it! Sapin is a limited edition scent for the Christmas holiday and I like this because it smells very Christmas-y. Besides, I can use it as a brush holder when I finish the candle!

Diptyque

5. Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani eye palette
     The only makeup that I want for Christmas. Truth be told, I only like this because it's a collaboration with Gwen Stefani and I love her!

UDxGwen

What's on your Christmas wish list this year?


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Get Pampered at Neo Day Spa*

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Two months ago, I was invited for a pampering session at Neo Day Spa. Since it was my mom's birthday month, I brought her along with me as my plus one!

Neo Day Spa

Neo Day Spa is located in the middle of BGC. I find this very strategic because working people need all the pampering they can get within the vicinity.

Banila Co. is Finally in MNL!

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The Korean makeup brand that I've been waiting to come to Manila is finally here! Several people recommended this brand to me when I was in Korea but for some reason, I didn't see their physical store. When I checked online, I saw the prices and checked reviews online. And I was sold! So glad talga it's here!

Banila Co.

The Rose-Hued Palette that Got Me Hooked: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

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Christmas time is here! It's time to bring out that rose-hued palette again! It's not a secret that I have a lot of palettes but I feel like Urban Decay's Naked 3 palette is the best palette for the Christmas season.

That said, will give you my thoughts on this pretty palette hat got me hooked with rose-hued eyeshadows.

Urban Decay Naked 3

L'Oreal Mat Magique BB Veil*

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Every time I'm inside SM Beauty store or something similar, I always tell myself that I do not have enough powders. I really think I don't. But then again it's because of the fact that I prefer that my liquid foundation has a setting powder partner. It just makes sense that way, right?

When I received this powder from L'Oreal, I wasn't expecting much since I didn't like its powder foundation counterpart.

L'Oreal Mat Magique BB Veil

But one day, I couldn't think of what setting powder to use with my newly acquired liquid foundation. I remember that I have this Mat Magique BB Veil. Finally gave it a try!

Zenutrients Tea Tree Scalp Care Shampoo & Conditioner

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I had an organic hair care phase ever since I had Keratin treatment last May. Thinking about it now, I shouldn't have had that treatment because it has caused me more hair problems. For one thing, I was restricted to using organic shampoo and conditioner. I was always on the look out even though I still had bottles to last me for a year.

When we were invited to Zenutrients' HQ, I got myself these Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner cos they do not has SLS. This combination is also meant to treat your scalp problems [if you have any].


My bottles are only 1/3 full and I've stopped using these because I had to try out other shampoos. I liked this variant of hair care from Zenutrients especially when I just had my Keratin treatment. It did keep the treatment in place because it's SLS-free. I love the minty feeling, too!

Forgot the prices of these but they are less than PhP200 per bottle. It's very affordable for an organic brand.


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Beauty Budget Series: Quick FX CC Cream

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It's been a while since I've had a beauty budget post. I've been road testing several drugstore makeup brands but they do not seem cut out for my beauty budget category. 

Truth be told, I'm not a huge fan of CC creams. I'm not sold on having a bright face. CC cream stands for colour correcting. Unlike BB cream [which acts more like a tinted moisturiser infused with several skin care ingredients], CC cream is lighter to the point that it almost doesn't give coverage. However, it gives you a brighter face because it corrects redness and dullness on your face.

I was killing time inside Watson's with my mom and I saw this Quick FX CC cream. Methinks this is a new product. I've never seen this before. The last time I purchased a Quick FX product, their price was PhP50 flat. I was surprised when I found out that this CC cream costs PhP89 per sachet!

QuickFX

Being a non-fan of CC cream, do you think I liked this? Well, the title of this post is a giveaway. But go ahead and find out after the jump why!

Join the #DoveDeoGetaway

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Last week, Dove had an intimate event to announce their exciting giveaway! Oh, I tell you this one is an exciting one!

Basing from this picture and the title of this post, do you already have a clue?


Soft Skin Made Easy with Jergens Hydrating Coconut Lotion*

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Last August, Jergens released a new variant of their most loved lotion - Hydrating Coconut!


There are a lot of lotions out there but what makes Jergens Hydrating Coconut is that it's infused with coconut oil and coconut water that releases that fresh scent. Surprisingly, the scent is not overwhelming. I love smelling this lotion compared to other coconut scented lotions! 


This lotion also has an exclusive Jergens® Hydralucence™ blend that keeps our skin moisturised and not looking dull at all! Expect ultra hydration with this lotion. But of course, you don't need to worry about it being sticky because Jergens lotion is not sticky. You can use this even with this Manila heat!

Jergens is available at all leading department stores nationwide. Prices vary per lotion variant.


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Uboxing the (2015) November BDJ Elite Box: Sugar Spice and Everything Nice*

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This month's box came earlier than expected! It's another exclusive box in collaboration with Pink Sugar Cosmetics!

Pink Sugar Cosmetics is a local brand that officially launched last month here in the Philippines. Currently, it's available at SM Beauty stores and selected Watson's branches.

But yes, let's go back to the unboxing, shall we?

November BDJ Elite Box Pink Sugar Cosmetics

No skincare. All makeup products in full size! I'm hooked!

Ask Me Mondays: On Haters

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Why does it seem like you have a lot of haters? Okay naman ang blog mo. :(
- Katy Katy


Hi Katy,
Thanks for this question. I knew a question like this would pop out. LOL. When I first started beauty blogging, I never really thought of having haters because I had a bigger thing in mind which was thinking of what product to feature on my blog. Hundreds of posts later, baaaaam, I've got haters.

You see, I was able to track down these haters then. As it turn outs, these are not the readers of this blog. It's either someone who knows me personally or someone who knows of me. When I started blogging, I tried my best to keep it a secret to my friends. So, imagine if someone who knows of you finds out about your blog - it only means one thing - they search about you. What baffles me though is why people search/search people they claim to hate. I'm human and guilty of hating on other people, too. Come on, we all hated on people at one point. Don't even deny it. But I don't google them. I don't see the point. There were also a few bloggers who seem to dislike me describing me explicitly on Facebook Group pages as if I won't be able to read it. Then, they have the guts to comment on my blog posts thanking me for a very nice review. I'm like, "Whyyyyyy you so two-faced, aye?"

As for those who only know about me because of the existence of this blog and dislikes me, well, thanks. Someone once told me, "if they hate you, then it means you made it because you've got something they'd kill to have." I even got a question as to why I get invited to events and I don't even dress up or put makeup on. Thanks for caring more than I care about how I look. Some people just really feel entitled about their "opinions" which are all invalid to me.

If I were asked this question 5 years ago, I'd probably answer with a 10 pager essay. But since I'm wiser now, I've learned the art of deadma. I can't please everyone no matter how I try. That's just how the world works. All I do now is that if I sense someone or even a co-blogger who doesn't seem to like me, I don't mind them. I don't even disturb them. After all, it's a win-win situation for me. I'm on your mind and you visit this blog and add to my hits. As I said, turn the negative notes to a positive one =)


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Food Escapade at Star Movies Cafe

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This post has a lot of photos and less words. Hehe.

A few years ago, Movie Stars Cafe opened in Manila. It's within the vicinity of Mall of Asia in Pasay. My mom was curious about the theme of the restaurant so we all had dinner here one weekend to see what the fuss is al about.

Star Movies Cafe Anne Curtis

Elegant Hair Color with Excellence Crème by L’Oréal Hair Color Expert/Paris

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For women, having noticeable rich and stunning colored hair already make for a complete, perfect look. However, while beautifully colored locks could unlock a woman’s happiness, maintaining it becomes a challenge because it takes a toll on wallet, time, and most importantly – the crowning glory. Thus, hair goals – the much-deserved hair look -- often take the back seat. 

From the maker of the world’s No. 1 hair color, L’Oréal Hair Color Expert/Paris, hair color perfection is now just at arm’s length as L’Oréal Paris brings to Filipinas the Excellence Crème

Excellene Crème is a combination of hair treatment and color in one box for that rich, healthy and long-lasting hair color in just 30 minutes applied right at the comfort of home. Boasting of a wide array of color options in 15 true-to-tone shades, perfectly match your skin tone to complement the look that you have always desired. And the best news? Get sophisticated hair color as often as you want with the breakthrough formula that protects the hair as it colors.

* write-up provided


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theAsianParent Digital Mom

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theAsianparent.com survey reveals that the Phillipine mom has gone digital, is mobile first, and is the new “Chief Household Officer”

A new survey from theAsianparent.com reveals that Filipino moms increase their use of the Internet once they become mothers, are increasingly mobile-first and are primary decision makers for household purchases.

Do not underestimate the Asian mom. She’s technically the most powerful player at home. According to the latest Annual Asian Digital Mom Survey, run by theAsianparent.com, a notable 83% of mothers in the region consider themselves the primary decision makers in the household. As the key influencers of their respective homes, they often control product choices, domestic arrangements, and even life-changing family decisions.

6 Highlights From The 2015 Annual Asian Digital Mom Survey

1. She’s the leader of the digital pack
Held for the second year, theAsianparent Asian Digital Mom Survey paints the picture of a highly connected, modernized Filipino mom. In fact, out of the six countries surveyed (Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India), the Filipino mom leads the digital pack and is noted to be the most active on Facebook groups, forums, and online communities.

2. She’s ma-chika !
An astounding 22% of these active mommies even admit to interacting on these online communities multiple times per day. This comes as no surprise, as 63% of Filipino moms spend one to six hours on the internet for work, and engagement seems almost second nature.

3. She strives to better herself as a parent and homemaker
Even after-hours, the Filipino mom is still online, with 49% of them even more active on social media past seven p.m. It seems that as the chaos of the home quiets down, Filipino moms find solace on digital space. She devours parenting tips foremost, with a whopping 98% seeking out tips and tricks to be the best parents and raise happy, healthy children. The parenting topic is followed closely by cooking and baking, sought out by the domestic divas of the household. The Filipino mom’s thirst for knowledge can’t be quenched as 66% continue on to education and enrichment tips.

4. She opts for screen time over face time
Because the Filipino mom’s day is often booked with appointments and family engagements, she hardly has time to meet up with other moms to discuss the tales and travails of motherhood. In fact, only 12% have the luxury of bonding face-to-face with other moms. The rest or a substantial 77% of Filipino moms interact with other moms online through various communities and social platforms.

5. She seeks out parenting advice online
A good 84% of Filipino moms regularly gather online advice from friends and family members in their online network. Similarly, a close 82% of Filipino moms trust parenting websites to curate advice for them and offer them the best solutions for their mommy concerns.

6. She prefers digital over traditional media
After becoming a mother, Filipino moms admit that the faster, more accessible digital media is more aligned with their busy lifestyle. In fact, because the Filipino mom’s days are packed and her schedule full, she’s able to both gather information and find some me-time when she is online. Figures show that upon becoming a moms, 30% decreased their television consumption, 47% lessened their magazine me-time, and 54% broke their broadsheet habit. With the ability to filter, specify, and choose the information she needs through digital platforms, Internet search increases exponentially for 75% of new moms.

Overall, the Filipino mom is online and that’s where you need to talk to her to affect her wants, her household, and her life. As such, theAsianparent is the best medium to reach the digital mom and the right voice to use to influence her.

Survey goals and methodology:
The goal of The Asian Digital Mom Survey was to bring into focus the habits of moms in this region and to help brand marketers better understand the behaviour of this high potential, attractive market segment.

Spanning six markets in Asia, the research findings include Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and India. The survey documented the behaviour of 2,700 mothers who have kids up to the age of 16 and explored what media and social channels she is using, what makes her share content with other moms, and what influences her purchasing behaviour.

* write-up provided



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Pink Sugar Honey, I'm Good Eye Liner Duo*

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During BDJ Veteran's Night last month, we were given Pink Sugar makeup products. I got their eyeliner duo! I was excited to try this because it was trending that day as well as it officially launched on the same day.


Honey, I'm Good Eye Liner Duo, PhP349

Plan 2016 with BDJ Planners!*

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It's just 50 days to go before the first day of 2016! I'm looking forward to 2016 because it will be an exciting [but tough] one. I'm excited about the brands this blog will be collaborating with. When it comes to corporate life, I'm excited for the 2016 strategy and I'm having a new boss. For my personal life, hopefully more travels!

Totoo ito, girls. Hindi pa uso ang planner, gumagamit na ako ng planner! From Lisa Frank to Trapper Keeper to Mead to Starbucks to BDJ. I've been using a planner since middle school as influenced by my aunt. Since I didn't know the core of using a planner back then, I used it for doodling. I also filled it with what seemed like endless NeoPrints! I also used it as an excuse to buy cute-sy stickers and coloured gel pens.

It wasn't until I started working that I took it seriously. I slowly but surely missed several birthday parties, events, and what nots because I was kaladkarin during my younger years! You know that feeling [when you were 21-23] that you can do everything even with only 2-3 hours of sleep? That's what I'm talking about.

You know what though, my planner has always been bland. Filofax can never be as girly as I want it to be even if I bombard it with girly stickers. There was just something missing. Starbucks planners are for unisex - 'nuff said.

Plan 2016 with BDJ Planners!

Then there came BDJ Planner. My view on planners has never been the same!

Food Escapade at Maisen

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While going around Megamall, my mom and I saw Maisen. It's a new restaurant. They were actually on soft opening when we saw this establishment. Mom and I wanted to have dinner but L was still in the office. Mom want back the following day with dad to try this resto. I went with L.

It's another katsu place! Yesssss!

My all-time favourite has been Yabu! Will I have a new favourite?!

Maisen Restaurant

Avène Cleanance Expert Emulsion Launch

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A few weeks ago, Avène launched their latest product in SM Makati! As you all know, Avène is very close to my heart because it's such a life changer when it comes to skincare. That's why I made sure I didn't miss this event!

Avène Cleanance Expert Emulsion Launch

Avène Cleanance Expert Emulsion Launch

I was a bit late and the talk was on-going when I arrived. Avène's latest product is from the Cleanance Expert line, the Cleanane Expert Emulsion. It's a moisturiser that keeps your face acne-free! Black/whiteheads-free, too! That got me excited because I have a lot of blackheads [true story].

Avène Cleanance Expert Emulsion Launch

Avène Cleanance Expert Emulsion Launch
Various skin care products of Avène

Avène Cleanance Expert Emulsion Launch
my favourite moisturiser of all time!

Will road test the emulsion next month! Wait for my review!


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Cream Silk’s Standout Straight Leave-On Cream*

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I like products that do miraculous things to my hair. I've mentioned on the blog before that I sleep late and wake up early giving me more or less 20 minutes to take a shower, get dressed, and do my makeup in the morning. Que horror? Que horror.

They say your hair is your crowning glory. Aside from your brows, your hair can also make or break your look. From having waist-length hair to short hair, I need more maintenance to keep it tidy and without fly aways left and right. And since I have dyed hair, I have to make sure that my hair doesn't look dry.

Cream Silk’s Standout Straight Leave-On Cream

Cream Silk must have heard my hair dilemma that they've come up with Cream Standout Straight Leave-On Cream*!

Fair and Fab Skin with Palmolive Naturals White + Papaya Body Wash*

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Last month, I featured Palmolive Naturals' latest bar soap that contains charcoal powder. Now, Palmolive Naturals has its latest liquid soap - White + Payaya body wash!

Palmolive Naturals White + Papaya Body Wash

Palmolive Naturals White + Papaya Body Wash is infused with 100% natural papaya extract that leaves our skin fair and moisturised at the same time. It also has a very good scent [not reminiscent of the papaya fruit but it smells really good].

Palmolive Naturals White + Papaya Body Wash

Not all of use are into whitening products. But to those who got a tan or wants to get whiter over time, you can definitely try this product. It's very affordable at only PhP80 per bottle! Expect white result with daily use.

Want to try this for free? Visit Sample Room now! There are still 35 pieces left up for grabs!


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October 2015's Commenter of the Month and What's in Store for November-December's Commenter of the Month!

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It's the first day of the month! Time flies, really. It's already November! Where did 2015 go?

Since I'm not able to post regularly now and since November and December are really hectic to a lot of people because of the Christmas Holiday, I will be combining the Commenters for November and December! The items you see below will be divided into 2 prizes. Now, I will be adding more prizes from the ones in the photo. It's Christmas holidays! Time to play Santa!


The MECHANICS are really simple but make sure to follow them! Mandatory guys!

1. LIKE Gem of Rare Vanity on Facebook.
2. FOLLOW Rarevanity on Bloglovin'.
3. Comment away! But remember, quality over quantity comments!

November-December Commenters of the Month will be announced on the first week of January 2016.

Shiseido Essentials: An Exclusive BDJBox Luxe

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Something black surprised me last Thursday. I knew BDJ released a new Luxe box and I honestly wasn't expecting to receive it. But when I called the house to ask if I have any packages, there was apparently two packages. I was only expecting one.

I asked if it was a box and asked our house help to open it. Then she read it: Shiseido!

I swear I wanted to go home the moment I heard that!

Shiseido Essentials: An Exclusive BDJBox Luxe

How I Became a #BetterMe!

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Every time I look back at my younger years, it makes me smile and I'm always reminded of how tough I am for what I've gone through. You see, I didn't have the best life as some people would think. I was bullied at one point and had a fair share of having fake friends. Comments about the way I looked were never-ending, too.


#BetterMe with SkinWhite
left photo: with my half Japanese friend and half Australian friend
(Guess who my half Australian friend is! She has a lot of Anneventures!)
right photo: year 2015 #BetterMe

BDJ'S Veteran's Night

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Last October 15, BDJ had it's annual Veteran's Night at Marco Polo Hotel. It was my first time to attend the Veteran's Night. I'm glad I didn't skip this one!

BDJ'S Veteran's Night BDJ at 10

Current Love: Maybelline Color Blur Lip Pencil

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2015 must be the year of drugstore makeup for me. I've never been this hooked with drugstore makeup THIS much! It's even an understatement.

When I found out about Maybelline's Color Blur, I knew I just had to try them. Remember ombrè lips? Color Blur was inspired by that. Only this time, you can achieve ombrè lips with just one lip colour or "blur" it as the brand coins it.
Maybelline Lip Gradation

Food Escapade at Kuretake

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Running out of options where to eat at Powerplant, we went outside to check if there are still restaurants we haven't tried. The last restaurant we saw was Kuretake so we decided to have Japanese.


Céleteque DermoCosmetics, Makeup and Skincare in One

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Last week, Céleteque DermoScience officially launched their cosmetic line called Céleteque DermoCosmetics. Right off the bat, what makes this different from other makeup is that it is also a skincare. Their makeup has anti-aging components and glutathione to name a few. 

Céleteque DermoCosmetics

Palmolive Naturals Flawless Clean with Charcoal Powder*

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Palmolive Naturals recently released their latest innovation in skin care! A soap with charcoal powder! The brand felt the need to do some innovation with their soaps to help us Filipinas maintain clean skin without feeling dry. Since Manila is tres tres polluted, the charcoal powder infused in the soap helps remove dirt that sticks in out skin whenever we're outside.

L and I have been using this soap since it was sent to me a few weeks back. Verdict? We like it! The scent is not too strong but you are sure to leave the shower smelling good. Males won't feel conscious using this because the scent is good for unisex. The soap doesn't melt easily, too, so it's worth every penny!

Palmolive Naturals Flawless Clean with Charcoal Powder retails for PhP38.90 [115g] at all leading department stores and groceries nationwide. It also has a smaller size [55g] in a flow wrap instead of a box and it retails for PhP14.00. 

Want to try this for free? Check out Sample Room! They might still have this on stock. That's where I got my this soap!


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Oh Gosh, I'm nominated! Bloggys 2015

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I was supposed to blog about lipstick today. But I received an e-mail from Bloggys informing me that my blog has been nominated for "People's Choice" category! Thank you to those angels that nominated my blog! I'm so overwhelmed!

That said, I'll need your help to vote for me to be able to bag the People's Choice award! Click on this link [http://bloggys.ph/section-4/] and choose rarevanity.net then leave your name, email, and mobile. You can also vote thru your Facebook account!

Let me know once you've voted! Thank you in advance! #Bloggys2015


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Getting Hitched Series: High on Love! #LawLovesGem Turns 1!

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It's our first year wedding anniversary today! Yup, L and I got married on 10.12.14! The date wasn't a coincidence. We really planned to have a sequence on our wedding date!

Well, this won't be a blog post. Let me show you guys what transpired on our wedding day!

But first, let's star with out prenup shoot!




Now, to our wedding day!



Photography | Benjie Tiongco
Videography | Bob Nicolas
Bridal Makeup Artist | Gery Penaso for MAC Cosmetics
Bridal Hair Stylists | Felicity Son and Aries Manal
Entourage HMUA | Donnarence and Regine
Groom's Suit | Felipe & Sons
Preps | The Peninsula Manila
Ceremony | Santuario de San Antonio Parish
Venue | Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club
Caterer | Hizon's Catering
Florist | Teddy Manuel
Coordination | Kiss the Girl Events
Event Stylist | Drew Menor
Music | Manila Philharmonic Orchestra
Photobooth | Baicapture
Wedding Bands | Meicel
Lights and Sounds | Rejectkrew
Projector and other systems | Metrotech


I hope you guys like it!


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Experience Natural Care "Down There' with pH Care Naturals*

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Everyone’s going all-natural these days, whether we’re talking about organic food, health supplements from plant and animal extracts, and even personal care and beauty products. And, why not? Ever since, people have long used natural ingredients to effectively address their woes and concerns.

This is why pH Care bottled up nature’s wonders through two popularly used ingredients, papaya and guava leaves, to come up with their all-new pH Care Naturals line in pH Care Naturals Papaya and pH Care Naturals Guava. The folks behind best-selling feminine wash pH Care have an intimate understanding of the importance of caring for your feminine area, and they expertly combine the properties of these winning natural ingredients with their mild and effective intimate care products. 

pH Care Naturals Papaya
There are a lot of factors that can influence a woman’s confidence when it comes to donning that swimsuit, including puson problems and cleavage consciousness. But one other common insecurity many women have is dark skin in and around the feminine area, and this is something they can feel self-conscious about even in the comfort and privacy of their own rooms and bathrooms. And, while there are many products for whitening dark skin in other parts of the body, most of these aren’t safe or suited for use in intimate areas. But now, pH Care has a new whitening feminine wash variant that uses natural ingredients, so you keep the sensitive area fresh and fair. The new pH Care Naturals Papaya is powered with papaya extract, so you get fairer skin in as early as 14 days! And since we know papaya is one of nature’s wonders when it comes to skin-whitening, you’re sure to get only the best results with the mildest ingredients.

pH Care Naturals Guava
Even if you’re not overly concerned with dark skin, you may still want a feminine wash made from natural ingredients that will still keep your intimate area fresh and clean. After all, in a hot country like ours, sweat can lead to discomfort, even body odor, and infection—and it’s worse when it involves the feminine area! But no need to worry; pH Care Naturals Guava has been specially infused with guava leaf extract, which is well-known for its cleansing and anti-bacterial properties. In fact, the use of guava leaves for intimate care is a traditionally renowned practice passed on from generation to generation. So if you’re among the 33% of Filipinas constantly seeking for natural solutions “down there,” then give pH Care Naturals Guava a try. It will naturally deodorize the area so you can feel confident regardless of outfit, activity, or even weather. It has quite a refreshing scent, too!

Now, you can be assured of natural care “down there”, para fresh and clean na, odor-free pa!

The NEW! pH Care Naturals Intimate Wash is available for P49.50 (50mL) and P104 (150mL) at leading supermarkets, drugstores, and beauty stores. For more information, check out facebook.com/pHCare. You can also follow them on social media networks:

Instagram: @pHCarePhilippines 




* write-up provided


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Revia Hair Color by Verona*

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I've been dying to dye my hair because my roots have grown to about 3 inches already. God must have heard my prayer and Revia reached out to me and sent me 5 packs of their hair colour for me to try.
Revia Hair Color by Verona review

I used it the following day after receiving the products! I'm thankful that my mom was more than willing to apply the hair colour on me. I don't think I can do it by myself!

LA Splash Cosmetics Lip Couture, Studio Shine Lip Luster, & Smitten Liptint Mousse - Again!

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I tried hard to resist buying another matte liquid lipstick from LA Splash Cosmetics after I've reviewed it because I already knew what to expect. But I couldn't help myself because I was really curious how the others shades would look on me.

While I was browsing Instagram's popular posts, I saw a photo about LA Splash Cosmetics being available at The Ramp with testers! Twas like a blessing in disguise to me! Went to The Ramp after work for a swatchfest and went home with 4 new matte liquid lipsticks. I can't quite remember where I bought the other two.

LA Splash Cosmetics Lip Couture, Studio Shine Lip Luster, & Smitten Liptint Mousse

Seems like I'm only partial to a certain family of colour. It comes with age, definitely.

Ask Me Mondays: How To Know What to Blog About

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Hi Ms. Gem,
I've been reading a lot of beauty blogs since 2013 and one thing that I can't seem to figure out is how beauty bloggers choose what makeup to blog about. Yung iba pansin ko pare-pareho. Siguro it's for a campaign or sabay sila na-contact ng Brands. But for your usual blog post, paano mo pinipili? thank you and more power to your blog!
- Marie M.

Hi Marie,
To be quite honest, sometimes I also don't know what to blog about regardless of my makeup stash and few PR kits I received. Some (PR) products are time sensitive which is why you see product X on different blogs published on the same week. As for the products that are not time sensitive or not sent by PR, I blog about them once I'm already comfortable with the product or when I am really unsatisfied with it. Although I'm trying hard not to blog about products I regret just to keep the positive vibes on this blog. But hey, there is also something good that comes out of the negative since the readers become more aware of what NOT to buy. So, I guess it also pays off. Right now, I itemized the makeup products that I have to see which one I have a lot of - which turns out to be lipsticks. To get it out of the way, I am blogging more about lipsticks and also because I noticed that women love lipstick. Most of the hits I get in this blog are from my lipstick posts. At the same time, I'm also trying to balance out the makeup products that I have. That's why you'll see a different makeup product review in between. I want my blog to be a well-rounded blog from drugstore makeup to high-end makeup. My readers have also validated that I have a good mix of the two so all the more that I intend to keep it that way. I stopped blogging about my Monthly Favorites because as of the moment, I do not have all of my makeup with me. I feel like if I try to post a Monthly Favorite post, it  would be too trying because it won't be that accurate since 70% of the makeup products I have with me now are those that I have and currently stuck with. My only consolation is that I'm lucky these products don't break me out but it's still not enough for me to call them my favorite. I still have a few favorites now but I just choose to review them instead.

One of the channels that make me decide on what to blog about is Instagram. I sometimes click on the hashtags or browse at the popular posts and when I see a photo of a particular makeup, I get motivated to blog about it [if I have it]. I also highly take into consideration the suggestions and requests that I get.

I hope my answer was enough! It was kinda tough!

if you have a question you've been meaning to ask, ask away! Just click the link or you can click the link on one of the tabs 'Ask' or send an e-mail to hello@rarevanity.net. I'll try to answer them here on a timely manner :)



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