NARS Blush in Gaeity

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NARS Cosmetics is probably one of my most favourite brands that I do not get to review or feature more on my blog.  My first encounter with NARS is their Orgasm blush. I think that is most bloggers' first encounter with the brand as well.  I love Orgasm blush so bad, it's probably the only blush that I consistently hit pan on and repurchase.  But of course, as a blogger and makeup enthusiast, we all got to hustle and try other shades.

NARS Cosmetics has a wide range of blush colors.  Gaeity is my fourth NARS blush but it's the one that is dearest to me.

NARS Gaeity.
Originally, this was a Limited Edition blush; part of 2012 Spring Collection

But then NARS decided it had to be part of the permanent range. Woot-woot!

Food Escapade at Yardstick Coffee

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It's been awhile since my last Food Esapade post featuring another coffee shop.  I didn't stop exploring.  I just keep on lagging.  Like this post for example.  I took these photos almost a year ago, LOL!

Croughnut was a big craze last 2012 or 2013.  Croughnuts popped out left and right.  Then there was Bronuts which was only available every weekend in Powerplant Mall.  They eventually offered coffee to match the bronut.  That coffee was called/branded Yardstick Coffee.

When L and I found out that Yarstick Coffee has its own coffee shop, we instantly included it in our To-Go list.


How do you like this latté art, my dear?

Royale Beauty Satin Lipstick*

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I'm sure you've heard about Royale Beauty.  All this time, I thought the brand only offers whitening soap and lotion.  I was shocked to find out that they also have lipstick!

Royal Beauty Satin Lipstick in Hot Chili

Glowing with Avène!

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Bloggers were invited to attend an intimate event of Avène.  I confirmed my attendance immediately because the venue was in CBD.  It's just walking distance from where I was coming from.

I've heard of Avène before but I've never really tried the product long enough to see if it worked for me.  It was a complimentary mist from one of the hotels I've stayed in abroad.

Eau Thermale Avène is a French derma cosmetic brand that aims to improves our skin by using "healing water" in all of their products.  The brand is named after a village in France where Sainte Odile Spring is located.  The spring was said to be a healing water because of a horse whose skin allergy was cured by bathing and drinking the water of Saint Odile Spring.  A science lad was built o continuously study about water and its healing properties.  There is also a hydrotherapy centre in Avène, France that caters to thousands of patients with severe skin disease.  

My very own hashtag courtesy of Avène.

Etude House Happy Teatime Aloe Tea Cleansing Cream

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I have a bad habit of sleeping without taking off my makeup.  I know it's not a good practice but I just get really lazy at night.  I settled with makeup remover tissue just so I could break my habit.  I'm okay with almost any brand but my favourite is the one from Etude House.

While going around inside Etude House to purchase another pack of makeup remover tissue, I saw the cleansing cream counterpart of it!  I figured, it must be good.  Without hesitation, I grabbed one and purchased it instead of the makeup remover tissue.

Happy Teatime Cleansing Cream, PhP188 or PhP198

Food Escapade at Tampopo

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Tired and clueless where to eat, L and I ended up at Tampopo.  We went to Greenhills to try Rita's but it's just absurd to have that for lunch so we went to Promenade first.  And of course, since we love Japanese cuisine, we sub-consciously chose Tampopo over Little Italy.

Ramen.  Spicy something.

Lazada.com.ph Celebrates its Third Year Anniversary with a 3-Day Shopping Extravaganza

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Lazada Philippines

Lazada Philippines, a part of Lazada Group which operates Southeast Asia’s number one online shopping and selling destination, is celebrating its third anniversary this month with three days of sales from 24 to 26 March.

Lazada Group has seen rapid growth since its launch in March 2012. The company now has over 4,000 employees across the region and has raised approximately EUR 520 million in funding from leading sector specialists and investors including Temasek, Tesco, JP Morgan, Kinnevik and Rocket Internet, among others. 

In December 2014, Lazada Group’s GMV exceeded US$70 million, supported by the success of the month-long Online Revolution campaign which kicks off annually on 11 November. Its sites and mobile applications saw over 40 million unique visitors during the month of December. This performance is testament to the company’s focus on delivering an effortless, secure and reliable one-stop shopping experience for its customers.

Lazada Group’s growth is also a result of its rapid assortment expansion driven by its unique position to provide brands and merchants simple, fast and direct access to approximately 550 million consumers in six countries through one retail channel. The number of sellers on the marketplace platform, which now accounts for approximately 75% of overall sales, crossed 10,000 in December 2014.

Addressing the logistical challenges in the region, Lazada Group is investing heavily to develop its infrastructure. The company now has eight warehouses and a dedicated Lazada Express last mile delivery fleet with 50 hubs covering 80 cities. In addition, Lazada Group has partnered with 60 express transport and courier companies across the region to provide customers with quick and reliable delivery.

“We are delighted to be celebrating our third year of rapid growth this month. Looking ahead, Lazada will continue to focus on increasing its assortment range, expand our logistics infrastructure and payment solutions to further enhance the effortless shopping experience for our customers,” says Inanc Balci, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lazada Philippines.

Lazada.com.ph has been growing in line with the group and received 18 million visits in December 2014. By continuing to focus on developing the marketplace platform to support brands and merchants, the company reached more than 1,600 sellers by the end February 2015, who were supported by 1500 employees.

Following the success of the Online Revolution campaign last 2014 and the Mobile Power Sale last February 2015, consumers can expect more from the upcoming birthday sales from 24 to 26 March. Simply log on to www.lazada.com.ph and on the Lazada Mobile App to get a chance to be part of the biggest birthday extravaganza from Lazada.com.ph.

Are you curious of what to expect during the 3-Day Birthday Shopping Extravaganza? Here are some hints:

3 Days of Flash Deals on exciting products from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM;
Announcement of Discount Vouchers for the Night Shoppers (12:01 AM – 7:59 PM);
Best-selling Items marked at its best prices;
Fun contests and games on the Lazada PH Facebook Fanpage;
Hot discounts and bundles available on the Lazada Mobile App

Inanc Balci added, “We thank our customers for their support and hope they will enjoy the birthday sale promotions as part of Lazada’s anniversary celebration.”
* write-up provided


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Get Intensive White Skin!

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Belo introduces its most intensive whitening range

Dr. Vicki Belo has not earned the reputation of pioneering the best and the most sophisticated breakthrough products and treatments for skin health and long-lasting beauty for nothing.

She has been in the industry long enough to establish that unquestioned and unsurpassed credibility that catapulted her to be the country’s premiere beauty expert and cosmetic doctor whom everyone looks up to for her authority and unbridled talent. She caters to the stars and the general public alike, both spheres enjoying parallel care and utmost importance in all her clinics.

Her authority in beauty and health is so much so, that every Filipino now believes that “If it comes from Belo, it must be effective.”

Take the case of her latest product innovation on skin whitening called Belo Intensive Whitening (Kojic Acid + Tranexamic Acid). This whitening product range boasts of a unique combination of today’s two most powerful whitening actives – Kojic Acid and Tranexamic Acid.

Kojic Acid is an organic compound that effectively inhibits the production of tyrosinase and melanin giving skin a visibly lighter appearance. Tranexamic Acid, on the other hand, is a peptide proven to inhibit inflammation and melanin formation. It is ideal for stubborn dark spots that do not respond to other skin lightening ingredients.

As soon as the line’s first product, Belo Intensive Whitening Bar (for the face and body), was launched, it has already taken the country by storm, proving that Belo’s product is indeed, 64% more effective than other products with Kojic Acid alone, as evidenced by clinical studies conducted.

The next two products that were recently introduced are Belo Intensive Whitening Body Cream (lotion) and Belo Intensive WhiteningFace&NeckCream. Bothproducts have SPF 30 for protection against UV rays, and are guaranteed hypoallergenic. Like the face and body bar, prepare to be blown away by the products’ classy and long lasting scent, something that users have been pointing out.

Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo has been named Belo Kojic’s endorser. She tells her fans how effective this new product line is as evidenced by her newfound intense glow. See her latest Belo TVC here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QPMpkIYW2w
* write-up provided

Shiseido International Beauty Fair 2015

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Shiseido started their beauty fair last year in the Philippines.  I wasn't able to go to any of their runs last year so I made sure that I was going to attend this year.

Since March is women's month, Shiseido is having their International Beauty Fair for the month of March!  Being one of the brand partners of Sample Room, they invited Sample Room and its partners bloggers for the kick-off of this Beauty Fair!

Take your pick.

Human Nature (Strengthening) Shampoo & Conditioner

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Saying that my hair is damaged is an understatement.  I abuse it way too much that I never thought I can revive it in such a way that it can still look healthy enough.

I've been having my hair rebonded for 16 years now.  For 2014, I skipped hair rebond and tried permanent blow dry (c/o Hairshaft).  On top of that, I can never get contended with my hair colour.  From black to ash blonde back to black. Ficklminded much.

When I tried the Permanent Blow Dry, I was told to use shampoo that is sulfate free to prevent my hair from looking very dry cos of the hair treatment done.  Top of mind was Pureology.  But a bottle costs almost PhP2,000 and I didn't want to spend that much on shampoo and conditioner at the moment.

My mom told me there is a local brand of shampoo that is sulfate free. I was hesitant at first but what the heck, this sulfate free shampoo and conditioner might just be what I need.


Apparently, we have a neighbor who is a Human Nature dealer.  I saw the brochure although I didn't buy from her. I bought at the grocery when I saw this!

It comes in 2 or 3 variants but I chose 'strengthening' cos I think I need this more than 'nourishing.' The smell is okay.  It's light that I hardly smell my hair smelling like a normal shampoo.  But hey, at least, it doesn't smell bad.

My hair is currently ash blonde and it's supposed to look dry because it's light but surprisingly, this hair product is helping my hair maintain a bit of glow making it look a bit healthy.  The shampoo and conditioner retail for about PhP150 (give or take) per bottle.  For a hair product that is sulfate free and only a fraction of Pureology, this ain't so bad after all!  I can't say it's HG to my damaged hair as I still want to try other brands but as of the moment, I can say this is included in my grocery list!


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Sample Room's BBQ Cookout Party

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Summer for Sample Room started early! We spent one Saturday in Tagaytay at Wilson's Place together with other beauty bloggers.  It's always a fun day every time I'm with Sample Room family.

Last year, we hit the beach. This year, we took over a private pool.  The catch though, we had to take a creative underwater shot.  It's harder than it sounds haha!

See that pink umbrella there? It has UBF 50 to protect our skin from the sun!

Unboxing March (2015) BDJ Box Pond's Exclusive*

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I'll let you in on a little secret.  Every month, I pray that I will receive a BDJ Box. While browsing Instagram last Saturday, I saw a photo of the latest BDJ Box.  It's another exclusive box in collaboration with Pond's.  I got excited and nervous at the same time because I didn't receive an e-mail that the latest box is on its way.  I called my mailing address to ask if there's a new package for me and I was told there was none.  Now, this got me nervous.  Am I not getting this month's box? Huhu.

Sunday and Monday came. No package delivery.  I gave up and thought that maybe allocation was cut short this month.

Then on my way home today, I received a text message from our household that there's a package for me.  I changed ways and went to the house to see what package was waiting for me!

Lo and behold, it's no other than the latest BDJ Box!  I tweeted yesterday that I want the latest BDJ Box so bad (heck, I always want BDJ Boxes so bad) and today, I received mine.  Ask and you shall receive!

Yes, I'm claiming it. This box is my ticket to flawless, radiant skin!

Maybelline's White Superfresh Cake Powder*

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Last January, I got an invite to attend the launching of Maybelline's newest product.  I said yes immediately as I had a feeling that this launching will most definitely be a good one!  And boy, was I right!


This has been a staple in my vanity since January.  I love hot the white compact blends nicely with my other things.

Food Escapade at Kenji Tei

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Lately, Japanese cuisine is L and I's go-to food.  It's usually L's craving for ramen while I'm craving for Ebi or Gyoza.

After my appointment at Strip, we decided to have late lunch at the mall instead of going home.  We couldn't really decide where to eat so when we passed by Kenji Tei, we thought why not.

Japanese food is always a good idea, yes?

Getting Hitched Series: Choosing the Date

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Choosing a wedding date is quite difficult.  For most couples, they like to have their wedding on a weekend so that the people that they want to invite will be able to attend.  There are also couples that choose a date that falls on a weekday because they prefer an intimate wedding.

As for me, I was particular with number patterns.  I want the date to make a statement just by looking at it.  So, here are a few dates that I think would make a good wedding date (not factoring in the day it falls on, of course).

May 1, 2015 for 5.1.15
May 10, 2015 for 5.10.15
May 15, 2015 for 5.15.15
October 15, 2015 for 15.10.15
November 5, 2015 for 11.5.15
November 15, 2015 for 15.11.15

But of course, it's still up to you if you prefer a different date.  After all, it is your wedding date!

Goodluck!


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February 2015's Commenter of the Month and What's in Store for March's Commenter of the Month!

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February went by so fast!  As usual, things got busy at work and my spare time was spent on resting. Hopefully this March I'll be able to post more entries.  I'm targeting at least 20! *crosses fingers*

I'm feeling generous tonight so I'm giving away 16 beauty products for March 2015's Commenter of the Month!  One of the reasons is that whoever the lucky winner is, she'll receive these items in April. That month happens to be my birthday month!  It's always nice to give back especially during my birth month.

The lucky March 2015 Commenter of the Month will receive the following:
Spongeables Foot Buffer
Godiva Licowhite Whitening Soap
Too Cool For School Pumpkin Sleeping Pack
Godiva Licowhite Whitening Facial Wash
Colour Collection Blush Duo
Max Factor Earth Spirit Eyeshadow
Godiva Licowhite Whitening Lotion
Godiva Licowhite Whitening Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
Excel Matte Lipstick in 508
Hortaleza Hair Cuticle Coat
SkinWhite Whitening Face Cream Powder
Pixy Waterproof Mascara in Black
Colour Collection Lipstick in Regal Red
Dentiste Toothpaste
Godiva Licowhite Whitening Facial Toner

There are just simple mechanics that you have to follow:
1.  Follow Rare Vanity on Facebook.  This is mandatory.
2.  Follow this blog on Bloglovin.  This is mandatory.
2.  Follow @raregem on Twitter. **
3.  Follow @raregem on Instagram. **
4.  Subscribe to @rarevanity on Youtube. **
5.  Subscribe to this blog via email.  Look on the right side of this blog. **
** optional

Those social media sites are almost always updated to inform you anything about beauty and everything in between.

But of course, you'd also have to comment on my posts.  It could be about anything. Although I'd appreciate those that engage conversations and give suggestions (on what post I should do next, etc).  The comments are based on quality over quantity.  As for now, Commenter of the Month is for Philippine Residents only.

Goodluck!


Now, moving on to February 2015's Commenter of the month!  It's no other than...

mommyR

I'm not sure what your real name is, MommyR!  But please send me your full name, mobile number, and shipping address to hello@rarevanity.net =)

Just to recap, here's your loot!


Kindly get in touch with my by March 5, 2015 (Thursday).  If I don't receive an e-mail from you, I will pick another winner!


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