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.