If there is one thing that we all have, it is our core values, these are the primary beliefs that shape our view of the world. They give us the lenses through which we interpret everything about life. People have differing spiritual beliefs, life perspective, and opinion hence the variety of religion all around the world. Some people are more in touch with their spirituality while others don't believe in those kind of stuff. Personally, I believe in the Holy Bible, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. I am also practicing crystal healing and gem therapy as I believe that they are created by God to assist us. Energy healing, astrology, aura cleansing, and reiki are some of the things that I am also open to believing and learning. I think that in one way or another, all of these work alongside together in this Universe! I have always been drawn to the esoterics since I was young, however it's only been 3 years since I started experimenting with it. Most people usually call esotericism as "The Mystery Tradition". The internet refers to it as "understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest" while some of my friends call it "psychic stuff". Haha! I don't consider myself as psychic or what but because of this interest, most people in my past called me "weird". I also wear bold and large acessories and jewelry pieces too, that might have had added to that "bold and odd" appeal then, eh? Haha nevermind! Nowadays, I am glad that I have been meeting lots of people who also share the same interest, those whom I can talk to about things like this and finding comfort in knowing that they wouldn't call me insane. One of the places where I encounter these people is at The Crystal Diva. It is like a safe haven for magical, esoteric, and spiritual practitioners. P.S. Now before you freak out, hear me out! Let me make it clear that not all practitioners are doing witchcraft and dark arts, or worshiping the devil! The people here are light workers, those who believe in God and won't use their abilities to harm others. In short, hindi naman po kami kulto! Chill! The other night, I went to The Crystal Diva's Psychic Fair wherein the practitioners will only charge Php 500 per session. Of course I wouldn't miss it as it is already pretty affordable to be honest as other practitioners in other places charge thousands for each service. Just a li'l background story for those who don't know yet: before finding out about The Crystal Diva, I'd already tried tarot reading from other psychics too in the past. I have also been collecting and working with healing crystals for 3 years now. Read how I started with my healing crystals journey HERE. The first time I went to TCD, I had a past life regression session with Tony Suvega who also gave me a little bit of akashic records reading about my past lives. (I haven't blogged about it but I shared the story before in my Facebook status). The second time, I had tarot reading, aura cleansing, crystal layout healing, and reiki with August Tambunting, READ HERE. The third time, I attended the Crystal Healing Workshop by Julius Nequia. The Psychic Fair event is the 4th time that I went to TCD. So you see, whenever I go to their place, I've always felt at home! I meet new and different practitioners each time, sooooo interesting, indeed! Now back to my experience at The Psychic Fair the other day, I went there to have a Kudlit session with "pagluluya" which was done by Dian Hurim Buwawan, a Babylan. You may be asking, what is a Babaylan? ABOUT BABAYLANS: "Babaylan (also balian or katalonan, among many other names), were animistic shamans of the various ethnic groups of the pre-colonial Philippine islands. These shamans were almost always women or feminized men (asog or bayoc). They were believed to have spirit guides, by which they could contact and interact with the spirits (anito) and the spirit world. Their primary role were as mediums during pag-anito séance rituals. There were also various subtypes of babaylan specializing in the arts of healing and herbalism, divination, and sorcery. Babaylan were highly-respected members of the community, on par with the pre-colonial noble class. Their influence waned when most of the ethnic groups of the Philippines converted to Islam and Catholicism. Under the Spanish Empire, babaylan were often maligned as witches and "priests of the devil" and were persecuted harshly by the Spanish clergy. In modern Philippine society, their roles have largely been taken over by folk healers, which are now predominantly male. Most babaylan inherited their status from an older babaylan they were voluntarily apprenticed to, usually a relative. In some cultures, like among the Isneg people, older shamans can choose apprentices from among the eligible young women of the village. A few, however, become babaylan after experiencing what has been termed a "shamanistic initiatory crisis" (also "shamanic illness" or "shamanic madness"). This includes serious or chronic illnesses, near-death experiences, sudden seizures and trembling, depression, strange events or behavior (including climbing balete trees or disappearing for several days with no memory of the events), bouts of insanity (including those induced by psychological trauma from a past event), and strange visions or dreams. These are regarded as encounters with the spirits, where the soul of the person is said to be journeying to the spirit world. In cases like this, it is said that a spirit chose the person, rather than the other way around. After being chosen, shamans go through an initiation rite. These rites are meant to gain or transfer the patronage of a spirit. In cases of people with "shamanic illness", these initiation rites are regarded as the cure, where the initiate regains health or sanity by conceding to the wishes of the spirits and "answering the call". When volunteered rather than volunteering, their relatives are usually required to pay a large fee to the senior shaman for the training. Initiation rites can range from simply inducing a trance through herbs or alcohol, to inducing personal crises through physical or psychological hardship. Extreme examples of initiation rites include getting buried alive or being immersed in water overnight. After initiation, the apprentices are then trained in the details of their role. This training includes learning about the rituals, the chants and songs, the sacrifices appropriate for each spirit, oral histories, herbs and healing practices, and magic spells, among others. They usually assist the senior shaman during ceremonies until their training is complete, which can take months to years. Each shaman can have one or more such apprentices, at varying ranks or specializations. The shaman's power to communicate with the spirit world is derived from their spirit companions that guide them and intercede for them. These spirits are usually referred to in euphemistic terms like abyan ("friend"), alagad or bantay ("guardian"), or gabay ("guide"), among other terms. Shamans have at least one abyan, with more powerful shamans having many. Certain individuals like powerful leaders or warriors (especially those with shaman relatives) are also believed to have their own abyan that give them magical powers. Abyan are also believed to guide, teach, and inspire skilled artists and craftsmen in the community. Abyan spirits can be ancestor spirits, but they are more commonly non-human spirits. Shamans either had spirit companions from birth, drew their attention during the "shamanic illness", or gained their allegiance during initiation into shamanism. Spirits are believed to be social beings, with individual quirks and personalities (both good and bad). The friendship of abyan depend on reciprocity. The shamans do not command them. People with abyan must regularly offer sacrifices to these spirits, usually consisting of food, alcoholic drinks, ngangà, and blood from a sacrificial animal (usually a chicken or a pig) in order to maintain good relations. This friendship of abyan, once earned, is enduring. They become, in essence, part of the family." -with the advise and permission of Babaylan Hurim, I took this explqnation from Wikipedia. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babaylan Whenever I am looking for some guidance and clarity, I go to The Crystal Diva. Of course, I pray and meditate as well but sometimes, consulting with a spiritual practitioner and hearing the message straight from them helps too. Before going there, I was wondering whether I have some energy blockages thrown at me. Before recommending a certain healing service or rituals to a client, The Crystal Diva's owner, Ms. Myra, suggests having an assessment with their Babaylan or Hoodoo practitioners first. That way, they can refer what healing modality is best for you. Since my concern was about prosperity and blockages, I went for a ritual service called KUDLIT (originally priced at Php 1,500 per session). Kudlit is an ancient Filipino shamanic practice designed to redraw palm lines or marks by stimulating them gently with a heated needle which could change the position of the lines or create or grow new lines on the palms which is believed to simultaneously change the way a person thinks and behaves as well. This is commonly used to avert accidents, misfortunes, poverty, illness and karmic patterns together with “tuos”. To be honest, it was the very first time that I have heard about this ritual and I had no idea what it was about or how it was going to be done until I already got there and talked to the Babylan. CURIOUS? READ ON! Before we start, there was a plate of "offering to the Spiritual Guides" that was prepared by him. It consisted of pieces of ginger, an egg (should be untreated and not salted because salt repels spirits), a handful of bigas (uncooked rice), and three pieces of coins (should be given by me). These items should be thrown away after the session and should never be brough inside your home). First, I was told by Babaylan Hurim to hold this piece of ginger for several minutes. This is the item that he's going to use to connect with my spirit guides (could be my Guardian Angels or ancestors, he said). The Spirit Guides are the ones who will be "telling" him the information of whatever my subconscious is willing to reveal: am I receiving ill-wishes and psychic attacks? Do I have any karmic debts to pay for? Do I have terminal sickness? So on and so forth. After holding the "luya", he told me to do a sign of the cross using the ginger over my forehead, shoulders, and stomach. After that, he took it and started whispering on it, breaking them piece by piece, and throwing them around me. I even noticed him whispering a prayer or chanting, or something while holding my head. After that, he analysed my palm lines on both hands. I also think that he was trying to sense my energy or auric field perhaps? If you are familiar about palmistry, a bit of it was also done in this ritual. For those who don't know, palmistry is the reading of character and divination of the future by interpretation of lines and undulations on the palm of the hands. Normally, the human hand shows evidence of the person’s health, cleanliness, and occupational and nervous habits. Hands are routinely examined in medical diagnosis and provide clues with which the palmist may often astound the unsophisticated. In the psychic or occult sense, the reader will analyze the major palm lines (heart, head, life, and fate), mounts, etc. When the Babaylan notices something of concern while reading your palm lines and energy, he will be asking your Spirit Guides for permission to correct the line. For example, your heart line shows that you might have persisting trouble in marriage or relationships, the Babaylan MAY correct the line by straightening it (if it is broken), however he won't do it recklessly or just because he wanted to. The reason why is because, depending on the situation, sometimes a heartbreak is a lesson that you MUST experience to achieve personal growth and character development. So how was that done? No worries, it's pain-free! The Babaylan will be using a needle for this ritual. He will warm the needle by the candle fire, dip it in water, then start drawing lines over your palm lines. That way, he could correct them by stimulating the skin to leave a "mark". While doing so, the Babaylan and I were having a light chat. The reading was personal so I won't go into detail alright but he mentioned psychic attacks being thrown at me. But since my spirit is strong and I am protected (since I have faith in God and I also use healing crystals), ill-intents toward me are not able to penetrate my auric field. However, if the people around me or if my home is not protected, the ill-intent may bounce off of them and they will be the ones who will get affected. AND SO THAT IS WHERE THE KUDLIT RITUAL IS FOR! Remember the egg and the other pieces of ginger included in the "offering"? It was used to absorb all the negativity surrounding me. He was massaging the egg over my head, my arms, my back, my legs, my hands, etc while saying a prayer. Oh boy, that felt soooooooo good! I couldn't explain the sensation while the egg was being massaged over my head and arms, it was like, a heaviness was being sucked out and it left you feeling lighter! Although I was tols that, that is not YET the full effect of this ritual, still ang sarap sa pakiramdam talaga! After the Kudlit ritual, the offerings were put inside a red cloth. I was instructed to throw it away and never let it get inside our home. The needle that was used to line my palms was supposed to be pierced into a plant wherever so that whenever someone wishes me bad luck or something, the plant will be one to receive it instead of me. Of course, rituals like this won't work if one is 100% cynical and if you don't have faith in God (or to those belonging in other religion, if you don't believe in the Divine). After this ritual, I was able to talk to two Hoodoo practitioners: Tim and Neal. One of them is an intuitive reader and empath who can sense your energy right away! Amazing, right? They did a bit of tarot reading and oracle reading for me. Based on the intuitive reading, tarot and oracle reading, they were giving me some advice on what I shluld do regarding my concern. They couldn't tell exact dates, places, times, nor dates of course, and they reminded me that success will only happen for me if I make a choice, commiting to it, and cleansing myself of clutter (could be spiritual, mental, emotional, and of course physical too). They reminded me that soon enough, I will attain clarity but I have to keep on praying about it and doing something about it too. Of course, need din gumalaw galawa diba, hjndi puros isip-isip! Hahaha! So before I end this blog, let me share with you my thoughts about one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life, haha! As shared in my Facebook profile as well: "Illl-wishes and psychic attacks may materialize to your targets (depending on how spiritually strong they are or how protected their auric field is). However, once you give that negativity or curse away, it will come back to you threetimes fold. For example, if you gave ill-intent to a newlywed, you will never find true love and everybody you meet will only just hurt you, or if you wish someone's career won't succeed because you are jealous, then you will forever struggle when it comes to money matters, something like that. So the best solution is to always pray, to protect yourself from negativity by cleansing rituals or protective crystals, by sending and choosing to receive only positivity, by being conscious of your thoughts and feelings: never letting envy and bitterness consume you, and of course, clearing and making bawi any curses you gave away to someone in the past. When you have no baggage, only then could prosperity happen to you. Wealth is not measured by just the money you earn and have or the material stuff you own. It could also mean the quality of your relationships towards family, friends, loved-ones, and of course if you are at peace with yourself. So the question is, are you REALLY happy? Why and why not?" About The Crystal Diva Our Team - A bunch of "gifted" individuals who decided to work altogether to put the special gifts that had been bestowed upon us into good use. - A team that is dedicated to promote natural and holistic wellness to make a difference in this world, in our own little way. Our Mission To nourish a person's "well-being" by taking care of his "whole being." Our Vision Our advocacy towards natural and holistic wellness be present across the world. The Crystal Diva is also a shop that sells healing crystals (polished, tumbled stones, generators, etc), lucky crystal charms and jewelries, crystal-infused scents, essential oils, cleansing waters, incense, himalayan salt lamps, and more. They have a physical store as well as online store that can be seen in Instagram, Shopee, and Facebook. Core Values Creative and cost-conscious in providing service, products and spa environment. Respect each individual’s differences and maintain confidentiality and professionalism. Yield experience, learn to listen and be open to new ideas. Share and promote the advocacy by practicing what you preach. Treat everyone as a family and be honest in every situation. Accountability is a must in every products, services and information being carried out. Love what you do and it will love you back. Deliver every ordinary things in extraordinary way daily. Innovative wellness programs to address the diverse individual needs in all stages of wellness development Value small things and always be positive no matter how tough the day is. Always care about the community and help the society. To know more about The Crystal Diva's services, products, and rates, visit their website at www.thecrystaldiva.com.
To experience their rituals, visit them Unit 5MA6 Victoria Station 1, 793 EDSA Kamuning, Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City 1103 (beside GMA 7 and MRT- Kamuning Station) which is open from amonday to Saturday at 1pm to 10pm. For instant updates, follow them in Instagram @thecrystaldiva and Facebook Page: The Crystal Diva To shop, check them out at Shopee: The Crystal Diva "@crystalmommie" Short, sparse, and thin eyelashes.... Who else have the same? I know that there isn't anything wrong with my almost non-existent-looking lashes and 2—3 coats of normal mascaras make them appear a li'l bit more obvious than withput BUT applying on false eyelashes make my eyes "open up" and appear bigger. However, busy momma like me ain't got too much time for that! So, just imagine my surprise when I saw a viral video being shared in Facebook showing women with 4-5 inches long eyelashes while applying on mascara! I was like, is this sh*t for real? I gotta get my hands on those and try them! I mean, nothing to lose ayt? So I saw one being sold online and I bought it. (Got mine from Jamie Prado in Facebook for only Php 450 per box plus shipping fee). The packaging is simple and it contains 2 products: the main, basic mascara and the fiber mascara. So basically, you gotta out on the basic mascara first (the longer tube) and while it is wet, you have to apply the fiber mascara (the shorter tube) afterwards. For a longer and thicker effect, you have to apply these two mascaras alternately. 1st tube, 2nd tube, 1st tube, 2nd tube and so on and so forth. This is the basic mascara. Using it alone is alright but don't expect too much changes. However it made my eyelashes look longer instantly after one application. The formulation isn't totally waterproof at all. What's nice though is that they don't leave me with ugly black racoon eyes even with after a few hours of use. This is the fiber mascara, the one that you have to apply after the first one. This can NOT be used alone as it needs another moist substance to cling onto, otherwise, it will just fall down your lashes. I haven't tried using this with a different basic mascara though so I don't know how its effect will be when used with something else. The formulation has a li'l bit of fall out so you gotta be patient when using this, not to mention, be extra careful during application since I might get stuck in your eye! To be able to use this set, you gotta apply it precisely. I want long and thick lashes but I hate spider-looking clumpy lashes so I only did 3 layers of application. The first layer using the two products, my lashes had instant volume and length however they are not that obvious (given that my natural lashes barely look existent). With 2nd layer of products, they look nicer, it appears that I naturally have thick and long lashes but it doesn't look "fake". With the 3rd layer of application, I can feel my lashes getting heavier and clumping together. My upper lashes became heavier that even after curling it, they kind of go down. I didn't attempt another layer on my lower lashes however because I don't like the sticky feeling. I have seen other Youtubers reviewing this product and they tried the super long lashes effect. Doing that needs way more precision and takes a lot of time and effort and as I have said, busy momma ain't got no time for that! Hahaha! (But if I have extra time for primping, I'll try that too!) However, I'll share with you the video of one of my favorite Youtubers trying this product out: I think this product really works although I prefer a simplier look hence I don't need my lashes to look THAT long. If you wanna try it though, feel free, hehe! Now, for my final verdict, is this product good? After using it for a few weeks everytime I go out, I have noticed no allergic reaction and no irritation. However, since I couldn't understand the Chinese language written on the box, I couldn't tell if there was any list of ingredients included or not.
PROS: - It gives extra volume and length for the lashes. - It is easy to wash off at the end of the day. - I have no negative reaction experienced (no redness, swelling, irritation, etc) - This product is buildable according to your liking, you can do a simple lashes look or an extreme eyelash look, your choice! - For only Php 450, I think this product is already affordable, given its effectiveness! p.s. I see some 4DD mascara boxes being sold for cheaper in Shopee although I couldn't tell if they are legit so, gurls, buy at your own risk. CONS: - The fiber mascara has fallouts, expect that you have to clean up your undereyes after using this product. - The product is not waterproof so you can't use it while swimming, or exercising, or doing errands that will make you sweat a lot. - The instructions are written in Chinese so if you don't know how to read it, you won't know the ingredients and if you are allergic to any. REMEMBER: - The results may vary, what works for me may or may not work for you. It is wise to do a patch test first before trying on any products especially if it is going to be applied around your eyes. When you notice itching, redness, or swelling, discontinue use and have it checked with your physician. My Hair Transformation: From black, dark brown, and reddish brown ombre to pink and rose gold balayage! For 11 years now, I've been having my hair dyed yearly but I have always chosen to stay on the safe side of the hair color spectrum: jet black, dark brown, light brown, mahogany, copper, dark neutral colors, you name it. I had two daring hair colors though in 2011: red orange for a hair show and a golden light brown after that but I found out that it was easier to book modeling jobs with neutral hair color than with colorful ones so I stuck with dark hair color. Having a colorful mane is something that I've been fantasizing about at the back of my head and I've often wondered how it must be like! So this year, I decided to try an unconventional hair color again, this time a pink and rose gold balayage! Last July 2017, I had my hair colored mahogany red, however the color had faded already into a dark brown (first pic). Earlier this April, I used Liese Marshmallow Brown hair dye to color my hair at home. It was a light brown shade that blended with my old hair dye hence the medium reddish brown coloring. My roots were of a natural black darker shade hence the "ombre" effect. However, since hair cutting is not my talent, I decided to seek a professional help for a perfect layered hair cut and a daring hair color! I don't wanna end up with a bad pink hair job! Haha! At the last photo, you can see my pink & rose gold balayage done by Swan Beauty & Wellness Salon. Everything was worth it! Read on for I'll be discussing more about the procedure: what treatments were done to my hair, what products were used, the overall experience, and the most important - after-care for color-treated hair! So what is a balayage? Marie Claire explained it the best way possible: "Balayage is a French word meaning to sweep or to paint. ‘It’s a freehand hair colouring technique that gives a really blended natural look with no harsh or obvious regrowth lines,’ advises royal and celebrity hairdresser, Richard Ward. Balayage allows for a sun-kissed natural looking hair colour, with softer, less noticeable re-growth. The principal idea being less is more when creating a natural, multi-tonal finish. The technique uses patches of light and shade to create multiple dimensions to the colour. It’s a great method if you want to refresh your colour but don’t want to go for a bold colour overhaul. Balayage creates a totally bespoke, personalised colour finish. Healthy, natural looking hair will always be ‘in’ which is why the technique has remained popular for so many years. Depending on what you’re looking for the finish can be subtle or quite bold. It’s the ability to completely tailor the colour effect that makes this such a popular colour choice." At the middle is Ms. Lot, the very nice and approachable owner of Swan Beauty & Wellness Salon. She is very transparent when making suggestions regarding your beauty concerns. The staff are all welcoming to the customers, no wonder, they are being lead by the best example! 😉 You may see how the salon looks like at the photos below. There is also a spa inside but I will show that to you in the future blog post instead when I review their other services. Upon arriving for my appointment (I made one a few days before the actual date), their creative stylist, Chris, did a hair assessment on me. Is my hair thick or thin? Is it a virgin hair or has it been treated before? Will the color I want to have, be possible to achieve with the current state of my hair, or not? Will the hair cut I want be flattering for my face shape and my hair texture? All that, they will take into consideration before they chop those split ends off, haha! I actually like it that I am free to discuss with them my worries and what look I am going for so that I will be able to leave their establishment happy and satisfied. Since it has been more than a year since I had last my hair cut, 5 inches were cut off my mane, honestly, I haven't noticed that much difference because my hair is very long to begin with (upler hip length). My split ends were gone so all is good. After the hair assessment and hair cutting, they tested the bleach on a strip of my hair before we proceed in bleaching everything. Afterwards, we started with the application of bleach. Boy, was it such a long time! We started the application around 12 noon and they washed it all off around 6pm. So yeah, basically, the bleaching process is the longest one for it takes 5-6 hours, depending on the person's hair. By the way, my friends who wanted a hair makeover came along with me. Eden had a short bob cut after 17 years (?) of sporting long hair while Gem had a short hair cut plus highlights for her new Boss Girl look. At first, she was soooo hesitant of having a hair cut, but after an hour or two of assessment and decision-making, she decided to go along with it, and the result is marvelous, I'll show you later! After washing the bleach off, they started applying the pink dye... Oohlala, it reminds me of the pink dunkin donuts with rainbow sprinkles! Hahahaha! I am not sure how many minutes it stayed on my hair exactly but I assume it was less than 30 minutes. After washing the pink dye, they blow dried my hair.... ...and curled it for added pizzazz! Loving it!!! In the pic below is my before and after hair shot! Ganda ng color, I really like how modern, feisty, and young it makes me feel! For my hair makeover, this is the step-by-step procedure that was done to me, so you my dear readers will have an idea on what to expect when you get a balayage from Swan Beauty & Wellness Salon too! 😉 1) Hair assessment - is your hair treated before or not; what is the current color of the hair - what kind of haircut do you like; does it flatter your face shape and hair texture 2) Ombre base - bleach application starts (expect to wait for 5-6 hours more or less depending on your hair type, of course) 3) Highlights 4) Rose Gold Color - it all depends on what color and effect you would like to have) 5) Keratin Treatment - since your hair will be dry after the bleaching process, it has to be treated to avoid too much damage from your hair. After Care: 1) The pink color will only last after 21 washes more or less so having a color touch up afterwards is a necessity (unless you don't want to). 2) Do not wash your hair for at least the first 24-36 hours after the hair makeover session. 3) To make your hair color last longer and for the benefit of your treated hair, use hair products (shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, etc) that do not contain SLS or any harsh chemicals. If you have organic products,much better. PLS CHECK THE LABEL. 4) Hair treatment is suggested to be done after a week or two to maintain the softness of the hair, because hair bleaching makes your hair extremely dry, you know. GROUP PICTURE!!! Our hair makeover finished around 7:15pm, yeah the staff had a bit of overtime but everyone was happy with the outcome! The staff were friendly from the beginning til end. Oh did I mention that we were offered a complimentary drink (coffee, tea, water, or juice) when we got there? The creative hair stylists were very nice and open about the procedure and they gave us tips on how to style and take care of our hair after. They will give suggestions on what haircut is best or what hair color is flattering or what treatment we need without pressuring us if we don't want to. My friend Eden who only had a haircut was given the suggestion of having her hair colored but she wasn't pressured to have it done and still, she left the place happy. Now let's talk about the price. The hair makeover that was done to me costs around Php 10,000 more or less according to the hair stylist. I had a hair cut, a treatment, and a balayage, which was tricky to do especially since my hair is loooong, it needed more amount of bleach and dye. Gem's haircut, color, and highlights cost around Php 2,500 more or less. At the photo above, you will see the price list of their services (minimum cost). I suggest that before going for a makeover, make sure that you and the hair stylist agree on the price and that there is transparency on what treatments are going to be done to you during the hair assessment.
Swan Beauty & Wellness is located at Lower Ground Floor 04, Swire Elan, Annapolis Street, Greenhills, San Juan. You may contact them at (02) 9457045. Check them out in Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/SwanBeautyandWellnessPH/ and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swanbeautyphil/ An asset that anyone could easily achieve is having kissable lips! Exfoliating them regularly with Skin Potions Sugar Lip Scrub can make them smoother then moisturizing them afterwards makes them softer. With all the lip products popping out here and there nowadays, choosing which one to buy could be overwhelming for some. Because of that, I made this blog post featuring Skin Potions' lip products! Written below are my honest to goodness first impression and product review PLUS arm and lip swatches so you will know which one you'd like to buy. READ ON! 1) Skin Potions Lipcake Flat Matte Lipstick (Php 399) If there is one thing that shouldn't go missing in your kikay kit, it's lipstick! It is the one product that can easily change your look from drab to fab! Meet the flat matte lipsticks that are non-drying with flattering shades for every skintone named after your favorite cake flavors! Shades of pink will always be, definitely, my ultimate lip color choice! There is something about this color that reels me in so it is no surprise as to why I dig the youthful, fun, and modern packaging of this lipstick collection so much. Product ingredients, shelf life, and cruelty-free signs are all printed on the box. I personally like the transparency there! My favorite shades in this collection are the ones in the photo above. As you can see, they are all warm neutral-based colors with a hint of coral pink. Red Velvet is a stunning apple red with a tinge of pink hence it doesn't look too strong when worn. Cherry Truffle is a bright coral pink while Contreau Crisp is its warmer and more muted version. Crusted Cream is a bright, warm milky pink shade that's borderline neon. It honestly appeared too light on me so I wear it with heavy smoky eyeshadow. For the 2nd photo, I find the colors Fruit Cake, Mocha Cake and Cream Pie appealing. These colors will pop out beautifully on fair skin tones while morenas will find Mocha Cake and Cream Pie as flattering my-lips-but-better lipstick shades, Fruit Cake might look too poppy and bright for them though, but go ahead if you like bright colors! The shades Fig Cake, Banoffee Cake, and Blueberry Cheesecake are bolder and edgier choices. However I find them more tricky to apply since the colors are dark, I advise using a lip brush to apply on the edge of the lips or a pencil lip liner with a matching shade to avoid them from bleeding out of your lip line. These three are super "bagay" for morenas as they compliment tanned skin! Fair skintones will pop out really well with these colors since they are contrasting! MY OBSERVATION: These lipsticks have a true flat matte finish: no sheen. They are well-pigmented (an even opaque color can be achieved with 1-2 layers, applying 3 or more layers will make it look more pronounced yet feel heavier on the lips), non-drying but non-hydrating either, and the lipstick does not tug my lips during application. But if you have dry lips, for it to glide smoothly, better put on lip balm first. They last on my lips for 3-4 hours. Blueberry Cheesecake needs improvement though for it tends to be patchy, I had to exert more effort in making it look even unlike the other shades, especially, the first four colors I reviewed, which glided effortlessly smooth and soft on the lips. 2) Skin Potions Tint About It (Php 190) Skin Potions have a variety of lip & cheek tints to choose from but these ones can also be used as lipstick toppers too and with a bit of glossy finish! As expected, these Skin Potions Tint About It lip & cheek tints are good! The color choices are all wearable and unique to each other, the lightweight formulation is hydrating and moisturizing, and it has buildable pigmentation that can be used sheer or semi-opaque! Love 'em, they smell sweet too! My favorites are Apple Smoothie and Choco Mallows (smells like chocolates!) Which one do you like best? Raspberry Bite is the most natural-looking one as it gives a tiny hint of pink when topped on the lips. Apple Smoothie is a reddish pink, Peaches & Cream is a peachy pink, Choco Mallows is medium brown, and Ripe Grapes is a lilac pink (reminds me of neon colored donits! Hahaha). MY OBSERVATION: Skin Potions Tint About It lip & cheek tints are different in a way that they have a glossy finish yet they are not heavy nor sticky on the lips. I think they are oil-based hence the shine so when used as a blush tint, it might have a bit of shiny reflection though. That will be nice if you are aiming for that dewy glowing skin look though but if you don't want to emphasize large pores or oily skin, don't use these on your cheeks. On a good note, this might just be the most blendable cheek and lip tint since they don't set that fast, you have time to blend it for a natural finish. Without eating or drinking, they stay on my lips for an hour or two. ----—---------------------------------------------------- 3) Skin Potions Potioned Lip and Cheek Tint (Php 150) What is fetch?!? Did you know that Skin Potions made a lip/cheek tint collection that is inspired by the Movie Mean Girls? Love, love, love it! Speaking of, actually bought a Mean Girls Makeup Brush Case, you can read it HERE! 💗 I only got one shade from this collection and it is called Crush. It's a nice summery orange perfect for summer. This one has a sheerer pigmentation compared to the other lip & cheek tints that they. If you like something that doesn't look too made up, get yourself this! Once it dries, it is transfer-proof, how nice is that! If you drink water or eat a greasy meal, it easily gets removed though, if not, it stays for an hour or two. -------------------------------------------------------------- 4) Skin Potions Sugar Flush Lip & Cheek Tint (Php 120) Rain or shine, we all benefit from using a long-lasting lip & cheek tint that looks naturally beautiful and can withstand the crazy weather! These will give you adrenaline and extreme happiness with just a swipe! Skin Potions Sugar Flush have the most adorable packaging: those kawaii designs, colorful palette, and candy-inspired themes, it just makes me feel girly, perfect for the young-at-hearts! So anyway, these Sugar Flush lip & cheek tints are soooooo pigmented, you won't regret getting them! Oooooooh, these babies are indeed highly-pigmented! They are also buildable so the colors will get more and more intense with layered application, however if you don't want to stain your teeth, slow down! My advice is to let the first layer dry and set first before applying another layer! Also the reason why I ask you to take it slow is because they are soooooooooo long-lasting that they are extremely difficult to remove!!! While swatching these, I had to repeatedly remove them with makeup remover and wipes! If they get in contact with your skin, good luck! Haha! But seriously though, if you want to make it look more natural, dot it on the middle of your lips then spread using your pinky finger or a cotton bud so you won't be shocked with the amount of product! See my arm swatch? Yeah, that only took one layer! It takes a few seconds before they dry up completely. Afterwards, I washed it over running water. See the right photo? It still has stains left! Indeed, it is perfect as a cheek tint because they are long-lasting and definitely sweat-proof! It last for up to 5-6 hours on me (without the greasy meal!) 5) Skin Potions Lip Candy Colored Lip Balm (Php 180) If there is one thing that I wish I had in highschool, it would be this! Why? Aside from being an effective lip balm that moisturizes even the lips that are as dry as the Sahara desert, it also gives a subtle and natural-looking color on your lips that your teacher wouldn't notice! Hahaha! By the way, I should commend the Skin Potions team for their efforts in giving us #SkinPotionsGirlGang members their products that are adorably gift-wrapped like this! Look oh, candy na candy talaga diba! Haha! Skin Potions released their Lip Candy lip balms for the first time in 2015. And I have been a fan of it since then, check out my review HERE. But last December, Skin Potions rebranded and changed the packaging of their products. Yes, I have noticed the difference of the new formulation compared to the new one regarding the pigmentation of the shades Snow White's Kiss and Strawberry Shortcake specifically. I find the very first formulation more pigmented. On a greater note, the new ones are more moisturizing and natural looking though. Here is the older version of packaging and formulation: The new and improved packaging and formulation: It isn't marketed as a cheek balm alright but I still made an arm swatch. The colors Snow White's Kiss and Strawberry Shortcake looked almost transparent while the rest are more pigmented. I really wish that the first two colors are still as pigmented as their very first formulation way back in 2015 though I am happy that they are now more moisturizing compared to the old one. Besides, I have the Skin Potions Sugar Rush lip tints that are very pigmented anyway so no problem at all! MY OBSERVATION: I really like that these lip candy balms are highly moisturizing for me and gives my lips a healthier and fuller look. I was surprised on how pigmented the shades Califirnia Dream and Tangerine Spice are, good thing is they apply evenly. Hello Plum is pigmented but there are some parts of my lips wherein the colora fade. In that case, I make sure to slow down in applying this shade if J want it to look even. 6) Skin Potions Girl Gang Matte Liquid Lipstick (Php 269) If you are looking for a smudge-proof, kiss-proof, and waterproof lipstick that stays on for a looooong time, look no further for Skin Potions also have it! The Girl Gang Matte Liquid Lipstick collection has witty labels used for the shades' names just like the two shades that I have here which are Blogger and 90's Kid. Do you think these labels fit me? Haha! Well yes, I am obviously, first and foremost a blogger and some may not know it but I am a proud 90's kid, born at the first year of that decade, who enjoys grunge music and other popular music during the Y2K! Hello Britney Spears, Mandy Moore, Backstreet Boys, and N'Sync fans! Hahaha! Now let's get straight to the point, fellas! PROS: - long-lasting, smudge-proof, kiss proof, and waterproof once it has completely dried. - without eating greasy meals it stays on for several hours, drinking water might only make the middle area fade a bit but you can always retouch! - it can perfectly enhance the shape of your lips without the risk of smudging even without a lip liner prior to application. - it dries easily after being applied, perfect if you're on-the-go! - there are 20 shades to choose from! - the packaging is a sturdy matte transparent acrylic wherein you can easily see the shades, and with a pink plastic cover, very millenial! CONS: - it might be drying for some people who have dry lips (but it is something that a lip balm can fix so not a big problem) - applying too much product all at once may make the lipstick look cakey and feel too thick and heavy, so please apply with caution, one layer is enough, and. Oh please wait for it to completely dry before adding another layer if you need to. All-in-all, I am satisfied with these Skin Potions lip products for they are made with natural and cruelty-free ingredients! I have always been a fan of this brand since 2014 and they are one of the first local brands that I have ever blogged about. No bias, but I am so proud of how much their brand has grown and improved through all these years! How about you, have you tried Skin Potions? Which of their products do you like?
To buy their products, check them out at: Instagram: @skinpotions Facebook: Skinpotions Beauty MNL When it comes to makeup, every beauty enthusiasts that I know will always have a certain product or two that they can't live without. As for me, lipsticks will always be a must-have in my kit because just a swipe of it can make or break my look. In my case, being a busy mom means less time primping which is why applying lipstick is the quickest way to brighten my face up! I can live without concealer or pangkilay, but lipsticks? Di pwedeng mawala yan gurl! That's why when I found out that Project Vanity is having a Lipstick Party with L'Oreal, I didn't hesitate to join! I knew that their lipsticks are good so imagine my excitement in seeing new shades and getting to bring home 3 new colors! 💋💄💗 At the event, there were lots of lipstick shades available to swatch by the many girls who attended. I kinda got overwhelmed by the so many choices so I picked the top 5 colors that picqued my curiosity. The lipstick packaging is simpky classic with a combination of black with golden accents. The manufacturing date of each lipsticks are printed on the casing itself so you'll know when they are made and have an idea when they will expire. When you buy a lipstick, they are sealed with plastic, no box included, which I find practical and eco-friendly: n9 more box to throw away (since not everyone keeps a cosmetic's box). The L’Oreal team introduced their new L’Oreal Color Riche Mattes – creamy rich matte colors that offer intense hydration and comfortable wear. These lipsticks are shockingly pigmented and have a color variety of reds, pinks, bolds, nudes, and browns to choose from! I saw these bold colors and immediately fell in-love. The formulation is something to adore for just one swipe gives a heavy pigmentation that feels lightweight on the lips. They apply smoothly and have a beautiful velvet matte finish. However, I thought that I already have similar shades of these already in my lipstick stash at home so I got 3 different shades instead: brown-based red, pink and nude. As you can see, the color selection that most attendees were able to get home are universally-flattering brown based muted shades. Chinitas, mestizas, and morenas will surely find these beautifully useful! Good job to the #LorealxProjectVanity team for carefully selecting these colors! Rich Merlot is a brown-based deep red that's perfect if you want a bold, powerful shade that screams "Boss Girl", Hinted Blush is a mauve pink with a hint of brown, it's like a matured, muted version of nude pink when you want to look feminine yet not too girly. Rose Nuance, my personal fave, is a medium peach with a hint of brown. For fair-skinned tone like mine, it gives my face some color that isn't overpowering. I like that it's kind of warm and can ne used anytime, anywhere! As expected of #LorealPH, their #TheRicheMattes lipstick collection lives up to their name and are worthy to collect! Stunning colors, high pigmentation, rich and moisturizing formulation, smooth application, it's just.... heaven on the lips! I honestly think that L'Oreal The Riche Matte Lipstick Range delivers equal quality with a high-end lipstick brand that I used to be fond of collecting before! Just imagine, with the price of that Php 1,000+ high-end lipstick, I can already buy 3 pieces of L'Oreal lippies? Just wow! If you are on the budget (or even if you got more to spare), I highly recommend collecting these instead coz really, halos parehas lang naman sila! They are being sold for Php 350 each so it is super sulit and you get more than what you pay for! You can check out the L’Oreal Color Riche Matte Lipsticks at any L’Oreal beauty kiosks your nearest Department stores and you may also purchase it from the official L’Oreal Lazada Page.
|
KrishEELA RaiFounder of Astral Crystals. Archives
June 2022
|