Hello everybody! Here I am writing about crystals again! If you happen to have been following my Instagram and Facebook for some time now, you all know how much I love talking about healing crystals already. The reason why I collect and use them is because, generally, they bring positive vibes to me by balancing my energy, relieving stress and negativity, helping me with my spiritual journey, and more.

Today, I will be talking about the Top 12 crystals that I think every beginners should have based on my own experience and personal preference. Before anything else, let me tell you that crystal enthusiasts and crystal healers have their own favorites so this list is not an end-all be-all for everybody. However, I kept in mind to recommend the crystals that I think are useful and easier to find for beginners. 

I started collecting different kinds of healing crystals 3 years ago. As time goes by, I have noticed that there are pieces that have stood out better than all the others, they are the crystals that I happen to use more often and there are special crystals that I only pick up for a certain purpose.

Now, let us begin! 

1) Clear Quartz

Clear Quartz is known as "The Master Healer Crystal", a very effective tool for manifestation. It amplifies the energy of its surroundings, helps in balancing and tuning the chakras in the body, and is being used for frequency controls in the tech industry. Yes, you read that right! Televisions, cellphones (liquid crystal display aka LCD screens), watches, computers, amongst many others, have clear quartz in it because of its programmability. 

When worn, it helps in clearing one's mind of negativity, enhances one's higher spiritual receptiveness, amplifies the positive energy that is already within, magnifies the healing properties of the other healing crystals that its owner is wearing, and gives an energy boost when s/he is feeling down. 

Since quartz crystals absorb both positive AND negative energy, especially when often used, it is a must to cleanse it regularly to get rid of the bad juju that has accumulated in it. You may wash it under running water every morning & night to refresh its energy! 

I have a raw clear quartz cluster that I put beside our wi-fi router (when it is slowing down) to improve the internet connection at home. After a few days, I have noticed that online streaming sites are functioning better and more smoothly with less lagging compared to before. 

P. S. Do not put quartz crystals beside a machine with very strong radiation. It is an energy amplifier and you wouldn't want more boost of that!

Black Tourmaline: the ultimate crystal for protection! When you need a stone that absorbs and repels toxic negative energy as well as provide a protective shield in the room or around one's body, this is the crystal to have! The black variety of tourmaline absorbs electromagnetic energy, when placed beside electronic devices, it helps prevent our bodies and personal energy field from absorbing that much EMF's.

This crystal directly targets one's root chakra. The reason why I love this stone is because our raw BT helps ground the energy in our home. Wearing my BT pendant and bracelet makes me feel more grounded, secure, and protected, like there is an energetic barrier between me and negativity. Black tourmaline dispels lower negative vibrations, blocks psychic attacks and ill-wishes from enemies, and prevents psychic vampires from draining you off of your energy. 

I highly recommend this stone for empaths. Remember when you have friends with lots of problems they can't help but pour out all their resentments and toxicity all over you to gain compassion? Yes, I know all about it. While it is a good deed to help other people out by listening to them and inspiring them, you can't deny that it leaves you empty and emotionally tired too! Wearing black tourmaline is useful for that! 

Since Black Tourmalines absorb lots of negative energy from its surroundings, you must cleanse it regularly and program it with the intention of blocking only the negative energy directed towards you and your house BUT not to block prosperity and blessings away from you! 

Need an energy boost and motivation? Wear carnelian! Whenever I feel lazy to do household chores or to move around, I wear this to balance my sacral chakra, which is responsible for creativity, sexual energy, fertility, courage, leadership, ambition, determination, drive, will, and passion.

Carnelian has warmth and vibrance that when worn, or when placed in one's surroundings, boosts confidence, endurance and physical strength. Most people wear this on a daily basis to help them achieve their goals faster. Using this grounds me by reminding me to exercise, work, and write, while activating the stagnant energy within me so that I'll have the drive that I need to do those tasks. 

I naturally have a strong appetite and a frank and blunt speech that should be tamed and Carnelian tends to amplify those qualities in me which is why I avoid wearing this everyday. This is one of the crystals that I only pick WHEN BADLY NEEDED. I may not always wear it but I am aware that I can always count on it and that is what's important! 

Famously known as The Merchant's Stone or The Success Stone, citrine is highly recommended for attracting wealth and prosperity. Its yellow color emanates warmth, joy, and optimism that motivates one to have a positive outlook on money. To help manifest a successful financial endeavor, business ventures and expansion, meditating with this stone helps bring the lucky energy of planet Jupiter to you!

Success doesn't come easily without hard work so one's financial luck won't just magically appear when you pray to crystals! However, having this crystal beside you will help balance and release energy in your Solar Plexus chakra which is responsible for one's courage, motivation, personal power, will, drive, mental abilities and how we assert ourselves in the world. In short, when you are confident about your skills and strengths and work your way to the top, success is surely achievable! 

Considered a lucky amulet by the people of old, jade was believed to protect its wearer from bad luck and accidents by absorbing the negative energy and ill-intent thrown upon its wearer instead. When jade is regularly worn, the person's energy meshes with it, brightening the color of the jade. When its owner is sick, the color of the jade that s/he wears becomes dull. It was said that jade usually breaks when its purpose for shielding its owner from harm is done. 

Jade's energy helps in releasing the blockages in one's heart chakra to make way for a healthy flow of energy throughout the person's physical and etheric body. It aids in emotional healing, reducing stress, anger, rage, and bad vibes which in return improves the appearance and well-being of its owner. The gentle green color of jade is soothing on the eyes which is beneficial for eye and mind relaxation.

This is why jade rollers are popular, because a stress-free person emits a bright aura that is beautiful! 

MY ULTIMATE FAVORITE CRYSTAL HANDS DOWN!

Rose Quartz has been known to attract love and beauty in the life of its wearer. How true is that, you ask? Well, wearing a rose quartz jewelry won't magically teleport your soulmate straight onto you, that aint' how it works, baby! I'll explain why... 

Rose quartz is balances the heart chakra. The soothing and gentle lovely energy of rose quartz promote self-love to its owner, making one realize his/her own beauty, potential, and strengths. When one feels at peace with himself or herself, positive things are being magnetized to that person and the right person usually comes along when someone is already whole and emotionally healthy to share his/her life with someone else. 

If you are feeling ugly or down like you have no confidence left whatsoever and you are in need of a push, meditating with this crystal helps. I have noticed that when I had post-partum depression before, rose quartz is the crystal that helped me calm down. Wearing rose quartz jewelry regularly helped me to let go of toxic baggage and negative feelings that are keeping my heart imprisoned.

Having difficulty in expressing yourself and communicating with others? Wanna tone down our aggressive speech or heal throat-related sickness? Meditate with a blue calcite!

Light blue crystals can be used to balance the throat chakra, its tranquil blue color evokes a sense of serenity while its calming and soothing vibration helps in diminishing anxiety and reducing stress.

Holding and looking at this heart palm blue calcite reminds me of the skies and clouds, it clears my head of all mental clutter helping me to organize my thoughts as I speak of them. When my mind is at ease and without worries, words flow freely and smoothly, assisting me when I write or speak to clients, friends, and colleagues.

Oh, if you are having colds and flu, wearing light blue crystals as a pendant may soothe your throat for a faster healing process.

Wanna unleash your hidden potential? Get a lapis lazuli! 

This crystal activates your third eye chakra which helps in enhancing your creativity, bringing you visions and imagination that will keep your artistic prowess rolling!

We all get a mental and creative block from time to time, I get it. It is indeed challenging to always have to come up with new and innovative ideas. Meditating with a lapis lazuli brings about insight, spiritual transformation, and dreams that you may manifest into reality. Artists always start with an inspiration and when the flow of energy in your subconscious mind is continuous, expect an unlimited images of visions, and even words, flowing in your head!

This world is full of things unknown that can't be seen with the naked eye. Focusing on understanding only the mundane things and on attaining material items in this world will never bring anyone full happiness.  Spirituality is something that each person should give attention to and when this aspect of your life is empty, it just makes you feel blaaaaah like you have no purpose in life whatsoever.

Connecting to your higher self is important for your overall well-being and meditating with labradorite will help in balancing your brow chakra. It helps in enhancing your psychic abilities such as having good judgment and discernment, having strong gut feelings that could protect you from danger and harm, connecting you to the spirit world (depending on your religion and beliefs, it may help you have a stronger connection to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit). 

Wearing labradorite crystals, based on experience, protects its owner from psychic attacks, ill-intents, sleep paralysis, etc. A friend of mine who sees ghosts and elementals told me that wearing labradorite prevents her from seeing those entities, which I think is good. Of course, prayers to God will always help, I believe!

With awareness comes  enlightenment and power. Improving one's mind power, intuition, intelligence, and psychic abilities could be beneficial for it will help you in dealing with the realities of life with much more ease.

Believe it or not, each one of us are gifted with psychic abilities (others may not be as strong as others') which is why we have this gut feeling when something isn't right, like we sense when danger is coming or when someone is lying to us, or when you just know that there is something wrong and yet you can't explain why.

Enhancing these innate abilities will help us in studying and earning, in controlling our bad habits and removing addictions, in having wisdom and knowledge, in achieving inner sense of calm, balance, and peace, etc. Basically, it helps you have a balanced state of mind wherein your emotions will not cloud your judgment for you have a strong logical mind.

Amethyst's energy, depending on the person, could treat insomnia OR boost a person's mind more. It also helps a person in retaining his/her wealth because it prevents one from spending money carelessly on things that are of no value or importance in its owner's life.

A crystal that resembles the beauty of a Moon Goddess, selenite is one that instantly grabbed my attention. I always have it within reach at home for the purposes of boosting the energy of my other healing crystals, for removing the negative energy that has accumulated in my auric field, for crystal gridding, etc. However its ultra high vibration prevents me from using it as jewelry, or else, I would be having a head ache. Other people could manage wearing it all the time, it just depends on the individual.

Selenite is good if you want to have mental clarity and a quiet mind. it also keeps negative energy away and prevents psychic attacks from others who want to fill your head with toxic thoughts.​

Basically, selenite can be used in cleansing and energizing other healing crystals which makes it a must-have for every crystal healers! it also boosts the energy of other crystals making them even more powerful for manifesting or healing use.

To have a unique connection to the divine feminine within, rainbow moonstone is a crystal that one, especially women, should have. This crystal is definitely useful when you want to reconnect with God (or the Higher Power) and it aids you in getting in touch with your emotions. It has an air of gentle nurturing yet fierce protectiveness during tough times.

Women, when their menstrual cycle is nearing, usually suffer from PMS which makes us moody, irritated, and in pain. Wearing moonstone during this time gives a comforting, maternal, and protective energy that will help soothe us emotionally and even physically (when the intent programmed in the crystal has manifested in the physical realm). 

When someone is heartbroken, confused, lost spiritually, a rainbow moonstone can help them get it together by balancing their crown chakra. It helps in reminding someone which feelings and thoughts should be left behind because they are not beneficial for their growth. Pregnant women will also find the energy of moonstone comforting during these vulnerable times, I know coz I used to wear this when I was pregnant and after giving birth. It helped in faster physical recovery and also in keeping my emotions in check when I was having post partum depression.

In the end, crystals can only do so much but just aid us in our spiritual journey, it doesn't work as magic that will automatically remove all your problems in one single prayer, you also have to do your part to achieve your goals and dreams! Spiritual and financial success will never be achieved without hard work.

So there, I hope this list has helped you in any way. The ones listed in the top 10 are the most basic in my opinion. Which amongst these crystals listed above is your favorite? Let me know you thoughts!

Don't forget to follow me at

Instagram: iamkrishenriquez
Facebook: Krish Enriquez-Rai

Dreaming of the perfect 3-way tint that glides on smoothly, coats in a rich and moisturizing burst of color and stays on for hours? Well guess what? It’s happening!

This August 31, 2018, Skin Potions has released their newest product called Dream Cream, a 3-in-1 beauty product that can be used as a cheek tint, eyeshadow liquid base, and a lip color.  It has the texture of a lipstick mousse, the pigmentation of a liquid lipstick, and the blendability of a lip tint.

At that time, they released 6 shades: Dylanne, Stella, Scarlett, Brooklyn, Harper, and Zoey. But just this November, 2 months after the launch of this collection, the brand has just released 4 new shades: George, Soleil, Louisse, and Haven! 

Honestly, I was about to blog a product review of this collection last month but since i knew that they were about to release new shades soon, I have decided to hold off for a li'l bit so that I can also include them in this blog too!

So today, I will be showing all of the 10 shades in the Dream Cream Collection! 

Dream Cream costs Php 249 each, with its good quality and affordable price, it is no wonder why this product is almost always sold out, especially their best-selling shades!

As far as I know, there was an option to buy the whole collection in the past and that when you purchase it, all the Dream Creams will be put inside this cute Skin Potions pink box along with some stickers, instruction guide, and stickers! 

Now let us talk about PACKAGING!

I know a lot of people who love beautiful packaging especially of cosmetics'. While others would juat throw them away, there are more who, like me, appreciate the designs and all the effort given into it. 

What I like about the Skin Potions Dream Cream's box package design is that they look modern, cute, youthful, and trendy! It definitely fits their target market teenagers, young adults, and yuppies looking for not just effective but also "Instagrammable products" appearance-wise. Each box has a different color that matches the color of the product inside and the shade names are also written in front. 

Unlike its box, the casing itself is pretty minimalistic. It is made with a transparent acrylic and millenial pink cover wherein the applicator is attached. The shade names are written in the sticker attached at the bottom of the case. 

Girls on the go can definitely find this product useful especially if they are going after a no-fuss makeup look that is easy to achieve!

Product Description:


🌙Locally-made DREAM formula
🌙Light as air texture
🌙 Powder Velvet finish
🌙Blendable
🌙Long wearing
🌙Multi-way tints for your lips, lids and cheeks

When Dream Cream is used as a lip tint, this product is quite highly-pigmented that with only a dot, it can be spread and blended pretty well. As a lip tint, you may apply a small amount at the middle of your lips then spread it generously all over the lips. Doing so will leave it with a pretty subtle tint.

As a liquid lipstick, it is highly-pigmented that when you swipe it once all over the lips, the opacity of the color is very obvious. However, since this product is made to be blendable as well on the skin, it is NOT kiss-proof, waterproof, and smudgeproof. That wouldn't be a problem if you don't mind retouching though. If you want this to last longer, I suggest using a lip liner prior to applying the Dream Cream, then blot with a tissue after doing so. Apply it again thinly, blot, then apply it again thinlyn and now you're done. You're welcome! 

Most of the shades in this collection are flattering for warm skin tones. They are mostly neutral: nude, brown, rose and MLBB (My Lips But Better) shades that look awesome for morning and night! There are also 2 red shades that are considered classics and can be used by anyone whatever their complexion is! 

To be honest, it is challenging to find a favorite amongst this collection especially if all the colors auit you. My favorites would be the shades Louisse (pinkish red), Zoey (rusty brown) , and Dylanne (peach nude), I feel like they are the colors that enhances my facial features even when used alone, no kilay, no blush, no nothing! 

The shades Scarlett, Harper, and Stella are the kinds that are safe for everyday use, you may use them in the morning with light eye makeup, and at night with smoky eyeshadow! I consider them the perfect MLBB shades. 

Haven is a true red that is powerful on its own. It is a classic. Get it! 

George is a universally flattering bold shade of dark brown with a hint of maroon that screams #GirlBoss! I rarely wear this kind of dark shades but when I do, it makes me feel fierce! 

Soleil is a neutral brown that will be flattering to morenas, oohlalaaaaa! It looks nice on my skin too but I think mas bagay talaga sa morenal

Brooklyn is a pretty light cool nude shade that fits very fair and ultra light-skinned girls. To be honest, that shade is the one that looks least flattering on me. My complexion is warm neutral and this shade makes my skin look dull. But for others who have a cool skin tone and mas maputi sakin, it looks stunning on them! 

Ingredients:
Argan Oil, Shea Butter, Isododecane, Velvesil DM, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sophim MC 300, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Octylmethoxycinnamate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate,  Nylon 12, Candellila Wax, Euxyl PE-9010, Silica / Talcum Powder, Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Colors, Strawberry Flavor


Warning:
For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

For my final verdict:

Price: 5/5
It is already cheap for the price of Php249! And with 3 purposes, so worth it! 

Packaging: 5/5 
Modern, chic, youthful, trendy, and easy to use

Product Quality: 4/5
Works as a good eyeshadow base which can help powder eyeshadows stick better, long-lasting as blush (especially the darker ones, they happen to last longer), effective as a lip tint (it won't be removed completely easily when drinking water) . As a lipstick, it is highly-pigmented, however it is not smudge-proof and may bleed outside the lip lines if too much product is applied. So again, use with caution, girls!

Do I recommend it? Will I buy it? 
Yes! If I ran out of my favorite shades, yes! 

About Skin Potions:

In 2013, Skin Potions was founded by sisters Jonalyn and Aileen Sison who shared a common passion for helping people transform their lives and feel better about themselves through skincare and makeup. Their interest sparked from Jonalyn’s personal struggle from teenage acne and her journey to finding the right products that worked for her skin.

Now, Skin Potions offers a selection of innovative, high quality skincare and cosmetic products at affordable prices in whimsical packaging that’s guaranteed to work their magic for your skin!

To know more about Skin Potions and to purchase their product, visit their website and social media at:

https://skinpotionsph.com
www.instagram.com/skinpotions
https://www.facebook.com/Skinpotions/

Growing up with fairytale stories and movies is something that I share among with other girls my age (actually both older and younger ones!) so it isn't surprising that a lot of us have collected Disney princesses merchandise at some point in our lives!

As girls grow up, the things that we collect changes: from stationaries to arts & crafts, from toys to figurine collectibles, from dolls to clothes and shoes, it varies a lot! In my case, I've been collecting makeup for quite a while now so imagine my excitement when it was announced that Colourpop is releasing the Disney Designer Collection featuring the original Disney princesses: Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel of Little Mermaid, Belle of Beauty and the Beast, Jasmine from Aladdin, and Tiana of The Princess & The Frog! 

I had these items ordered straight from the Colourpop website and it arrived 2 weeks after purchase. I originally planned on getting the Disney Designer Collection It's a Princess Thing Eyeshadow Palette and all the 6 shades of Disney Designer Creme Lux Lipsticks. Unfortunately, the shades Jasmine and Tiana got sold out sooo fast so I can't include them in this blog post. Just in case you're wondering, I didn't buy the whole collection which also includes the Super Shock Shadow, Super Shock Highlighters and Ultra Glossy Lips because I won't be using them that much. 

Get red carpet ready with the pièces de résistance of the collection, our first 15 pan shadow palette inspired by the iconic Disney princesses. These soft romantic shadows will add a touch of glam to any look to make you photo ready!

Now, let's talk about the packaging! The eyeshadow palette is encased in a golden box which looks simple, chic, and classy. Inside is the palette with the fashionably glamourized Disney Princesses illustration on the cover and upon opening, their names are written amongst the colorful metallic stars. The palette itself is lightweight yet sturdy, and I must say that it is perfect to bring along since you may use it not just as an eyeshadow, but also highlighter and even contour! 

Pressed Powder Shadow 

Highly pigmented shadow that applies evenly and feels ultra-velvety and silky. This long wearing formula contains a unique combination of softer powders which adheres easily to the eyes, gives a soft focus effect, and blends smoothly and evenly.

Finish: Matte, Metallic, Satin

Shade: Neutrals, Pinks, Oranges/Corals, Golds, Silvers, Purples

Net Weight: 15 x 1.00g (0.035oz)

Price: $20.00

Chip: matte soft beige nude
Juju: matte warm rosy pink
Grumpy: matte dusty salmon
Triton: sand with a golden sheen
Abu: matte intense warm brown
Prince Charming: ivory pearl with a green duochrome
Ray: metallic champagne
Fairy Godmother: metallic bright coral
One Kiss?: metallic bright coppery gold
Thingamabob: vibrant metallic silver
Enchanted Rose: rich metallic rose
Poison Apple: metallic pinky violet
Magic Carpet: blackened plum
Beast: deep warm brown topped with gold glitter
Midnight Curfew: black sprinkled with silver glitter

APPLICATION TIPS:


Apply with your favorite shadow brushes. Flat and firmer brushes will give the most color payoff. Fluffier brushes are great for blending. Use a small angled brush to line the eyes.


PERSONAL THOUGHTS:

The eyeshadows in this palette are highly-pigmented (esp when the brush used is damp), easy to blend both when using brush and\or fingers, and stays for a long time, up to 5-6 hours with an eyeshadow primer. The metallic eyeshadow highlighters are really pretty, it gives just the right amount of shimmer that brightens the eye area, they can also be used on cheekbones, chin, forehead, and nose for a subtle glow.

----------------------------------

Now let us talk about the Disney Designer Creme Lux Lipsticks ($7.00 each) 

LUX it up. Enriched with our LUX Blend of hydrating butters, this creamy-matte, long wearing lipstick glides on the lips for intense pigmentation in shades made for every skin tone.

These full coverage lipsticks are packed full of the finest pigments to give you long wearing, true color in shades made for every skin tone. This formula glides on like butter and has a creamy matte finish. Their exclusive LUX blend of Acai, Jojoba and Pomegranate Seed butters hydrate and keep your lips looking fresh AF. Natural antioxidants protect your lips from environmental stressors and premature aging.

These lipsticks are definitely a must-have for every Disney princesses fans! The box packaging features the illustration of each princess, I appreciate art and pretty packaging so these ones are for keeps! 

The casing with its golden color looks modern and chic. All the names of the 6 Disney princesses are written all over the cap like a signature. It looks simple yet beautiful, no need for childish and flamboyant designs. It doesn't look cheap eventhough its price is affordable! Each color of the lipstick perfectly symbolizes each Princesses:

Cinderella wears a true blue pink lipstick that enhances her beauty inside out, Ariel wears a peach beige nude that matches her "beachy" mermaid lifestyle, Belle wears a flattering rosy berry that screams beauty and brains, and Snow White wears a candy apple red that brings out her striking contrasting features of fair white skin and raven hair. I feel sad to miss the shades of Jasmine and Tiana but I'll update this blog post in case I get a hold of them! 

Application Tips: First prime your lips with a Lippie Primer to provide a smooth surface for your lipstick, then define your lips with Lippie Pencil and now you're ready to apply your Lux Lipstick.

At the photos below, I am wearing the Disney Designer Creme Lux Lipsticks with a very simple makeup look. They said, to be able to find out which one is the most flattering shade of lipstick for you, it should instantly brighten and enhance your facial features and complexion even without the help of eyeshadows beautifying your eyes. Which one do you think suits me best? 

Complete your collection with this peachy beige nude. 

Time’s running out! This true blue pink is only here ‘til midnight.

This enchanted rosy berry will give you so much more than this provincial life!

This candy apple red will have you ready for true love’s kiss.

It's honestly difficult to pick a favorite because I am a true blood lipstick addict and I always go for the shades of pink, peach, and red.

Meanwhile, I took the "Which Disney Princess Are You?“ Quiz from the Colourpop website and here is the result! 

True enough, amongst all the other Disney Princesses, I could relate to Belle the most. First, I am a bookworm, the same as she is. Second, eventhough she is generally a nice girl, she hates flirty macho guys who are all looks and empty words with no gentlemanly ways, manners, and actions. And third, well, I see the goodness and beauty behind someone's beastly looks, hahahaha! Just kidding. Alright, enough.

Eventhough I like channeling my inner Belle, does it mean that the Belle shade in this collection flatters me the most? Hmmm let's see..... 

For me, the winner for this is Colourpop Disney Designer Creme Lux Lipstick in Ariel!!! Well, I like her character in a way because she is a good singer BUT the reason why I like this lipstick shade the best is that eventhough I am not wearing any foundation, eyeshadow, and blush, with just the swipe of this shade, it enhances my features naturally. It doesn't look overwhelming nor underwhelming. 

To make the most out of this collection, I matched the Creme Lux Ariel lipstick with the Colourpop Disney Designer It's A Princess Thing palette and chose the colors Grumpy, Triton, Abu, Prince Charming, and White Kiss.

How about you, what is your favorite product in Colourpop's Disney Designer Collection? Share it on the comments below!