#NOTW (1)

Most fashionistas and bloggers post countless OOTDs (Outfit of the Day) over on Instagram. Just like flipping through a magazine, these creative shots give us everyday people some ideas on how to dress, whilst giving these stylish people an avenue to showcase their great taste. 

Unfortunately, the Fashion Gods seemed to have mistaken a teaspoon for a cup when they were granting me some fashion sense. Add in my lack of photogenicity, it's no wonder I've never posted (let alone taken) an OOTD.

But I do like to paint my nails.

Taking inspiration from the trend of posting outfit selfies, I will be starting my very own version.

#NOTW = Nails of the Week

From this moment on, I pledge to share pictures of my nail art with you fabulous people!


I will try to keep them original and come up with my own spin on the designs online. But rest assured that for the designs that I do just recreate, I will give credit to where and whom it is rightfully due. :)

So here is my very first #NOTW entry! (Actually, this is more like my Nails of Last Week.)

This design is a recreation of HelloMaphie's Coachella Festival Nails over on Youtube! I absolutely love her trendy designs and using them for #nailspiration. (It's a hashtag that will catch on, don't worry. It'll catch on.)

While my nail polish collection is a hefty lot, most of them are actually just Caronia. Those polishes do dry out over time, but for my small pocket, their quality is much satisfactory. 

Here's a pic of the polishes that I used for this look:

 

From the picture, I'm sure you can tell that I am by no means a professional at nail art... yet. But I'm getting there!

How do you find this look? Will you try it out too? :)

If you have any suggestions for new polishes or designs to try, don't be afraid to share them with us in the comments!

My Go-to Snacks :)

(M)

My any time, any day, go to snacks are apple pie (Php 25) and refillable brewed coffee (Php 40) from McDonalds.  Whether I'm waiting for something or got hungry on the road, this yummy combo, apple pie and coffee, can surely fill and satisfy my tummy.

Makeup Review: ELF Two-Way Cake Foundation

Every beautiful painting starts with a blank canvas.
Every brilliant novel starts with a clean sheet of paper.
Every makeup look starts with foundation. (Unless you would prefer to work on your eyes first. Then that's a different story.)

Here we have ladies and (maybe even) gentlemen, is what I start with whenever I'm in the mood to put on my face.

I have spent quite some time trying to find the perfect foundation for me. Because I am still a student, and how my family has raised me, I have always been frugal. Whenever I buy something, I look at both the cost and its worth. And that can be a big struggle when you love makeup and shopping.

My hunt for the "holy grail" foundation had been trying. I had long debated on the type of foundation that was best suited for me. Liquid, or cream, or powder, or mineral powder, or two-way cake? There are just so many options!

I hated feeling disappointed when I bought a new foundation I had been excited to try, only to be let down. Most BB creams don't match my skin color. You could probably fry an egg on my face with the liquid foundations that I've tried. And sadly, some of the foundations I have tested broke me out. My oily, acne-prone skin just didn't like to cooperate with anything I had tried. Until I discovered the ELF Two-Way Cake Foundation. 

Here's what I ADORE about it: 
❤ contains a good amount of SPF 15 to help protect my skin from the powerful UV rays of Manila
❤ the shade Rosy Beige matches my NC35 skin perfectly
❤ has a solid medium coverage that does the job at covering my pimples and acne scars
❤ leaves a natural-looking matte finish
❤ is easy to apply and blend. I prefer to use a powder brush, but a moistened or dry sponge can work just as well.
❤ feels light on the skin
❤ does not leave a white cast in photos despite its SPF
❤ keeps me oil-free. I don't need to retouch until about five hours later.
❤ is cruelty-free!
❤ ONLY COSTS P249.75!!! This may be about the average price of a drugstore foundation, but its magical capabilities are definitely worth it.

 

And now for what I ABHOR:
♡ the packaging is kind of flimsy. Honestly not that big of a problem, but it seems to be the one and only con for most people too.

This foundation brought me to the realization that powder and two-way cake foundations work best for my skin type. It not only keeps me from looking like a grease ball, but it also saves me the time and hassle of having to "set my foundation."

If you have oily skin like me, you'll likely find a friend in this product. If you've already witnessed its glory, or might have actually hate it, then feel free share your thoughts!

For any product or foundation recommendation you have, or anything you would like us to review next, don't be shy and tell us down below! :)
 
(Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. This is just based off of our own personal experiences and opinions.)

Travel Review: Lagu Beach-Friendly Beach Blankets

Who doesn't love the beach?

Isn't it absolute paradise when you lounge around in the sand, absorbing those rays (with some sunblock on, of course) and just listen to the tranquil sound of the waves crashing down 2 feet away?

Ate M is lucky enough to get to visit several different versions of paradise during her travels (while I sit at home in despair and envy). On her latest trip to the beach, she decided to give a new product a try!

While sand is the first thing that greets you on an island, and can also make as a great exfoliant, those pesky grains of sand can get a little annoying. Let's face it, one of the very few bad things about being at the beach is when after a day of relaxing, you stand up completely covered in sand. And as long as you're at the beach, there will always be sand leeched on to you. That's what the Lagu Beach-Friendly Beach Blankets are for!

Here is a brief product description from their website (http://www.lifeonthesands.com/whatislagu/):

"Lagu is the world’s first beach-friendly beach blanket. Unlike ordinary towels, Lagu repels sand, allowing you to lay with ease while also conserving the beach. Its unique linen blend is allergen-free and has quick-dry properties, keeping it fresh for repeated use.
Friendly to both you and the beach, Lagu is the only beach blanket you’ll need for your life on the sands.
Blanket Features

• Sand Repellent
• Quick Dry
• Allergen Free

Dimensions: 45 x 60 inches (114.3 x 152.4 cm)"


Now I know what you skeptics may be thinking, "Impossible! No way! Uh, really?" Yes really!

Ate M has always been interested in this innovative traveling accessory and was ecstatic when our sister-in-law gave her one last Christmas. After finally being able to use it, she has plenty to rave about! To start, the blanket was lightweight, whether dry or wet. That is definitely something most people would prefer -- a blanket as light as their vacation! And to much of my own surprise, my sister was amazed at how it actually did keep to its promise of repelling sand, once again, whether dry or wet! Its sleek and simple design also makes it easy to pack up and carry around. There are even guides and instruction online.

The beach blanket comes in eight cool colors, some of which are seasonal according to their website. As you can see, the one that Ate M has is in the color "vino", aka red, aka her favorite color.

Unfortunately, there is somewhat of a drawback to it. The Lagu Beach Blanket's cost ranges from P1,000 - 1,200. For a beach blanket, that may seem quite expensive to some. Even for my sister.

That's why she advises you to watch out for any sales! Who knows, you may just get lucky when you need it the most. And while yes, it is pretty costly, if you're already at the beach often, think of this thing as an investment. If you could put it to good use and can afford it, this magic blanket is definitely worth it! Or you could be benevolent and buy it as a present for someone! My sister also hopes for someone to get her another one of these as a gift (haha).

Do you already have a Lagu Beach Blanket? Or maybe something like it that you want to recommend? Feel free to comment down below regarding your own thoughts and experiences!

For any other product you would like us to try out and review, go ahead and comment as well! :)

(Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. This is just based off of our own personal experiences and opinions.)

Makeup Review: The Body Shop's Tea Tree Skin Product Line

So today, we will be sharing Ate M's favorite products from The Body Shop!
These would be their Tea Tree oil, Tea Tree Concealer, and Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion.

Tea Tree Oil is best known as an antibacterial. It does wonders for those with acne and even works well as an antiseptic for wounds. Apart from that, it is also an antimicrobial, antiviral, fungicide -- the list goes on.*

My sister likes to use the Tea Tree Oil for just that. Whenever she gets a blemish every now and then, she just dabs a couple of drops onto that pimple at night and voilà! It dries up the pimple and heals in no time.



For those really stubborn zits and marks, she applies the Tea Tree Concealer (in shade 02) to cover it up for a few days. It not only provides a solid medium-full coverage that lasts a good, but the tea tree that it contains works to fighting that pimple away as well. That's why this would have to be M's go-to holy grail concealer. 

So on to the Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion. It works wonders for any redness or possible irritation. For example, my sister likes to use this after she waxes her legs. It not only moisturizes her skin but also protects it with its antibacterial property.

I have personally used the Tea Tree Oil myself on some of my more noticeable (gigantic, all-up-in-your-face, in-the-middle-of-my-face) pimples, and this stuff does the trick. My pimples shrinks almost overnight and is completely gone within 2-4 days.

But besides all their health benefits and miracles, I believe the best thing about this product is that they are not only 100% natural, but they are also cruelty free! No animal was harmed in the making of these great beauty products. ;)


Well I hope this review was helpful if ever you're planning to give them a try.

If you have any questions about The Body Shop's Tea Tree line, or have any requests of products for us to review, feel free to comment down below!

* Reference: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-tea-tree-essential-oil.html 

(Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. This is just based off of our own personal experiences and opinions.)