Rebuilding Yourself in your own Dorm

2016 broke me down and I had decided to dedicate 2017 to focus on rebuilding myself.  I figured I couldn't advance in my career if I'm so broken inside.  I'm an introvert type of person, so all the steps here are things that you can do alone in your own dormitory.  I'm not the type who will leave everything in the name of "soul-searching".  I'm not that courageous.

Laneige Water Bank Mineral Skin Mist - Review

Finally finished my L'occitne Cherry Blossom Fresh Face Mist and now excited to use this new mist. Anyways can't think of further introduction, so I'll just get on with the review.

Packaging	The bottle is plastic, color blue, and translucent.

The Blog Project

This is to answer the questions I get asked such as:

• For every blog I post, I sometimes get comments like, "Are you a doctor or what?" 
• Your blogs are full of makeup, so little about medicine
• Why do you blog?

For those who knew me, this blog has been here since I think 2009 and at first blogging has been just a past time, something I tried and enjoyed doing.  I was not serious about this blogging thing. 

Benefit Dandelion Twinkle - Review

I think this is the first Benefit product that I really own.  I got this in my trip to Australia, in the Duty Free airport. I finally finished my Too Cool for School Artclass by Rodin Highlighter and finally could use another product.

Packaging	This has a packaging of something different, it's in a cardboard box and opens by flipping it up.  I think this is more environmental-friendly with the cardboard packaging.

December 2017 Empties

I think the product empties I have this month are my favorites as well.

Applying Makeup for Depression

People wear makeup for a lot of reasons, and in the past there was a time when it was associated with negativity, like being fake and not being true to yourself and not being contented with what God has given you etc.

Chateau Labiotte Wine Tint - First Impressions Review

I'm not posting as much as I have to... I'm kind of sick lately, just some cough and colds.  I'm kind of fascinated of the idea of minimalism lately, contemplating if I'll try it or not.  I'm a shopaholic and a semi-hoarder so I'm thinking if I could transition to that movement.

Anyways let's get back to the topic... I reviewed CR01 shade for this line, when I bought this I thought I was getting out of my comfort zone a little, since I don't usually wear lip product that's on the red shade and a hint of purple.

Packaging	This has a wine-shaped plastic bottle with a twistable cap.

Deja Vu Fiberwig Mascara - First Impressions

This is one of the popular Japanese mascara brands.  I think this was no.2 in Cosme in 2016.  I bought this in my las trip to HK.

Packaging	This is a red hexagon tube with shiny red chrome cap.

Lucas Papaw Ointment - Review

This is one of the must buy gifts for 'pasalubong' or gift to bring back home when you travel to Australia.  I got curious why this was always recommended and that a lot of people are actually buying or hoarding this when they visit Australia.

There were lots of claims of this product, unfortunately I cannot apply all of it to test it out since I'm not experiencing all of the skin conditions it can treat.

Packaging	This comes in red plastic squeezy tube with a red twistable cap.

Lush Bathbomb

I told myself that I will try the bathbomb during the PUA annual convention, since I only get to experience bath tubs during this time of the year, might as well experience it while you can.

I've been down lately, well things happen which you can't control and you just can't do anything about it... 

Anyways let's start with the bathbomb experience...

Nichido Contour Palette - Review

I've delayed this review thinking it's better to write reviews when you've used it for a while.  But little did I realize that I've put it off so long that I already hit pan with this.

Packaging	Black plastic packaging with a clear window in the cover so you can see the colors inside, this is one feature I like with the packaging.

Beauty Gift Ideas below P500

This are personal recommendations if you're to give someone a gift but on a budget.  This is not a sponsored post, I just find these worth it even at affordable price.

• Face Mask Sheets - there are just lots to choose from and their prices range from P20-P250 depending on the brand and the mask sheet.  My favorite brand so far are from Leaders in Solution

Moonshot Cream Paint Lightfit - First Impressions

I saw in youtube that this is one of Joankeem's favorite brand for lip products and I bought this when I went to HongKong for my UAA eposter presentation.

I got the shade: Love Drunk

Packaging	The body is silver matte rectangular with twistable cap. There's a small rectangle at the bottom which shows the shade or color.  I love this feature of packaging.  There's also a name of the shade at the bottom of the body.  This contains 9mL / 0.3 fl oz of product.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Mascara - First Impressions

Been late with my posts lately, busy with the hospital and some unforseen events.  Anyways, at least I was able to squeeze this in.

I got this from a swap. I swapped this with an essence that I'm no longer using.  I guess swapping is a great way to try new products without breaking your wallet.

The full name of the product by the way: Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara

Packaging	This is not the full size, but a part of a set of makeup I think.  Anyways, this has a plastic khaki tube with gold chrome cap.

The Saem Cover Perfection Tip Concealer - Review

I've always mentioned this in my previous post and I realised I hadn't made a review of this yet.  This is currently my holy grail concealer.  I'm currently using my 2nd tube and I've been using this for more than a year already.

Packaging	This comes in a plastic small tube with black twistable cover.   Doe foot applicator is attached to the cover of the tube.
Smell	None
Coverage	This has a thick liquid consistency, with light to medium coverage.  In the picture below, is a swatch of my Heroinemake Kissme Liquid Eyeliner in Black and here's how one layer and 2 layers can cover the eyeliner.
Application	Although it's medium coverage, it's buildable which I think gives you more control since there are times you don't want full coverage to look more natural. I like this when I apply this in my under eye since it's not too obvious that I applied concealer.    I also use this to conceal my pimple.  It's easy to blend also. This is pretty long lasting, can last for around less than 12 hours. I like also that this is lightweight. What I don't like about this product though is that as you're using it longer, the product tends to gent into the twistable portion of the tube so it can get a little messy and may create a mess with your other makeups.  So you have to wipe it off before you put it back into your cosmetic bag/kit.
Duration of use	> 1 year
Price	P288 from Meisatsuki
Pros	lightweight buildable blends easily affordable
Cons	Gets messy around the tube
Buy again?	Yes!
Recommend?	Definitely!
Rating	10/10

PS: This is not sponsored.

My 5-Step Morning Skincare Routine

I received a request to share my morning skincare routine after I've posted my Nighttime Skincare Routine.  I never actually took note of this, and I think it's basically 5 step as well.

A Different Flavor

These are just some of the products that I love the original line that I ventured into trying out their different variant of the same line. Is there a difference in between the original 'flavor'?

Pony Memebox Shine Easy Glam 3 - Review

I was looking for a pink palette that's compact so I could use in my 'from' duty makeup.  I bought first the Etude House Berry Delicious Eyeshadow Palette although it was not bad, but there was still something missing in it, and somehow it was the 'one'.

So I started browsing through Shopee and I found this...

Packaging	The packaging of this is very luxurious-looking with gold chrome cover with plastic white base.  My first impression of this packaging was "wow"!!! But after using it for some time, I realized that it gets lots of fingerprints when you use it.  If you're an OC then this might irritate you.

The Face Shop Trolls Inkgel Slim Mechanical Pencil Eyeliner - Review

I'm currently in the look out for pink either eyeliner or eyeshadow stick.  I loved my Nyx Jumbo Eye pencil so much but it has reached its expiry already... and I wanted to try something new.

I was kind of looking around the Face Shop and I saw this really cute packaging!

Packaging	Cute, white plastic package.  The cap has a flowery sticker around it.

Miniso 3-in-1 Eyeliner + Eyebrow Pencil + Eyebrow Brush - Review

I've been looking for makeup that are multifunctional so I can use them during my duty/from status in the hospital.  I saw this when I wen to miniso and I love the idea of this and it's affordable!

Packaging	This had black matte plastic packaging, measures 16.5 cm (longer than usual).

Banila Co CC Whitening Moisturising CC Base - First Impressions

This was given to me by my friend, Judy to sell online.  So like before tried it out a little before selling it, might end up buying myself anyways hahaha.

Packaging	This comes in a white plastic tube.  The tube is easy to squeeze which is great.

Pre, Duty and From Makeup

I just suddenly thought of this idea as I was waiting inside the jeepney on my way home.  Funny such ideas just pop out of nowhere all of a sudden.  But I kind of like this crazy idea of mine so I'm writing it now.

For those in the non-medical field, let me explain first to you what are these duty posts are:

• Pre - This is the Pre-Duty post, we usually call it "Pre" in our institution for short.  This post is described as the day prior to your "duty".
• Duty - This post is the most popular post even to non-medical field.  This post is well-known as the "24-hour" shift, which I think is an understatement because since I was a clerk, there's no such thing as a 24-hours post.  You get to stay up to 30 hours inside the hospital, so when I always thought the "24" hour duty is a misnomer.
• From - This post is the day after your "duty" post, people usually in this post are characterised as being "haggard", "tired" etc.

Now that all these terms are briefly explained, let's proceed to main content of this blog post...

Pre

I can describe this makeup as the most elaborate of all, during this post, you're most fresh of all in my opinion.  You get to go home, and you get to wake up from your home as well.  This is also the day when you get to have complete control of your time, you won't be disturbed by hospital calls when you're not inside the hospital (ideally, but not always the case for a resident).

Etude House Berry Delicious Fantastic Color Eyes - Review

There was a time when I wanted pink eyeshadows, it's just that I was into browns lately that I thought I missed it.  I'm one of those who loves pink eyeshadows.  I was actually satisfied with the performance of Ever Bilena Pink Eyeshadow palette, it has the shade of pink that I love.  But I got fed up with its packaging.  It break so easily that I haven't even used it for a year.

So I searched online until I saw Etude House eyeshadow.  Etude House eyeshadows were one of my favorite eyeshadows when I was still a newbie in makeup.  They're just pigmented and perfect for my skin tone. 

Packaging	This is very compact and perfect for travelling.  In fact I use this when I'm 'from' duty, since I can't go home to do my makeup.  The palette is made of plastic and it's so cute!!!!

Heimish Dailism Eye Palette - Review

I've been eyeing this palette since last year, when I watched this being recommended by meejmuse.  But the price hold me back.  I'm used to wearing Philippine-made eyeshadow palettes because they work well and the size is just perfect to put  into your purse and perfect for travelling as well.

The trigger for me to buy this is when both my Ever Bilena Eyeshadow Palette and Fashion 21 Eyeshadow palette cases were broken.  And it just irritates me whenever I use the palette, it just falls apart.

Packaging	Let me just take a while to admire the box of this palette...

YSL Fusion Ink Cushion Foundation - Review

I saw this always in the top 5 of cushion foundation among beauty gurus but it was freaking expensive.  But I got this as a gift from my Dad, he said for me to buy what I want in Australia Duty Free of the remaining Aus$ we had when we went there.  So I got this to test it out if it's really worth it. Anyways I think this is my first ever luxury brand, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL).

Packaging	The cushion case is just so LUXURIOUS!!! It's in gold and black plastic cushion case, with mirror at the cover.

September 2017 Empties

These empties are cumulative since July.  It's a great feeling when you finish a product, for some reason.  I don't know why but it feels kind of good.

How to Foam Up Perfect Whip Facial Wash

I always have this question in my mind, can I put the Shiseido Perfect Whip in a foam dispenser? My life will be easier that way.  Because Speedy Whip is so expensive and the perfect whip is more affordable.  But I don't like to go through 2 minutes to foam up the Perfect Whip in my hand.

So when I finished my Biore Uru-Uru I used the empty foam dispenser to test this lazy idea of mine if this will work.

Megarhythm Steam Eye Mask

I saw this in a video by Morgan and at first I thought I may not have the chance to buy and test it, but it would be great if I can have a chance to test it.  Luckily, this product is available in HK! And this was in one of my hauls.

Packaging	The box contains 5 eye mask sheets.  Each Eye mask sheet is inside an individually packed foil pouch.

Nighttime Skincare Routine

I've been receiving requests for me to show my nighttime skincare routine.  I was really hesitant at first because I'm not doing anything special.  Even though I love korean makeup and a big fan of the kbeauty skincare routine, I don't do the 10 step skin care routine.  Well because I don't have all that money to buy the 10 products and 2nd usually especially during From schedule and Duty schedule I don't have the energy to do the 10 steps anymore.

So here's my simple skincare routine at least in my definition of simple

Shiseido Perfect Whip - Review

I just finished my Biore Uru-Uru and I'm on the look out for a new facial wash.  I then decided to try the Shiseido Perfect Whip since a lot of people have been raving about it.  I'm just a lazy girl in making it foam up which was the main reason why I had not bought it before.

Packaging	Blue squeezy tube plastic packaging.

My Top 5 Grocery Gifts (Pasalubong) from Australia

Since the items in Australia are expensive, I just bought my pasalubong from their groceries.  I tried to look for some that are really unique from Australia.  This is just my personal opinion, of course there are others depending on their tastes and personalities.

1. 3-in-1 coffee

One of the things I love most about Australia is the Coffee!!!  To the point I wanted to bring them home.  I've tried the Cappuccino and I loved it! In fact I've just finished 1 box and will be opening this one below soon.  

Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder - First Impressions

I've finished my Kuromi loose powder and I have to replace with another loose powder to use as finishing powder.  I got this in my recent trip in HK.  This was a very popular product of Innisfree. I could see a lot of beauty gurus using this and vlogging about this. 

Packaging	This comes in small green plastic twistable container.  It has a semi-translucent strainer inside.

Vegemite Food Challenge / Review

When I went to Australia for the APCC Convention, according to my sister who also went with me, Vegemite is one of the popular Australian product.  But not all want the product and for some reason, Australians love this product.  So we bought one, but unfortunately we were not able to try it while we were in Australia, since I had a busy schedule attending and presenting in the convention.

Kiss Me Heavy Rotation Brow Mascara - First Impressions

I'm not a brow mascara person, in fact I don't own one, until in one of my HK hauls, one of the beauty stores gave me a sample brow mascara for free.

So this is my first ever brow mascara, to tell you the truth I don't know how to react nor what to expect.

With all those disclaimers said, here goes....

Packaging	This is trial size only, but very cute and perfect for travelling.  It's in a brown plastic tube with gold lettering.

Resident's Baby Steps in Achieving your Dreams: APCC 2017

Recently I've achieved one of my bucket list in residency, to go into an international convention to present research paper: UAA 2017.  And I'm happy to announce that I've yet achieved another of my bucket list in residency: to present in a podium my research paper and to have that research paper published in an international journal!! My heart is overfilled with joy!

Laneige Basic Care Moisture - Review

I got the trial kit version: Laneige Essetial Power Skin Refiner &  Laneige Essential Balancing Emulsion.  These both have  been part of my travel skin care kit since last year.  I only use it during my travels and since I use it in such short time and in different weathers, it took a while for me to make a review for this.

Packaging	Both come in plastic cylinder containing of 15 mL each.  It has a twistable cap and the container is small perfect for travelling.
Smell	This has the same smell as the sleeping mask, sweet floral scent.
Consistency	The Skin Refiner has a runny gel like runny consistency like the usual consistency of "essence".  The emulsion has a creamy consistency. Laneige Essential Balancing Emulsion Laneige Essential Power Skin Refiner
Application	This is not as lightweight as I expected it to be.  You can feel a little something on your face when you apply this.  This has withstand different types of weather.  When I went to HK, it was summer during that time and my skin just looks soft, plump and radiant whenever I use this.  Another is when I went to Melbourne, during winter season, it was my first time to experience winter and I was expecting my naturally dry skin, be more dry after taking baths in Australia.
Duration of use	lost count
Pros	Very smooth application smells good non sticky feeling doesn't alter makeup
Cons	you'll feel something on your face
Recommend?	Yes
Rating	10/10

Travel Makeup Buddies

Travelling really enriches one's soul.  You get to be exposed to different cultures, new experiences and it just feels great to experience a new country or a new city.  It gets you out of your comfort zone and opens your eyes to a lot of beauties of the world.

Whenever I travel, here are the makeup products I usually prepare / use.

Let's start with skincare.

Melbourne Skincare Buddy - Laneige Moisture kit, Laneige sleeping mask

Fashion 21 Pink Obsession First Impressions

One day I woke up and saw an instagram pic of a bridal pink lipstick, and I just thought I would like to try some baby pink or barbie pink shade of lipstick.

Of course I know this will just be a phase, so I decided to buy some affordable lipstick.

Packaging	This has a pink plastic packaging with silver cylinder.

Daiso Eyebrow Pencil (Dark Brown) - Review

I got this in my recent trip in Hong Kong, this is one of famous products of Daiso in makeup, when I go to Daiso in the Philippines, it's usually out of stock.

I just recently finished my old Daiso eyebrow pencil in gray.  The old one is pink and longer compared to this one. I'm actually not good in eyebrow makeup, which was why I don't buy expensive eyebrow products.  I know kilay is life, but as of now I'm still not good at how making it 'life' hahaha.

Packaging	I love the packaging of this one.  It's short enough to fit on my pouch so I can take it whenever I travel.

Biore Makeup Remover Cleansing Milk - Review

This was a "pasalubong" / gift from my mom and sister when they toured Taiwan.  I had to finish my Biore Uru Uru before I use this to avoid wasting of products.

Packaging	Plain white opaque plastic pump bottle, very simple The back has everything written in Chinese and I don't have the patience to read them all.

HK Must Try Food, Mini List

Hong Kong is one of my favorite countries, whenever I go there, this is just a mini list of my must eat food everytime I visit Hong Kong.  The items in this list are generic and can be found in a lot of places in Hong Kong.

1. Roasted Duck/Goose

Our family loves this so much that whenever we go back to the Philippines, we bring at least one or two whole roasted ducks as "pasalubong".  It's just so fragrant and tasty.  You just have to tell the seller that you'll bring this back to your country and they'll pack it so it's ready to put in your hand carry bag.

Innisfree Apple Seed Lip and Eye Makeup Remover Tissue - First Impressions

This is one of the stuffs I bought in HK when I went to attend the convention.  Actually I was not really planning to buy this since I'm very much happy with my Biore Makeup Remover Wipe.  But I was asked to add a few more items in what I bought so I can have a box of free face sheet masks.  And wouldn't want that???

Packaging	The product weighs 27g with 30 sheets.  The sheet is round like a cotton pad.