Archives for October 2017

Magnetic Therapy Bracelet

October 30, 2017 by Tina Lee-Almazar | Tinaciouslee Leave a Comment

Stylish Durable Magnetic Therapy Bracelet Made From Top Grade Metal and Premium Strength Magnets – Enjoy Fast, Dependable Relief From Joint Pain With Soothing Magnetic Therapy

TIMELESS AND VERSATILE DESIGN: Enhance your everyday look while keeping your joints healthy and pain-free with the [INSERT BRAND NAME] magnetic therapy bracelet. Look and feel your best with a soothing magnetic therapy bracelet that’s versatile enough to match any outfit.

PREMIUM STRENGTH MAGNETS: Enjoy the therapeutic effects of two 1000 gauss magnets embedded into the magnetic therapy bracelet. Ease muscle and joint pain effortlessly with [INSERT BRAND NAME] magnetic therapy bracelet’s strong magnetism.

SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP: This stunning functional jewelry is made with high-strength alloys to guarantee enduring quality and style. Improve sleep, energize the body, and reduce neuropathy pain with a hypoallergenic magnetic therapy bracelet that lasts practically a lifetime!

EFFECTIVE MAGNETIC THERAPY: Do you suffer from persistent joint pain? This high-quality magnetic bracelet offers fast and effective relief from pain associated with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, joint pains, RSI, migraines, and fatigue

12 MONTHS LIMITED WARRANTY: We are so confident that you’ll love the [INSERT BRAND NAME] magnetic therapy bracelet that we are offering a 12-month limited warranty with every purchase! Looking and feeling good has never been this easy.

Fast, Effective, and Dependable Pain Relief

Tired of dealing with painful muscles, chronic pains, arthritic pains and back pain? The [INSERT BRAND NAME] magnetic therapy bracelet offers fast, effective and dependable pain relief whenever you need it! From migraines to tendonitis, enjoy soothing relief from chronic pains day in and day out with this beautifully designed magnetic bracelet.

Elegant, Stylish Design

Total pain relief never looked this good! Designed to banish inflammation, arthritic pains, joint pain and lower back pain and muscle pain, this stunning piece of jewelry is the perfect finishing touch for any look! Wear it daily and say goodbye to common aches and pains. Elevate your outfit with a bracelet that goes with any style.

Superior Craftsmanship

Do away with low-quality magnetic therapy bracelet that won’t last a few uses! The [INSERT BRAND NAME] magnetic therapy bracelet offers lasting pain relief and superior craftsmanship. Made from high-quality metals and premium strength magnets, this beautiful bracelet will last for almost a lifetime! Perfect as a gift or as a personal treat, this must-have accessory is all you need to free yourself from pain.

Why choose [INSERT BRAND NAME] magnetic therapy bracelet?

100% effective and safe
Premium quality materials
Dependable pain relief
Versatile, timeless design
Premium Strength Magnets

Take control of your health with the [INSERT BRAND NAME] magnetic therapy bracelet! Hit the “Add to Cart,” own one today and find out why the [INSERT BRAND NAME] magnetic therapy bracelet is one of our most-raved about products!

Sephora PH APP Exclusive Sale: What Did You Get?

October 26, 2017 by Tina Lee Leave a Comment

Now’s not really a good time to go shopping because of an upcoming trip to Davao but the Sephora PH App exclusive sale was up and my willpower, sadly, wasn’t. I tried to ignore the sale but decided to try it out anyway.

I didn’t get a lot of stuff because most of the items I want aren’t on sale (boo!). I managed to snag a couple of really great products. These are products that I’ve always wanted to try but aren’t locally available till now: Becca highlighter, a Kat Von D liquid lipstick duo, + a bubble bath from Mario Badescu.

Would’ve gotten more if I wasn’t on a shopping ban! Also, I got these items at such a great price, it was so hard to pass up the chance! Shopping using the app was relatively easy though it’s not trouble-free. I initially added a couple of things in there but somehow they were not added to my bag during checkout. Also, adding the items in my virtual bag took several seconds, there seems to be a bug or something.

The Sephora PH App exclusive sale will run from October 26 to 27 so there’s not much time to grab iconic products from Kat Von D, Becca, Benefit, and Too Faced! Have you tried shopping using the Sephora app? What did you pick up during the Sephora PH App exclusive sale?

Lux Online PH: My Experience Ordering from an Online Seller

October 23, 2017 by Tina Lee Leave a Comment

I’d say being scammed by an online seller last year made me smarter in terms of buying anything over the net. Of course, there are times when switching sellers are inevitable because the seller might not have the right products. This was the case with Madel so I decided to give Lux Online PH a try.

My mother’s birthday is a month away but I decided to pick up a gift well in advance. If you must know, my mother is a fickle creature. When she hates a gift, she’ll never let you forget about it. She’ll go on and on about how the fit is wrong, how the details aren’t right, etc. But when she loves a gift, she will wear it for the rest of her days.

I’ve given up gifting her Kate Spade bags because she hated all the ones I chose for her. And because I pride myself on being a thoughtful gift giver, I fucking hate it when she doesn’t like my gift. It was exasperating to be honest because of the care I put into the details. That’s how serious I am about gifting my loved ones.

About 5 years ago, I started gifting her jewelry, earrings, specifically. They’re the only gifts that she genuinely liked. Since then, all the gifts she got, she loved and wore all the time. Now, I’ve been gifting her earrings for so long that I decided to give her a different kind of jewelry this year. I’m hoping she’ll like it.

Cable bracelets are my mom’s current jam so I decided to get her a Charriol Celtic Bourse bangle in pink rose (or rose gold, basically). It’s one of Charriol’s most iconic bracelet design and if you’re not familiar, this is what it looks like:

It’s really nice, no? I could always get this at the Charriol Boutique at Rustans, mind you, but I haven’t been traveling to the city and have no plans to do it for a bracelet. Since the hubs and I don’t have plans of heading to the city anytime soon, there wasn’t an opportunity to shop around in person. That’s why I decided to buy the bracelet online.

Lux Online PH sells everything from brand new designer brands to jewelry and preloved items. The online store has a large following and the owner, Anne, is so nice. I was actually meaning to get a bag from her but the authenticators at PurseBlog forum hasn’t responded to my authentication pics so I’ve held off on that. I got a bracelet instead.

Of course, I was expecting the worst because it’s the first time I’m buying from this shop. Also, I paid cash via PayPal so I wasn’t sure if I could get my money back in case I get a fake… or worse, got scammed. That being said, the shop has a perfect 5 rating on its FB page. Lux Online PH’s FB Page has a lot of reviews from real customers. The owner, Anne, was also commended for being trustworthy and patient. I can say the same thing.

This bangle retails for USD150 in the US and in the PH I think this is PhP12,000 tax included. I’m not really sure how much this is in the PH but I will go to a Charriol Boutique sometime soon to have this authenticated.

From what I gathered, this bangle was bought at a local Duty-Free (as seen on the authenticity card). I’ve no problems where this bangle was bought so long as it’s authentic. The jewelry came with all the important inclusions, a cardboard box, jewelry box, care cards, product sticker, and the bangle itself.

The packaging looks and feels totally luxe, it has a nice heft to it. Out of the box, the bangle comes with care cards, authenticity card, and a warranty card. The wire bangle itself has a heft to it as well, it doesn’t feel flimsy at all. The ends of the rose gold tips come with a Charriol logo, a feature that fakes do not possess, according to my research.

This bangle looks so elegant in person, I’m actually tempted to get one myself. The one I got was in a large size because my mom has a large wrist.

As far as my experience shopping at Lux Online PH goes, the process was pretty straightforward. I just got in touch with Anne, showed her a picture of the bangle that I wanted and then paid via PayPal. Two days after, the product arrived. The product itself was wrapped well in bubble wrap. Overall, it was a great, trouble-free shopping experience. I might shop more in the future.

Review: Essence Lash Princess Mascara

October 14, 2017 by Tina Lee Leave a Comment

I rarely ever wear mascara. I feel like these products just aren’t enough for these sparse, stick-straight lashes. My lashes seem committed to staying stick straight for life. And mascaras that could hold a curl are hard to come by.

I don’t experiment with different mascara brands either. Mascaras’ shelf life is so short at six months. I feel like I’d be wasting product if I don’t use it up fast enough. Still, I do have a favorite mascara, Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara (review here). It is so good! It holds my curl, volumizes sans the clump. It also lasts forever and a day. Lovet.

Anyhoo, I found out that Essence has a cult favorite and I wanted to test it out. It’s the Essence Lash Princess mascara. Luckily, this product was in stock when I swung by Mega Mall and got one to try.

What is it: Essence Lash Princess Mascara

Here is what the brand has to say about the Essence Lash Princess Mascara:

Royal! The lash princess mascara, with a specially-shaped cobra-head wand, covers each individual lash to create dramatic volume and a gorgeous, sweeping look.

For intensive fluttering lashes. Just as unique as any princess, the mascara is presented in a beautiful evening gown.

Essence’s Original Lash Princess has a big and bold sister with voluminous false lash effects, Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara!

The conic shape fiber brush provides lashes with dramatic volume and sculpted length. Opthalmologically tested. Not tested on animals.

So essentially, this mascara adds volume to the lashes for that coveted falsies look. Is it any good? Let’s review!

Performance

The mascara comes is housed in a black, plastic packaging embellished with rubberized accents – the “evening gown” described by the brand. If I didn’t know it’s made by a German brand, I would mistake the product for a Korean mascara by the whimsical design alone.

The wand is quite sizable for Asian eyes though. I always poke my eyes with it because my eyes are so smol and the brush so big. It’s not a design flaw, methinks, I’m just klutzy like that! The product boasts of a “cobra” brush design that promises to lift and coat every lash. The spiral design is nice but I don’t feel that it made any difference in terms of keeping these dang Asian lashes lifted.

The mascara itself has a mousse-y texture and is intensely black and matte. It does coat every lash easily but the consistency is quite thick. In fact, the formula is so thick, it instantly unfurls my curled lashes. I mean it man, no matter how long I curl my lashes, they become stick straight when I apply the Essence Lash Princess Mascara.

It was so frustrating! Sure, I wasn’t expecting much but this mascara has a cult following so I had my expectations. To compare, check out these images:

On the left, I applied the lash king mascara. As you can see, the product did not weigh my lashes down, you can see the curls. On the right is the Lash Princess. You can’t see my lashes at all!

Below is a closer look of the product in action: same mascaras applied on each eye. The top photo speaks for itself (using Lash Princess), my lashes were nowhere to be seen!

I wasn’t looking directly at the camera so my lashes aren’t as prominent in the bottom image (using Lash King). But I can assure you, my lashes were visible when I look straight on.

The clumpy formula is something I was having problems too. Sure, the mascara fattens my lashes but if you go overboard, the lashes could look scraggly in no time at all. Not the look I was going for. The only thing I liked about this product is how easy it washes off. All you need is a swipe of micellar water to remove the Essence Lash Princess Mascara.

Swatch Party!

Final Thoughts

Well, that’s PhP300+++ I won’t be able to get back. I suppose the Essence Lash Princess Mascara is best for those #blessed with lush, naturally curled lashes. For Asians with sparse, thin, and stick straight lashes, this is a dud. It straightens curls like nobody’s business.

Review: Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

October 8, 2017 by Tina Lee Leave a Comment

Finding the perfect moisturizer is much like finding a perfect relationship, the good should outweigh the bad! I was quite happy with my go-to moisturizer, the Origins Make a Difference + skin treatment. That being said, I’m always looking for something better for my skin! I was hoping the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (watta mouthful, eh?) would be a great replacement for my old moisturizer.

I’m no stranger to Clinique and was an old Dramatically Different moisturizer fan. The Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief promises to be light yet deeply hydrating. The formula was meant to provide round the clock moisture, something that this dry, haggard face needs!

What is it: Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

Here is what the Brand has to say about this product:

Lush cream-gel penetrates skin, enhancing natural hyaluronic acid—nature’s perfect moisture magnet. For 24 satisfying hours, skin is plumped, dewy, glowing—from the inside out. Oil-free.

What Clinique didn’t mention in its product description is that Moisture Surge contains silicone. I thought the silicone-y feel is just my imagination but searching reviews on Makeup Alley, I discovered that Moisture Surge contains several silicones including dimethicone, which is second on the list of ingredients.

A pot of Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief contains about 50 ml. of the product, which is the standard amount for moisturizers.

The Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief made lots of promises and at this price point, I am expecting results. The last thing I want is to make an expensive mistake. So is it any good?

Performance

The moisturizer has a lightweight, gel consistency that spreads and absorbs easily. That’s one of the things I love about this product. I don’t have to tug my skin nor leave it damp to spread the product all over my face. It has a lovely cooling effect so the moisturizer is such a joy to use. It feels so luxe and comforting on the skin.

I love how this moisturizer is unscented. It’s formulated with sensitive skin in mind. I don’t mind a little fragrance but if I had a choice, I’d rather use unscented skin care products! On my vanity table, the serum and the moisturizer look fabulous together. Packaging is definitely gorgeous. Unfortunately, those are the only things I like about this moisturizer.

For one thing, the Moisture Surge isn’t as intensely hydrating as Clinique promised. Sure, the peeling areas around my nose aren’t as crusty but my skin feels parched in places still.

Also, the moisturizer doesn’t really sink into the skin. It feels as if it sits on top of the epidermis like a mask. My skin doesn’t feel tacky but somehow my sheets stick on my face, which is annoying. Although it leaves the skin soft and refreshed, it doesn’t refine the pores, at least not right away.

Week 1 Update: I see zero changes in my skin. My old moisturizer could literally transform my skin the morning after. My pores would be smaller, my skin more radiant. As soon as I wake up, I can see the difference in my skin. This does nothing!

Granted, the Moisture Surge didn’t really promise to refine the skin but my skin doesn’t really look glowy using it. I’ve been using the moisturizer for a week now.

Week 2 Update: Still not seeing much changes on my skin, especially in the mornings. My pores are still noticeable, my skin tone looked the same as the night before.

Week 3 Update: Now on my third week, I finally started seeing little improvements on my skin. My skin feels smoother in the mornings. My gaping pores look smaller. I made my observations as I wash my face when I wake up.

However, it’s worth noting that I started using my old Origins moisturizer in the afternoons (I use the Moisture Surge at night) to use it up before it expires. This means these changes could be attributed to my old moisturizer, not necessarily to Moisture Surge.

Week 4 Update: My skin looks plump and felt smooth especially during the mornings, right before I wash my fez.

I do think that my facial skin looked somewhat dewy. That said, the sides of my nose were still dry and flaky. My pores do not look shrunken down. I stopped using the Origins moisturizer around the three-week mark.

Check out the comparison pics above. On the left, I’ve used the Moisture Surge for a week. The second image was taken exactly 3 weeks after. Unsure if it’s the lighting (please forgive the crappy shots) but my skin did appear smoother in the second picture. Also, my pores aren’t as large, I feel. The pesky darkness around my nose is also lighter in the second image.

Full Disclosure: I don’t use facial wash when I wash my face in the morning, just rinsed my mug with water. Then I took the pictures immediately so this explains why my skin looked smoother in pictures.

Final Thoughts

I have to admit, I was ready to call the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief an expensive mistake two weeks into the use. But on the third week, I saw minor improvements on my skin. But this was around the time I was using my old moisturizer too so that may have enhanced the effects of Moisture Surge.

Do I recommend it? For folks with normal skin, yes. But for those with dry skin, get the Moisture Surge Intense instead of the Thirst Relief (yes, the line offers two variants). This one’s just not enough to provide the deep kind of hydration the product promised.

I suppose the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief is best for those with slightly dry skin. For perpetually thirsty skin like mine, there are better moisturizers out there. For reference, I have dry combination skin.

Will I repurchase this? No. As much as I liked the lightweight formula, I feel that the Moisture Surge is a little overpriced for what it is. I would gladly pay more if I saw significant improvements on my skin. I didn’t. I feel that the product made my pores look smaller because it has silicones that blurred the skin.

Do note that I used the moisturizer together with serum throughout the testing process. That means, individually, both products might not be all that impressive.

I also dislike the way it sits on top of the skin, it feels like a primer. I hate silicone-y moisturizers especially those that I use at night. Overall, eh.

Review: Collonil Delicate Cream

October 3, 2017 by Tina Lee Leave a Comment

I’ve collected several leather bags throughout the years. And you know, leather material is quite delicate – it could turn stiff, dry, peel or disintegrate when neglected. The leather has to be conditioned every now and then to retain its beautiful luster and suppleness.

I don’t baby my bags so they are subjected to lots of abuse. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for products that would extend the longevity of my leather bags. After being wowed by the Collonil Carbon Pro (review here), I wanted to try the brand’s other products.

The Delicate Cream caught my eye. This product is part of the brand’s Classic range. It’s meant to condition the leather, remove dirt, grime, or jean stain, while also imparting a natural sheen on the leather.

What is it: Collonil Delicate Cream

According to the Collonil brand, the Delicate Cream is:

Collonil Delicate Cream is a gentle cleaning cream for upholstery and bags.

Collonil Delicate Cream cleans and softens the surface of leather. Collonil Delicate Cream will revive and restore the colour of your leather.

The Collonil delicate cream is a light leather cream that conditions, softens, and cleans all types of premium leather goods. It has a thin, gel-like texture that absorbs easily into the leather as well as a faint citrus scent. It also revives the color of the leather, perfect for faded bags or shoes that need lots of TLC.

Performance

The cream comes in a hefty glass pot and contains about 50 ml. of the product at PhP500+. It’s a little pricey for what it is but a little goes a long way.

To use, I apply a pea-sized amount on my bag and I buff the product into the surface with a microfiber cloth. I work in sections because the cream is so fast absorbing. I recommend applying in sections to maximize the cream. You can always layer the product several times to soften really stiff leathers.

I like how the cream was able to remove jean stains off my speedy’s delicate vachetta leather. I was wearing new jeans when I wore my Speedy and sadly, the handles were covered in ugleh jeans stain by the end of the day T_T

I totally freaked out!

Thankfully, I treated the leather with Collonil Carbon Pro prior so the delicate cream was able to remove the stains easily. I think the Carbon Pro prevents the stains from seeping into the leather, like a protective shield of sorts. The cream, on the other hand, was able to remove the bluish tint of the jeans stain.

I was so relieved! The stained leather wasn’t really pristine after treatment but the blue is hardly noticeable. I wish I didn’t delete the before pics so you can see the difference.

Final Thoughts

I use the cream once every month or so to condition the leathers of my bags, designer and high street bags alike. I can tell you, the stuff is great and I recommend it. Hot, humid temps are hard on premium leathers in particular but this product keeps my bags in pristine condition while in storage.

Again, this is a pretty expensive pot of cream but I think if this stuff can remove stubborn jeans stain, soften the leather, and reinvigorate the material all at the same time, you should definitely invest.