Product Review: Covergirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Hibiscus

     Hi lovelies! How's your day? It's raining cats and dogs outside so to those who are staying outside their houses today don't forget to bring your rain gadgets (umbrella, rain boots, rain coat, scarfs, etc) to keep you dry and warm. This cozy weather is perfect for movie marathon while sipping a hot cup of your favorite drink. As for me, the stay-at-home mom that's always at home obviously and bumming around with my son wants to go out and spend some time at the mall. I'm craving for milk tea and yogurt :D I guess will have to get my milk tea fix at 7-11 . 

   

     Before going outside, I just wanna share this review on Covergirl's Gloss Balm from the NatureLuxe collection.The line features a new generation of makeup luxury that are lightweight and do not contain a ton of synthetic ingredients. This lip gloss was included from the Everyday Essentials Loot  that I won from The Beauty Junkee's 3rd Grand Anniversary Giveaway. I actually have two bullets of this gloss and I gave the other one to my sister. The shade is 215 Hibiscus and I think flatters most skin color. 

Covergirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Hibiscus
Natureluxe Gloss Balm exchanges select heavier emollients for natural mango, shea and other butters which are lighter, more luxurious feeling alternatives.
 The Gloss Balm is part of CoverGirl Natureluxe, a luxury makeup line that exchanges select heavier synthetics for carefully-chosen natural ingredients, while delivering a polished makeup look and a lightweight feel.
Natureluxe Gloss Balm contains a lightweight blend of mango, shea and other natural butters, used in place of heavier feeling emollients. Mango and shea butters are lighter and more luxurious-feeling than heavier, synthetic emollients. The formulation provides an occlusive barrier that helps protect lips against drying elements like the sun and wind.

Covergirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Hibiscus
The shade is a mix of pink and purple. The photo doesn't show the true color of this gloss, I wasn't able to look for a good lighting.

size: 1.9g (.067 oz)

price: free (345 php Around $8.20+)

place bought: free (Covergirl counters nationwide)

instruction for use: Apply before sun exposure. Apply to lips in even strokes for that lasting color and shine.

ingredients:  Active Ingredients: Octinoxate (7%)

Inactive Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor Seed) Oil (Castor), Lanolin Oil, Polybutene, Lanolin, Ozokerite, Oleyl Alcohol, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla Cera) Wax (Candelilla), Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Paraffin, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter (Cocoa), Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter (Mango), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit (Shea), Fragrance, Glyceryl Oleate, Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut), Propylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Propylene Glycol, May Contain (+/-):, Titanium Dioxide, Yellow 5 Aluminum Lake, Red 6 Lake, Iron Oxides, Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Red 7 Lake, Red 27 Lake (CI 45410), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Carmine (CI 75470)

Covergirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Hibiscus
Swatch at the back of my hand WITHOUT FLASH

Covergirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Hibiscus
Swatch at the back of my hand WITH FLASH

Covergirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Hibiscus
Bare lips

Covergirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Hibiscus
With CoverGirl Natureluxe Gloss Balm in Hibiscus

What I like:

• The product contains mango, shea and natural butters so I guess there's a lesser synthetic emollient in the ingredients.
• Gives moisture to the lips.
• Has a nice pop of color and glossy finish.
• The container is sleek.
• It has SPF 15 so you get a good amount of sun protection for your lips.
• Has manufacturing and expiry date stamped on the container.
• Smells good :D
• Has wide selection of colors.

What I don't like:

• Wears off easily.
• Quite pricey for a lip gloss. 

Will I repurchase? Maybe. It's a nice gift for college students or girls who likes subtle color on their lips. This is also a great gift for office girls who likes lip gloss with a hint of color.

Recommendation:

     I give this a 3.75/5 rating. It's a nice lip gloss with a hint of color that you can use everyday. I just wish it contains more amount of product. Since I'm a cheapskate and will only spend my money for budget-friendly cosmetics, I have to pass this one. I'll recommend this to a friend and suggest this as a great gift for those who loves prettifying their lips for casual look.

     What brand of lip gloss do you own? Thanks for sharing guys! Stay safe and have a blessed Sunday everyone :D

Good Times!~

Product Review: Human Heart Nature Lip Balm in Wild Berry

     I'm a lip balm girl! I consider this as one of my makeup must haves. I've tried so many brands before but only a few became my favorites. If you want to know my faves you can view my review here and here. Since I already tried an organic lip balm from a western brand, I'm on a look for something that is manufactured locally. It's obvious that I'm going gaga over organic stuff and Human Heart Nature includes my list. This brand is not new to me because I've already tried different skin care products before and I must admit that their products are affordable and effective. 

     This lip balm was inside the Maven's loot bag that I received from the mall tour. I'm surprised when I saw this flavor and the catchy packaging color. When I visited their website, I read that this lip balm was reformulated so it's nice to know that they improved their formula. I wish my hands got hold of their old formula so that I can have a comparison on my review. Looking back at their web page, there are also three exciting flavors to try: Peppermint, Tutti Frutti and Choco Fudge. The two latter flavor looks yummy and I need to resists this temptation of buying those because I still have two other lip balms on my kikay kit. I wanted to buy a back up on my organic lip balms including this but the shelf life is short so I really need to finish everything first. 

     Are you excited on my review? So here's my take on Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Lip Balm in Wild Berry. The flavor is very yummy and the scent for me is so addicting. Read more and discover another lip balm that's a steal and of course organic and why this product is a keeper :)))

Human Heart Nature Lip Balm in Wild Berry
CREDITS TO:  http://humanheartnature.com/buy/index.php/facial-lip-care/new-100-natural-lip-balms.html
Your lips need protection too! Our better-than-ever 100% natural lip balms are made only with the finest blend of cocoa butter, beeswax, and pure natural plant oils. Now you can experience a smoother, softer glide and mouth-watering natural flavors that’s sure to keep you reaching for your lip balm again and again...and again!
Perfect as a base for Mineral Hydrating Lipstick, it is great for everyday use even if you’re going for a natural, no make-up look or even no make-up at all! :)

Human Heart Nature Lip Balm in Wild Berry
I love this flavor. Smells citrusy with a hint of sweetness.

Human Heart Nature Lip Balm in Wild Berry
There's a manufacturing and expiry date so you'll know when to ditch the product.

Human Heart Nature Lip Balm in Wild Berry
without lip balm

Human Heart Nature Lip Balm in Wild Berry
With HHN lip balm

 size: 0.14 oz. (4g)

price: free (64.75php Around $1.50+)

place bought: free ( The Landmark, Trinoma; Sesou Nature Source, Trinoma)

GANDANG KALIKASAN, INC.

Contact Us

463 Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City 

Philippines 1119 

Business Hours: Monday - Saturday 

9:00AM - 5:30PM 

Contact Details: 

Tel. No. (02) 931-5787 or (02) 433-1202 

Fax. (02) 951-3627

instruction for use: Exfoliating and moisturizing the lips are essential to getting pretty puckers. Exfoliate first by getting a damp cloth and rubbing it gently on your lips to remove dead cells and dry skin from the surface of your lips. Next, moisturize by using Human Nature’s natural and nourishing lip balm.

ingredients: Ricinus communis (castor) oil, beeswax, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) butter, caprylic capric triglyceride, flavor (all natural), Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Calendula officinalis (marigold) extract, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) extract, tocopherol, manganese violet (CI 77742), iron oxide (CI77491)

What I like:

• It's organic!
• The price- really affordable or should I say cheap.
• The packaging is not flimsy and doesn't look cheap unlike before when I saw the old packaging from my friends makeup kit.
• Glides smoothly and not greasy at all.
• The scent is citrusy with a hint of sweetness that's not overpowering.
• There's a manufacturing and expiry date printed on the label.
• Makes my lips smooth and healthy looking
• No waxy feel and not heavy on my lips.

What I don't like:

• The cap has no seal. Sometimes I doubt if the lip balm is exposed or opened accidentally while on display.

Will I repurchase? Yes! I would love to try other flavors like the Peppermint and Choco Fudge :D

Recommendation:
     I give this a 4.5/5 rating. I'm a lip balm girl :D The price + the moisture on my lips makes this another HG for me. I can say that this is my new day time lip balm. It does the job in moisturizing my lips prior to lipstick application. I can say goodbye to dry and chapped lips the organic way! 

     How many lip balms do you have? Any thoughts on Human Heart Nature's Natural lip balms?

Good Times!~

Maven's Beauty Mall Tour + New BFs

     Hi loves! How's your week doing so far? My Monday started not so well. I had headache the whole day yesterday and today. I'm afraid that my body is already immune with Mefenamic Acid- my one and only pain buddy. Ibrupofen and Paracetamol are not working for me anymore. Boo! Maybe I should consult a doctor about this. Anyway, here's what happened a couple of weeks ago. I attended Maven's Beauty Mall Tour last July 14 (Saturday) at Trinoma Cinema lobby and met new BFs :D 

Maven's Beauty Mall Tour 
Angel Locsin on the cover of Maven Magazine

     The event includes a fun-filled day of fashion workshops, career talks, tips from the experts, advice from a certified dermatologist about skin care, beauty 101 and a makeover session. There were free cupcakes and free-flowing champagne, fabulous discounts on different makeup brands, instant prizes and freebies! 

Maven's Beauty Mall Tour 
The Speaker from JobsDB giving tips and advice on finding the right job
I forgot his name :(

Maven's Beauty Mall Tour 
Dr. Michelle Manuel, guest speaker explaining and enumerating different skin problems of women.

Maven's Beauty Mall Tour 
Freebies! There's a lot of surprises inside :D

Maven's Beauty Mall Tour 
Yay! It's indeed a loot full of surprises ^_^
Athena Milk, Benefit The Porefessional Mini, Goody Elastics , Human Heart Nature lipbalm, Nivea Whitening lotion, Suesh Makeup tool , Soap samples from Prime Skin Care Asia, L'Oreal Samples

Maven's Beauty Mall Tour 
Photo grabbed from Aya
With fashion and beauty bloggers

      I wasn't able to finish the event because I decided to meet up with fashion and beauty bloggers. I'm sooo excited but nervous to meet new people specially those I consider top beauty and fashion bloggers nowadays. Well, I'm really happy to meet these girls! I enjoyed talking to them and sharing them my passion about skin care and makeup. I also want to thank them for their advice. There's no dull moment that day. I'm blessed because I found new friends who accepted me for who I am. I really, really enjoyed their company :)))  

     I'm excited to try new products from the loot. This will be my first time using a primer so watch out for my review. That's all for now loves! Have a great week ahead :D 

Good Times!~

     

Product Review: Classic Carmex Moisturizing Lipbalm in a Jar

     Are you suffering from dry and chapped lips? Mine does! If the weather is cold, my lips becomes dry and flaky. I hate it when I look in the mirror and I always see dead skin on top of my lips, I really wanna peel it off. Ugh. Thank goodness there's Carmex! If you're a follower of my blog, prolly you know that I made a post on my first Carmex lip balm in a tube and it became my HG lip balm. I already finished the tube and I'm glad that I have a new one. But this time, it's another variant of Carmex. I got this baby from the Everyday Essentials Loot that I won from The Beauty Junkee's 3rd Grand Anniversary Giveaway.

     After using this for two weeks, I'm totally hand's down to this product :D Here's my take on another keeper!!!

Classic Carmex Moisturizing Lipbalm in a Jar

KEEPS LIPS SOFT- Alleviates the roughness of dry lips.

PROTECTS FROM WIND AND SUN- Replaces moisture lost from wind, sun and dry air. 

HELPS HEAL CHAPPED LIPS- Contains germ-killing menthol and phenol, speeding the healing process. 

http://mycarmex.com/our-products/default.aspx

Classic Carmex Moisturizing Lipbalm in a Jar

size: net wt 7.5g

price: 99.75 php (around $1.50+)

place bought: Free, 
(PCX outlets-Rob Plc Manila, Festival Mall, Rockwell, Alabang Town Center, first Aid in Greenbelt 3, Robinson's Department Stores nationwide, Landmark Department Stores (Makati and Trinoma), Shopwise Supermarkets, Pure Beauty, Serendra (2nd floor), Boracay Budget Mart, Suesh, Greenhills, Red Dot, Laoag Ilocos Norte)

instructions for use: Apply liberally and evenly as often as necessary. Especially useful before and after exposure to sunlight, wind or low temperatures. Recommended before and after lipstick application to preserve and restore moisture. 

ingredients: Petrolatum, Lanolin, Cetyl Esters, Theobroma Cacao (Cocao) Seed Butter, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Cera Microcristallina, Camphor, Menthol, Salicylic Acid, Fragrance, Vanillin.

Classic Carmex Moisturizing Lipbalm in a Jar
I used a mini spatula to scoop out the product and put here in my hand.

Classic Carmex Moisturizing Lipbalm in a Jar
Without Carmex, just ignore the reflection on my lower lips.

Classic Carmex Moisturizing Lipbalm in a Jar
With Carmex, just a hint of shine- soft and moisturized lips! Pardon if in this photo it looks like I just ate an oily food, it's the reflection of the light and mirror. I used my phone to take this photo with a mirror behind it.

What I like:

• Simple packaging, the hubby doesn't mind using this lip balm in public because for him the jar is for "unisex" meaning not a girly or fancy thing.
• I love the tingling sensation it gives right after application. It leaves a cool and minty feel.
• Inexpensive.
• Not waxy and sticky.
• I apply this whenever I have blisters on my lips and it soothes the irritation.
• My lips felt soft and smooth after application.
• There's a product information printed on the package with expiry date.

What I don't like:

• The packaging can be unhygienic for me because sometimes I feel lazy using my mini spatula to scoop out the product. 

Will I repurchase? Yes! I'm using this daily morning and evening so a jar will not last that long. The hubby uses this too so I need to buy a back up soon.

Recommendation:

     I give this a 4.5/5 rating. This product is really effective! It's affordable too. What more can I say? It relieves and moisturises. This is my HG lipbalm :D

     Have you tried Carmex lip balms?What's your favorite?Share!

Good Times!~

Everyday Essentials Loot, Woot Woot!

     Here it is, my much awaited prizes from another giveaway that I joined two months ago. It's from THE BEAUTY JUNKEE'S 3rd Grand Anniversary Giveaway! This is the grandest giveaway that I've joined and the prizes at stake are really awesome. I never expected to win because I know a lot of her readers are witty and sensible when it comes to their answers. I just expressed what I really feel and learned from reading TBJ's blog posts. So lo and behold, these goodies came home with me last Sunday. 

1. Covergirl Makeups- Lash Blast Fusion Mascara in Black, Nature Luxe Lip Balms in Hibiscus and Smoky Shadow Blast in Tempest Blue

2. Camaru Naturals Organic Soaps- Acerola, Rice Bran and Charcoal soap, Camellia Oil and an Eco Friendly Bag

3. China Glaze Nail Polishes- Let It Snow Holiday Collection 2011 ( Ponsettia, Tinsel Town and Velvet Bow), Icicle, Nail File and Nail Kit

4. Carmex Lip Balms- Lip balm in a Jar, Click sticks (Original, Strawberry and Cherry), Lip Balm in Tube 

5. Samples of L'Oreal Youth Code, Revita Lift and BB cream

     These are more than enough for me. Since I have 3 sisters and sisters-in-law, I decided to share it with them. I also told them to observe the effects of the Camaru natural soap so that I can chronicle their experiences to my blog. I already started using the charcoal soap and will share my reviews on one of post. 

Ze winners with Martha of The Beauty Junkee

L-R: Angel, Arriane,  Martha, Moi and Chan

*photo grab from The Beauty Junkee*

     Thank you Martha for this giveaway! More power to your blog. Continue to Inspire more readers :D I had a great time meeting her and the rest of the winners. 

Good Times!~

     

Product Review: Evolution Of Smooth ( EOS ) Smooth Sphere Lip Balm- Summer Fruit

Evolution Of Smooth ( EOS ) Smooth Sphere Lip Balm- Summer Fruit
Left: Summer Fruit- this is the flavor I'm reviewing here
Right: Honeysuckle Honeydew- supposed to be reviewed here but  I gave it to my sister     

     Hi lovelies! I've been lemming for this lip balm longtime and now the long wait is over. Last week, my package arrived and I fell in love when I saw this cute little baby. The moment I saw it, something came up in my mind. This lip balm is like Iglot. A tele serye aired in chanel 7 about a creature hatch from a polka-dotted egg.

    I know there are lots of reviews about this lip balm. Since I mentioned it's like Iglot, you already know what brand it is. This is the infamous EOS. This highly raved lip balm is famous for its spherical shape. You can click here for more info on EOS.

EOS Smooth Sphere lip balm in Summer Fruit.

Evolution Of Smooth ( EOS ) Smooth Sphere Lip Balm- Summer Fruit
This cutie is pink in color. Sorry for the poor lightning and image quality  because my son
is grabbing it while I took this pic.

size: .25oz (7g)

price: 230 php ( Around $5.00+ )

place bought: online resellers like multiply

eos online

instruction for use: twist off top, pucker up, smooth on, smile or simply swipe on you lips

ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Beeswax (Cire D'abeille)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Natural Flavor, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract*, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract*, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit Extract*, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract*, Linalool1. 1Component of Natural Flavor. *Organic. Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth. Patent Pending.

Evolution Of Smooth ( EOS ) Smooth Sphere Lip Balm- Summer Fruit
This is how it looks like when opened. Still, the picture is taken with poor lightning. It's bright pink in person.

Evolution Of Smooth ( EOS ) Smooth Sphere Lip Balm- Summer Fruit
This is the plastic seal where all the information on the product is printed

What I like:

• It's organic and not tested on animals. 
• No petroleum or paraben. 
• Affordable 
• Glides smoothly on lips. 
• I love lip balms in fruitty flavors. 
• The unique shape and color of the packaging is really cute. It can also stand on its own. 
• The scent is not overpowering. 
• Because of its sphere shape, it can reach the corners of the lips. 
• Sealed with plastic upon purchase so you know it's fresh.

What I don't like:

• The expiry date is stamped only in the plastic seal not in the packaging itself. 
• No spf like the Carmex Cherry tube.

Will I repurchase? Yes! I want to try other flavors like the sweet mint and lemon drop with spf. Actually I also have the honeysuckle honey dew flavor but I gave it to my sister.

Recommendation:

     I give this a 4.5/5 rating. I recommend this lip balm to everyone who wants to moisturize their lips prior to lipstick application. But if you're looking for something with spf, this flavor is not for you. You can purchase lemon drop though. Since Christmas is near, this is a wonderful gift for everyone.

     Do you have EOS lip balm? Share your thoughts. 

Good Times!~

Product Review: Carmex Cherry Tube

     Lipbalms play an important role in lip care. It can moisturize, prevent chapped and flaking lips, aids in windburn, and as lipstick base. Peace, love and lipgloss or should I say lip balm? Methinks it's time to review one of many lip balms that I have. I remember owning more than 5 lip balms since high school. Avon, Chapstick, Blistex, Nivea, Vaseline to name a few. Some are effective some are nada!

      Thanks to google because after years of research I saw this lip balm that has been raved in different forums and after finishing a tube, I will say my thoughts now. 

Carmex Cherry Lipbalm in tube spf15

     Our best selling flavor, moisturizing lip balm, non- addictive and not tested on animals, contains SPF 15 sunscreen, sweet and popular *mycarmex.com*

Carmex Cherry Tube
I'm about to finish this tube, pic taken from my phone

size: .35oz ( 10g )

price: 99 php ( Around $1.50+ ) 

I think it's cheaper if US bought click here to check online price

place bought: online, ebay, multiply resellers, Beauty Bar, Landmark, Robinson's Galleria

instruction for use: apply liberally and evenly as often as necessary, and before exposure to sun. Reapply after swimming. Consult a physician for use on children under six months of age.

ingredients:  

active- Octinoxate 6.4%, Oxybenzone 5.4% both for sunscreen

inactive- petrolatum,lanolin,cocoa butter, mineral oil, camphor, menthol, phenol in a mixture of waxes and flavor

Carmex Cherry Tube
the tube fits my palm

Carmex Cherry Tube
this is how the balm looks like, a bit thick but spreadable clear gel

What I like:

• Moisturize my lips in an instant.
• Has a minty feel.
• I love the flavor and scent.
• Really affordable at 99 php since a tube lasts long.
• Has spf. 
• Squeezable tube.

What I don't like:

• The texture is a bit waxy.
• There are times that it dries my lips.
• I can taste the petrolatum like petroleum jelly even though its cherry flavored.

Will I repurchase? Maybe no. I still have a back-up since this was given to me as a "pasalubong" by my sister-in-law from the US.

Recommendation:

     I give this a 4/5 rating. I recommend this to anyone who wants to try squeezable tube type lip balm than the conventional one in a stick type. For those who wants to moisturize their lips prior to lip stick application. 

     I'm on a search for another lip balm that is affordable and organic. Do you love carmex lip balms?Share us your thoughts. 

Good Times!~