SMthin' Like That

I've been trying to run away from my computer, so much so that I had to find an excuse to get out of the house. Since I seemed to have another boring day at home on my to-do list, I figured, why not run a few errands and check out The Body Shop's 60-Minute Sale, and enjoy myself at the mall while I'm there.

First things, first, I had my picture taken for my visa application. Then, I ran to The Body Shop downstairs to check out what the sale was all about. Unfortunately, photos were not allowed to be taken inside the store and I wasn't able to buy anything because I was too pissed that I can't shoot pictures to share with you all.  *insert sad face here*

Afterwards, I headed off to Etude House to cool off and to scour their racks for a solution to my pimples and for things to pack for Myanmar. I ended up buying their Lemon Tea Cleansing Foam (I already tried their Aloe Vera variant and I loved it!), which  according to the friendly saleslady, is very good for my combination skin as it is most effective in keeping the shine at bay. Given the humid weather in Myanmar, an oil-control cleanser that's gentle enough for everyday use is just about what I need.

I also jumped for joy when I got hold of their Styling Eyeliner in 01 (Black), a retractable liner that's perfect for tight-lining and filling in those hard-to-reach corners. It's definitely a steal at Php 128 (~ $3), don't you think? (I'll write separate entries for today's purchases later on.)

After a long while at Etude House, Chammy (my friend) met up with me. We had lunch at Pizza Hut (bye, bye, diet!)

What's for lunch: two solo-sized pizzas, a plate of Ceasar's salad, a bowl of cream of mushroom soup
(sans the croutons; I hate croutons!), a plate of carbonara, and two iced teas. Carbo-loading, definitely!

We sure did not waste time to burn what we just consumed. After I claimed my passport-sized portraits, we headed off to the bank so Chammy can do her thing and I slid off to the bookstore next door (I swear, I can live inside a library and/or a bookstore happily). Got myself a Vapur foldable water container in pink and a pink case for my makeup brushes.

We decided to meet up at the department store where nothing much really happened. We just looked around, hoping to spot a good bargain and take home new things to call ours... only we both were in a tight financial situation. It's fun to window-shop, nevertheless. I was looking for the perfect red lipstick. Chammy suggested I try out Maybelline. I was never a big fan of lipsticks, especially red ones , but with the workplace situation rearing its head in the horizon, I may have to adjust my preferences in order to "grow up" and try new things. After spotting the perfect shade, I was told that they had no more stocks of that particular hue. I was devastated. And to think that its price had been slashed down from Php 299 to Php 249! Good thing, Watsons had one last tube of the Maybelline Color Sensational Moisture Extreme Lipstick in Summer Sunset! I did not hesitate and grabbed the sole tube on the shelf. It's a really deep red. I love that it's not too bright and perky, just the right shade to suit my skin color and personal preference. (I'll write a separate entry for this one too!)

That's me wearing the Maybelline lipstick in Summer Sunset. Bagay ba? :)
I have always been scared of donning red lipstick.
It's like I never had the guts to wear this truly outstanding and second-look-worthy color. 

After a long day of walking around and window-shopping, Chammy and I decided to rest and have a snack at Dunkin' Donuts, where she ate a pizza pocket (from a stall somewhere), a bavarian-filled donut (another flavor I cannot seem to agree with), and iced coffee; while I had a medium cup of Summer smoothie (forgot the flavor combination) from Fruitas.

So happy togetheeerrrr!

There's just never a dull moment with these two-peas-in-a-pod!

Stolen shoooot! :p

... and of course, there's the obligatory outfit post!

Purple top from Encore, Random leggings, TOMS sneakers,
Multi-strand bangle from Thailand, New York & Co. necklace 

What's your favorite bum-day escape? :)

Love,

SGT <3

P.S. All the photos in this entry are owned by She Goes Thrifty. Please ask for my permission when intending to use these photos elsewhere. Thank you. :)

An Attitude for Etude

As you may have noticed, I'm a big fan of Etude House. Check out Primer-y and Go for Gold for reviews on other Etude House products. Anyway, aside from the aforementioned thingamajigs, I got other Etude House loot, as a collective effort of my makeup hoarding and just plain fascination with all things cute. When you enter their store, you just want to buy everything because all of their products are pretty, colorful, and just plain yummy-looking! It's like I've been a child let loose in a candy store! But before I spend more than I can afford and as a way of sticking to this blog's main concept: savings, I will share with you a few more must-try products from this Korean brand.

First up, their eyelash curler. It's a pretty good steal for Php 78. If you don't have the budget to get high-end tools, this will have to do. It comes with an extra rubber piece. Plus, it has pink handles! How adorable!

I am OBSESSED with their Bling Bling Eye Stick, so much so that I decided to get another one, this time in a pearl/white shade called Shooting Star. It's a practical investment, especially if you don't have the time or patience to layer on eye shadow colors or if you're in a hurry. A swipe of this glittery eye crayon will give you that extra sparkle in your peepers!

Costs about Php 198 ($4-$5) a piece. It's a great investment for those who have not a lot of time on their hands to put on eye makeup. Just swipe it on and you're set! It will last all day too.

Have you ever seen a Shooting Star up close?

It's more of a crayon than it is a pencil. Finer lines will be more tricky to do with this eye stick. It has a pretty potent color so one or two swipes will give you that pop and glitter already. Economical, yeah?

 

 Then, there's their Oh m'Eye Lash Volume + Long Lash Mascara. I find it so-so. Why? Because I'm not gifted with full lashes, I go for volumizing mascara, and with it's additional lengthening feature, at less than Php 500, I feel like I could do better with mascaras from Maybelline which probably cost far less and gives more volume to my lashes. Still, it's a pretty safe choice. It's not waterproof (which is a pro for me since I find it hard to take off waterproof mascara) and it doesn't irritate my lids or my eyes at all.  Just be careful with washing it off. I suggest you use a cotton ball and some baby oil to take this off before washing your face; otherwise, you'll be left with bits of mascara on your under-eye area (not a pretty sight!).

It has a pretty narrow applicator wand. You may end up with whole globs of mascara. Try to wipe off excess in the tube opening and keep brushing to evenly distribute the product on your lashes. Remember to curl your lashes first before putting on mascara!

Plus if you purchase items worth Php 500 ($10-$13)  or more, you get a free Pink card where you can earn points with every purchase and eventually use those points as cash to pay for your future goodies! Not only that, you also get freebies like these facial masks, for FREE.

I'm looking forward to my next visit to Etude House! I'm sure there will be a plethora of options and just a great day of happiness from the cute things all around me! Even if you're just window-shopping, a trip to their store will uplift your spirits, I'm sure!

What's your current brand obsession?

Love,

SGT <3

Go for Gold!

I'm sure you're familiar with Etude House. It's a Korean brand of cosmetics and beauty products, endorsed by 2NE1's (San) Dara. They promise to produce non-comedogenic (won't aggravate acne and won't clog your pores) items. Having sensitive skin is such an issue since I can't just use anything on my face. It has to come from a tried and tested company or brand, at least. I absolutely cannot use 10-peso eyeshadow kinds from the friendly palengke. Trust me, I swell up and my allergies flare up as soon as cheap makeup touches my skin. I don't mean to sound maarte but having learned from personal experience, I know I have to be careful.

I promised to give reviews on AFFORDABLE products with great quality. Well, let's throw the dirt cheap ones with suspicious origins out the window, shall we? Going back, Etude House is a quaint, little store that screams G-I-R-L-Y. As soon as you enter, the employees will greet you with "Welcome, Princess," and it adds to the feeling of special treatment while you're there. I bought my very first product, their Aloe Tea facial wash, from their branch in SM Southmall, if I'm not mistaken. Since it worked well with my sensitive skin, I decided to try out what else they had to offer.

On my second trip to their branch in SM Santa Rosa (thank goodness), I stocked up on makeup and tools. I got a lash curler, some sponges (both will get separate reviews), and an amazing eyeshadow stick called, Bling Bling Eye Stick in Butterfly Star.

When worn. :)

The packaging.

I usually use it as an eyeliner, on its own, with mascara for everyday use if there are no events I have to attend.

Go for gold!

It has a thick tip. Kind of messy to put on but VERY pretty when it's already on your lids. Takes some getting used to put on.

It costs Php 198 or about $4 in any Etude House branch near you. What's so amazing about this is I can just swipe a layer on my lids, curl my lashes, slap on some mascara, some lip gloss, and I'm good to go! I don't even have to worry about blending and all that. It looks pretty on its own. I bet it will go on better with your favorite eyeshadow. (I haven't tried it out yet though.)

I usually use this when I only go to the mall or nearby places that don't really require me to put on complete makeup. When you get this, you're getting value for money because you'll be using this for a looong time. Just be gentle with it so as not to break the stick. Another plus is that it doesn't make my eyelids scratchy and swollen and doesn't trigger my allergies. (Yay!)

Overall, aside from the pretty factor, and despite its simple packaging, I give it a thumbs-up. It's an eyeliner with a shimmery twist! How fun is that? ;)

What's your favorite glittery eyeliner?

Love,

SGT <3