NO MORE: July

Hello, everyone! I'm adding a new segment into She Goes Thrifty, called No More! Every now and then, expect to see my very own hit-pan posts where I share products I've emptied out and used up. 

For the first edition, check out these products that I really loved and enjoyed using:

1. Nivea Dry Comfort Anti-Perspirant
- it promises 48 hour protection against perspiration
- doesn't have alcohol or colorants
- has a clean, crisp scent
- it doesn't darken my underarms
- doesn't sting at all
- I don't think I'll repurchase anytime soon. I have another Nivea bottle waiting to be used.

2. Human Nature Hand and Foot Salve (Eucalyptus, Carrot, and Bee Propolis)
- check out my review about it HERE
- I still have the other variant to use up.
- as always, Human Nature products never disappoint. :)
- repurchase might be out of the picture in the near future. I already have a second pot waiting in line.

3. Bugz Off Citronella Spray
- not greasy
- I use this alternately with my Human Nature Citronella Bug Spray
- no overwhelming scent
- gets used up pretty easily due to the spray-on format
- pretty affordable. Got this one at Watsons.
- I'm happy with bug spray from HHN so I'm not going to buy another bottle of this one anytime soon.

4. Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil
- my review on  this can be seen HERE
- repurchased! I don't mind buying this again and again. It works in more ways than one! Value for money indeed.
- one of Human Nature's bestsellers!

5. Victoria's Secret Deep-Softening Body Butter in Wild Scarlet
- love the scent! According to the label it has the scent of juicy apple and lily.
- comes in a big tub
- got this from my Dad, he bought it in the States.
- very moisturizing indeed!
- the consistency is a bit thicker compared to The Body Shop's body butters
- has a matching lotion and body spray

That's about it... At least for now. Looking forward to posting my next No More entry in August! Wee! How about you? Have you emptied out any beauty product lately? Tell me all about it! :)

Love,

SGT <3

FOTD: Pink Eye

Many beauty bloggers post their "face of the day" looks. Maybe it's time I start posting mine as well. Haha! As if you're all interested in how I do my makeup. :P

Wore this makeup look to my friend Paola's despedida dinner in Marikina. I had to do a lot of walking and commuting that day, so I had to make sure that my makeup won't run and go all over the place. :))

I call this look Pink Eye (not the gross disease, okay? HAHA!) because I applied just a wash of pink with golden tones on my lids and topped it with brown liquid eyeliner for a presentable and not-that-dramatic over-all look. I also took my new Human Nature colored lip balm in Island Kiss for a spin. I think my search for an orange-tinted lippie is over! I'll post a review on this very soon. ;)

Base:

- Etude House BB Magic Cream

- Ever Bilena Mousse Matte Foundation in Walnut

- Myra Daily Sun Protect

Eyes:

- E.L.F. Eyelid Primer

- Ellana Minerals Concealer in Smile

- Ellana Minerals Concealer in Awake

- Ellana Minerals Translucent Loose Powder in Espresso con Panna

- 17 Nude Palette

- E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner in Brown

- Maybelline VolumExpress Mascara

- Etude House Oh M'Eye Mascara for Volume and Length

- The Face Shop Brow Duo

- NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Lime

- Etude House Bling Bling Eye Stick in Butterfly Star

Cheeks:

- Maybelline Pure Minerals Blush in Pink

Face:

- Maybelline Clear Smooth Shine-free Pressed Powder

Lips:

- Human Nature Tinted Lip Balm in Island Kiss

- Careline Extra Shine Lipgloss in 02

What do you think about this look? Would you like me to post more "face of the day" looks from now on? :P

Love,

SGT <3

SGT Goes to Bonifacio Global City

So, as the title suggests, I was in Bonifacio Global City... High Street to be exact. It's my third time in that area. I wasn't really a big fan of the place and I don't exactly frequent BGC for a number of reasons. First, is it just me or is it too far from the "center" of Metro Manila. (Maybe it's just me, but when a place is not along EDSA, it's already far. LOL!) Second, we find the traffic and road systems there too confusing. :( Third, uhhh, I was just not fond of the place. But everything seemed to change today! I saw a big portion of BGC when I rode the shuttle bus from Ayala going there. I saw how developed it is already and how clean the entire place is! No wonder people rave about it!

Anyway, I was there for a good reason. I was scheduled for an interview. Still not telling where and for what company. The interview went well, I think. I left the building in high spirits. :) All I know is I did everything I could to impress the [insert swear word here] out of them. ;) Hehe.

I was with my graduation seat-mate, Kym, as she had a separate interview in Market! Market! We decided to meet up before our interviews and reconvene afterwards. We ran into each other in Fully Booked, where we scoured the sale racks and drooled over the wall-to-wall shelves of literature. It was like letting a kid loose in a candy store... except we were suffering from budgetary dehydration -- this is just my obnoxious way of saying that I can't afford to buy a lot of things at the moment! Soon. Mark my words. I will have more than enough to drown the socks off my brain in literature, soon. 

These shots were taken in my mom's office in Ortigas, BTW.

After Fully Booked, we decided to check out EchoStore in Serendra (which is just across the street!). I wanted to see if they carried Ilog Maria soaps and other products which I have been dying to try. I don't know what it is but recently, I developed an affinity and fondness for locally-produced organic products. I'm a proud advocate of anything PH-made! And organic products are really great investments. There are no cruel chemicals present. They might be a tad bit pricier but you're paying for your health and well-being in the long run, so yeah, count me in! I know I'm not supposed to spend so much, but I've just been dying to get my hands on these goodies that I can't pass up the chance to grab 'em!

EchoStore is truly eco-friendly! No plastics allowed. ;)

Lavender and Honey soap (left)

Bamboo-charcoal soap (right)

A few more vanity shots. :3

Really digging these arm candies from Landmark!
Plus they matched my outfit perfectly!

When dressing up for an interview, keep it classy. It's always better to be clad in formal clothes (even if the  vibe in the office is casual). You'd always want to put your best foot forward and it shows on your choice of clothing and makeup. As for the makeup, I suggest you keep it simple. Avoid going for the smokey eye and intense red lipstick. I chose a golden-pink hue for my base and a golden-brown for my crease. Added a flick of black liquid eyeliner, a light brush of pink blush, and a mauvey-pink lip. You'd want your achievements to stand out, not your glaring red lips or your intense smokey-eye. ;) Just a few tips.

Also, pack a pair of slippers like the one I had below. It's really hard to rely on heels, especially if you're not used to wearing them. You might end up with blisters (like I did, thanks unused heels!) and since it's already raining cats and dogs everywhere, a pair of slippers or sandals might just be your best bet if you want to avoid looking like a mad woman slipping and tripping all over. Oh, and bring an umbrella ALWAYS! You never know how the weather's gonna get!

I put these on as soon as my interview was over. My feet were getting battered from the yellow heels I was wearing. :( Commuting is always a big obstacle when dressing up! Please pardon the madungis feet. I've been walking in mud and puddles all day. :|

Oh, I also received my package from Human Nature today! I ordered a second bottle of their AMAZING Sunflower Seed Beauty Oil and their Colored Lip Balm (in Island Kiss)

Almost there!

Ta-daaaaaaaaah!

Hooray! :D

It's been a long and very fruitful day! Despite the gray cloud that's been looming over Metro Manila, there just isn't no raining on my parade. Keep the good vibes rolling, universe! :)

Love,

SGT <3

DIY: Foot Spa

It's no secret that I like to scrimp out on some things in life so I can have more savings for future splurges, i.e. more important matters. Pampering can be one of those things that I tend to do a lot on my own, especially when I have time. Don't get me wrong, though. I like treating myself to a little RnR every now and then but more often that not, I find the prices of nail salons a tad too steep for my liking. My solution? I do it myself.

Foot spas are one of those things that can take some getting used to doing on your own. I, for one, had just started trying it out and I'm no expert at it... YET! I'll get the hang of it, and I'm sure you will too.

So what is it that you want to achieve at the end of every foot spa sesh? Soft, callus-less footsies that you can show to the entire world! With the help of a few tools, you can give your feet a much-needed break and treat it to a little lap of luxury every once in a while... and you don't have to spend a fortune to do it! Some of these materials may already be lying around in your home. Others may need to be purchased at your local wellness store like Watsons. But investing in them will save you a lot of bucks in the future. Imagine spending Php 300 and even more on just one foot spa appointment in that plush nail salon in the mall. You can invest the same amount of money (or less) and use these items for many more at-home foot spa sessions in the future. You can do it with your friends and family too!

You're going to need:

1. Foot Soak

We got this at Watsons waaay back. They usually come in buy 1 take 1 packs.

Not sure about the price, but it prolly won't cost over Php 150.

2. Foot Scrub

Php 55 from Watsons

3. Hand and Foot Salve

This is a must in my pampering kit. I have terribly dry skin on my feet and this soothes my parched feet.

(Php139.75 from Human Nature)

4. Foot spa paddles

The white one is called a pedicure file. It has a surface similar to that of cheese grater. Be extra careful when using this thing. It can cut your skin.  (Php 79 from Watsons)

The one below has sandpaper on both sides. You can use it to smooth out rough edges. Forgot how much this costs. You can also get this from Watsons.

Photo Source

5. A small basin/washbowl
Special thanks to my super smart friend, Kach, for translating basin for me. :))

Photo Source

6. Warm water

Make sure your feet can take the temperature. ;)

7. A used but clean hand towel

Now that you have all these things in hand, you're all set to pamper your tired feet! 

*It's best to do this outside, like in your garage, so you won't have to worry about spilling anything.

Steps:

• Pour the warm water on the basin.
• Mix in the foot soak, use the sandpaper paddle to stir the mixture until it becomes bubbly.
• Immerse your feet into the bowl. Test the temperature first. Make sure it doesn't burn or scald your skin.
• Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Pull out your pedicure file. Use it to rid your feet of dry skin. I usually do it diagonally downwards. I haven't quite gotten the technique yet but try other methods. See what works for you. Be careful though, the surface is pretty sharp.
• Use the sandpaper paddle to smooth out the skin on the sole of your feet.
• You'll know your calluses are gone if you feel your sole and there's no tough part anymore. 
• Every time the water and soak evaporates/disappears, feel free to dip your foot into the soak again to restore softness and ease of operation.
• After all the dry skin has been shaved off, rinse the feet with lukewarm water. Water directly from the faucet will do too.
• Do the same thing to the other foot.
• Empty your basin. Rinse out the soapy water residue. Refill it with a fresh batch of water.
• Whip out your foot scrub. Squeeze out a small amount on your palm and apply onto your foot. Scrub, scrub, scrub away until you've scrubbed your dead skin cells to submission! Do the same to the other foot.
• Dry your feet with the towel.
• Now, let the hand and foot salve take center stage! Replenish your skin with lost moisture from all that soaking, shaving, and scrubbing! You can massage your feet as you go, if you like.
• There you have it!

I hope this tutorial really helps! I'm all for savings here on She Goes Thrifty and this is my way of sparing a couple hundred pesos for other things, say a pretty new top or as an addition to my travel or gas fund! Give it a try. :)

Love,

SGT <3

Birthday Blowout!

Hello, fellow girls on a budget! I am so excited! 10 days from now and I'm turning 21! I can't believe it. And my graduation is rearing its pretty little head in the horizon too! I have so much to be grateful for and She Goes Thrifty is definitely one of them! I started blogging seriously in January of this year. I was hungry for a blog that searched the best of affordable luxuries and hidden deals or tips and tricks about how not to splurge too much but not sacrifice quality at the same time. I'm really glad that with every entry, I get to share my own experiences and thoughts about things that I discover along the way or things that I have been doing (like thrift shopping) and are worth sharing with dear friends and it's heartwarming for me that I also get to learn a lot from you.

In line with my birthday this year, I would like to host a little blog giveaway. I'm aware that many bloggers do this as a way of giving back to their reader friends. Think of it as my gift to you on my birthday. So anyway, here's what you can win:

1. Human Nature Intensive Hair Mask

 2. Etude House Pomegranate Face Mask

3. A cute purple beaded bracelet

4. A pearl necklace with floral applique/brooch

5. Lynderm Kili-kili and Singit Whitening Cream

Goodies galore!

Here's how you can take home these humble prizes:

1. Like She Goes Thrifty on Facebook.

2. Follow ME on Twitter.

3. Tweet this: Join She Goes Thrifty's birthday blowout and get to win cute prizes! Go to http://shegoesthrifty.blogspot.com/ for details on how to win! @adjadjbaby

4. Comment on this blog post with your Facebook name/link to your page, Twitter username, your Tweet (the link to the one above that you posted on Twitter), and your e-mail address.

Only those who will follow ALL the steps will be eligible for this giveaway. I might add more stuff to this loot so you better stick around for announcements. The winner will be chosen via random sampling, I will assign each valid entry a number and create a raffle-type draw. The winner will be notified via email. Teehee! Contest ends on April 24, 2012.  

Join now! :)

P.S. This giveaway is open for Philippine readers only. Perhaps the next couple of giveaways will be open to international readers as well. :)

Love,

SGT <3

Tea Tree Oil - Pimple Control

Okay, so I tried making a tutorial video for y'all. Please be gentle. Ha ha! It's my first one and it's not exactly of the best quality since I used my phone for recording and I'm not exactly Quentin Tarantino, so please bear with me.

Anyway, I noticed that my pimples are starting to manifest since my period is just around the corner. I know some of you can relate to such a crappy PMS moment. Others have regular or for the luckier ones, very rare episodes. In any case, this video will (hopefully) help you get rid of those zits fast sans the harmful chemicals and the hefty price tag.

I give you, Tea Tree Oil! It has soooo many benefits and pimple-control is only one of them. You can also use it for dandruff, wounds, etc. Just Google its uses and you're set. Anyway, this video probably says it all.

Products Used:

Zen Zest Tea Tree Oil (Php 150/15mL bottle)

Human Nature Organic Aloe Vera and Guava Facial Wash

Pond's Acne Expert Pore Conditioning Toner

Cotton bud

Steps:

1. Cleanse your face with a facial wash that is especially for pimple control or for troubled skin.

2. Toner is optional at this point.

3. Put a few drops of the tea tree oil on the swab and dab away.

Sorry if the video's too short or too quick. I'm really camera-shy. Heehee. Anyway, tea tree oil really helps get rid of those nasty pimples before they even start wrecking havoc on your precious face. Remember, don't go poppin' them 'cause it will only make things worse. Just dab on tea tree oil and keep your face clean at all times. Here's to a more flawless you! :)

Love,

SGT <3

Freebie Happy!

Recently, I won a gift pack from Human Nature from the "Read the Label Challenge". I had just claimed my prize yesterday and I'm excited to share it with you.

It comes in a cute lime green pouch.

I can't complain. A prize is still a prize. Plus, these are amazing!

First up, a Tutti Frutti Lip Balm. I already have like a bajillion lip balms already so I'm giving this one to my cousin. But I love the scent, it smells like Juicy Fruit, yes, the bubblegum! Like its peppermint variant, which I already have, it's mild and sheer.

If you're a fan of using feminine wash, I recommend getting this one. It smells phenomenal! Floral and very cheerful! Your lady parts will rejoice! Plus it's chemical-free. Just the care your sensitive skin down there needs. ;)

Sorry if you can't see the consistency of the feminine wash that well. It's clear, not too runny, and lathers well. 

OH MY GOODNESS. I've never had a lotion I liked more than this one. I'm usually a body butter gal but this one takes the cake. It smells heavenly (think bubblegum and passion fruit)

It has a milky, creamy-smooth consistency. It feels like satin on your skin, provides just the right amount of moisture and it won't leave a greasy feel afterwards.  You're sure to hook a cutie this Valentine's Day with this baby on you. ;)

 I'm so happy with these cute freebies I got. This is why I love Human Nature. No matter the size of their products, they always make sure to deliver and deliver well to their promise. Looking forward to more free loot!

Love,

SGT <3

Human Nature Series: Citronella Bug Spray

Tired of being bitten by pesky mosquitoes and other insects? Find the scent of commercial insect repellents absolutely repulsive and prices too much? Looking for the next best alternative? Human Nature has just the thing for you.

I found this Citronella Bug Spray  on their website a little while back, before my trip to Zamboanga. My lola has just moved to a new house further upstate, but still within the city, and the place has just been recently developed. I figured, I wouldn't want to catch Dengue along the way, so I tried the bug spray. Also, there seemed to be an unannounced conference of mosquitoes in our garage and in random parts of our home and I was getting sick of getting itchy, red bumps all over.

For Php 99.75 (around $2.50), you can get a 50mL bottle.

Now, on to the good (?) stuff...

I like this product for one major reason: it keeps the darn bugs away. Here's what Human Nature has to say about this bug spray. (from their site)

Our 100% natural bug spray effectively protects you from disease-causing mosquitoes and pesky bugs without the nasty effects of toxic chemicals. Includes organic virgin coconut oil (VCO), known for its skin-healing, moisturizing and anti-microbial benefits. It also contains organic citronella oil, a well known insect repellent, organic lemongrass, essential oil together with rosemary and lavender essential oils give off a pleasant smell that’s good for you but bad for the mozzies and bugs! Suitable for very young children!

There you go! It has no DEET, a chemical ingredient in most insect repellents. This toxic chemical cannot be used by babies and young children and poses serious health risks. It also has no parabens or preservatives, only natural goodness that Mother Nature has to offer. The bugs will surely hate you but your skin will thank you for it!

To use it, just pump the product out and apply as you would your lotion, making sure not to miss a spot. You won't need a lot, only about six pumps and you're good to go! The scent is a bit strong. You might not want to use this when you have to attend social events, go malling, or partying with your friends. I find the smell quite pleasant, but other people seem to react aversely to it, so use to your discretion. It's not much of a spray as it is an oil. When you apply it, it will leave an oily film on your skin but will evaporate after a long while. It's a little greasy but the protection from dangerous health risks make it all the more tolerable and worth all the con's. Scent and feel aside, this baby is definitely a must-have  especially if you're keen on staying healthy and dengue-free. (and protected from other mosquito-borne diseases)

What's your favorite insect repellent?

Love,

SGT <3

Lip-locked

I have been an avid user of lip balms for as long as I can remember. It probably started when I was in high school, when all the girls got conscious of how they looked but were not quite allowed to wear makeup and sky-high heels yet... so I chose lip balm as my weapon of mass destruction instead.

Over the years, I have grown and loved a lot of brands and tried out pretty much everything there is when it comes to what brands of lip balms are available. These are some of my tried-and-tested brands... (click photos for sources of images)

Forgot how much this costs but I've tried the cherry and mint flavors. Absolute classics. Has low SPF.

This has got to be one of my absolute faves. It's medicated, so it's sure to treat even the worst chapped lips ever (which I often times have. And putting it on is like kissing ice or mint... or minty ice. Very cool. I think this costs around Php 90 in any drugstore. Another perk is that is has SPF for your lips. It goes on clear so you might want to use a lip stain or a separate lip stick if you want a little color.

I LOVE BURT'S BEES! I used to own a watermelon shade of this shimmer lip balm (well it's more a shimmer lip thing than it is a lip balm, but it does not dry my lips at all and it packs on that glitter that no girl can ever resist!). It's pretty expensive though, as it costs around Php 300 or more for one tube. They also have the original or plain kinds of lip balms available. Oh, and this one's organic too. If you have sensitive skin, the splurge might just be worth it.

The Body Shop's Born Lippy in Pink Guava. This is my third pot, if I'm not mistaken. It tastes really yummy and it will bring back moisture to your cracked lips. I'm quite concerned about its container though, since you're gonna have to use your fingers for applying this, bacterial contamination is very much a possibility. Make sure to clean your hands first before digging in, okay? Oh, and a pot costs Php 250.

This is my first ever pot of the famous Born Lippy. It's in cherry and it smells A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. You might not be able to resist a chance to pucker up with this baby on your lips. It's lightly tinted. Same price.  I also bought a limited edition lippy a long time ago, it was for AIDS Awareness I think, kind of a fund-raising activity for the Body Shop. They release limited edition products every now and then so keep your eyes peeled for those.

Then, there's Human Nature's lip balm in Peppermint. I was disappointed with this product. It doesn't deliver much moisture and healing to my chapped lips as I expected (as with the success stories of my previous purchases in lip balms and Human  Nature products in general), but at Php 70, I would be better off sloughing on Chapstick. The cool feeling evaporates quickly and my lips become dry after such a short while. I have to say, this would have to be my least favorite.

And last, but certainly not the least, my current lip-locking partner (as if I have any), Carmex in Strawberry. I chanced upon this at PCX in Alabang Town Center. Got it for a little less than Php90. This baby really surprised me. It sent moisture on my lips into overdrive, and it hasn't disappointed me yet. It tastes yummy but it's really mentholated at the same time. However, my only critique is that when you apply this, it leaves a greasy or slimy feel to your lips, not very ideal for when putting on lip stick or lip gloss after. But using in on its own is probably when it works best. Love, love, love this! <3

And that is all for today's rundown on my favorite lip balms. What's yours? :)

Love,

SGT <3