Made for Moisture

The cold weather is here (quite late, no thanks to global warming!) and the cool breeze might just be our enemy. Dry skin is common this time o' the year, and nobody wants to step out looking like a piece of parched land, with cracks and all. That is why we all need to moisturize!

If there's one thing that I truly believe in when it comes to skin care, it's moisturizers. I have tried a few over the years but nothing has made me happier than the Olay Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid. It's not exactly cheap (a bottle costs about $10, give or take) but it's definitely worth the splurge. Here's why:

• It's light and non-greasy.
• Doesn't clog my  pores
• It has a milky texture that goes on like a dream when applied
• Provides just the right amount of moisture
• Ideal for my combination skin
• (Plus) It helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

One bottle goes a loooong way!

Milky consistency. Goes on lightly.

I use it everyday after cleansing and toning my face; (on special days), right before priming it and applying foundation for when I put on makeup. I just squeeze out a pea-sized amount, rub it on my palms and gently massage it on to my face.

A runner-up is the Celeteque Facial Moisturizer. A 50 mL tube costs less than $4 in any drug store. This one was actually a gift for my mom and it came with a facial wash, a toner, and a travel kit. It has a clear, gel-like appearance but is actually very light and goes on smoothly upon application... very surprising indeed. It's actually great for oily and sensitive skin because:

• It's water-based.
• Oil-free
• Hypoallergenic
• Ideal for sensitive skin
• Not scented

Don't let the small packaging fool you. It's got a lot of product!

I hope you can see the consistency. It's a bit runny compared to the Olay moisturizer.

Then, there's an off-beat contender in the horizon. It's the Jergen's Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (for medium skin tones). It has more than just moisturizing powers. It can also help "tan" you up, so I suggest using this for when summer comes. I actually am not a big fan of this moisturizer because I feel that it has a goopy consistency to it and it tends to amplify the oiliness of my T-zone area (as if that's not problematic enough). However, it does give that "dewy" summer glow that is ideal at the beach. This is definitely not for everyday, normal use. This is also a gift from an aunt in the US.

If you're on the pale side and if you're looking for a more natural glow  (than the kind that bronzers give), this might be the moisturizer for you.

See? I'm on the fence about its consistency. Looks a little lumpy. I like my moisturizer smooth and creamy.

What's your favorite moisturizer?

Love,

SGT <3

Beat the bum days!

I've been stuck at home for the past few weeks. Right now I'm waiting for things to go well so I can leave for Myanmar and work there. So yeah, I've been feeling a little drab since being at home means that I don't get to dress up, put some makeup on, and just have that extra oomph all throughout the day.

And so today I decided to do something about my misery. I prepped my face by cleansing, toning, moisturizing, then I sloughed on some concealer, wildly pink lipstick, and my trusty lip gloss. Check out the merch! (click photos for original sources)

Almost out of facial wash! You won't regret buying this. It really gets your skin clean, won't clog your pores, smells good, and it's downright affordable! (around Php 150 for a tube, Etude House)

I actually use the alcohol-free variant.

I swear by this moisturizer.

Got mine for a little less than Php 500 in Beauty Bar, Mall of Asia. I'm using  the Medium shade. Remember: Pat, don't rub!

This is from Ever Bilena. I love how gutsy its color is and how it doesn't contradict my morena complexion at all. I bet it goes even better on fairer skin! (around Php 150, local supermarkets and drugstores) It's kind of matte so it's best to prime your lips first with lip balm and finish off with lip gloss. ;)

Ooh-lala! I can't get enough of Forever 21 Cosmetics! They're so affordable and so adorable too! Got this one for around Php 150. It glides on like a dream and it's not too sticky, especially for Philippine weather. This is from their earlier batches of products sent here but now there are more shades and flavors to choose from. Go crazy! :)

So there you go. Who would've thought that a little pick-me-up no-makeup budge was what I needed to lift my spirits! And it didn't have to cost me a thousand pesos. I just used whatever I had lying around in my makeup and toiletries kit, and voila! A brand-new-outlook.

What's your favorite pick-me-up activity? :)

Love,

SGT <3