[UNBOXING] BDJ Box: Cover Girl Exclusive - December 2014

Yippee! Finally, my last box for the year has arrived. It was indeed an early Christmas gift for me. The kikay goddess in me can't help but jump all over the place with glee. I already am hung over from my last month's BDJ box which is a Benefit Exclusive but this one is so much better since all products came in full sizes. Also, it all came from a popular, respected brand - Cover Girl. I am fond of watching America's Next Top Model so I am familiar with their easy, breezy, beautiful Cover Girl tag lines. I'll be posting in detail the contents of the box and my first impressions on these. Let's begin!

This is how the box sleeve looks like. So upon seeing this, my heart pounded with great joy. (Forgive the picture though. This is the only image I got after my phone got corrupted. Talking about luck!)

But of course, we all know how the BDJ Box looks. Something that all girls would love to see. :)

And now, for the most awaited part, here it is! A bunch of goodies. Yey! Who would forget, their inspirational stickers. For this month, it says " BE YOUR BEST BEAUTIFUL SELF". To be more creative in my traditional gift giving, I included these stickers to my gifts to girlfriends. Eg: Before wrapping a wallet, I inserted one sticker inside. My way of spreading encouragement and inspiration during this holiday season. :)

Let's head on to the list of products:

A sealed pump bottle made of plastic, while the bottle is made of solid glass.

1.  Trublend Liquid Makeup - 645php for 30ml

Product Description (based on their curation card):

A liquid foundation that provides smooth full coverage for a flawless natural look. You won't even know where your make-up ends and where your skin begins. Available in 21 shades to perfectly match 99 percent of all skin tones.

Ingredients

My Experience:

I love that this product matches my skin tone perfectly. I got the shade #2, perfect for morenas like me. It's true to it's claim when it said that you won't even know where your make-up ends and where your skin begins because of its liquidy, smooth consistency. It feels like it's just a BB cream because it is too lightweight and does not cake at all. I hope it has a bit more coverage though since my acne marks have been crazy nowadays. Although, a little dab of concealer will do the job. I found my HG foundation for now. Thanks to Cover Girl and BDJ! Yey!

I love the classy look of this baby!

2. Trublend Pressed Powder - 425php for 11ml

Product Description:

Has silky-smooth formula that adapts perfectly to your skin tone. A perfect coverage to achieve a fresh, no make-up look. Especially designed to match with the Trublend Liquid Makeup. A lightweight formula that controls shine and doesn't clog pores.

Am also in love with this unique leather sponge. 

My Experience:

Another fave from the bunch, this pressed powder complements the liquid foundation well. My face looks flawless after setting my foundation with this. I love that it does not break me out even if I use it more often than usual. This does not leave a white cast on my face but effectively lessens the shine my uber oily T-zone. I can also use it alone if I want to sport a more natural look. But of course, I won't be demanding too much of a high coverage for my dark spots. Don't expect too much with regards to that area girl friend. lol. 

I love the packaging, so handy!

3. Cheeker's Blush - 395php for 3g

Product Description:

Get an easy and natural rosy silk flush with this new and up-coming portable mini compact that gives you subtle highlights that goes on to stay-true, stay natural-looking for hours. A sassy way to give life to your cheeks exclusively available only at BDJ Box. Available in stores on February, 2015.

My Experience:

Yippee! I got an item that is not out in the market yet! Sadly, this is my least favorite. I am not a fan of powder blushes since it fades out easily compared to cream and tint blushes. Also, this one has this shimmer that does not look natural at all. It's as if you have a highlight on the apples of your cheeks which looks a bit heavy than usual. I want my highlight to be just a hint on the top of  of my cheek, and not all over the place. I am still sticking with my HG cream blush, Magic Pink Cream from Sophie Paris. :)

Sleek-looking pencil!

4. Liquiline Blast Eye Pencil - 450php for 9.5g

Product Description:

This liner's high-pigment formula and built-in smudger gives you the intensity and staying power for eyes that will definitely get you noticed. Easily achieve that intense definition or subtly, smoky look!

Ingredients

My Experience:

I got the shade of black although I believe they have this in brown shade as well. I love the staying power of this liner; it has the same consistency with a gel liner but this one is more intense. Also, I think this is waterproof so even after washing your face three times, you'll still end up looking like a panda. So yeah, use a good cleansing oil if you want this totally gone! Lol. I have one rant about this product though, I am not aware of how to squeeze the product out from the pencil. Lol! I am not sure if you have to twist the cap from the bottom or if you have to sharpen it. Can someone enlighten me with this? I have been trying to twist the cap but to no avail. I think sharpening it will only do damage to the tip because it's made out of plastic material. I don't want to think that the tip would be the only product I could use because in that case, it's going to be too pricey for an eyeliner pencil. 

Update: I did my research and found out that I can sharpen this pencil! Yippee! Some says in their reviews that you have to use a Cover Girl sharpener to be able to get most of the product out. But I tried using my Nichido sharpener and it worked just fine. Don't get fooled by the plastic material! It can be sharpened! 

Love the packaging, but still hoping that it's pink. Lol!

5. LashBlast Fusion Water Resistant Mascara - 595php for 12g

Product Description:

It's super-volumizing, fiberstretch mascara formula and oversized brush make every little lash bigger, fuller, longer-looking and more dramatic. Its waterproof formula gives you volume and length - rain or shine!

Ingredients

My Experience:

I've been dying to find the perfect mascara that can enhance my lashes without making it look overly dramatic. On ordinary days, I like to sport a more natural look so I am not going for lashes that look drag-queenish. This baby does the job. I keep on comparing this with Benefit's They're Real Mascara and I can say that this one is better since it does not clump and it gives you that natural looking full lashes with just one coat. If you want it to be fuller and dramatic though, you may opt to add another coat to aim the look. As of now, this is my HG Mascara since it's the one thing that lives up to my expectations. Kudos Cover Girl!

Verdict:

In total, I got  2510php worth of products just by paying 580php! Talking about real value for money here! I love that BDJ opted to give us full-sizes this time. This will benefit their consumers more since they are given the chance to use the product for a long time, testing to see if it will do them well and later on to purchase another one, which is great for their clients by the way...rather than  getting sample sizes that didn't make you feel like buying a full size since you didn't have ample time to test the overall effect of the product. This will benefit BDJ as well since they will be getting a lot of customers! Yey! Gotta watch out for the updates though since there will be more competitor every months. lol!

Kudos to BDJ and Cover Girl for this box. You made a lot of kikay ladies happy this CHRISTmas! I am sure to be subscribed on their next CHRISTmas edition. :)

Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

xoxo,

Ish  

[INVESTMENT 101] Mutual Funds by FAMI

Hello Queen Bees!

     Today I will be posting something new; it's about how I deal with my finances. Totally different from my usual beauty product and foodie reviews right? Again, I am a no pro. I just want to share my experiences to somehow impart you with a bit of my knowledge about investments. 

     I began to study about investments when I struggled to pay off my piled up credit card bills. As soon as I was able to get out of my huge debt, I changed the way I think about my finances. I did my research, watched tutorials, read a lot of finance books, attended seminars. I am very thankful with Pesos and Sense, a TV show by GMA with a purpose to teach Filipinos to be financially literate. Thank God for Youtube, I was able to find the complete set of videos. I finished all the episodes and was so excited to venture on my first investment escapade. 

Mutual Funds

 

What first caught my attention is the investment called Mutual Funds. This is its definition according to Investopedia: An investment vehicle that is made up of a pool of funds collected from many investors for the purpose of investing in securities such as stocks, bonds, money market instruments and similar assets. Don’t let that definition intimidate you girlfriend! In layman’s term, it is a combined money of individuals or companies that are invested in other investment products that is managed by an expert called the fund manager. 

I was so happy to find out that you will only need 5,000php to open an account and start investing. Before, you would need a huge amount of money to invest in the stock market. Now, it is made possible through mutual funds. For just an initial amount of 5,000php, you can already invest and make your money work for you! Your investment will be combined with other individual's funds making a huge pool of money that will then be invested in other money-generating vehicles, thus calling it “mutual” funds.

FAMI

 

I researched about the best mutual fund company that I will entrust my money with and I found out about FAMI (First Metro Asset Management Inc.). Good thing though, my friend has already opened an account with them so it became easier for me to ask her about the how to’s. I know you are dying to find out about how I opened an account but hey, first, you must assess yourself about your risk appetite. It has different types that are easy to differentiate. Here’s what FAMI has to say about this:

•  If you are a conservative investor, you don’t want to take too much risk.  The most prudent choice will be the Save and Learn Fixed-Income Fund (SALFIF).  
• However, if you have ambitious financial goals, but you have plenty of time to wait, you may choose either of the two types:
• Save and Learn Balanced Fund (SALBF) — if you have between 2 to 5 years before needing the funds;
• Save and Learn Equity Fund (SALEF) — if you will not need the funds for at least 5 years.

What Type I Chose

Since this is going to be my first venture in investing, I want to be on the safer side. I chose the second one, balanced fund wherein funds will be invested in a mix of fixed-income securities and stocks. This is perfect for me since I want this for long term, not withdrawing anything from that account; moderate return, moderate risks. On the other hand, equity fund will be invested entirely in the stock market and I don’t think I can handle the volatility for now. This is best for investors seeking higher returns but of course, with greater risk. The third one is the fixed-income fund which is suited for investors who are okay with moderate income growth but with lesser risk. They have other types but it’s best to just focus on these three admitting that I myself is not familiar with the rest. *lol*

Here's How

Now that you have assessed your risk appetite, here’s how I opened an account:

1. I headed on to their website and downloaded all the forms that I would need. Click here to direct you to the procedures. Don’t forget to read all the necessary documents! Don't take my word for it! Get to know what you’re getting into!  
 
2. I downloaded and filled up these forms:

• Account Opening Form – Individuals
• Investment Application Form – Individuals
• Signature Card

  3. I submitted the documents to the nearest Metrobank branch which is an affiliate of FAMI. In my case, I was previously working for a company in McKinley Hill, Taguig so it was easier for me to submit all the requirements during my free time. I included a photocopy of my two government-issued IDs namely: TIN and Universal IDs.

 4. I paid my initial investment amounting to 5,000php via Metrobank deposit under their balanced fund account. Although upon checking, I believe now, they are only accepting payments via Metrobank payment slip and Metrobank Direct. They also offer payments via check or cash paid directly to their FAMI offices. Click here to find out more about their payment options. 

5. After submitting the requirements and paying my initial investment, I sent an email to FAMI@firstmetro.com.ph stating my request to open an account. I attached all of the files needed and told them that I also submitted the requirements to Metrobank McKinley for they will be the one to fax these documents to FAMI. The next day, I received a confirmation message stating that they have received my request.

After about a week, I received my Account Number and began to invest every month. I started May 2013 and until now I still make sure that I get to put in 1,000php monthly, noting to add more when I have extra. I am making use of Peso Cost Averaging (investing on a regular basis) and decided to keep my money there for 10 years or more. Hey! This will be perfect for your retirement fund!

Pros

• I love that it grows my money more than what savings accounts can do for me. Annually, banks only offer around 1% interest! Inflation rate today is around 4.4%! Talking about how inflation beats your investments! In mutual funds, it is dramatically higher although it doesn’t guarantee returns.
• It is so convenient to make additional investments in FAMI. I just use my Metrobank Direct Online and make use of its Bills Payment facility.
• I receive my receipts monthly via a courier and it gives me that sense of security knowing that my money is well-handled.
• I don’t need to study everything about stocks, bonds etc. All I need to do is to invest every month and my fund manager will do the rest for me.

Cons

• I am having a hard time registering in their portal. I believe that would be the easiest way to access my monthly Statement of Account. 
•  It was kind of confusing to deal with their customer service. I hardly get any replies when my concern is about my login or password to their portal. However, I commend their quick response when it comes to sending me my updated SOA.
• I want to go paperless with my receipts but I am not sure if FAMI offers this kind of facility. It’s a waste of paper resources and at the same time, it’s difficult to store all those receipts that I get every month. I believe you would need all of these during redemption so better keep these in a safe place.
•  It will take you about a week to withdraw your money so you should not treat this as your emergency fund. Click here to find out more about their redemption procedure.
• Because of the benefits of having a fund manager, of course, they will charge you. Based on experience, it’ about 2% of every investment I make. Not bad if I want to have peace of mind with regards to where I will invest my money on. Let the expert handle it.
• I hate the volatility of the investment. Today you’re up by 2%, the next day you’re down by 3%. But fret not! You will only lose the money if you withdraw it. My suggestion is to just invest it for long term and don't forget to invest every month. You’re money will surely earn tremendously. No way to go but up right?

I was hoping that in some way I inspired you to start investing! The best time to start is NOW! 

Happy & Wise Investing everyone!

xoxo,

Ish

[PRODUCT REVIEW] Sephora Kiss Me Lip Balm in Strawberry Fizz

Hello Ladies!

This is a review about this adorable Kiss Me Lip Balm from Sephora. 

I was so thrilled when I got this egg-shaped plastic thingy as a 'pasalubong' from my husband's sister. She bought this from Singapore at Sephora. As soon as I saw the brand and how cute the packaging was, it immediately occurred to me that, hey! I have a new awesome product to blog about. Yey!

HOW IT LOOKS

Notice how cute the packaging is? It reminds me of the EOS Lip Balms I get to see from video tutorials, although this one is more dome-shaped which gives you a bit of precision when applying because of its egg-like tip. I love that it has a clear plastic cover so as to see its content easily.

INGREDIENTS

Polybutene, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyethylene, C20-40 Alcohols, Ozokerite, Ci 15850 (Red 7 Lake), Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ci 15850 (Red 6), Ethylhexylglycerin, Sucralose.


WHAT IT IS

This is a creamy, smooth and scented lip balm that acts like a lipstick more so a tint! It gives my lips four hours of hydration while adding that extra oomph to my dull face. I got mine in Strawberry Fizz shade and I keep on getting compliments because of its bright pink color. I love its scent; it really does smell like strawberries. Also, the taste is divine! You would want to lick your lips often because of its sweet strawberry taste. Yum! After the lip balm has came off, you would notice that your lips are well-moisturized and a touch of color somehow stayed on your lips. It's like a lip balm, lipstick and lip tint in one! Awesome! 

SWATCH

This is a swatch at the back of my hand, and yes that's my attempt in making the most girly heart-shaped swatch ever! *lol* Its color is bright pink, very noticeable, believe me...in a good way. 

Strawberry Fizz shade

SHADES

Creme Brulee - This is their clear version.
Cotton Candy - Light pink. I think this will suit me better. :)
Strawberry Fizz - Pink. See above photo.
Melon Sorbet - Orange. I love that name!
Candy Apple - Red. Yum!
Soda Pop - Purple. I wonder how this would taste!

PRICE

It says on its website that this product costs 8 dollars so roughly it's just 360 in peso. Not bad for a high-quality balm that will last you a long time. That of course is if you control your urge not to eat it. *lol* 

HOW IT LOOKS ON ME

I think this is because of the lighting that somehow tames down the color of the balm. But up close and personal, you'll really think this is a lipstick because of how vibrant and pigmented it is.   

RATING
5 - highest; 1 lowest

Packaging: 5

I love this unique, clear dome-like shaped plastic container!

Scent: 5

It has this mild, fruity, strawberry cream-like scent.

Texture: 5

Creamy and smooth, I love that it glides on your lips upon application. I am addicted to applying this every now and then.

Effectivity: 5

I love the hydration and well-moisturized lips this gives me.

Affordability: 5

Yes it is affordable for only 360php!

Availability: 1

I am not sure if there's already a Sephora shop here in the Philippines but based on my research, there's none yet. Also, I believe their online store doesn't ship to the Philippines. Booo! For now, we can just opt to grab this from Lazada, although upon checking, they don't offer it yet. :(

Overall Rating: 4.3

VERDICT

This is probably one of the best lip balms I have ever tried so far. Aside from its adorable, sturdy packaging, I love its versatility with regards to being a balm, lipstick and tint in one. It also offers me that hydration that I need, as well as the moisturized lips that I get to feel whenever the product comes off. It is also rich in color; you can truly say that this is of high quality. Down side is, it's not yet offered here in the Philippines. Either I travel to Singapore or ask some one to grab this for me, or just wait for it to be up online. :) Pucker up ladies!

'Til my next review! 

xoxo,
Ish

[PRODUCT REVIEW] Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Laguna Beach

Hello Gurlfriends!

Today I will be posting a review about this talked about lippie, Ofra's Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Laguna Beach. Let's start...

I got mine from Glamour Box's September subscription. Yipee! This is what it says in their curation card: Creamy and soft in texture, this liquid lipstick moisturizes the lips with antioxidants and Vitamin E. With five hours of staying power, it gives a matte finish that does not feather.

At first, I was hesitant to keep this and decided to just include it in my Blog Sale since I still have a lot of lippies to empty. But after trying this on, I fell in love with its effect on my lips and decided to keep this for myself. *hoarder-mode on*


How It Looks

Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick

I am loving the sleek black packaging; it's just that the way the labels are written on the box and the bottle are not that classy enough. At first it didn't catch my attention...not until I read where it is made  from - USA. :)

Ingredients

It has this creamy and smooth texture that blends well on your lips. It has this powdery scent, not too overpowering compared to other fruity lippies. 

Swatch

This is a swatch on my hand. After application, its effect is somehow glossy...

and then dries up in a super matte finish. Look at those creases at the back of my hand! It makes these super visible so make sure your lips are well-moisturized before using this. You wouldn't want those nasty cracked lips getting the spotlight right?

Focus on the swatch my dear, not on my annoying freckles. *lol*

Effect on Me

This is my picture wearing that gorgeous lippie.

See how it made my lips pop out? I am so in love with the shade! It's a natural light pink that really won't feather out because it dries completely matte. At first, your lips will feel a bit dry, because of its finish, but after getting used to, you will be amazed of its effect. It's true to its claim; it lasted me for about 5 hours or more. Even after eating, it somehow stayed on. After removing this lippie, you will notice that your lips are well-moisturized, contrary to its matte dry finish. I suggest you dab on a bit of lip balm or lip gloss if you are conscious about its dryness. As for me, I love the matte natural effect it does on my lips. Pucker up ladies! 

Rating

5 - highest; 1 lowest

Packaging: 4

I am not loving the labels on the box and the bottle. It should have been written well enough.

Scent: 5

It has a powdery, creamy scent. Not too overpowering unlike fruity lipsticks.

Texture: 5

Creamy and smooth, I love that it glides on your lips while applying.

Effectivity: 5

It really lasts more than 5 hours. Make my lips pop out.

Affordability: 4

950php for a lipstick is a bit pricey for my budget.

Availability: 4

You can buy it online via Glamourbox.

Overall Rating: 4.5

My Verdict

This baby costs 950php for 8g. Yes, it is kinda pricey but I am willing to shell out that amount of money knowing that this gives me that natural look that I want, and this will last me for a long time. Thumbs up Ofra! 

  

'Til my next review!

xoxo,

Ish