Project BB Cream | The Face Shop Power Perfection BB Cream.

On Christmas morning, I woke up with a bad case of sniffles, a blotchy face, and a nose as red as Rudolph's. Of all the days that my allergic rhinitis chose to be at its worst, it had to be on Christmas Day. Oh, the irony!

Luckily for me, I have The Face Shop's Power Perfection BB Cream to save the day, and my face. This BB Cream, if you can remember, was sent to me by my husband some two months ago. Marketed as a 'total solution BB cream', the Power Perfection BB Cream is designed to address most skin problems (i.e. roughness, dryness, uneven skin tone) while giving the face a natural, flawless coverage.

Power Perfection BB Cream.

My Power Perfection comes in a pretty 40 gram bottle. And I say pretty because it's in my favorite color, purple. For those who prefer a smaller size, there are 20 gram bottles available, too.

Purple is love!

If you've been following my blog for quite some time, then by now you already know my preference for pump bottles. This one is just to my liking - easy to control, and you get just the right amount of BB cream with every pump. Plastic cap is sturdy and secure, too.

Pump, check. 

Like most TFS products, the Power Perfection's box has literature in both English and Hangul.

Yay, English!

Goal for 2013: Formally learn Hangul.

Now here's how the BB cream looks like. Take note that this is the 02 Natural Beige variant. (The other variant being the 01 Light Beige, for those with even fairer skin.)

I'd say it matches my skintone perfectly.

Although the Power Perfection BB cream has a thicker consistency than most of the BB creams I've tried, it's very easy to blend, and just a little amount goes a long way. My only gripe is that it dries very quickly, so you have to work on spreading it as fast as you can.

Coverage is pretty good - medium to full, depending on how you'd like to wear it. It has a semi-matte, slightly dewy finish, with a texture that's very lightweight and not icky on the skin.

Left without BB cream, right with BB cream.

It has impressive staying power, too - a good ten hours and the BB cream is still sitting pretty on my face. I reckon this BB cream would suit even those with oily skin. And for those with sensitive skin like me, you'd be glad to know that this BB cream gave me no allergies whatsoever.

Where's Rudolph? Haha!

In Korea, the Power Perfection BB Cream retails for 22900 Won. That's more or less Php 900 when converted. Here in the Philippines, it's priced around Php 1500 (correct me if I'm wrong), which seems pretty fair considering Philippine taxes and shipping from Korea. It's a tad more expensive than Etude House, but still way cheaper than Missha's. And that's a fact. :)

What I love:

Pretty (purple) and sturdy packaging

Excellent shade match

Medium, buildable coverage

Non-sticky, lightweight

A little goes a long way

Light, powdery scent

Semi-matte, slightly dewy finish

Stays on for ten hours at the very least

Safe for sensitive skin

SPF 37/PA++

What you might not like:

Dries quickly

It looks like this will be my last post for the year, so please allow me to indulge in a little self-love. Haha! Here's my last Face of the Day for 2012. 

Products used:
FACE: The Face Shop Face It Velvet Skin Primer, Benefit Erase Paste in Medium,
The Face Shop Power Perfection BB Cream in Natural Beige
EYES: Urban Decay Ammo Eyeshadow Palette, elf Liquid Eyeliner in Black,
Avon Ultra Luxury Brow Liner in Dark Brown, Missha Viewer 270 HD Curl Mascara in Black
CHEEKS: Tony Moly Cheek Tint in Cherry Pink
LIPS: Jordana Lip Liner in Rose, Etude House Shini Star (Taemin) Lip Balm,
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in  Addis Ababa

It's been a crazy, beautiful year for me, and I couldn't thank you enough for staying with me for the past 12 months. I am looking forward to yet another wild and wonderful year with all of you. 

Happy New Year everyone! 

Ever onward to 2013!

Spazz Saturday #14 | G-Dragon Hailed as Best Dressed Celebrity of 2012

2012 proves to be a year of achievements for G-Dragon. This time, he earned the recognition of being the Best Dressed Celebrity of the Year. In a poll conducted by the Chosun Ilbo, 25 fashion designers and stylists were asked who they felt were the leading trendsetters of the year. The top 15 advanced to the second round of voting, where the top 10 were decided.

G-Dragon, the leader of world renowned group Big Bang, came first with 10 votes. Establishing himself as a fashionista early in his career, he is known for his wide range of styles, from street fashion to luxury, and is said to be capable of making any piece of clothing his own.

In second place is actress Ko Joon Hee, getting six votes for being sophisticated and bold. Experts said that she makes clothes look more beautiful with her well-proportioned body, and she knows how to create her own style without the aid of stylists.

Sharing the third spot  are actor Song Joong-ki and actress Kim Nam-joo with five votes each. Song looked neat and trim in the film “A Werewolf Boy” and TV drama “The Innocent Man,” which suited his natural and subtly edgy image. Kim, who appeared in KBS soap “My Husband Got a Family”, created a buzz with the clothes she wore to the set. Experts praised her improved fashion sense and attention to detail when matching her clothes to the occasion.

Actress Ko So-young, who still appears in commercials for cosmetics, clothing and fashion accessories after childbirth, and actress Jung Ryeo-won, who looked natural in unique outfits on TV drama, shared fifth place with four votes each. Both pay a lot of attention to matching accessories and bags to their body shape and clothes.

Actors Gong Yoo and Yoo Ah In, who both worked on TV dramas this year, received three votes each and came in seventh. Both actors love trying on different clothes and know what suits them, both.

Ninth place was shared by rapper Psy and actors Ryoo Seung Bum and Jang Dong Gun. According to the experts, Ryoo knows how to maintain his own style in both the public and private sphere, while Jang is very versatile when it comes to styling. As for Psy, he “is the only male celebrity who know what to do with tuxedoes.”



Also posted on Korea.com.

Foodie Goodie | Peanut Butter Chip Pie.

Final stretch of 2012!

It's the last working day of the year for most of us, and I'm sure there'll be a mad dash for the supermarkets starting tonight. I wonder what everyone's having for New Year's Eve, desserts in particular?

I found this easy peasy recipe on Hershey's Kitchens, and I'm taking a stab at it for our Media Noche (traditional New Year's Eve dinner). If you're a peanut butter junkie like me, you're gonna love this!

Peanut Butter Chip Pie

Ingredients:

1 package (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1-2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) REESE'S Peanut Butter Chips, divided
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk 
1 cup (1/2 pt.)cold whipping cream, divided
1 packaged chocolate or graham cracker crumb crust (6 oz.)
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Procedure:

1.  Beat cream cheese and lemon juice in medium bowl until fluffy for about 2 minutes. Set aside.

2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, mix the peanut butter chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave at MEDIUM for 45 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave an additional 15 seconds at a time. Remember to stir after each heating, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred.

3. Add warm peanut butter mixture to cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed until blended for about 1 minute.

4. Beat 1/2 cup whipping cream in small bowl until stiff then fold into peanut butter mixture.

5. Pour mixture into the crust. Cover and refrigerate for several hours, or overnight until firm.

6. Just before serving, combine remaining 1/2 cup whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla in small bowl. Beat until stiff; spread over filling. Garnish with remaining peanut butter chips. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Enjoy the last few days of 2012! Happy New Year everyone! :)

Sharing with Food Friday, Food Trip Friday, Heavenly Treats Sunday.

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Join | PlayMG (Wifi Gaming System) Giveaway!

Merry Christmas, everyone! And welcome to the 

Game Wirelessly! Event 

featuring the PlayMG Wi-Fi Gaming System.

Big thank you to our host Mom to Bed by 8 and supporting co-hosts: 

Iowa Mom, A Medic's World and Monica’s Rants, Raves & Reviews.

Why is the MG so different from any other Wi-Fi device - from smartphones to tablets?
The MG fills a huge void currently experienced by kids and teens who either are not old enough to have their own smartphones, or whose parents have found data plans cost prohibitive. The MG isn’t just a device, it is a system that will mean many kids and teens will finally be able to enter the world of premium apps, and all of the abilities that come with it, while parents can safely and affordably give it to them.

MG Topline Features:

• Built in Wi-Fi allows entry into the unlimited world of low cost and free app gaming
• MG Family Collaboration System: includes the "DebitSmart" Digital Wallet and "Remote Trust" notification function
• Big 4" touchscreen encased in a sleek and sturdy "pocketable" game-centric design: rounded corners and grip provide a perfect hold on the app playing experience
• 4GB built in memory with SD port for expandable memory ability: add SD cards and download and save as many apps as desired. (This is important-even the iTouch has a fixed memory)
• Proprietary MG Origins Avatar System: as gamers use the MG, they gain points, customize and unlock the origin story of their own personal gaming companion
• Preloaded games and cash credit toward game purchase
• 1.3 Megapixel Front-Facing Camera and ability to shoot and play video
• Stereo Headset Jack
• Operating on ICS ; includes new Face Unlock security feature

One winner will receive the MG!

Giveaway ends January 7th at 11:59pm, open to US residents, ages 18+. 

To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. 

Good luck, and happy holidays!

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Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. The Rebel Sweetheart is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Wordless Wednesday #19 | Spreading the Christmas Cheer!

From our home to yours, a very Merry Christmas! 

Enjoy the holidays!

Much love! :)

Prime Time | The Face Shop Face It Velvet Skin Primer.

When my cousin-in-law and Youngsuk unni (his Korean wife) came home for a quick vacation about two months ago, they brought me pasalubong from my ever-so-thoughtful husband. Goodies from The Face Shop - because as it turns out, there's a TFS store just a few blocks away from where he lives.

Clockwise L-R: Milk Plus Shower Cologne, Velvet Skin Primer,
Power Perfection BB Cream, Mango Seed  Miniature Set.

Out of these four items, the only thing that I asked him to buy was the primer. My L'Oreal Base Magique was about to hit the pan back then, and of course, I had to have a replacement in stock. Now I specifically asked for the Face It Whitening Makeup Base because of its SPF, but the husband couldn't seem to find that variant on the shelves. He ended up buying the Face It Velvet Skin Primer instead.

Velvet Skin.

It comes in a 30mL pump bottle, which I prefer over jars or squeeze tubes. The pump is easy to control, which allows you to get just the right amount of the product. One pump actually, is all you need. Plus points for the cap - sturdy plastic, and fits securely.

Pump it!

The box has literature in both English and Hangul. If you can read the latter, then good for you. I can't, so hooray for the English translation.

Dangsin Hangul ilgeul su? (Can you read Hangul?)

I'll have mine in English, thank you very much.

Now from what I understand, this primer and its counterpart, the Face It Moisture Fitting Primer are supposed to be in gel form. However, the Velvet Skin Primer is a tad runny - to the point that it's almost watery.

Clear, gel form? Clear, alright.

Not gel, though. Look, it's starting to drip already!

It's lightweight, non-sticky, and is easily absorbed by the skin. It has a nice cooling sensation once applied, and as you spread it out, it leaves the skin with a lovely, dewy glow.

A few seconds after application.

It does a fine job of prepping the skin, smoothing fine lines, and keeping your makeup intact for hours. Given my sensitive skin and the primer's silica content, I had no adverse reaction to this product - no itchiness, breakouts, or anything of that sort. Best of all, this product smells really, really nice.

After priming. :)

The Face It Velvet Skin Primer retails for 14900 Korean Won - that's around Php570 when converted. I'm not sure how it's priced locally because the last time I went to The Face Shop branch in Festival Mall, they didn't have this in stock.

What I love:

Hygienic, sturdy packaging

Non-sticky, lightweight

Easily absorbed by the skin

Conceals fine lines, smoothens skin

Smells nice

No adverse reactions when used (i.e. breakouts, itchiness)

What you might not like:

Watery consistency

It contains silica and silica dimethyl silylate - take caution if you're allergic to silicon.

Now I know you're curious about the Mango Seed thing. It's a new product line released last Autumn, with Seohyun and EXO-K as its endorsers. I haven't opened 'em yet, but expect me to share the experience once I've given that baby a try. :)

Spazz Saturday #13 | Comeback battle continues for Hyun Bin, Jo In Sung, Kang Dong Won.

As Jo In Sung, Kang Dong Won, and Hyun Bin have all just returned from their mandatory military service, the clamor and excitement for their much-awaited comeback continues. Movie, drama, and commercial film stints are in the works for the three male stars, and producers are fiercely competing against each other to get one of them signed.

Rumor has it that these stars have been receiving scripts for movies or TV dramas even before they were discharged. Hyun Bin, for instance, is said to have received dozens of movie and drama offers, and that he has already signed five to six advertising deals.

“Since Hyun Bin still has very short hair, he needs some time to let it grow out,” his agency said. “He is likely to appear in a drama or film in the latter half of next year at the earliest. For now, he’ll just start off by holding an Asian fan meeting as ‘Secret Garden’ will be airing in Japan early next year.”

Kang Dong-won, who completed his military service in November, has already chosen a film to be his comeback project. He is set to work with “Nameless Gangster” director Yoon Jong-bin. The new movie, which still lacks an official title, revolves around a gang of bandits in the Chosun Dynasty and is scheduled to begin shooting early next year.

Kang’s agency said he has decided to concentrate on movies – two already confirmed, and is discussing other projects. “Given that a movie takes about a year from shooting to release, his schedule for the next two years is set.”

Jo In Sung, who was discharged May last year but has only been working on CFs since then, will finally be making a comeback to the small screen. His drama “That Winter, The Wind Blows“ will start airing in February 2013. His agency explained, “Jo In Sung initially chose the film ‘Martial Arts‘ for his come back piece but due to delays in filming, his come back was delayed as well. He hasn’t given up ‘Martial Arts’ but he is currently focusing on the drama.”

According to industry sources, the value of male celebrities after their discharge usually decrease. But in the case of these three stars, it’s either the same or even higher. The rates for their project offers are astronomical - 500 million won ($500,000) for a film, 80 million won ($80,000) per episode for a drama and a one year contract for a CF with 2 parts for 800 million won ($800,000).

A drama production source commented, “In Jo In Sung’s case, he will be receiving 100 million won ($100,000) per episode for his upcoming drama.” Another source from the CF business commented, “The compensation rate has risen to about 50 to 100 million won ($50,000 to 100,000) for the three stars.”

But it remains to be seen whether these actors, all three already in their 30s, will be as competitive as they were in their heydays.

“I think their star power has waned while they were in the military. These days, Kim Soo-hyun, Song Joong-ki, Yu A-in and Park Yoo-chun are rising stars, and people regard the quality of a film or drama as more important than a star’s popularity,” a production CEO pointed out.

However, Oh Se-kang, deputy director of SBS’ drama department, said, “As TV commercials in which they appeared were aired for more than a year, even after they joined the army, viewers haven’t lost touch with them. There are not many A-list actors in their early 30s, so they’re still very valuable.”

Popular culture critic Jeong Duk-hyun said, “Returning from military service can give actors a good chance to change their personas and take on different roles.”


Also posted on Korea.com.

Across the globe with Montreal Movers.

Long distance moving (or as the French would call it, déménagement longue distance) is not an easy task. The mere thought of it is already stressful, so imagine how even more taxing it is if you're packing and unpacking your things, hauling the furniture, and moving house for real.

Fortunately, there is Montreal Movers, a removalist company that offers a complete moving and packaging service. They have specialized, spacious, and well-maintained trucks for your furniture and belongings, and a well-trained and competent staff to take care of the packing and transport of your things. Montreal Movers assures you of a stress-free and worry-free experience as they are covered by all required guarantees and insurances.

Montreal Movers also offers storage and packaging services. And for certain instances where the things to be moved are not at the initial loading point, Montreal Movers can do intermediate pickups, too. Even international moving is not impossible with this company. Their carriers, movers, and equipment are all fit for overseas transport, too.

To assess the situation and the needs of the client, Montreal Movers has a survey form accessible online. Quotations are free of charge, and are done within 24 hours.

Montreal Movers

9165 Boivin, LaSalle, QC, H8R 2E8
(514) 373-9131

Sign-Up | A New Year, A New Way to Shop Event.

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Foodie Goodie | Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars.

What cookies are for Cookie Monster, that's what peanut butter is to me. I'm a self-confessed peanut butter addict, and anything that has peanut butter in it, I will gladly devour. All the more if it's combined with chocolate. Hello, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!

I did some experimenting with peanut butter the other day, following a recipe that I found on Spoonful. They're called Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars, sort of a spin off from my all-time favorite Reese's PBC. These tasty treats take less than an hour to make, and best of all, you don't even need an oven for it!

Peanut Butter is love!

Ingredients:

6 Tablespoons butter

3/4 cup peanut butter

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup chocolate chips

Procedure:

1. In a bowl, mix the butter and peanut butter. Melt them together and blend until smooth.

2. Add in the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Mix well. 

3. In an 8x8 baking pan lined with waxed/parchment paper, pour in the mixture. Spread across the pan and press evenly.

3. Melt chocolate chips until smooth and pour over peanut butter mixture. Smooth over the top and refrigerate for thirty minutes until firm.

4. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting into bars.

Serve these as an after-school snack for the kids, or as a dessert for the dinner party. You can give them as food gifts during this holiday season, too!

Shared with Food Friday, Food Trip Friday, Heavenly Treats Sunday.

Dark Chocolate | Delicious And Good for You

If you love dark chocolate, then you will be happy to know that it is actually good for you. Health researchers have studied dark chocolate for several years, and they have found that it offers several health benefits. Below are some of the benefits that you can potentially reap by eating dark chocolate:
.
Dark Chocolate Can Keep Your Heart Healthy
You can lower your blood pressure by eating dark chocolate two or three times per week. Dark chocolate can also improve blood circulation and prevent atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition that causes your arteries to harden. This condition can put you at risk for having a heart attack.

Dark Chocolate Is Good for Your Brain
Dark chocolate increases the amount of blood that flows to your brain. That can make it easier for you to focus throughout the day. Dark chocolate can also reduce your risk of having a stroke. Dark chocolate contains a chemical called phenylethylamine, or PEA. This is the same chemical that your brain produces when you fall in love. Therefore, eating dark chocolate can boost your mood.

Dark chocolate contains much less caffeine than coffee. One cup of coffee contains 200 mg of caffeine, and a 1.5 ounce dark chocolate bar only has 27 mg of caffeine. That is why you may want to consider replacing your morning cup of coffee with a dark chocolate bar.

Photo credit: Science Daily

Dark Chocolate Can Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition that causes a person to have high blood sugar. It is caused by insulin resistance. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are a group of compounds that can help reduce insulin resistance. It also contains magnesium, which is a nutrient that has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, dark chocolate will not cause your blood sugar to rise drastically because it has a low glycemic index.

Dark Chocolate Helps Reduce Free Radical Damage
Free radicals are compounds that are naturally found in the body. However, when these compounds begin to accumulate in excess, they can cause a number of health problems, including cancer. Dark chocolate is filled with antioxidants, and antioxidants can help the body get rid of free radicals.

Dark Chocolate Can Help Prevent Cavities
Sweets have a tendency to increase your risk of developing a cavity because they are typically very high in sugar. However, you can reduce your risk of developing cavities by eating dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has a substance called theobromine. Theobromine helps harden the enamel of your teeth, which makes them less susceptible to decay.

Author Bio: Megan is a chef at Dedes Restaurant in Sydney Australia. Megan has recently discovered the health benefits of dark chocolate, and if finding new ways to incorporate it into her cooking.

Dental Health, and Instant Smiles.

For the past five years, I've been through all sorts of dental procedures. From wearing braces and splints, then shifting to retainers and bridges, getting treatment for my temporomandibular joint (TMJ), undergoing gum surgery - I've done it all.

It's not something to be happy about or proud of, actually. Not being able to eat properly because of the braces, having to take a leave from work for my jaw therapy sessions, and the excruciating pain of going under the knife... they're not fun, I tell you. But I had to do it, because my health was at risk.

If only I had taken extra care of my teeth early on, I could have avoided all these. As a child, I was deathly afraid of the dentist, and just the thought of sitting on the dentist's chair mortified me. I avoided dental check-ups as much as I could, and would throw a nasty fit if coerced. Ah, if only I knew better back then!

Now that I'm a mother, I pay particular attention to my family's dental health - to my son, most of all. I definitely wouldn't want him to go through the same procedures as I did. It's all about regular check-ups to the dentist, actually. If only our previous family dentist had a warm and pleasant smile such as the montreal dentist, then there would have been no reason for me to avoid dental examinations. I could have even begged my Mum to take me to the dentist, for all I know.

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This event is made possible by

Pink Ninja Media, Jenn's Blah Blah Blog, and Happy Home and Family!

Also brought to you by co-hosts

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It's that time of the month again, where we're giving away the prize YOU want! One lucky person will win ANYTHING he/she wants valued at $200. It could be PayPal cash, an Amazon Gift Card, a gadget, beauty products, shoes...  basically anything you can think of! Do note that if the item you choose requires us to pay shipping, the total cost of item and shipping cannot be over $200.

This event will run from December 20 (12 am EST) and will end on January 21 (12 am EST). Open worldwide! Simply use the Rafflecopter form below to join. Good luck!

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Disclaimer: The Rebel Sweetheart is not responsible for shipping prize to winner, nor did we accept any compensation for helping promote this event. All opinions are 100% my own based on my own experiences.