Pucker Up! | Vice Cosmetics Phenomenal Liquid Lipstick + Good Vibes Matte Lipstick.

Vice Cosmetics has finally made it to my hometown!
The beauty brand owned by TV/movie personality Vice Ganda opened new counters across the country last week, and one of them happened to be at SM City San Pablo. Coincidentally, my friends and I were at the mall when the counter opened last Friday, and we wasted no time in swatching and trying out the new products.

Me and my mom squad. :)

Vice Cosmetics welcomed the new year by launching sixteen new shades - eight shades for the Good Vibes Lipstick and eight new shades for the Phenomenal Liquid Lipstick, which are now sold in singles. Previously, the liquid lipsticks were sold as a set together with a lip liner. However, the lip liners were very fragile and it seems that the company is in the process of rectifying the product.

After a swatchfest at the counter (which you probably have seen on my Instagram and Facebook, if you are following my social media pages), I ended up buying four lipsticks - my top picks from Vice Cosmetics' new collection. Thankfully, these lipsticks are very budget-friendly at just Php 195 each. Plus points because they're certified cruelty-free (not tested on animals) and paraben-free.

Good Vibes Lipstick and Phenomenal Liquid Lipstick.

The Phenomenal Liquid Lipstick comes in a transparent plastic tube and a frosted fuchsia cap. The ingredients and shade name are listed on the plastic seal.

Shade name + some product information.

Ingredients.

You need to break this seal to open the product, so it's a good thing that the shade name is also indicated on the bottom of the tube.

Kerstofayn and Chenelyn - my top picks in the Phenomenal Liquid Lipstick line.

The liquid lipstick comes with the usual doe-foot applicator. It has a subtle, chocolate-y scent which fades once the color settles on your lips. 

Doe-foot applicator.

In terms of pigmentation, these liquid lipsticks live up to their name - phenomenal. The color payoff is amazing with its opaque texture, kiss-proof formula, and flat matte finish. Staying power is just as impressive - about five to six hours with just a bit of touch-up after a full meal.

Phenomenal Liquid Lipsticks - Kerstofayn (top) and Chenelyn (bottom).

However, these liquid lipsticks have a tendency to accentuate fine lines on the lips so I suggest wearing a lip balm underneath or exfoliating with a lip scrub before application.

Good Vibes Matte Lipstick.

The Good Vibes Matte Lipstick, on the other hand, are your typical bullet lipsticks. The tubes are printed with the brand's official logo and bear the signature color, fuchsia.

Ingredients.

Like the liquid lipsticks, the ingredients are also listed on the plastic seal, while the shade name is indicated on the bottom of the tube.

Ekzaj and Bet na Bet - my top picks in the Good Vibes Matte Lipstick line.

The bullet lipstick also has the same chocolate-y scent, though the chemical smell is slightly more pronounced in this one.

Good Vibes Matte Lipstick - Bet na Bet (left) and Ekzaj (right).

The texture, however, does not disappoint. It's soft and creamy, and leave your lips with gorgeous matte finish. They glide on your lips seamlessly, give full coverage, and stay on your lips for hours (around five or six, at the most). Color payoff is just as impressive, but not as drying as the liquid lipstick.

A closer look at the bullets - Bet na Bet on the left, Ekzaj on the right.

Here are the swatches side by side:

From L-R: Kerstofayn, Chenelyn, Bet na Bet, Ekzaj. (Indoor lighting)

From L-R: Kerstofayn, Chenelyn, Bet na Bet, Ekzaj (Natural light)

And here's how they look like when worn:

Bet na Bet, a rosy pink shade.

Ekzaj, a brownish plum.

Chenelyn, a coral pink shade.

Kerstofayn, a playful pink mauve.

Finally, here's how the other shades look like when swatched.

Phenomenal Liquid Lipstick (Clockwise from L-R): Ravaan, Kyemerut,
Sisteraka, Kerstofayn, Chenelyn, Hanash. 

Good Vibes Matte Lipstick (Clockwise from L-R): Aura, Eklavu, Chururutz,
Bet na Bet, Ekzaj, Chukchak, Havey. 

If you're planning to buy a lipstick or two (or maybe the entire collection), you'll be glad to know that Vice Cosmetics now has over 50 stores and counters nationwide. (Check their Instagram page for the updated list of pop-ups and counters.) Their products can also be bought at BeautyMNL, Lazada, and at the Vice Cosmetics official website.

Why Cloth Diapers are Better than Disposables.

In the modern day, most mothers prefer using disposable diapers. But wait - cloth diapers have evolved from time immemorial to become the best-esteemed baby diapers.

One no longer need pins to hold the diapers as it was before. They are healthier than the disposables because of the chemical reactions that the disposables may have. They have a shape that resembles that of the disposables such that another person may not tell the difference between two babies wearing cloth diapers and disposables.

Cloth diapers.

Reasons why cloth diapers should be used as opposed to disposable diapers:
1. They are cheap.
One does not need to keep buying the diapers since cloth diapers are washable as compared to disposables which the baby will only use once.

2. Reduced baby rash.
Cloth diapers are harmless to the skin because they do not contain any chemical, unlike the disposables which have sodium polyacrylate that turns to gel if exposed to moisture. Disposable diapers cause rashes which bring discomfort to the baby, especially to those who have skin reactions.

3. Reduced waste.
For a baby to be comfortable, he will need to be changed for about ten times a day thus increasing the waste at home. If we  take the average of ten diapers per day, just imagine you will need seventy diapers for one week alone!

4. Stylish and wide variety of colors.
Growing up, I knew about only one color of diapers - white. These days, cloth diapers are now available in a wide range of colors and even styles. There are those that are waterproof, which functions like a disposable, but the difference is that they are washable. They are also absorbent, and can easily be folded. In the latter, you can change the cotton part as many times as possible until the cover gets soiled.

5. Diapers can be reused by the next baby.
Once the first baby is able to use the potty, they can be stored safely and can be used by the next baby. Using cloth diapers goes hand in hand with incurring fewer costs of purchasing after every childbirth.

6. They do not have blowouts, unlike disposables.
It's such an awkward feeling for the baby to pee, and the poop comes out with the nasty smell. Cloth diapers have an elastic which hold the baby edges so that the poop can hardly come out. It will be firm enough as the baby awaits changing.

7. Protecting the baby boy's jewels.
According to a study by German scientists, the groin area has a higher temperature when using disposable diapers. High temperatures could lead to reduced sperm production when boys mature.

8. Cloth diapers are environmentally friendly.
Since they are not disposed of now and then, they reduce pollution produced by the chemical substances in the disposable diapers.

9. Potty training.
Cloth diapers promote early training of use of the potty. The fact that the baby feels wet will prompt the mother to train early enough as compared to the disposable diapers where the baby may feel comfortable because of prolonged changing due to high absorbency rate. It does not necessarily mean that the cloth diapers are not absorbent, but once the child is growing, the feeling of wetness is triggered faster compared to the disposables.

In conclusion, the cloth diapers outweigh the disposables, and it would be great if more parents would prefer using cloth over disposables.

Foodie Goodie | Allegra's Kitchen.

Like most kids his age, my son looks forward to weekends with eager anticipation. Because for Yue, weekends not only mean freedom from school work and extended screen time, but also karate training, a trip to the mall, and eating out at his restaurant of choice.

Last weekend, we had the pleasure of dining at Allegra's Kitchen, a fast casual restaurant located at SM City San Pablo. 'Fast casual' is a restaurant format which combines the elements of fast food (quick service, self-service) and casual dining (extensive menu, relatively higher price point), hence the term.

Allegra's Kitchen, SM City San Pablo.

A typical fast casual restaurant has no table service - meaning you place your orders at the counter and pay upfront, wait for your food to be 'assembled', then take them with you to your table. At Allegra's Kitchen, you can place your order directly at the counter, or whilst seated, with the assistance of their friendly staff.

A closer look at the restaurant's interior - rustic, western ranch kinda vibe.

Since this was our first visit, Yue and I took our time flipping through the pages of their menu. Allegra's Kitchen offers just about everything that you would expect from any other casual dining restaurant. They have appetizers, soups and salads, burgers and sandwiches, pasta, and extensive meat options. Their beverage line-up includes shakes and smoothies, and even beer and cocktails.

Someone's taking good food seriously.

Yue had worked up an appetite after his two-hour karate training and wanted to order like five different items - because he says 'they (the food) all look good in the photos'. Lol! In the end - and just as I expected - he settled for the usual fried chicken and ordered the Meaty Spaghetti with Fried Chicken. The staff informed us that our order would take about fifteen minutes, but surprisingly our food were served in less than ten.

Meaty Spaghetti with Fried Chicken, Php 255. 

Both the pasta and the chicken had decent portions, enough to satiate Yue's hunger. Allegra's Fried Chicken was cooked the way a fried chicken should be - crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and none of that unsightly bleeding. The Meaty Spaghetti - made with ground pork, seasoned sauce, and topped with cheese - had a hint of sweetness which kids love.

Skin on Fries, Php 50.

Of course, no meal would be complete without fries on the side. Yue and I couldn't find this on the menu so I asked the staff if they serve french fries. Apparently, they do - Skin on Fries. Lovely, crisp, and non-greasy, these hand-cut french fries come with a tangy mayo dip.

Baby Back Ribs (Single Slab), Php 380.

As for me, I had a single slab of the Baby Back Ribs, which the staff claims is the most popular item on the their menu. One bite of this picture-perfect dish and I understood why. The meat had a nice, smoky flavor, was exceptionally tender, and literally fell off the bone. The vegetables were just as yummy - buttered and seasoned nicely, with just the right crunch. However, the sauce was a wee bit salty to my liking, but maybe that's just me as I've been reducing the salt in my food (especially the ones that I cook) ever since I was diagnosed with pre-hypertension.

Lega's Iced Tea, Php 75 + Fresh Mango Shake, Php 115.

I was stuffed after finishing my plate of Baby Back Ribs, but Yue insisted that he still has room for dessert. As such, a serving of Tiramisu found its way to our table and into Yue's already bulging tummy, haha! Creamy and not overly sweet, this small tub of tiramisu was the perfect ending to our first Allegra's Kitchen dining experience.

Tiramisu.

Another school week is about to end, and I have a strange feeling that my boy will wheedle me into a subsequent trip to Allegra's Kitchen.

Good food for good times at Allegra's Kitchen.

Might as well take advantage of their Food Sale - 20% off on all food items! I reckon this promo is ongoing at other AK branches, including the pioneer branch at The Lifestyle Strip in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

Allegra's Kitchen Food Sale, terms and conditions apply.

For more information about the Food Sale and the complete menu, visit the Allegra's Kitchen website and their official Facebook page.

Thank you for the good time, Allegra's Kitchen!

Allegra's Kitchen - SM City San Pablo

Maharlika Highway, Brgy. San Rafael, San Pablo City

(049) 521 3822

Spotlight | Innisfree Long Wear Cover Cushion.

Time and again I have mentioned it in this blog - when it comes to makeup, I'm a sucker for pretty packaging. And when it comes to cushions, the packaging options at Innisfree are pretty much endless - which is the main reason why I ended up buying yet another cushion during my last trip to Seoul.

With Innisfree's My Cushion line, you can customize everything - from the cushion itself to its shade number, the cushion case, and even the cushion puff. With more than 50 cushion case designs to choose from and at least 12 foundation/cushion shades available, the possibilities are limitless. In the same way, you get to 'build' a cushion that's truly unique and matches your vibe.

My own Innisfree cushion looks like this - a purple case with horizontal stripes, an Air Magic (Fitting) Puff, and the Longwear Cover Cushion in shade N23.

My Innisfree Cushion. (Items are bought separately.)

Made with sturdy plastic, the Cushion Case (8000 won each, around $7 or Php 380) is sleek, slim, and lightweight. It's equipped with a mirror, like most compacts and cushions do.

Innisfree Cushion Case.

Design #40.

Comes with a mirror.

Now as for the Puff (2000 won each, around $1.86 or Php 95), Innisfree has two kinds - the Air Magic Glow, which helps add a dewy look and shimmery shine to the skin; and the Air Magic Fitting, which helps the foundation/cushion 'fit' onto your skin for a smooth and matte finish.

Innisfree Air Magic Fitting Puff.

I chose the latter upon the recommendation of the store attendant. He said (yes, it's a he) that the Fitting puff is more suitable for the cushion that I chose, which has a matte finish.

The Fitting puff is brown underneath. The Glow puff, on the other hand, is blue.

Now here's a closer look at the cushion itself.

Innisfree Long Wear Cover Cushion. Yay for SPF50+ PA+++!

Product description on the plastic pack.

The Innisfree Long Wear Cover Cushion (12000 won each, around $11 or Php 570) is 'a long-lasting coverage cushion containing Jeju volcanic powder that enables the texture to blend effortlessly leaving a long-lasting smooth, soft matte finish with a weightless, fresh glow.' I chose shade N23 True Beige, which is a nice match for my skin tone.

The cushion comes with a plastic tray to hold the puff and separate it from the product.

Insert the cushion to the case and you're good to go!

True to its claim, this cushion does a good job of covering pores and fine lines and 'blurring out' skin imperfections. It has a lightweight formula, making it ideal for this country's hot and humid weather, and has good, buildable coverage without the sticky, heavy feel. It also has impressive staying power - about 5-6 hours on my face with just a wee bit of touch-up on the corners of my eyes, where this foundation tends to crease most often.

The cushion now inserted in the cushion case.

Like most cushions, the Innisfree Long Wear Cover Cushion looks creamy but once it settles, it leaves your skin with a soft, matte finish. Do note that this foundation has an oil-free formula, making it most suitable for those with oily skin. If you have dry skin or prefer cushions that leave your skin dewy and glowing, this product might fall short of your expectations.

Creamy! :)

Swatch under indoor lighting.

Swatch under natural light.

Left, without cushion; right, with cushion - indoor lighting.

Left, without cushion; right with cushion - natural light.

I love how this product evens out my skin tone and covers the fine lines on my face without making me look 'too made up'. However, I'm all for that dewy, Korean makeup look so I'll probably save this cushion for the hot summer months when my skin greases up as soon as I step out of the house, lol.

Bare face.

With Innisfree Long Wear Cover Cushion.

Products used:
FACE: Beyond Alice in Blooming Skin Tone Sun Base,
Nature Republic Botanical Stick Concealer,
Innisfree Long Wear Cover Cushion in N23.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
Clio Kill Black Waterproof Mascara,
Nature Republic Pure Shine Mascara - Volume.
CHEEKS: Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Raisin.
LIPS: Nature Repulic Pure Shine Melting Tint in Hot Pink.

I actually got another cushion case in a different design and color because the cases were on a 1+1 sale at that time. I haven't bought a cushion for it, but I'm leaning towards the Ampoule Intense Cushion. If you've tried this cushion before, do let me know how it worked/works for you. :)