Perk's New Discovery! Nude versus Brown: Lip shades Battle

I'm an adventurous person. I enjoy ordering foods that not familiar with me, drinking liquids that the names seem to be exotic to my ears and trying out things that ordinary people would rather stay out of it.

That's why when I received brown lip cream and nude lipstick, I was overwhelmed. 

It is not every day that you encounter a woman wearing a dark brown lipstick at work or a lady that talks to her clients with nude lipstick.

I picked these two unusual shades so let me know which fits better to me.

**Sleek Matte Me (HazelNut Crush 1162)

This is the first time that I used a brand called Sleek. I'm not familiar with it that's why I'm hesitant to apply it. Honestly, my lips are not compatible with matte lipsticks. :(

Likes

~Color: I know it’s too dark and it makes me look old but the shade actually works for me.

~Application: Once is enough. It usually stays for a couple of hours.

~Packaging: Very simple. Not too elaborative.

 

Dislike

~Stain. Maybe because it is a tint so it usually leaves teeth stain.

**Maybelline Colorsensational Rebel Bloom (700 Barely Bloomed)

This brand is one of my favorite make-up lines. Most of their products are compatible with my skin and other than that the prices are budget friendly. This lip color was given to me as pasalubong and I was truly excited because it was my first time to own a nude lipstick!

Likes

~Texture. I love that it is creamy and works well with my chapped lips.

~Packaging. The pastel container is good for the eyes and the lid is easy to open as well.

~Applicator. I use this as a base before I apply the Pink Sugar Lip Tint and I actually like the tenderness of my lips after.

With Pink Sugar Cheek and Lip Tint

Dislike

~Color. I was expecting that somehow it has shade but it is totally nude.

Which of these two suits me better? Would love to hear your thoughts if you tried these two lip shade!

Dive into the world of AQUAMAN!

I'm head over heels in love with Superman, I salute WonderWoman and I've seen Justice League so when Marvel announced that they were in a production of Aquaman, my superhero fan was screaming inside.

I was grateful and truly happy to watch the Block Screening of Aquaman in IMAX Theaters at SM Megamall Fashion Hall last December 12.  

Thank you to my cousin for the chance and to DC Cafe for the tickets!
I would try my best not to spoil anything about I couldn't help gushing about it while writing this blog.

1. Jason Momoa
 

Photo from Heroic Hollywood

I've seen a snippet of Game of Thrones but I haven't watched an entire episode. I must admit that I like Khal Drogo because he was so hot. When Justice League was released, I love Henry Cavill with all my heart but Jason Momoa, gosh... I was sad that I wasn't able to see him in person but watching him as Arthur Curry aka Fish Man in the big screen was beyond words. He is just too perfect for the role. I love his humor, gruffiness, and physique.

2. Mera and Atlanna

Photo from syfy.com

 
These women have a huge impact on Arthur's life and they made females in superhero movies different. Nicole Kidman could easily pass as Jason Momoa's love interest but as his mother?! You've got to be kidding me! Yet, Nicole K as Atlanna is fair enough.

Photo from Pursue News

I'm not into Amber Heard but Mera is meant for her. Honestly, it was my first time to see her in a film. Mera as a superhero princess is refreshing. She is not a damsel in distress but a determined woman. I actually like her.

3. Villains, villains...

Photo from movienew.biz

 

Photo from Collider

You cannot please everybody and of course, if there is a good person there is certainly an evil one. In the case of Aquaman, he has two haters. One from the sea which is the Ocean Master aka Prince Orm, Arthur's half-brother who did want him to be King and the other one is from the land namely David Kane aka Black Manta, whom we probably will be seeing again if ever Aquaman has a sequel.

4. Atlantis

Photo from Nerdist

 
I was awe and speechless like Arthur when Atlantis was shown. It was beautiful, magical and out of this world. If there is truly an Atlantis, I would love to stay underwater forever!

5. Land and Sea

Photo from Refinery29

 
Aquaman is definitely the only superhero who can unite the two worlds. He has a supernatural strength that no man can fight (though he bleeds because he is still human!) and he is destined to rule Atlantis with the golden trident.

Photo from comicbook.com

PerksBeWithYou Rating: 11.5/11.5 (I haven't moved on with Jason Momoa that I need to watch Aquaman again!)

6th it is Perks Be With You!

Wow! I can’t believe that I would reach this number of years for my blog site. You know that I’m not the most active blogger. I don’t usually post every day. I seldom post like one or two feature articles in a month or worse I write none.

Yet, I’m grateful to you who open and share this blog, take time to leave a comment and be active on my social media accounts. It means a lot to me that somehow a person appreciates what I’m writing.

My heart is overwhelmed to Sir Seb and 1372 Designs for participating with my giveaway. Thank you so much, Sir! 

As a celebration of my 6th blog anniversary, I have six awesome contests that I prepared for all of you.

Here is the first giveaway…

*FOOD FOR THE SOUL*

 
What are the prizes at stake?
~Two 1372 Designs Notebooks
~Halu-Halong Weekly Planner
~Two Advanced Readers Books
~Drawstring bag

How to join:
Click the Rafflecopter tab and follow the tasks very carefully.


http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/017ef7a519/?

IMPORTANT REMINDERS!
1. I’m using Rafflecopter to check your entries so be sure to do all the tasks required.
2. Giveaway is from December 6 to 26, 2018. Open to Philippine residents.
3. The announcement of winner: December 27, 2018.
4. If the winner is from Metro Manila: MEET-UP ONLY. Place and time of claiming of prizes will be announced. If you cannot meet at the said date and venue, PLEASE DO NOT JOIN the contest.
5. If the winner is living in the province: I will be sending out your prizes AFTER CHRISTMAS.

Good luck everyone and thank you for joining!

2nd blog anniversary giveaway link: https://twitter.com/Perksbewithyou/status/1072159786857185280

3rd blog anniversary giveaway link: https://www.instagram.com/p/Brc91j-gGRF/

4th blog anniversary giveaway link:  https://perksbewithyou.blogspot.com/2018/12/be-my-mmff-buddy.html

+Watch out for the two remaining giveaway because I will be posting their links here soon. +

1372 Designs: Unique and Creative Shop

Still thinking of gifts that you want to give this Christmas? 

Whether for exchange for your monito or monita and a surprise present for your loved ones, make it extra more special by giving them something from recycled materials but at the same time, locally made. You can find and buy one at 1372 Designs.

I was very happy and privilege to meet Sir Seb, co-owner of Kariton 1372 Designs. Our first interaction was during the Philippine Romance Convention and I fell in love with his lovely and inspiring cover notebooks. I bought one and even promised to visit his physical store so I could buy another set.

I finally had a chance to drop by their actual shop of 1372 Designs when we had a Romance Writing Coffee and Conversation last September.

First meet-up

When you ride an LRT, 1372 Designs is just a walk away from Carriedo station.

Look for HUB Make Lab at First United Building. It is the first store that you will see when you enter the area.

Aside from their uniquely designed notebooks that range from small to large, you should check out their other wonderful items like sketch pads, notepads, postcards, stickers and bookmarks to name a few.

1372 Designs' products started from as low as 15php for their stickers to almost 500php for their sketch pad.

I was grateful that I was given a chance to interview Sir Seb and get to know more about their awesome store and products.

Here is my short but meaningful interview with Mister Eusebio De Jesus or Sir Seb:

Pau: What is the meaning of the name behind Kariton 1372 Designs?

Seb: Kariton is actually the name of the brands that we are trying to make. 1372 is like an umbrella coup that when you search in google, it's already there. 1372 is actually the ending of our birth years, mine, my wife and my two daughters.

Pau: Wow! That's so cool! When were 1372 Designs started?

Seb: Officially, it was registered in Singapore in 2010 while my wife and I assigned there. We started at Paranaque and participated in bazaars. Back then, we only sell origami boxes and folded stars in a bottle. Surprisingly, when we came out with own version of picture frames it was sold-out. We moved to repurpose cans like putting stuff toys inside.

One time, we go around our residence area and we saw thrown boxes, papers, and magazines that are good quality. We started to pick them up because sayang naman. That's where the notebooks started. We saw a supplier at Singapore who sells the recycled paper. I began binding notebooks and we don't print the designs. I draw it one by one.

Pau: But, when did you actually started here at the HUB?

Seb: We were here two years ago (2016). We joined the Saturday Feature Market, which was one of the most visited bazaars. We like the outcome. When we were given the opportunity to have a physical store, we grabbed it. The rent was also cheap.

Pau: That's so nice... You talked about your designs, where did you get the ideas or inspiration?

Seb: Initially, I got the idea from a local store in Singapore and I told myself, I like something like that. I got it as well from Papelmerotti and from another entity called Kariton. It was a huge store at Rustan's Makati. They also made handmade paper stuffs like stationeries.

Pau: Aside from kartons, what materials do you use with your products?

Seb: As much as possible we are trying to use recycled papers and of course, repurpose materials like used illustration boards, shoe boxes, and old notebooks. We rely on our kid's projects and we asked for help from our friends in Singapore like the things that they didn't use anymore. Its hard to find here good quality because we have competitors, the scrapers. Nowadays, we buy craft papers. As long as we know that it is recycled.

Pau: I'm quite curious, how long would it take for you to create or finish one product?

Seb:In terms of assembling, it takes me one day. I can do the cut-outs in 20-30 minutes. When I say assemble, I have to punch the hole, bind and trim them. The design itself, I have to think. I'm thinking of themes because Filipino like it. We usually like Fanmade themes like Star Wars. I'm a Star Trek fan and I'm planning to come out with few designs. But, still, the overall design should be Filipino heritage.

Pau: That sounds fantastic! Are you planning to expand? Like other branches?

Seb: For now, our finances are not enough yet we have a consignment at the moment. We have tie-up though with Craft Central at Sm North and Vertis North.

Pau:Yes! I saw your products there. Do you have an upcoming event?

Seb: We will attend a school event on Dec. 11.

Pau:Awesome! For my last question, if you will give an advice to those who are into crafting and also want to start a business, what would it be?

Seb: Start a market first. You have to join bazaars like look for a good venue. Here at the Hub, they have Saturday Market. You have to observe first and get the feel. Study the pros and cons. Check out the buyers. If you are familiar with it, then focus on those people who will be your customers. Put your character and twist in your products.

Thank you Sir Seb for the time!

Kariton 1372 Designs is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 10 pm at Hub Make Lab, Escolta Manila.

There's a new face mist in town: Meet MISTique!

I don't usually switch brands especially when it comes to my skin. I have dermatitis that causes my skin to be truly sensitive. Yet, every now and then, I test products which I think will work on my skin due to their natural elements.

HG Skin is the new baby of Miss Hazel Gonzales, the beautiful and brilliant Creative Director of HG Studio. This all-natural and proudly Filipino-made cosmetic and skincare line was officially launched last September 18, 2018 at Retail Lab at Vertis North.

I was fortunate to get my hands on Mistique last August 2018, before the launching.

 

Initial Packaging

This all-in-one face mist is made of Witch Hazel Extract, Bearberry Extract, Calendula Extract, AloeVera Extract, Niacinimide Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint Oil. 

Here is my take on this magical mist:

Likes:

~As a toner -> I spray the mist thrice on a cotton pad and clean my face with it.

Proof

 

~As a make-up remover -> I've been using Loreal's newest and long lasting mascara and I must say that it wipes off everything! 

Love this!

 

~Smell - > I'm 'maarte' with odors so I would always prefer the things that I'm using odorless or with a faint smell. I commend this mist for not having that strong smell. My picky nose actually likes it. 

 

~Refreshing - > My face is feeling moisturized whenever I spritz some Mistique midday.

 

No filter. My usual face.

Look haggard but at least I'm looking fresh!

 

~Dirt remover - > I know that the mist is intended for the face but I tried it on some parts of my body. Guess where? My underarms! I actually grew tired of using deo sprays so I tried the mist to remove on my underarm. It felt clean and there was no stinky smell for the whole day! 

 

~No pimple attack. -> Usually, when my monthly period is coming, a big zit appears on my face. 

 

 

But after almost a month of use of the mist, my face was clear despite having my monthly visitor. I didn't have pimples even if I often spend long nights. 

Dislike:

~Sticky - > Perhaps because of its natural elements, the texture it leaves on my cotton pad is somehow sticky.

Should I buy it again? Definitely! After a month of use, the effect it left on my skin is commendable!

 

I love Mistique and I hope you can try it too! 

 

Yay to the new packaging! Photo from HG Skin.

 

You may get it from HG Studio located at Ground Floor, Torre Venezia suites, Sct. Santiago corner Timog Avenue, Quezon City. You may also have it delivered on your doorstep or you can catch them on bazaars in the metro! Just message (https://www.facebook.com/hgskin.mnl/ and @hg.skin on instagram) for more details.

#BeckyandAdaminPH: The Power of YA

It was a rare opportunity to have two popular Young Adult authors in a book signing and so I didn't miss it.

It was last year when I attended a BS of Jennifer E. Smith and Jasmine Warga, they both are incredible YA authors.

I was glad that National Bookstore brought Adam Silveria and Becky Albertalli this 2018.

The event happened last November 11 at Samsung Hall, Sm Aura. I woke up around four and left the house by six in the morning. 

I thought I was early enough yet there were a lot of people already lined up. And it was the earliest that I went for a book signing!

While waiting to enter the venue, I hurriedly read the book The Upside of Unrequited. There were few chapters left and luckily, I was able to finish it before meeting Becky!

The number that was given to me was 90. 

Yes! I was still one of the first 100 who lined up! I was ecstatic to get freebies. Usually, only the first 10 people received one.

There was the usual interview and a lot had participated for a chance to ask questions with their favorite authors.

I just realized that I went to several local book signing and met a few male Filipino authors but it was my first time to meet and greet a male International author!

Oh, Adam! He is 6'4 tall and hallelujah that he didn't stand up when this photo was taken. 

I was giddy when he held my self-published book and even scan it! 

He said that the cover was great and he wished me luck with my writing! He is currently writing Yong Adult Fantasy story and I'm so thrilled to read it soon!

I was speechless with the blue-eyed Becky. She was indeed the humblest author that I met so far! 

Here is a bit of review with Becky Albertalli's The Upside of Unrequited.

Molly Peskin-Suso is your average teenager who is very artistic and creative. She has 26 crushes, never been kissed and no boyfriend since birth.

She has a twin, Cassie who is into girls. And though they grow together and shared secrets, things change when Cassie has a girlfriend. 

Molly feels left behind yet she met two amazing and interesting guys: the flirtatious and friendly Will and her co-worker, Reid who is a Tolkien fan. 

I seriously love this book and I was rooting for Reid since he met Molly. The story not only covered growing-up, relationship, family and acceptance but it gives importance with the LGBTQ community.

If you want something to make you feel young, I recommended The Upside of Unrequited for you.

I was more than happy to see my bookish friends and meet new faces. 

I can't wait for the next year's book signing and I am crossing my fingers that my favorite authors will come soon.