I have a confession to make: I cringe internally whenever I receive skincare products to review. Why? Because each new product holds a potential for breaking me out, and sometimes, I have so many to review that my face does not have time to rest or recover from the most recent pimple spree. It's not all negative though. Sometimes I hit the jackpot and find a product that works so well, so perfectly, that it alone is worth all the reckless product sampling that came before it.

I've already mentioned a few times that I am in love with the Pond's White Beauty Cream (in the tube). It evens out my skin, moisturizes it without the oiliness, and gives me a visible glow that I don't see in other products of its sort. I've been using it for two years now and it has been consistent in giving me nice skin.

Little did I know that its more expensive sister, the Flawless White Visible Whitening Day Cream, is even better!

I've been enjoying good skin lately. I like to think that it involves three products that I have been using consistently as of late: the Dr. Jart BB creams for SPF and light coverage instead of foundation, Pond's Flawless White cream (the more expensive one in the jar - will review that this week), and the Clinique Moisture Surge.

I only received the sample jar from Clinique, so these pictures will have to do!

"Moisture surge" sounds scary, doesn't it? If you're oily like me it does! The last thing oily ladies want on their skin is extra moisture, as we tend to stick to the idea that moisturizing creams equals more oil. Well, if the cream or lotion that you're using is oil-based then the problem may be aggravated, but products like the Clinique Moisture Surge, which is gel-based, should not.

I was hesitant to use this at first because I didn't want to disrupt my skincare routine, but I try to use everything that has been sent to me at least once, just in case something's awesome! And oh boy, was I glad that I did.

When I wrote that there is no good drugstore moisturizer, my readers were quick to correct me. The folks behind Myra (Innovitelle, under Unilab) generously sent me a pack of Myra products, of course not forgetting to include the intriguing Myra Vitaglow Tinted Moisturizer!

I've been using the product for a week, and surprisingly, it's good! It's super cheap at only P135 (hardly more than a one-way cab fare or a cup of overpriced coffee), but the best thing is that it delivers well in terms of feel, texture, and coverage.

There are only two shades: Beige and Ivory. Beige is more for morena skin with, well, beige undertones, while Ivory is for fairer skin with yellow tones. I can actually use both shades since they blend in with my skintone (light-medium, NC30-35), but my preference is Ivory. I made a video on how I apply Ivory, so you can see how it improves my complexion nicely.

Why I like this

• Good coverage. It won't cover blemishes or eyebags, but it does a great job of evening out my skin.
• Feels light. The texture is kind of watery, which I prefer versus oily liquid makeup.

Hi Liz! I've been following your blog for quite some time now. I really like reading your posts because they are so helpful to me in so many ways. I really like and appreciate that you care about affordable beauty!

So, I have really oily skin. As if that isn't enough, I also sweat rather excessively. Which is really frustrating because I am still a student (who walks around the campus a lot, under the scorching heat of the sun). My skin breaks out a lot too. By a lot, I mean I always have a big nasty zit or two on my face. They never go away! I don't really know where I've gone wrong. I try to clean my face as regularly (not excessively) as possible, but it seems like I would never be able to have clear skin.

I know that you also have oily skin too, so I thought it would be a good idea to ask you about these things. I'd really appreciate if you recommend me any product (for oily skin) that you swear by. Thanks a lot!

Also, I just like to tell you how I enjoy reading your blog, and that your posts are so helpful. More power, Liz!

Hi Honey! Thanks so much for following my site. It really makes me day when I hear from lurkers! So, about your problem. I'd like to recommend my Holy Grail product - Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner. It's labeled as good for troubled and oily skin, and yes, it does help clear my face of pimples and it helps lessen the oiliness.

I would also recommend the Skin Hour Mattifying Day Gel. Lauren and Kira are such fans! They've both given the product rave reviews, and they are perhaps the oiliest people I know (no offense to you guys lol). I haven't tried the product personally, but it looks extremely promisin

I'm the sort of person who is not easily moved by fancy schmancy ingredients that's supposed to give me the beauty of a goddess. I tend to gloss over them because in my mind, it's all just sales talk. Unless we use the products personally, we really have no way to find out if something works or not, no matter how hifalutin' its ingredients are.

That's why I take products like Eyliplex-2 with a bit of apprehension. It has too many ingredients - all 124 of them - I have never even heard of, plus it's quite expensive at P2,600. I can't just recommend something like this to you without making sure that it does its job, which is to lighten dark circles, lift eyes, and reduce fine lines.

The night cream on the left, day gel on the right

I've had this product for two months now but within that span of time I've used it irregularly. I'm simply too lazy. Which is why, to my surprise, I actually saw results! Here are pictures of my eyes two months ago, second week of May:

See the fine lines near the inner corner of my eyes? They're a major problem.

Part of my job in the beauty industry is finding the latest news about products, events, and trends. One of the things that I have constantly heard about is BB creams. Frankly, I'm not a believer in the hype about these cream's power to give me perfect skin, but I am a fan of them as tinted moisturizers. They make for great makeup bases if you have the right skin type and coloring for them.

Anyway, when I read about BB creams, one name always pops up: Dr. Jart. Dr. Jart BB Creams promise you a lot of things - coverage, anti-aging, healing, and general skin improvement. I'm sure you'd like to know: are they worth their steep price tags? That's really the most important question, isn't it, when it comes to products like this.

I've used each one of these creams for almost two weeks. I can now finally deliver my verdict!

The Black Label is my favorite. It has light, buildable coverage and serves as a good makeup base. Out of all the Dr. Jart BB creams, this is the one that makes my skin feel the best! It makes my skin feel smoother and I noticed that my skin looks less dull - that must be the detox healing working. It has SPF 25.  SRP: 50mL - P1,940 / 15 mL - P845

If you've visited a Watsons lately you have probably seen this suavely packaged line - the GrapeBella range. They come is sophisticated-looking, dark purple bottles that really catch and hold your attention if only to make you intrigued about what they are. If you didn't know better, you'd think you're looking at bottles of fine wines!

The Watsons GrapeBella product range is the latest innovation from Watsons, which provides a total solution for perfect skin. Truly, it is the new secret to a more youthful beauty.

It has been proven by scientific researches that grapes have antioxidant benefits to provide nourishment to the skin to keep it soft and smooth. 

Dr. Jart (the brand name comes from Dr. Jung, the company's head of dermatology + art of skincare), one of the biggest and most popular BB cream brands in Korea has finally arrived in the Philippines! I'm pretty excited because I've gotten my hands on the whole line, so I can review each one for you guys and make recommendations.

It's funny how the products that actually make it into your daily routine are the products that you forget about. Case in point, my Nivea Angel Star Lip Balm! I haven't taken a photo of it, so you just have to spot it here:

It's the small pink tube on the right side!

This Nivea Angel Star line is targeted towards tweens who are just starting to become self-conscious about their appearance and body. One of the products released is a lip balm that has a slight pinkish tint with a frosty-gloss finish.

Why I like it:

• My lips are evened out by a light, pinkish tint. The finish is frosty, with a hint of gloss. I don't need a mirror to use this so it's very convenient.
• Moisturizing! It really helps my chapped lips in this heat.
• Non-sticky and feels light on the lips.

I have a dirty confession to make: I have never used a face mask before now! This is embarrassing for a beauty editor and blogger, haha. Anyway, the reason I'm not into face masks is because they require a lot of time (25 minutes at the least) to put on and remove. I also thought they were unnecessary and redundant. In any case, there's always a first time!

I've had this Montagne Jeunesse Chocolate Masque pack for more than a month. Now that I've finally used it, I regret that I didn't get around to it sooner. 

What I like about the product:

• It has a heavy milk chocolate aroma. I love it! Several bloggers have sworn that it smells deceptively good enough to eat. I heartily agree. The yummy smell stays on your skin for a long time.
• It has a thick, creamy texture that's easy to spread all over your face. It feels very luxurious once applied.
• A pack has a lot of product (20g); you can slather it on generously without feeling stingy.
• Super cheap! It's only P78/pack at Watson's. It's skincare that's right up my alley.

My skincare routine is not only basic, but relatively cheap. I wanted it to be quick without ignoring my skin's needs. The products have to be affordable too, since I use them for maintenance - I should never run out.

Everyday I follow the most basic skincare routine: cleanse, tone, and moisturize. I use additional products when the situation calls for it, such as eye cream, SPF tinted moisturizer, or makeup remover.

So now, presenting my skincare basics! This is everything I use to take care of my face.

RDL Placenta Soap

I've been using this product for more than three years now. It's super cheap at only ~P50 per bar, one bar lasting me for about 3-4 months of twice-a-day usage. Awesome right?

It keeps my combination skin clear from pimples and has a lightening effect. This is is not the best facial soap out there, however. It dries my skin and doesn't stop my pre-period breakouts completely. Nonetheless, in my rare skincare exploits, this is the best soap for me that I've found so far.

I am a fan of clothes with a healthy dose of romance. Nudes, whites, pinks, and beiges are some of my favorite colors to wear this season too! That's why I am floored by Johnson's Body Care and Bayo's collaboration called the Soft Look Collection. The well-designed pieces are done in delicate lace, chiffon, and satin, shamelessly featuring a lot of ruffles and runching. The whole collection's main focus was showing off one of our best assets this summer - beautiful skin.

I love, love, love the Soft Look Collection. It is so me! Anyway, I took photos of the complete line for your viewing pleasure. Tell me what you think! Check out last year's Johnson's Body Care launch too, and compare.

The gorgeous, skinny, and elegant Sarah Meier was host for the night. I love her blue eyeshadow and nude lips. Her makeup was immaculate.

Class and simplicity 

A couple of months ago I read about Sunsilk giving away free packs of their Damage Repair line. Naturally I got curious, and hey, "free" is good! So I texted 10DAYS to 2600 and got a confirmation that someone will call me to verify my details. No one called, so I thought that the whole thing was just a gimmick. I got spam messages afterward about the Sarah Geronimo commercials they're running now.

However, a few days ago, I found this on my doorstep:

It was a bright Saturday that promised a lot of fun activities and a party that no one will forget. I was up early, puttering about the cabana, watching Shakespeare In Love. I was suffering from internet withdrawal! I totally regretted that I didn't bring my Mac. Still, with a view like this, it's hard to feel anxious.

It was a hot day. An extremely hot day, as in, when you go out you can literally feel the sun burning through your skin. And it was what, only 9am? Insane! However I had the chutzpah to stand in direct sunlight like this because I sprayed the Nivea sunblock on before I left the cabana. Take that, sun! Hah!

Here's Marbbie! FYI, we didn't coordinate our outfits. Ipanema gave me black strappy flipflops while they gave her the white version and somehow we just thought of wearing clothes to match them. It was so funny!

After breakfast we rode the coaster to the Upper Beach Club (around five minutes away from Club Punta Fuego). This is the view of the pool beside the Lower Beach Club.

Check out how unbelievably clear the waters are! I was two floors up from the ground when I took this photo.

This is what the word "azure" means

Had to turn away to get to work! These are the campers in a fashion workshop held by runway and events director Robby Carmona and designer Sassa Jimenez.

Here's a photo essay of everything that transpired on Day 2! (extremely photo heavy)

The other weekend, the mega skincare brand held Camp Nivea for rising teenage stars and press people. It was three days full of activities that improved the leadership skills, camaraderie, music skills, fashion sense, runway talent, and camera projection of the beautiful teens.

The location was, how do I say it mildly, paradise! Club Punta Fuego is located in an exclusive property located on the tip of the Batangas peninsula. The clubhouse of the huge and exclusive summering compound is carved out from a ridge overlooking the clear blue sea.

Camp Nivea was the most fun I've had in a long, long time. I went to the event not knowing a single soul but I came home with new acquaintances that I hope to meet again (shout-out to the Candy mag girls, Mars and Cre, Star columnist Jori, and Sense & Style writer slash Heart Evangelista look-alike Marbie).

Marbie, Jori, Mars, Cre

Here's a photo essay of everything that transpired on Day 1! (photo heavy)

At the tender age of 22 I am already becoming paranoid about lines forming around my face, especially near my eyes. I wish I was kidding, but the wrinkles near the corners of my eyes are progressively becoming deeper. And deeper. 

Of course, Clinique has a hi-tech solution to that problem! The brand didn't become a trusted leader in skincare if they didn't always innovate and have a feel for the evolving needs of women. In a press launch last February 18, Clinique introduced their newest anti-aging line - Youth Surge.

Clinique introduces its latest patent-pending de-aging treatment line – Youth Surge.  NEW Youth Surge Night Age Decelerating Night Moisturizer and Youth Surge SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer incorporate groundbreaking Sirtuin technology to help slow down the visible signs of aging while simultaneously promoting cellular repair.