A week ago, I took a break from my usual skincare regimen because it's that time of the month again and my hormones are acting cray-cray. And that means I am getting zits all over my face. Okay, maybe just one or two. So it was a good thing I was able to grab the BELO ESSENTIALS ACNEPRO items from Sample Room, thus it was a perfect opportunity for me to try it out!


For those of you not familiar with any acne regimen, usually it involves a 3-step process or even more; but this time, I am going on a 3-step Clear Skin System. It's not at all difficult. You'll only need to remember 3 things: CLEANSE. TONE. REPAIR. That's it! So let's take a look at these babies and I'll tell you what I think about each of them.


After removing your makeup or even if you just want to freshen up, this gel face wash is great during the summer season. I, for one, wash my face up to 3 x a day when it's hot because my face tends to get oily and it just feels so heavy and dirty, and this is sans makeup. The consistency is almost like the gel facial washes I've tried in the past, except this one's a bit thicker so be careful when you squeeze the tube because the product is slippery and a couple times I did manage to waste some into the sink. Anyway, that's just me being a klutz.


I love how this BELO ESSENTIALS ACNEPRO Pimple-Fighting Gel Face Wash (Php 99.75 for 50mL) does not leave my skin dry at all. I mean, while you wash your face you could actually feel it's moisturizing properties and so I doubted if it would ever clean my face at all. But then once I patted my face dry, miraculously it felt super clean! It's like every dirt was lifted and washed away leaving my face smooth and silky to touch. It smells nice and fresh, too.  Pretty much like a just-stepped-out-of-the-shower scent.


Next, it's getting your face treated with this toner. As with most toners, it does contain alcohol but it didn't sting my face at all. Oh wait, maybe that one time I pricked a pimple but it wasn't so bad to cause any trauma. I could smell the chemicals used for treatment as I dabbed a cotton ball soaked with BELO ESSENTIALS ACNEPRO Treatment Toner (Php 79.75 for 60mL) but it's fairly mild compared to other toners I've used before so yes, it's instantly my favorite toner! It's also got a slight cooling effect to the face and dries only after a short while.


Last but not the least, we have the BELO ESSENTIALS ACNEPRO Pimple Gel (Php 149.75 for 10g). I must admit that this is the one thing that got me really interested to try out this 3-step Clear Skin System. Why? Because it's so hard to find a pimple gel that works and easy to find! I practically go on a pimple gel hunt every quarter when I run out of supply and most of them are so expensive. Sometimes I doubt if they indeed work or only dry my skin up. (I'm referring to you, my dear benzoyl peroxide!) Of note, this pimple gel is soooo affordable. In fact, it is the cheapest pimple gel that I've used to date!


But wait... there's more!

Having tried countless of acne products prevously, this is actually the first time I came across ones with the ingredient, Purified Bee Venom. Seriously!? I was like WTF at first but yes, I am a daredevil so what could possibly go wrong. I'm not allergic to bee stings AFAIK. I also read that: "Bee Venom is one of the hottest ingredients in the skin care world right now as not only is it effective in treating acne, it is also a great anti-aging ingredient. Bee venom is anti-bacterial, and keeps the skin youthful by making the skin produce more collagen, and relaxing facial muscles!" That made me really curious so I tried the BELO ESSENTIALS ACNEPRO line and I love it! Oh and how cute is the color of the packaging? It's my favorite COLOR, if you haven't noticed. ^_^

See the logo up there??? It's also HALAL CERTIFIED!

So does this work? Hmmm... Let's take a look at the photos below.

Click to view larger size.

Click to view larger size.

It did not miraculously make my pimples go away like magic (but what does?) and in a week's time, it certainly did its job marvelously! And this 3-step Clear Skin System only costs a total of Php329.25! So now when Aunt Flo comes each month bringing along her minions of pimples, I now have a secret weapon to fight them off. Tee hee.

So to answer the question, WHAT MAKES YOU SHINE BRIGHT EVEN WITHOUT A SPOTLIGHT? My answer is clear, unblemished skin. Also I think that when a girl is at her happiest because she has no more insecurities, she simply shines. :) For now, I can shine bright with the help of makeup to conceal my blemishes and soon enough, I am looking forward to be able to post an unfiltered/barefaced photo on my social networks and confidently say once more, "Look, Ma! No more pimples!"

 
I highly recommend the BELO ESSENTIALS ACNEPRO 3-step Clear Skin System and though these things work on a case to case basis, I do hope you guys try it and get positive results, too! Thanks Belo Essentials and Sample Room for introducing this new product for acne-prone people such as yours truly.


Until my next beauty review... Thanks for reading my blog post and drop by anytime soon!




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As soon as the sun starts to shine its full brightness during the hot summer months, I don't immediately hit the nearest beach yet but I do load my summer playlist on my current favorite music player and listen to the beats of reggae and carribean music all the time. Aside from music, I also get in the mood for some island food.


When I first tried Jamaican grilled goodness, it was so flavorful that my tastebuds kept craving for it. But alas, that happened overseas and back here in our own little island of Leyte, I had to recreate everything from scratch. It's a good thing that spices abound and ingredients are readily available so I don't have to fly miles out there to get me some sumptuous island grub.


Read on to find out how to make tasty GRILLED JAMAICAN JERK CHICKEN and RIBS plus BBQ right at home!



Jamaican Jerk Chicken & Ribs

Ingredients: 

(For the marinade)
1 big red inion, chopped
10 spring onions, chopped
1 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 garlic cloves, chopped
Ginger, chopped
1 chili pepper, chopped
4 tsp Jamaican pimento or allspice
2 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp thyme
4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp salt
2 tsp brown sugar
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp white vinegar
3 tbsp dark rhum + 2 tbsp water
1/2 cup fresh lime juice

(For the basting sauce)
2 tbsp Jamaican Jerk marinade
1 cup ketchup
3 tbsp soy sauce

1/2 kilo Magnolia Chicken Wings
3/4 kilo Monterey Ribs
1/2 kilo Magnolia Chicken BBQ
sliced pineapples (optional)




Directions:

• Boil dark rhum and water for 3 minutes.

• Using a food processor, combine and mix all the wet and dry ingredients for the marinade including the dark rhum and water we just boiled. The scent can be a strong if you're not used to spices but I assure you everything will smell great afterwards when it's all blended.

• Take 2 tbsp of the Jamaican Jerk marinade and mix it with the ketchup and soy sauce. Set aside.

• Get your Magnolia Chicken Wings and Monterey Ribs and rub the Jamaican Jerk marinade in. Place it in an airtight bag and let it sit at least 4 hours or you can store it in the fridge overnight for more enhanced flavor.

• Now it's the time to pump up the volume of your reggae beats as you preheat an outdoor grill for medium high. Cook the marinated chicken and ribs together with the Magnolia Chicken BBQ slowly and turn it frequently. Make sure to baste it often with the sauce that we made. Cook to desired doneness.

• Grill some sliced pineapples to complete the island vibe! Best served with warm java rice! Enjoy!

Please watch my full YouTube video below on how to make this version of the GRILLED JAMAICAN JERK CHICKEN and RIBS plus BBQ or visit http://youtu.be/KkJzYBDRTa4.


For more easy to follow recipes, check out http://www.mygreatfood.com and "like" their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MyGreatFood.




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This summer heat is no joke and it's important to stay hydrated all the time. Aside from feeling parched, this humid weather makes me rather sleepy and I don't exactly know why. So it's hard for me to say no to a cold coffee drink at the moment.


My work requires me to stay alert because I'm a grammar nazi an editor and I need to stay awake to make sure I spot mistakes and don't miss them. I need all the help I can get it and right now I feel this drink is really sent from up above!

And it's a no-brainer since it's very easy to do and the ingredients aren't hard to find at all. Read on how to make this COFFEE CRUSH SUMMER SHAKE!


 Ingredients:
1 sachet San Mig Coffee Honeycino
1/4 cup Magnolia Chocolait
1 cup shaved or crushed ice
1/2 or 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
chocolate syrup (optional)
Makes 1 serving.

Directions:

• First, you'll need a cup of crushed ice.

• Then take 1/4 cup of Magnolia Chocolait and put it together with the ice on a blender.

• Now open a sachet of San Mig Coffee Honeycino and pour it all in with the others.

• The next one is optional but if you're like me and you have a love affair with sugar, then by all means... add some in. Just don't go overboard. We all know that too much sugar is never good. You can also add chocolate syrup if that's also your deal. All you need is to blend it for a bit and that's basically all there is to it!

Still not sure how it's done? Check out my #mygreatfoodin15seconds video below.


If you're like me and don't want to leave the house or building when the sun is still out, then stock up on Magnolia Chocolait and San Mig Coffee Honeycino and save yourself hundred of bucks from ordering your fix at your favorite coffee shops. Even though the summer season is almost over, it's still scorchin' hot literally here in the Philippines (and will probably continue to be so in the next couple of weeks/months!) so this delicious and refreshing drink is guaranteed to always save the day! And yes, it does take more or less 15 seconds to make if you're in that big of a hurry. For my full video, watch below or visit http://youtu.be/LDL44Ai_eH0.



Try it now! And check out more easy to follow recipes at http://www.mygreatfood.com and "like" their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MyGreatFood.





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A person's smile is their first point of communication, so you want that smile to sparkle!

Not blessed in the dental department had me looking for ways to get my pearly whites to shine bright like a diamond. But first, here's a little history: I never wore braces in my life and I am missing 1 molar on the left side. TMI? I tried retainers before just to get my bottom teeth to move to the front and avoid gapping, but I developed some mouth ulcers so I stopped wearing them in just a few weeks. I did get my teeth filed to make them look straighter, and after my 2008 teeth misfortune with my upper fixed bridge (Read HERE if you care), all that I needed was some teeth whitening.

I did use Colgate Simply White over the years and I had some success with both the original 14-day product and the night time one that promised effects in 7 days. Though it cautioned that it won't alter the color of any false teeth, I kept using it because it was the only thing available around here. I can't remember any mind blowing changes back then aside from the fact that it seemed to whiten my teeth just a little bit. Unfortunately, years later and a truckload of coffee drinks, my teeth became yellowish again. So I figured it's high time I should do something about it. Honestly, I just want to be able to swatch some lipsticks and smile more confidently at the camera. Tee hee.

So what does it take from yellowish teeth to whiten like this?

Wearing Avon Ultra Color lipstick in Berry Berry Nice

Enter CREST 3D WHITE whitestrips. I got these from La Belle Boutiquaire. (Thanks, ladies!) But you can also buy it from Amazon. (Click this LINK to check product + customer reviews!)

Crest 3D White Whitestrips With Advanced Seal Professional Effects Enamel Safe Dental Whitening, 20 count (Pack of 1)

Crest also cautions about its use with false teeth, jackets or crowns, stating that it will only whiten natural teeth. But because I'm such a rule breaker, I still tried it. What have I got to lose? Also it's supposed to be a 20-day treatment, but by DAY 14 or 2 weeks after, I was already very much satisfied with the results so I stopped then because I didn't want to have super pearly white teeth that would look rather FAKE instead.

Whiter teeth after just 14 days! WOOT!

I am very happy with the results and it's a no-brainer to use. All you need is to stick two strips on your upper and lower your teeth for 30 minutes each day. I'm no dentist or teeth expert but obviously these flexible strips are coated with a tooth whitening gel containing peroxide. I can tell by the taste having used the Colgate Simply White before.


The Crest 3D Whitestrips works by removing surface stains and even set-in stains deep within the enamel. It's fairly safe to use according to them. I prefer to use them at night and after tearing them off, I simply just brush my teeth. I use the Colgate Sensitive Whitening toothpaste because my teeth got somewhat sensitive during the treatment period and I brush with my new favorite ultra soft Colgate toothbrush with charcoal bristles.


Here, I'll show you how I use the Crest 3D White Whitestrips. Please watch my video below:


So there you go! What an easy way to whiten your teeth without selling an arm or a leg! Depending on where you buy them, prices range from $35 to $42 (USD). Some stores offer rebates for it, too. Here in the Philippines, there are specialty shops in the malls where imported goods are sold but the easiest way for me is to just order from US personal shoppers and online sellers.

Whiter teeth, brighter smile. :)

How about you, guys? Aside from staying away from coffee, tea, dark sodas, and smoking... how do you keep your teeth white and sparkly? Do let me know in the comments!




DISCLAIMER: This is NOT a sponsored post. I am simply doing this review to show you that the product worked for me and that there is a way to whiten your teeth at home and achieve professional effects as guaranteed by Crest 3D White whitestrips.



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When I dropped by the Avon office a few days ago, a huge poster caught my attention. It was an ad for their newest Over Nature Lipstick line and I couldn't tear my eyes off the damn thing. It was a sight for sore eyes! The packaging of the lippies is so lovely and the price is super affordable, too. I just had to get my hands on them... ON ALL OF THEM! It's like Pokemon all over again... Gotta catch 'em all!


I don't really trust printed or online catalogues when it comes to color so I needed to swatch them myself to see how beautiful the colors truly are and of course, check for the pigmentation. And my goodness, it did not disappoint! Check out my swatches...


And here's a more detailed look into the available 8 colors of Avon's Over Nature Lipsticks.

EXTATIQUE HIBISCUS - a bright pink that reminds me of MAC's infamous Candy Yum Yum. As you can see in their flyer you cannot tell if it's bright at all! In fact, it looked pretty dark. But obviously, it's a vibrant pink that Barbie would kill for.


AFRICAN DAISY - Now this is the color that initially caught my attention when I saw the flyer. I thought it was champagne gold but it's nothing like MAC's Playland. It's more like a light bronze or slightly metallic nude. If you're familiar with L'Oreal's Crayon Grande Lipcolour Pencil in Ginger, then it's more like that but a bit lighter. Imagine wearing it with smokey eyes? That'd be totally hot!


CHERRY BERRY - When I twisted the tube up and saw how dark the lipstick was, I was a bit curious what it would actually look like. Judging from the flyer, I knew it will swatch as dark red and I was right! It's more like a wine red color, so much like my Colour Collection Red Wine with just a little hint of purple in there.


TROPICAL CORAL - When I got Avon's Tangerine Tango, I couldn't get myself to wear it. It doesn't match my skintone for some reason or maybe it's just me developing an aversion to anything owaaange. But giving this shade a chance, I find that it's really pigmented and there's no sign of any glitter/metallic shimmer. Also it's not truly orange per se, but a bright red orange shade. MAC Lady Danger, is that you? I don't believe I've ever owned a lipstick like this, but then again, I just became a beauty junkie last year so what do I know, right? Tee hee.


TENDER TULIP - Now here's yet another shade I'm familiar with over the years but never actually went out wearing it. I do like this slightly desaturated pink shade a lot. But on me... ummm, I have mixed feelings about it. So yeah. this shade is like a lighter version of Maybelline's Make Me Pink.


WILD ROSE - Ahhh, ladies and gentlemen, let me present the perfect red lipstick. At least to me, it is. Step aside, MAC Russian Red. Okay, I know there are so many other brands with reds that are just as perfect, but among all the Avon lipsticks that I own, it doesn't get more perfect than this shade! It's. Really. Red. 'Nuff said.


ORCHID FANTASY - If you follow me on Instagram, you ought to know that I'm still in search for that violet lipstick because I'm having issues with finding the right hue on me and I was a bit sad that this shade wasn't violet enough to my liking. It looked pretty fuschia to me or rather, a strong pink shade or maybe a medium violet red depending on your skintone. But don't get me wrong, because I LOVE IT on me!


PINK LILY - Though I didn't list the colors in any particular order, I'm saving this one for last because it really is my least favorite shade. It's too light a pink for me, although it's really more like a salmon-pink color. I know most people would love to wear this on a daily basis as a casual lipstick and I agree that it really is a good everyday lipstick any way you look at it. But again on me, ummmm, I need some more convincing to make it work.


And if I had to pick my FAB FOUR choices, I'd choose these super pigmented babies:


Regular price of Avon's Over Nature Lipstick is Php 399 but right now it's only Php 259! You save Php 140!!! This offer is only good until the end of the month. Oh and you should know that these lipsticks smell sooo good! I have a thing for sniffing lipsticks before putting them on and the Avon Over Nature lipsticks smell like Tutti-Frutti or some deliciously sweet fruity scent. I feel like biting it! Tee hee.


These lipsticks have a satin finish and not matte as I would have preferred. However, as for the staying power, they last around 4-5 hours on me. When I drank water from a glass, some color transferred but I still had plenty of color and stain left on my lips even after a meal. I also have dry lips but the lipsticks glide ever so smoothly on my lips. Very moisturizing indeed and absolutely no tugging! Hey, I'm not paid to advertise this, okay? THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED POST. But I truly believe that Avon has stepped up their game when it comes to their cosmetics, especially their lipsticks, which is why I am recommending you to pick up one or two of Avon's Over Nature Lipsticks! Hell, just get everything!

And if you do, why not order from me? Tee hee. I am, after all, an Avon Lady now. :) Viber or text +63 919.995.9060 or email me at mymaria@bastaigatsikat.com. For every Avon Over Nature lipstick you get a FREE MAKEUP POUCH!


Hope you find this post helpful. Let me know what you think of these Avon Over Nature Lipsticks in the comments and please visit my blog again for more beauty + skincare reviews. 'Til then!

Eenie, meenie, miny, mo!

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