Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Guest Blogger: Liz at Shui Hilot Healing Spa


Hello Ladies, this is Liz again. I'm guest blogging again, and this time I'm here to feature Shui (Shway) Hilot Healing Spa in Makati Branch.

Dawn gave me 2 coupons for the place which I shared with my mom since she's been really stressed out during this whole month of January because of work. We actually went there twice and both left me with quite different impressions of the place. I'll be giving quite a long narrative on the whole experience just to be fair...

My mom

The first time we went there was on January 14, and since it's the first time I'll be going to Makati commuting and my first time going to Shui (my mom is very frugal and did not want to take a cab), I had to find cheap ways to get to Shui. So I called them from 8 am until 10 am but got no answer. Checked their website and facebook for the time when they open but it was not indicated. So I texted them to tell me what time they open and how to get there from the LRT station thinking I'll get a speedy reply from them, but unfortunately they replied around 11:30 only to tell me that they open at 11 am and last call is 12 mn. So I said, "Ok, could you just tell me directions to get there from LRT Libertad Station. I am going there today." but received no reply. So we went on to Makati, experienced a lot of problems along the way, and then finally made it there. But when we got there, they asked us if we had reservations which of course we did not have. So I said I texted earlier that I'd be coming today and the lady on the counter even commented, "ah, kayo po pala un" then she asked if I got a reply, and I said no. And then there was a long series of negotiations to get a slot for the 3 pm slots since we need to leave by 5 which all ended with us not getting a treatment at all but a reservation for January 23, and pockets empty because of all the fare we paid, and feet sore with all the walking we did.

The second visit went more smoothly, my mom finally agreed to take a cab and we arrived there at 2:45 pm for our 3 pm reservation. We had to wait a while to get served at exactly 3 pm (it was ok though cause there were 2 babies there, and well babies always lighten the mood ^_^). We got the massage package and went home.

SO... on with the review.

The good points...

The treatment itself was really good. We got the TRIPLE COMBO WHOLE BODY with VENTOSA THERAPY AND DAGDAGAY FOOT HILOT THERAPY for ONE HOUR and 30 MINUTES and it left us feeling really light. It was my mom and mine's first time to get ventosa therapy and we loved that the ventosa cups did not leave marks on our back, as what I've seen previously with a classmate of mine who had ventosa done.

I do a lot of walking around (since I walk from school to home and vice versa) and for the past months of November and December, I’ve been wearing heels for almost every occasion and every gimik so my feet felt like they get sore quick, and somehow a bit heavy. The foot hilot therapy felt very relaxing and after the whole thing, my feet felt like they could walk the whole circumference of Legaspi Villlage without any complains.

They also did a whole body massage and that felt great too. I've only been to 3 spas in my whole life, one was in Quezon City (which name I forgot), Ace Water Spa, and this one. What I like about Shui as compared to the massage I got from the one in QC was that they included my lower back in the whole massage. You see my usual "pains" are lower back pains since I slouch and hunch a lot when I study so I really loved it when Mhe-ann (my hilot) included that.


Meh-Ann (my hilot) and me...


With Beth (my mom's hilot), my mom is shy about getting her face in the blog.



The bad points...

I personally did not like the fact that they did not provide such advice on their website or facebook page about what days they are open, what time they open and close, and that it would be better to get a reservation at least 3 days to a week before to ensure that you get serviced. I was seriously pulling the irate customer act because of that so when the receptionist told me that the had the open and close hours in the MetroDeal site where the coupons were purchased, I quickly quipped, "yeah, but my friend just gave me these, it's not as if I bought them." (do understand that day was a really miserable day of travelling for bought me and my mom since I also had exams on Monday and I just sacrificed 1 day of review for my mom to get a massage and unwind). Therefore, Shui Hilot Healing Spa IS NOT a place who can entertain walk-in customers. And be sure to keep all communications with them via text, as short as you can since I sent them quite a lot of texts with follow up questions and they don't answer back. So make sure to get them on the phone if you have a lot of questions to ask and would like to make a reservation.

I also did not like the fact that they text you only after 11 am. I just think that the advantage of SMS communication over the phone line is that you can text them and get a reply quickly and during anytime of the day. It is my opinion that it should be open at least 24 hours for inquiries or if not at least earlier than the actual opening time.

As for the treatment, although the whole treatment left us feeling very light and satisfied, I found it hard to fall asleep quickly when I got home to take a little nap. I kind of consider the post-massage sleepiness as part of the whole treatment and depend my decision to return to the spa on how fast I fell asleep and how I felt after I woke up. So yeah, it took me quite a while to fall asleep, but my body didn't feel sore or super light after the whole nap.

Last points...


Although there were some problems with the whole communication thing, the receptionists were quite accommodating. I previously thought that they did not know how to handle irate customers but now that I think back on it, I think they did the best they could to appease my anger. Anyway after the whole treatment, I understood why they were always fully booked.

Will I be coming back?
Maybe as a reward to myself after a long exam so I get reservations for the place 2 weeks before. But as a random thing, I recommend going to Ace Water Spa or some other nearer 200 peso worth massage (like the one in University Tower which my classmates frequent).

Is it worth the money?
Yeah. But then I got the coupons for free... but I do believe it was worth the cash spent on it

Do I recommend it?
Sure, it's a good birthday gift. The coupons last for at least a year if you buy them from MetroDeal. I'm not really sure how it works but anyway, if you're planning on gifting this to a friend do take note to tell them the following:

1. Shui Hilot Healing Spa is open daily (including holidays) from 11 am, and their last call is 12 mn.
2. They have 3 branches: Makati, Libis-Quezon City, and Puerto Princesa Palawan.
3. Make reservations early as they only have a limited number of hilots. At the Makati branch, they serve a maximum of 8 customers per session.
4. They also do home service metro manila wide (their last call for this is 9 pm)

Visit their website (http://www.shuihilotspa.com) for branch address, contact numbers, and services.




Cheers,
LIZ

Monday, January 30, 2012

FOTD: Red and Gold

 Hey beauties!

I know I just recently posted an FOTD but I just can't wait to try out this look I found by fellow blogger, Chriselle. I saw this makeup tutorial she did entitled, Red and Gold Makeup Tutorial Video and I watched it and was inspired to try out the look!

What I liked about the makeup look Chrissy did is that she used strong colors both in the eyeshadow and the lips but still managed to make it look wearable and not too over-the-top (I wore the look while I went to school to get endorsed for my thesis defense... haha!).
Here's what I looked like earlier:

 Pretty? :P
Anyway, here's her video on how to do the look:
I really like how Chriselle did her video tutorial. The phasing was just right -- not too slow (I usually forward the video when I watch some makeup tutorials... Sometimes it gets so draggy kasi.) and not too fast that I had to pause it just to read the entire captions. She showed how she applied and blended the makeup and also the brushes and products she used.

*So Chriselle, TWO THUMBS UP to you! I honestly love what you did in this vid! Keep it up! :)

 MAKEUP USED:


 FACE

Etude House Dr. Oil Solution Anti-Shine Dual Primer
Guerlain Parure Pearly White Fluid Foundation in 03
In2it Oil Control 2-way foundation in warm beige
Dollface Cosmetics Concealer Palette
E.L.F. Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter
EYES

 Urban Decay Primer Potion
Etude House Drawing Eye Brow in Brown 
Etude House Color My Brows in 3
Dollface Cosmetics 88 pcs Eye Shadow Palette
Ever Bilena Black Dip Liner
Ever Bilena Advance Glitter Eyeliner in Gold Rush
Nichido Gorgeous Eye Pencil in 24k
Shu Eumura Eye Lash Curler
Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara

CHEEKS

Pop Beauty Cheeky Cake in Beach Beauti
 Fashion 21 Blush in No. 4

 LIPS

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo
 Ever Bilena Advance Glitter Eyeshadow in Luscious Pink

 *Yes, I added eyeshadow on my lips to add gold shimmer. Haha! I like the effect!

 So here are more pictures of yours truly sporting the look, Red and Gold.

 Forgive me for the picture heavy post. I had fun taking pictures of myself earlier. I really thought I looked so pretty! HAHAHA. Vain much?
Anyway, I made the pictures small so hopefully you can forgive my vain-ness. :))


 Lot's of ♥LOVE♥ for this look!
 Thank you so much, Chrissy, for sharing it! ♥

If you're interested to do the look as well,
check out Chrissy's post for more details on what products she used on the video and other tips as well. 
Check out her new blog too, Chriselle Sy Makeup Artistry, for more beauty-related posts!




 Cheers,
DAWN


Sunday, January 29, 2012

My NYX Black Label Lipsticks

Hey everyone!

NYX lippies have been very popular these days.
I've seen quite a number of blogs featuring them and really loving them.
Even my sister and I are in-love with NYX lippies. It started with their soft matte lip creams, then to the round lipsticks and now I will be sharing with you our mini collection of black label lipsticks from NYX.


Why do we love these lipsticks?

They are pigmented. We really love lipsticks that have bold colors. That when you apply it, you get the color you want in one or two strokes of the product.
These lippies don't make our lips dry or chappy. We sometimes just apply it while at home as a lip balm. It just works for us! Haha!
We also love that these lipsticks are affordable. They deliver the quality we like and we only have to pay less compared to some brands. Only downside is that they aren't sold in local malls. All purchases are made online.
The scent of the lipsticks are soooo good! It's sort of a fruity smell. We just love it!
Plus, the packaging is so elegant! :)

So here are our little collection of the NYX Black Label Lipsticks.
We own 6 of them for now:
Diva
Dusty Rose
Midnight Dinner
Hot Pink
Cherry
Brick

I've provided some pictures of swatches just for you!

on skin
on paper

Diva is probably my favorite. Very neutral. Looks good in most of my makeup looks especially with smokey eyes.

Desert Rose is slightly darker than Diva. Nude-Pink tone that's also good with smokey eyes!

I love using Midnight DInner when I do simple looks. Great for everyday makeup!

Hot Pink is like the Black Label Lipstick version of Addis Ababa from the Soft Matte Lip Cream line.

Very red, hot, Cherry red. Makes your lips looking sexy. Rawr!

Brick has a peach-orange tone. Great to have in the collection considering 2012's color is Tangerine Tango! :D


So that's about it.
I'm looking forward on getting more. I would like to get my hands on Orchid.
And if you're wondering where we purchased these, its from Digital Traincase
while some were from Girl talk.


Have you tried NYX Black Label Lipsticks?
What do you think of them?
Do you like them as much as we do?


*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I am not affiliated with the brand mentioned in this review. All items here are purchased by me.


Cheers,
DAWN

Saturday, January 28, 2012

NOTD: Lilac Pearl

 Hey lovelies!

Recently, I've been having problems with my posts not showing in the blog rolls both in other bloggers' and mine. The last one that I can see was my post regarding an EOTD and the next 3 posts aren't showing up! Really made me sad that no one was commenting at any of my posts... except about the giveaway. :(

I just hope that it's all fixed...
Anyhoooo... I would like to share an NOTD.
I've been looking for a pearlish nail polish that is either purplish or pinkish that would look great on my nails! Because usually, they make my nails look dead. 
But not anymore! I finally found one!!!

 It's a nail polish from San San called Lilac Pearl!

It's light and pearly but the purplish shine still makes my nails look healthy!
I'm sooo loving it! :D

 And just yesterday, I bought some falsies...

 1 set from E.L.F. Cosmetics worth Php129.75 and 2 from Shawill worth Php59.00.
I thought of practicing putting falsies for my future creative looks I've been planning to do with my friends. :D 
Super looking forward to that day! I have lots of looks in-store for my friends and to you lovely readers! Hope you check it out when I blog about it soon!




Cheers,
DAWN

Friday, January 27, 2012

Review: Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner

I love doing eye makeup the most! 
I pour all my creative juices on the eye makeup during the whole makeup process.
Although great pigmented eye shadows are a must in creative makeup looks, having a really good eyeliner to define the eyes plays a very important part!

I have quite a number of eyeliners. Most people just buy black or brown... but not me! I like having them in different colors.

Right now I'm fond with this color from Majolica Majorca:

It's the Majolica Majorca Perfect Automatic Liner in GD802. It's like a dark golden olive green color. Weighs 1.3 ml and is around Php700.00.
The packaging is really, really, REALLY CUTE! I am a huge fan of Majolica Majorca's packaging!

So what does the product say?

The evolution of Liquid Eyeliner!
Eyes are emphasized and appearance of eyes

The secret to its evolution is the bold base and subtle pearlescent colors.
7 different shades change the appearance to transform your eyes. A precise line every time without fading of smudging. Striking!


The bottom line is the swatch - applied in one stroke. The line above is when rubbed several times.
It's shimmery and does have a pearly shine adding dimension to your eyes.

The brush is very soft and very easy to control. I like how it glides easily on my eyes.

This is a liquid eyeliner. It's automatic meaning you only need to turn it to get the product to it's brush. When you turn it, you'll hear a clicking sound. 
Only 1 to 2 clicks are needed to get the product to the tip of the brush! 
We don't want this to happen:

It's a waste of a beautiful thing!!

Anyway, 2 clicks would be the most as I see it. It's already enough to line both my eyes (provided that I am only doing a simple look). ;)

Here's what it look like when I apply it above my upper lash line.

The product didn't smudge on my oily lids which is what I'm very happy with! It didn't flake as well! It stayed on for the whole day!
And when you apply it, it dries quick enough that you don't have to wait a few minutes to open your eyes so that it won't stick on you lids.
The product is easy to take off as well. No more rigorous rubbing of the eye lids!

So to sum it all up!

What do I like about it:

  • The color is bold and unique
  • Doesn't smudge
  • Doesn't flake
  • Cute packaging
  • The brush is easy to manipulate
  • Long-lasting
  • Comes in 7 different shades
  • Easy to remove

What I don't like about it:

  • The price is too much for a student like me. :P

I really like this product. I wish I have the budget to get all the 7 shades.
Have you tried this product yet? What are your thoughts on this?



*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I am not affiliated with the brand mentioned in this review. All items here are purchased by me.


Cheers,
DAWN

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Of Fake Chinky Eyes and Full Red Lips and My New Journal

 Good day, Ladies!

As promised, I made an FOTD about how I wore my Chinita EOTD with red lips.
If you haven't seen the post yet, it's about lining your eyes in a way that it would look elongated and less round.

 This picture was taken early in the morning before school which started at 7am.
Still sleepy.


 Makeup Used:

Etude House Dr. Oil Solution Anti-Shine Dual Primer
 Guerlain Parure Pearly White Fluid Foundation in 03
In2it Oil Control 2-way foundation in warm beige
 Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer
Etude House Drawing Eye Brow in Brown 
Etude House Color My Brows in 3
Urban Decay Book of Shadows III UDNYC
Ever Bilena Eye Liner Pencil in Brown
Ever Bilena Liquid Eyeliner in Black 
Shu Uemura Lash Curler
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Wine With Everything
Pop Beauty Cheeky Cake in Beach Beauti
 
 
I do love what makeup can do to my face. At least it makes me feel that I still look human. I do look like a walking zombie without it.

That's what my eyes look like now without the makeup!! Those dark circles and those puffy eye bags... and look at those red veins showing all over the white areas of my eyes! EEEK!

I've been so stressed with all the things I do for my thesis. I barely have sleep, my eyes are all red  and my body is always sore. Not to mention the large amount of money I've spent getting my illustrated book printed, getting my collaterals made so I have my prototypes and also getting my ads printed as well.

 To get some stress off, I bought a cute sketch pad. 
Drawing is my passion. It makes me feel relaxed when I have the chance to pour my creativity on a paper. ♥

 I also personalized it. It was only a big pink sketch book when I bought it. I was fine with it at first but I was annoyed because it tends to get dirty quickly. So I covered it with cute flower patterned paper! :P

And for my first sketch -- a self portrait! Haha! 
Still vain as always!
I also put some quotations that I find helpful to myself during the time I was doing a sketch.
And it just made me realize that I should make that sketchpad a 'visual' journal. I sketch and put certain words or sayings that mean a lot to me. 
I've already done another sketch and it's regarding my thesis. Can't post it yet though. I haven't uploaded anything about my thesis just yet!



Cheers,
DAWN