*My Top Fro-yo Pick: Green Tea Frozen Yogurt with Red Bean, Mochi Balls and Mango Toppings!*

I’ve been craving for a cupful of frozen yogurt almost everyday for the past couple of weeks. Damn, I’ve been hit hard by the fro-yo hoopla! And, when it comes to fro-yos, there’s only one place to be: Red Mango.

Originally from US, Red Mango has spread its wings to the east, giving us original non-fat frozen yogurt that’s irresistibly delicious and undeniably delicious! Delicious, coz it certainly is. I so love the cold tangy taste that’s never over-the-top, unlike other yogurts. Nutritious, simply because it’s packed with live probiotics that aids in digestion.

I regularly visit Red Mango Branch in Eastwood Mall, and it never fails to be crowded with yuppies and kiddos alike, digging their own personalized fro-yos.

Currently, there are two available fro-yo flavors: original and green tea. There are a LOT of toppings to choose from: from fresh fruits to cereals. Chocoholics can opt for chocolate chip and choco syrup toppings. Well, I’m talking about myself, since my first order was actually something like that with additional muesli toppings. I usually get the medium size for Php 115, with 3 toppings at max for an additional Php 40. You can also check this post for more info.

*Super duper yummy Banana Almond Waffle To-Go! (Sry for the melted Whipped Cream in the Pic)*

If you’re not much of a fro-yo fan, you can still get their smoothies and iced teas available. Also, try their decadent waffles that are oh-so-luscious and scrumptious! My top pick is banana almond waffle that looks as mouth-watering as it tastes.

Right now, I’m heaped with beauty topic ideas to blog on. One product I dearly remember is this wash-off mask from Skinfood.

Skinfood, a Korean beauty product brand, has been making raves here in the Philippines. The Skinfood BB Cream was the first blemish balm cream available in the Philippines, as far as I’m concerned. As soon as I got ahold of one, I also tried using product samples included in my purchase.

One of which was the Skinfood Black Sugar Mask. It’s an exfoliating wash-off scrub-slash-mask that leaves skin clean and revitalized. It has this sugar bits that thoroughly sloughs off oil and grime from the skin, whilst its self-heating properties allow pores to open and allow the mask’s vitamins and minerals to be absorbed by the skin.

Using it is quite simple. After cleansing, gently scrub onto the skin; let it sit for about 10-15 minutes; and finally, wash it off with lukewarm water. Avoid over-scrubbing as the sugar/salt bits may abrade your skin, causing irritation and more skin damage. And, when I say “gentle”, I mean slowly and carefully scrubbing your skin. On the other hand, I will not recommend this product to those with sensitive skin types.

Likes

I love the exfoliating properties of Skinfood Black Sugar Mask. You can actually feel it scrubbing against your skin, and it really leaves a smooth and polished texture afterwards. I also did not experience any itching or discomfort while letting the product sit in for about 10 minutes [as a mask]. Lastly, it’s really easy to rinse off and leaves the skin squeaky clean without over-drying it. It does not leave a slippery, soap-like feel, unlike other wash-off masks.

Dislikes

The only thing I dislike about this product is the smell. It’s disturbing, IMHO. It really has a medicated scent.

Skinfood Black Sugar Mask is best used occasionally. I don’t see using it regularly, lest it may irritate my skin in the long run due to its not-so-fine sugar scrub particles. I can use it a night before a special occasion, as it delivers instant results–such as a well-polished, glowing look.

In the meantime, check some of the newest anti-aging arsenals and how to get a timeless, youthful look.

On the other hand, I did post on my vanity blog. Feel free to check ‘em out.

Just Launched: L’Oreal Derma Genesis Serum Concentrate

Get a dirt-free skin with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Trying out Smashbox the first time gave me no regrets. I consider this brand at par with MAC, albeit the latter has more variety and is brimming with different collections from time to time. I’m religiously using its anti-shine to keep my face from being an oil mine (which usually happens). I’ve tried its mascaras and some of its eye shadows.

Smashbox came out with its TRY ME kit which consists of their most-loved signature items in portable trial sizes. This is so perfect for those who want to try Smashbox products the first time sans shelling out $$$! The set comes with a free instructional DVD packed with tips and tricks from Smashbox makeup artists.

This is something I’m so wanna snag this autumn/fall season. Oh well, here comes another brand addiction!

The Smashbox Try Me Kit includes:
Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
Brow Tech and Cream Eye Liner Palette
Double-ended Eye Liner & Brow Brush #9 and #12
Lip Enhancing Gloss in Crystal

I snagged this Agent Provocateur beauty treat months ago, and I couldn’t get enough raving for its lip balm.

Agent Provocateur, like La Perla, is very famous for its posh line of lingeries. So posh, that a set will cost you a leg! Aside from their sultry line of intimate apparel comes a sensuous line of bath & body and beauty products. One of which that captivates me is the Agent Provocateur Titillation Set which composed of a lip balm and, ugh, a nipple balm.

Well yeah, I suppose you’re now thinking the likes of Marilyn Monroe or Dita Von Teese by the sound of it.

Though this costs a little over a thousand pesos, it didn’t stop me from snagging a cheap deal on eBay. This originally costs more than 50 bucks, but I only spent half of it (IMO). I’m so engrossed at its uber-posh packaging, complete with a cutesy mirror built in it (lid). The lip balm is one of my favorites, next to Kiehl’s. It’s one of the yummiest lippie ever! It has this aromatic, refreshing scent (like that of cherries) and leaves a cool minty feel when applied. Unfortunately, I haven’t tried the nipple balm yet because I think it has no great use for me (LOL) and I don’t really kinda need it, y’know.

Anyways, I got this featured in Vanity Vibe, so feel free to check the post for more insights about this product.

I am almost “all-things pink,” except that I happen to love black, white and brown as well.

Last week (Saturday), best bud Sophie and I finally met. Like finally, coz I haven’t given to her my Christmas present which has been stuck here in the office for ages. Well, in return, she gave me this gorgeous 7-piece travel size brush set–handles are tinged in pink!

*Here’s how the posh black brush casing looks like. Classic!*

*Casing Opened.*

*Ta-da! This shouts for more pink stuff and makeup moments*

Grab this Charm Holiday Brush Set by visiting Beauty and Minerals store, owned by Sophie and her biz confidante, Christine.

Whenever I feel too lazy to blog, I’d use Twitter instead to fulfill my dire need desire of thinking things out loud by saying it online. Unlike the former, it doesn’t require a lengthy, often verbose post to prove my point. Just a simple, concise statement will do the trick.

I know, I know I’m too late for this thing. It’s been a hoopla for months already, but it’s only now that I enjoy doing it. At first, I didn’t get the point of creating such account and posting random blabbers anytime I wish. But then, in some weird way, I began to enjoy it. And, I’m still enjoying posting succinct silly thoughts every now and then. Mwuahaha!

Gingerbread Boys and Tall Hot Lattes.

If there’s something to hanker for this season, it’s gotta be a cupful of relishing Toffee Nut Latte or Caramel Macchiato. Pair it up with Gingerbread cookies, such as these cutesy Gingerbread boys, and nibble them all the way! Yumm…

And, uhm, this is the Place To Be…

Makeup and All Things Scented.

I promise myself not to splurge on makeup, but due to this rare occasion (MAC Sale), I kinda prodded myself to grab not just one, but ten items. I got 2 shadesticks, 1 lip liner, 1 e/s primer, 2 lipglasses, 1 lusterglass, 2 e/s and 1 lipgelee. Other items aren’t shown because I gave them already as presents to my friends.

I also managed to get some cheaper stuff from Fashion 21. Didn’t like the Smoke e/s liner though, ‘coz it’s too messy and doesn’t dry up fast. But, I wonder why the Lilac one has a different consistency and finish? Hmmm…

And oh, I just gotta lurve this Acacia Honey Soap from L’occitane! It smells so sweet, I just can’t get enough of it! This makes me wanna drop by to the nearest L’occitane stall later. Ha-ha, reminds me of Crabtree and Evelyn, though it’s a wee bit cheaper. I love sweet scented stuff. I was a Lush fan before, but now I find them too overpowering. So I guess, my new craving will be just fine…but at the back of mind, I still wanna get some Lush stuff. Stubborn me!

Smiles and Pa-cute Moments.

Enough Pa-cute Proof?

This may sound ridiculous, but I can really feel Christmas in the air. MAC Cosmetics is on sale?!

Yes, I’m not kidding. I think they do this once in a blue moon. Some of their items, such as lip glasses, eyeshadows, lipliners, eyeliners, shadesticks, primers, foundies, concealers, fluidlines, etc, are at 50% off.

And to share my deepest insanity to all of you, I think I got at least 10 items.

The sale is until, ehem, today only–Christmas eve.

I’m super sorry for posting this as of late. But heck, time’s running out. So, go barge in your nearest MAC counter right now.

So I don’t mean that it’s literally sugar from the sugar cane. I actually got myself a Sugar Cosmetics palette for only 17 bucks (shipping and handling included). You can get this cutesy kaleidoscope palette in Sephora for $24.

This whimsicle book contains a bevy of sweet shadows and glorious glosses to keep you glistening, day and night.

Palette includes glosses in opal, pale pink shimmer, sheer nude shimmer, peachy-pink, and sheer rose; shadows in pink shimmer, purple with gold glitter, gold with gold glitter, silver with silver glitter, and black with multi glitter; plus a lip brush and a double-ended shadow brush/sponge applicator.-Sephora.com

Yay, I’m so excited! This is a great alternative for my MAC lust. It’s a wayy cheaper and almost everything comes with it. I have no idea about the quality and staying power, but, if it’s from Sephora, it surely has some oomph to offer. Plus, Sugar Cosmetics is the one of the cutest, along with Too Faced, BeneFit, Hard Candy and Urban Decay brands. Oh god, speaking of BeneFit, I think I’ll be getting another boxful of BeneFit Dandelion soon (one of the best pink blushes, the other one’s NARS in Orgasm).

Click here for more Sugar Cosmetics treats!

Gawd, if someone’s gotta give me a MAC Holiday palette, I’m sooooo gonna swoon over to that person. LOL.

Greenmeadows Bazaarnival Presents:
Grand Mineral Makeup Weekend
(Free Entrance, Open to Public)

When: November 24-25, 2007 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Where: Greenmeadows Clubhouse (inside Greenmeadows Bazaar)

Experience healthy and skin-friendly makeup, and feel the difference!
Bringing the sensation from the US, we are launching the concept of
mineral makeup here in the Philippines. This marks a first as all the
mineral makeup brand vendors in the Philippines come together in one
venue to celebrate mineral makeup and create more awareness about it
to the market. Six brands would be joining, and as a treat, free samples
will be given away, as well as free makeovers and skin consultations.

Moreover, talks will be held by skin specialists, makeup artists, and
MMU brand owners as they showcase their strengths and advantages,
and show us how to create simple yet stunning day and night looks.

Beauty and Minerals Plug