Empties: June 2015

Saying my adieu to July also meant saying goodbye to these products - loved and used up to the last drop! <read in a sexy  savvy cheapskate voice - if there is any>

Johnson's Baby Powder (in classic white) - There's a lot of Johnson's Baby product on this month's empties just because we tend to open up a new bottle when we can't seem to find the tiny little bottle.

Ladies, say hi to my littlest Jerson.

High Desert Bee Propolis - this is one of the reasons I regain my strength and mobility sooner than expected after my emergency cesarean section. It helped on healing the wounds inside. Though I'm not fully healed, some of my ladies are in awe that my 3-week old newborn and incision had been able to travel to Batangas - to get sunshine! More of this here.

Dave on his Halo Sleepsack!

Harvey Fresh Juice (Apple and Orange Juice) - I just had to share this here because we are absolutely in thirst for this. Not so sweet, and a healthier alternative than soda. Pass the Harvey please.

Cure Natural Aqua Gel - Last sachet before finally opening up my bottle! Thanks Ms. Nikki of AskMeWhats for these!

Dynapharm Goat's Milk - this is a yummy way to eat calcium, if you're bored in drinking cow's milk.

Kojic San Skin Lightening Soap - contains high-grade all-natural kojic acid that helps in preventing melanin production, making skin lighter, clearer and brighter. This effectively helps in reducing dark spots, drying out acne, lightening stretch marks.

Johnson's Baby Cologne in Mild Dew - that reminds me of my elementary days. Thanks to my mom!

Avon Naturals Kids Body Wash and Bubble bath in Magnificent Mango - I love the smell. Perfect for summer! I would definitely get this again because I love smelling my little boy's hair when he's asleep.

Milky Aquafresh Milk Teeth Toothpaste with fluoride protection - has 1000ppm of fluoride. This is a gentle fluoride toothpaste for 0-3years old. Just a dot on the tip of the brush is enough to clean baby's teeth. Adult supervision is a must to avoid intake of this toothpaste.

Johnson's Baby Bedtime Powder in purple (lavender scent) and classic white - these are local residents of our baby's bag!

Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner - 1song = hair soaked in conditioner ^__~

Empties: September 2014 - January 2015

Avon SSS - with babassu oil that firms and restores skin's vitality. I still prefer the SSS with argan oil but nevertheless, the smell is quite soothing and I just put this lotion on areas that needed firming while

Avon Lotion hand and body lotion - is what I use to slather all over after bath or whenever I'm feeling dry patch somewhere like on my elbows and knees. This is perfect for everyday use especially when I'm going out and about, running errands, site inspections and whatnot as it didn't feel heavy on skin. What I only noticed is that you just have to reapply it every now and then so you better have a travel size on your pouch just in case.

Avon Natural Kids Wacky Watermelon Shampoo and Conditioner - reminds me of beaches, sands and summer. Refreshing, cooling even, but I still prefer the apple or strawberry scent because of the lingering sweetness.

Sunsilk Smooth and Manageable - haven't I told you guys how it smells insanely good!?

Pantene Total Damage Care Conditioner - perfect for frizzed fried hair like mine. It also helps prevent split ends.

Ever Bilena BB Cream in Oriental - the local brand I use on ordinary days. Good coverage and when set with HD compact powder, foundation could last the whole day especially when you're stuck on an airconditioned room.

Glyderm Stretch Mark Cream - cheaper alternative than derma procedure. The catch is, effectiveness is based on how early you use it. The younger the stretch mark, the better it will work against it. And oh, do not scratch. I repeat do not scratch! :)

Yves Rocher Pure System Daily Exfoliating Cleanser - used this twice or thrice week. Get rid of dead skin cells including deep-seated dirt and dried pimple scars and traces of makeup. It doesn't dry me out and it feels like my skin is ready for serums and essences. Yum!

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cleanser - I usually use this at night after removing makeup. Removes dirt that makeup remover didn't get and effectively cleans skin without feeling dry and itchy.

Celeteque Sun Care - SPF 30. Doesn't leave white streak if blended well on naked skin. This sun screen before moisturizer, the face is now ready for foundation.

Empties: April to June 2014

My empties could have been a monthly post as intended but life got me busy it made my bag unorganized and empties unposted.

Bag, schedule, life. One word. Mess.And I like it!  #optimist #bringiton All Inclusive by Judy Astley will keep me company.

Of course, I wanna get on track and move on, cleaning my vanity by emptying products that lives there like forever is a good detoxifying habit! :)

Taya Beauty Amazon White Clay Thickening Conditioner - more of this here.

Pond's Anti-Bacterial Facial Scrub with Herbal Clay - I love the smell and it's refreshing after wash feel. Does the job well too.

Block & White Natural Pearl - that I used as a hand cream. It has UV protection and whitens skin at the same time.

Splash Hair Polish Hairdressing cream - finally, I'm ready to get my hands on my other

Taya Beauty goodies.

Anew Vitalizing Cream - again. It did break me out so I just used this as a makeup remover mostly. The sale tag kept me buying this, I always give in! Temptation, temptation! lol

L'Oreal Youth Code - Alas! This is a bittersweet goodbye. Why empty out on me? Why now that I'm used on using your dropper? (I tilt the jar as I'm typing this, hoping to get the last juicy drop! I did! And oh it smells a-mazing still!) Well, maybe because it done its part. I think I'll be saying hi to another bottle of Youth Code AFTER I finish all of my serums in my stash.

Ever Bilena BB Cream in Oriental shade - I used my Too Cool for School BB Cream as highlight with this as contour. Great match! But I think it would be awhile if ever I decided to try this out again. I'm now on my first bottle of Revlon Colorstay liquid foundation in 360 Golden Caramel which I cannot see on Revlon's kiosk at SM Aura! Boo! [but not really, if you know what I mean? ;) ]

Johnson's Baby Lotion in Milk - do I have to say more?

Johnson's Baby Lotion in Pink - classic.

Myra-E Shine-Free Face Powder in Light - Packed with Vitamin E with SPF 15 and hypoallergenic!

ELF Two-Way Cake Foundation - has SPF 15 but seriously, the packaging needs an upgrade it looks cheaper than other cheaper local two-way cake foundation out there!

Slimmers World Gentaflou cream - perfect for just got burned facial warts and zits. :)

Maybelline Hypercurl Volume Express Waterproof Mascara - 2nd tube. I think I'll skip using mascaras for now, since I'm using Lavish Lashes for the second time around. I decided to give this a try again despite of my not-so-good first time try. Talk about SECOND CHANCES! Ha! (If we are as close as lovers are, you'll laugh so hard you could skip your crunches!)

Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash - this is one in my list of snatch-from-the-cradle products! Sorry Clyde! :P

Yves Rocher UVBeauty Shield - SPF50, PA++, lightweight. Does the job like a Mafia boss.

Celeteque Tri-Benefit Power Cream - first off, thank you so much BDJ Box and BDJ Power Planner for these cute samples. Now on my last sample tub and ready to buy the regular size. (Looking for my BDJ Lifestyle card! :P)

Hygienix Hand Sanitizer - this is a bag resident. Keeps you your hand clean. Door knob clean. Toilet bowl clean. Just clean. and smells wonderful too.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Scar Serum - I use this on my pregnancy tiger stripes and heart surgery scar. It does lightens the area and tightens the skin as well. It also reminds me of Willy Wonka and his Chocolate Factory.

That's it! Let's wish more products to go so that more will come! Haha! Love all, trust a few and do bad to no one because you sure will reap what you sow!

P.S. Karma will get you where it hurts the most. ;)

Empties February 2014

It's been awhile since February bid goodbye... and today I say my farewell and maybe see you soon, to some of my February 2014 empties!

Astringosol Gum Care - for swollen gums, bleeding gums and gingivitis. No alcohol, no sting, just fresh breath and healthier gums! Will definitely buy this again!

Johnsons Baby Powder - cooling effect perfect for summer. I think I'm gonna go and buy myself a big one!

1721 Hair Extension Detangler Spray - the longevity secret of my long hair extensions. ;) Will. Buy. ASAP.

Avon Anew - I did break out on this one, but my neck is happy with it.

Pharex Vitamin E - why buy expensive vitamin E if you could buy generic vitamins with the same benefits. Be wiser, get smoother skin and happy pocket! Happy to have cheaper vitamin E available out there. ;)

BioEFA - another 4life product favorite. Fishoil, glycerin and flax. All for the women! Happy women's month everyone! :)

Zen Zest Hand and Body Lotion in Melon - the perfect moisturizing lotion this hot summer! No oily feel, easily absorbed and best applied on still we're skin. ;)

Pantene Pro V Miracle Water - best hair mist in travel buddy.

Pantene Pro V Hair Conditioner - softer hair ain't for special occasions only, now its possible to have shiny hair everyday!

P.S. Check my Pantene Pro V hair here.

Empties January 2014

Hello February! :) Oh my... how time flies. It passes like a breeze and with a blink of an eye we are now at the end of January. End means goodbye forever when it comes to these products – let’s see who will make it to my mommy-baby things to buy list!

Taya Beauty Amazon White Clay Thickening Shampoo – this is so good to my thin hair unfortunately this will not make it to my next things to buy because I just happen to win this on one of the many Fabzilla.com international giveaways! BTW, check out her blog if you are into beauty in a huge-zilla way!

Cycles Sensitive Baby Head-to-Toe Wash – so gentle yet so effective on making my baby feeling fresh and clean without compromising his soft sensitive skin! ;)

Pantene Pro-V Conditioner – first off, thank you so much Belle de jour power planner for giving this for free. It did conditioned my better than my regular conditioner - it's 80% more anyway - totally repair my damaged hair. My hair is now softer and tangle-free! And... I love the nozzle! lol

Nivea Extra White Repair - is a pore minimiser foam that whitens and cleans face while removing 10 makeup residues including oil, powder, foundation, blush, eyeshadow, silicon, eyeliner, coloring, moisturizer residue and sunscreen residue for a squeeky clean face! Smells good and refreshing too!

Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash - I'm actually torned between getting a full size of this face and body wash or the bath bubbles! :P Shiny green liquid smells good and keeps baby clean and fresh. I use a pea-size for his hair and a coin size for his body. :) Lathers quickly too!

Ph Care - I tried the sample pack wherein you get to try all the scents in small bottles, and so far I'm enjoying the green one. This one is a little subtle more my liking, but never the less, feels clean and comfortable down there. Shh! :P

Goodbye January! Hello February!

Empties December 2013

It's late and I don't care, I love my December empties to bits I'll probably scrape off the last bits of these right after I slash off its top edge from its body.

Missha Real Moist 24 Hand Cream in Manuka Honey - long-lasting moisturizing effect derived from nature

Baies Sucrees Sweet Berries Handcream

2 tiny bottles of Nichido False Lashes Glue and E.L.F. Black Pen Liner

Johnson Baby Powder in Milk and Off Lotion for Kids :)

Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy Energizing Facial Foam and Quick FX No-Shine Mattifier

last but not the least, CreamSilk Hair Conditioner for Hair Fall

That's it! Sorry for being MIA, a wedding, a dance and an infant is keeping my arms, hands and mind full. ;)

Empties November 2013

I have more than one product on today's empties that I call second stash - which means some of these, well, you practically seen on my previous empties. I use to stock up on things especially when it's on sale, so, yeah...

Maybelline Pressed Powder in honey, Nivea Angel Star in small, Careline liquid concealer

Avon Skin So Soft with argan oil essence and Physiogel Intensive Cream that I literally murdered just so I could scoop out the stubborn goodness around it inside

United Homes Calcium tablets and 4 life Transfer Factor Plus

That's it for now. I'm quite busy again trying stuff all at the same time again. I know, I'm really trying my best to stop myself from buying things I don't need, but this time, I know I need it. So yeah. See you on my next Empties. ;)

Empties October 2013

Hello November aka birth month! As I prepare myself to embrace my soon to be 26years of existence I am balancing work, baby and home. Including to home duties are my bids of adieu to my October empties to make way for new and exciting products to try such as Yves Roches, Clinique, Kiehls and many more! Now, who made it to my October 2013 list?

Human Heart Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil - all about the oh-so-good sunflower, click here.

Hype Body Spray in Vamp - Nostalgic, this body spray reminds me of my college days. Walking on Harisson Road late at night because our chemistry class ends at 9pm. Running up and down the streets of Hillside early morning while avoiding dogs on the loose, catching my breath and wishful thinking for a waiting jeep so I wouldn't have to wait an extra 15minutes or so, or else it would mean being late on my Surveying class, which means I either have to look for my group on Burnham Park or enter the back door and sneak my way to a vacant seat without noticing which is better than to completely diss my class and hope, that no pop quiz or the field experiment is not yet through or else I'm dead. This reminds me of picnic square's stone table with chessboards and rough seats, Athletic Bowls dirt paths, of my walks with friends on the busy and noisy session road while licking selecta ice cream while discussing our frustrations either on our demanding instructors and the formulas we have to sing and dance to the finale. This scent reminds me of governor pack road and its street food which means merienda for some and lunch for other students, of Maharlika's single escalator (which is the oldest escalator in Baguio, btw), of Abanao Square, SM Baguio's Shakeys nights and most of all, this reminds me of monthsarry dates with my boyfriend-then husband-and-father-of-my-child-now.

Physiogel Intensive Cream - read about my self-made-and-impose challenge and result here.

Splash Control Hair Polish Hairdressing Cream - not that bad, I just wish it smelled a little better - I mean smelled good.

SpectraBan - wicked SPF60 here.

Sweet Honesty Body Talc Powder - feminine, mild, classic.

Body Recipe Skin Lightening Hand and Body Lotion in Papaya - thanks to the peachy pink sisters for letting me try this yummy lotion, here.

Etude House Oh M'Eye Lash in curling and clean - all about this Korean mascara here.

That's it. See you on my November empties. I am happy to say I'm half way through some of my old stocks here in my vanity. Empties posts is a breather, I tell you, especially if you don't have that much of space to put things you love to hoard! ;)

Empties August 2013

Gahhh! i fully wrote this post for three times now and I always accidentally delete everything for some reason and it all went gone! I wanna punch a Janet Napoles and skin her bebe gerr alive anytime today! Now, if only she wasn't that sick?! Again, for the fourth time (Good thing this "Empties" is somewhat a let-go unwind post therapy...) here are my empties for the month of August 2013!

Last month's empties was a success! I'm so proud of myself I patted me on the back and said "thumbs up for good riddance!"

This month's empties was humongous! I'm so proud of myself I need to pat myself on the back and say "two thumbs up for good riddance! Great hobby it should be a habit!" - I was thinking of doing my empties on a monthly basis as I initially attached the month and year on my previous empties... to (1) encourage myself to consume everything I have on my vanity - so I (2) could finally say something about that something since I could have said something about it when it was still quite new - say half of it was still full but due to a hundred reasons and excuses, last drops was consumed and am still mum about it... until now! :) - hence (3) will be aware that I don't need to buy "that thing that will go perfectly with ..." "that new brand of .../line of... "and "this thing that will match, complete, complement, blah blah blah yadah yadah yadah..." since I still have some things (similar) to finish up first and lastly, I believe having my monthly "empties" is a way to personally somehow (4) cure impulse shopping and hoarding (5) avoid "things i regret buying" and (6) future resentments like credit card limit charges! #ehem All this (7) while creating a list of "holy grail products" in my head. :)

So anyways, empties included here are a mixture of our family's recent favorite products and new random finds... Starting from upper left clockwise...

Avon Naturals Whitening Face Lotion -  in rose and rose-hips. I had nothing much to say to this product except that I'd used this as my makeup remover and moisturizer wrapped in one bottle on times when I'm too lazy to clean my face out of makeup especially when it's on the wee hours of the night. As a daily moisturizer, a pea and a half-size is enough for my entire face and neck to avoid excessive oil due to hot weather just like what I would normally do in any other moisturizer out there, but when I know I'll stay on an a/c room, I slap this on whenever I remember to do so. Hint: I put this on an arm's length away. ;)

Etude House Oh M Liquid Eye Liner - that I bought using my BDJ discount coupon last year. and a random black bear eyeliner that I got from Bonchic. Now I'm stuck with an ELF Gel Liner for smokey eyes and a Maybelline Masterliner in Brown for neutral looks that I won here. :)

United Homes Calactate & Fersulfate Iron and Anlene Total - my two over-the-counter everyday maintenance. For hair loss, sleepless nights and nursing a year old infant. :) Totally, love the taste of Anlene and I'm currently trying the chocolate flavor and will go back to vanilla because I decided I'll alternately the flavors. I wish they had it in Hazel flavor as well though just like Anmum! :)

Vitress Hair Polish in Strengthening - I'm ready to try another variant from this Vitress hair polish line anytime soon! :)

GOODSKINLAB Intense Clarity + Smoothing Peptide Serum - I bid my bittersweet goodbye before chopping off its tail while repeating "Off with its head!" with the Queen of Heart's baritone. Dramatic. But seriously, scooping the last cream out of its tube? It means quality at its best! This could have been my holy grail - replacing primer and moisturizer when I'm on the go since this really holds my makeup together and silky smooth face canvass just right after application! It glides on seriously! I'm so happy I get the chance to try this product by winning it on a GSK giveaway held by The Beautinomics way way back... My hopes are still up though, that this brand will find its way back here in the Philippines just like the ZA Cosmetics everyone is talking about! :) #staypositive

Maybelline Shine Free Cake Powder - in 04 Honey with SPF25 and PA++ stays true to its promises of

• All day Shine COntrol
• UV protection
• Fairer Skin
• Conceals
• Long wear
• Smoothes
• Evens
• Non Comedogenic

The only turn off? Its formula is too brittle, it cracks and breaks easily. Guess what? I'm one of the few that got a broken cake! Just my luck! That leads me to give in and spill the beans - I really didn't used this up, it just dust my makeup kit and anything it got in-touch with it until its gone. So hey Maybelline New York, I need a refund refill! Yes a refill would suffice! ;)

ELF Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder -  in warm tan. Nostalgic. This is my first ELF makeup product after I've been swept away for face paint passion! And Michelle Phan's tutorial using shimmer bronzer as contour and eyeshadow makes me love this more. Another must-have when you're on the go and ready to run! :)

Cortizan - be it pimple, rashes, inflamation, fungi whatsoever, my family would just dab a cortizan! Its our ointment holy grail if that makes sense. Less than Php200.00 a tube.

4Life Transfer Factor Riovida Bursts - that I talked about in my last month's empties.

4Life Transfer Factor Glutamine Prime - for less than Php3300.00, you'll get 180 capsules of building blocks that'll

• help you fight stress and avoid depression
• mood stabilizer - bipolar bears are out!
• more energy reserves - if you're a mom, nursing a year old, working and at home you need to reserve all the energy you could surely use for extra extra :)
• encourages your body to produce glutathione - whitening was not my priority (although I have several whitening products) but this will make you fairer while
• protecting your liver - love your liver not your liquor
• glutathione as body's antioxidant to fight free radicals

What are you waiting for, grab a Glutamine Prime now! You need it!

Sesou Haul Empties - including Giga Baby Insect Repellent Spray, Milea Baby Baby Cleaner and Human Heart Nature Spray Sanitizer. That is actually our 2nd Milea Baby Cleaner - my best friend when water is no where!

Sunsilk Smooth and Manageable Shampoo and Conditioner - is my every month favorites, can you tell? Can't believe we used up 3 refill sachets of Sunsilk pink, I guess Sarah G.'s irresistible commercial holds true to the family. I however find that the conditioner didn't really conditioned my hair so...

Dove Hair Fall Rescue Conditioner - is my perfect match! Sunsilk pink shampoo + this Dove conditioner = good smelling tangle free hair! It's love! I skip the Dove shampoo partner 'cause it tends to make my hair oily!

Black Beauty Shampoo in Crystal - yup, I ate up my words. This is my 3rd bottle and still counting!

Avon Skin So Soft Silky Moisture replenishing lotion with argan oil -  this sounds weird but at first, the scent of this lotion reminds me of coffins and burials, of small violet flowers used to that sad occasions... but as my nose adjusted (can't resist the organ oil goodness) and so, I'm done with the first bottle and since I bought two of these, I'm down to use the next last bottle. I'm not so sure if I would go buy this SSS lotion again, I might try another brand. But the argan oil - so we never know! Argan oil is good!

Johnsons Baby Powder - in pink included in my Johnson Baby Haul

Johnsons Baby Cooling Bath and Milk Bath - Last summer, I gave my babe a treat by switching to Johnsons Baby Cooling Bath, its like minty cool and he loves it too! And, later on we return to our love at first smell - the milk bath! It reminds me of my newborn baby Clyde! P.S. our first love was the orangey no tears formula!

That's it! Hello September! I'm so happy! If you're following me on my social media then you know why! Hint: Google Nexus 7! Ow Em Ji!

Empties May 2013

One of my favorite blog posts from my everyday reads are Empties. So, after several contemplations, I decided to jump in too and make posts about my empties - not necessarily be posted every month but- it gives a sense of satisfaction knowing that you used up a product "to the last drop" :) and to avoid redundancy,  will just show the products that didn't make it yet to this category.

So here are our empties for the month of May 2013...

1) Off! Lotion for Adults - used this a lot during our holiday trips usually every night just to add extra protection against disease carrying mosquitoes and other insect creepers of the night!

2) Johnsons Baby Powder in Cooling Powder - every one of us loved using this after bath especially at night, to keep our body cool so sweat won't interrupt a good night sleep.  If you follow me here, then you'll realize it's one big bottle of Johnsons baby powder down! Hurray!

3) L'oreal Paris Smooth Intense Shampoo - loved the smell, the texture and the everyday instant result I get from this shampoo! Just pure love especially this summer season!

Provide rebellious hair with nutrition and protection for an intense smoothing.Smooth Intense combines Nutrileum with Silk Protein, known for its smoothness and thermo-resistance, to deliver intense nutrition and 48-hour protection.Hair is nourished and soothed from root to top, for an easy and consistent smoothness and is protected against the effect of humid or dry conditions*.

4)Nivea Visage Sparkling White - Whitening Cleansing Foam - I enjoyed this product very much but I still prefer and will go back to my first love - Garnier Brightening Oil Control Scrub, I just miss the visible grains.

• Cleans into pores to remove dirt and oil.

• Acne reduction Technology helps prevent acne.

• Skin Nutrient Formula helps lighten dark spots and blemishes.

• Minimizes appearance of pores.

• Smoothes skin without dry feeling.

5) Imari Seduction Perfumed Skin Softener and 6) Imari Seduction Deodorant- this is my signature scent when I was pregnant and this just makes me nostalgic and I think babe also learn to know this smell... :)

7) Milea Bath Baby Cleaner - my savior! this is the first empty of my last Sesou haul for baby Jerson Clyde. Generally used it on his bum for easy squeezy clean after poop!

8)Venus and Mars Smooch Lip Butter Balm- one of my first product posts and now it's gone! I missed the minty fresh feel after applying this goodie balm but not sure, if I'll buy again because first, I'm not sure if they're still selling this line and second, I have lots of lip balm to consume first!
Aside from these, I have a lot of sachets of samples and gifts used and still in the process of consumption, but I decided not to put them here or else this post would take a gazillion years to end!
That's it for my first empties post! Yay for absolute zero waste (because we practice segregation and recycling in our home - save Mother Earth!)! :P
xoxo,
Gerilen