Unboxing Salad Box October 2013, Not The Best Experience I've Had So Far

Last September, when Salad Box announced that they were having their anniversary during October, I immediately felt that there were redeeming hopes of Salad Box impressing its subscribers once more. What made me go for this idea was the promise of this:

I subscribed for the 3 month box for October-December, and was thinking that I could use the items in this box for new looks and to experiment with color for the season. Well for one thing, the boxes were sent late. Unlike the other subscription boxes which could be expected around the middle of each month, Salad Box sent the October box already at the last days of October, and it arrived here around the first week of November.

The curation card says it all right here. At the back of the card it also says that the second batch of Clou Pearl Manicures got stranded in Customs so Salad Box will be sending it over together with my November box. So, they better keep that in mind...

I've started using the Sakura Foot and Heel Lotion already and I think I'm about to empty it. That's what I get for receiving 50ml samples, it has a mild and fresh fragrance and also feels cool to the touch. It's also my favorite between the two because I compulsively reach out for it every time I look at my dry feet. Hmm, it's got some use to me after all. 

As for the Hand and Nail Cream, it seems to be made of the same formulation as the Foot and Heel Lotion, but I would have preferred a more citrusy scent. It's a good moisturizer though.

The thing about the Duchess Sofia Makeup Brush Set was that I was expecting them to be a pro set, not just a travel set. Refer to topmost photo. But at least this could serve as a handy set for travels because I gave my previous set away to my sis who needed one. I've been using the powder brush together for the blushes that I have and it's become a staple in my bag too. 

As for the White Musk by Alyssa Ashley, it's a small sample which I gave away to my brother. I tried it for the first time to work one Friday and it was a warm scent that was quite relaxing and similar to Celine's Oriental Summer. But White Musk is minus the sweet tail that comes with Oriental Summer. 

And... I'm still awaiting the Clou Pearl Manicure set. Oh look and it's already December. Where could my November box be? 

Giveaways:

Everbuying 11 Pc Bamboo Brush Set

Second Anniversary Giveaway

Unboxing: BDJ Box October Express It Scene Stealer with Maybelline Philippines

BDJ Box together with Maybelline Philippines have brilliantly brought together over 600 different boxes for bellas to try this month. Looking at all those unboxing photos really made me excited to receive mine. You could tell that I'm one of the last people to be receiving, unboxing and blogging about it but I still have to share my thoughts with you.

So what's inside my Scene Stealer Express It box? Be my guest and scroll down....

 This month's box features the Volum' Express Cat's Eye Mascara. Honestly speaking, I am still in my baby steps when it comes to wearing mascara because you might have noted that I have four-eyes. But it looks promising, with the added collagen and magnum brush.

I was hoping to receive lipstick in my box. I have tried Maybelline Baby Lips in the past but it left my lips dry. Perhaps it's just not really for me. I gave this one away.

I like that this blush comes in two shades and the shade looks promising. I got the 01 I'm Glowy variant and I'm pleased that it is handy and really compact. It also comes with a small blush and this added shade gives me something new to play with.

Another pink in the box, the Maybelline Lumineyes in Wine has a really nice design. I also don't think the applicator on this one will be quite useful for me. But the shades are too shimmery for me, so I think this is one of those palettes that can be used well during the evenings. I really want to play with these already and experiment with looks but I'm still waiting for my eye brushes to arrive. I want to take advantage of my sister being home right now and I can apply makeup on her... But please don't let her know that.

Now I am really excited to try this out. This is my first time coming in contact with a BB stick. It's said to have 8 benefits and could make skin shine-free. I have yet to find out if it goes well with my skin tone, if not, then it will be a loss for me.

Another interesting thing in the box is the Clear Smooth Foundation. It's in Sand Beige. I haven't tried it yet but I really wish from the bottom of my heart that it will work because I would also like to bring a compact foundation with me instead of the loose powder form that I am currently using.

Here are other stuff that are included in the box. I also received a Maybelline card that I could use for discounts when I purchase from Maybelline counters in malls. The only downside to this is that there really aren't any Maybelline counters here in the city.

There is also a voucher here that I could use for a free Lip and Eye Makeup Remover and the BDJ Box curation card.

So what do I think of the box? I really like everything in it except for the Baby Lips balm because it really does not work for me. But other than that, I am pleased with the new addition of cosmetics in my collection thanks to the combined efforts of Maybelline and BDJ Box.

Raisie Speaks October Giveaway

I guess today is one of those days when I would just want to catch my breath. There is so much going on in my life, and it's leaving me really confused. But I do believe that the month of October holds a lot of hope. For one, every October, people here in Zamboanga City honor The Lady of the Pilar and visit her shrine. Pilgrims come to visit from all parts of the country and all walks of life.

For many years, La Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar is believed to be responsible for many unexplained miracles, protecting the people and sometimes residents report to seeing her on the shores of the beach. One simply needs to ask the long-time residents for these stories.

Another thing about October is that it is my grandmother and mother's birthdays. Fun month, right?

So on to the loot. Earlier I asked the members of my Facebook page to choose between a beauty loot or fashion loot. It was a close call and so, I will unveil the beauty loot!

I've packed it neatly in a box which I have recycled. You can see that I included 3S False Lashes, Carbtrim sachets, Physiogel Intensive Cream, OraCare in Merrymint, OMG in First Date, plus Chic 2 Way Nail Design Pen. But that is not all, I also have a surprise for the lucky winner that will be revealed later. Hint, do you like accessories? =) 

To make it more fun, I am going to make this an international giveaway since we have international friends frequenting my blog these days. This will serve as a warm up for the upcoming anniversary next month. There are a lot of exciting things happening these days and I would really like to say thank you to each and every one of you who keep supporting my blog, my crazy writing, my thoughts, everything. 

Just a quick note, I am the sole sponsor of this month's giveaway and acquired these items with my own budget. It's my way of saying thanks... =) 

So before I get mushy-mushy, be sure to enter your correct and valid details below! 

Entry-Form

Review: Garnier Lightening Peel Off Mask (Light)

I've been ultra busy these days, please forgive me...

My plate is full of writing, formatting, proofreading, editing-but that's for my regular job. My blogging activities do mirror my duties at work-but a gal has to prioritize. My past post here was all about thoughts, you can see the way I write and voice out my rants and raves- so unlike blogging... But....

I have decided to try my hand (or head) at another review.  The Garnier Lightening Peel Off Mask was innocently just sitting in a layer of my drawer organizer, and I decided to give it a spin. This is one of the surprise goodies the sweet Jannie shared with me. You see, I ran out of facial scrubs and badly needed to exfoliate, my skin was showing the signs of dreary, hyperpigmentation again, and so- I decided that Garnier and I should have a pretty good time. Initially, my brother announced interest on it but I said, what the heck, there's enough for the both of us.

 

Squeeze a little of the yellow and lemon-scented susbtance on the clean face and let it dry for a few minutes until it feels stiff. You can see that my forehead is flooded with the signs of stress, and it is shiny with a thin layer of the mask.

After a few minutes of waiting, the mask can already be peeled off, just like a second skin to reveal.... 

There are two ways to go about it, either you trust your fingers so much to do the peeling, or you enlist the help of a cleansing or cleaning facial sponge and do it slowly with lukewarm water to peel it all off. I just enjoyed ridiculing myself in front of the mirror with my own hands. Besides, it smelled fun! (Alright, that was weird of me to say.)

Is this face selfie-worthy already? You should know by now that I am not used to the term selfie, nor am I really a fan of taking selfies. But to each his own!

Pros

• Fresh, citrusy scent 
• Gentle on the skin
• Quick drying
• Easy to peel
• Deep cleansing and exfoliating 
• Good for two uses
• Reduces oil and sebum
• Non-irritating

Cons 

• No immediate lightening effects observed 
• Needs at least two uses to achieve intended brightening effect 

 Do you enjoy authentic Japanese beauty products? There's only a few days left to join my Wawaza Giveaway! 

Do stay tuned because I have prepared a huge October giveaway for you guys! Mwah! Clues: Did you know that apart from Cancer Awareness Month, October is the month of Fiesta Pilar Celebrations among Zamboanguenos? That's just something for you to look forward to here at Raisie Speaks...