Raisie Goes A Travelin'-What's A Packin'?

How do you like the new look? Can you believe that J designed this for me? He does have a girly-girl side to him after all, he knows that I like a cleaner approach, the past one was just a result of tweaking and personal effort here and there.

I will be leaving with my folks tomorrow, so I won't be doing regular updates here for a week. Right now I am packing (and still have time to post-lol). The trip consists mostly of plane ride, boat ride, road trip, visiting people and more celebrations. Hey, it's family.

So now that I am a travelin, here's what I'm a packin'...

Even if I am travelling light, these deserve a place in my bag! 

I got the following from Sample Room: 

• Gluta C Intense Whitening Body Lotion
• Physiogel Cleanser

These are the ones from my July BDJ Box:

• Beach Hut Spray Sunblock
• Too Cool for School BB Cream Travel Size 
• Dove Damage Therapy Shampoo
• Dove White Beauty Bar
• Dove Whitening Original Deodorant

And my trustee Human Nature Hydrating Lipsticks in Lucky in Love and First Kiss. 

Who would have thought my BDJ box would arrive at good timing? I could also test the Too Cool For School BB Cream and the Beach Hut Sunblock since there are plans of swimming and lazing around.

Could you guess where I am headed? Have a fantastic weekend, dear friends! You can still join my Firmoo giveaway here. 

Review: Human Nature Lucky in Love Mineral Hydrating Lipstick

My lip balm also from Human Nature is already exhausted, so I went to the branch and had to pick up a replacement. The one that I got is a deep red shade, Human Nature calls it Lucky in Love, and it is dark almost like wine.

More about the lipstick, it contains passion fruit oil that come from the farms of Davao, so one can be quite proud to patronize the efforts of the Filipino farmers here. I find that the mineral makeup from Human Nature has improved so much from its first launch, and I will be explaining more later in this post.

In the meantime, you might have noticed that Human Nature is one of the leading brands boasting of the cruelty free stamp which means that the mineral makeup being manufactured are free of animal testing. Now that is a company with a heart for nature! 

If you want to patronize other products with similar principles, you can look for the rabbit logo with the cruelty free stamp and the big ears shaped like a heart. This campaign seeks to take animals out of cosmetic testing and it is not only picking up awareness in the Philippines but also all over the world. 

So what did I think about the product? To be honest I am a one lipstick at a time person. During my college days, I didn't put on lipstick, but I used lip gloss until I emptied the little tube of Mary Kay. It was only after college that I discovered a carmine-free alternative. For those who don't know, carmine is a substance that come from crushed insects to produce that red pigment being used in lipstick. I can only imagine what other brands are still using it. 

Pros

Here are some points on why I like the improved formulation of Human Nature's Mineral Hydrating Lipstick:

• It is highly pigmented and gives off a rich, dark color which is appropriate for evening events
• It also smells like bubblegum ( I know the campaign says it is passion fruit scented)
• The lipstick glides on very well and it does moisturize and produces a subtle shine
• I find it quite affordable at only Php 225.00 so that the average Filipina can afford it 
• Both the box and the tube legibly displays the expiration date 

Here you can see the list of ingredients that are used to produce the lipstick. Rest assured it is free of lake dyes and lead. 

Cons

And of course, there are some things that I did not approve of:

• The color wears off after a few hours so I have to discreetly reapply
• I find that it is not food proof and smudge proof
• I need two coats to achieve the color that I like

The Verdict

Even with the pros and cons already enumerated, the question remains: Is it worth spending on?

The answer is yes, the pros still overweight the cons, and not only do I get a makeup product, but I know that I can also help animals by buying Cruelty Free products and also improve the lives of Filipino farmers. 

How about you? Have you tried any Human Nature makeup or products? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below!

If you are feeling lucky, you can still join my Oasap International Giveaway here. 

P.S. I have just subscribed for my first ever beauty box but it won't be shipped until July because the June subscriptions are already sold out. You will find out which box it is until it finally arrives! In the meantime, I have other products to review and another giveaway is due!=D 

Beauty Review: Human Nature Cleansing Bar

I am quite content with my Human Nature Cleansing Bar and immediately tried it out. It immediately went soldout as soon as it hit the branch here, and thankfully I got the chance to try it out when the branch restocked.

Pros

The bar is fragrance free, which is suitable for users who do not want strong perfumes in their bar soaps. It is a good size of 120 grams and can be easily gripped. The formula is good for those who have sensitive skin or who are conscious of switching from one brand to another because it is very mild and gives off a creamy lather.

What is great about this bar is that it lasts long for a single person's use and it has no chemicals that could be harmful for kids and adults alike. For only Php 59.75, you get to experience its moisturizing capabilities because it has undergone the cold-process instead of the commercial method of hot process where the glycerin's natural benefits are stripped off.

In addition, this bar is awarded the cruelty free stamp because it is made of organic, natural materials and no animals were harmed during its manufacturing process. Every purchase of the bar helps Filipino farmers with their livelihood and it also is a green product, so you get eco-friendly beauty products that could help your skin glow!

Cons

The bar does not have a protective plastic over it, so when the box is opened, it's just the bar that slides out. After a few uses, it becomes soft and is in danger of melting too quickly, so it is best to move it in a dry soap dish without other bar soaps. It also has a tendency to stain from other bar soap's color. 

Weekend Report

Sabado

Yesterday I was so honoured to introduce to those who were present Atty. Laisa Masuhud-Alamia, our very own Pinay and Proud Ambassador. I admire her so much and it was through her works that I got to know her, prior to actually meeting her in person. So there I was, meeting her for the first time and mingling around in the new Human Nature branch. I have to say I’m glad that HN Zamboanga found a new home which is more accessible to people and the jeepney commuting public, me included.

I picked up some new arrivals in the HN shelves and bought some new products too. I can say I am also mighty excited for new items like the brewed coffee, cheese and Theo and Philo Chocolates which will be making a comeback this season. Oh yes, the haul: HN feminine wash in chamomile, men’s facial wash for the brother, some mandarin shampoo and anti-bacterial soap which I can bring anywhere.

Of course, the rain knew at which moment to heavily pour, so I was stranded and worried in the HN shop and had to wait it out because I was afraid of the laptop getting wet. Luckily I decided to buy my slippers. My old ones burst after a couple years of everyday use, and it was really my favourite because it had the studs on it against the black rubber. I ended up with a teal pair of Havaianas plain. I’m steering away from the jewelled, stud-ly ones now. I really am happy with the quality because it is made of thick rubber and it could last long too. I fit it before heading to pay for them, but somehow I think I could have gotten a smaller size instead. I am a size 35, but the pair said 35-36. When I got home and changed, they looked a little big on my dwarfish feet.

I have been thinking ever since to give it away, I couldn’t possibly return it because I already cut out the tags, and teal is such a favourite colour of mine. But I guess it could do.

So I ended up crashing here and stayed to catch up with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as they met again in Paris in 2004, and all the events that followed in Before Sunset.

I still have a cone of Cornetto Vanilla Ice Cream in the refrigerator, safely hidden away from the little girl’s eyes and reach, because it will ruin her diet. I still have to find the right mood to drown in for the vanilla.

Domingo

And nothing has changed. I had a chat with Ardrin regarding our plans for November. The guy is excited to come home and I am also looking forward to a book he should be bringing. I have to check though if they have a copy for me. Hahaha, my excitement when it comes to books.

Had my nails done in rose, and I am quite content with how it turned out. Here I am, finished with my weekend tasks, happy that at least I am right on track with my savings, I have not gone out to do some compulsive shopping, the weather these couple of days have prevented me to do so. And now, I am stuck here in the dark with no lights.

I have been wanting to get a new top and at least have some alternative jeans but here I am, afraid to spend again because I keep telling myself that I am saving for something more worthwhile. I haven’t even gone near any thrift shops. Yes, I have been looking at online shops, but that is just it. It even makes me scared to spend using the debit card. And so far, I haven’t used it or made any expensive purchases.

Saving is the name of the game, and I think it should stay that way.

Bank is happy.

Conscience is happy.

HN+ Accessories Giveaway Winners

I have to apologize for the late posts. This problem has been annoying me since Thursday of last week and it's causing serious delays in work and other communication.

But I have some news for those who have joined my Human Nature and Accessories Giveaway! Here they are:

Fellow blogger Michelle Bugante of Mich Eats and Shops won first prize, so she will be expecting Human Nature Natural Strengthening Shampoo in Jasmine Scent, Tinted Lip Balm in Island Kiss, 100% Natural Hand and Foot Salve in Berry Bliss Scent and a Citronella Bug Spray. Congratulations to the fabulous Mich!

Mich's winning entry is to follow me on Twitter.

The second winner is Mary Avellana Reana, and her winnings are Twistee headband in polka black and white, a pair of Gold Earrings in Turtle design, a pair of Gold Dangling Earrings in Disc and Bows design, one handcrafted ribbon bookmark with Bead Ends in White and one handcrafted ribbon bookmark with bead ends in black. Congratulations to Mary! 

Her winning entry is leave a blog post comment

I would like to remind the winners that they have only 48 hours to contact me through email: raisa513@yahoo.com. 

If you did not win this giveaway, I still have another here: For Keeps Online Giveaway and you can win a necklace courtesy of the sponsor For Keeps Online Shop by Kristal. 

Congratulations again to Mich and Mary! 

Peeling Skin X Giveaway

I haven't done much writing last week except for post some giveaway alerts. But I have some good news for you though.

I've just recently fallen in love with Human Nature's new Massage Oil, it has Orange, Lemongrass and Lavender and it's very soothing. I am going to post the review this week because I've been stressed out lately.

I've been using it on my annoying, peeling skin and I might show you as soon as the effects show. There is some noted improvement though.

It smells really good, promise and it's non-sticky and is an excellent moisturizer. I can use up the entire bottle soon enough! 

You might be wondering what the products below are for. I am announcing my first blog giveaway by sharing these Human Nature products and accessories with the lucky winners!

One lucky winner will be receiving:

Human Nature Natural Strengthening Shampoo

Tinted Lip Balm in Island Kiss

100% Natural Hand and Foot Salve in Berry Bliss Scent

Citronella Bug Spray 

Enjoy some natural, pampering goodness with these

Another lucky winner will be receiving:

Twistee headband in polka black and white

One pair of Gold Earrings in Turtle design

One pair Gold Dangling Earrings in Disc and Bows Design 

One Handcrafted Ribbon Bookmark with Bead Ends in White

One Handcrafted Ribbon Bookmark with Bead Ends in Black

Accessories for your outfits and books (if you love reading) 

*Bookmarks are handcrafted by yours truly* 

This is the first giveaway for this blog and there will be more since there are many generous sponsors who have expressed interest in supporting this corner of the digital world. This is open to Philippine residents only. 

If you wish to join, simply follow the mechanics below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway I wish you luck and I will be announcing the winners when the giveaway ends. Thanks for supporting my blog!