What to Buy During the Big Wishtrend Black Friday Sale

Sunday, November 18, 2018

The 2018 Wishtrend Black Friday Sale is HUGE! It's easily the their biggest sale of the year with up to 80% on your favorite brands: By Wishtrend, Klairs, Jungle Botanics and I'm From. So why not take the once a year chance to stock up on your favorite skincare products? Or maybe finally buy something you've been eyeing for so long. If you're still unsure, here are some suggestions on what you can buy during the Wishtrend Black Friday Sale. 

Wishtrend Black Friday

By Wishtrend


By Wishtrend Teca 1% Skin Barrier Cream

The By Wishtrend Teca 1% Skin Barrier Cream is a spot cream to strengthen, calm and improve the skin's overall health. Consisting Centella Asiatica it helps to regenerate skin and restore damaged and weakened skin barrier. 

By Wishtrend Mandelic 5% Skin Prep Water

The By Wishtrend Mandelic 5% Skin Prep Water is a hydrating and non-irritating exfoliant that can be used daily. Formulated with Mandelic Acid, it acts as an exfoliating treatment that improves the skin tone and texture while boosting the effectiveness of other products. 

By Wishtrend Vitamin 75 Maximzing Cream

The By Wishtrend Vitamin 75 Maximzing Cream is a vitamin cream to rejuvenate the skin from inside with hydration to leave a refreshing finish. Consisting 75% vitamin tree water and Vitamin E it prevents the appearance of aging and loss of elasticity.

By Wishtrend Clear Shield Patch

The Clear Shield Patch consists Hydrocolloid to protect the skin from external contamination of water, dust and physical touch. It is thin and breathable to naturally cover and quickly absorb impurities from problematic areas. 

Klairs


Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence

The Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50 PA++++ is an everyday sun protector for sensitive skin. As is it water-based, it holds a gel-type texture to give a soft weightless and light finish. Also with its high SPF and PA level, it completely guards the skin against UVA, UVB without leaving any greasiness or white cast.

Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner

The Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner is the second version of the Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner. The unscented toner is the second version of the original toner that excluded all essential oil, which makes it scent-free. While the original toner contains non-irritating all natural essential oil, the unscented was made to provide an option for customers’ preference to scents.

Klairs Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop 

The Klairs Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop is a night serum designed to combat various cause of aging, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Formulated with EGF, bFGF, and 95% raw materials for anti-aging effects, it helps improve the overall health and quality of the skin. 

Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream

The Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream is a gentle cream that provides comfort to rapidly calm and soothe sensitivity. Its star ingredient is Guaiazulene, a natural component extracted from chamomile oil. For oily, acne prone and sensitive skin, it soothes redness and calms sensitivity from sun exposure.

I'm From

I'm From Vitamin Tree Mask

The I'm From Vitamin Tree Mask is a wash-off mask extracted from the vitamin tree to leave the skin tone bright and clear. The vitamins relieve the stress from the skin and help restore the skin's natural health. 

I’m From Mugwort Essence 

The I’m From Mugwort Essence is an essence to calm and soothe irritated skin. Consisting of a single ingredient, Mugwort 100%, the soft, thin and fluid texture quickly cleanse and detox sensitive skin. As a Korean natural herb, the mugwort has been widely known for treatments and detoxing effect. This is effective for treating acne, troubled, irritated skin. Apply the essence to areas with concerns to see instant effects. Also may be used as a facial mist, Mugwort bath, and feminine mist.

I'm From Volcanic Mask

The I'm From Volcanic Mask is a premium wash-off mask that contains 8.6% pure volcanic rocks from Jeju Island to purify and clear the skin. It is a total pore care solution mask as it absorbs sebum and removes waste.

I'm From Ginseng Serum

The I'm From Ginseng Serum is a serum designed to enhance blood circulation to make the complexion more fresh and lively. It acts to replenish nutrients to the skin to smoothen and restore youth.

I'm From Honey Mask

The I'm From Honey Mask is a premium wash-off mask contains 38.7% natural Jirisan honey. It delivers not only rich nutrients but intense moisture to the skin. The mask is designed to supply nutrients to sensitive, dry and irritated skin from various external stress.

I'm From Mugwort Mask

The I'm from Mugwort Mask is a wash off mask to calm and soothe the skin. Containing 2.1% of mugwort, full of vitamins and minerals, it quickly soothes irritation and redness while having a cooling and calming effect. The mild gel formulation contains mugwort powder to regulate the heat of the skin as soon as it touches the skin. Also, as a Korean natural herb, the mugwort is widely known for treatments and detoxing effect. Apply a thick layer of the mask on areas with acne or inflammation. Find instant calming and healing of these skin troubles.

Jungle Botanics

Jungle Botanics, The Ecru Clay Soap

The Jungle Botanics, The Ecru Clay Soap is a bold yet delicate soap that is formulated with Amazonian clay. With its rich ingredients and creamy lather helps to remove residues, impurities, clarify pores and control sebum secretion. Also included is a multi-use linen pad to use as a soap holder or as a cleansing pad.

Jungle Botanics Natural body Glow Nutshell Scrub
The Jungle Botanics Natural body Glow Nutshell Scrub is a body scrub that gently exfoliates and purifies the skin. It contains finely ground walnut shell granules and various natural oils from the jungle which is mild for the skin. 

Cheat Sheet

Below is a cheat sheet provided by Wishtrend to give you a sneak peek of the benefits you'll receive during their Black Friday Sale. 


What are you waiting for? Go load up your carts now!


JM's Shawarma - The Shawarma Made Especially For The Filipino Taste

Sunday, November 11, 2018

In recent years, Shawarmas have gone to assume a reputation of being one of Filipino's favorite comfort foods. At the onset of its popularity, various Shawarma businesses were born across the country. One homegrown brand in particular, JM Shawarma, has great taste and humble origins.

JM's Shawarma

JM Shawarma's owner previously served as a restaurant manager in an Arabic restaurant based in Dubai. On his return to the Philippines, he decided to start his own shawarma business, launching JM's Dubai Shawarma's first store in 2013. They initially served authentic Dubai Shawarma to their customers. However, the management noticed that this recipe was not a landslide hit for the Filipino's taste bud. They reformulated their products to fit Filipino's preferences, ending up with their current signature taste. The rest, as we know it, is history.

As of now, JM Shawarma has grown to over 90 stores nationwide

JM's Shawarma


Last September 2018, JM Shawarma opened a new full blown stand alone store in General Santos City. It took social media by storm, thanks to its Instagram worthy interiors. During my most recent visit to my beloved hometown, I did not pass up the chance to drop by the new 'it' restaurant in the city. 

The JM Shawarma Menu

Although their wrapped Regular Shawarma is certainly the star of the menu, they have also launched other products to provide their patrons with more delicious choices. All of which were especially created to cater to the Filipino taste. Their menu now includes Shawarma noodles, Shawarma rice, All-Meat Shawarma, Nachos and the newly launched Cheesy Wraps. You can even customize your order with special add-ons. Their prices are incredibly affordable too. 

JM's Shawarma

The restaurant also features a juice bar where you can order your favorite Barefruit Guyabano healthy drinks. 

JM's Shawarma

The Food

We visited the store for a family dinner so we were able to try out a variety of products.

Regular Shawarma

JM's Shawarma

Shawarma Rice

JM's Shawarma

Shawarma Noodles

JM's Shawarma

Cheesy Wrap with Mango Salsa

JM's Shawarma

Nachos

JM's Shawarma

Avocado Juice by Barefruit Guyabano

Barefruit Guyabano

The Restaurant

The store, located in General Santos' Valley High, is tailored fit for the restaurant checklist we unspokenly have today. 

JM's Shawarma

JM's Shawarma
See? Sockets! 

JM's Shawarma

Creative statement wall? Check. Grass wall? Check. Cozy seats? Check. Wide enough tables? Check. Good Lighting? Check. Accessible location? Check. Well ventilated? Check. Last but not the least, plenty of comfortably situated electrical sockets for times when you're running low on battery? Double Check.    

JM's Shawarma

The staff is friendly and accommodating. The restaurant is well maintained and clean. Service was fairly quick too. 

JM's Shawarma
My model for the day. Hi Coby!

The entirety of the menu is clearly displayed at the counter along with the product prices. The juice bar by Barefruit Guyabano is a nice touch too, offering healthy drink options to customers. 

JM's Shawarma
Can't believe these are frying pans. 

JM's Shawarma
The things you can do with a broken rice cooker pot.

It's also noteworthy that the decorative accents in the store are upcycled materials. (Upcycling is the way to go these days.) The lights (yellow) are made out of broken rice cooker pots. The statement pieces at the back wall are made out of old frying pans. Not too shabby looking right? You wouldn't even notice it. Props to the owners for being creative enough to come up with this. 

Franchising

JM's Shawarma

JM’s Shawarma, is looking for partners in its nationwide growth. Do you have what it takes to be one of their franchisee? Visit their website or contact them at franchise.jmshawarma@gmail.com for more information. You can also contact them on their Facebook Page for updates.

Branches

JM's Shawarma branches can be found nationwide. For a list of all their branches, please see here


Have you tried JM's Shawarma before? Let me know in the comments below.

Note: This post is not sponsored in any way. 

9 Dresses That Your Bridesmaids Will Thank You For

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Being someone's bridesmaid is a thing of honor. This means that you are one of the few women in the bride's life that she considers reliable. She wants you to stand with her as she leaps towards a new chapter of her life. That's something to be excited about, right? But sometimes, being a bridesmaid causes a tinge of dread for most women. Why? Mostly because bridesmaid dresses are notorious for being, for the lack of a better word, ugly. There's even a movie chronicling how silly bridesmaid dresses could get, remember the romantic comedy 27 Dresses starring Katherine Heigl?

Photo: Source

Why are Bridesmaid Dresses Ugly?

Experts say that bridesmaid dresses are so hard to get right because the bride has to worry about choosing one style and color of dress that would compliment each of her bridesmaid's skin tones and body types while also putting into consideration wedding finances, their personal preferences and the overall wedding theme. All these are in addition to countless other decisions that the bride has to make and the  huge amount of stress she has to endure. Some even claim that brides strategically place their friends in silly outfits to not draw any attention away from the most important woman in the wedding: the bride.

With everything else considered, ugly bridesmaid dresses are actually understandable and forgivable. However, every bride can avoid this tragic wedding cliche with these 9 dresses that your bridesmaids will thank you for.


This A-Line Sleeveless Chiffon Dress in Mint will go with every figure and skin tone.


Are your tastes a bit more sophisticated? You might want your female troop to look elegant beside you on your special day. This A-Line V-neck Chiffon Beaded Chiffon Dress will do the job. It is also available in Burgundy and Navy Blue. 


Birds of the same feather do not necessary flock together, so how about something customizable for every personality in your group of ladies? This Convertible Jersey Bridesmaid Dress in Sky Blue will be perfect for your squad. 


Want something a little bit understated but gorgeous at the same time? This Stunning Bubble Gum Hued Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress can be reused by your ladies for other events they would attend. 


Here's another low-key dress that your girls will love. Note to self: Simplicity is elegant, as shown in this A-Line Spaghetti Strap Dress with a long sexy split. The Grape color is to die for too, don't you think?


Are your tastes more on the girly side? Then you'll be perfectly fine with a Charming One-Shoulder Dress, especially if it's in this lovely Blushing Pink shade.


Don't want to dress your BFF's in floor length frocks? This Charming Knee-length number will keep them looking prim and proper without the floor length hassle.


If your friends are in love with Greek goddess look, then this Chiffon Off-the-Shoulder Bridesmaid Dress is the one for you. The neutral tones and dress structure will compliment every body type and skin tone.


Would you love your beloved friends to look like a million bucks on your wedding day? This Black Beading A-Line Dress will make them look the way only a supportive best friend deserves to look. 

For more fantastic Bridesmaid Dresses choices, visit Angrila. Angrila has always been committed to the design of state of the art wedding gowns and has been one of the fastest growing dress manufacturers in the wedding industry. Their collection of gowns is available online and can be shipped worldwide.

Note: This post is sponsored. 


Review: Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Ever saw a product being given extremely positive reviews and you can't wait to get your hands on it, hoping it'll be the answer to all your skin concerns? Well, that happened to me for Elujai's Propolis Mrryh Ample Light

The Elujai Propolis Mrryh Ample Light was raved upon by some of my friends from the Asian Beauty Community- Philippines. They said that it reduced their breakouts, lightened up scars and made their skin baby soft. My interest was fueled further with new Propolis products sprouting here and there. It seems to be a promising 'it' ingredient recently. You can only imagine my excitement when it got restocked at Dara Beauty Market, a local Kbeauty shop in Cebu.

Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light


First things first before we proceed with this review. A brief introduction for the star ingredient, Propolis

What is Propolis?

Propolis is a resinous mixture that honey bees produce from tree buds sap flows. When they combine the sap with their own discharges and beeswax, they create a sticky, greenish-brown product used as a coating to build their hives. as well as function as a natural disinfectant against bacteria. This property of protecting the beehives is said to apply the same way to our skin. (Source)

It is even said that Egyptian Pharaoh Cleopatra, ancient icon of beauty, started using propolis (then used as an embalming ingredient) on her skin.

Propolis Benefits:

  • It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral. 
  • It smoothens and softens skin
  • It is moisturizing. 
  • It soothes inflammations. 
  • It is free-radical fighting. 
  • It controls oil production. 
(Source) 

About the Product

Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light is an ample/ampoule which contains honey extract. It gives moisturizing abilities on the skin, prevents dryness and helps to manage moist skin. Also, it improves the condition of the skin and manages healthily with royal jelly extract, propolis extract and etc., because it stimulates the circulation of a cycle on the skin. Effects: Anti-Wrinkle, Whitening Functional Cosmetics.

Ingredients

Purified Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Denatured Alcohol, Niacinamide, Propolis Extract Powder, Red Ginseng Water, Green Tea, Shea Butter Extract, Bergamot Leaf Extract, Peppermint Leaf Extract, Chamomile, Triethanol Amine, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-6 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Adenosine, Sodium Iodide, Dipostassium Glycryrrhizate, Fragrance, Powdery Martian Extract, Manganese Berry Extract, Leaf Bend Flower Extract, Freesia Flower Extract

For more information about the ingredients, please click here.

How To Use

Apply 3-4 drops on clean face and rub or gently pat on entire face.

Price/Where to Buy

130 PHP at Dara Beauty Market

My Experience

Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light

Packaging

The product comes in a 15ml amber colored glass bottle. The bottle also contains a dropper for hygienic and convenient application. The bottle doesn't seem full upon opening because some of the product is already inside the dropper. You can easily see that the dropper is made of cheap materials because it's not as sturdy as other droppers I have tried. Product is so cheap that I can let this go. I love the packaging overall. It looks elegant and is extremely photogenic. I do wish they'd package this in bigger bottles. 

Scent

I love the smell! It smells like baby powder and that may bother some people but I honestly love it. 

Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light

Texture

Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light is, by its namesake, very very light. You can even apply this during the mornings. The liquid is clear and a bit viscous but is not too thick either.  Texture allows it to be easily spread throughout the face. 

Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light

Application

Dropper makes application easier. Product is easily absorbed by the skin. Immediately, I feel my skin is smoother and moisturized. I also noticed that I felt some soothing feeling on my existing pimples. It doesn't leave the skin feeling tacky too. 

Results

I slowly incorporated it into my routine and it did not work for me at all. Not only that, after a few days of use, I had some tiny bumps and pimples all over my chin! I am acne-prone but I don't usually breakout in this area so I do not think that this is purging. Also, the pimples that developed were also itchy which is not common for me. Some were huge and some were small in size. I have to admit that it did moisturize my face and I did see how soft it made my skin. 

I decided to stop using it and my breakouts started to heal. I gave it another chance after a few weeks and boom, just like that, same effect. I woke up with new bumps and pimples on my chin area again.  😱 I knew I had to stop using it since my skin was reacting negatively. 

My breakouts were large and inflamed which is not common for me.

My Thoughts

PROS:
  • Very cheap. 
  • Lovely bottle.
  • Comes with a dropper.
  • Light and is not tacky.
  • Moisturizes skin.
  • Smells like baby powder. 
  • Soothes breakouts.
  • Softens skin.
CONS:
  • Made me breakout.
  • Not easily available or always sold out. 
Although Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light worked for so many people, it sadly did not work me. I wanted this product to work so bad because I love how affordable and soothing it is. I really love the powdery scent too! It did moisturize and soften my face but the effect is not worth all the breakouts that were popping out. 

I also wanted to thank this product. It made me realize that my skin does not receive honey based products well. In skincare, it’s beneficial to find out what ingredients your skin likes and what it loathes so you know what you want to avoid.

I still won’t discredit Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light. It did work well for a lot of people, so it might just work for you. If you’re not sensitive to honey, then it might be worth a try. If you are, then heed my warning and STEER CLEAR!

Repurchase?

No. 

Have you tried Elujai Propolis Myrrh Ample Light before? Let me know in the comments below.

Note: This post is not sponsored in any way. All thoughts are my own. Your product experience might be completely different from mine. 





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