I figured I wouldn't be able to use Miss Saigon references anywhere else, so might as well go full ham until the well has dried up much like the yakult references



... and since I no longer remember all of the happenings that day, let me just dump all the photos here, and end it with a list of things that I have either learned while in Vietnam, or things I badly miss there a.k.a. food ☝🖒🤔😂











Unlike its neighbouring countries, Vietnam doesn't have über modern and sleek sky scrapers, instead they have french-inspired mid-rise buildings, most look a bit worn out, which in turn gives it an old worldly charm. Like its neighbouring countries, it has such a rich culture that you are abundant in the city of Hanoi.

For those who are thinking of going there, I have a few musings that might help you out ☝😘
1. Things in Hanoi are very affordable. Now, now, I am not a loaded gal, but during my stay in Hanoi, money wasn't my biggest worry. If you are from the PH (like me!), your 5k will go a loooong way-but of course, better bring some spare for shopping!
2. Their food is magnificent!!!! I remember when we were there, I always find myself wondering why the Vietnamese are so thin, and I suppose I sort of gotten the answer when I was able to have a bite of authentic Vietnamese cuisines! My absolute fave are Banh Mis with different kinds of fillings!
3. While on the subject of food, if you are quite a picky eater (or found comfort having a westernized palate), don't fret because they have Burger King and KFC there- but c'mon, why not try at least a bite of some Bun Cha! Don't knock 'til you try it.
4. Vietnamese coffee 👏👏👏 but a little PSA, they are quite strong! So if your have an acidic stomach, or worst GERD, better stock up on antacyd ☝
5. Accommodations are fairly affordable, but don't expect having a spatial abode... but then again, it's not as bad as budget hotels in Hong Kong 🤔🤔🤔
6. You must go to Ha Long Bay! It is a UNESCO site for a reason, and I am certain you won't regret seeing all of its magnificence with your own eyes.
7. While motorcycles are their ultimate go-to transpo, that doesn't mean you can only go to places via a bike. They have taxis, but I prefer Grab more, so you better install Grab before going there.
8. Their malls aren't as spectacular as the ones we have back in Manila- I mean, they do scrimp out on air conditioning 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♂️
9. Not everyone speaks English, hence the need for Google Translate app on your device... but if you know how to speak French, you have a fighting chance to survive here hahaha!
10. Vietnam is actually pretty humid, even during months of September to November, you might as well bring along clothes that are light-weight, and breezy.

Lastly...

HAVE FUN AND EAT ALL THE DELICIOUS FOOD!

Love Always,
Nicole ❣🧚‍♀️

I remember as a kid, one of my favorite past times whenever I am dragged to the mall by my mom, aside from pestering my dad to buy me another Barbie doll, was swatching different make-up products on the back of my hand- oh wait, I still love doing that as a grown-ass woman 🤔🤔🤔

Picasso Level good

With that, you can definitely guess that aside from bookstores and artshops my favorite go-to shop is Watsons. Watsons is a magical place for me, because it has Scott's gummi vitamins, and a myriad of make-up brands with testers that I can abuse! Among the brands that I have eventually fallen in love with, one surprising 'childhood' brand have emerged from the ashes, and that is Careline.

YAAAS!

Back then, if someone mentioned Careline, people immediately comes up with this idea of very cheap make-up that feels like one of those make-up sets that are marketed as toys for young girls. They don't appear as sensible make-up that actually works to enhance your natural beauty, given that their formula sucks, and the packaging is as shitty as well - not even exaggerating here. Basically, you wouldn't want to be caught using Careline.

Que Horror!

But lo and behold, just like a revenge movie character, Careline re-emerged in the market, strong and fierce, ready to slay among its competitors.

SOOOOO, let's start with the review!

YES, THEY ARE ON SAAALE!

From 180 to 99 REAL QUICK!

1. Availability and Price.
Careline gets a top score for this one, given that it is available almost EVERYWHERE! Are you in the mall? Perfect, there's module island of it at the cosmetics section of major department stores. Heck yeah, some Careline products are available even in 7Eleven! But for the Careline Kiss Sticks lippies, they are predominantly available in Watson's and cosmetics sections.

As for the price, surprise surprise! These babies are on sale until the end of the month! From Php 180 (or roughly $ 3+) to Php 99 (around $ 2+). But you better expect that some shades are already sold out, because these babies are selling like pancakes!


2. Packaging.
As I have mentioned earlier, the old Careline's lippies' packaging are shitty; From the overall white casing with unnecessary disconnected design to the quality of the packaging itself, it seriously look like a toy make-up I shit you not ✋ Comparing that from its current look, I wouldn't say that it has drastically change, but it becomes a little bit sleeker, and even sort of mimic how Colourpop lipstix look like.

Red lippie in shade All Day.

My favorite one, Vacay!

3. Content.
There's a lot of product in every thin tube of Kiss Sticks. I remember buying my first one, in the shade Vacay last October 2018. I've been using it almost everyday since then, and surprisingly I still have around half an inch worth of product!


4. Formulation.
By the looks of it, I don't think they included harmful chemicals to it. These kiss Sticks are actually quite moisturizing, but wouldn't be much of help if you have chapped lips. As for applying it, I did not find any difficulty, which means there's not much tugging whenever I swipe a quick coat on my lips.
5. Finish.
Just to be clear, these babies are not matte lipsticks, however they aren't glossy nor satin-like finish. They do feel like really pigmented balms though, which means they do not feel too drying! But of course, moisturize your lips to really bring out the pop of color.

From top to bottom: Lucid, Pinch, and Vacay.

6. Pigmentation
I figured, the reason why I still have an inch or two of the shade Vacay is because with just one swipe you get impressive color pay-off already-and yes, Vacay is a Nude shade. Despite having slightly dark lips, the shade Vacay works its magic in making me have the perfect 'my-lips-but-better' shade.

7. Staying-Power
Hmmm this one gets an average score, since it doesn't last a lifetime like the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid lippies, but also it has more staying power than Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm.

8. Shades
Overall they have 12 shades, with a wild one called Martian. The Martian is a color green one that will definitely turn you into a sultry Disney villain. But if you don't have much of a wild streak, they have around 4 shades that are in the nude side of the color spectrum. One thing I have noticed though is that they lack shades that are into orange-y brown or frosty pink side.


9. Cruelty-Free?
YES! Check out that bunny stamp!

And with all that, what is my final verdict?

Pandag-dag arte haha!

I love it! I suppose I could consider it as one of my 'holy grail' products, given that I frequently reach out for my Kiss Stick in Vacay to finish off my daily make-up look! For a local brand, it exceeded my expectations! However, to be honest, I don't like the shade, All Day, but then again it's just me and my preferences, totally disconnected with the product itself.

I definitely recommend it, especially for ladies who are kinda struggling with the monies, but still wants to look like a million bucks! Now, here's a photo of me smiling like an idiot because I have found true love in Careline <3 p="">



Love Always,
Nicole