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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
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Can you believe it, it's Christmas time once again! Before we know it we are already in 2019! Since we are living in a world that revolves around consumerism, what better way to show your love to people, than by giving them gifts *yey!* In particular, what are the best gifts can you give to a potterhead-aside from the limited edition 20th year edition of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone, of course 👌



Sooo, last Friday while walking aimlessly at the mall, I stumbled upon Typo. What is Typo, you asked? It is an Australian store that sells a lot of quirky items, predominantly stationery, accesssories, and even tiny home wares. Typo have had a couple of collabs with amazing pop culture brands/series, like The Simpsons, and even Star Wars. I'm not sure if this is their first time to collab with Harry Potter, but it's definitely my first time to see Potter-themed items in their stores. My heart is hyperventilating with happiness, basically.


These pouches would make a good make-up bag for the kikay potterhead, where they can store their wand-like brushes for easy touch-ups.



At a glance, I thought these are cute beanies, but after flipping it over, tadaaaaah! These are fluffy Hedwig blankets! They are so lush, and actually perfect for lugging around in airplanes-Just in case you don't have the energy to apparate ☝




This one is pretty cool. I thought it was just a simple journal, but when I opened it, it's actually a book light! You can also charge it via usb, so it is pretty nifty, I must say 🖒


You see, Typo is a pretty expensive brand, so if you are not ballin' with all the Galleons your heart desires, they also carry these cute enamel pins, and earrings! I think these range from Php 299 to 400 🤔


For the tea-loving tita Minerva McGonagall of your barkada! Aside from this Hedwig mug, they also have those color-changing mugs that start off with the default Hogwarts insignia, but after pouring hot water, it reveals which house you are from!
💙💚💛❤


This may look tiny, but I think it can hold your wand, a quill and ink, some timy pieces of parchment, a small tube of Felix Felicis, and coin purse for your Galleons.


This one I really really reeeeally want! This is like magic, only with a help of a little Science. I forgot how much it was, but I am certain it is more expensive than the book light... huhuhu.

Aside from Potter-themed items, they have plenty of items that your friends from other fandoms will still appreciate! I don't know about giving gifts to my Potterhead friends, but I am pretty sure where I'll buy gifts for myself hahaha!

Love Always,
Nicole 💖

P.S.


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Ok, fine! For someone with a lot of time in her hands, I am a failure for being to late
in posting blog posts! But as the saying goes, good things take time!

You to me
Rather than doing nothing, let me share with you guys some of the art loot I have acquired during my Tokyo trip last October! Quick disclaimer: Not all were purchased from Sekaido ☝

Goodieeees!


First item is this Pentel Vistage water brush with a medium sized brush. If I'm not mistaken, I was able to buy this for around ¥300? Which is roughly around Php 150, not bad, I must say! I have always loved using Pentel waterbrushes, because they are not too soft, yet they are easy to maneuver. Sadly, this kind of waterbrush is not sold here in The Philippines, however there are some online shops that sell this for around Php 250+

The next item is this Tombow brushpen, that still makes me wonder why I bought it when it is also sold here in The Philippines 🤔🤔🤔 I already have the soft tipped brush, which is kind of beginner-unfriendly, given that it's harder to control it. I can't remember how much this is, but it is probably a good Php 30 less expensive than the SRP here in The PH. By the way, this one has a harder tip, haven't used it yet, so I don't know if it is easier to use hahaha!



I AM A SUCKER FOR ANYTHING METALLIC AND GLITTERY! I was supposed to treat myself with another Copic marker set (which unfortunately Sekaido doesn't carry, bummer!), or get myself the most basic Holbein set (wasn't able to fully check the Holbein corner because of time constrains), so I ended up with the one conveniently placed near the escalators, this. I already got myself a shimmer set of pastel colors from Yamamoto Bumpodo during my Fukuoka trip, so I figured why not get myself in solid colors now? Hahaha! Like the Pentel waterbrush, I don't think this is available in The Philippines. This baby retails for around ¥ 1000+, which is not bad, given that pearlescent pans aren't affordable (looking at you Finetec!).


AHHHH, the only non-calligraphy art item that I purchased! This is a plastic clay, where to use it you must melt it in hot water before you could mold it. What's good about this is you can use it again and again, you just have to melt it with hot water. I actually already have one of this before, and I often use it as a mold, which is perfect whenever I have bulk orders and I can't be botherer to do it all by hand hahaha! This retails for ¥100, but you can also buy this from online sellers for around Php70-100.

The odd one out! This Sailor brush pen is the only item I did not buy from Sekaido, in fact I got this when I purchased make-up in Tokyu Hands. I really did not intend on buying this, because I see no need for another brush pen, but hey you're not always in Japan, so YOLO! I think this is retailed at ¥150, and yes unfortunately it isn't available in The Philippines.


Last but not the least are these nibs, which are worth every cent! I got each for ¥70, or Php 35 only!!!! This is a major steal, given that you cannot find reeeeally affordable nibs at this price point in Manila. Aside from the fact that is affordable, it's also a delight to use it. I still can't believe that with that price, it really punches on the performance!

And there you have it, a quick Tokyo Art Haul! I swear if I was given more time, I could have bought more, especially mop brushes! There are a lot of beautiful goodies that you can buy in Japan, that I will never ever stop telling people to go there, because Japan = Art heaven 😇

Love Always,

Nicole 😙❣
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Just when I thought Heaven is only located in Fukuoka, particularly Yamamoto Bumpodo, imagine my kokoro when I discovered the 5 story worth of Art items in Sekaido!

With special participation of Jhude's cap.
Prior to going to Tokyo, I have already researched, and even allotted quite an amount for my trip to Sekaido. Basing on how much I have spent in Yamamoto Bumpodo last August (hi, Copic Markers), I braced myself with the high possibility of losing my control over my credit card!
Me.ME
So first things first, where is Sekaido? From what I have researched, they have different branches all over Tokyo, but their main one is in Shinjuku. As I have mentioned above, it has 5 floors sprawling with different Art items, from pens to paints, clays to wood, papers to nibs and even frames! They have everything! I want to buy everything!

But since I was travelling then with a big group, I wasn't given the luxury to stay there the whole day, instead I had only 10 minutes to fully explore, and figure out what I wanted to buy (in the last minute, I decided to keep my options open haha). Anyhoo, let me just share with you all the photos I took during my speedy shopping spree!

PEEEEENS GALORE!
MARKERSSS!
Way more affordable than the ones sold here!

I got one!



OOODLES OF PAINTS!


Nibs galore!


Washis!




The following photos made my heart skip a bit, only to break it after *cue Adele*

POLYMER CLAAAAYS!





Soooooo, here are some notes, little quips, and things I think people who would like to go to Sekaido should know:

1. Allot a budget for it! I swear, if you are like me, who wouldn't think twice choosing to go hungry over getting a new paintbrush, it will be painful if you go there with an empty wallet! So, save up!

2. Allot at least an hour or 2 when you go here! There's 5 floors full of heavenly delights in every corner, it would be a shame if you won't be able to see all of its glory! Also, if you have more time, you'll be able to compare prices, and brands!

3. The nibs sold here are waaaaaay less expensive than the ones sold here in Manila. Though, there are still those that costs a lot, but c'mon, where can you see nibs as inexpensive at Php 30+ in Manila? NOWHERE! SO BUY SO MANY NIBS, I TELL YAH!

4. I wasn't able to see any Copics during my visit, and I'm not sure if they don't have Copics or if they are stowed away in a fancy cabinet somewhere in the store. But I doubt that they are stored anywhere that is not within the reach of customers, because brands such as Holbein and Sennelier are readily available for people to check out.

5. The queues can be quite long. Have patience, my friend.

6. They accept credit card payment! But I opt for my Yens instead.

7. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance! They are very friendly, and will go out of their way to help you- even if 70% of the time you'll get lost in translation.

8. They have different brands of polymer clays, and even air dry ones, but they are soooooo expensive. I don't know why, since I was expecting the Modena ones to be less expensive in Japan, but it's the same price as the ones sold online here in The Philippines. As for a 50g Staedtler clay, they go for 400+ Yen, or around Php200+! That's expensive, ok?! I ended up not buying any clay that day *cue more sad songs, louder!*. Might as well just ask my older sister to buy me clays in Michael's or Jo-ann's when she goes to NYC soon.

And lastly...


9. Yup guys, pay your items on its designated floor. You can't pay for all the stuff  you got when you go back down to the ground floor.

I am proud to say that I did not blow my budget, and was only able to spend a max of 3000 yen! Although, to be honest I allotted 10,000 yen for this trip, but since I only have 10 minutes to wander, I just got things that look sparkly... and yes, no Copic Markers *cue Adele again*

Pasok Adele!

Will share my loot in my next post *wink*

Love Always,

Nicole




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Nicocosity

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