BATTLE OF THE LIP BALM: BURT'S BEES VS CARMEX.

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I was one of the lazy people out there who neglects a lot in taking care of their body. I just recently start paying attention to every single part of it. And the most that I didn't care about before are my lips. I ended up pulling dry parts of it using my teeth (which sometimes leads to bleeding) or over wiping it with a towel. But now lip balm is one of the many essentials I cannot live without. I apply it in the evening before going to sleep and reapply it in the morning after I wake up. By doing so my lips now are more soft and moisturized.

I came across these two products in the market. I started comparing them and see which of these lip balm really does works. I got the tube one since it is easier to apply than the ones in a pot in which you have to use your finger (not very hygienic).

Let's start with BURT'S BEES Honey Lip Balm which is 100% natural and has Vitamin E.  

Pros: 

+ 100% natural ingredients.

+ Keeps lips moisturize, preventing it from being dry. 

+ It has a cooling sensation.

Cons.

+ A bit pricey for a lip balm.

+ Not very long lasting, you have to apply it again once in a while. 

+ It has some sort of minty-flowery scent that I do not like. Strong smelling compare to Carmex.

Now let's move on with CARMEX Moisturizing Lip Balm with SPF 15. 

Pros:

+ Cheaper price compare to Burt's Bees.

+ It has a cooling sensation.

+ Long lasting. 

+ Helps heal chapped lips.

+ The sticky formula makes it easier to glide on the lips.

+ It contains SPF 15.

+ It has a minty-vanilla scent, very mild and soothing. 

Cons:

+ It has chemical ingredients.

As for the overall review both lip balm are amazing, I love them and they work really well. But if you have to choose only one then I'd go for Carmex since it doesn't only prevent lips from being dry it heals chapped lips compare to Burt's Bees that only prevents dry lips. Also, if you consider the price range Carmex is cheaper. But if you're not a fan of sticky lip balm and you want a product that is organic then go for Burt's Bees. 

I hope that helps.

(Lazy to take out my camera so I used my phone to take photos and some cool camera applications.)

♥ Kat

WHEN IT FAILS I ALWAYS GO BACK TO THESE.

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I think I abuse my skin by testing a lot of different products. I was never satisfied because my skin becomes imune after a month or two of using the similar brand or medication. I have a combination skin (my t-zone becomes really oily but there are some dry areas where you can literally see flakes of dry skin up-close) and I am prone to breakouts. I keep on testing products that will help solve my problem. It started back in college when blemish started showing on different parts of my face and even acne during that time of the month. I even have facial treatment once a month. I also tried seeing a dermatologist but I couldn't keep up with all the checkup and procedure she offers me. I continued using what she prescribed but I ended up throwing everything after two months since my skin is no longer taking the medication. The only thing that is left and I'm still using it until now is the Cetaphil moisturizing cream.

I won't state every product that I have used (it's such a long list). But a lot of it doesn't really work even how expensive it is. 

Oh well... 

Anyway, these are the products that I am currently using. I used all these back in high school since a dermatologist also prescribed it and it works really well. But I wasn't having trouble with breakouts and oily skin before (I wish my skin would stay the same). 

After testing so many brands I still go back to using Cetaphil. They have added a lot of new cleanser and moisturizer for different skin condition.

I always have their gentle skin cleanser, it is very mild and you can use it as often as needed. I recently bought the oily skin cleanser hoping that it will prevent my skin from breakouts and it did. Out of all the cleanser I have used this one helps the blemish to dry-out faster.

I have also switched and start using the moisturizing lotion after finishing the moisturizing cream. I think I'll stick to using the moisturizing lotion since I can use it to moisturize my whole body and it is gentle enough to be use on my face. I also like that Cetaphil doesn't have a strong fragrance. I just hate those products that have a strong fragrance because it can trigger my allergic rhinitis.     

I also started using sunscreen. This is a must!!! The harmful rays of the sun can cause our skin to age faster and some skin condition may also occur. NEVER GO OUT WITHOUT SUNSCREEN if you don't want to be sorry for your skin. If you are expose to any heat (like staying in front of the computer, cooking and the like) at work or in school or where ever you are wear sunscreen. 

I like this Shu Uemura UV armor because it doesn't feel heavy to wear alone or under a makeup. It is not sticky and it glides easily. Also the fact that it has a SPF 50 PA+++. 

Even if you have sunscreen don't dare expose yourself on direct sunlight. Be cautious! 

   

After going back to using Cetaphil I noticed that my skin becomes softer and less breakouts. Cetaphil also helps to balance the pH level of my skin since it is now less oily around my t-zone and I can no longer see any visible flakes of dry skin. It doesn't sting as well unlike other products I have used. I think I will no longer try to change this product from my regular skin regimen. 

♥ Kat

A WEDDING TO REMEMBER.

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Brian Bayona - Katrina Ambrocio

MIDAS Hotel and Casino, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

August 11, 2012

Almost a month ago, 11th of August 2012 at MIDAS Hotel and Casino in Pasay City when my long time boyfriend and I tie-the-knot. It was a simple celebration with our dearest family and closest friends.  We had a civil wedding, which is officiated by the Pasay City RTC Executive Judge Edwin Ramizo. 

We prepared this wedding for only a month. We opt for something simple yet elegant since we invited a few very important people.

 

  

The groom's pinya tuxedo was designed by Ronald Magalang of Bergamo and my wedding gown was made by Puey Quinones. 

Hairstyle and makeup by Jerome Ocampo (photo on the right beside me). My high school friend introduced him to me last year when we had a shoot for my online shop. Since then I never trusted anyone else to cut or color my hair beside him.  

Two lovely ladies with me, on the left is my cousin who I asked to be the emcee for our wedding program and a dear friend of mine on my right. 

The groom together with his younger brother, looking dashing in their suits.

 

It was a great honor for us that our Ninong Vice President Jojo Binay was able to attend our wedding together with other important people. 

We had unlimited food and drinks at our wedding. 

 

The Walkie Talkies (Raleene Cabrera and Rizza Cabrera) performed during our wedding program. 

That's all I can share for now. Looking forward on planning our church wedding. 

SOON!!! 

All photos are photographed by Cramnet Photography. 

♥ Kat