Managing Your Personal Finances and Be Debt Free

  It was truly an eye-opener for me when my officemate spoke to me with regards to my handling of my own finances. I admit that I am not good in budgeting money. I mentioned before that I like to splurge, and buy books. I am also generous in treating my officemates, and those who are close to me. So I realized I needed to change, and have a different mind-set. I'm not really a fad follower. I don't buy high-end gadgets just to keep up with others. The expensive bags that I own are not that expensive. It was a gift to me usually. Like my Kipling bags, and my Cath Kidston bag before was a treat for myself. Same with the branded watches, and foot wear. I just buy on rare occasions.

My officemate adviced me to read Mr.Chinkee Tan books. I first came to know him when I watched Nick Vujicic in Araneta Coliseum, 5 years ago. I was not that interested in his talk before, wherein he said that we must avoid negative people. Mr.Tan, is a life coach, inspirational speaker, and a financial adviser also. I bought his 'ipon kit,' in English it means Savings Kit. It comes with a can (coin bank), and 3 of his books, (Diary of a Pulubi, My Ipon Diary, and Keri Mo Yan). I got all of these from a reseller online for just P500 Philippine Pesos. I'm in my late 30's now, and I really want to be serious in saving money. We may never know when we are going to be sick, or when we are going to die. I do not want to be a burden to those whom I will leave behind. These books are easy to read. It's for the Filipino masses, since the book's title is in Tagalog, and taglish was used in some parts of the book. It is not really boring to read. In fact you can finish all the books in one day since its not very thick. It's never too late to start now! Better grab a copy of these books, and share them with your loved ones. Think positive!

The Face Shop (Korean Cosmetics and Beauty Store)

  The first Korean BB cushion that I have liked and used for quite a long time now has bid farewell January of this year. So now, I switched to The Face Shop. I came to know this Korean cosmetics and beauty shop, through my former Korean students. They have given me gifts from this store. I have not tried the products here because I am not familiar with this shop. Also, I was thinking if this make-up is suited for my skin. Maybe, you have read my previous posts that I am a Maybelline girl. Anyway, even if I have not used any of The Face Shop products, I patronize because this is where I bought my 'thank you' gift for my Mandarin teacher wayback.

I really did not splurge this time. I just bought what I needed. Since my BB compact cushion was running out, I have decided to try The Face Shop new cushion compact, which is the Multi-Swing Cushion. When I first saw it in their fb page, I know that I must have it. It is an anti-darkening blush concealer balm. So you get 3 in 1 benefits in one cushion compact. The compact is ultra-stylish in design. I got the V203 Natural Beige shade (P1,595). No need to carry a lot of make-up when you have this. I also bought their Glossy Touch Lipstick in Noble Violet shade (P795). Lastly, I bought The Face Shop Herb Day Lip and Eye Make Up Remover Tissue (P195). I also read the ingredients used in the BB cushion compact and lippy. I read that they use natural plant, leaf and flower extracts. That's why they have a tagline of natural story. What I love about Korean shops is that they have freebies. I got this Dr. Belmeur advanced CICA Skin Care Kit.

The Face Shop has a wide array of skin care products. If you are a fan of Korean cosmetics, I suggest you try and visit The Face Shop.

Laneige (Korean Make-Up)

  Two years ago, I have discovered this nice Korean make-up brand. I came to know this make-up brand in one of the tv commercials of Song Hye Gyo, wherein she uses a BB Compact Cushion. I really splurged a lot before when I bought a few Laneige make-up. The compact cushion that was recommended by the sales clerk was the anti-aging BB cushion in the shade of Sand. It comes with a free BB cushion of the same color. It is SPF-50.

Next, I bought a blush-on to go with it. I like the light color so I chose the no. 5 Glow Pink shade. I like it because it has that glittery effect. I have also tried their 2 tone lipstick which is called the lip bar. It is a moisturizer and a lipstick in one, in no.1 Cotton candy shade. I just made a mistake of choosing this lip color because its very light. It seems like I am just wearing a lip gloss. I also bought their 2 tone shadow bar, no.2 golden rose. All in all, I spent around $260. By far this is the most expensive make-up that I have bought. Since, my bill reached to up to P5,000.00 Philippines Pesos, I have received a freebie or giveaway. A small sampler of Laneige White Plus Renew Original Cream, and White Plus Renew Skin Refiner.

I am happy with the BB compact cushion. Right now, I am still using it. I'm done using the 1st compact, and the one that I'm using now is the free refill. It is almost gone now. Also, the blush-on is almost empty. I haven't really used the 2 tone shadow bar because I rarely wear eyeshadow.

Sadly, Laneige Philippines has closed its doors last January of this year. I have read that you can still order online in a few reputable online stores, but I really want to shop in a store where you can really see the products.

I will definitely recommend Laneige cosmetics. Because I am a satisfied user. I haven't experienced any break outs, and allergies on the duration that I have used their make-up. So its a 2 thumbs-up for me. (Since Laneige has no stores now locally, I switched to another popular Korean make-up line).

Lippies and First Make-Up Choice

  I would like to share with you all my budget-friendly choice of make-up. You could say I'm a Maybelline girl. It's a foreign brand, from the US. I think I started using it when I was in college. I started with Johnson & Johnson compact powder, a few Avon products, and then I shifted to Maybelline.

My first compact powder was from Maybelline, clear smooth shine free face powder in nude beige. It is in a light green compact. I like it because it has SPF-15. Then, the foundation that I have used for years is the dream satin liquid foundation.

I have also tried using other make-up brands like The Body Shop, lip and cheek tint which was so popular back then, but I do think they are really expensive, and the make-up is not suited for me.

Other lippies that I have used for a long time was from Maybelline, I really love their Water-Shine lipstick MF21, and my not so latest purchase from them was their colorsensational 410 in Blissful Berry. I like smooth moisture rich lipsticks.

I also have an Avon lipstick, True Color Perfectly Smooth Lipstick SL100 in Playful Rose color. It also glides nicely, and smoothly. With regards to the lip color, I prefer the dark plum shade. I think it is a mixture of red and violet.

A few months ago I have also tried a local cosmetic brand, Ever Bilena because of Ms. Kris Aquino. She launched her own style of affordable but high-quality make-up. I'm not really a fan of Matte lipsticks. I just bought it because its Ms.Kris Aquino's line of make-up. Plus, I like the nice pink color. Also, the lipstick is not your usual matte lipstick that is dry. It is somewhat smooth when applying.

I'm currently using Korean make-up brands now. Check out my upcoming reviews.