Product Spotlight: Colour Collection Mineral Powder Foundation

 Sorry for being not writing about beauty stuff for long time (I was so busy travelling and focusing on my full time job, please bear with me.) 

Continuing my review on Colour Collection Mineral Cosmetics Line, I think this is the best time to give my inputs on Colour Collection's Mineral Powder Foundation. I had already finished a pan and am ready to spill the beans. =)

Coverage and Staying Power

Since this is a mineral foundation, I was kinda expecting a lot from it in terms of coverage, though it turned out  it has sheer to medium coverage. When used alone, it can last up to 2 hours on my oily T-zone, while it can last 4 hours when used to set my liquid foundation.  To build coverage, use the sponge included in the pan instead of a powder brush.

Texture

Colour Collection's Mineral Powder Foundation is finely-milled. It blends smoothly when applied using a large powder brush or a sponge. 

Shades

I got two shades of Colour Collection's Mineral Powder Foundation: Light and Natural.

Light: yellow-toned, light to medium

Natural: neutral-toned, medium

I have made a comparative shot  of the  two shades but the lighting might be a bit deceiving. In the photo below, Light appears darker than Natural, but it should be the opposite.

I am NC30 and I use Natural. I find Light too "light" on me as it is very obvious on my photos. My only problem with Natural is that it sometimes looks a bit pinkish on me, so what I do is to use a yellow-toned liquid foundation beneath it. Sometimes, I also use a little bronzer to warm up its color.

Though I did not have breakouts while using this powder, it is unlike other mineral makeups that are so pure you can sleep without removing it, so please take time to remove your makeup before going to bed. Love your skin!

Forest House Is All I Want For Christmas

Baguio City is known as the Summer Capital  of the Philippines because of its cold climate. When I was younger, we always go to Baguio City during the Holy Week, before or after going to the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan. Just recently, I had the chance to revisit the city with my friends. It is only my second time to visit the place on a"ber" month. I will reserve the other stories on our first day in a separate blog entry as I want to highlight the most remarkable place I've been in Baguio City this time around.

My friend recommended Forest House as our venue for the get-together dinner. She made the necessary arrangements for our reservation. When we arrived at the place, I was overwhelmed by the Christmas decors. I felt I was on a Christmas movie, or in London, or dreaming on a wonderland. This is all I want for Christmas!

Continue reading and browsing photos here.

A Filipino-inspired holistic experience at the Amuma Spa

Maribago Bluewater prides itself  for offering Filipino-inspired holistic treatments in their very own Amuma  Spa. Amuma is a Visayan term that means "to pamper". True to its name, Amuma Spa is a haven for rejuvenation. Our blissful Amuma Spa journey started from our very own Amuma Spa Suite (see related story here). The suite is just a few steps away from the Amuma Spa main hall and its very own swimming pool.

We were asked to choose from four variants of massages oils: VCO, Ilang-Ilang, Lemon Grass and Green Tea. If I can only choose all, believe me, I will. I chose Lemon Grass for my hubby and VCO for me. 

We were then led to the Filipiniana-inspired shower room. The lockers were made of native materials. To complete the Filipiniana feel of the shower room, I was given a sarong instead of a robe which I shall wear after a refreshing bath.

The shower room is complete with bath amenities like lotion, cotton, Q-tips, shampoo, conditioner and soap. 

The shower rooms are clean and well-maintained. Kudos to Amuma Spa!

After a refreshing shower, we were led to the couple's room. This hallway is our gateway to a well-deserved spa indulgence, after working hard for many months! Should I say, this is the gateway to heaven? 

The couple's room is spacious. It has its own jacuzzi, steam bath, comfort room and a veranda.

We first indulged in Hingut-an, a head and shoulder massage that de-stressed us after our long journey from Sumilon Bluewater. The massage was followed by suob, a Filipino version of the steam bath. Suob has been used by various Filipino ethnic groups to drive away elements of illnesses. A concoction of warm water, herbs, salt and flowers were placed in a basin where we were asked to put our feet on, letting the therapeutic mixture vaporize inside a large thick cloth that envelops the body. The healthy steam increases blood circulation, fat metabolism and detoxification. It nourishes the skin and makes it supple. The muscle fibers soften which makes this a worthwhile treatment before a massage. 

That was just the beginning.

After the suob, we proceeded with our much awaited Amuma Hilot massage. It is Amuma Spa's signature rendition of the traditional Filipino hilot massage, a fusion of hilot techniques from across the Philippines. Uniquely Filipino, this therapy induces relaxation and promotes healing. Warm fresh banana fronds are used to loosen tense muscles. This is the Filipiniana version of the famous hot stone and ventosa massage. I love the warmth of the banana leaves placed on my back. It softened my stiff muscles. A relaxing pillow was also placed on my eyes. It is like a cold compress. I wonder where I can get one? It helps diminish puffiness in the eye area.

The massage lasted for an hour. The therapist then enjoined us to use the steam bath. 

Recharged, we then headed to the lounge area to indulge on a cup of ginger ale. It is definitely one of the most relaxing spa experience we had.

Amuma Spa also has a spa boutique at the ground floor of the spa pavilion. It offers a wide variety of homemade soaps, oils and a lot more.

 I forgot to grab some coconut soap and massage oils before we checked out the next day. I  am sure these coconut soaps are a good alternative to Akisha's oatmeal soap (the one she uses to alleviate her skin asthma). 

When we went out of Amuma Spa, it was already dark outside. The spa pavilion looks so beautiful at night.

Amuma Spa also has an alfresco spa pavilion by the poolside. It is also near the outdoor sauna and jacuzzi.

The outdoor spa pavilion gives you a chance to enjoy a massage while indulging in fresh air. 

You can also have Thai massage here on one of their floor mattresses. 

Amuma Spa is truly a sanctuary of Filipino-inspired holistic indulgences. So the next time you will visit Cebu, try to allot a day to relax after having a beach-and-sun adventure.

Join Human Heart Nature's Latest Contest!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Spa-cial Affair at Maribago Bluewater

After another 3-hour drive from Sumilon Bluewater, and after a day of adventure and island living, we headed to our next destination, Maribago Bluewater for a relaxing spa vacation. Yes, you read it right, a SPA vacation! 

Maribago Bluewater is located in Buyong Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu. From the airport, it is about 5-10 minutes ride. 

 

Please click here to continue.

 

Visit my travel blog at http://matetreyes.blogspot.com

 

 

Glamping at Sumilon Bluewater: Getting out of my comfort zone

I travel because I want to de-stress and be away from the noise of city life. I travel because I want to breathe fresh air. I travel because I want to reunite with nature. I've been to hotels and resorts around the country. They are almost the same. They just vary in price and theme. I want something special, something that can make my stay more memorable, something outside my comfort zone. Thus, I chose glamping.

Glamping or glamorous camping is an innovative way of "camping" in a more sophisticated setup. For some, the idea of camping is equivalent to bugs, uncomfortable beddings, questionable food and eerie nights. These are also the reason why for some, their first camping experience becomes the last. 

But glamping is way different. 

 

Find out more here.

 

Please follow my travel blog at http://matetreyes.blogspot.com

 

 

 

The Villas at Sumilon Bluewater

Sumilon Bluewater has 12 spacious villas that have an individual veranda with a fantastic view of the sea and mainland Cebu. And when I say, spacious, I mean it! The villa is too big for the three of us, as it has two double beds, a lounge area, mini bar and a writing desk. What I love most are the giant sliding doors that give a well-deserved ventilation and a magnificent view. Please click here for full story.

Sumilon Island, Cebu: En Route to a Paradise Down South

Sharing our Sumilon Island's getaway. Please click here.

Product Spotlight: Colour Collection CoQ10 Age Defying BB Cream

On days when I don't feel like putting on too much makeup, I always rely on my tinted moisturizers for a not-so-made-up look. My only concern with my present tinted moisturizer is that it only has SPF15, a reason for me to not use it whenever I go on travel, especially when I am off to the beach.

I read about BB creams (blemish balm ala tinted moisturizer with added benefits like higher sun protection, whitening, etc.) about 3 years ago and was able to try some labels. However, I find it either too thick or too gray for my skintone. That's why I stopped buying BB creams. But when someone sent me a tube of Colour Collection CoQ10 Age Defying BB Cream, I must say, I fell in love with BB creams again.

I love this BB Cream for many reasons:

1) It has SPF45.

2) The color matches all skintones. Not grayish like some Korean brands. 

3) It is not sticky.

4) It diminishes the appearance of large/open pores.

My only concern is the fragrance, so for those who are uber sensitive, the scent might turn you off. For me, that's just a minor concern, not a big deal.

My new travel blog

Hi Followers,

I have decided to create a separate blog for my travel escapades. i hope you'll support it the way you supported BeautyStashandMore. Here is my new playground:



http://matetreyes.blogspot.com/

Please follow it as i will be posting more of our travel escapades there so that BeautyStashandMore can concentrate on beauty and wellness.

Thanks a bunch!

Power Breakfast at Restaurant 5

Our stay at the Serendipity Suites comes with a free buffet breakfast for two at Restaurant 5. We woke up early to have some power breakfast to start our day.

It has a variety of breakfast items to choose from - fresh fruits, yogurt, breads, soup, cereals and a lot more.

There is a pancake and omelet station where you could ask them to make your pancakes and omelets while you choose the toppings.

I chose blueberries and cream pancakes while hubby chose to have strawberries and peaches.

There are also pizzas, bacon, corndogs and hash browns. For those who likes Filipino breakfast, they also have fried rice, tocino and eggs.

My favorite cold cuts and cheese.

They have unlimited coffee and hot chocolate as well, plus fruit juices, too!

Discovering Serendipity Suites

 The most family-friendly hotel for me is none other than Discovery Suites. Not only because of its spacious suites, but the staff gives you a warm welcome as if they are your staff at home. Now, another reason to love the Discovery Suites is their newly-renovated Serendipity Suites.

Located at the sixth to eighth floors of the hotel, the Serendipity Suites offer one, two and three bedroom suites that are spacious and homey.

The suites are equipped with a fully-furnished kitchen (with oven, microwave, fridge, glasswares, silverwares and stove). If you are planning to have a Christmas staycation, the Serendipity Suites is perfect because you can bring in food and cook it the way you want it.

It is also complete with coffee- and tea-making facilities. The kitchen itself is so spacious. It is created that way so that it will give you a homey feel even if you are not at home. Discovery Suites is just across The Podium and walking distance from SM Megamall, so you could buy food or groceries anytime.

The dining area is chic. Here, you can have a small pica-pica or fondue party.

They have welcome fruits, too! 

If, and only if, you decided you want to work while on a staycation (com'on!), the Serendipity Suites are also equipped with a work desk that has internet access. Otherwise, just checkout your FB and upload your holiday photos ASAP.

There are 2 flatscreen TV's in a One-Bedroom Suite - in the lounge and inside the bedroom.

The bed is so cozy that you would wish you could just sleep all day!

The bathroom is again, my favorite part. It has a tub, so I and Akisha enjoyed having a long warm bath. 

The bathroom amenities are superb, too! I love their body scrub!

The Serendipity Suite package also comes with a free use of their swimming pool and jacuzzi at the 5th floor. You have nothing to worry because they provide towels, coffee and juice at the pool area. No need to bring sunblock because the pool is covered.

The hotel also has a playroom for kids, also lcated at the 5th floor. You can bond together with your little angels and have some coloring or drawing activities.

Akisha enjoyed playing the toy donuts and croissant. 

I hope we can celebrate Christmas at Discovery Suites this year!