February 2013 Beauty Photo-A-Day Challenge

I'm a big fan of photo-a-day challenges & beauty tags so I decided to combine them and came up with this challenge for the month of February. I'm pretty much addicted to Instagram so I decided to have it there. I hope you all will join me. Let's have some fun sharing! Don't forget to use the hashtag #februarypadcjannieology so I can check out all your awesome photos!
Clockwise : bare face, foundations, hot tool, concealers...
Catch you all on Instagram!

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Rub Rub Rub, Three Men In A Tub

Hi guys! I know I haven't been posting a lot the past few days and a lot of you have been sending me messages and tweets that you're starting to miss my regular posts especially my reviews. Well, I've finally fixed my photos and am ready to give you my first review of the year!
Anyway, moving on... My first review for 2013 is Lush Cosmetics' Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub! If you've been following me on Instagram (@jannieology) you must already know that last year I took a short trip to Manila and did a bit of Lush shopping since it isn't locally available in Zamboanga. One of the products I got from lush is this shower scrub that's been my constant companion for about two weeks now. Full review after the photos!


Product : Lush Cosmetics Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub Price : P650/300g Where : Lush, The Fort
What It Is : "Sea salt shower scrub Run Rub Rub is a bit of variation on the normal shower gel. Sea salt is gently exfoliating, extra cleansing and mineral rick. This new blue scrub is startlingly refreshing, with a dash of lemon juice and the tropical scent of mimosa blossom. Smooth it all over your body; you can even use it as a shampoo."
Love : *Versatility. I love the fact that this product can be used several ways. When I want a more gentle exfoliating session in the shower, I apply it to wet skin and it the grains of salt will slightly melt to leave you with mostly shower gel that feels heavenly on the skin. For days (and areas like heels, elbows & knees) when you need an extra scrubbing, apply it to dry skin and gradually massage it onto your body.   I especially like using this on my tired feet after a long day, just to give 'em a good scrubbing. Plus I use this on my hair too when I want a really deep cleaning. When my hair dries, it really is fluffier than when I use my "normal" shampoo. *Scent. This scrub smells like the sea. And if you know me well, you won't even wonder why I like it so much. I am obsessed over things and products that smell like the sea. It has this really fresh and clean scent that I'm totally in love with. I know some people find it too detergent-y (some even say it reminds them of laundry soap) but to me, it's perfect! Plus it last a pretty long time when I use it on my hair. *Moisturizing. Seriously I can skip body lotion after using this product. Another plus is that though it's moisturizing, it doesn't leave that slimy/greasy feeling behind on your skin. *Packaging. I love the fact that the tub is made from 100% recycled plastic. Talk about "earth friendly". Plus I plan to use it to store little knick knacks like my rings when I'm done with the scrub. * Fresh, Handmade, Vegan, Cruelty Free. Need I say more?
Hate : *Price. P650/300g in my opinion is a hefty price to pay for a body scrub. Especially since there are equally reliable body scrubs out in the market (like another favorite, the Lulur Whitening Body Scrub). IMHO, this product's more for when you want to do some "extra" pampering in the shower. *Availability. Like I said, I had to get this when I was in Manila since there aren't any Lush outlets in Zamboanga. Now if I run out, I'd have to a. order on the online site & pay the whopping $$$ shipping fee or b. ask a kind friend (or my ninang) to purchase this & ship it to me (then reimburse them too!) In short, getting my hands on this again when it runs out will be a hassle. *Packaging. Honestly, I'm taking points off for the packaging (even if I did mention above that I liked it, I'm weird, I know). I have an issue with screw lid tops. Plus I'm iffy about having to constantly dip my fingers/hand into the tub to scoop out product. When I do this with a wet hand, water eventually pools inside the tub. So I have to resort to pouring product carefully out of the tub into my hand. * Drying. On the hair that is. Though my hair feels uber clean & fluffy it also gets a bit more dry than usual especially when I don't use a conditioner afterwards. Lesson leaned, use a conditioner!
Repurchase : Yes, even if it proves to be a hassle to get my hands on, definitely repurchasing this product!
Overall : There are more things to love than to hate about this scrub and I'm definitely in love with it. I recommend using it on  the body than for the hair though. Using this 2-3x a week has definitely improved my skin's condition, leaving it softer and smoother especially the skin on my legs & heels. This is one product I'd gladly repurchase and pamper myself with!

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The "45 Questions About Beauty" Tag

DISCLAIMER : LONG POST!

I love TAGS. I think it's a great way getting know other people. Here's a tag I stumbled upon last year while I was browsing videos on YouTube. Decided to convert it into a "blog" tag since I'm being a lazy ass at the moment and don't really wanna make a video tag.

1. How many times do you wash your face daily?
I wash it around 4-5 times a day. I know that's a lot and it can totally dry out your skin but that's why moisturizer has become my best friend.

2. What skin type do you have? Dry, oily, or combi skin?
I have combination skin. Oily on the T-Zone and upper cheek area while dry on the rest of my face especially my jaw line.

3. What is your current facial wash?

Photo Credit : thisnext.com

I started using this last year. I've had my first tube since December. It's been lasting me this long because a little goes a long way. It lathers wonderfully and a tiny amount will be enough for your whole face. I use this in the morning and evening and (admittedly) I sometimes use this in between too!

4. Do you exfoliate? How often?
I'm slightly addicted to exfoliating. I exfoliate on MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS and FRIDAYS. I feel that with exfoliated skin, my skin gets to absorb all the good products that I apply onto my face to help with my skin problems.

5. What product do you use to exfoliate?

Photo Credit : amazon.com

I've been using this product since high school. I've read lots of "bad" things about how rough this is for the face but it works quite well on me. I wouldn't recommend this to those with ultra sensitive skin though because I admit it sometimes does feel a little too rough compared to your regular exfoliating wash/scrub.

6. What moisturizer do you use?

Photo Credit : iaspirebrands.com

I use the Myra E moisturizer in the mornings because it's lightweight and has the needed SPF to keep my face protected. Plus it's locally available!

Photo Credit : thisnext.com

This is my "evening" moisturizer. I love this moisturizer. I received it the same time as my Kiehl's facial wash. I use this in the evening because it doesn't have SPF but sometimes when I'm really lazy, and I know I'll be indoors the whole day, I also use this in the mornings.

7. Do you have freckles/sun spots?
Nope.

10. Do you use eye cream?
I should start using one since I'm turning 21 soon! *eep*
Can anyone recommend an effective but affordable eye cream?

11. Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
I used to have problems with acne. I still think I have acne prone skin though I don't break out as horribly as I did back in college.

12. Did you ever have to use pro-activ?
No, not really. I used other products to deal with my acne problem.

13. What foundation do you use?

Photo Credit : sulit.com.ph 

Photo Credit : sulit.com.ph

I switch foundations often because I like to try new things and see how it'll work on me but I do have a go-to foundation for now. It's the NYX HD Photogenic foundation. I started using this last year and I combine HDF02 and HDF03 to get a match for my skin.

14. How about concealer?

Photo Credit : sulit.com.ph

I use the San San concealer in Beige (spot concealing) & Natural (highlighting).

15. Do you know your undertone color?
Unfortunately not yet. I'm thinking probably a yellowish undertone?

16. What do you think of fake eyelashes?

I'm wearing false lashes in the photos above. Isn't it obvious how much I'm in love with falsies? I think they bring a look together. It's like the cherry on top of a pie. It just ties everything together and adds that needed *umph!*

17. Did you know that you're supposed to change mascara every 3 months?
Yes, I do know that little fact. That's the very reason why I don't like buying high end mascaras.

18. What brand of mascara do you use?
At the moment I use mascaras from Maybelline.

19. Sephora or Mac?
Sephora, just because of the VARIETY. :)

20. Do you have a Mac pro card?
No. :| 

21. What makeup tools do you use in makeup application?
I like to use a combination of brushes, sponges and my ever reliable hands but if I had to break it down to the top 5 that I use the most if would probably be the following:
a. Beauty Cosmetics Flat Top Brush
b. ELF Flat Top Powder Brush
c. Ecotools Concealer Brush
d. ELF Blending Brush
e. Makeup Sponge

22. Do you use makeup base or primer for your eyes?
Yes. I use the NYX HD eyeshadow base most of the time.

Photo Credit : cherryculture.com

23. For the face?
No. Due to my laziness I tend to skip this step but I do own a couple of face primers like the one from ELF & the HD one from NYX. I fancy the ELF primer more since it looks more natural than the "white" NYX primer. :|

Photo Credit : eyelipsface.com

Photo Credit : cherryculture.com

24. What is your favorite eyeshadow shade?
This is a tough question. I love lots of eyeshadow shades! I love colorful shades and neutral ones. I love playing with different eyeshadow colors. But for the sake of answering the question, I guess it would have to be MAC's Naked Lunch.

Photo Credit : http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com

I use this as a lid color and a highlight (under my brows & even on my face). I love it so much that I got totally heartbroken when I ran out of it. I'm saving up for a new pot. :)

25. Do you use pencil or liquid liner?
Both. On lazy days I reach for a pencil liner but when I have time to spare I reach for my liquid liners but to be quite honest, I really prefer gel liners more.

26. How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Not so often. I try to be extra careful.

27. What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
This happens to be one of those makeup products that I have a love-hate relationship with. I currently have around 10 pigment eyeshadows which I don't really use because it happens to be such a hassle when your in a hurry plus I can't stand all the fall outs. Foiling them does help with the fall out problem, but still. :|

28. Do you use mineral makeup?
I used to. I'm trying to get back into the "mineral" makeup thing since it's supposed to be a lot healthier than regular makeup. I'm starting with my 100% natural tinted lip balms from Human Nature.

29. What is your favorite "go-to" lipstick? Why?

Photo Credit : http://nagellack-junkie.blogspot.com/

The year I turned 18 was the year I discovered NYX and the very first NYX product I ordered was the NYX Round Lipstick in Tea Rose. Ever since I got my first tube I've fallen in love with the shade and since then I've gone through 8 tubes already. I'm currently on my 9th tube.

30. How about lip gloss? Why?
I'm not much of a lip gloss wearer because I haven't found a lip gloss that I truly like using. I always get disappointed with several "formulas" I've tried. It was either too drying or too icky.

31. What is your favorite blush to use and why?

Photo Credit : wawa-chan

Yet another NYX product! My go-to blush since last year is the NYX Cream Blush in NATURAL. It really does give a natural healthy flush on the skin and stays put like a dream. I don't need to keep re-applying the blush and since it comes in cream form it really blends beautifully.

32. Do you buy your makeup on ebay/ebay.ph?
Yes and I ended up buying a knockoff! It works great but. Well... It's a knockoff. LOL.

33. Do you like drugstore makeup?
Most of my makeup fall under the "drugstore" category. I still don't have the kind of money that I can blow off buying high end makeup. I do perfectly well with drugstore makeup anyway BUT I do have "high end" SKIN CARE products.

34. Do you go to cosmetic company outlets?
Yes. :) They usually have testers unlike online shops (yes, I get my makeup online most of the time) so I can test out the products before buying.

35. Did you ever consider taking makeup classes?
At one point I did but then again I'd rather take up my masterals in NURSING before diving into proper makeup classes. Priorities first, right?

36. Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
I used to be. At the moment, I feel more confident in putting on makeup but that's because of PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. A lot of my friends wonder why I put on makeup really nicely and all I tell them is that I PRACTICE.

37. Name a makeup crime that you hate.
Mismatched foundation. *hello floating face*

38. Do you like colorful shades of makeup or neutral ones?
Ugh! I love both! Please don't make me choose a second time around.

39. Which celebrity always has great makeup?

It was pretty hard to choose but I guess I'd stick with Taylor Swift. I love how her makeup always makes her look really fresh and young.

40. If you could leave the house using just one makeup item, what would you use?
Pressed powder to help control my oiliness! @@

41. Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Of course! Most of the time I walk out the door with ZERO makeup on.

42. In your opinion, what is the best makeup line?
I haven't tried so many makeup brands YET but I'd have to say that among the ones I have tried I'd say MAC, NYX & SLEEK (sorry couldn't choose just one!)

43. What do you think of makeup?
I think makeup was created to help women have more confidence. I'm not saying we shouldn't be comfortable in our own skin but rather I'm saying that we can use makeup to enhance our own natural beauty. Who doesn't want to look great? I mean, come on, when we look great, we feel great about ourselves!

44. What is your favorite "quote" related to makeup?
"I love the confidence that makeup gives me."- Tyra Banks

45. If you were a makeup tool/product, what would you be and why?
If I were a makeup product, I would be FOUNDATION because one of the most basic makeup products used by most people is foundation. It evens out skin tone, covers most blemishes and over all makes your skin look good and I believe that beautiful skin never goes out of style.

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Woops! This has got to be one of the LONGEST posts ever. Anyway, I'm tagging the following people who I think would be up to doing this:

Faith : http://loveroxie.com/
Yesha : http://alldolled-up.info/
Nin : http://monsterprettyinthecity.blogspot.com/
Gellie - http://www.gelleesh.com/
Ayzee - http://chilipina.blogspot.com/
Carizza - http://carizzachua.blogspot.com/


Tagging them because I'd like to get to know them more. I'm also TAGGING you, yes you, my dearest readers. Hope you enjoy! Let's get to know each other better!

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