Giving Birth: What to Bring for Mommy and Baby

Hi gals! I'll keep this short but sweet. I just gave birth last week. ♥ As a first-time mom, with all the anxiety and anticipation (and probably restlessness) we're feeling just before giving birth (or going into labor), I know it can be difficult to assess the things we will actually need to bring at the hospital. Hopefully, this list of things to bring for mommy and baby can help other future first-time moms out there!

What to Bring for Baby (what I brought):
□ tie-sides & pajama pairs

□ mittens

□ socks

□ caps

□ receiving/swaddling blankets

□ going home outfit

□ bibs/washcloth

□ lampin

□ diapers

□ cotton

□ baby wipes

□ alcohol

□ baby oil

□ baby wash

the following items are optional:

□ feeding bottles

□ bottle cleanser, brush

□ sterilizer

□ bath tub

□ thermos

What to Bring for Mommy:

□ button-up pajamas

□ binder

□ maternity pads and/or adult diapers

□ toiletries

□ vanity kit

□ gadgets. chargers. camera

□ documents (I brought our marriage certificate, Philheath docs.)

□ clothes for husband/companion

Quick Review: Etude House Pearl Aura Brightening Essence

Etude House says:

The brightening and revitalizing essence makes skin look transparent and radiant. ·This is a brightening essence that contains Tahiti black pearl extract based fine aurora particles that enhance the skin’s natural transparent glow, brightening up dull areas for the effect of just awakened, fresh skin. ·With sufficient moisture and skin-friendly properties, This essence absorbs quickly without the use of cotton pads, hugging the skin with its smooth texture for a healthy looking glow.

First off, the formula is translucent-pearly white (has micro shimmers) that is easily absorbed by the skin. It has a strong floral scent which I honestly am not a fan of. I dislike strong fragrances on my skin care products, especially with my acne-prone skin!

After using for a few weeks, I must say that it did brighten my skin. It also moisturizes my skin quite well despite of how light it is. However, it did not give me the glow I was expecting, and worse, it was breaking me out. As I am already suffering from [even more] pimples and marks because of my pregnancy, I couldn't take any mooore acne problems - so I had to get rid of it.

You might still want to give this a try, but for those of you who have sensitive and acne-prone skin like mine, I'll just remind you to be extra cautious. Anyways, this is available for PHP 898 at any Etude House branch here in the Philippines, I got mine from their Glorietta store. Thanks for reading. Ciao!

Summer Must-Have: thebalm Stainiac in Homecoming Queen

It's summer, ladies! Now's a good time to update our makeup essentials and be summer-ready with sheers, waterproofs, and naturals. One great product to have is a lip and cheek tint. And one of my favorite tints is thebalm Stainiac.

The shade Homecoming Queen is sooo perfect for summer!

The mango-coral tint dries down to a warmer, peachier color so it looks more natural and doesn't give you orange popsicle lips, or cheeks. 

Its gel-based formula doesn't dry lips out, and provides more pigmentation unlike other watery lip and cheek tints. It doesn't streak. And there's no need to rush blending because it won't set immediately.

It lasts a fairly long time, this is just perfect for picnics, outings or adventures under the scorching summer heat. (:

thebalm Stainiacs are available at Beauty Bar for PHP 650.00.

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Review Roundup: thebalm Stainiac in Homecoming Queen

Pros:
non-drying

great pigmentation
doesn't streak
long-wearing
doesn't set immediately

Cons:
--

Overall:

4.5/5

Would I repurchase? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes

thebalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen Review

thebalm Stainiac is currently my top contender for lip and cheek stains. Read on and you'll know why.

Pardon the faded markings. :P

Stainiac comes in an aloe-infused gel-based formula, and doesn't dry my lips out. The doe foot applicator also makes for easier application.

Beauty Queen is a blue-based, cherry red.

It provides more pigmentation unlike its thinner, water-based counterparts such as the Benetint. It wouldn't streak either. And since it's gel-based, there's no need to rush blending because it won't set immediately.

Once blended, it dries down to a very natural finish. But it can be layered for a pop of color.

Stainiac lasts a pretty long time. And it lasts especially longer on the lips when layered on top with lipstick.

I ordered this online from Nordstrom, but it's available locally at Beauty Bar stores for PHP 650.00.

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Review Roundup: thebalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen

Pros:
non-drying

great pigmentation
doesn't streak
long-wearing
doesn't set immediately

Cons:
--

Overall:

4/5

Would I repurchase? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes

Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly Watery Cheek Review

Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly Watery Cheek, as the name implies, is a watery cream blush.

I got it in shade 04 Orange Coral which is purrrfect for summer!

It is watery, but well-pigmented.

Blended

Once blended, it dries down to a moist, natural finish. Nothing too dewy.

Lightly washed with soap and water

And the lasting power is great! How amazing would this be on outings or vacation trips -- under the scorching summer heat or against the ocean waves.

Review Roundup: Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly Watery Cheek

Pros:
natural finish

great pigmentation
long-wearing
affordable

Cons:
--

Overall:

5/5

Would I repurchase? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes