Review: Avon Fashions Body Illusion

Time to talk about foundation!

Not makeup, but the foundation for any nice outfit you can have. It always starts with great undies! With regards to my relationship with underwear, last year was such a revelation. I've always thought that I needed padding + underwire in order to survive because I have small boobs. Well, I have gained weight (boobs are still small), but the back straps of my lacy underwire bras have been digging on my skin and exposing back fat (NO!), so I ditched them for comfier options. Now, my underwear of choice are all non-wire.

Avon sent me their newest Body Illusion underwear to try and review. (Not sponsored!) 😁 I used to be an Avon lady way back in college! And while I always enjoyed browsing through their brochures, I've always longed for them to sell more neutral-colored undies that feel like second skin. It took some time, but my wish was definitely granted.

Presenting, Avon Fashions Body Illusion innerwear - powered by Avon's own Invisilite technology. This means no visible bra and panty lines even under skin-tight white clothing! This is such an innovation, and I think this is what all underwear should be or aspire to be.

Sonia Non-Wire Seamless Pull-On Bra (P899)

This bra offers amazing support without the wires! It has a soft fabric that will stretch up to twice its original size. It's a pull-on bra - my first one, so I'm not sure if I did it right, but I wore it from the bottom (waist) and just pulled it up. Super comfy because of the fabric, and the moulded cups give a flattering shape under clothing. The back and sides are seamless. Sometimes when I would wear a new bra, it would feel tight and leave red marks on my skin at the end of the day. With Sonia Non-Wire Seamless Pull-On Bra, zero redness and discomfort. You can just wear it and forget about it the entire day, and focus on the things that really matter. (Come to think of it, undies can affect your productivity!)

Features:

Silky fabric that feels like butter on the skin

Soft, brushed shoulder straps for easy, adjustable comfort

Lightweight and comfortable cups

Sonia comes in a pretty pale blush color that's fade-resistant, so your undies will stay pretty for a long time. 👙

Sonia Seamless Hipster Panty (P299)

Don't forget the matching Sonia seamless panty! While I still have panties with seams inside my drawer, I wear the Sonia panty under tight skirts and dresses so I don't have to worry about visible panty lines. The fabric feels less stretchy than the bra, but it serves its purpose because it just feels like second skin. It has a nice fit; it doesn't move around much so no chance of wedgies. LOL

Avon Fashions Body Illusion is available through Zalora, Avon Representatives, or via Avonshop.ph. Follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.

Love,

Helen

Facebook: Lucky Citrine

Instagram: @luckycitrine

Avon Skin So Soft Fast Hydration Body Gel Lotion

It's the first of July! Six months down, six more to go. Summer is supposed to be long gone, but right now we're experiencing rainy and sunny weather all in one day. Aside from SPF all year round as a requirement, I think we should all use body lotion to replenish lost moisture from either the heat of the sun, or the dryness of the cool weather. See? It's a requirement, too! :D

I'm currently trying out cooling body lotions, you know, the ones with different textures other than cream. These types of lotions are very ideal for the tropical weather here in the Philippines. Today, it will be about a gel lotion!

Avon Skin So Soft Fast Hydration Body Gel Lotion

If you're familiar with gel moisturizers (for the face), this one's a similar concept. I tend to favor gel moisturizers since they feel more lightweight compared to creams and are less likely to cause breakouts - perfect for oily skin. This one from Avon is a body gel lotion, and it contains watermint oil and Vitamin E to hydrate and refresh the skin. It has a clean, shower-fresh scent similar to the classic baby cologne variants.

Swatches:

This lotion is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and definitely non-sticky. I'm loving the cooling sensation, and I can liken that to a cold glass of water for my skin on a hot, sunny day. It's light but hydrating! The texture and the baby cologne scent of this gel lotion makes it a current favorite, which I enjoy using everyday.

Price: P330.00 for 200ml

Available via Avon dealers nationwide

Like Avon Philippines on Facebook for more information.

Love,

Helen

Unboxing: Perfectly Pristine Glamourbox [April 2014]

Welcome to Lucky Citrine's first unboxing post, featuring the Perfectly Pristine Glamourbox! (Gah, now I know how Subscription Boxes Queen Tellie feels!) It's just really like Christmas in April (or whatever month you get your box) because of that lovely element of surprise and mystery that surrounds each box.

Now Unboxing: Perfectly Pristine Glamourbox

If you're not familiar with Glamourbox yet, let me just give you a brief background. Glamourbox is an online beauty subscription service that lets you discover and try premium and niche beauty brands. For a subscription fee of P595, you'll receive a curated box with at least five deluxe beauty samples delivered to your doorstep. If you liked the products you samples, you can buy from Glamourbox's online boutique or at the brand's actual stores.

This month's box was heavy and jam-packed, hence no seal. (And I think this is a happy problem. Haha!)

This box's theme is Perfectly Pristine - so fresh and perfect for summer! It covers everything you'll need to keep fresh during the hot summer months.

Curation Card

Here's the looong list of products, description, and prices.

Time for the big reveal! I know Glamourbox promises at least 5 deluxe samples per box, but look at this! The box runneth over with full-sized products and BIG deluxe samples. :D

In the order of my favorites, let's discover what's inside the box!

Barenaturals The Mane Event Nourishment Hair Mask
in Macadamia Nut and Argan Brazilian

Get ready for an all-natural hair mask that truly delivers! Infused with oat proteins and oils of macadamia nut, argan oil and colza, it helps condition, detangle, fight static and rebuild damaged hair.

Full Size 130g/P380

Sample Size 100g/P293

My hair's acting up lately, and it's not as wavy/curly as I want it to be. I think Mr. Sun dried it up, so I am really happy to see a natural hair mask in this box! It comes with a small spatula inside (surprise!), and it contains no silicone, paraben, phthalates, petrochemical, and SLES. It smells nice and has a thick texture; I'm just hoping it won't weight my hair down. We'll see about that soon!

Avon Skin So Soft Fast Hydration Body Gel Lotion

Instantly hydrate & revitalize your skin with the refreshing sensation of this fast-absorbing gel lotion. Enhanced with watermind oil & vitamin E, it leaves skin touchably soft all day.

Full Size 200ml/P330

I love lotions and I seriously have a hard time sleeping at night whenever I forget to apply it, so it's no surprise this one also came as a favorite. I'm used to thick body butters, but a light gel lotion is more appropriate for the hot weather we're having now.

Barenaturals Sexy Back Scrub with Sacha Inchi Oil

This back scrub made with lulur exfoliants and antioxidant-rich sacha inchi oil fights and sloughs off bacne and other common skin woes. It's all you need for a smooth and sexy back.

Full Size 170g/P290

Bacne is not really a big issue of mine, but it's lulur so I'm tempted to use it all over my body. Anyone ever had the same evil thought? Haha

Belo Intensive Whitening Bar

Get fairer, rosier skin quick! Belo expertly combines tranexamic acid with kojic acid for this soap that has 64% more lightening power than a product with kojic acid alone.

Full Size: 65g/P59.75

I've read a lot of people aren't too thrilled with the idea of having a whitening soap in the box, but I am! I'm a fan of Belo skincare products and I think they're really promising (yet affordable). I'll be using this after summer though to bring back the fairness that was. (No, I am still not regretting any of my day trips! Haha)

Zen Zest Anti-Mosquito Room Fragrance

Feel instantly invigorated with this wondrous combination of citronella, lemongrass and eucalyptus. Its citrusy scent keeps mosquitoes out too!

Full Size 250ml/P250

Sample Size 50ml/P50

I've actually tried the 2 other variants of Zen Zest Room Fragrances before (Kitchen Fragrance and Cabinet Deodorizer). This one's a welcome addition to our home since mosquitoes seem to love the taste of our blood. Eww. Zen Zest Anti-Mosquito Room Fragrance has a strong scent, but I can take it as long as I don't get new bites.

Vanilla & Co. Moisturizing Witch Hazel Beauty Tonic

Quench skin with vitamins anytime, anywhere! This beauty tonic will recharge and protect skin from constant exposure to the sun, dust and pollution.

Full Size 150ml/P199

Sample Size 50ml/P67

At first, I wasn't sure what this was for. Is it a toner or face mist? But then I decided to settle with face mist. I wish they included the list of ingredients though, since I'm iffy when it comes with experimenting with new skincare products. Just like Pat, I am so relieved I didn't get the foot blush. LOL.

Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Dandruff, begone! Restore the natural balance of your scalp with this mild shampoo with PH 5.5. It removes dandruff flakes and reduces any irritations without drying it out.

Full Size 200ml/P425

Sample Size 20ml/P42.50

Plus points for the super cute bottle! Can't get any more travel-sized than this, huh? However, I'm not having major dandruff problems so I might just set this aside first.

Venus & Mars Naturals Smooch Lip Detox SPF15

Break free from chemicals! This lip butter is made only of the finest natural oils to make your puckers smooch-worthy! Charged with SPF15, it protects lips from sun damage.

Full Size 10g/P205

Sample Size 5g/P102.50

I love how this lip balm smells like peppermint! It's all natural to boot. It comes with SPF 15. Check, check, check. Almost perfect, but it would have been perfect if it came in a stick! No to dipping fingers in pots, especially during hiking or beach trips.

Add-ons:

Clean Fragrance Shower Fresh

Inspired by the uplifting, nostalgic scent of soap, this juicy fragrance exudes a "just stepped out of the shower" freshness.

Full Size 30ml/P2,000

It has been said that French women are all for perfumes that spell seduction, so they can't understand why their Yankee sisters are all for the clean, shower fresh scent. I somehow agree that you definitely can't seduce anyone using soapy scents, but I find myself liking Clean's clean scent. Therefore, that makes me un-French. Haha

Aloe Derma Pure Aloe Vera Gel

Tote this on your next adventure! With 99% organic aloe extracts, this multipurpose gel gives soothing relief to sunburn, minor cuts and wounds, insect bites and even acne.

Full Size 114g/P460

Sample Size 15g/P61

Korean brands sell tubs of Aloe gels with 92% aloe, while this one has 99% organic aloe vera juice. These sachets are very handy! I'm bringing a pack or two to my next trip just in case anyone's sunburned skin is in dire need of aloe relief.

Valda Pastilles

For instant cooling relief and fresh breath, just pop on of these chewable pastilles on your mouth!

Full Size 50g/P150

Sample Size 20g/P60

This one's so freakin' nostalgic. I was also one of those 90s kids who got really excited at the sight of a Valda Pastilles gold tin! But my excitement wore off when I opened this pack. My jelly pastilles were all "melted", so it turned into one big minty blob. It's hard to eat it like that, but I can't deny, it's still delish!

Subscription Fee: P595

Box Value: P1,355.75 (excluding the sample perfume vial and voucher)

Glamourbox doubled the amount of the subscription fee, which is a good thing since you certainly get more than what you pay for. Perfectly Pristine Glamourbox does not have as many makeup as I'd like it to have, but the bath and body care junkie in me just had a mini heart attack because of sheer excitement (upon opening the package), so I'd say it's pretty much worth it!

Like GlamourboxPH on Facebook for more information. There are still slots left for the Perfectly Pristine Glamourbox. You may subscribe here! :)

Love,

Helen

Lucky Citrine's 3rd Anniversary Giveaway Winners

Today, I am overwhelmed and happy. :D

I was reading through the comments over at the Lucky Citrine's 3rd Anniversary Giveaway post, and I had a hard time choosing the winners. When my schedule frees up and I am not too busy working, I promise I will reply to each and everyone! ♥

Now, I'll be announcing the winners!

Set #1:
Pure Beauty Pomegranate Antioxidant 2-in-1 Foam Cleanser
Pure Beauty Pomegranate Antioxidant 2-in-1 Toner
Pure Beauty Pomegranate Antioxidant 2-in-1 Night Cream
Winner: Rhania Chang

Set #2:
Yves Rocher Riche Creme (Sample)
Etude House Collagen Moistfull First Essence (Sample)
Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy Facial Foam
Tony Moly Latte Art Milk-Tea Morning Pack

Winner: Chona Chavez

 

Set #3:
Ahava Cleansing Cream
Ahava Smoothing Moisturizer
Reviva Labs Collagen Night Cream
Avon ANEW Clinical Pro Line Corrector Treatment (28 Sachets)
Winner: Robin Jacques Ong

Set #4:
SkinWhite Classic Whitening Soap with Hydrating Lycopene
SkinWhite Classic Whitening Deodorant Active Cool
SkinWhite Classic Whitening Lotion SPF 10
SkinWhite Classic Whitening Face Cream
SkinWhite Advanced Whitening Face Cream Powder
Winner: Aegeane Mikka Brioso

Set #5:
Godiva LicoWhite Whitening Facial Wash (12 Sachets)
Godiva LicoWhite Whitening Facial Toner
Godiva LicoWhite Whitening Facial Cream (10 Sachets)
Godiva LicoWhite Whitening Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

+ PAC Free Make Over GC 

Winner: Jawaher Banico

Congratulations! Please send me an email at helenblas(at)yahoo(dot)com containing your full name, contact number, and complete mailing address (including zip code), so that I may ship the prizes to you. :)

If you didn't win now, it's okay since I'll be launching more giveaways in the near future. Just don't unlike or unfollow, since those who do will be banned forever. Haha. I mean it.

Whew! I hope I get back to blogging in a few days. :)

Love,

Helen

Lucky Citrine's 3rd Anniversary Giveaway (Skincare Overload!)

Last February 27, my blog celebrated her (yes, it's a girl) 3rd birthday! What better way to celebrate it by hosting another giveaway! :D

Since I am obsessed with skincare, this will be my so-called Grand Skincare Giveaway! This time, there will be 5 winners. Long-time readers of my blog will have bigger chances of winning. You will see why later. ;)

Here are the prizes:

Set #1:
Pure Beauty Pomegranate Antioxidant 2-in-1 Foam Cleanser
Pure Beauty Pomegranate Antioxidant 2-in-1 Toner
Pure Beauty Pomegranate Antioxidant 2-in-1 Night Cream

Set #2:
Yves Rocher Riche Creme (Sample)
Etude House Collagen Moistfull First Essence (Sample)
Garnier Pure Active Fruit Energy Facial Foam
Tony Moly Latte Art Milk-Tea Morning Pack

Set #3:
Ahava Cleansing Cream
Ahava Smoothing Moisturizer
Reviva Labs Collagen Night Cream
Avon ANEW Clinical Pro Line Corrector Treatment (28 Sachets)

Set #4:
SkinWhite Classic Whitening Soap with Hydrating Lycopene
SkinWhite Classic Whitening Deodorant Active Cool
SkinWhite Classic Whitening Lotion SPF 10
SkinWhite Classic Whitening Face Cream
SkinWhite Advanced Whitening Face Cream Powder

Set #5:
Godiva LicoWhite Whitening Facial Wash (12 Sachets)
Godiva LicoWhite Whitening Facial Toner
Godiva LicoWhite Whitening Facial Cream (10 Sachets)
Godiva LicoWhite Whitening Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

Oh please don't notice my OCD here. The prizes are either sorted by color or brand. :D

The mechanics are super easy as well! I'll use the Rafflecopter just to monitor your entries, but the best answers will win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reminders:

1. Giveaway is from March 1-31, 2014.
2. Open to Philippine residents only.
3. Winners will be announced via blog post and Facebook, and will have 7 days to respond before I choose another winner.
4. Winners must email me at helenblas(at)yahoo(dot)com.
5. I will ship the prizes for free.

I'm looking forward to reading your entries. Happy weekend! ♥

Love,

Helen

Throwback Thursday: My 2010 Makeup Kit!

I was cleaning up my files and I chanced upon some old pictures of my makeup collection dated August 2010, way back when I wasn't even blogging yet! Having just graduated for a few months, my kit was filled mostly with affordable drugstore brands.

Face:

• Neutrogena Fine Fairness UV Compact
• Maybelline Clear Smooth Shine Free Face Powder
• Maybelline Clear Smooth BB Cream
• Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Healthy Natural Liquid Foundation
• Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Healthy Natural Concealer
  Maybelline Angelfit Powder Foundation (Refill)
• Clinique Liquid Foundation (Sample)

Cheeks:

• Fanny Serrano Powder Blush (2)
• Nichido Cheek Tint
• Maybelline BlushStudio Mousse
• Maybelline Clear Smooth Blush (2)

Eyes:

• Fanny Serrano Eyelash Curler
• Fashion 21 Eyebrow Duo
• e.l.f. Brightening Eye Color
• MAC Smolder Eye Kohl
• Maybelline Vivid & Smooth Liner
• Maybelline Impact Express Smooth Felt Liner
• Maybelline Unstoppable Shiny Black Mascara

Lips:

• Maybelline Fruity Jelly Lip Gloss
• Maybelline Lip Smooth Color & Care Lip Balm
• The Body Shop Born Lippy Strawberry Lip Balm
• Becca Glossy Lip Tint

• The Body Shop Delipscious Sheer Lip Color
• Maybelline ColorSensational Moisture Extreme Lipstick
• Maybelline Watershine Pure Natural Water Lipstick
• Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick
• Fanny Serrano Moisturific Gold Lipstick

Did we have the same items in our kit? Can you guess which item from these pictures I'm still using until now? :)

Love,

Helen 

Package Day: Avon Anew Clinical PRO Line Corrector

On the first day of March, I received a package from Avon Philippines. They sent me my very own VIP 28-day trial pack for their latest innovation, Avon Anew Clinical PRO Line Corrector.

Avon Anew Clinical PRO Line Corrector Treatment with A-F33 [Amino-Fill 33]

The trial kit contains 28 pieces of Avon Anew Clinical PRO Line Corrector in 1g sachets. While sachets are handy, I thought it would have been nicer and more environment-friendly had these been package in a small bottle instead, all 28g of it. Then, I realized that they sold the actual product containing 30g for P1,999.00!

How It Works:

• Day 1-7: Deep wrinkles begin to fade in just 7 days
• Day 8-14: 100% of women showed improvement in fine wrinkles in just 14 days
• Day 15-21: Reduces wrinkles in 3 dimensions: depth, length, and number
• Day 22-28: 6 out of 10 women who considered cosmetic procedure who tried this product said that it improved their skin so much they decided to postpone it.

 

Visit http://www.onlyfromavon.com.ph/ to know more about Avon Anew Clinical PRO Line Corrector. Avon Philippines gave away 2,500 VIP 28 day trial kits, and if you're interested, you might still want to sign up here just in case you make it to their list.

Thank you for this, Avon Philippines!

Love,

Helen