Catching Up With Trends: Micellar Water and Matte Lips

I’ve turned over a new leaf about connecting with foreign bloggers. FYI: I used to think that bloggers who connected with foreigners were too desperate for followers and additional exposure. I didn’t think there would be enough in common between all these people for them to genuinely like each other’s blogs, other than an overwhelming need to bump up those widget numbers.

I was very wrong! As my blog gained international readers, I started replying back on foreign commenters’ blogs strictly as a manner of politeness. Little by little, I discovered blogs that were really interesting for me despite cultural differences, and started following them regardless if I got followed back.

I suppose other people are still in it for the exposure, but I didn’t ever stop to think that connecting with foreign bloggers is very much like mingling in a party. We all talk about makeup so what else do you need in common?

One day, I was checking out Digital Traincase on a whim and spot a familiar brand: Bioderma...

My Digital Traincase Purchases

Bioderma Crealine TS H2O Micellar Water (for sensitive skin)

Bioderma Crealine TS H2O Micellar Water, Php 1350 / 500ml

I only ever heard of Micellar Water from UK bloggers. I thought the brand was familiar because I'd read a couple of Bioderma reviews recently.

TS H2O is for sensitive skin while H2O is for normal to oily skin. I don't think my skin is particularly sensitive but I really do not identify with oily so I was lucky to get this TS H2O stock.

Widely popular in France and trickling down to the rest of Europe, micellar water has microscopic oil cells (micelles) surrounded in water. This is apparently, the secret to it's huge success though I do not quite understand the sense of it all yet. I mean, so what if oil is microscopically tiny and surrounded in water?

Those are just my own wonderings but you can't deny the number of raves on this. It functions as a 3-in-1 makeup remover, cleanser and toner. Users have reported it to be highly balanced or not irritating on their skin. It feels as refreshing as water, but is as effective as oil-based makeup removers. They also rave about the convenience of skipping the most gruesome first three steps in the skincare routine, especially since micellar is so effective in removing makeup.

Bioderma is the most raved about micellar water currently out in the market. It's a little expensive but the bottle is huge and I appreciate the convenience. It supposedly lasts around 2.5 months on average but I think I can stretch it out because I wear such light makeup daily. When I saw its 4.5 score in Makeup Alley I was convinced that this was the one to try!

For other options: Try the close second: La Roche Posay Physiological Micellar Water (Php 1050 / 400ml at Digital Traincase) The general consensus seems to be that it is a little less effective in removing water-proof makeup but users who've reacted with Bioderma find LRP the perfect alternative. These two are the biggest brands being talked about so I would recommend only either.

L'Oreal also has one but somehow, people aren't mentioning it as much. All three brands mentioned come from France, the home of micellar water, so I'm pretty sure it'd take a while before venturing out to other manufacturers. I can't find it locally, however.

One of my readers, Rae, has pointed out to me that Bifesta is also Micellar. I didn't know that at first but I have confirmed it online (my sample has Japanese writing on it.) Die-hard fanatics of Asian skin care should probably check this out first. It's also a bit cheaper at Php 419 for a 300ml bottle, good for about 1-1.5 months of use. Bifesta is available in select Rustan's and Shopwise stores, but I've also seen it in a few Watsons.

NYX Give a Little Love Soft Matte Lip Cream

NYX Give a Little Love Soft Matte Lip Cream

Php 790 / 3 glosses at 24ml each

Antwerp (a balanced coral,) Addis Ababa (a fuschia leaning on pink) and Tokyo (a soft, light pink)\

This one isn’t really overseas-inspired. One of my friends posted it on Facebook and I was immediately sold! I have have only one other matte lip product and I’ve always wanted to expand that collection, seeing how matte's slowly creeping back into trend. It doesn't hurt that NYX is a reliable yet inexpensive brand!

I like that the collection has a coral, fuschia and pink. I put on coral and pink shades all the time but I am so glad to get my hands on a fuschia that looks like it will suit me! I have a cool lip tone phobia yet Addis Ababa seems pretty safe for me. Can’t wait to start using this one!

You can visit Digital Traincase here. A little warning for PayPal lovers like me: DT makes you pay the transaction fee so if you're not comfortable with that, better do bank deposit or G cash.

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