Unboxing: BDJ's December 2016 Elite Box

Christmas is just around the corner, but, when I received BDJ's December Elite box, it felt like Christmas has already arrived! I was surprised at how heavy and full to the brim it was when I opened it!

This month, they (once again) partnered with Céleteque.

 

CÉLETEQUE DermoCosmetics™ is a collection of everyday makeup that cares for your skin. It perfectly blends the enhancing touch of dermatologically-tested, hypoallergenic cosmetics and the nurturing and protecting benefits of expert skin care. 

Witness a new Dermo breakthrough that will change the way you look at beauty. The all-new Celeteque DermoCosmetics is an innovation that combines makeup and skin care in one.
With CÉLETEQUE DermoCosmetics™, you can complement your skin care routine with coverage and colors that protect and nourish your skin.
From http://www.celetequedermo.com

At first, I hesitated, and had second thoughts about subscribing, since I already received a Céleteque exclusive box from them last year and was thinking I might receive the same products or repeat items. But, after seeing their sneak peeks and their claims about getting 6x the value of the money you spend (Php 1480/box), I caved in. If you'd like see that unboxing you can check it here.

It was super exciting for me as I received 15 items that are mostly full-sized (with the exception of the mist and the cleansing oil). It looks like Céleteque launched new makeup products too as the only repeat I got was the mist. I love how this mist is travel-sized, it's easier to pop in my bag before heading out.

Let's take a look at what's inside the box.

1. Céleteque DermoCosmetics Longwear Eyeshadow Palette (6.5g) Php725/each Smokey Grey, Pink Orchid, and Warm Brown

Sport vivid and naturally-toned eyelids at your next holiday party with the easy-to-blend Long-wear Eyeshadow Palette. Take your pick and combine naturally-toned colors from the palette, after you apply the lightweight eye primer, which keeps your eyeshadow colors fresh and vivid all day and night. Shea butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, or Vitamin E and Evening Primrose Oil help retain moisture for a smooth texture and an easy-to-blend application. 

 With swatches of the Warm Brown palette

All together now! 

2. Céleteque DermoCosmetics 2-in-1 Eyebag Miracle Kit (6.4g) Php745
Light, Natural, and Beige

Reduce puffiness under your eyes and lighten discoloration after a night out on the town with the 2-in-1 Eyebag Miracle Kit. It comes with CytobiolTM Lumin-eye which visibly reduces inder-eye bags and puffiness. This Eyebag Miracle Kit continues to wow with Vitamin E, which nourishes and hydrates eye skin, keeping it firm while minimizing lines. Antioxidants such as Ubiquinone, Squalene  and Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract help protect the area under your eyes from further skin damange. 

3. Céleteque DermoCosmetics Eyebrow Defining Kit (3.3g) Php600/each 
Dark Brown and Medium Brown

Rejoice in the winning combination of tinted wax and color-complementing eyebrow powder found in the Eyebrow Defining Kit! Shea Butter and Tocopheryl Acetate, or Vitamin E, moisturize and smoothen the brows for a well-groomed look. Argan Kernel Oil gives the kit a smooth texture for an easy-to-blend application for well-defined eyebrows worth celebrating.

4. Céleteque DermoScience Hydration Hydrolyzed Moisturizing Mist (50ml) Php150

Keep your skin well hydrated with Céleteque's Hydration Hydrolyzed Moisturizing Mist! It helps restore the skin's moisture and improve elasticity and softness. You can use it as a moisturizer, skin refresher and as a makeup setter. So go on and have fun this Christmas season. 

5. Céleteque DermoScience Advanced Anti-Aging Cleansing Oil (50ml) Php249

A great way to remove all those makeup without hurting your skin is with Céleteque Advance Anti-Aging Cleansing Oil. It's not just a simple makeup remover because it helps prevent and reduce fine lines and wrinkles and provides moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.

6. Céleteque DermoCosmetics CC Microhydrating Powder (10g) Php930
Light Porcelain,  Classic Natural, and Deep Beige

Maximize the gift of 2× beautiful with this CC Micro-hydrating Powder's ultra-fine and hydrating powder that quickly blends and evens out your complexion. It even controls oil and shine for a silky, soft matte finish and keeps your face well-moisturized at the same time. Best of all, its SPF 30 provides double sunscreen protection.

7. Céleteque DermoCosmetics 24-Hour Photoready Matte Primer (15g) Php825

Look your best at any festive fete with the 24-Hour Photoready Matte Primer! Its special ingredient, Polymethyl Methacrylate, minimizes the appearance of pores and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Other skincare benefits found in this primer's formula are Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, which form a protective barrier and increase the longevity of your makeup, and Silica, which reduces shine for long-lasting makeup wear throughout the night of your holiday celebrations.

8. Céleteque DermoCosmetics Moisturizing Lip and Cheek Duo (1.6ml) Php665/each
Rosy Blush and Soft Berry

Celebrate the most sparkling of seasons and let your lips and cheeks sparkle with the Moisturizing Lip and Cheek Duo! Its oil-free, streak-free mousse formula enriches and moisturizes lips and cheeks with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants such as, Tocopheryl Acetate, or Vitamin E, which protects lips and cheeks from free radicals that lead to dryness, and Sodium Hyaluronate with Glycerin, which improve moisture-retention for softer, smoother lips and cheeks.

9. Céleteque DermoCosmetics UltraNourishing Lip Lacquer (1.6ml) Php645/each
Natural Nude, Soft Pink, and Velvet Red

Keep your lips soft,hydrated, and supple all day long with Ultra-Nourishing Lip Lacquer's light-weight, non-greasy and smooth gel-based lip moisturizer. Castor Seed oil in the formula provides intense hydration that keeps lips healthy, while Panthenol moisturizes lips and makes it softer and smoother with each use.

Group pic! Lol!

I'm glad Céleteque came out with more makeup products to add to their Dermocosmetics line. On top of that, I feel this time, their color selection is more on point. They covered a lot, from nudes/browns, to pinks/purples and reds even greys and blacks. They kept the same packaging, which is no longer as horrible as I first thought it was, probably because I already got used to it. My only gripe now is because I had to open around 15 boxes, it was a chore and they didn't make it any easier. The boxes were really a challenge to open! Imagine me struggling to open them at 3 in the morning, trying to keep it down so as not to disturb my sleeping husband and son, and fighting the urge to just rip the boxes. Also, if I were to buy these, they are on the pricier side (in  Kathleenlights' voice: "Dats expensive..."), it's a good thing, BDJ thought of putting these in their boxes.

To sum it up, BDJ did an exceptionally good job partnering with a great brand and giving their subscribers the best bang for their buck this Christmas season.

See you on my next post! Happy Holidays!

Xoxo,
Missus C 💋

Product Review: Essence's Lash Princess Volume Mascara

Hello, makeup junkies! 💋

I've been dying to post this review of Essence's Lash Princess Volume Mascara ever since the (first) day I tested it.

I've been on a hunt for a decent and inexpensive mascara since I finished my Celeteque one months ago. I haven't been really successful, until I dropped by Essence to pick up a new eyeliner, and saw this cutie!

Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara 

Php 349

The packaging looks like a corset and is extra girly because of the peachy pink/orange color. The cap is made of rubber that makes opening easier (I can just imagine how useful I would find this little "feature" once the mascara is not as new and the formula on the outside rim start to dry up).

I think I startled the sales lady after squealing like a little girl when I saw it on display. I wasn't expecting it to be available in the Philippines as I haven't noticed it before (seems impossible as who can miss this adorable packaging). I wanted the green one, which was their waterproof version, but they didn't have it. I was actually lucky because I got the last piece.

Bare lashes on the left. 1 coat of mascara at the top and 2 at the bottom

Royal! the lash princess mascara with a specially-shaped cobra-head wand covers each individual lash to create dramatic volume and a gorgeous, sweeping look. for intensive fluttering lashes. just as unique as any princess, the mascara is presented in a beautiful evening gown.

from www.essence.ue

The wand reminds me of a twisted cobra head as the middle tapers off a little bit. The bristles are made of hair and are spaced apart perfectly, to make sure lashes are volumized, but still be able to brush out the clumps.

Initial application at the top. 8 hours after application at the bottom.

Initial application at the top. 8 hours after application at the bottom

The formula sets and dries (that looks really dry) fairly quickly. It did not make my lashes crunchy or sticky. It made my lashes look really black and I would say, a little thicker. Although it didn't mention anything about length, I still see that it has made my lashes look a little longer. Which is a plus in my book! In fact, it made my eyes look more "open" since it did a good job in making my lashes curl up, even without the help of an actual curler (something I really wanted to get out of my mascaras). It doesn't have any strong nasty scent, although, it still has a slight, somewhat chemical smell that goes away right after application. It was also easy to remove by the end of the day.

The only downside to this mascara is, it smudges and flakes a little on me. And since I wear contact lenses and I tear up  constantly, I get raccoon eyes after 8 hours of wear time (which is pretty common for me even with other brands).

Ingredients:
AQUA (WATER), CERA ALBA (BEESWAX), PARAFFIN, CARNAUBA (COPERNICIA CERIFERA) WAX, ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, STEARIC ACID, PALMITIC ACID, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, CERA MICROCRISTALLINA (MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX), AMINOMETHYL PROPANOL, MAGNESIUM SILICATE, GLYCERIN, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, POLYIMIDE-1, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES).
from www.essence.ue

Pros:
- Adds volume and makes lashes really black
- Separates lashes and coats each lash giving the appearance of more lashes
- Mascara wand combs out clumps and gives lashes a fuller look

Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Smudges and flakes

The Final Verdict: This is a decent mascara and I'd say I will repurchase this product. That's because for me, the smudging and flaking issue can be easily resolved by cleaning and touching up. Like what I've mentioned, it's something I've always experienced even with other mascaras and it's not really new to me. But because I really noticed a difference in my lashes, and this mascara didn't make my lashes feel (and look) brittle, I'd say it's one of the better mascaras I got to try.

Until next time! I'll see you on my next post.

Xoxo,

Missus C 💋