I'm so sorry for the lack of updates and for missing my beloved followed blogs' posts. Here's what's eating me:

This is the last decent shot I have of my hair, still basking in the dye's glory, taken 2.5 months after my July 15 hair coloring. You already know I love Revlon Colorsilk Light Ash Brown.

I still remember the first time I got my hair dyed. I was soooo scared. And now that I'm about to try a new hair coloring product, I am reliving the hell I felt that day my virgin hair got colored.

After 4 years with Revlon Colorsilk, I'm about to try this:

This is what's eating me for the past few weeks. To use a new dye or to not to. I have never been constantly freaked out about anything in my life! Now, I'm pretty convinced about the hair being one's crowning glory. It's funny that when Louise posted about Light Havana, I was the first commenter and told her i'd love to try the color. This freaks me out all the more.

My hair color is gradually turning into a state of blaaah. I will sit still for a few more hours and think about when to lighthavanasize my hair.

Has anything beauty-related confused you for such a long time, too? Do share! It might make me a bit more gutsy *wink*

I got the this from HBC during their Great at 88 Sale last August. I love the fact that it provides medium coverage and is affordable. Unfortunately, the San San Age-Defying 2-Way Powder Foundation isn't something I'd be repurchasing.

San San Age-Defying 2-Way Powder Foundation in 03
twas able to decently cover up my chin acne

Swatching against the back of my hand, I felt like it was an okay shade match.

Here are also swatches of the powder foundation against the sponge.

Uncovering the Cons. It seemed like a good shade match but I noticed that this foundation oxidized big time on my skin. I looked ugly bronze-y by the fourth hour I was wearing it. And so I purchased a refill in 01 to replace 03 (02 had pink undertones). It still made my face look unpleasantly darker after a few hours.

Another letdown is its poor oil-control. Ironically, it seemed to hold up the oilies upon application, even a bit too matte a finish for my taste. However, after 5 short minutes, my T-zone began to oil up. The photos below are a bit blurry but I was oiling up like crazy. You will definitely want to put up blotting papers on your computer screen against my pictures.

Third problem is the powder's texture. Makeup gurus might find it too chalky. 

Also, I find it weird that the texture of the San San Age-Defying powder on the pan gets ruined when a wet sponge is used. The photo below is in shade 01.

It was easy to let go of the product taking the pile of cons it had for my skin type into consideration. However, this foundation had such great finish and coverage for my zits and pits, it breaks my heart a little to not use the compact.

Recommendation. This powder foundation will be more appreciated by acne-free, normal skin types. It's sheer irony that this has good coverage that glides smoothly on the skin, only to be better used by those with already good skin. I'm afraid I won't be getting another San San Age-Defying powder foundation until I see that "improved formulation" stamp on it.

It wasn't until I learned how to use this cleanser properly that I came to realize its invaluable role in making my skin look better. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I used to wet my face prior to applying the Cetaphil Gentle Skin cleanser on my face. Have you committed the same mistake?

Happy first of November, everyone! I still can't believe how fast time flies! A few more weeks and we'll all be saying hello to the controversial 2012...

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, 591mL/20floz
Mild, non-irritating, softens as it cleans!

I saw that the cleanser performed better when used properly, slathered on a non-wet face. As a makeup remover, I rinse via tissuing it off (I repeat the process 2-3x for heavy makeup); as a regular cleanser, I resort to water for rinsing.

And I saw an enormous amount of difference in my skin's texture and overall look! 

Pros: Cetaphil Gentle skin cleanser is an awesome way to restore balance to the skin. It makes it more supple and healthy-looking. I love that the cleanser is clear and unscented and that the huge bottle comes with a pump. 

It also comes in different sizes to fit your budget but the 591mL bottle gives the biggest bang for the buck. Our local Mercury drugstores carry it in 250mL and 473mL bottles at 275php and 540php. I saw 60mL trial-sizes too in beauty sections of department stores and is sold at ~90php.

If you are fond of cleansing oils, check out my take on the Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Oil in Fresh (Pink) and Kanebo Freshel Cleansing Oil. I've also done a Shu Uemura vs Kanebo Cleansing Oil Compounded Review.

The Cetaphil cleanser is my makeup remover (use generously), cleanser and my solvent for prednisone in my DIY treatment for contact dermatitis. It's definitely an inexpensive 3-in-1 product for me!

Cons: the parabens on the ingredients list is a letdown. Propyl-, Butyl- and Methyl- to be exact. Also, the 591mL size is not available locally.

I challenge you dear readers to be soap-free for a week. Work this clear cleanser onto your skin and see why people are raving about the absence of soap in a skincare routine. The Cetaphil Gentle skin cleanser is definitely a product I'd recommend. You just have to make sure you're using it as directed! *wink*