My 24 Hour Exile to the Kingdom - PART 2

                  After that hearty dinner, I decided to take some nap. I deserved it after all that I've been through. So armed with my Itouch and easy listening tracks, I was off to dreamland in no time. Six hours on the flight, I woke up from my slumberness due to a really bad turbulence. The aircraft was shaking so bad, I thought it might break into two and crash down (just like what I see in the movies). Bad thoughts. The turbulence lasted for a long 20 minutes before the aircraft eventually calmed down. I lost my sleepiness after that. I played some games on my Itouch just to keep myself entertained for the rest of the flight while the others were able to continue their disturbed sleep just like nothing happened. I envy them pretty much.

                 Three hours after, another meal was served. I could never be any happier. It meant more glucose for my near- starving cells. Again, I was asked to choose between a chicken, beef and pasta meal. Guess what I chose? It was the chicken meal again. You might wonder why. I'll tell you. The beef meal according to my seatmate wasn't any better than the chicken meal I had for dinner. The pasta meal on the other hand seemed a pretty good choice but then eliminated it out on my options because I haven't had the chance to eat any Mediterranean pasta meals yet. I might not like the taste or anything of that sort. So I went the safer side. 

My chicken meal for breakfast. It consisted of a bread, corn and carrot salad, and a chocolate cake for dessert.

A closer look of my meal.

The bread given this time is really tasty even without the butter on it. I would've asked for more if I wasn't too shy enough to approach one of the attendants.

The chicken slices paired with rice. Our staple food! I was just too glad to have chosen this meal over the two.

                            After the meal, I was able to catch some sleep again. By the time I woke up, we were already approaching King Khalid International Airport. Everybody was already busy collecting their stored luggages at the overhead bin while others were already queuing in front of the aircraft door. Excited much eh!? I, on the other hand, was just calmly seated and oblivious to everyone's commotion. 
                          Time was 30 minutes past the hour of 1 a.m. That would be 6:00 a.m Philippine time. Countdown of 15 hours spent on my exile. Still, there was more long hours of travel. Riyadh temperature as what we were told was 13 degrees Celsius. I safely disembarked from the aircraft, took a deep breath, sighed and I can't believe the fact that I've already set foot at the Kingdom. So this is it! I'm here now and there's no more turning back. It dawned on me that I'm thousands of miles away from my beloved, love ones, friends and a million of miles apart from my parents. We're literally at the opposite sides of the world! Suddenly, I felt empty, odd and a whole lot awful. How I wish I can turn back the hands of the time in just one click of my finger. The thought that I'll be on my own (no friends, no nothing to  count and cling on) in this huge desert for 2 years is making me sick to my stomach. The years seemed like an eternity.

                        My instincts told me to follow the stream of people heading to one direction. What else but the immigration booth! I fished out my passport and other documents out of my bag and joined in the long line. It was my first time to see a group of Arabs in my whole freakin' life so I felt a little agitated and jittery. We waited for almost 5 minutes before an officer came to his booth and started admitting in OFW's, tourists and locals. I finally had my turn and after verifying my papers, I was told to "kalas!", meaning 'to go' or 'you're done in English. Good thing, this word was taught to us during the PDOS (Pre-departure Orientation Seminar). If it wasn't, I would've just stared at the officer and did nothing.
                      While I was on my way out, an Arab wearing a white thobe (a dress flowing from the shoulders to the ankles, and later on I found out that this is an everyday Arab man's costume) approached me and asked for my name. I was hesitant to tell him at first but was obliged to do so thinking that he might be my authorized "sundo" for the travel to my accommodation. Indeed, my hunch was right. He then introduced himself as our hospital representative, took my passport, told me to collect my luggage and to come back to him when I'm all done. I couldn't quite understand his English because he talk so fast and sounded so nasal so I asked him to repeat his instructions again for me. He did, this time he was much more understandable. I just gave him a quick nod and hurriedly went to the conveyor belt to claim my stuffs.  
                     I waited at the conveyor belt patiently with eyes all focused and muscles attentive for my luggage. After a while, a lot had been unloaded and taken by their respective owners. To my horror, mine were nowhere to be found. I felt like crying. Almost all passengers had already left the airport and only a few were still waiting. No more bags were dispensed. At the back of my mind, my luggage were already lost and someone might have mistakenly taken it. They all seemed to look alike so it's never a small probability. I didn't give up searching for it. They were still a lot of scattered luggage around so I checked each one. After seemed like searching for an eternity, I found my small Johnny Walker trolley. Good heavens, how i felt relieved! I got one more problem, I haven't found my super big trolley just yet. Again, I felt worried, agitated and tensed. I refused to believe that it was lost, wasn't in transit or was checked in to some other plane. It couldn't and shouldn't be. My whole life was in that luggage! Literally.
                 I intently kept searching and looking around for it, but to no avail. I was already feeling desperate! Suddenly, I saw this one big black bag lying front down on the floor near the xray machine. I kept praying and hoping that it was mine while I was on my way to check for it. God is indeed good, He answered my fervent plea. It was my bag after all. But how come it was already there lying just beside the xray machine? One careless passenger might have taken it and dumped it right there and then after realizing that it wasn't his. Too bad...tsk tsk!
              After securing all my stuffs, I went back to our hospital representative and was instructed that we wait for the others outside. Wheee! I couldn't be more pleased upon hearing this. I have companions traveling to Hafar Al Batin after all. After a few minutes, 3 of my companions, all females, who just had a vacation from the Phils started loading their luggages at the back seat. They helped me with mine too. After a while, 2 more arrived. We were 6 passengers plus the Arab driver and one Filipino representative.                    

My 24 Hour Exile to the Kingdom - PART 1

                       It's been quite a long while (2 1/2 months actually) since my last post and I feel really apologetic for that. For the past months, I got busy with everything under the sun....I got depressed for a couple or more reasons that I didn't have the passion to continue blogging. I actually have a lot of cosmetic product photos stashed in my memory card that needs reviewing but still it didn't give me enough reason to commence writing.  I guess my brain cells just froze to death. During the long lag, a lot had transpired but each and every minute details of it had been recorded on my journal and of course in my memory chest. But today is one whole different story. This time, I'll be writing about a remarkable event that has happened in my life a few days ago. I just felt the urge and the soaring energy to write and share this so everybody back home will also know what I had been through. By the way, I'm cutting this entry into parts since this might be long. Read further if you got intrigued. =)

              November 9, 2010 --- The day that I would never ever forget in my lifetime. It was this day that my journey as a health care provider has again came to a start after a very long hiatus. This time, it wont be Pinoys that I'll be serving but ARABS. Yes, you read it right. ARABS. Talk about really serving the HUMANITY. The very essence of the nursing profession. Whatever race, nationality, gender and societal status of the patient is, nurses are willing to care, serve and still feel courageous enough to face the great challenges that lies ahead. This day is the beginning of a career shift for me. From previously being a clinical instructor that supervises students in the clinical area, who teaches concepts and theories about the nursing profession to now just being a plain staff nurse. But don't get me wrong here, I don't detest being a staff nurse but for me to be in the academe as a teacher/clinical instructor is much more enjoyable, fulfilling and enriching. Just my two cents.

                   Now here's my story: I arrived at the Terminal 1 (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) around 2:30 pm to check-in for my scheduled flight to Riyadh at 6.45pm. I didn't immediately went inside the main lobby but instead stayed at the OFW lounge to wait for the agency personnel to hand me back my passport and my other important documents needed for my travel. I was with the other 5 nurses recruits of the same agency but they're bound to a different hospital. Nevertheless, the 6 of us stuck together the entire journey to Riyadh. I was just glad to have some company.

                  We were able to receive our documents nearing 5 pm already. We hurriedly went to the check-in counter (Saudi Airlines) and had our baggages weighed and checked. We received our tickets and the plane seat numbers were given. I was to seat at 52J. Queuing in  front of the immigration booth followed. Damn, the line was really long! It took me 10-15 minutes of waiting before I finally got my turn to face the immigration officer. I thought he was just gonna check my papers if are all legitimate and just admit me in but he bombarded with me an awful lot of questions first. He asked me about my working condition, my salary, the reason why I had to leave Pinas for a meager pay etc etc. He was so discriminatory! I think commenting is not a part of his job description anymore. The nerve! But then I answered his queries with all pride.

                 

                After that interrogation encounter with the officer, we proceeded to Gate 12 to wait for our scheduled boarding time. There were already a lot of passengers at the lounge area so seats were full. We didn't have much choice but to stand in one corner with all our heavy handcarry luggages and wait for the boarding time. Later did we know that our flight got delayed, we were supposedly to leave at 6:45pm. Boarding announcement was already given around 7:30pm. Around this time, I already felt hungry, thirsty and dead tired but I have nothing much to do but wait for the dinner to be served at the plane in a few more hours. I got into the plane, looked for my assigned seat and settled down comfortably. Good thing, the middle seat was vacant, I was able to put in all my hand carry luggages. 52J is located at the aisle, near the flight attendants working station and beside the emergency exit. How cool is that huh? So, I and my seatmate who occupies the seat next to the window were instructed of the measures that we'll have to do in case of an emergency landing or a plane crash.

This is where I was seated. See that little compartment covered by the blue curtains at the left? That's the work station of the flight attendants. It's where they store all the food they serve to the passengers.

The aircraft's EMERGENCY EXIT.

                   Thirty minutes after the boarding announcement, Saudi Airlines started taxing the runway. All passengers are already preparing for take off. But then the aircraft suddenly came to a halt. An announcement was made by the pilot in Arabic. Of course, I couldn't understand what he was saying. There was no translation whatsoever. So I asked my seatmate about it. He was gracious enough to tell me that the aircraft is having some technical problems and we are going back to the gate. By the way, let me tell you about my seatmate. I can't give you the name because I forgot to ask him about it. He's nearing his 50's and he's an expatriate. He has been working in the Kingdom for 20 years or more but wasn't shy enough to tell me that he hasn't saved money or invested in anything. Or maybe he was just bluffing, that I don't know. He left a wife and a 5 year old daughter back home and told me that this is his last trip to the Kingdom then he's  coming back for good. Well, I just wished him lots of luck.

                            The passengers were already clamoring of hunger and of the growing heat inside the aircraft. It was unbearable. Everybody was worried and terribly uneasy. We waited for almost an hour and a half before the captain decided that it was safe to leave the airport. Time was 9:30 pm. The attendants distributed refreshing wipes to us. I just stashed it inside my bag. No use. Then they started giving out beverages. Good thing, because I was already feeling hypoglycemic. I requested for a mango juice. I was able to consume it in one gulp. I was that thirsty! 

My life saver.

                            An hour after take off, they gave out dinner. The one thing I've been patiently waiting for. I need a good food terribly. I was asked to choose from a beef or chicken menu. I chose the latter since it's much safer for my gallbladder. Not much fats on it I presume. This is what was served for dinner:  Palatable eh?!

My dinner consisted of a chicken meal, lettuce salad, bread and a cake for dessert. Believe it or not, I was able to consume everything but the stone-hard and tasteless bread. I just bit a fraction of it then ditched it right away.

The food was nothing remarkable. It didn't satisfy my taste buds at all but who cares, I was already starving to death. I could definitely eat a horse if there's one! =)

Marionnaud Make-up Brushes

I first caught a glimpse of these brushes when I was in Cebu, Philippines for a Summer get-away. My beloved and I were strolling around SM City when we decided to get inside Watson's Store to purchase for some toiletries. I was busy looking at stuffs around that when the brushes displayed caught my eyesight, I hurriedly went to the area and felt like I've received a gift I had been truly wishing for ages. Yes, this is exactly what I felt. No exaggeration whatsoever. I've been planning to purchase make-up brushes since time immemorial but to  no luck. I've been looking on websites and shops but they're either too expensive or they just didn't suit my taste and needs. I'm just so glad that I and this Marionnaud brushes crossed path. I fell in love with it instantly that I bought the angled blush brush and the foundation brush right there and then. The angled blush brush is less than 200 pesos while the foundation brush is a lot cheaper. At first, I thought these might be brushes that are sold in Marionnaud store that sells high end make-up brands and other fashion stuffs but the prices of the brushes made me think otherwise. Nonetheless, I still bought it since I believe that they're still of good quality at an inexpensive price. I can't wait to try them out so I asked beloved that we go home even if it was still early just so I can road test my new purchases. By the way, the bristles are all synthetic.
                                           
                                         Here's a photo of the N32 Angled Blush Brush:

 I've been using this brush for a few months now and I can say that I'm so in love with it. I bring this with me often anywhere I go. It can give a good contour of the cheeks without making too much effort. It's very easy to use and manipulate. The whole look of the brush looks pretty expensive. Exactly what I've wanted for my brushes. Cheap yet expensive looking. By the way, I've washed this brush a couple of times already but I can't believe it still looks the same the first time I bought it. No stray strand anywhere and all the bristles are still intact. Very durable then I can say.This is my favorite brush from the bunch.

Now, let me talk about the foundation brush. Actually, I was kind of disappointed with it. I had a good expectation at first but it failed to impress me. I had a hard time blending my foundation with it and it takes a little extra time and effort to finish prepping up the face. Not advisable for women who are always in a hurry. Plus, the foundation product settles into the bristles that even if I've washed it a couple of times already, there are still remnants and white streaks of the products that I've used. The bristles are really stiff. Sadly, I've stopped using this brush since then. 
                                           
                                    Here's a photo of Marionnaud's N33 Foundation Brush:

A closer look of the synthetic bristles.

Upon returning back home, I had a chance to visit Watson's Store again so I didn't pass up the opportunity to buy more Marionnaud brushes. This time, I purchased the N35 Eyeshadow Brush at 69 php ($1.50) and the N38 Eyeliner brush with spoolie for 59 php (around $1.25).

                                                          The N35 Eyeshadow Brush

Personally speaking,  I like this brush because at a rather cheap price it can do what is expected of an eyeshadow brush to do. I use this for blending eyeshadows and can actually get good blending results with it. The bristles are not too weak nor too soft either. Just the right quality. Again, this is another personal favorite.

                              The N38 Slanted Eyeline and Eyebrows Double Side Brush

Now we have the the N38 Slanted Eyeleine and Eyebrows Brush. I must say that this brush is another personal favorite and really useful for me. I like the eyeliner brush tip so much but I don't usually use it to outline my eyes since I'm using felt-tip and liquid liners . Instead, I prefer using it to contour and give emphasis to my eyebrows. I am loving how it can give a definite and precise shape to your eyebrows. I then use the spoolie to comb stray hairs. Again, this brush is a winner.

As you can see, there are noticeable stray bristles already, as I use and wash this brush often. But, I still get good results when contouring my eyebrows and sometimes using it as an eyeliner brush. The brush is not stiff nor hard. It is soft and I can say that it'll never irritate your eyelids.

So there you go ladies.... I can say that I'm loving the Marionnaud brushes so much and I can see myself using them for quite a time until I found another good brand to replace it. By the way, there are a lot more Marionnaud brushes out there and I might as well purchase them. I saw that they have a large powder brush, concealer brush, a retractable brush that you can carry anywhere because it fits the pocket just right and a felt-tip shaped eyeshadow brush perfect for contouring the eye lid and crease. I can't wait to visit Watson's again and get them. That's all for now ladies. I hope this blog helped you in any way or another. Remember, what is good and suitable for me may not be the same with you and vice-versa. Good Day Everyone. Until next post! =)

My Captures on a rather Boring Day

Two days ago, I just stayed at home and did nothing the whole day. I felt that boredom was already sinking in so later that day, I found a good way to amuse myself. I got out of my bed, stretched my lazy muscles a  little, fished my camera outta my bag and started snapping macro photos of everything that I thought worthy of my cam's memory space. At first, I just took photos of stuffs that caught my interest inside the house but then I suddenly realized that I had to go out, explore the neighborhood and find more good subjects. Here are the macro shots I took that boring afternoon. Enjoy viewing guys! =)

 

Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Instant Skin Perfecting Cream (BB Cream)

BB Cream (Blemish Balm) have been mushrooming rapidly in the cosmetics industry all over the world that even my country, the Philippines, was not spared of the craze that almost all Filipina ladies are going gaga over it. Originally, this product was first introduced and marketed in Germany primarily intended as an after treatment management for patients who underwent post-laser surgeries. Many have seen the benefits and was then popular in Asia specifically in South Korea. Later on, it was also embraced by all parts of Europe and America.

Maybelline's BB cream was the first BB cream I've road tested.  I got this from Watson's store in SM for 249 php, almost 4-5 US dollars if converted. Upon having a glimpse of it at the shelf section, I was attracted with it's packaging (I'm sorry I wasn't able to take a photo of it because I stashed it out since I was pretty much excited use the product immediately.) It was neat and well-packed.  I got intrigued and read on to the product claims. It promised to brighten up the skin, evens skin tone, moisturizes, covers imperfections, protects it against sun rays and has a sun protection factor of 26/PA plus. This BB cream is a moisturizer, sunblock, make-up primer, and even a foundation merged into one product. 

I've used this for 4 days and I guess I'm ready to give a feedback or review on it even in a short span of usage time. 


THE GOOD:
            It has a light consistency and blends well on my skin. This comes in one shade only but I'm lucky that it matched with my skintone well. It doesn't feel heavy nor greasy on the face. The product is easily absorbed by the skin. The price is kinda cheap as compared to other BB creams in the market. It comes in a nice tube, one little press can give you a good amount of the product. You just have to blend it well on your face. When I was using this, I skipped my sunblock since the BB cream has SPF already but a lot lower as compared to the sunblock I'm frequently using. It created a beautiful finish on my skin and made it looked bright and vibrant. I topped it with my mineral foundation and mineral powder finish. The effect: I had a dewy, bright and natural look.


THE BAD:
          First off is the shade available. It is universal (light) so women who have caramel-colored skin (especially Asians) would not appreciate this product. It would make them look ghostly or ashen, plus it wouldn't match their neck skin color. I hope Maybelline can innovate and do something to address this issue. Second, in my personal opinion, this product is not meant for women who have combination/acne prone/oily skin. When I used it, it was pretty ok for a few hours but after a while, it made my face looked too oily that you can cook a fried egg on it. No exaggeration here. *sigh*. I had to take out my blotting paper to refreshen up my face. This is what I did almost all of the time when I was using the product and it pissed me off. Third, it gave me a bad break-out on my 4th day of usage. I developed zits on my cheek and chin area. I wouldn't mind if it were just tiny bumps but mine was big and cystic. It must have been the too much oil production. So if you have dry to normal skin then this product is for you. 


FINAL THOUGHTS:
             I definitely like the thought that Maybelline created such product innovation that can compete in the market but they should have done better research and thorough road-testing before they've decided to launch this product. It would be better to add more shades and specifically create a BB cream to match all skin types just like what other brands did. This product is definitely not for me so I would not repurchase. I hate that it gave me break-outs and made my skin really oily. The product had just been sitting on my traincase for a few weeks now, I dare not touch it again. Now, I'm finding a new and suitable owner for it.
            Thus, my search for an ultimate BB cream in the market continues! You might say that I too have joined in the craze... yes of course! If it would make my skin great, why not take the pretty good chance? =) I know it's just out there waiting to be discovered. By the way, I had been thinking of purchasing a BB cream that of ETUDE HOUSE since I have seen one branch of it here in our local mall. I can't wait to buy and see if it will exceed my expectations. This might turn out be my HG BB cream. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Good day everyone. =)

♥ A Special Birthday Message For My Dad ♥

Yeah yeah, I know this is off topic but I wouldn't miss my Dad's birthday for the world. Ever. So here I am, allotting a space for him in my blog. That's how special he is to me. Yey!  =) So bear with me guys.

Today, August 22, 2010 is my Dad's 61st Birthday. We may not be together to celebrate another year and another journey of his life, but I am always with him in mind and spirit. I know you're gonna be reading this blog tonight Dad (hello there young man!) so I might as well compose you a birthday message here since I failed to send you a birthday letter or anything of that sort through snail mail. (Yay, my bad!). Don't feel bad Dad, at least I was being honest. =) 

Well, where do I start? Dad is extremely a cool man and every conversation we have over the phone is just pure heavenly fun. He's hilarious and possesses great sense of humor. I wonder why he didn't pass for a comedian? Maybe he will be.. in his future life that is. Kidding Dad. =) He has always been supportive of me and my sister's needs. He shares his high-tech gadgets to us, and even at his age, he still enjoys playing PSP's and play stations like a kid. How cool is that?! He's smart and very eloquent. I can say that I got my good genes from him. Thanks Dad. And oh, he can drink one bottle of wine in just one sitting without even getting drunk. Now, can we call that a talent or what? 


If we are just together, I would definitely give him presents for his birthday to show how much I appreciate the love and care he has shown us, his daughters over the years. Here are the list of gifts that I'll be buying for his birthday:


1. A fishing rod - My dad enjoys fishing as a hobby so I know for a fact that he'll be thrilled to receive a new one. Here are some photos oh him in one of his fishing adventures.

Here's Dad enjoying his wait for a big catch!

Dad just caught a 5 pounder channel catfish. Aint that amazing?

 2. A 2 Terrabyte Solid State Hard Drive - Dad is fond of taking random photos and downloading movies too so a hard drive with a super big storage capacity to keep his treasures is a sure must-have for him.
3. A new pair of tennis shoes (Nike or Reebok)  - He is a tennis shoes addict so adding a new pair to his vast collection will definitely give him another thrill.
4. An expensive bottle of wine that he haven't tried out yet - As I've told you a while ago, my Dad enjoys wine drinking so much. Buying him an expensive wine new to his tastebuds will surely send his spirits to Cloud Nine.
5. A laptop/netbook - Yeah, I know this is quite expensive and I'd be shelling out too much money out of my pocket but this gift will complete everything that has been listed above. Dad enjoys browsing the net during his free time so again this is a must-have for him. This is portable and very easy to carry, so he can bring this gadget with him where ever he wishes to go.


So there you go...the 5 presents that I'll be buying for Dad if we are not just  separated thousand of miles apart. Don't worry Dad, I'll make it up to you next time around. I promise that the gifts will be more grander and impressive. Uhuh, maybe next time. =)

Dad, I really wished you a very happy birthday. I hope you enjoy your big day to the fullest. You only get to celebrate it once in a calendar, so make it a BLAST! I love you so much Dad. Thank you for everything. And I mean...EVERYTHING.

Last year, Dad celebrated his birthday with Mom on a cruise ship. They had a hearty dinner and after which danced together with the other couples. Below are some photos of my parents when Dad celebrated his 60th birthday.

This is my Mom. Isn't she a beauty?

Mom waiting in line for their ride.

Enjoy guys! I love you both so much. XOXOXOXOXO!

L'OREAL Bare Naturale Powdered Mineral Foundation - My HG Mineral Makeup! ♥♥♥

A lot of people had been ranting about mineral make-ups, its advantages over other make-up formulations, plus the good and long term effects and benefits on the skin. A few years back, if my memory can still serve me right, one local TV channel in the country featured a documentary about MMU's since it was getting so popular in the cosmetics industry. That documentary heightened the public's curiosity even the more. Both young and old were beginning to rave about this mineral make-up thingy. There are actually a lot of mineral make-up brands and types in the market today, ranging from blushers, foundations, bronzers, lipsticks to eye-shadows, so one just gotta choose which is best for their skin types and not to mention their budgets. Mineral make-ups are said to be quite heavy on the pocket so not all can purchase. As what I've read, they're made of all natural, finely minerals from earth, no preservatives, chemicals or dyes which were previously seen in other traditional cosmetics. Of course, we can't do away that there are many product brands out there that are mineral enriched, claiming to be pure mineral make up. But beware people, this still may have fillers such as talc & other ingredients so better check the labels & ask thorough questions before buying.  

Knowing all these about MMU's seems pretty great right? Well, who shouldn't? Not only are we using cosmetics that are safe and friendly to the environment but it also give favorable benefits to our skin. Now, I might as well advise everybody to shift to using mineral make-ups. Ditch the old stuffs, welcome the new one. 

This is exactly what I did 8 months ago. I had been using cosmetics not mineral based before but I can say that using them were not too bad either. They did make me look neat and beautiful. That is what's important aint it? But after reading good feedbacks about mineral make-ups, I've been converted. 

Now, I will be talking about the mineral make-up that I've been frequently using. Love love love!! ♥ Hmmm. I'm getting so thrilled and excited to share it to you already. =) It's a product from L'OREAL Paris and goes with the name: Bare Naturale Powdered Mineral Foundation. I guess you're pretty much familiar with the product already since this had been overly advertized both in prints and TV ads for a few years now. 

I got mine from an online shop for a good price so I consider myself lucky. The shade that I had been using is Nude Beige #460. I'm glad that it matched and blended on my skin tone perfectly. The coverage is pretty much buildable. You can opt from a light to medium to heavy coverage with this product. The finish is subtle and dewy. What I just don't like about the product is their packaging and the kabuki brush that comes with it. The brush is stiff and rough on the face so I use my own kabuki brush when applying. Still, those flaws didn't matter much to me since I always get very good compliments from friends, colleagues and family members every time I wear this foundation. Of course, it made me more flattered and I can't help thinking of myself as a beautiful creature eventhough I consider myself plain-faced looking. =) Yey, now that's the magic make-up can bring. 

I am very much satisfied with this product that I can see myself using more of this in the long years to come. Not only did it made my face less oily, it also made my face glow and smooth to touch. I'm loving how the product stays on my face for a few hours, I don't even need touch-ups in the middle of the day. Overall, I can rate the product with a score of 4/5. How about you guys? What mineral products are you using? Post away so we can share more ideas and thoughts about this wonderful make-up innovation. Good day everyone!