Tamayaki for Takoyaki Lovers

 Before I fell in love with Korean foods, I fell for Japanese foods first. Their udon, tempura, katsu, and takoyaki are my favorites (no sushi for me). I’d say that takoyaki is my most favorite; seriously, I can eat at least 50 takoyaki balls in one seat! I have heard about Tamayaki since last year, but didn’t get a chance to try it myself because they don’t have any branch near me. Until recently when I was invited to try their best sellers at their SM North Edsa branch. Luckily, I have a class that day and coming from Makati is way easier. To those who are still not familiar with Tamayaki, here’s a short introduction about them.

 Tamayaki is a well-established franchise, which originated in China that specializes in making quality Takoyaki balls. Our takoyaki comes in various delectable, mouthwatering, and innovative flavors that are sure to fit the taste palate of both the old and the young generation.  –Taken from Tamayaki Facebook page

 Tamayaki SM North Edsa branch is so retro. They have this Shibuya-ambiance inside which is really nice! You will really enjoy eating your favorite takoyaki at Tamayaki because of their playful and fancy interior.

Takoyaki Menu

Drinks Menu

What makes Tamayaki different to other takoyaki stores is that they combined the traditional Japanese takoyaki flavor with the new generation taste. They have at least 12 flavors of takoyaki that will definitely suit the different taste buds of their customers. Tamayaki also offers a number of Milk tea flavors.

 Tamayaki let us taste all their takoyaki flavors and I was surprised to see that their takoyaki balls are bigger than the usual ones. One serving includes 4 takoyaki balls and you can decide what sauce you’d like to add –sweet or spicy. Also, you can’t differentiate the flavors of their takoyaki when served because they actually all looked the same – topped with squid flakes and nori. Don’t worry about getting your orders mixed up with your friends since Tamayaki will put a sticker label on each box.

My favorite flavors are Kani & Shrimp Original, Seasoned Octopus, Mussle Cheese, and Korean Pork Barbeque. The takoyakis’ were filled with vegetables and the flavor of your choice. Four takoyaki are enough make you full – no joke. 

As for their drinks, I recommend the cheese milk tea with pearl and the mango yogurt with popballs. These drinks are the best to partner with their takoyaki. Either hot or cold will do; I prefer cold though.

Overall, Tamayaki is the best place to have a merienda! At first I thought that their takoyakis’ are a bit pricey but after trying, the price is just right and actually cheap. You’ll never know unless you try it. So what are you waiting for? Go to Tamayaki now!

Tamayaki Philippines
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TamayakiPH?fref=ts
Instagram | @tamayakiph

Branches | SM City North Edsa, P. Guevarra San Juan, Fishermall, and SM Fairview

With lots of love,
Mish ♥

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Review: Naturactor Cover Face

 Coverage is not my main concern when buying foundation. Just as long as it is light on the skin then I’m good. Yet, I do like to try different kinds of foundations so I don’t ignore those with heavy coverage – although they’re most likely ignored. I have been hearing a lot of good things about Naturactor from my blogger friends. Yet, I still didn’t try it, until now.

A lot of makeup enthusiasts are raving for this product, and now I know why. Naturactor Cover Face can be your concealer-slash-foundation in one. It is a product of Japan and I’ve heard that many celebrities love using this too. 

 Naturactor Cover Face is packed in a small jar with screw top. It doesn’t have any design on it, just a plain white plastic packaging. You might want to be careful with this one because the container isn’t sturdy and I think that with a single drop of this, it’ll break. Also, since this is a cream type without a pump or anything to dispense the product, I suggest using a brush. Always. Well, you can use your fingers too, but it’s just unhygienic. 

 For a person who prefers using light foundation like me, Naturactor Cover Face is what we consider heavy. It feels heavy at first, then it’ll become lighter after a few minutes. It doesn’t have any scent at all and a little amount goes a long way too.

I got the shade no. 151 and it perfectly matches my skin tone. It has yellow undertone and blends well on my skin. If you are into coverage, then this is for you. Naturactor has medium to heavy coverage. It has a powdery finish and doesn’t settle in fine lines.

As I mentioned, Naturactor Cover Face is a concealer and a foundation, so if you don’t like putting too much makeup on your face then this is your guy. The staying power is not that great though. For a product with a heavy coverage the longevity isn’t that good. It stays for about 5 hours max with or without primer.

Naturactor Cover Face is a decent concealer foundation. One container can last a lifetime! Have you tried this product?

Naturactor Cover Face, Php500

Available at Happy Hauler

Like Happy Hauler FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/happyhaulerph?fref=ts

With lots of love,
Mish ♥

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NEW! Auntie Anne's KitKat Wind-Upz

 Every time I passed by Auntie Anne’s, I can always smell their pretzels. And more often than not, I buy something. However, I really can’t say that they’re my favorite. I love KitKat though – I can finish at least 10 Kitkat fingers in a blink of an eye! So when I received an invite to Auntie Anne’s newest product launch in partnership with KitKat, who am I to say no?

We all know that Auntie Anne’s pretzels are always freshly baked and I think that is their secret why they are the most loved Pretzel brand. While waiting for your order, you’ll get the privilege to watch how they make their Pretzels. You’ll never get bored waiting!

 This holiday season, Auntie Anne’s surprised us with their new Wind-Upz, the KitKat Wind-Upz! The KitKat Wind-Upz is KitKat wafer wrapped in Auntie Anne’s signature pretzel dough and baked to perfection with a powdered sugar drizzled on top. For Php79, you’ll get two pieces of this treat. You may think that it’s kinda pricey, but believe me, two is enough – too much even – to satisfy your craving.

I was surprised that this KitKat Wind-Upz is not too sweet. The sweetness is just right, a little bit salty but well combined with the chocolate flavor of KitKat. The KitKat wafer compliments the taste of the dough and is indeed a perfect combination. 

Pair it with lemonade drink and you have the perfect afternoon snack! If you love KitKat, you will definitely love this too. Invite your family and friends to try Auntie Anne’s KitKat Wind-Upz and celebrate the holiday with a different twist of taste this year. You might wanna hurry because KitKat Wind-Upz is only available for the holidays; you better grab them while you can!

Don’t worry because this is available in all Auntie Anne’s branches nationwide.

Auntie Anne's Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/AuntieAnnesPretzelsPH?fref=ts

Auntie Anne's Instagram | @auntieannesphl 

With lots of love,
Mish ♥

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N.Cat - Korea's Leading Accessories Shop is now invading the Philippines

There’s another Pink House in the country that every single girl will love! Naughty Cat or N.Cat for short is the leading accessories shop in Korea. And when we’re talking about Korea, it will pretty surely include the word cute and pretty. Korea’s fashion sense is what I really adore about them (okay, second to makeups). They have this adorable hair clip and headbands that we usually see on TV whenever we are watching K-dramas and we couldn’t help but wonder where we can buy something like that.

Honestly, I usually look online for Korea’s accessories, but I don’t buy since there’s a big possibility that the customs will think that it’s a real gold or silver then tax it like crazy. Now, I don’t have to worry about that because Korea’s accessories – N.Cat – came here in the Philippines!

N. Cat is located in Japan Home Center, Park Square, Makati City. The place is very accessible and noticeable because of their Pink theme. Shall I give you a tour inside the N.Cat Pink House? But before that, here’s a trivia about N.Cat products first. 

I was overwhelmed by their accessories because they’re a lot, I mean a LOT! I didn’t even know where to start taking pictures when I came during their grand opening – which I was late, by the way.  

The right side of the N.Cat Pink House was full of hair accessories; pony tails, headbands, hair clips and so on. While the left side is full of other girly accessories such as bags, pouches, and iPhone cases. They also have wigs and hair extensions available in store. The center is where you’ll find the earings, necklaces, bracelets, and even cell phone plugs!

And if you have a little girl, they also have shelves for kids too. I’m sure that any little girl will enjoy picking out accessories here.

Look! N.Cat for Men! Who says boys men don’t accessorize? Now you have a place to buy your bae accessories. Or a gift, perhaps?

N.Cat products are very fashionable and yes, they might be cheap, but they are not like the accessories that you can buy in bangketa or divisoria because they don’t fade easily, hypoallergenic and lead-free. You have a lot of pretty choices to choose from and they all come with very affordable prices too! N. Cat accessory prices range from P28 – P700.

So if you're looking for a good quality with affordable prices accessories, head on to N.Cat! Especially if you're a fan of Korean fashion because you'll find there the most K-Pop necklace, earing, and rings for sure!

Good news to those from the South: N.Cat will soon open another branch in Festival Mall Alabang.


N.Cat Philippines
Inside Japan Home Center, Park Square, Makati City
https://www.facebook.com/ncatphilippines?fref=ts

With lots of love,
Mish ♥

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Review: Gluta Advance White & Firm Soap & Lotion

If you are looking for an affordable whitening combo, then you should try the Gluta Advance White & Firm lotion and soap. These two are really affordable and effective too. For me, this line is much better than their Gluta White line.

The lotion lasted for a month and a half while the soap lasted a month. I can’t say that there’s a noticeable effect after a month of using but what I can tell you is how good these two are giving my skin the glowing effect. 

My skin became more elastic and well moisturized compared to the other whitening products I have tried before that made my skin feels dry every time I use it.

I like how the lotion is not too thick and not too watery in consistency. It’s just right to not give the sticky feeling. The scent is really nice and overwhelming. I know you have experienced the lotion that makes your skin sticky every time you sweat, but Gluta Advance lotion does not. As for the firming factor, I don’t really notice anything but what I do know is this lotion can give enough moisture to my skin and makes it glow. Thanks to the L-Carnitine & Vitamin C that this lotion has. Gluta Advance says that it has sun protection; I’m not sure how much SPF and PA though.

I’d say that if you will use the Gluta Advance lotion you better use the soap as well! They make the perfect combination, improving your skin in terms of healthy-looking effect. Both have Glutathione, Lipofirm, L-Carnitine, Clair Blanche, and Vitamin C as their main active ingredients. Meaning to say that if you’ll use them at the same time, you will get the effect from their main ingredients twice!

The Gluta Advance Soap itself is big and does not melt easily. As a matter of fact, the soap dries fast after I used it. The soap and the lotion have the same relaxing scent. After a month of usage, I’d say that the soap helped to make my skin looks much better. Maybe not whiter, but definitely better.

Gluta Advance White & Firm Lotion, around Php250-300

Gluta Advance White & Firm Soap, around Php150-200

Available in leading drugstores, department stores, and Watson's Nationwide

Like Gluta White & Firm FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gluta-White-Firm/195206410494082?fref=ts

With lots of love,
Mish ♥

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Review: Etude House Easy & Quick Pen Liner - BK801 Black

When it comes to eyeliner, we prefer the ones that are easy and quick to use – the type that we can easily use to draw the winged eyeliner. I have tried a numerous type of eyeliners; gel, liquid, and pen liners. But this is my first time trying something like Etude House’s Easy & Quick Pen Liner and it’s surprisingly nice. 

Easy & Quick Pen Liner is my third eyeliner from Etude House. It only has one shade available which is BK801 – Black. This eyeliner is different from any other eyeliners of Etude House. Etude House Easy & Quick Pen Liner has a 2mm nib and it looks exactly like a small marker pen.

Of course the packaging is cute and all, you’ll actually think that it is indeed a pen – especially if you accidentally placed it together with your other pens lol. The tip is circular and stiff, so you will definitely have a trouble drawing a very thin line at first. You just have to keep on practicing. 

It gives a bold black color in one swipe. This pen liner glides on smoothly and you can quickly draw a line, however you have to be careful if you want winged eyeliner and you’re using this one, because the tip is not so friendly when it comes to getting a sharp edge.  Etude House Easy & Quick Pen Liner is perfect for a dark, dramatic, bold eye makeup looks – it has a nice pigmentation after all.

Once it dries, it settles all day – no bleeding issue plus it's water-resistant too. Just take note that this is water-resistant and not water-proof, they're different. So you can use a water to remove this one. Anyway, this liner doesn't transfer on the crease, so you don't have to worry about that part.

Bruha Peg FOTD

Overall, this is a nice eyeliner. I won’t say that this is my new favorite, but this is my go-to eyeliner these past few weeks. It’s very opaque and is perfect to use for smoky eye looks or any dramatic ones. The staying power is impressive and very easy and quick to use indeed. Plus it is so cute!

I recommend this pen liner especially to beginners. I once tried this to draw a tattoo to my cousin and it actually works. LOL


Etude House Easy & Quick Pen Liner
Php498 / USD10.79 / KRW 9000
Available in all Etude House branches / KollectionK





With lots of love,
Mish ♥

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Review: Holika Holika Baby Silky Foot Mask Sheet

Our feet need TLC too. While we are busy taking care of your body and face, sometimes, we unconsciously disregarded our feet. Maybe not all of us do, but I often did. Especially when buying products for my vanity needs. A month ago, I changed my ways. I bought a couple of foot lotion, scrub, and this from Holika Holika – the Baby Silky Foot Mask Sheet.

Initially, I thought that Holika Holika Baby Silky Foot Mask Sheet is a skin-peeling type, but it turns out that it isn’t. I was disappointed, yes, except I did not really read the label. Boo! That is why I want to inform you beforehand that I don’t have an after photo as I was waiting for my feet to peel – that didn’t happen because I bought the wrong foot mask sheet. Anyway, I still wanted to share my experience using this foot mask. 

Holika Holika Baby Silky Foot Mask Sheet comes with a pair of white-plastic-socks type. You don’t have to cut anything, simply tear the plastic apart, and then wear it like a sock. Don’t worry; the plastic socks are kind of sturdy so it won’t break even if you are wearing it while walking around the house.

There’s a lot of moisturizer inside; I wore mine for about an hour that night and was surprised to see the next day that there’s still some left. Of course, you can’t use that anymore. LOL

Afterwards, my feet feel soft and smooth. I have calluses all over my feet (it’s gross, I know) and I noticed that they softened a bit. The calluses are still there, but you’ll know if there are any changes. The softness remained for 1 and a half day, after that my feet came back from its former situation – calluses everywhere.

I don’t recommend this product if you have thick calluses like me. Maybe it’ll work for those who have less callus problem with their feet. But if you’ll ask me, this foot mask is not enough, maybe if I’ll use a scrub/peeling foot products first and then this Baby Silky Foot Mask Sheet after, it would probably work!

Holika Holika Baby Silky Foot Mask Sheet, USD3.91

Available at KollectionK

With lots of love,

M

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Review: Krave Cupine Aloepa Facial Wash with Mulberry Leaves

Cleansing is the most important part of our skincare routine. Choosing the right cleanser depends on what our skin needed. There are several types of cleansers and the most popular is facial wash. I want to share this facial wash that is affordable and quality-wise, the Krave Cupine Aloepa Facial Wash.

As I have mentioned in my previous Krave’s product reviews, all their products are made of natural ingredients. Cupine Aloepa stands for Cucumber- Pineapple-Aloe vera-Papaya with Mulberry leaves extracts. A breakthrough in facial wash that solves your major skin problems like oily skin, acne prone skin, dry, dull and dark skin, wrinkling, ageing & blemished skin. 

I am currently using three cleansers. My daily cleanser, makeup remover/cleanser, and weekly cleanser. I know it’s weird, but that’s just the way I want it. Before you ask it, I don’t have an OCD. This one is my daily cleanser. 

Krave Cupine Aloepa Facial Wash has a fruity-citrus scent and is very refreshing. It’s not foamy so some of you might not like it. I had this feeling when I first used it that maybe I used not enough product since it doesn’t bubble much then realized that it’s just like that.

My sister used to use it too, but stopped after a few days because it gave her breakouts. On the other hand, this works fine for me. It cleanses my face well and leaves no makeup residue (except eye makeups).

As for my skin's improvement, I don't really notice anything new. What I do notice is that this facial wash is really good in removing excess oil and dirt on the face. According to my sister, who used this facial wash as well, is that this is a very nice product. She has a very oily skin and her skin is less oily after every wash. Too bad that it gave her a breakouts on her forehead.

Overall, if I would rate it, I will give this one a 3.5 star out of 5. Krave Cupine Aloepa Facial Wash has no SLS, no paraben, and no irritating chemicals.


Krave Cupine Aloepa Facial Wash, 100mL
Php369
Available at Krave Cosmeceuticals

With lots of love,

M

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