One of the things I'm lacking but desperately need is a clear lip balm. I have like the worst chappy lips ever (actually just second to my sister). They keep chapping, drying out whatever the weather and I keep picking on the dry parts and causing them to bleed. I know right? I have these crazy skin care issues and I don't do anything about them.

When I received her email regarding the giveaway, I was excited! I even checked out her blog to see for myself. (proof I won :P) I couldn't wait to use the GC right away. The last facial I had was around 7 years ago(?) :D But then I thought I should maybe save it for a better occasion. Or maybe when I'm better established with my skin care regimen. I don't know why guys, I don't really give it that much importance. Lol! I don't regularly cleanse, tone and moisturize. I feel that I have to have that goal reached first before I go have this facial, so that I can harness its benefits to the fullest.

I should really work on my skin care regimen. Lol. This GC couldn't have come at the most opportune time. Not that I'm gonna use it right away, it's more of like a wake up call reminding me that I've been neglecting a crucial part of taking care of myself. God moves in mysterious ways.

I would definitely update you when I use this GC. It is valid until May of next year. :)

And, oh yeah, thank you Donnarence for this wonderful prize! :D

Cool, right? The idea of flowers in my powder makes me think I'm a wood nymph or something. Lol. Too bad it didn't smell like flowers at all, or any scent for that matter, even though it said so in the description. It did indeed have a natural look, though.

I can't confirm if it has UV protection. It doesn't say so on the packaging, and it didn't come in a box.

I actually like how the cover looks despite it being made out of carton. The watercolor effect of what I perceived as a flower petal and the scribble of the title made me think of a Japanese painting.

It's so small! Like, really! It's very time consuming to pat on face with the puff. I do sometimes use a brush to hasten things up, but I find I don't have enough coverage on my T-zone that way. The small puff comes handy though when retouching my nose, because it's just the right size.

This powder I have been using alternately with my e.l.f. powder (review here) and I have to say, this powder doesn't make me oil as much as the e.l.f.'s. After 3 hours in this powder I only have a slight sheen to my nose, which my small puff can handle on the go.

The bottle is shaped like a cherry. Cute!

This is one of my great finds on Ebay. It was a lot of 2 pieces for only Php199.00 (around 5.00 USD), and it was offered with free shipping! Made me wonder why it was such a steal. Maybe because the item is so small and no one is willing to pay full price? Or maybe they (online seller is connected to an actual store in Davao) were on clearance? You have to admit, this item isn't exactly newly released. Or maybe it's nearing expiration? Though I didn't see any expiration dates on the packaging.

So anyway, that (all that) led me to e.l.f. and their clarifying pressed powder. It may not be a mini version, but it's small and very affordable at P129.00 only.

It has a clear lid. Sadly, there is no mirror. But at least it comes with a puff, so I can retouch on the go. It would be really awkward for someone like me (a newbie) to be carrying brushes for powders around. I know professionals and junkies love and recommend that, but I'd rather stick to puffs for the meantime. Don't get me wrong, I have acquired my own set of makeup brushes. ;) But taking out brushes in public comfort rooms to retouch is a bit of a hassle, don't you think?

I love how travel ready e.l.f.'s Clarifying Powder is. It could fit even in small pockets of my bag, with lots more space to spare. I could stash in there my lippie and comb as well. And maybe a small mirror.