More To Mica - Life & Fashion Theme Update

Last weekend I witnessed Lucky Blue Smith, Instagram's most famous male model, walk the Cool Kids District runway for Penshoppe. It was probably around 7 months ago when Penshoppe announced Lucky as their latest Ambassador. Keep scrolling and see some of my snaps that night.




I got a glimpse of Penshoppe's Rule The City pre-holiday collection that night too. You can now shop the latest basics from Penshoppe stores.




Pretty much my favorite looks in one photo. I definitely have a soft spot for monochromatic outfits and sweatshirts.



This is probably one of the loudest fashion show I've been to by far. People/Ladies were cheering at a peak the moment Lucky would walk on the runway.

Don't forget to drop by Penshoppe stores and check their latest collection. You'll surely like their fresh, monochromatic, laid-back pieces.

If there's a product you should be taking on your 20's it's collagen. In case you're looking for a collagen supplement that delivers, try the Meiji Amino Collagen. I've finished one 5000mg can and I swear I've seen visible results. I wouldn't buy one again if it it didn't do anything to my skin.

Meiji Amino Collagen is already quite popular and there are a lot of reviews you can read out there as well. So I wouldn't be surprised if some of you have heard or tried this supplement already.



Meiji Amino Collagen comes in two variants... There's the regular one and premium. The one I have here is the regular variant. The premium version is in a beautiful gold packaging containing more skin boosting ingredients that isn't included in the regular variant.

The promise of Meiji Amino Collagen is to give you softer and smoother skin. It's advertised to diminish wrinkles and dark spots plus healthy bones and joints.



Both products (can & refill) were bought and delivered by kind friends who visited Japan. I asked them to buy me one since there is a mark up of P400-P500 when you buy it here in the Philippines.




It's best to get the one in can first so you'll get the scoop that comes with it. You won't get the scoop in refills. In case, you're planning to get one I have to prepare you for its smell. Hahaha... Just to let you know I made people smell it and they all had the same reaction.. It smells off, bad... Haha. The powder came from fish so that's why it gives off a malansa (fishy) smell. Tiis-Ganda sa paginom mga bes.




The descriptions on the can were in Japanese so I went to google to search for english instructions on taking Meiji Amino Collagen. According to the internet just 1 scoop is enough. The powder is easily dissolved in either cold or hot drink. You can mix it with you're favorite beverage before going to sleep. You may drink it any time of the day, but the best time is before sleeping or on an empty stomach.




When I got used to the smell and taste (but with my nose still pinched) I'd usually just take it with plain water. Since I've just started to take the Meiji Amino Collagen again (stopped taking for a month or so because I was preparing the refill for this review) I'm back to mixing it with MILO or other types of juice.



All I have are good things for the product. Yes, even it smells terrible... You'll get used to it. Lol. I wouldn't blog about it if it's no good. I find this far more effective in giving me that glowy soft and smooth skin. There were visible effects in a few days compared to the other product I've tried. I've read from another blog that the powder isn't finely milled but I like the texture of the powder. It's pretty much fine and lightweight.. I enjoy playing and scooping it on and off.. Haha.

Reality in life... Imported products are rather expensive compared to the ones sold at it's home country. Both the can and refill only costs at around￥2,080 in Japan which is appx. P930. So if you know someone in Japan better ask them to get it for you.

In case you don't know anyone who is in Japan you can also opt to shop from Japanichi, the Meiji Amino Collagen in Can & Meiji Amino Collagen Refill is available for P1,390 each. You can also get Premium variant from Japanichi for P2,150, personally though I think you'll be fine with the just the Regular. I've spotted Meiji Amino Collagen on Lazada as well, where the prices for the Regular variant would fall from P1,290 - P2,000 (high prices were shocking though). Just note and be careful when shopping from Lazada coz' you might get something that isn't authentic so be sure to check the reviews and the seller info or something.

Another post backlog! As I've said in my previous blogpost I've been devoured by video games once again... Haha.. Anyway, sharing with you another face mask I've just tried yesterday.

Do you have those days when you shop because you found the product cute and interesting? Well, that's how this cosmetic sponge ended in my hands. T'was a random day when my mom needed a few meds at Watsons and I was oogling at the cosmetics department. Suddenly I spotted something pink and somehow looked similar to the Beauty Blender. But I'll say this early... It's nothing near to the Beauty Blender, it's just the normal/usual makeup sponge only in a pretty pink tear drop form.



The sponge came in a clear plastic packaging, you can see below. Literally labelled as Cosmetic Sponge because that's all you need to know. Hahaha. Really, this one ticked my impulse shopping button. I dunno, but I found it really cute at first.

Cosmetic Sponge - P149.00

I've used this for a number of times already, I can say it's okay and it does it's job. It's shaped like the Beauty Blender but it's use is to help you with the foundation application... blending isn't it's main function.



Well, for it's price of P149 (not sure if that's expensive or cheap) I'm fine with it... although, I kind of killed it already. Probably because I'd clean it every after use... Hahaha. #cleanfreak. Some areas started to break off.. how do you say it? basta butas butas na ung isang side.

Anyway, that's all.. I really don't know how I'm able to put so much words for just a simple cosmetic sponge.. Haha. Hope to see you on the next post!

Despite the long overdue of blogposts, I went on a short break because I'm currently back to one of my old ways which is online gaming. Like most I get engrossed in the game, addiction sorts of build up and I can't stop playing. I also have a day job so my time is split with everything (working, blogging, playing) ... Haha.

Anyway, it's another #ootd fashion post again. This time it's even more special... I'm wearing something I made. Yes! From the pattern to sewing it altogether (Thanks FIP!). I wore this to the Trendsetter's Bazaar last June. I kept it simple and I wanted something I can wear A LOT and just play around it with styling. Keep browsing to see all the photos below.

I don't remember where it all started but like many others I've grown to love things Japanese. I adore their quirky kawaii culture, art, fashion, and the country in itself. Not to mention, they're a treasure trove of unique beauty products.

My Tita had to stay in Japan for a couple of years so I kindly asked my uncle if he could spot the Naturactor Makeup Base for me. I'm so thankful he got one! Haha, #happykid. A bit sad that this will be the last year Tita will be in Japan, but it's better that she'll be back here (with my cousins too) with us. I've missed them! Anyway, so as you can see I'll be sharing this makeup primer that I'm currently loving in my makeup routine.



The Naturactor Makeup Base by Meiko has cream based formula that transparently protects skin from clogging caused by make-up. It contains vegetable properties (Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Shisoha Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract) to hep in moisturising the face. The Makeup Base comes in 2 shades; 1) Natural - For all skin types, 2) Green - For sensitive and acne prone skin. I opted for the natural for no apparent reason.



Just look at the back details... I don't understand [a single word], LOL. I don't have Japanese friends and there isn't much reviews & information online regarding the Naturactor Makeup Base either (info from meikocosmetics.co.jp & meikocosmetics.com.my) but since I've already used other products from their Naturactor Makeup Line (Cover Face & Silky Lucent) I'm confident to try this one out.



What I LOVE

• Easy application (even if I couldn't read the back details)
• Great coverage! A little goes a long way. 
• It's vegetable moisturising benefits.
• Light and not sticky on the face.
• Doesn't give off a white cast.
• It's tube minimalist packaging design.
• Affordable price.

What I'm not so happy about

• I wish it had a bit of SPF to it. (Though, that's why there wasn't any white cast)
• I'm not a fan of it's scent at initial application, smells something close to a cleaning agent (probably because of the herb ingredients) though by the time it sets the smell subsides and gives off a mild scent which I now prefer. Lol.
• It's not available in stores here in Philippines. I have to look up online but it's a bit risky since Naturactor products have been copied and imitations of it are out there. Even if it's the original thing price is doubled naman. Huhu.

Spread away.... I do have a few things I didn't like with the product but so far so good. And I've been using this for like... 3? 4? 5 months? Can't count anymore. Btw, even though I've got oily skin and somehow this product probably isn't the best for my skin type... I still like to use it to protect my skin and it helps with my makeup application, it's just that there might be a more suitable product out there. Not that it doesn't stop the oiliness it's just that I hoped it did a better job when it comes to keeping my face grease-free. This might be perfect for those with dry skin though.

This might be old news for most ladies, but for those who haven't heard  of or haven't tried Collagen. You guys have to start taking these beauty supplements. You may check Benefits of Collagen for Skin and Hair from Wellness Mama and more info about collagen on herbwisdom.

While taking photos for this blog post my mom had asked whether I'm really gonna blog about Neocell Super Collagen. She thought I'd rather keep it a secret. But beauty secrets like these is what my blog is for, it's the reason why I blog... I'd share all the secrets I can to bring out the most beautiful in each and every girl... but of course I still leave some to myself, like how I got my boyfriend to fall madly deeply in love with me (lol, kidding~ frankly speaking, I don't know the answer too.) Anywaaay...



Moving over to the  Neocell Super Collagen +C. Just so you know, this isn't the first collagen supplement I've tried so I kinda have some expectations already and comparisons over this one and the one I've tried before.

The first time I saw this bottle was at a medical/herbal/supplements (i dunno the proper term) kiosk at our local supermarket. Per tablet costs P10 each. A 250 bottle can be bought at P2,400. It was quite expensive for my pocket at that time so I passed. Then one day my mom was asking for help with purchasing a product from Lazada. So before I bought what she needed I searched for some collagen supplements that could come along with her order. Lo and behold, the Neocell Super Collagen +C I spotted at the supermarket was also available on Lazada.



I just wanted to test it out so I ordered 120 tablets instead of 250. The moment our package arrived, Mom had read the back info and she wanted to try the collagen supplement as well. We halved 120 tablets to the both of us... 60 for her and 60 for me.




Suggested use was 6 tablets daily. I told my mom to take the 6 tablets recommendation.. I'll take 4 (coz' I don't think I can swallow that much of meds). But then my mom took 4 tablets instead, saying she can't take that much too. I wanted to see if there's a difference if you'll take less... but oh well. Hahaha.



On the label:

Collagen is a complex structural protein that maintains strength and flexibility throughout the body. As we age, collagen depletion can lead to common signs of aging in the skin, hair, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Super Collagen contains clinically studied BioActive NeoCell Collagen which supports healthy collagen formation throughout the body. Using NeoCell's technologically advanced hydrolyzation process, large collagen molecules are enzymatically hydrolyzed into small peptides that are both bioavailable and bioactive in the body.

Clinical Results: NeoCell Collagen has been shown to increase skin hydration by an average of 21% and up to 50%, with 92% of test subjects experiencing increased skin hydration and 60% experiencing firmer, softer skin.



After 15 days of diligently taking 4 tablets a day, except for 1 day where I forgot to take additional 2 capsules... So I took 6 capsules on the next day instead. Here's what I noticed:

First the downside.. it's really not a big deal but I didn't see the same glow I had with the previous collagen supplement (Japanese brand). Also, the capsules were big! Hahaha... It's kinda too much to swallow the recommended dosage of 6 pills a day. That's why I only took 4. I guess, that's just what I wasn't happy about. Actually for it's affordable price of P799 per bottle the cons really don't matter.

There's so much more to like about Neocell Super Collagen +C. The pros outweigh the cons.
1. Whenever my legs would rub onto each other my skin felt softer and smoother. Though my it seems that the softness had subsided a bit a week after I stopped taking the pills.
2. My left elbow, which is probably the driest area on my body had improved so much, no more rough & dry elbow, Wee!
3. My facial pores minimized. Not as small as I've expected but at least something happened.
4. Dark lips looked healthy and pinkish compared to before.
5. I'm not yet sure if Neocell Super Collagen did it but my hair seemed softer and shinier during the time I was taking the pills.



As for healthy joints & bones, I think I should've had my bones check before taking the pills and after. Haha. I do hope it strengthened my bones coz' I badly need stronger bones.

Just so you know, my mom gave her fair share of feedback. Since she gets to get out more than me, people have commented on her skin. She told me that people were saying 'ang kinis ng face mo' (you're face looks flawless). So I guess this supplement can really do wonders to our skin.

Overall, I liked this one and this will most likely be my go-to collagen supplement. For it's price and it's effects, this one's an ace. I would definitely by again. My mom's reaction was the same. Bili na daw kami uli. Haha.

See you on the next post!