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You work pretty much every single day and have so many different responsibilities. Due to this, you deserve a wonderful break away from time to time. A vacation or travel experience is what we all deserve. Doing the same things every single day is so unfulfilling for most. Making the most of our free time matters an awful lot. We only get so much time on this planet, so it’s a case of making memories while we can.

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There are very few people who actually dislike meringues and for good reason. Meringues are light, fluffy desserts and they are the main character (despite being used as decoration in some dishes!). They can form so many different dessert options, but if you’ve never handled meringue before you might be worried about how you make them without making significant mistakes.

You might be wondering what is pavlova, and you’d be right to wonder! If you want tasty desserts that are sweet and fruity, then a pavlova could be a game changer for you! The thing is, meringue is a tricky dish and handling it isn't the easiest thing to do. So, here are some of the mistakes that would be ruining your meringue experience.

1. You’re adding the sugar far too fast! There’s nothing worse than working on a meringue and watching it collapse. Egg white is the main ingredient of meringues and it’s the only thing holding it all together. When you add too much sugar you weigh it down and that can cause collapse.

2. You don't add the important ingredients. Cream of tartar is a very important ingredient in meringue as it adds much more structure than the egg whites do. When you use cream of tartar, you can ensure that the air is held longer - it’s something you should have in the pantry! 

3. The bowl isn’t clean or dry. If you have any oil in the bowl that you choose to use for your meringue mix, it will go wrong. Even the slightest residue can make a difference to the resulting meringue and this isn't just the bowl, but the whipping attachment. A squeaky clean bowl that is properly dried out will be the best thing to do so check twice!

4. You are using cold eggs. Meringues are supposed to be made with eggs that have been able to sit at room temperature. The whites will offer a much airier meringue when they have sat out for a while before cooking. Give yourself half an hour with the eggs on the side before you start making your dish, and you will have a much better weight and volume.

5. You’ve over beaten the eggs. There’s a significant level of beating needed for meringue dishes but there is such a thing as beating too much. Too much beating and you’ll end up with a lumpy mess, not a shiny and moist meringue. If you beat your eggs too long the whites will go further than peak stiffness and instead of silky, you get grainy!

6. You knock the air out. It’s a fine line not to overbeat meringues, especially when you’re trying to create magic. Knocking the air out of the eggs will mean less magic and more deflation. You want it to peak and be white and silky, not splat on the tray.

Meringues are delicious and you can make the best lemon meringue pie or pavlova when you avoid these mistakes.

AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick - "Keep skin safe and protected when outdoors with this powerful sun stick fitted with SPF50+ PA++++ and formulated with the brand’s UV IR BLOCK™ technology to simultaneously block out UV rays and heat from the sun. It contains various skin care ingredients (including bamboo extract, glacier water and cotton seed extract) to soothe, smooth and hydrate skin. Dermatologically tested formula is safe for sensitive skin." Net Wt: 22g | Php 600 | Buy Here: AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick.

9 Irresistible Lace Teddy Lingerie Sets Will Steal Your Boyfriend's Heart - "Nothing compares to the classic appeal of lace in underwear. Lace lingerie radiates elegance and femininity that will make you feel beautiful and confident, from delicate floral motifs to elaborate designs. But there are so many options to consider when picking the ideal lace teddy lingerie set. But don't worry; our selection of wholesale lingerie makes it easy to find the ideal item for you. We've compile our top 9 lace teddy lingerie sets that are guaranteed to get your partner's head swirling."

Belo Sunexpert Dewy Essence Sunscreen SPF50 - "Meet your sunscreen match. Introducing the Belo SunExpert Dewy Sunscreen – The ultra-lightweight, hydrating sunscreen for those with zero tolerance for stickiness." Net Vol. 50ml | Php 400 (~USD$ 8)

Sneak Peek: MAC Lipsticks in Lady Danger, Snob, Devoted to Chili, More the Mehr-ier - "The ultimate destination for lip colour. Find the finish you want in an extensive array of all the shades, forms and benefits you crave. Offering more than 100 shades of professional quality cosmetics for All Ages, All Races, and All Genders."

MAC Lipsticks in Lady Danger, Snob, Devoted to Chili, More the Mehr-ier

Hi all and TGIF. I'm sharing some MAC lipsticks that I have accumulated in the past months. I have two mini lipsticks in the shades Lady Danger and Snob. I also have two Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolor in Devoted to Chili and More the Mehr-ier.

MAC Satin Lipstick in Snob

MAC Satin Lipstick in Snob - "A creamy lipstick formula with a soft cushiony feel, medium-to-full buildable coverage, and a satin finish." Snob is described as a "light neutral pink." The color reminds me of Please Me, though this might be lighter and maybe would wash me out.

MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger

MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger - "A creamy rich lipstick formula with high color payoff in a no-shine matte finish." Lady Danger is described as a "vivid bright coral-red." This shade has been on my to-buy list for quite some time now because a lot of people that I follow on social media recommend this. Somehow, I can't get myself to buy full-sized because I avoid orange-reds like the plague. I'll be testing out the shade and hope for the best.

 

MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolor in Devoted to Chili and More the Mehr-ier - "A liquid lip color with a whipped, mousse-like texture that delivers soft-focus moisture-matte, comfortable color with ten hours of hydration."

MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolor in Devoted to Chili

Devoted to Chili is described as "warm brick red." I have this shade in the bullet lipstick form (see here: Devoted to Chili) and liked it well enough to purchase the liquid lip color. The color looks to be more terracotta and perfect for an autumnal look.

MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolor in More the Mehr-ier

More the Mehr-ier is described as a "mid-tone mauve pink." The pinky shade adds color to the face without it looking too pink or too nude. I think that mauves can flatter most skin tones and this is a safe lip color for almost everybody.

 

Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++ - "Protect skin against the harmful effects of UV rays with this broad-spectrum sun milk. Packed with nourishing ingredients like apricot, lotus, chrysanthemum, and thanaka tree extracts, the SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen moisturizes and soothes skin without leaving a sticky feeling. Apply to face and body at the last step of skincare." Net Vol. 70ml | ~ Php 450

Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++

Hi everyone. I hope you are having a good weekend. For today, I have the last of the K-beauty sunscreens I featured last time, the Missha Essence Sun Milk. Missha offers an extensive range of sunscreens for every skin type and this one is targeted for dry skin.

Benefits:
- Lightweight, non-sticky sunblock for everyday use
- SPF50+ PA+++
- Has a cooling sensation to soothe the skin

Key Ingredients:
Natural Barrier Complex - Contains golden root, guava leaf, cinchona, verbena, and aloe vera extract to hydrate, nourish and protect the skin from damage
Helios Chrysos Flower Water - Protects the skin from external factors
Thanaka and Antozone-Roze - Keeps the skin shielded from damage caused by external pollutants

How to use: Apply an even layer onto the skin prior and allow to absorb before leaving the house.

Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++

Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk comes in a plastic squeezable tube with a nozzle cap. It contains 70ml of product so the bottle is bigger than most sunscreens in the market. It's still lightweight and travel-friendly and the nozzle is a great way of dispensing just enough product to use.

What I liked about this sunscreen is how lightweight it feels on the skin. Th watery-gel consistency is the lightest formula I have tried in a sunscreen. The product feels soothing and cooling and is absorbed readily. It is also non-greasy and non-sticky.

Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk is a chemical sunscreen and as such not feel heavy on the skin. It applies well under makeup and does not pill. It also has nourishing and moisturizing benefits because of the "Natural Barrier Complex (flower extracts)."

Swatch: Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++

Personally, I prefer to use this sunscreen during the colder months when my skin feels dry and needs a bit of hydration and TLC. With my oily-combination skin, I find the formula of this sunscreen a tad too moisturizing during the summer.

Overall, Missha Essence Sun Milk is one of my go-to sunscreens for colder months. This chemical sunscreen feels lightweight, hydrating, nourishing, and cooling. It is absorbed readily and doesn't feel greasy even when you apply several layers of it. This also has a soothing and calming effect on the skin. In addition, this doesn't separate or pill underneath makeup and doesn't leave any white cast. It leaves a semi-matte, natural finish. This sunscreen provides maximum sun protection and is affordable. This has a slight perfume fragrance so those who have very sensitive noses may want to avoid this one

 

Pros:

- Lightweight, watery-gel formula

- Moisturizing and nourishing yet non-sticky

- Cooling and soothing effect

- Absorbs readily

- Doesn't disturb makeup, does not pill

- Maximum broad spectrum protection and high SPF 

- Natural finish

- Affordable

Cons:

-Slight perfume fragrance

Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Helichrysum Arenarium Extract, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Silica, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Nylon-12, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Rosa Davurica Bud Extract, Potassium sorbate, Pentylene Glycol, Chrysanthemum Indicum flower Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract, Abronia Villosa Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract, Prunus Mume Flower Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Water, Calendula officinalis flower water, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Water, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Artemisia princeps Leaf Extract, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Methicone, Betaine

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++ - "Protects skin against UVA and UVB rays with SPF 50+ PA+++ from a combination of chemical and physical sunscreens. Enriched with 55000ppm of aloe vera leaf extract to soothe moisturize and nourish the skin. The fast-absorbing texture doesn't leave a white cast or greasy finish and won't stain clothing. Clinically proven to be hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. Can be used on the face and body."

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

Hi there. Let's continue with our sunscreen reviews with this cult favorite from COSRX. This sunscreen was one of my go-to when I was still exploring different types of sun protection. I bought several tubes of this sunscreen and for months, this has been my go-to daily sun protection. I have since found better sunblocks for my skin type but the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is still remains a staple.

Benefits:
- Block UV rays
- Soothes & moisturizes skin
- Lightweight texture 

Targets:
- Doesn't want a white cast
- Enjoy outdoor activities often
- Dehydrated skin

How to use: Apply a generous amount on over face 30 minutes before sun exposure.Reapply throughout the day as needed, especially during prolonged sun exposure.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream comes in a white plastic squeeze tube with a black flip-top cap. The packaging is simple yet handy. I especially like the flip-top cap because it's more convenient to use and I don't easily lose the cap. The plastic tube feels sturdy and travel-friendly.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

This sunscreen has a creamy formula so it can feel a bit heavy for those with oily skin. However, if you have drier and more sensitive skin then this one would be a great choice for you. The aloe extract provides hydration and soothes irritated skin. 

 

Despite the creamy texture, this sun cream is readily absorbed and didn't feel sticky. This is both a physical and chemical sunscreen and I feel that this offers a good amount of protection from the sun. My skin didn't darken or burn while using this under the sun.

 

Additionally, this soothing sunscreen didn't disturb any makeup on top and didn't cause pilling. It also didn't leave any white cast and didn't sting my eyes.

Swatch: COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

Overall, COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is a great choice if you want a moisturizing, soothing, and gentle sunscreen. The physical and chemical sunscreen formula is absorbed into the skin fast. It feels lightweight and non-greasy despite the creamy texture. Personally, I prefer to use this sunscreen during the colder season when I need extra hydration, otherwise on humid days, I feel that this is too moisturizing for my oily-combination skin.

Pros:

- Lightweight and absorbs well

- Moisturizing and nourishing yet non-greasy

- Non-sticky and soothing formula

- Maximum broad spectrum protection and high SPF

- Doesn't disturb makeup, does not pill

- No white cast

- Affordable

Cons:

- Can feel heavy during humid days

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Alcohol,Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, C14-22 Alcohols, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Peg-100 Stearate, Silica, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Triethanolamine Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ - "Relief Sun is a lightweight and creamy type organic sunscreen that's comfortable on skin. Even if you apply a large amount several times, it is not sticky and gives a moist finish like that of a light moisturizing cream. Containing 30% rice extract and grain fermented extracts, it provides moisture and nourishment to the skin. " Net Vol. 50ml (1.69 fl.oz.) /  $18.00 via beautyofjoseon.com

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Of late, Beauty of Joseon has been making a mark in the K-Beauty scene. One of their most popular product is their sunscreen - Relief Sun: Rice and Probiotics.

 

Benefits:

- Lightweight cream texture It is similar to a light moisturizing cream, and it is not sticky or slippery even if you apply it several times. After absorption, it provides a natural glow without a white cast. Even if you apply a large amount before makeup, it does not clump or get cakey. 

- Rice extract 30% + Grain fermented extracts Rice and grain fermented extracts are rich in vitamins B, C, and E, amino acids, and minerals which help to moisturize dry skin and comfortably calm the skin.  

- SPF & PA Protection SPF and PA tests were completed in labs in both Korea and Spain.

How to use: At the last step of the skincare routine, evenly spread a generous amount over areas vulnerable to sun exposure.

 

This sunscreen comes in a minimalist tube with a twist-off cap. This makes it easy to carry around. The times I had it in my bag, I didn't experience any leakage. The plastic tube feels sturdy, handy, and travel-friendly.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics claims to moisturize and calm the skin as well as superior SPF and PA protection. It also boasts of being non-sticky and providing a natural glow without the white cast. I will say that this sunscreen delivers on these promises and more.

 

What I really love about this sunblock is that it is truly lightweight even when applied on several layers. The formula feels watery so it can be spread easily and absorbed readily. This sunscreen provides an ample amount of hydration and nourishment and has a soothing effect which is great for sensitive skin.

 

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics uses new generation sunscreen agents Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M. This gives maximum protection against UVA and UVB rays, SPF 50+ PA++++. (Read my brief intro on sun protection HERE). I would think that this high sun protection would be adequate for outdoor activities or water activities as long as you reapply every few hours.

 

On top of sun protection benefits, I have also seen skin-brightening benefits due to the niacinamide and several extracts (including rice extract, ginseng root, soybean ferment, and pumpkin ferment). Into my fourth week of use, I have noticed that some pimple marks are less visible and had lightened and my skin tone has evened out significantly. There was no visible white cast. My face didn't turn red and blotchy and my makeup stayed put on top of this sunscreen.

 

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Overall, Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics is one of my go-to sunscreens of late. This organic sunscreen feels lightweight, hydrating, and nourishing. It is absorbed readily and doesn't feel greasy even when you apply several layers of it. This also has a brightening and soothing effect. In addition, this doesn't separate or pile underneath makeup and doesn't leave any white cast. More importantly, it provides maximum sun protection and is affordable enough for me to not feel guilty about using this every day. Personally, this has been my staple daily sunscreen for over a month now and I have gladly repurchased several tubes.

 

Pros:

- Lightweight and absorbs well

- Moisturizing and nourishing yet non-greasy

- Non-sticky and feels very comfortable

- Skin-lightening effect with regular use

- Doesn't disturb makeup, does not pile

- Maximum broad spectrum protection and high SPF 

- Glowy finish

- Affordable

Cons:

- None

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Ingredients: Water, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract (30%), Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Methylene Bis-benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Coco-caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Monascus/Rice Ferment, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol,Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment, Aspergillus Ferment, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate

Round-Up: MAC Powder Kiss Lipsticks in A Little Tamed, Mull It Over, Sulltriness, Devoted to Chili, and Werk, Werk, Werk - "Matte, totally reinvented. Delivering a blur of soft-focus colour, this weightless moisture-matte lipstick was developed to replicate a backstage technique: blending out edges of matte lipstick for a hazy effect. Its groundbreaking formula contains moisture-coated powder pigments that condition and hydrate lips. The result is the zero-shine look of a matte lipstick with the cushiony, lightweight feel of a balm. Fall for this soft-touch, misty matte kiss of colour." Net Wt. 3g, 0.1 US oz | $24.00 via www.maccosmetics.com

MAC Powder Kiss Lipsticks (L-R): A Little Tamed, Mull It Over, Sulltriness, Devoted to Chili, Werk Werk Werk

I have been reviewing these MAC Powder Kiss Lipsticks for the past weeks so to wrap things up with them, here's a round-up of the five shades that I have: A Little Tamed, Mull It Over, Sultriness, Devoted to Chili, and Werk, Werk, Werk.

Overall, these Powder Kiss lipsticks are lightweight and feel very comfortable on the lips. They applied smoothly and evenly but the lighter shades have a tendency to slightly settle on the lip lines. They have average wear time with the bolder colors fading less over time.

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in A Little Tamed

A Little Tamed is described as a "mid-tone pink with yellow undertones." This lipstick is a bright medium coral pink with a slightly warm undertone and a powdery finish. It applied less evenly compared to the other shades and had a tendency to settle on lip lines when built up.

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Mull It Over

Mull It Over is described as a "dirty peach." It is a medium rosy coral peach with warm undertones and a satin-matte finish. I also noticed that this can slightly settle along lip lines with wear. However, the color is very pretty and this has been my go-to everyday nude lipstick.

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Sultriness

Sultriness is described as a "baby blue pink." It is a light-medium pink with a slightly warm undertone and a powdery semi-matte finish. Since this is also a lighter shade, it also has a small issue with settling and wear-time. This shade is suitable for light to medium skin tones.

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Devoted to Chili

Devoted to Chili is described as a "warm brick red." It is a medium red-orange with warm undertones and a satin-matte finish. The shade leans orange-red on me and pulls out my yellow undertones. This applied beautifully and is opaque with a single layer.

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Werk Werk Werk

Werk, Werk, Werk is described as a "cool red." It is a medium blue-based red with cool undertones and a powdery-matte finish. This shade applies a true cool red on me and brightens my complexion. This lightweight yet highly pigmented lipstick applied evenly and smoothly. This is now my go-to red lip for when I want a bold everyday look.

MAC Powder Kiss Lipsticks (L-R): A Little Tamed, Mull It Over, Sulltriness, Devoted to Chili, Werk Werk Werk