June 25, 2012

My Less than 1 Dollar Finds

Just visited the nearby mall and found these cute and affordable stuff (all below P40 or $1).

Facial mask has become one of my addiction as I feel instantly pampered everytime I used it.  Found these Beauty Buffet masks from Watsons at P39 each.
so kawaii!!!

These clips will surely break the ice from my all black outfit.  Found them in the grocery store for only P39.75.
~pretty~

This Bobbie Heavenly Glitz Nail Polish will surely brighten  my feet, perfect for my upcoming beach escapade.  P36 only.
*sparkly*

Cheap right? hahaha

Thanks for reading.  Bye!

June 23, 2012

Nature Republic's Body Peeling Mist

Peeling? Intriguing!  Well it's the reason why I decided to try Nature Republic's Body Peeling Mist.
"Remove dead skin cells easily and bring your skin back to life with our Body Peeling Mist."
 -Nature Republic Philippines
I'm curious as to how this product works and it landed on my "products to buy priority list".  Silly me I only realized that I didn't ask the SA who assisted me on how to use the product when I got home (got excited and I'm in a hurry that time).  Aside from the "Nature Republic" and "With Polynesia Lagoon Water (MD 101)" everything is in Korean.  The only instruction that I got from the net is shake then apply all over the body then rinse with lukewarm water.
~MD 101~
So I shake the bottle and sprayed the product on my arm first.  After a few seconds, small white particles appeared.  Rubbed and the small particles clamped together (color changes too depending on the dirt in your skin. Mine's light brownish to grayish) .  It's like the peeling process starts when rubbing.  The mist tend to stick to the dirt of the skin. The dirt will then be removed when skin is rubbed and rinsed.  Result?  The skin immediately get a little fairer or whither and a bit smoother (probably because the dirt was wash away).

I can't find what Polynesia Lagoon Water (MD 101) means but from Nature Republic's website here is the meaning of MD Water:
Just a little warning, rinse immediately after rubbing.  There's a tendency that the clamped particles from the mist will stick to the hair and skin like a bubble gum and can be really hard to remove (it happen to me).  I use the peeling mist once a week on my elbows, knees and other dark areas in my body (hahaha).  Don't worry about spilling or accidental spraying of the product since the nozzle has a lock (^_^).
Close
Open

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Hwaiting!

June 22, 2012

Nature Republic's Morning Fruits Peach Shower Gel & Body Lotion

Aside from coffee, another way to perk up a morning is the smell of something fresh like fruits.  And so added to my bath buddies are the Morning Fruits Shower Gel and it's partner Morning Fruits Body Lotion.
photo from Nature Republic Philippines' facebook page
There are 5 variants in the Morning Fruits line:  Blueberry, Grapefruit, Orange, Peach and Grape.
 Peach can brighten? That's what the Peach variant claims: "For Brightening the Skin" and so, since my skin is pale and dull it got me thinking that the two can help in illuminating it.
Shower Gel 180ml
Body Lotion 150ml
I use the two in the morning and since I started to avoid coffee, the smell of peach somehow help me to awaken my senses; sweet peach scent but not overpowering.   They both have milky peach color and keeps my skin soft and well moisturize without the sticky feeling.  Not sure though if the brightening effect is instant or will be achieve in the long run.  But I think its more of the former as I noticed some glittering particles on my skin (few minutes after application of lotion) under the light but vanishes at the end of the day.
Not bad for P220 (each).  I'll try the Grape next time.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Oh, i forgot about the cap.  I hope Nature Republic fix this.
not properly closing

**Peaches are rich in Vitamins C and A, which have antioxidant properties, and alpha hydroxy acids.  AHAs are well known for their use in the cosmetics industry. They are often found in products claiming to reduce wrinkles or the signs of aging, and improve the overall look and feel of the skin. They are also used as chemical peels.
-sources: Wikipedia and beautywithbrains.com

Etude House's Petit Bijou Body Wash

I am in a hurry to make this post as I feel that this product will be or already phased out (not 100% sure though)

Petit Bijou Cotton Snow Soft Body Wash is included in my Etude House Haul (My EH Haul) and it was love at first try.
This delicate body cleanser is formulated with Aloe Vera, Chamomile and the Petit Bijou fragrance to soften and relieve stressed skin.  This product is free of sulfates, paraben, soap, dyes and ethanol to cleanse even sensitive skin.

Vol. 300ml (10.14 fl. oz.)
Petit Bijou Cotton Snow Soft Body Wash is milky white (a little translucent) in color.  Just one pump on my wet bath puff can already produced lots of bubbles, leaving my skin squeaky clean with a light touch of moisture.  The scent is that of a baby powder (the pleasant one) with a hint of something citrusy that lingers on the body (makes me feel like a cute baby).

Too bad if this is really going or already phased out.  I asked the SA who assisted me about the Petit Bijou Cotton Snow Soft Body Lotion but she said that it's already phased out and was replaced by the Dress Room Lotion.

Good thing I found almost something similar to this product (it's for babies by the way hehehe) but would be glad if Etude House will continue to manufacture it.

Thanks for reading.  Till Then.  Bye!

June 18, 2012

Skin Mal:gem Part 2: Smoother and Deep Moist

So for my first toners, I decided to try the Skin Mal:gem's Smoother (makes me think that it will make my face smooth) and Deep Moist (yep, my face really need some moisture).


Smoother
 
"Fruit acids in green grape, exfoliate keratin on a skin clearly for keeping smooth and soft skin."
  • For Normal Skin Type
  • 250 ml
The scent is on a citrusy side with a faint smell of alcohol (I guess it's the alcohol that i smell).  It has a clear and runny (like water) consistency just like any other regular toners.  My face feel and look refresh with a clear, a little matted finish with Smoother.  I use this toner at night after cleansing my face.

I used to apply this toner with the free cotton pads that i got; those in circles specifically made for skin mal:gem toners (or malgeum or malgum).  The circle cotton pads have wavy lines on the other side that helps in the exfoliation process of the skin.  After a week, I have to buy a regular cotton pad (the rectangle one in the grocery stores) as using the circles everyday kind of irritates my dry, sensitive face.  Right now, I'm using the circle and rectangle pads alternately.


Deep Moist
  • For Very Dry Skin Type
  • 250 ml
The tag of Deep Moist is a little funny for me: "Highly nutrient skin to provide the skin with nutrients".  I think Etude House should clarify this.

For the first week, I used the Smoother and Deep Moist side by side at night.  But (for goodness sake), I realized that the two are just basically toners. And since the Deep Moist gives a little moisture on the skin when used, I decided to use this during daytime which saves me from putting another layer emulsion (I commute so it's irritating to put something heavy on my skin).

Same with the Smoother, it has a faint chemical smell to it but it's barely noticeable unless you closely sniff the product but overall, it has a powder-like smell.  Its color is milky white and is thicker than essence but runnier than emulsion.  2 to 4 drops of the product can already cover the face and the neck area.  I don't use cotton pads with this toner, instead I spread then tap the Deep Moist for around 15 seconds or until fully absorbed by the skin.  I like the dewy and the shiny effect (the healthy a little matted kind of shine) it gives me.

I'm on my third week now on using the two toners and they somehow minimizes the appearance of the pores on my cheeks (where the big pores are).  Not dramatically but at least they lessen the visibility (take note that I also use other products like moisturizers, peeling creams and face masks/packs).

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!
p.s. Skin Mal:gem Part 1

Big Pores? Skin Mal:gem might be the Answer Part 1

In cosmetics, skin toner or simply toner refers to a lotion or wash designed to cleanse the skin and shrink the appearance of pores, usually used on the face. Toners can be applied to the skin in different ways:
  • On damp cotton wool. (most frequently used method)
  • Spraying onto the face.
  • By applying a tonic gauze facial mask - a piece of gauze is covered with toner and left on the face for a few minutes.
-from Wikipedia

Why did i put the definition?  Because after living in this world for more than twenty years, it's my first time to have a toner and my oh my, I couldn't believe that it's the answer to one of my face problem: Big Pores.  (all this time, i thought it's just a water with harmful chemicals).

For my toners, i brought 2 types at home and they are from:
*photo from The Etude House
You probably heard or read this but just to complete my review, here's the meaning of mal:gem:

"The Korean word for cleanliness, clarity and pureness.  Skin Malgeum hypoallergenic toners promote clean, clear and pure complexion with moisturizing with and pore cleansing formulas."

There are 5 toners in this line: Fresh, Smoother, Moist, Deep Moist and Essential.  Also included in the line is the Emulsion.
*photo from Etude House Philippines facebook
What caught my attention?
It claims to be:
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Paraben free
  • Void of Animal Ingredients, Benzophenone, Artificial Dyes and Mineral Oils
So i think it's safe for a beginner like me.
*photo from The Etude House
The containers are intriguing.  They look like an expensive water bottles (so sosyal and pretty) but don't be fooled, they are just made of plastic.

So from Etude House Philippines official website, here are the ways to use the toners:
This entry is getting to long, I'll just post another with my thoughts on the Smoother and Deep Moist.

Thanks for reading.  Fighting!

p.s. Part 2 Skin Mal:gem

June 16, 2012

Be Kind to Me: My "The Face Shop" Haul!

After hauling and shopping non-stop almost every week for skincare products, I told myself that I should stop and will not explore other Korean Beauty shops aside from the 3 that I visited.....

Until came The Face Shop (oh noooo, my savings).


I don't have any idea about the brand and i also do not have the intention to research about its products.  But my friend did the job for me (good thing it's just partial "exploration") as she visited one of The Face Shop's boutique while on a vacation leave, which is partially my fault since I'm the one who introduced her to Korean Skincare products.


Aside from my friend's chit-chat about the products that she got, a blog got my attention. While browsing the net, i chanced upon a blog showing the freebies that a blogger got just by purchasing a P150 membership card.  And boy, they are enticing!


As I said, I don't have the intention to deeply research about the shop's products to avoid temptation but of course, I don't want to go to a shop just to avail a card.  And so I got this cute thing:

Lovely me:ex Waterful Grapefruit Mask P445

I just saw the Lovely me:ex mask series from another blog with the tag wash-off mask.  No name indicated; just cute packagings in yellow, peach and blue, so RESEARCH time!!!!.  And lo and behold, the one in peach is a sleeping mask just the kind of product that I really love to try (I wanted the blue because it's cuter but it's not for my skin type).

Oh I almost forgot about the card and the freebies.

VIP Card

Perks for members

...and the freebies/sample that shall last for around 5 days (according to the packaging), perfect for my upcoming trip...

Will probably visit The Face Shop store again when I run out of the free BB Cream that I have. Any recommendation?

Till then, Bye for now!!!!

TonyMoly's APPLETOX

Annyeong Haseyo! Although I'm already in my mid-20's, cute things can still make my heart jump.  That's what I felt when I saw a cute green apple while browsing the net some time last May.

I'm talking about TonyMoly's Appletox Smooth Massage Peeling Cream.
“Start your day right with Appletox! Php 528
It contains keratin extracted from green apple, papaya and other fresh vegetables to provide moisture and to better eliminate waste and clean up old skin cells.The active fruit acids contained in green apples eliminate cuticles in pores, allowing the skin to have more effective absorption of the nutrients provided by masks and other daily skin care products.The keratin extract of papaya leaves the skin fresh, transparent and clean." -from Tony Moly Philippines' facebook page.

Here's how to use:  After daily cleansing, apply an appropriate amount onto the skin and gently massage in a circular motion for around 1 to 2 minutes. Wait for 20 to 30 seconds then massage again in a circular motion. Once dirt particles appear, simply rinse off with lukewarm water. Recommended to use 1~2 times a week.
At first try, I thought that the product was a complete waste of money because I didn't see any peeling effect.  So I slept feeling sorry to myself for spending P500+ on something that doesn't work.  I was wrong.  I was really surprise the following morning when I touched my face: smooth and soft, I can't help touching it.
But that's not all.

On my third use, my sister noticed that my freckles are less visible.  She decided to try it too and well, she wanted to have one right away and keeps on bugging me as to when will be my next visit to TonyMoly (she wants to have the freebies kekeke).

The product is white and creamy and has this crispy apple scent that is a little addicting, you want to use it everyday.  It leaves a thin layer of moisture after use so sometimes (when I'm lazy) I skip using emulsion or moisturizer.

I'm on my fourth week now on using Appletox and I can say that it's one of the reason why I somehow have this pinkish white glowing face!

By the way, Appletox doesn't come with a free spatula. And if your wondering why I didn't have the peeling effect on my first try it's because my face is a little damp so make sure to towel dry your face before using it.

Daebak!!! Till then.  Bye :)

Clean and Beautiful with Tony: My TonyMoly Haul

"A place to put a style into packaging", that's the meaning of TonyMoly.  Tony is an english word which means stylish and Moly; a japanese word, which means to box something.  A little trivia that I actually got from TonyMoly's official website.

The products that i bought here in the Philippines are the Appletox and the Essential Mask Sheet Pack Cucumber.  My mind is actually battling what to choose: Appletox or Tomatox?  The green won, it looks refreshing to the eyes.  And because I'm pretty much satisfied with the Appletox (review to follow) I decided to make a list of the TM products that I think will do great on my skin and gradually buy them since prices here in the Philippines are around 30% to 40% more expensive than in Korea (correct me if I'm wrong).  Oh well, God is good because a colleague of mine is visiting Korea the time I made the list (YEESSSS).  Although not all the products in the list are bought, I'm still satisfied with the TonyMoly products that I have right now and so here's my haul:
Appletox - P528
Essential Mask Sheet Pack - P58
Maxi Power Foot Peeling Liquid - P498 (8800 KRW)
Peach Hand Cream - P278 (4900 KRW)
Tomatox Magic White Massage Pack - P548 (9800 KRW)

Included in my list are the Egg Pore Black Head Out Oil Gel and Ice Queen Snow White Sleeping Cream but for an unknown reason, my colleague didn't bought them. I guess they're not meant for me since my mind is battling again whether to include the 2 in the list or not (I think the Red Appletox is more suitable for me).

I got a free sample of BB Cream (I already consumed the product and throw the container so I don't have any picture) and the TonyMoly Membership Card since my purchase reach P500+.
2% rebate for every P100 purchase made will be awarded and will be also be entitled to perks exclusively for TonyMoly members.

The store is simple: painted in white with shelves on the sides and an island in the center for make-ups.  I don't use cosmetics so i went straight to the shelves with coffee mugs, ice creams, apples, tomatoes, peach and oranges.  I'm still talking about TonyMoly, some of their products are in a cute and catchy packagings like the Appletox: it is in a green apple shape-like plastic container.  It's very clever of TonyMoly to do this because the packaging are really atrractive (I got attracted (*__*)).

I guess the target market of TonyMoly are mature man and women which probably explains the most of the products in the store that are in simple yet sophisticated and stylish packaging unlike their sister company whose audience are mostly teens (yes, I'm talking about Etude House).

Of all the products in my haul, I only got to try the Appletox which didn't fail to deliver its purpose so I hope the rest would also be the same.

Comments, suggestions, violent reactions by the way are welcome so feel free to type-in anything (oh except curses) in the comment box below.

Seum Dwa.  Till Then.  Bye!

June 14, 2012

Girly & Pretty with Etude: My ETUDE HOUSE HAUL

Last year, I got addicted to books: novels, adventure, mysteries, court case etc. For this year I guess I'm hooked with skin care products especially from the Korean shops like Etude House.Below are the products that i got from Etude.  Not that much for others but it's already a lot for me : )
Silk Scarf Hair Treatment - P378
Moistfull Collagen Cream Set - P778
Skin Malgeum-Smoother - P678
Skin Malgeum-Deep Moist - P678
Petit Bijou Cotton Snow Soft Body Wash - P448
Milk Talk Body Was Apple P298 (to avail the freebie)

I intended to buy the Petit Bijou Cotton Snow Soft Body Lotion but after roaming around the store, merrily grabbing the products that I want, I can't seem to find the said lotion.  So imagine my dismay when the SA said that it is already phased out (para akong batang inagawan ng teddy bear huhuhuh.  After those researching and excitement about the product, just to find out that it is already phased out?)

Oh well, moving on...It's my first time to reached more than P500 worth of purchases (my sister and i just only buy the Hair Bubble Coloring before) so I got (for free) the Pink Card wherein you can get 2% rebate for every P100 purchase made.  You can also get special perks exclusively for PinkCard holders (check the EH Phil. website for more info.)


Now for the FREEBIES!!!!

The Skin Malgeum is on a promo when I visited EH so i got free cottonpads (in the above picture beside Moistfull Collagen Set).  The SA said i can get another GWP if I reach P2000 (that's why I grabbed the Milk Talk).  So presenting:
The Princess Cake
I'm not a fan of pink but this one from TLJ is really pretty and while traveling (going home), some teenagers can't help peeking at it.  The box is adorable too.  So after delightfully munching on this creamy and light (just the right sweetness) cake, I turned the box into something useful (as suggested by my sister).
~cute + useful box~
I had a fun and girly experience with Etude House and really looking forward to have those GWP that are in set kekeke.

Till then.  Daume bayo.  Fighting!!!

June 12, 2012

Feel and Be One with the Nature: My Haul from Nature Republic

Got some basic stuff from Nature Republic.



Here's my Haul:
  • Morning Fruits Peach Shower Gel and Lotion at P220 each
  • Body Peeling Mist for P440
  • Soothing and Moisture Aloe 70% Emulsion  with a price of P440
  • The Salon Body Esthe Sensitive Hair Remover for P395 (box got wet so it's not in the picture)
  • And of course, the Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel (Aloe Gel for short) for P220
Freebies!!!:
  • 2 Collagen BB Cream
  • 2 The Whiter Fermentation Whitening Mask
  • And a standee of JGS (gave it to my friend. she's the reason why i shyly asked the SA to give me one. You know who you are.)
And since it's my first to reach P1000:

The Beauticard Essence which entitles me to have 10% discount on my next purchases.

Excited to be part of their Megamall Boutique's grand opening this coming July!

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

June 11, 2012

The Multi-Purpose Gel: Nature Republic's Aloe Vera Soothing Gel

Annyeong Haseyo! I just recently found joy in Korean Products and the first that landed into my hands is this Multi-Purpose Soothing and Moisture - Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel (the name already explained everything about this product hahaha)
photo from Nature Republic Philippines' facebook page
Got curious with this product because it was sold out 39 times (whoah).
photo from Nature Republic Philippines' facebook page
The Gel is clear and watery and has an aloe like smell (refreshing).  I use it everyday as a body moisturizer and as an eye mask (I put the gel on a cotton pad) to soothe my tired eyes.  I also tried it as a moisturizing pack by mixing 2 part of the aloe gel and 1 part of baby oil.
Here are other ways to enjoy this product:
photo from Nature Republic Philippines' facebook page
One tub of this by the way goes a long way (300 ml good for 1 to 2 months).
What I Like:
Soothes and moisturizes skin (lotion still needed if you have very dry skin like mine)
Has fresh and refreshing scent
AFFORDABLE, P220 for 300ml (P295 as of September 12, 2012)
Paraben Free
Mineral Oil Free
Light and Non-Sticky

^_^
*photos are from Nature Republic Philippines' facebook page below is my blurred photo (sorry)
Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!