July 30, 2012

All the Way Down: July Empties




 
1 Nature Republic Morning Fruits Peach Shower Gel and Body Lotion
After almost two months I finally finished with these two. Click here for my review.

2 Nivea’s Nutri Sensitive Milk Wash
I used this most of the time as a facial wash.  It says it gently cleanses and protects sensitive skin and scalp though my face feel stingy whenever I use it.  It also have two kinds of parabens:  Methyparaben and Propylparaben.

3 Nature Republic The Salon Body Esthe Sensitive Hair Remover (what's with the long name)
This one is in an elegant box, but mine got wet and have to be thrown away.
Quick review/Notes:  It effectively removed the hairs from my legs and leaves it with some moisture.  Don't use this when you have newly healed wounds or cuts as it will reopen them.  A tube can last up to 5 sessions. The smell of the cream is on the chemical side though it is more tolerable than Veet.  Everything is going well with the first tube and so I bought another one and I regretted doing so.  The hair remover cream in the second tube dries out so fast that it only removed a few strands of hair from my legs. I also had an allergy with this though I never heard of any reformulation to the product so I really don't know what went wrong.  Good thing that I like some of other Nature Republic's products or else....: ) nevermind.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

July 29, 2012

De Stressing

This will be short.  For the past few months (up to now) I think I'm stressed and depressed.  I noticed it when I open my blog...it's so gloomy *_* and so I decided to change my template and added some other features.  I also promised my self to declutter my room; throw the things I haven't use for months, eat more healthy like now I'm eating apples instead of potato chips, organize my files and find other job (well i wanted to resign effective immediately in my current job but it's so uneconomical and I hope my sister is not reading this post or else I'll get another sermon from her).

Before I turn a year older I wanted to be someone: the real me, the me who just smile and forgive so easily, the me who doesn't care what other people say.  In short the 10 years old me but this time it should be the mature one.

Have you listened to U2's Beautiful Day? It's a wonderful song here are some parts of it's lyrics:

"See the world in green and blue 
See China right in front of you 
See the canyons broken by cloud 
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out 
See the Bedouin fires at night 
See the oil fields at first light 
And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth 
After the flood all the colors came out "

"What you don't have you don't need it now 
What you don't know you can feel it somehow "

Enjoy the day!

July 28, 2012

Finally! Snoe + an Apple?

I am in gigil to share my haul and a really proud Pinay because finally I have Snoe products.

Snoe Happy Heels to pamper my feet and Snoe Body Softener for Aging Skin

Thanks to Cinderella Glorietta branch, I finally have the chance to try the Happy Heals Set (P349) and the Body Softener (P249) which is already out of my budget but I can't resist collagen.  I haven't have enough time to explore Snoe's other products but you can check their website at http://www.snoebeauty.com/ for more info.

Actually, I'm in a hurry while in Cinderella (spent 5 minutes I guess) and didn't notice the guy who tried to assist me until I heard him say "Okay na po Ma'am?" while heading to the counter but I got a glimpsed of some plastic fruit containers that are familiar to me.  It's… (wait for it)

Baviphat!!!!

I got the Apple AC Therapy Sleeping pack.  Again, I'm in a hurry and feel sorry for the girl who assisted me.  I never give her the chance to explain the products that I'm holding.  So thoughtful of her to even chase me just to ask if I know how to use it;she's ready to spill her spiel.

Snoe and Baviphat, Check!

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

July 27, 2012

From The Other World of the Wallflower

After twenty four years in this world I finally have my passport (hoopla!).  But where to go or the right question is, "where to go first?".

For me there are 2 kinds of travel.  First is physical travel (wherein you go the place you want to see) and second is the virtual travel (most convenient hehehe). For many years, I have been searching and visiting blogs to know where; if ever that i will finally have the chance to travel abroad, should I spend my precious and limited vacation days.

Here are some pics that got my attention.

Santorini
Amalfi Coast in Italy
Sorrento, Italy
James Bond Island Thailand
Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan, India
 Thanks to Roomorama (http://www.facebook.com/roomorama) for the amazing pictures

July 23, 2012

To Soothe & Moisturize: Nature Republic Aloe 70% Emulsion

After using baby cream and over commercialize moisturizers that doesn't really work, I finally decided to switch to something Korean.
Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe 70% Emulsion
"Aloe 70% Emulsion contains 70% fresh aloe vera that effectively soothes and moisturizes the skin"
Nature Republic's Aloe Vera Gel was love at first try and so I give this a chance to prove itself  as what I really wanted to have in the first place is the Tea Tree Trouble Zero Emulsion (not available :( the last time I visited Nature Republic) for me to avoid breakouts.  But, hey I have dry skin so I guess this is the right product for me.
white and liquidity
It's my first time to try an emulsion and I didn't know that it's more on the watery side.  So with all my might, I gave the bottom part of the bottle a jolt and I ended up having a lot ( so for the first timers out there, be careful hahaha).  The emulsion is white in color and has an aloe and...bamboo??? I really do smell something bamboo~ish.  It really does what it promises to do: to soothe and moisturize the skin.  So if your looking for an all in one product that have anti-aging, anti-wrinkle and so on and so forth effect, then this is not what you are looking for.  This also has Paraben.
Directions:  After using toner, gently spread over face
P290 for 150 ml is already affordable for me because it goes a long way.  It's already been 2 months since I started using this day and night and the bottle is still half full.
I like this product but I hope Nature Republic would also have or would release something with collagen (I'm currently addicted) that has the same price as Soothing & Moisture Aloe 70% Emulsion (what a long name).

Nature Republic! When are you going to open your Megamall branch?  I'm getting impatient to hoard masks!


Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

July 21, 2012

Happy Essential Foam Cleanser in Hyaluronic Acid

(Okay this one is for real; a new product from Etude House, not like the Milk Talk that I posted some days ago which is already familiar to others but not to me.  And since I love this product, I have to start it with a definition of the key ingredient.)

Hyaluronic Acid
The presence of hyaluronic acid in epithelial tissue has been shown to promote keratinocyte proliferation and increase the presence of retinoic acid, causing skin hydration. Hyaluronic acid's interaction with CD44 (receptor of HA) drives collagen synthesis and normal skin function.  hyaluronic acid is critical to the structural integrity of the dermal collagen matrix that makes it a very effective topical humectant.  At young age the human body is very rich with hyaluronic acid, the reason young people have firm well hydrated skin and prompted healing process, however its quantity deteriorate dramatically with age which make skin susceptible to wrinkles, dehydration and infection. Due to this fact a lot of cosmeceutical companies have considered the important role of this molecule in fighting aging process and introduced it into their technology.  ~source:wikipedia

In short, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is good for skin hydration and in fighting wrinkles and infection (whewwww).
"Formulated with 40% moisturizers, this creamy cleansing foam gently removes impurities with rich lather, while Hyaluronic acid promotes hydration.  Skin is happy again, feeling clean, smooth and soft."
~contains 40% moisturizing content~
Just by washing my face will help me fight wrinkles and infection?  Now that's a breeze and convenient, very convenient indeed.
~creaaamy~
The foam is in pearly white color and has fresh, clean scent (it's my first time to smell something like it so I really don't know how to describe the scent).  The 150ml tube; I think, can last to 3 to 4 months as just a little amount can already produce a lot of foam to cleanse the face and the neck (a pea size is enough).
~yehey for english translation!~
The effect of the hyaluronic variant on me is fantastic.  It doesn't leave my skin tight after every wash.  I tried one time to not to put any moisturizer or emulsion or whatsoever hydrating thing after washing with this and my face still feels hydrated for hours: no itchy whatsover feeling that a person with dry skin usually feels (I have dry skin).  It also removed some of my whiteheads. 

Happy Essential Foam Cleanser is the predecessor of Happy Tea Time Cleansing Foam.  I never had the chance to try the Happy Tea Time Cleansing Foam (I read a lot about it and everyone adores and loves it) but if Happy Essential Foam Cleanser is the improved version of the former then...whose stopping you to try this :).

Happy Essential Foam Cleanser really keeps my skin happy all day with rich foam cleansing.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream

Collagen has great tensile strength, and is the main component of fasciacartilageligamentstendonsbone and skin.  Along with soft keratin, it is responsible for skin strength and elasticity, and its degradation leads to wrinkles that accompany aging. ~source: wikipedia

Baobab-containing products are often marketed as a rich source of antioxidants. Some proponents claim that, due to their antioxidant content, products made with baobab fruit can help slow the aging process and protect against major illnesses and is also said to protect against inflammation-related conditions. Additionally, baobab fruit is sometimes used as an ingredient in skin-care, hair-care and body-care products. Some personal-care products contain baobab oil, which is extracted from the seeds of the baobab tree. Research shows that baobab seeds are rich in essential fatty acids (such as linoleic acid) that may help improve the skin. ~source: altmedicine.about.com

Seems like I start a post with a definition whenever I like a product.  And Moistfull Collagen Cream is a total love.
"Fight for the dryness!!  Moisturizing and tightening cream improves complexion look and feel with concentrated Baobab Tree extract and Collagen formula."
This is a special product for me and I only use it once or twice a week (aside from the cost I still have an emulsion to finish so I don't use it on a daily basis).  The instant effect of this on me is amazing!: (imagine) from zombie to human again (hehehe, exaggerating me).  Just a pea or two of this cream makes my skin soft and smooth, leaving me a sheen that makes my face glowing with life (specially when I smile; everyboody become a year younger with just a simple smile :D).  And the effect last long (2 to 3 days) so even if I don't use this often, I still have a healthy looking face (though I still consider my skin dull but compared before, I can say that there's around 30 to 50% improvement).
Of course, creaminess is all over the cream but it doesn't feel sticky or heavy upon application.  I am actually surprised to it's lightness the first time I used it.  It's just like an emulsion but in a cream.  Color is (as shown in the picture) light milky orange/tangerine.  The smell is on the citrusy side (maybe because of baobab) with something herbal on it (same with the Massage and First Essence).  I like the scent although sometimesit's overpowering but don't worry, it will subside in just a matter of seconds.

I totally love this product and would definitely save every penny in my pocket (and would even sacrifice my almost daily ice cream break) just to have another glass tub of Moistfull Collagen Cream.  Yep, it's on a glass tub so it's kinda heavy.  I will also try the Moistfull Collagen Emulsion so I could splatter a lot of the collagen goodness on my face (hahaha).

Thanks for reading.  Happy Rainy Season Filipinos while Happy Summer to the rest of the World.  Till then.  Bye!

July 20, 2012

Collagen Addiction

The Moistfull Collagen Essential Massage and First Essence are included in a set that i brought home one find Saturday afternoon from Etude House.
"Formulated with Baobab Tree and Marine Collagen to moisturize and tighten complexion and promote youthful glow."
"Massage application and rinse off hydration mask pack supplies moisture and collagen to bolster dermal integrity."

It's a 2 in 1 product (I guess) suited for those who like daily massage and mask pack that can be use daily (I guess again sinceit doesn't give an adverse effect on me when I used it 3 days straight).  Have you tried mixing dissolved sugar in oil and honey then sprinkled with some Jell-O powder? If yes, then that's the texture of the product: oily and jellyish yet it doesn't feel oily and heavy upon application although my face is shining like oil when I apply this.  If not, then here's a pic.
It's milky orange in color and has a citrusy with a splash of something herbal (like ginger) smell.  After rinsing my face with water (should be lukewarm water).  It's leaves a thin layer of moisture in my skin. PERIOD.
Directions from label:  Dispense onto hands and apply to facial surface by gently massaging onto skin. Gently massage skin for several minutes then wipe off with facial tissue and wash with lukewarm water.


Moistfull Collagen First Essence
"Hydrating moisture essence's 90% collagen composition lifts and tightens complexion to promote radiant glow."


"Highly enriched essence that provided moisture and firmness at any environment.  It's soooo~moist!"

Moist indeed and Sticky too.  And so I'll just use this whenever my face feels extra dry (I also use this 3 days stright)  It has the same scent with the collagen massage and is transparent in color.
Directions for use:  Dispense onto hands and apply to facial surface by gently massaging onto skin.

Overall, these two are good extras for a skincare routine but if you're lazy like me then....nahhhh you (I mean we) don't need them.  What we need is this:
click here for the review :)
Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

July 19, 2012

Etude House Milk Talk in Apple!

I started this week with something new (well for me) like the Milk Talk Body Wash from Etude House.
"Moisturizing body wash supplies rich foam, texture and fragrant scent for soft, cleansed skin."


~Wow!~
The scent is "Wow" for me.  I got the Apple Milk because its has the most appealing scent to me, fruity but not in an irritating way (guess this explains the wow in the product's label).  It really smell like a real apple; the right sweetness and crisp scent, plus all the goodness of milk (I guess?).  The container is cute and...well small for 200ml (just the size of my palm).  If I put this in the refrigerator, my family might think this as a real apple flavored milk.  The wash is in translucent milk green and is a little watery but produces ample amount of bubbles.


Everything is good.  As the label says; supplies rich foam, texture and fragrant scent.  Oh wait, the moisturizing part is missing.  Yep, it leaves my skin cleansed but doesn't deliver the moisturizing effect it promises.

Anyway, the cuteness, scent and the bubbles are the winning factors for this product.  And if you like chocolate, strawberry, banana and steam milk in your body wash for a change then you might get intrigued and give this line a try.
Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

July 16, 2012

Nature Republic Freebies

I think one of  the generous giver of GWP (gift with purchase) is Nature Republic.  For my P1500 purchases, I got 2 BB Creams and 2 Masks and (ahem) a standee...it's for a friend, okay???

collagen bb cream
The first ever BB Cream that I tried; the Collagen BB Cream Age Slick.  It's only 10ml but goes a long way (using for a month now and still counting).  I like it because it adapts to my skin tone giving my face a natural looking finish, though it doesn't totally cover my frickles (well in the first place it's a bb cream not a concealer).  I have dry skin so reapplication is not necessary.
~with the face of this korean guy~
This Brightening Mask Sheet is no joke!  It really did brighten my face after use.  The mask sheet itself is thin but doesn't break easily.  The combination of thin mask and just enough essence; for me,  is perfect as it sticks to my face, making me free to move around without the mask falling.

Thanks fro Reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Sale! Sale! Sale!

Who don't want sale?  Not me!  Even a not so girly girl like me want to buy some bargains especially on sweldo day (payday; which by Filipino tradition, a mall or two is on sale).  So here's what I got this weekend  (with the nearby mall):

I got a little disappointed with Watson's mask.  I thought it's on a buy 1 take 1 promo (the poster in it's shelf say so) but the lousy and exaggerated cashier said it's not.  Good thing the Beauty Buffet mask is (surprise surprise) on sale. P59 for two.
You might already know Vitamin C but how about Co Q10?  It's my first time to hear it and the label says it helps to firm skin and reduce fine lines (I'm getting older so I need this).
I read blogs about this scrub.  Aside from it's effectiveness, it's also budget friendly they say.  P70 for 135g? Why not!
My niece bought the Garnier Brightening Eye Roll-on and it comes with this (for free I guess).  I think she don't need this and so I just asked for it (I beg twice before she give-in).
2 of my shoes broke-down this July including my attention grabber yellow shoes :( .  So I need a replacement even if I didn't set aside a budget.  So Fab! is may wallet's savior.  I got this simple and modest pair for P399. 


Thanks for Reading! till then.  Bye!

July 14, 2012

DIY Masks

Here are some tried and tested DIY mask/pack that I used during my high school days (puberty stage.  probably one of the reason why I seldom have pimples).  Just need an ingredient or three that can be found in a common kithchen.


Need:  A tablespoon of Fresh or Evaporated Milk
How:  Spread the milk all over clean face and neck.  Let it stay for 10 to 20 minutes or until completely dried.  Rinse with tepid/lukewarm water.
Result:  Smooth and well moisturize skin


Need:  1 tablespoon slightly beaten Egg White
How:  Same with the Milk Mask.  Just use mild soap/foam cleanser to completely remove the slippery egg white.
Result:  Tighten pores and smooth skin



Need:  1/2 cup Oatmeal, 1 tablespoon Water, 1 teaspoon Calamansi/lemon
How:  Mix all ingredients.  Slather the mixture to the face and let it stay for 10 to 20 minutes.  Rinse with tepid/lukewarm water.
Result:  Brighter, Clean and Glowing Face



pictures from : wikipedia, ymkdesigns.tumblr.com, skinmocareko.blogspot.com


Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Have you been to Puerto Prinsesa?

A nice aerial view of one of the islands in Puerto Prinsesa

July 13, 2012

Etude House Happy Essential Foam

Happy Friday!  For those of you who is still undecided as to what to get from Etude House's new product release this July (Philippine market), these descriptions from the brand's official page (EH page) and a little of my research on the main ingredients might help you.

HAPPY ESSENTIAL FOAM
"Keep your skin happy all day with rich foam cleansing!" 

~ HAPPY ESSENTIAL CLEANSING FOAM HYALURONIC ACID ~
"Formulated with 40% moisturizers, this creamy cleansing foam gently removes impurities with rich lather, while Hyaluronic acid promotes hydration.  Skin is happy again, feeling clean, smooth and soft."
*I have this one so I just retype what's at the back of the tube.
*Hyaluronic Acid based on what I have read helps in holding skin's moisture and has an anti-wrinkle and anti-aging effect.
~ HAPPY ESSENTIAL CLEANSING FOAM WITCH HAZEL~
"Features a moisturizing cleansing foam that uses Witch Hazel (Pore Astringent and 10% Sebum Absorption) and rich lather to remove oil and residues for smooth, soft sensation."
*With Hazel has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effect.  It has tannins that helps in  promoting skin healing.
~ HAPPY ESSENTIAL CLEANSING FOAM VITAMIN C ~
"Features a moisturizing cleansing foam that uses Vitamin C (Antioxidant Brightening Care) and rich lather to remove oil and residues for smooth, soft sensation."
*Vitamin C has an antioxidant effect and aides in the production of collagen.  It also cleanses, exfoliates, and softens  making the skin bright.
~ HAPPY ESSENTIAL CLEANSING FOAM WHITE CLAY~
"Features a moisturizing cleansing foam that uses White Clay (Oil Control and 10% Sebum Absorption) and rich lather and Menthol to remove oil and residues for cool, clean sensation."
*White Clay is mildest among all clays and it absorbs excess oils and harmful toxins from the skin.
~ HAPPY ESSENTIAL CLEANSING FOAM COLLAGEN ~
"Features a moisturizing cleansing foam that uses Collagen and rich lather to remove oil and residues for smooth, soft sensation."
*Collagen is a protein that gives the skin support to keep its elasticity.  It also makes the skin firm and smooth.


Goodluck and Happy Shopping!

*sources
Wikipedia, Livestrong, Webraydian


July 11, 2012

The Face Shop Freebies

One of the things I love when shopping on some korean beauty stores are the freebies or GWP (gift with purchase) that they offer that sometimes I buy more than what I have planned just to avail them.

The Face Shop gave a pack of freebies just by availing their P150 VIP Card.  Tried most of them on and after my trip to Coron and here's the description of the products plus a little of my thoughts after sampling a sachet or two:

E’thym O2 Water Recharging Essence
"Refreshing hydration line containing natural ingredients with 5 free system (Mineral oil-free, Paraben-free, Benzophenone-free, Artificial colorant-free, Animal origin ingredient-free) and premium oxygen water. E'thym helps your skin look younger and well-moisturized."

What I love to love:  Keeps my dry skin moisturized all day
What I love to hate:  It breaks me out



Natural Sun AQ Power Long-lasting Sun Cream SPF45 PA+++
"Natural Sun AQ (Absolute Quality), a mild sun block product line made from natural plant extracts such as rhubarb plant, argan tree seed and blue sea kale extracts.  This line features groundbreaking technology melding the best of both worlds – excellent sun protection and feather light texture through the Optimum Disperse System."

What I love to love:  Long lasting and waterproof that I don't need to reapply every time I go for a swim.
What I love to hate:  None. Oh, the long name!

ACE it Power Perfection BB Cream SPF37 PA++
"Total Skin Treatment BB cream(Special ingredients for rejuvenating skin): actively addresses all skin problems such as loss of firmness, dry skin, uneven skin texture and dull complexion."

What I love to love:  Adapts to my skintone and is easy to apply.
What I love to hate:  None as of the moment.



Real Nature Mask Lemon
"A mask sheet that has lemon extract which is rich in Vitamin C helps make the skin clearer."

What I love to love:  Really do brighten my face.
What I love to hate:  The essence is a bit sticky and it takes time before my skin absorbs it.







I haven't tried the Clean Face Mild Special Gift Set.  I'm saving the toner and lotion for my next trip.


Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

TonyMoly Peach Anti-Aging Hand Cream

One of the most used part of the body are the hands.  On my part, well I do not put any attention to them before, I don't even wear gloves when I'm handling strong chemicals like clorox and as a result, my hands are now dry and wrinkled (*sigh*).   Heck, I don't want them to look older than the rest of my body and so I decided to get this:
PEACH ANTI-AGING HAND CREAM
An intensive nourishing hand cream that brightens your day with its delightful sweet Peach scent. Peach extracts, containing rich Lycopene, and Apricot Fruit extracts nourish the easily dry and delicate hands. Also containing Adenosine, an ingredient which effectively tackle wrinkles, is also added in the hand cream.
P278.00 for 30g
Just the right product for my scragged and parched hands!  And the packaging is cute, too.
The hand cream is of course creamy and have a very light milky peach color.  The smell is more like a combination of  jackfruit and peach rather than peach alone (I don't know the smell of apricot).  Upon application, hands will be instantly smooth and moisturize without the sticky, greasy feeling and is also quickly absorb by the skin.  The effect goes away though after washing so reapplication is needed.  On a long term basis?  Well I have been using the cream for more or less 20 days now and my hands are still dry and wrinkled but at least I don't see any additional damage.  Well, the description didn't say that it will cure anything right?

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

*feel free to type-in your comments, suggestion, violent reactions or anything that is in your mind right now (^_^)

July 9, 2012

To the North: Food Trip + EH and TonyMoly

I intended to treat "the kids" (niece and nephew) to a movie but they chose food over Spiderman (hahaha).  And so after an hour of traveling, we headed to Taco Bell in Trinoma; it's already been a year since the last time that I eat there and it's the first time for "the kids".  God I'm so hungry I thought churros was the tastiest food in the world.  After eating tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadilla and floss bread (from Bread Talk), we headed to the next mall, SM North/the Block to buy my stuff (hehehe).  I got so so disappointed with EH and TM that I give in to "the kids" food trip idea.  I want macaroons so we dropped by Tous Les Jours and bwala, walang macaroons (no macaroons for me).  Tired of walking,  we stop to the nearest sweet shop that we saw:  Crepes and Creme; and ordered big crepes for each one of us and to my surprise it's "the kids" treat.  Across and beside the crepe shop is Cinnabon and ChaTime and so while waiting for our crepes, we bought cinnamon roll and milk teas... Oh I'm so full I want to puke already but my niece still want to eat sylvanas.

Now for the real reason why I dragged "the kids" and traveled an hour just to go to these malls:
Etude House's newest product, Happy essential foam.  I got the hyaluronic acid for P228 (150 ml)
TonyMoly's Clear Hair Removal Cream (no english description and instruction grrr) for P378 (80 g) and Collagen and Pearl Mask for P58 each.  I didn't get any freebie since my purchases are P6 short (I wanted to buy more but they don't have stocks of the products that I like).

I just wish these stores have enough stocks for their products!  I mean don't they have reorder point?