November 29, 2012

Garnier BB Eye Roll-On

I already accepted the fact that I'm destined to have dark circles (though I started to use an eye cream on the 4th quarter of the year).  I don't bother myself too much hiding them but there are occasions wherein thses dark circles tense to be...well really dark, they make me look old and sick especially when I only have 2 hours of sleep (sometimes I'm wide awake 24 hours) and have to admit that I need something to help me conceal them.

I'm not a fan of concealer (it cakes and most of the time doesn't stick to my skin) and so I ended up using Garnier Light BB Eye Roll-On
Garnier Light BB Eye Roll-On
Instant fairness BB Eye Roll-On
I got this for free (yehey ^_^) when my niece bought the Garnier Light Eye Roll-On.  I don't use this on a daily basis but works really well when I need to cover my dark circles.
with and without the bb eye roll-on
I can't have a clear photo with my eye area so I just use my wrist for the swatch and focus on the vein: the BB Eye Roll-On covered it well with a natural finish.

Garnier claims that it's the first BB eye roll-on that gives you an amazing look and 10 instant visible effects:
1.Fairer

2.More radiant

3.More even tone

4.Less dark circles

5.Less dark spots

6.Fresher

7.Smoother

8.Less tired

9.More hydrated

10.Less visible lines

Its consistency is the same as other face bb creams and has a pleasant non-irritating smell which kind of fades once already on skin.  The container has a roll-onn to dispense the product though  don't roll it in my eyes:   I just usually put two dots on my eye bugs then dab and spread them using my pinky and that's it.  I don't use brush or any other product because it matches and adapts to my skin tone and it doesn't cake and the most important of all is that it hides my dark circles in an instant.

I don't know if it will help in lightening dark circles permanently if used on a regular basis  because I'm lazy to test it and I'm usually in a hurry when I prepare to go to work and well reading the context of the product's box, it doesn't promise any lightening effect but I'm just gonna share this part:

Pure Lemon Essence - Enriched with pure lemon essence, the formula visible removes dullness around the eye area
Mineral Pigments - It conceals imperfection on the eye skin.  Nude Coverage natural effect

I said on the first part of this post that I'm not bothered with my dark circles but if you have a product or routine that can help lighten them, please feel free to share it :)

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

November 28, 2012

Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer

Most Korean actors that I see on dramas have this glowing face.  Surely many of us girls would love to have that effect on our faces and so glad that Etude House introduces a product that can help an ordianry girl next door achieve that glowing look by introducing Nymph Aura Volumer.
Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer No.3 in sample sizes
photo by my sister
Got curious with the volumer because I saw a college student while commuting and she have this natural glowing face with minimal make-up on and all I told myself during that commute is that "She's wearing a bb cream with volumer, I want to try it too".  Well, I have pale fair skin so I'm also dreaming to have a healthy natural glowing skin.
photo from Etude House Philippines official website
There are 3 types of Nymph Aura Volumer that Etude house offer.  I got the No.3 sample because my friend said that it's the most natural looking and non-sticky among the three.

Here are ways on how to use a volumer:
Ways on how to use a Nymph Aura Volumer
photo from Etude House Philippines official website
swatches under leaf setting of GEX500 without flash by the window
First, I used this as a highlighter.  I dispense around 3 dots and applied it on my T-Zone and upper cheek area and it made my face look oily.  I think I put too much and my skin didn't quickly absorbed the volumer: It's like I put oil on my face.

Next I use the volumer with my bb cream.  3 pea size mixed with a pea size of volumer gives a really sheer brightness.  It's so sheer that it's hardly noticeable.

The following day, I put more volumer to the bb cream (3 is to 2) and I still get the same effect..  On the next application, I went all out (3 is to 3) and BOOM my face looks terribly oily.  I have to brush and blot my face and after traveling for 1 and 1/2 hours to the office, the oiliness is gone and so is most of the glow/shine.
3 bb cream + 2 volumer topped with volumer
And so I go back to the 3 is to 2 formula, then I top it with volumer (as a highlighter) and well I somehow achieved what I want though since I'm a person who always wipe my face my hand and a hankerchief, reapplication of the volumer as a higlighter is needed.

Some notes to note (^_^):  when I mix the bb cream with the volumer, the bb cream's texture becomes a little liquidity so it's a bit easier to apply it to the face but the coverage somehow also lighten.  Also the more volumer apply/mixed, the more smoother and softer my skin gets and heavier too (be the weigh-er of the pros and cons).  And even though it makes my face looks oily when over applied, this product doesn't break me out.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

November 27, 2012

Nature Republic Botanical Cover BB Cream

Two things to remember when using this BB Cream: one, use it sparingly (as in sparingly!) and two be fast.
Nature Republic Botanical Cover BB Cream SPF 40+++
photo by my sister who is experimenting
I got this Nature Republic Botanical Cover BB Cream in No.2 with an SPF of 40 PA+++ as a gift from my colleagues (hmmm they really want me to become a lady hahaha).  Below is the clearer photo of the product.
photo from naturerepublic.biz
photo from naturerepublic.biz
According to this site: http://vivianbeauty.com/nature-republic-bb-cream-vivianbeauty/


I use around 6 pea size of this bb cream: one dot each for forehead, nose bridge, left and right cheek, chin and neck.  After putting the dots I go gaga on spreading them because the bb cream dries easily and turns a little powdery once spread.  And maybe because of it's high SPF of 40, it gives a ghastly effect when I apply/put too much so I use it in pea size amount.
with and without sample photo and how it covers my freckle
Botanical Cover BB Cream has medium coverage: I can still see my freckles but makes my pores less visible.  It also gives my face a natural silky, soft, somewhat pinkish with a little shine/glow finish.

The smell is on the flowery side: simple and not irritating.  A tube which is in lilac color has 45 grams of bb cream that I think will last for a year to me since I use it sparingly.

When I go a little over the pea size amount, I use my powder brush to blend the bb cream but have to wash my face when I put too much:  I don't want to have a lot of lines at an early age just because of too much dabbing and pulling my face for this bb cream to blend  to the natural tone of my skin.  Speaking of washing, water alone of course can't remove the bb cream:  I double cleanse (cleansing cream+facial wash) in order to remove it.

This BB Cream I guess is perfect for those with fair skin (I think I have fair skin and this bb cream in no.2 is just right fore me) and also for those who wants high SPF.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

November 26, 2012

What is BB Cream?

photo from http://www.etsy.com/listing/82184444/20x-question-mark-button
So what really is a BB Cream that shake the beauty world by storm.  Of course, let's ask Wikipedia:

"BB cream stands for blemish balmblemish base, or beblesh balm (apparently because of a copyright in Korea on the word "blemish"), and in Western markets, beauty balm. It is a cosmetic item sold mainly in East and Southeast Asia, although larger beauty brands are increasingly introducing BB creams to Western markets.[1]
BB cream is promoted as an all-in-one facial cosmetic product to replace serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock.[2] It can be worn alone as a tinted moisturizer, over serum and moisturizer as a regular foundation, and under powder, depending on the desired amount of coverage.[1]

History

What was to become BB Cream was originally formulated in the 1960s in Germany by dermatologist Dr. Christine Schrammek to protect her patients' skin after surgery.[3] Introduced to South Korea and Japan in 1985 – where healthy-looking, porcelain skin is heavily prized – the cream was hailed as "the secret of Korean actresses," and was heavily endorsed by Korean celebrities.[4]

[edit]Formulations


BB cream for men from Etude House
BB creams come in a variety of different formulations.[3] Because Korean companies focused initially on the Korean and East Asian markets, they are offered in a limited number of hues. Instead of offering multiple shades for different skin tones, most formulas are designed to oxidize to match the user's skin tone. [5] The skin-whitening properties of the cream, as sold in the Asian market, are an important element in its popularity.[6]
The cream is promoted as a multi-tasker, an all-in-one treatment, but Korean women mostly use it as an alternative to foundation, especially Western foundations that tend to be too heavy for their taste. The coverage is often mineral-based, and is intended to both cover and treat blemishes such as acne, sun spots and age spots. It also has anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. Several contain hyaluronic acid and Vitamin CThe Huffington Post reports that some companies say BB creams have skin-regenerating properties, though one dermatologist – Dr. Jason Rivers of the University of British Columbia's Department of Dermatology and Skin Science – expressed skepticism that a product that is not retinoid based could do this.[1]

[edit]Markets

BB creams make up 13 percent of the cosmetics market in South Korea. Some Korean brands also offer BB creams for men.[7] Leading Korean brands include BRTC,Dr. JartEtude HouseLioeleMisshaNature RepublicRachel KSkin79Skin FoodSulhwasoo, and The Face Shop. Western cosmetics companies began to launch BB creams in the Western market in 2012, though some of these creams have been criticized for lacking the skin-caring functions that BB creams normally have, and for being no more than tinted moisturizer. Early arrivals included BosciaCliniqueDiorDr. BrandtEstée LauderGarnierMarcelleMaybellineOmoroviczRevlon and Smashbox.[8] Lab Seriesmakes a BB cream for men.[9] Certain BB creams have been tailored for Western markets: Estée Lauder, for example, has not included the whitening properties in their formulation for North America.[10]"
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BB_cream
Thanks very much Wikipedia! So, overall Blemish Balm or BB Cream is an all in one product that has a built in moisturizer, sun block and foundation which blends to the skin to give it a natural flawless finish that; by the way, can also treat blemishes like acne, sun spots and the like.  Most BB cream also have anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, anti inflammatory and soothing and whitening formula.
Here are the General BB Cream Characteristics according to beauty.lovelyish.com
1. Provides a natural and flawless look.
2. Provides perfect coverage just like a foundation but without clogging pores or damaging the skin
3. Conceals all types of pigmentation, discoloration, acne and marks
4. Healing properties which soften, smooth and refine skin
5. Encourages skin regeneration to create and maintain youthful skin
6. UV Protection for healthy skin
7. Some BB creams have additional features such as wrinkle improvement, whitening functions etc.
For starter, choose a bb cream that is good for all skin type. But in choosing the right bb cream, you have to consider the type of your skin: is it oily, dry or normal.  Next is the effects or functions you want to have or achieve like anti-aging or whitening effect or a natural healthy looking skin.  And then, also consider the color that matches your skin though most bb creams tends to naturally adapt to the skin tone.  Then research:  read post from different blogs about the formulation, ingredients and effects (like breakouts) and how other use it, you could also ask your dermatologist or your make-up artist or you could go to the store and sample it and ask the sales assistant about the perfect bb cream for your skin and course your budget.  I usually buy in sample sizes and so far Hanskin  gives me the things that I'm looking for a bb cream (though I think I would still buy different kinds of bb cream in sample sizes for me to try).
Here's how to normally use a BB Cream:
photo from http://www.etudehouse.ph


November 25, 2012

Fun - "Carry On" Acoustic

This is probably my song of the year.

from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9PiLdjmR0w

I don't know if it just my age but after all the things that I've been thru, it seems like I do not know who I am anymore.  I actually post it on my facebook (the real me not Arya De Guzman, my alter ego) and my sister commented the link of this song (the original version).  Great lyrics: it makes me cry, smile and be strong I mean whatever happens to our life all we can do is to move forward and keep on going.  We have to carry on!

Here's my favorite part of the song:
Cause we are
We are shining stars
We are invincible
We are who we are
On our darkest day
When we're miles away
Sun will come, we will find our way home

If you're lost and alone
Or you're sinking like a stone
Carry on

Missing U Hand Cream Season 3

Another cute hand creams by Etude House.  Too bad it's out of stock when I went to one of their boutiques.
phot from Etude House Global

Kakapo has the Sunny Sunny Apple Scent
Eagle Owl has the Berry Berry Cherry Scent
Eastern Grass Owl Peach Peach Peach Scent
Cerulean Warbler has the Sweet Cotton Candy Scent

November 23, 2012

TonyMoly Tea Tree Mask

It's the time of the month again when I can't help but to have breakouts because of hormonal imbalance (well that's what they say).  My boyfriends I mean guy friends (I do not have a boyfriend) once ask me and my girlfriends why we have pimples and always feel irritated when we have our monthly periods and all we can say is "hormonal imbalance".

So again, I grabbed something that has tea tree because many claims it to have antiseptic property that can treat wounds and skin infections/problems so I guess it can help my minor breakout and allergy (hmmm someone sneak something into my food??)
Natural Pulp Essence Sheet Mask Teatree
Natural Pulp Essence Sheet Mask made of 100% Pulp Fabric locks moisture on face and provides better absorption for skin for a longer period of time with its silky texture. Contains herbal Tea Tree extract, well-known for its trouble care effects, to help to keep the skin free from troubles and fair with no irritation.
Surprisingly, this doesn't have very strong smell like other products that has tea tree though it smells like Italian spice and dish washing soap combined.

As usual of TonyMoly's mask, the mask sheet is thin and have just enough essence which I like because I can walk around the house without the fear of the mask sheet falling off my face.  As for the essence, well it's not as sticky as the other masks from TonyMoly that I tried but I still have to pat my face in order for the essence to sink into my skin.

I pricked some of my bumps before using this mask so I feel some "spiciness" while the mask is on.  The moment I wake up, of course I go directly to the mirror to see the effect and my face looks glossy and some of my zits got zapped and my bumps are less red.  The glossiness disappeared though after washing my face.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

November 22, 2012

Baviphat Charcoal Pore Tightening Nose Patch

After using a nose patch, I thought of also using something that can tighten my pores.  So after rummaging my ebay haul, I decided to use Baviphat Charcoal Pore Tightening Nose Patch because it has the word "tightening" in it's name and thought that it should be use after using a nose patch to tighten the pores.  Except for the title in front, everything is in korean and it's hard to find a site that describes this product so I went ahead and use this a day after using Lioele's.
Baviphat Charcoal Pore Tightening Nose Patch for Pore Therapy
photo by my sister
Eck, I was wrong because this works like any other nose patch which aims to remove whiteheads, blackheads and excess sebum.  According to the sellers ebay site, it's a pore strip to remove blackhead.

Here's how to use the patch according to behappywithme
1. After washing, wet nose area sufficiently.
2. Remove clean film on sheet with dry hand, and apply smooth side onto nose.
3. Press lightly from ridge to sides, and leave it to dry.
4. When it becomes dry, peel off from sides and wash lightly with toner or water.

Surprisingly, the smell of this one is not as strong as Lioele's or Watson's although some parts of the patch is not properly covered with charcoal.  Anyway, here's the result:  sorry but please endure the nasty picture
can't believe at how dirty  my nose is
Even after using a nose patch and tweezing some blackheads the other day, there are still blackheads and whiteheads left behind and Baviphat's nose patch pulled them.  Although I think there are still deep seeded blackheads, my nose looks clearer now (unless I use a magnifying glass).  Pore tightening? A little but I still think that I need to use a pore tightening essence but I don't want to add another product to my current skincare routine so i'll just use a nose patch once a month and for a couple of days, use some sample pore tightening essence (to save time and money ~teehee~).

By the way, Baviphat Charcoal Pore Tightening Nose Patch costs me P29.

Thanks for reading.  Till then. Bye!

November 21, 2012

Lioele Blackheadzero Nose Patch

Nasty whiteheads and blackheads on my nose is really bothersome so I decided to; again, use a nose path.

Not really a fan of nose patches because aside from the smell, I hate how it enlarges my pores and the inflammation they give to my skin after use.  But I really wanted to get rid of the small black and white dots on my nose so I decided to use Lioele Blackheadzero Nose Patch which I bought from ebay at P20 a piece.
photo by my sister
Removes blackhead in a breeze!  Great adhesion contains Allantoin and Witch Hazel to soothe skin and reduce inflammation.
*Instantly cleans clogged pores
*Removes blackheads
How to use:  After washing face, wet nose with water sufficiently and then apply the strip to moistened nose area with the shiny side facing your skin.  Let the strip dry for 10 to 15 minutes.  After the strip is dried, slowly and carefully peel off strip
Caution:  1.Avoid using on blemishes, pimples and irritated or sunburned skin.
2.Stop using and ask doctor if skin becomes red, swollen and itchy during use.
3.Use only on nose.
Avoid using on skin which is sensitive to bandage or tapes.
5.Avoid storing under direct sunlight or high & low temperature, keep away from the reach of children.
So as instructed, I put the shiny/black part(where the charcoal is) of the patch to my wet nose.  Make sure that the nose is wet or the patch will not stick to the skin.  Just like other nose patches that I tried, there's the unexplainable smell: it's like asphalt but anyway it's tolerable and just need to bear it for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, I slowly pull the patch from left to right slowly because if you do it fast, there's a tendency that the white and blackheads will break in the process (slowly but surely, right?).  And here's the awesome but gruesome part:  the evidence of the efficacy of the nose patch
my whiteheads and blackheads ladies and gents
Well this patch removed most of my whiteheads and blackheads but there are still a few hard headed ones that needs to be tweeze.

My nose somehow not as inflamed as compared to the ones I tried from Watsons and my pores are also not that visible though I think I still need to put something aside from my serum.  I'll rummage my ebay purchases.  I think I have a patch and some sample of essence that promises to close pore.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

November 20, 2012

Boxes in the Philippines

Here are the subscription boxes that are currently available in the Philippines that might interest you.  I'm thinking of getting one for the sake of having a monthly surprise but I think it's more economical for me to get a tiny sample of what I really want.
Anyway, here are the boxes!

GLAMOURBOX
photo from Glamourbox website

Official Website:  http://www.glamourbox.ph
Founded:  August, 2012
Email:  info@glamourbox.ph
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GlamourboxPH
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/GlamourboxPH/
How it works:
photo from Glamourbox website

SALADBOX
photo from Saladbox website

Official Website:  http://saladbox.com.ph
Founded:  February, 2011
Email:  info@shopsaladbox.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shopsaladbox
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/shopsaladbox
How it works:
photo from Saladbox website

BDJ BOX
photo from BDJ website

Official Website: http://bdjbox.com
Founded:  October, 2012
Email:  through BDJ's website at http://bdjbox.com/contact.php
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/bdjbox
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/BDJBox
How it works:
photo from BDJ website

SAMPLE ROOM
photo from Sample Room website 

Official Website: http://sampleroom.ph/
Founded:  2012
Email:  marketing@sampleroom.ph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sampleroomph
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/sampleroomph/
How it works:
photo from Sample Room website 
That's all for now.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!



November 19, 2012

Skin Food Argan Oil Silk Hair Mask Pack

Everytime I have my hair chop, the haircutter will always tell me that my hair is dry on some parts.  True!  At the age of 4 or 5, my hair was already permed.  At 9 or 10, my hair is already dyed and at the age of 16 my hair is already rebonded so it's no surprise that my hair is damaged.  And so every now and then I go for a home hair treatment.
Argan Oil Silk Hair Mask Pack Sample
A hair mask pack that contains nourishing argan oil and silk to transform dry, damaged hair into healthy, shiny tresses.
After shampooing, remove excess water and apply to damp hair.  Leave on for 5 minutes.  Rinse off with lukewarm water.
The smell is something that I don't like.  It's a combination of herbs and chemicals and the combination for me is a disaster.  The pack has a thick consistency and has a light brown in color.

As instructed, after shampooing I applied the mask pack to my hair and well I put a shower cap on too then after around 5 minutes I rinse my hair with tepid water.  Then dry my hair with a fan.  The uncolored part of my hair became shiny and smooth but the part that is colored kind of became frizzy and dry especially the ends though shiny. The smell is too strong too for my liking.

I'm a 50-50 about this product.

Thanks for reading.  Till. then.  Bye!

Bench Mini Haul

A memory I remember when going to Bench when I was still a kid:  my sister would look at the clothes while she let me get rummage the sweet/food section and let me get an item to eat while waiting for her.  Now Bench doesn't only offer clothes, accessories, scents and food (and Bench also hire great endorsers like Adam Lavine and Lee Min Ho) but also some skincare products.  And look what I found, a coffee scrub and an argan oil both at a very affordable prices.
Moroccan Argan Oil P199.75
Coffee & Honey Body Scrub P149.75
just another shot
I can't choose between the two shots of my sister so I put them both :)

Very happy with the argan oil; although it's not concentrated, since they are very expensive in other stores.  I love coffee scrub. I remember using the beans from Starbucks as a body scrub and it really made my skin soft and smooth.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

November 18, 2012

Landmark: A Happy Wasteland

One reason that makes me happy about ending my haul ban is Landmark which is a happy, delightful, wonderful wasteland for it's offers and great deals at very affordable prices.  And lucky me! all the items I got are on sale.
ZenZest Peppermint Foot Soak P108
ZenZest Tea Tree Oil P135
Artist Studio Brush P89.77
Spray Bottle P22.27
I learned about the ZenZest Foot Soak from The Beauty Junkie and also wanted to try it.  Because I bought the buffer from TonyMoly, I decided to also have a tea tree oil to help my nails to shine.  As for the spray bottle, well I can't afford to buy facial mist so I'll just transfer some of my toner to the bottle to carry around for instant freshness.  The brush is just to add a finishing touch whenever I put bb cream.  There are actually lots of soft brushes to choose from but I am not a "make-up girl" so while at Landmark, I satisfied myself by stroking the brushes one by one ^_^

So that's my Landmark haul.  What's your favorite wasteland?

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Disappointments: A Sad Haul

Sale, new product releases, great promos; I can't help but lift my haul ban and shop.  Unfortunately Korean boutiques here in the Philippines disappointed me.

Etude House, what's new?  Items are always out of stock!
Nature Republic on sale?  SA's are busy roaming around without noticing me because I look poor.  Good thing my friend and I already ordered online.
And the biggest DISAPPOINTMENT of all: TONYMOLY.

Since TonyMoly announces its sale on some great selection, I've been reading haul posts about itens some bloggers got that are on 50% off, one of them is Floria.  So I ask the SA for the Floria products that are on sale and said that they returned the prices back to their original prices.

*SIGH* Anyway, here's what I got.
Clear Hair Removal Cream P378
Hug Me Hair Removal Cream P398
Cherry Blossom Hand Lotion P298
Magic Four Sided Nail Buffer P78
Hyaluronic Acid Mask Sheet P58
No sale items on my haul (huhuhu) but I'm really hoping to get a nice GWP and so I bough the hand lotion for my purchases to reach P1000 but heck the SA said that they still don't have the GWP for P1000 and have to buy more to reach P2000 to have a freebie.  What the???  Tony Moly Philippines fb page announces the freebies early first week of the month and you still don't have the items?  I feel cheated and the kid in me has been slap.  So cool-off na muna kami ni TonyMoly and it will be months befor I visit another TonyMoly store (or maybe never!).  Will just probably order online straight from Korea.

To console my broken heart, I bought these macarons.
my sister's shot, nice right?
Tous les Jours Macarons
Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

November 17, 2012

Sample Everywhere: Chia Seed

Sample here, sample there and everytime I purchase, sample is everywhere.  One of the reason why I love shopping in korean products is because of the samples and freebies I get from boutiques and online seller.  I got some TheFaceShop Chia Seed samples from my mask purchases from a facebook user seller Bae Lu.
Chia Seed Toner, Lotion and Cream
"Contains 100% chia seeds water instead of water
Chia seeds water is extracted within 24 hours via the Fresh method, instead of water delivers the vitality of the highly pure chia seeds."
What I like from this range is the scent: it smells refreshing yet becomes unscented when already applied to skin.

Toner + Lotion sample
Here are the descriptions from TheFaceShop's international website:
Chia Seed Watery Toner
A moisturizing toner that instantly hydrates the skin.  Tones dry and patchy dead skin cells and moisturizes the skin as if water is absorbed.
A natural moisture drop absorbing moisture 10 times its own weight.

Chia Seed Watery Lotion
A moisturizing lotion that restores the skin's innate clear luster.  Spreads onto the skin smoothly without stickiness and is absorbed quickly to prevent skin dryness.
Soft suppleness both inside and outside the skin
Organically germinated chia seeds, which draw and absorb moisture, not only hydrate but also nourish the skin to effectively restore suppleness.

The toner leaves my skin fresh and clean though I'm not amaze with its moisturizing effect as promised in the product's description.  As for the lotion, it's perfect for those who live in a hot place as it doesn't leave my face oily and sticky and is quickly absorbed by my skin but whenever I got to a cold place I use the cream.  The toner and the lotion samples are good for 5 to 6 applications.
Cream Sample
Chia Seed Moisture-holding Seed Cream
A refreshing water drop that busts the moment it touches the skin fully hydrates the skin and moisturizes the inside of the skin for an extended period.
Immediate hydration and a comfortable protective film
Chia seed, which carries moisture 10 times its own weight, and chamomile provide immediate hydration and soothe dry and reddened skin quickly.

I think this is great when a cold place.  Why?  I used this cream twice while sleeping without the air conditioner on I woke up with an oily face and poof a small pimple!!.  So I used this instead whenever I go to work and by the middle of the working hour, my nose is starting to dry so re-application is needed.  The sample is good for 5 to 6 uses.

Quick post eh?  Well I'm not a huge fan of the TheFaceShop skincare products so I use sample first, before buying a full size.  Anyway, I hope the descriptions and my quick notes helped.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

November 16, 2012

DIY Green Tea Mask

Here's a refreshing mask that I tried this week.  I derived this DIY green tea mask from lifeandbows.com and made some modification to suite my taste and the ingredients that are present in our kitchen.
half cup of green tea, a tablespoon of brown sugar, half tablespoon calamansi and six cotton pads
Mix green tea, brown sugar and calamansi.  Stir until the sugar dissolve then soak the cotton pads to tea mixture then stretch and apply all over the face.  Leave it on for 15 minutes.  Rinse then moisturize.

Why Green Tea?
Because green tea is good for the skin.  It has polyphenols; an anti-oxidant that possess anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effect which is beneficial in treating inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and eczema.  Polyphenols can also reverse the signs of environmental damage, such as exposure to the sun and cigarette smoke and can  protect the skkin against free radicals-source: livestrong.com

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

November 13, 2012

Vanilla Lush

To compliment my 100% Natural Moisturizing Shampoo, I also changed my shampoo to something natural.  Right now, I'm using Human Nature's Vanilla Lush Shampoo.
Natural Moisturizing Shampoo with CREAMFoam in Lush Vanilla
"Whether it's super straight, romantic waves, hair in every trendy shade - we've done it all.  But at what price?  Dry, damaged hair!  Say goodbye to chemicals and start your hair rescue with our Natural Moisturizing Shampoo."
CREAMFoam technology according to Human Nature acts like a lotion to soften and nourish the hair.
The Philippine Coco nectar part for me is very inviting as I grew up putting coconut milk or coconut oil to my hair and it does make my hair strong and shiny.
back part
The scent of this one is so vanilla to me. It's like the vanilla extract that my mom used to put in leche flan (egg pudding): it's a funky vanilla rather than the sensual type.  It's consistency is more liquidy than normal  chemical based shampoo.  It doesn't produce lots of bubbles but still cleanses my hair and scalp well that I only use it every other day.
Expect some itchiness and hair fall when your a first time user of natural or organic hair products.  It took two weeks for my hair and scalp to get used to my current shampoo and conditioner.  Also, once you start using organic hair products, you have to stop or lessen your usage of non-organic treatments and products as it will make the itchiness and hair fall recurring.  Well, that's what I observed.

It's weird at first that the shampoo doesn't produce a lot of bubbles.  I remember shampooing twice just to make sure that my hair is cleansed but got the hung of it after a week since even without the bubbles, my hair still feel clean and fresh.  What makes me more happy about this shampoo is that it doesn't have harmful ingredients like SLS/SLES, ALS/ALES, PEGS, parabens, phthalates or silicones.
from human nature set-oct 2012 catalogue
To get  a clearer view of the mentioned harmful ingredients, please visit www.ewg.org/skindeep or Human Nature's official website at humanheartnature.com.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

November 12, 2012

How do you take care of your crowning glory?

To be honest, my hair is the least of my concern...well before.  Especially when I'm still studying, I step-out of the house with wet or uncombed hair and my older sister's scold me whenever they see my unruly strands.  Through my sisters' bugging, I slowly become aware of my hair needs but I want a quick fix so I go for treatments like coloring and rebonding  leaving some parts of my hair dry and coarse which is partly my fault because I never treated my hair right.  Aside from laziness, I also thought that I have to regularly go to salon and buy products to have a shiny, beautiful hair which involves a lot of moolah (yikes!).

So how to really take care of the care in a simple?  Well, here are some ways and tips that I found (of course) from the web world.
photo from http://www.buzzle.com
FEED YOUR HAIR
Think of protein, colorful fruits and vegetables in nourishing the hair.  Eating protein rich foods like egg, fish and dairy products will help in keeping your hair grow full of life.

Healthy scalp can equate to healthy hair too so eat lots of fruits and vegetables and other food that are rich in Vitamins A, B and C like tomatoes, apples and green leafy vegetables.
photo from http://bettybooppicturesarchive.blogspot.com
WASH WITH CARE
How to wash your hair depends on what type strands you have.
Wash your hair daily if you have fine or oily hair.
Coarse or dry hair just need to be wash every second or third day.
Every other day washing is best for those with normal hair.

Since I live in a tropical country, I can't help but sweat and sweat attracts dirt and pollution that makes my body and hair, well dirty so daily washing of hair can't be avoided and I greatly rely on shampoo and conditioner.  Here's some simple tips in choosing the right one.

Choose hydrating and moisturizing shampoo and conditioner when you have coarse/dry hair.
Clear shampoo and lightweight conditioner are perfect for those with fine/oily hair.
If you have normal hair type then congratulations, you can use whatever pleases you.
photo from http://sweeps4bloggers.com
WET AND DRY HANDLING
I do a lot of don'ts in handling my hair.  Bear the following in mind when handling your hair.

Wet Hair
Hair is prone to breakage when it's wet so don't rub it in removing excess water instead blot it with the towel.  Also, avoid sleeping with wet hair, it can damage it and you will also wake -up with an unruly hair.

Dry Hair
Metal fasteners can tangle, cut and cause split ends to your hair so use an elastic band that doesn't have one. Use a wide tooth comb first to remove the tangles before brushing to avoid hair breakage.

It's nice to touch the hair especially when it's soft and smooth but excessive touching can transfer the dirt from your hand to your strand that can probably make your hair oily so try to avoid doing it.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

sources:
www.thehairstyler.com
www.vanguardngr.com
arya de guzman's experience and imagination :P