Pure Beauty Pomegranate Antioxidant Exfoliating Gel

Exfoliating gel has been popular lately because of...well Cure.  I haven't tried the awesomeness of Cure (my budget won't allow me) so for now I settled myself with Pure Beauty's Pomegranate Antioxidant Exfoliating Gel.

Pure Beauty Pomegranate Antioxidant Exfoliating Gel

While strolling Watsons, just saw these glimmering red boxes that seems to be really luxurious and since there's no SA around, my sister and I checked them out ( hehehe, I'm guilty of checking products when there's no salesperson around) and Pure Beauty somehow rings a bell because I think I read from one of Erika of ErikaJjang.tumblr.com post (I think it's where she introduces the different korean brands here in the Philippines) about it.  I even got more curious of the brand because despite it's nice aesthetics, it's actually quite affordable.  I already have toner, essence and cream that time so the exfoliating gel got me curios because I'm running out of Appletox from TonyMoly (again, that time) and that's where an SA suddenly pop-up at the back of the scene and let us try the gel.

So as you can see the exfoliating gel is in a simple yet elegant tube with shiny red (representing pomegranate) cap.  It says that it protects collagen reserves, promotes healthier skin and helps skin rejuvenation and is dermatologically tested which is one factor that I'm looking for a product because I somewhat have a sensitive skin.

contains Ecocert ingredients

It says that the product contains Korean Pomegranate Fruit extract, Swiss RADICARE, French ECOCERT validated fruit and herbal extracts and Bulgarian Rose water that works together to promote healthy, radiant and youthful skin, promoting nutrition, hydration and invigoration, while simultaneously fighting free radicals and providing anti-aging and antioxidant benefits.  I hope Pure Beauty could care to explain more about the Swiss RADICARE and French ECOCERT part because I don't know what they are and couldn't find anything about them.

the ingredients and all about the product

It's great that even if this one is made in Korea, everything is in English and there's no need for me to crinch.

With an appropriate amount, massage gently the gel to the dry face (yes, it's important that the skin is dry) and within seconds you'll see white sometimes brown or gray particles forming on the surface of the skin.  Then rinse with supposedly with warm water but I always use tepid water.

I couldn't say that the particles are pure dead skin cells and dirt, of course the product is also included in the particles because I experimented a little and put another layer of gel after a minute and the "particles" are still forming though they are more on a whitish form and a lot lesser.

Caution! if you have sensitive skin please do not do what I just did because it can irritate your skin,  I got mini red spots.  Also, do not use this on a daily basis.  I did another experiment of exfoliating with this gel on 2 consecutive days and there's a slight irritation on my skin.  It says so too on the instructions that this can be use 1-2 times per week so I can't imagine what the SA is feeling because she said that she and her friends are using this on a daily basis to remove their make-up (my face was actually shocked when she said this because exfoliating on a daily basis is not good for the skin as the natural oils will be stripped off and will damaged the first layer of the skin and I hope that she is listening when I'm explaining this part to my sister).

how it looks like and how it performs it's magic

Since this exfoliating gel removes the dead skin cells of the skin, I'm not surprised that my skin somehow looks brighter and smoother.  Amazingly, it also doesn't dry my skin just don't know about the rest of what this product claims but just seeing those dead skin cells lifting of my face makes me satisfied with this product.

Of course let's not forget about the smell, it citrusy sometimes like a candied or juice pomelo.  The gel has this cool feel when applied to the face (which I like because it's refreshing.)

I have some issue with the price of this product though.  I got mine for P299 but a week after that the price went down to P189 (this made me cry).  Then when the Cure got released here in the Philippines, the price went up to P400+ (not sure with the exact amount).  Then they have this promotion again that you can buy the gel and the cream from this line for P299 each but when we (with my sister) checked it out in the nearest Watsons, it seems like no one knows about it and waited for like 30 minutes for the SA to clear it out with her supervisor then there's a problem again with the cashier saying that the bar-code is not valid and made us wait for like 10 minutes and still they keep on  battling about it ahahaha and my sister got pissed off because the SAs should know about this and we left empty handed because the SA and the cashier can't settle on what to do *sigh* what a waste.  Anyway I hope Pure Beauty would settle a definite price for their products.

Oh I also use this exfoliating gel on other parts of my body like my elbows.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

CC Cream and a Little Sample

Before I start, let me send my prayers to those who got affected by the super typhoon Yolanda.  It's the least I can do and maybe donate something like food and clothes, it's not much but I hope it can still somehow help.

Okay, so about 3 weeks ago I finally snatched a sample of a CC Cream.  I know I'm kinda already late in trying out this kind of product but I'm not really a believer of CC Cream until I watched videos from Get It Beauty and Son Dam Bi's Beautiful Days.

First of all CC Cream aka Color Control  or Color Correct is considered as a primer so it will and will never replaced BB cream or foundation.  CC cream I think has been popular because it promises to adopt to the color of skin tone plus it is also advertise to provide enough moisture without doing all the usual skincare routine (like in Son Dam Bi's Beautiful Days video, just a toner and CC Cream already made-up the moisture needed).  Another point for CC Cream is that it brightens the overall appearance of skin.

In short, CC Cream makes me believe that it's a product perfect for those who are always on the go as it provides enough moisture and evens out and brightens the skin without undergoing all the fuss of putting maybe 5 products on the face.  Just remember that CC Cream is not after skin coverage.

Since it sounds like a "perfect match" for my skin (because remember, I have dry and dull skin and sleep is my priority so I don't have time to prepare when going to work) so I asked my sister to buy a sample for me because there's a seller of samples in their building to where she works and bought me the CC Cream from The Face Shop.

TheFaceShop Face it Aura Color Control Cream
Color Control CC Cream

Just look how cute the sample is!

much smaller version of the real thing

There are two variant of the Face it Aura Color Control Cream:  the 01 Radiant Beige and 02 Natural beige and I believe I have the 02.

grrr I can't understand the texts

Since almost everything at the back of the package is in Korean, I have to rely on what I found on ebay about the product.  So Face it Aura Color Control Cream (what a mouthful) is a color control cream that creates a radiant and clear make-up appearance as if the skin is being spotlighted.

And here's a pic of the full size one.  It's in a unique compact wherein you have to push the front button in order for the product to come out.

photo from http://en.koreadepart.com/item/1361424305/
I'm not affiliated with koresdepart but just click the link for more details

And here are the swatches.  I just cropped the photos and did no significant editing for a raw feel.

the CC Cream itself

I thought at first the the color is too beige for me and will turn dark on my skin but it turns out it's too light for my skin and instead of brightening I actually got a whitening effect (as evidence by the with and without picture below) and so I have to allot a little time to blend the CC Cream into my skin.

with and without cc cream

It does make my face glow but there are some parts in my face that the glow looks just so awkward and at the same time it accentuates the not so good side of areas in my face like it makes my dark circles more obvious.  It seems to appear too when I'm wearing this that I have an oily skin type rather than a dry one, I don't know I just don't like the "glow" effect of this one and I've already tried a product that also offers the "glow" effect and I'm okay with it.

when blended

I like it though that it's light and doesn't feel heavy on the face and also I don't need much to "cover-up" my entire face, I mean I have a sample size and I've been using it 8 times now and still have enough for 2 applications.  It already has SPF30 so no need for me to put an additional product on my face when I have this and it makes my skin looking more even but remember the coverage of this one is very light.

In the end, I'm still 50/50 towards CC Cream and maybe if I ran out of this sample I'll just make a DIY of it by mixing Etude House Moistfull collagen cream or the Mizon Snail Gel with a BB Cream.

That's it and hope this post didn't confused you.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Something Moistfull and Nutrifull

Nutrifull Shea Butter Sleeping Pack and Mistfull White First Essence

These two products was introduced last year by Etude House.  Both the Nutrifull Shea Butter Sleeping Pack and the Moistfull White First Essence have been in my "mini department store" since February of this year but it's only around summer that I started to use them.  As you can see, I already emptied the first essence while the sleeping pack is now half empty after using for like forever!

got this piece of info from http://www.etudehouse.ph/pages/plist.aspx?m=F&str=moistfull#TOP
15000 won
around $25
100ml

Since hit  pan this around summer, I do not have a photo of the actual product so I'll do my best to describe it for you based on my rusty memory (yikes!).  It's translucent milky white in color with little white beads that burst once applied to the face.  It's a little sticky so a lot of patting motion is needed but it's lighter than the first essence from the collagen line (if ever you tried it).  The smell is okay:  it's something clean and will makes you think if you're smelling alcohol or not.

eureka!  I found an old photo!

I got this when my interest for having bright skin is on top of my skincare priority and based on the description "...a facial moisturizer that fosters smooth, bright complexion with dewey texture and brightening beads..." smooth? bright? dewy? I'm sold! (although I think there's a need for a spell check in there).  These three words combined in one sentence just makes me happy for one:  I have dry skin so I wanted something to moisturize my skin and two:  I have dull skin so a little brightening is always welcome.

First essence are usually applied after cleansing the face because if I understood and remembered all the things that I read about skincare, the skin loses it's moisture when cleanse and in 5 seconds (well that's I remember) you have to moisturize it and so first essences are born.  Well I don't apply this essence by this manner though, in fact most of the time I apply this essence like most essences which is after the toner though half of the time I skip putting toners which is more economic I guess because I do not have to buy a toner and it extinguishes the time that I spend on putting a toner on a cotton pad and applying it on my face (talking about saving money and time!)

While I'm happy that's in a 2 in 1 product on my part, sadly it didn't do much in brightening my face although I'm taking note that it somehow helped in fading my freckles.  It's also makes my skin dewy and moisturize (during summertime I just put this on my face and skip everything else) and it also makes me wonder how the beads pop :)

photo and info from http://www.etudehouse.ph/pages/plist.aspx?m=F&str=nutrifull#TOP
15000 won
around $25
100ml

Another item from Etude House is something that el niño-skinned (just kidding) like me will love because it's just simply thirst quenching and nourishing (well for the skin), it's the Nutrifull Shea butter Sleeping Pack.

the product itself

I've been abusing this since May and look I still have a lot.  I even used this on my body twice but I don't know why I can't finished this product in just a couple of months so value for money people.  Aside from its 100 ml, the thick consistency is mainly the reason why this product can last on your vanity cabinet for a year because seriously you don't need much to cover your face yet the results is amazing:  I just wake up with a well moisturize face and my face looks as if it ate some something nutritious (kaya pala nutrifull).  One note that is worth mentioning though is that when I look at my face in the morning (when apply this at night) without rinsing the pack, my pores are quite enlarge.  Thankfully after washing my face, my pores are back to normal (so need need to worry), anyway it is a required step to wash the face in the morning if you use this sleeping pack at night.

Complete instruction on how to use:  After toning, smooth evenly on face before sleeping.  Do not rinse off-the product will absorb.  Cleanse in morning with warm water.  For an extra nourishment, use after Nutrifull Butter Cream.

Nope, I do not have the Nutrifull Butter Cream and I think I only need one product from the line because if I use all the product from the Nutrifull line I will end up with an oily,sticky face even if I have dry skin.  My guess is that the line is formulated and designed for those with dry skin under a very cold weather.

Oh for the smell, I love it.  Shea is something nutty deep and this one has it too but more on the lighter side so I love to sniff it, the scent somehow makes me relaxed.  The consistency is; well, thick but more like a whipped one with a glossy finish although it looks matted on the skin.  Overall, I love this product especially now that the weather is getting colder.


Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

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TheFaceShop Lemon and Rice Mask

As a continuation of the brightening and Vitamin C series, here's two TheFaceShop masks that I used for the past 3 weeks.

TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Lemon
A brightening mask sheet containing fresh lemon extract bursting with vitamin c to densely penetrate the skin and brighten dull skin tone while maintaining its translucence

I'm afraid of lemon masks as they one:  remind me of car fresheners that are unpleasant to the nose and two:  a pimple will surely appear the day after used.  This one is an exception:  though it didn't brighten my skin, the smell and lightness of it's essence is refreshing that it puts me to a quick nap (a first for me!).  No pimple outbreak too so this mask for me is perfect for relaxation purposes.

TheFaceShop Real Nature Mask Rice
An exfoliationg/complexion improvement mask sheet to smoothen and brighten dull and rough skin

extract grounded from quality rice 1,000ppm contained
I know what what kind rice was used

Wow, my phome camera can take decent photos (hooray!).  Going back to the mask, among the  ones that I tried from TheFaceShop, so far (I syill have raspberry and pumpkin to try) this is my favorite.  Though  the smell has tiny bit hint of alcohol, the nice clean, a little flowery smell of the essence overpowers it.  This too put me into a quick nap.  I do not know how will this mask exfoliate skin (and I don't expect any exfoliation to happen) but it does really smoothen and brighten dull and rough skin.  My face is glowing after I removed the sheet and the glow stays even after I washed.  Too bad there's only one piece of this rice mask in the 20pieces in a pack that I bought last year (but will have to buy some when I got to Korea hopefully next year!)

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Nivea Body UV Whitening Serum

Lately, I've been addicted to products that has Vitamin C ingredient as it promises to brighten a dull skin.  I have dull skin so that explains my addiction.  I know many people would think it shallow.  I also thought it shallow for the longest time of my life but I realized that it's more of taking care of myself (I have less scratches now, yehey!) but of course being beautiful inside is more beautiful (I'm working on it =P)

Nivea UV Whitening Serum SPF 25 PA++
Vitamin C 95% Purity
Noticeably more radiant and fairer skin within 14 days
For accumulated dull and damaged skin
P219

I'm not into whitening and I doubted this product when I read a post about the difference between whitening and lightening but looking into the list of what this body serum can do I think it was mislabeled for marketing purposes maybe because whitening products are in demand to many Filipinos???  It's just my guess, but I do believe that this product is more for lightening than whitening that my dull skin needed and  my scratches and different kinds of marks from me, scratching my skin due to allergy and skin asthma.  I can't indicate here though watch the difference between whitening and lightening because I can't find a concrete definition in the net.

what it does plus ingredients

I like how light and quick absorbent this serum is that I can used it it even on hot days and it also has SPF.  I hate the smell though: it makes me dizzy for the first week that I'm using it, It took me two weeks to get used to the scent.  It's liquidy and white (but will not cast any white trace in the skin)

I noticed small white particles on the first and second day of road-testing this body serum and I only have 2 conclusion on this case: one is that the serum is removing the dead skin and two the serum is too strong for me.  Hoping it's the former, I continued to use this for 3 or 4 weeks now and I'm loving how it slowly brightens and evens out my skin tone.  It's a slow process but I'm willing to wait, besides the effort and cost is at a minimum level.

Love this body serum, now I just hope that it's always available in the nearby mall.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost

Vitamin C nowadays does not only be taken orally but is now used topically.  Products with vitamin c promises to give brighter complexion and when it comes to brightening dull complexion, I'm alert.  Well not alert enough because again, I got the wrong product.  I wanted a serum but got the Skin Boost instead from The Body Shop.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost

Create instant smoothing radiance with a silky smooth finish. It's an ideal skin pick-me-up to enhance your glow and our favorite Vitamin C product!

For Dull Skin

$27

If you want your skin to have a sheer glow effect without the oily feeling, then this probably is the best product for you unless you want to shine like a diamond like the vampires in Stephanie Myers eyes.  It gives a sheer brightening effect without the oily look and effect.  It works well with my sister's oily skin so this is for all skin type.

FULL INGREDIENTS

Cyclopentasiloxane (Skin-Conditioning Agent/Emollient), Dimethicone (Skin Conditioning Agent), Cyclohexasiloxane (Conditioning Agent), Dimethicone Crosspolymer (Emulsion Stabilizer), Synthetic Fluorphlogopite (Viscosity Increasing Agent), HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer (Anticaking Agent), Fragrance (Fragrance), Ascorbic Acid (Antioxidant), Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil (Emollient), Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Glycerin (Humectant), Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate (Skin-Conditioning Agent/Emollient), Polysilicone-11 (Film Former), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Silica (Absorbent), Benzyl Benzoate (Solvent), Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract (Skin-Conditioning Agent), Water (Solvent/Diluent), Hexyl Cinnamal (Fragrance Ingredient), Citronellol (Fragrance Ingredient), Mica (Opacifier), Titanium Dioxide (Colour).

HOW TO USE

Apply in an upward, circular motion after moisturizing for a smooth base and a healthy-looking glow.

photo from thechalkboardmag.com

According to nyaproductreviewer.com: "Camu Camu; aka Myrciaria dubia, is a tree that is indigenous to the Amazon Rain Forrest.  The red fruit from the Camu Camu has some amazing beautifying properties such as "producing the highest source of naturally-occurring vitamin C – thirty times more than an orange – and ten times as much iron, three times as much niacin, twice as much riboflavin, and fifty percent more phosphorus. It is a significant source of potassium, minerals, and amino acids, and supports your skin's elasticity, reduces pore size, and offers powerful anti-aging benefits."

as applied in my arms

It's not very visible in the picture but it does really gives my skin an instant sheer radiance in person and really smoothen my face every time I use it (I can't help touching my face).

The packaging is compact and doesn't take a huge space in my bag and no spilleage too since it's comes with a plastic cap.  The nozzle of the pump has good quality:  I can totally control the amount to be dispense.  Half pump is enough to cover my face and neck but I would sometimes go for a full pump for that extra glow in my cheeks and forehead.  The smell is also pleasant:  citrusy and refreshing.

The 30ml of this Vitamin C Skin Boost goes a long way, probably around 3 months if use on a daily basis.  I stopped using bb cream (although I'm going to use a bb cream with spf this summer for protection) because even if it doesn't have any coverage, it makes my skin look smooth and I'm satisfied with it's brightening effect.  The SA who assisted me said that this product can also be use as a make base.  Nothing much to complain except maybe for the price, I got it on sale but it's still expensive for an ordinary office employee like me.  Anyway, it's a very good product for me.

Tried any vitamin c based products lately?

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Shiseido White Lucent Sample Room Challenge

If you're a member of Sample Room then I assumed you also read the Sample Room blog.  If not then you are missing a lot my friend.  The February 21, 2013 entry got my attention not just because I got the Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum+ and Power Brightening Mask but also because of the fact about the formation of melanin in a concentrated area (link can be found here).  I thought; and maybe others too, think of what most would call "freckles" are just a result of me being meztiza.  Well, after reading the blog entry it makes me realize that the spots on my face are actually melanin  concentrated in one area that signals that my skin is inflamed (I blame myself for not using sunscreen while under the heat of the sun and not taking care of my skin in my younger days).

From Sample Room:  My own samples of Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serm+  and Shiseido White Lucent Power Brightening Mask

Now back to the Shiseido products.  Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serm+ is a superior anti-spot serum with an intensified power formulation exclusively created to diminish stubborn dark spots. Shiseido-exclusive Melano Sensor System++ now targets troubling spots by crushing melanin at its core and stopping the vicious cycle of dark-spot formation. Persistent spots are reduced and future pigmentation is prevented, to even out skin tone for perfectly radiant skin.  Shiseido White Lucent Power Brightening Mask on the other hand is An original whitening mask inspired by iontophoresis, a beauty treatment that saturates skin with a generous amount of whitening ingredients. Through the power of Ion Force Technology, the whitening ingredients are absorbed deep within the skin for highly effective results (read more about the product here).

Very promising products, right?  And so I accepted Sample Room's Shiseido White Lucent Skin Challenge! (Challenged Accepted!)

So for seven days, I religiously use Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serm+ day and night and on the seventh day I use the Shiseido White Lucent Power Brightening Mask.  Did the products help me battle the "freckles" and brighten my face.  Let me first tell you my seven days journey.

First day was the curious stage which means that I'm doing everything to use my 5, I mean 3 senses (tasting and hearing are not applicable of course).  The serum is milky white in color, has a liquidy consistency and smell almost nothing.  I have no problem with the color and smell and really glad about the consistency of the serum because my skin absorbs it quickly and doesn't leave a sticky feeling.  Moisturization is good that I skipped using a moisturizer.  I also noticed white particles sloughing of my face the first night that I use it.  I'm wondering (and hoping) if it's the dead skin cells.

Second day doesn't have much progress, I mean no product would give an instant result  but I noticed a little glow on my upper cheekbone ( a good sign).  Amazing how my face feels softer and smoother on the third day but found two new zits on my cheeks.  Hoping that it's just my skin adopting to the new product, I continued using the serum.

Glowing face, that's what I see in the mirror on the fourth day that it seemed like I just use a brightening mask.  So far so good except for a new zit anyway every zit on my face are gone on the fifth day and I'm beginning to see the lightening effect of the serum on my dark spots.

It's not mention that Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serm+ can make pores smaller but I just noticed that my pores are a little smaller.  Yes, it just a little effect but considering that I only used the product for six days, well that something amazing I guess.

Now the seventh day, the final and the "The Day" has finally come.  The day that I can finally use Shiseido White Lucent Power Brightening Mask which is so silky and so far has the best fit among the face mask that I tried and has abundant of milky essence that even 10 minutes has passed, the sheet mask didn't dry-up.  Also seventh day is the day to show some pictures because there is no better way to describe the final day than showing the proofs.

part of my face where most of my freckles are, what do you think?

It lighten, right.  Plus my pores are smaller than before.  I tried my best to pose in front of the camera the exact same way as before but I can't but don't worry, aside from resizing and collaging I didn't edit anything.

pores visibly smaller and a little brighter

In the picture my face looks a little brighter but in person my face is glowing.  The effect stays even when I already sleep or wash my face and more softer and smoother too.

What you think?

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

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!

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