Snoe White No.5 Calamansi

Childhood oh childhood!  I remember crawling in the fields just so my older siblings would not caught us younger ones to go to grandpa's house to play when patentero, dodgeball was so in and when learning how to ride a bike is a must and having wounds or cuts or bruises from it is an award that turned into nasty scars that I want to get rid these days.  But what can i do, as a kid playing is what matters (and food too!).

I am a cheapskate at heart so I'm crossing derma's as one of the solutions to my dilemma, erasing cebo de macho because it doesn't work on my skin and ditching medical creams because they stick to the beddings.  Last resort would be whitening soaps.  Tried some; a 2 or 3 kinds, but this one is better than the last.

Be the fairest of them all
Snoe White No.5 Vitamin C rich Calamansi beauty bar
P139 (last year)

Hooray for calamansi!!!  I used calamansi in most of my DIYs because it can whiten, brighten and smoothen skin and Snoe used it in this bar to be it's main ingredient.  I'll tell it to you straight that it did not immediately lighten my scars.  I'm using it for a month now and still have the marks but it slowly and surely lightening them.  In 2 weeks I see good results, don't have the photos of the progress but just think of gray turned powder pink.  This soap changed my mind of totally ditching Snoe (I had a problem with one of their products before) and would love to again try other products like the hair heroes (catchy name by the way).

the signature seal of Snoe, a snowflake

Like most whitening soaps,  it's also natutunaw agad (melting quickly) so I cut the huge soap into 5 and each slice is good for a week for me since I only use it once a day.  I also only leave it on my skin for around a minute  because I'm not comfortable with the prickly sensation.  I'm born with a sensitive skin (I don't why) but if you have normal skin then you can use it as directed.

a little but still readable, right?  sorry for the shaky hands

I mainly bought the No.5 for my scars in my legs but Snoe said...

description

Here's a short excerpt from livestrong.com about Alpha_Hydroxy Acid:

"...alpha hydroxy acid, lightens brown spots, age spots or so-called liver spots that appear as the result of excessive sun exposure as well as aging. Products containing alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, have proven to be effective, with continued use, in lightening dark spots on the skin."

It's been a month now since I started to use Snoe White No.5 and with the help of a lightening serum, my scars lighten and just needs a little time for them to completely blend with the natural skintone of my legs.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Bench Organics Moroccan Argan Oil

Seems like I'm out of energy this week that I only made one post since Monday.  The heat, lack of sleep and obesity makes me tired all day.  *sigh* I must change my habits.

Anyway, here's a product that i use from head to foot when I'm dead tired and wanted to spend a quality time with my bed.

Bench Organics Moroccan Argan Oil
Moisturizing body oil with Vitamin E
P199 for 115ml
(I blurred the pic but I didn't get the effect that I want)

Bench is a local store in the Philippines that offers mainly clothing and apparel, accessories plus snacks when I was younger but as I grow older, expands it's market and now sells wide array of other lifestyle products (you can find the website here).  I got this oils because Argan Oil is quite popular now and this one from Bench is cheap, well it's not 100% Argan Oil!

Argan Tree
photo from wsj.com

According to naturalnews.com, argan oil has an extremely high levels of Vitamin E and 80% fatty acids which is perfect which is perfect for healing healing and protecting the skin from many ailments and premature aging caused by oxidation.  It also have tissue healing, anti-inflammatory, sun protective, disinfectant, anti-oxidant, skin softening effect and can also reduce wrinkles.

Amazing!!!  But I bought the Bench Argan Oil not knowing what I just type above and I'm only thinking of trying it out and it's cheap and I didn't regret taking it home.  It's a top to toe oil for me as I use it to moisturize my hair, my face and body (kulang na lang inumin ko) without the sticky, heavy feeling even if I'm under the heat of the summer sun.  It's amazing how my skin absorbs this oil so well and the smell is really refreshing (a bit flowery) that it passed the meticulous nose of my sister.  Smoothness is a little problem at first and had to top it with a lotion or a body serum.  Since it's not 100% argan oil though, it may not achieved all the benefits of a pure one.

in seconds the oil will seep into the skin
doesn't make skin look oily

It's not 100% Argan Oil but I like how it moisturize and nourish my skin (less itchy now) and the price: it's really affordable that I'll definitely get another bottle when I run out.

here's the full ingredients plus some benefits

Are you using argan oil?

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

My Recent Travel Buddies: Samples Review

I see a good weather from where I am right now and would love to take vacation but of course I have to work for a living >_<  besides I already took some time off from my office desk job last week to visit my mom in the province.

Anyway, traveling is a hassle if you you bring loads of stuff, right?  But who can blame a girl who take lots of products with her on an escapade not just for beauty but for comfort?  Since I started to be aware of the needs of my skin,  I use around 8 to 10 products (cleansers included) that are mostly in bulky container.  I can't bring them all and I like to travel light and so bringing samples is a no brainer.

Let's start with Skin Food Energy Color Kit which comprises Carrot Sun Cream SPF30 PA++,  Aloe Vera Cleanser and Orange & Mint Body Wash.  The cleanser is pearly white in color while the body wash reminds me of Johnson's baby shampoo.  Both gives an ample amount of bubbles and there's no question about their cleaning prowess because they always leave my skin squeaky clean.  Not liking their scents specially the Aloe Vera Cleanser, it just smell so weird to me.  I used these two for around 10 days already and I still have a few left (good for another 3 day vacation I guess).  Next, the Sun Cream which has an SPF30 PA++ which I'm not liking so far but it's already summer here in the Philippines and protection from Mr.  Sun is a must.  I not much into sun creams or sunblocks or sun screen as it gives me a white/grayish cast, sticky feeling and the weird smell and this sun cream from Skin Food has almost the same effect (a little lighter, okay) but it's a protection for my skin so I used it when I'm under the sun, besides applying it is very tolerable I just have to pat and pat the cream plenty of times for the white cast and stickiness to disappear.

1.Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser 30ml

 This soft, refreshing cleansing foam contains aloe extract that soothes sensitive skin, and cucumber extract to moisturize skin, while cleansing.

* Use:  Foam a desired amount by rubbing in wet hands, and massage gently and thoroughly onto face.

Rinse with warm water.

2.Orange & Mint Body Wash 30ml

 Fine foaming body wash with orange and mint extracts to deliver vitality and energy to the body. 

 * Instruction:  Apply an appropriate and spread onto the shower ball during shower and foam up to massage over the entire body and rinse.

3.Carrot Sun Cream SPF30 PA++ 10ml

  A sunscreen contains the nutrient-enriched extract of organic carrots grown in pure water from Jeju Island and keeps your skin healthy .

 *Formulated without 6 chemicals: Parabens, dyes, alcohol, animal-derived ingredients, artificial fragrances, and sulfates.

 *To use:  After your daily skincare regimen, apply liberally onto your face, neck, arms, legs, and other areas that are easily exposed to UV sunlight.  For best results, apply at least 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure

-from Qoo10

Another item from Skin Food is the Fresh Apple Sparkling Pore Serum.  The name kind of confused me:  I thought it would be transparent and liquidy with an apple cola~ish smell but it's not.  It's in cream/lotion type with a white color and a green papaya smell ( I want apple *_*).  This serum takes time to absorb and feels like I used an emulsion (it's a bit heavy for a serum).

Next are some aqua based cream:  Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Moisture Watery Cream (pink is for dry skin) and Missha Super Aqua Ultra Waterfull Cream.  These two are also heavy for my liking.  I'm not sure if it's just the hot weather or because I'm already used to Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream but these two provides enough moisturize to my dry skin and makes my skin a little plumber (two sachets is not enough to judge their long term effects).  No breakouts two plus I like the smell of the Missha cream.

SKIN FOOD Fresh Apple Sparkling Pore Serum

 ▶ Product description 

-Formulated with unripe apple and soda water

-Provides pore clearing and trouble caring effects simultaneously.
-Removes dead skin cells and makes skin soft, smooth and elastic
-Refreshes and clarifies skin during the day

NATURE REPUBLIC Super Aqua Max Moisture Watery Cream

▶ Type：For dry skin

▶ Product description

 -Formulated with oceanophyte, collagen, hyaluronic acid, MD101

 -Provides moisture and prevents evaporating

 -Maintains watery skin for a long time.

-from KoreaDepart

Super Aqua Ultra Waterfull Cream

Highly moisturizing cream activates the moisture preserving ability of the skin to stop the cycle of dryness

Description

1. Ultra moisturizing cream that has been inspired by the moisture preserving ability of desert plants to keep skin moisturized for all seasons.

[Providing ultra skin moisture]

Solution1. Aqua lock

Imperata cylindrica extract creates a protective shield that prevents moisture from evaporating and from skin adapting to harmful elements

Solution2. Aqua Sponge

Adenium extracts absorb moisture like a sponge to increase skin elasticity

Solution3. Aqua Tank

Baobab tree extract activates the moisture energy inside the skin to stop the cycle of dryness

-from Missha Official Website

And lastly E'thym O2 Water Balancing Toner and Water Moisture Lotion from TheFaceShop.  The O2 Balancing Toner effectively removed the  dirt residue left behind after washing my face but I'm not liking the lotion because it clumps into white particles.  These two also are quite strong that I feel a little stinging after the third use  (looking at TheFaceShop website, I found out why).  They both have a nice smell though:  clean and citrusy.

E'thym O2 Water Balancing Toner

-For Oily to Combination Skin

A toner that has an aloe extract helps smoothen and moisturize the skin.

E'thym O2 Water Moisture Lotion

-For Oily to Combination Skin

A moisturizing lotion that has a touch of water helps keep the skin smooth and moist.

-from TheFaceShop Website

So that's it (pancit hehehe).  Enjoy the weather and don't forget to relax and enjoy so have a vacation!

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!

Packages everywhere: Etude House and TonyMoly

I wish I could go to Korea myself but I have no time and budget >_<.  So these items that I will be posting from Etude House and TonyMoly are bought by my friend's friend (kapalan na ng mukha :P) too bad though she didn't catch the great sale in Korea .but I'm still happy because I saved around P700.

First stop Etude House!

Another tub of Moistfull Collagen Cream is a must because my skin loves it!  Don't ask me though what's the difference Moistfull Collagen Cream and Moistfull Collagen Cream Enriched because I do not know.  Korean price is 15000won.

comes with a 15ml essence

A sleeping pack from the Nutrifull line although I think the line was introduced in Korea fro the winter months to soothe very dry skin...I have dry skin but it's already summer here in the Philippines.  I just hope this will not make my skin oily.  Shed 15000won for this.

got it at a wrong season

Thinking there's only one kind of essence in Etude House, I got this Moistfull White First Essence not knowing that this is different from Moistfull White Essence.  This should be applied before toner but I'll break the rule and use it as a regular essence/serum.  This costs me 18000won.

missed knowing that one word

Next items are from TonyMoly.  Just two actually.

Oh looks it's me!  Well I hope this Panda's Dream Good-bye Dark Eye Corrector will help correct my dark circles (50% hope only).  Cute and bulky packaging gor 7000won.

panda's are cute, right? so I'm cute too?

And lastly, a 100% Natural Fiber Cleansing Puff that I got out of again, curiosity!  Curiosity I mean Cleansing Puff cost 3000won. 

squeeshy!

And this wraps up my February haul madness (I got these last week).

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!