Oh Looky: Cleansing Stuff

Let the skin breathe from all the makeup and pollution - your skin will definitely thank you.

Kindly read Oh Looky before proceeding to read, thanks.

Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash
I got this thinking that it's a dupe for the Tatcha Rice Cleanser thing (I don't know the exact name but many beauty gurus/youtubers swear by it because it helps in making the skin glow but holy it's so pricey).  So as the name suggest, this cleanser is in powder from like granules of sugar that is easily dissolve with water.  I like that with just a small amount (this cleanser lasted for more than 5 months) I can create a great amount of foam that cleanse and keeps the skin soft.

Pond's Washable Cold Cream
A makeup remover favorite as it is affordable and readily available (I got mine on a 2 for 1 sale).  I like that it keeps the skin moisturized and soft while removing light makeup.  I wouldn't rely on it if I'm wearing heavier and waterproof makeup.

of Facial Mist -Innisfree and Skinfood

Facial mist to me are just toner packed in a fancy can or bottle.  With that, I tend to skip looking at them whenever I visit skincare stores or look for new releases.  But for some reason, facial mist always do something to catch my attention so here are two that I currently have.

I got the Skinfood Herb Anti-Dust Coating Mist deluxe sample for free when I ordered from Sae Sil (if your planning to order stuff from her, please mention my name...pretty please).  I don't know how this mist is anti-dust but whenever I feel the need to feel refresh when I'm at home, I spritz this and it will instantly cool my face.  The smell is very refreshing even its main ingredients are from herb namely Edelweiss, Marjoram, Mallow, Yarrow, Lady's Mantle.

I seldom use this though when I have a heavy makeup on for the fear that there will be slight smudging since the mist of this one is most of the time, not even which leads me to use the Innisfree Green Tea Mineral Mist.

Sample Sample Din Pag May Time

We like freebies right?  Even if sometimes we don't use them and because I don't use them immediately I got tons of sample at the back of my closet.  So I made some time to use half of the samples that I got from my purchases.

Here's some quick thoughts on some sample products.

all from Mizon

First batch are all from Mizon which I got from my haul from Bae Lu.  Let's start with the toner which has the same consistency as with almost all the toners that is also a little moisturizing than clear ones and almost like an essence.  It does leave my skin a bit moisturize but there's nothing really special about it (I don't know why it's expensive for a toner) plus it smells like liquid floorwax.  Next are the products derived from snail mucus:  the All In One Snail Repair Cream and Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule.  Both of the products are light and doesn't have a snail smell which is good (I don't want to smell like a snail).  I kind of expected a lot from these two because they're the first snail product that I used (also, I had these when almost everyone is hailing about the power of snail mucus) but it failed my expectation, yes they are light and provide just enough moisture but I didn't feel the "wow" factor when I used the duo.  Maybe samples sachets are not enough to prove the power of the two snail products from Mizon.  Lastly, the Returning Starfish Cream.  Odd name but I'm guessing one of the main ingredients have something to do with starfish?  Anyway , I kind of like this product because it's moisturizing enough not to let my skin dry for a long period of time even when the A/C is in full blast.  At first it gives my face a heavy feeling but after 30 seconds to a minute, it's as if I'm not wearing moisturizer yet my face is well moisturize.  I hope no starfish was harm if my guess is correct.

random stuff dominated by Skin Food

I am not a fan of Skin Food's skincare products but the Mushroom Multi Care BB Cream is a bomb for me.  It just wowed me and made me forget the ineffectivess of the skincare products from this Korean brand.  It's light and liquidy that application of this bb cream is a breeze.  It also matches my skin tone and brightens the overall look of my face.  Coverage maybe a problem because it's more on the light side (medium if applied 2 layers) but not for me since I'm always after the natural look, it just make my skin looking smooth amidst it skin imperfection (thanks to Hipstyle for giving this as a sample).  The cactus set (toner and emulsion) is just strong for my face it's like I'm applying Eskinol and Lifting Eye Serum is a plain fail for me, it didn't do anything.

Enough of the Skinfood lets move on with the Nature Republic Forever lasting Essential Emulsion (the yellow on top).  It was release I think on winter season to cater the dryness of the skin and it's really really moisturizing (no questions about that), I don't think that I can handle the cream though with the Philippine weather.  Lioele Daily Soothing Essence is such an amazing product: it's an essence that already has an SPF of 30 which is already enough for me to protect my face.  I hate applying sunblock because of the icky feeling when worn plus the white cast plus the awkward smell so I'm very liking this essence, it's just so perfect for me.  I'm also liking iWhite Aqua Moisturizing Cream which is readily available in Watsons both in sample sachet and tube.  It's light (very light that even those with oily skin can handle it) yet moisturizing and cheap too and it has sample sizes that I can bring on travels (I'm actually going to buy 1 later for my October quick out of the town).  Plus it didn't breaks me out.

another random samples from different sellers

I got these samples from GMarket, Bae Lu, bhappywithme and Kkochi Pida.  I'll start with the unfamiliar brand well for me, the V on U.  It works like other grocery type hair treatment almost have the same consistency with conditioners, overall it's okay.  It's skin Toma Jelly Cream is fun to use because I just like it's gel consistency and it's cooling on my face.  The pleasant tomato smell is awesome too.  I'm neutral with the Power 10 Formula VC Factor, I don't know what to tell about this product...maybe it's an okay product but there other serums that are far better.  Moist Steam Cream from Nature Republic  is also something that are for winter season, kinda heavy and makes my skin a little oily.  Lastly, The Innisfree Eco Natural Green tea BB Cream which I also like because it has medium coverage yet it's still look natural on my face.  Consistency is a little thicker and heavier with the Skinfood but I can still easily apply it on my skin then spray a mist to tame the heavy feeling.  The smell is a bit on a medicinal side but it's nothing to strong, my nose and I bet your nose can handle it too.

Thanks for reading. Till then. Bye!

Skinfood Facial Water Vita-C Mist

I feel hot.  Don't get me wrong, it's not my figure that I'm talking about but my skin  (I'm a chubby chix =D).  It's just the start of the summer but the weather is so hot and crazy that rain suddenly poured last week but it didn't subdue the high temperature but this facial mist did!  Well not the weather but my sweating and burning (I'm exagerating) face.


Skinfood Facial Water Vita-C (Mist)
Drink for Skin.  SKINFOOD Facial Water
A facial water mist that fills thirsty skin with the vital hydrating energy of Vita C complex and Alaska glacier water.
145 ml (full size) at $14.89 in amazon
50 ml (miniature) at P195 in bhappywithme

I got mine from bhappywithme (ebay ph) and despite being a miniature, it's miniature is so decent it really sprays mist rather than droplets of water (unlike the others that I encountered).  It's sodecent that just a spray can cover my whole face without looking wet.

full size! photo from http://kimjicosmetics.tarad.com

I don't know exactly how Skinfood source the Alaska Glacier water:  maybe they send a team to Alaska, take a huge chunk of ice from the mountains and bring it to Korea or buy the alaska glacier water that are in bottles sold by a company I chanced upon while searching info for the said water (I'm just joking).  I don't know what's so special about Alaska Glacier Water but it is said that it's one of the cleanest and purest water on earth.  I do not know if it's true but here's Skinfood's take:

[Alaska Glacier Water Story]
Alaska is on initial source of water covered with over 20,000-year-old glaciers. Alaska glacier water is fresh water at mildly alkaline pH, enriched with oxygen, minerals and ions. -source theskinfood.com

So aside from the Alaska Glacier Water, Facial Water Vita-C Mist have Vitamin C enriched berries: Rasberry, acai berry, cranberry and strawberry, that delivers revitalizing hydration.  These fruits explains the citrusy smell of the mist which is really refreshing.

Mist I think is not really necessary in skincare.  For me they are just toners in a bottle with atomizer.  But who can blame a girl who despite wearing a semi-corpo attire goes out of the house fast walking to catch the trains (yes two trains) and run to beat the clock (in order not to be late to work) but still wanted to have a fresh looking face to conceal the sweat all over her body.  Well not me, I can totally understand her =)  Besides; after the unexpected exercise, a quick perk-me-up refreshment for the skin is much needed and this mist in a bottle has it.  Never tried to put this in the refrigerator as I don't want to scare the people in the office but Skinfood suggested that to enjoy a cooling skin treatment, refrigerate before using.  As for me, I immediately spray this mist on my face straight from the drawer and it really refreshes and hydrates my skin for let's say 30 minutes (cooling only last for seconds).  It's hot inthe Phils. so I spray 3 times a day.  An hourly spraying vigil is needed if the weather is extra hot.

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!

Packages everywhere: Happy with Bhappywithme

Yep, I'm not yet done because here's another package from Bhappywithme.  I've known this online store for selling samples from ebay.ph but it also sells full size products.  Anyway, so happy that I can just simply message her (Kim is the name) in facebook simply because I do not have an ebay account (used my friend's the first time that I order).  Everything is on hand, so since Friday my orders are already resting in my cabinet.  Easy breezy to order.  I paid Thursday early morning, she shipped it on the same day with tracking number. Come Friday, my package is already in the hands of my sister.  Yeah, I wanted to receive my packages myself but I'm always asleep (zzzzz).

So here's my loot:  A sample of mist, skincare set and a pack mask, a sheet mask and some nose strips.

Skinfood Mist

I'm preparing for the summer, I mean right now it's already hot in the Philippines and I'm expecting a more humid weather in summer so I'm expecting this mist to perk and freshen my face when everything is just too hot.

Nature Republic Collagen Skincare Travel Kit

Truth is I wanted to go to Nature Republic to buy a Vitamin A mist and a foot peel but thinking how far the nearest store to where I live, I settled with just ordering online so since I already got a Skinfood mist and foot peel from my previous order, I just ordered a skincare travel set for well, travel and an emergency kit if just in case I run out of of skincare products or my face wanted a sudden change in what I use.

Innisfree goodies + It's Skin

If you read my previous haul posts then you probably know by now that I always order mask. Since I have to pay shipping fee, (sinulit ko na) might as well order other stuff like mask (the Innisfree It's Real Rice mask is on sale so it's the perfect time to buy) and nosestrips and a sample of one of the best selling product of Innisfree:  Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (I have 2 samples now).

And of course, lets not forget the freebies!!!

Innisfree samples

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

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!

Sale + Promos September 2012: Check Them Out

Coffee Lover?  Then you might want to check out Starbucks promo this September.  Check their poster below

Check their FB page here

While in SM North, I passed by SkinFood and saw that all their items are on sale up to 70% off.  Too bad, I already spend all my money on TonyMoly.

Next, well...you probably already these but Eude House and Tony Moly are havibg their 50% off sale on selected items of course.

check the sale items here

Just a heads up,  Etude House in The Block branch do not have stocks on most of the skincare products that are on sale which really made me upset since I already research and listed all the products that will work on my skin.  I ended up leaving Etude House bagless.  Good thing for me though is that the products that are on my "To Soon Buy" list are on stock and good for you if you are into hand lotions, body wash, massage cream and cosmetics since they have it on store in SM The Block.

FB Page here

As for Tony Moly, they have a lot of stocks of the products that are on sale even the masks and some other items that are not on the above picture are on 40% (will post my Tony Moly haul soon, check it out)

Thanks for reading.  Enjoy Shopping!  Bye!