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!

Snoe White Oatmeal Scrub

It's been a long time since I posted a Snoe product probably because the remnants of magic Apple is still fresh in my memory and there's still some evidences left in my body.  But I have to exfoliate my skin and this cute bottle is just lying steadily on my closet and thought that maybe it's time to put it in the bathroom.

Snoe White Exfoliating Oatmeal Milk Whitening Scrub

The two main ingredients are Oatmeal and Milk

label at the back

from Snoe's official website

So it's a salt scrub with real oats and walnut shells.  I just hope that Snoe infused the oatmeal extract in the salt but I'm not seeing it in the list of ingredients.  The oatmeals are kind of useless because it just fall off my skin unless I put some water first in the scrub before applying it on my skin.  Anyway, I love the smell of this scrub as the combination  of ingredients reminds me of a vanilla cake, yummy!

small scoop inside

Yes, there's a small scoop which is not really a useful thing to me.  I'm not aware of the scoop because it's buried inside.  Almost 1/4 cup of scrub fall off the ground (wasted) when I pulled the scoop so be careful.  I think since this is already in a plastic bottle, it's better to just pour it in the hands.

salt scrub+oatmeal+wallnut shells

All the salt scrubs that I used leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft and this one also has the same effect.  Not sure with the whitening part since I already have fair skin but I think it helps in whitening some darker areas of my body like my elbows and knees.  Caution: do not use this if you have open and newly healed wounds, it will surely sting and if signs of irritation occur, please discontinue using it (I learned this the hard way).
Thinking that salt scrub is too harsh for the skin?  Then why not mix 1 part of this scrub to 1 part of lotion.

I love the handy bottle and smell of this scrub but if I compare it's price to other salt scrubs that has the same effect, then this I think is a bit expensive at P349 for 300ml and the only reason why I got this is the oatmeal part (which disappoints me) which has been really good to my face.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

100% Natural Moisturizing Conditioner

Sorry if I've been missing for some days.  I am actually sick, tired, depressed and stressed this week and I'm trying to suppressed these feelings and don't want to reflect them in this post post especially that it's about a product that cares for our crowning glory.

Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Moisturizing Conditioner
100% No Harmful Chemicals Only the Good.

Yep, I started to use natural products on my hair and this one really works for me so I already ordered another 500ml bottle although I haven't finished yet with my first one.

Give your thirsty hair a long and satisfying drink!  Avocado (with Omega-3) is one of the nature's most revitalizing moistirizers, while seaweed restores elasticity and soothes and tones dry scalp without adding excess weight.  Our organic virgin coconut oil adds the final kiss, use with our natural moisturizing shampoo with natural CREAMFoam, which acts like a lotion

100% No harmful Chemicals:  No parabens, phthalates, silicones, feel modifiers, PEGs, PPG or other toxic substances.  Only the Good

I can't believe that I'm feeding my hair with all natural goodness.  And because it's made with no chemicals, the conditioner itself is light and well not as creamy as other conditioners but more liked a whipped cream.

How to use:  After shampoo, apply conditioner directly to hair.  Leave on for a whole song or two for maximum effect then rinse well.

 A song or two sometimes I even leave this conditioner up to three songs and don't mind getting my hair all over my face because it doesn't have the annoying slippery effect.  It's so light that I thought I didn't put enough the first time that I use this conditioner but after rinsing and drying, my hair feels soft,smooth,clean and light(bouncy)!  I like the smell too, it's something tangy probably from the avocado and orange.

Now if you wanted to try this or any other natural conditioner then make sure that you also use natural shampoo and hair treatment because if not then your scalp will be itchy.  Also the first week that I use this, my scalp have this bits of white particles like dandruff and I read that these are from the chemical based products that I used before that are coming off from my scalp.

To know more you can check their website or click here.  This conditioner is also available in  Vanilla Lush variant which I will try/order soon.
Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

My love hate relationship with Magic Apple Whitening s-rub

Here's another scrub that I'm using to remove the dirt and grime off my skin.

"Our Special Apple Whitening S-rub works like magic!"

Ingredients: De-ionized water, Dimethicone (CetearlyDimethicone), Cethyl alcohol, Prophyl alcohol, PPG, Crosspolymer, Titanium dioxide, Glycerin, Vitamin B3, Olive oil, Phenoxyethanol, Bearberry extract, Fragrance

Here's how I use it:

1.  Spread the product to the skin paying attention to darken spots that needs some whitening.  The product by the way is white with some micro beads that will help in scrubbing off the dirt.  The consistency is more liquidy than I expected (more liquidy than emulsion).

2.  Let it stay for 5 minutes.  During the 5 minutes time, it seems that the skin slowly absorbs the product except of course for the beads that serves as a scrub.

 3.   Rub to my heart's content ( ala hilod style).   Dirt clumps like in the below picture.

I'm not comfortable of just leaving the scrub in my body (because of the residue) so I rinse every after use.

Irk or quizzed with the title of this post?  Let's start with the smell:  I love that it has minty and apple like smell but I hate the chemical smell into it probably because of the alcohol ingredients.

Next,  I love that it's a bit liquidy and because of this it's easier to spread it on skin but at the same time hate it because I'm having a hard time rubbing the product off my skin. I'm desperate to see white/gray particles that I exert too much effort in rubbing (I hope you can see some redness in my skin in the last picture).

Ans lastly, I love that it whitens my skin and really feel that the dirt is completely removed but hate that I also feel like the first layer of my skin (sorry if you think I'm a bit exaggerated but this is how I really feel) has also been removed probably because of my rubbing effort.

So there's my love and hate relationship with Snoe's Magic Apple Whitening s-rub.  I guess I have to use the remaining product as a regular scrub and stick with their Milk Whitening Scrub (unless they will further developed or make a lot of improvement with it).

A lot of bloggers love Magic Apple, I don't know why but if you do know please let me know.  I'm probably using it the wrong way?  I'll wait! :D

Update as of October 16, 2012: Will never use this again.  If signs of irritation occurs, please stop using it and don't be as stubborn as me (or you'll suffer the consequences like me).

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Snoe Happy White Ever After

Oiling is something that terrifies me when I was a kid.  Aside from the sticky feeling, the smell of the coconut oil (homemade since I lived in the province) is not pleasant when under the scorching heat of of the sun.  But since I have dry and it's -ber/cold months now, I can't afford to skip oiling my skin.

According to squidoo.com, "Pure plant oils are true miracles of nature and have been used since the beginning of time to treat, heal and soothe physical, emotional and spiritual ills -bringing balance to mind, body and soul."

Happy White Ever After
Premium Whitening Massage and Bath Treatment Oil
Relax. Calm. Whitens

Weird that I fell asleep soundly when I first used Snoe's Happy White Ever After.  I read the label the next day and found the answer to the mystery.

Natural Ingredients
Happy White Ever After is a relaxing , skin silkening luxury that offers superior glide for massage and luxurious hydration for the body.

It has Rose Water that offers a soothing property to the nerves and emotional & psychological state of mind. It is regarded as a mild sedative and anti-depressant.  It also has Bengkoang, singkamas here in the Philippines aka Mexican tuber which is currently gaining popularity because of its whitening and dark spots lightening benefits.  Hmmm maybe this tuber is one of the reason why I have fair skin since I munch loads of it when I was young.  Well going back to the ingredients,  this oil contains the following natural goodness:

from snoebeauty.com

I use this oil like a body serum: it is actually like a serum as my skin absorbs it quickly especially right after taking a bath (it just glides, easy to spread so a drop can already cover my two hands).  I like the flowery, almond~ny scent and the design of the bottle really reminds me of Snow White.

Up for a massage?  Why not use some of this oil to your aching muscles.  Put a few drops of Happy White Ever After to your palms, rub then apply and massage to the desired area.  The heat and the motion will help your muscles relax.

Dead tired but still up for a warm bath?  Again, add a few drops to a tub or like me, pail of warm/lukewarm water and indulge with Rose Water's aroma and enjoy the perk of having an instantly (although lightly) moisturize skin.

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Happy White Heels

Wouldn't it be nice to have a weekly spa to pamper the tired body specially our feet?  On a budget like me?Why not try a DIY foot spa at the comfort of your home with Snoe's Happy Heels Foot Whitening Therapy Set.

Pamper yourself with Snoe Happy Heels Foot Soak for tired, aching feet. This therapeutic soak contains the antiseptic, deodorizing, and healing properties of natural Tea Tree Oil to condition feet. Wild mint stimulates blood circulation to refresh and revive and calamansi to whiten skin. Feet look and feel soft, clean and healthy.

front

steps and ingredients

Step 1: Happy Heels Therapy Foot Soak

Pamper yourself with Snoe Happy HeelsFoot Soakfor tired, aching feet. This therapeutic soak contains the antiseptic, deodorizing, and healing properties of natural Tea Tree Oil to condition feet. Wild mint stimulates blood circulation to refresh and revive and calamansi to whiten skin. Feet look and feel soft, clean and healthy.

I use around 1 tbsp. of this into a basin of water and soak my feet for 30 minutes.  While soaking my feet, I usually put either a face mask or hair treatment to maximize the time.  After 30 minutes; using a pumice stone, I scrub my feet and small white particles which is the dead skin cells are easily sloughed off.  I also clean my cuticles in this step which saves me from using a cuticle remover.

Step 2: Happy Heels Therapy Foot Scrub

Whiten, smoothen, cool, and soothe your dry and tired feet with Snoe Happy Heels FootScrub. This invigorating scrub micro beads to buff away calluses and dead skin cells, mint oil and menthol to cool and moisturize the feet, and calamansi to whiten skin.

To completely remove and soothe my feet, I use the foot scrub included in the set.  It does not only pamper my feet but also my legs.  The beads gives my feet and legs a light a massage especially if I spread the scrub in a circular motion.  Next step is...

Step 3: Happy Heels Therapy Foot Lotion

Happy Heels Therapy Foot Lotion noticeably whitens, soothes and softens dry cracked skin , significantly improving the look and feel of dry feet and cracked heels. It helps build a 24-hour hydration barrier. Infused with cooling peppermint and anti-bacterial Tea Tree Oil to help revitalize rough, dry, and tired feet and calamansi to whiten skin.

To bring back the moisture on my feet I use the lotion not just only after after the step 1 and 2 but on a daily basis.  It's a little watery that gives it the advantage of the skin absorbing it more quickly.  The peppermint gives a cooling sensation that refreshes my feet even without massaging it.

Step 4: Happy Heels Therapy Foot Spray

Refresh and revive your tired feet with an instant pick-me-up of cooling, deodorizing & whitening SnoeHappy Heels Foot Spray. It promotes a cooling sensation to leave feet feeling refreshed and helps to combat odor. Menthol cools skin to leave it feeling refreshed and calamansi to whiten the skin.

To be honest, I rarely use this spray.  But if you want your feet to feel instantly cool and deodorize, then this will be very helpful to you.  This is included in the set and I don't want to waste things so I'm starting a habit to spray it first on my feet before putting on my shoes.

Indeed, Snoe Happy Heels Theraphy set will give you whiter, smoother and more relax and refresh feet like never before!

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Snoe White Body Softener

I like collagen as my face loves it.  So when I saw a body softener with collagen from Snoe's website:  Perfect! now my body can enjoy the goodness too.

Anti-Aging, Whitening, Collagen

"Collagen- Rejuvenates aging skin. It is great for toning and moisturizing the skin and delays the effects of aging. Improves skin pigmentation and elasticity

Indulge yourself in moisturizing softness with Snoe White Anti-aging Whitening Collagen Body Softener. Our Silk Softness formula features hydrating moisturizers, state of the art whitening and anti-aging ingredients that replenish your skin and enhance all over smoothness. Contains, vitamins C, E, B3, Arbutin, Grapeseed oil and Glutathione, Collagen, AHA and Acai Berry. The result is irresistible, touchable soft translucent skin."

product description, ingredients, warnings + instructions

Instructions: Apply after bath or shower or anytime, as often as necessary. Gently massage body softener into dry body areas. Allow to remain and soak in several minutes before dressing. Our thick but non-greasy formulation will be absorbed by the dry skin tissues, leaving skin soft, smooth and beautifully moisturized (check Snoe's Facebook here for the complete info.).

equivalent to 3 pea size

Can you believe that the amount in the above picture can already cover my whole arm?  But if you want the moisturizing effect to last long then; as instructed, apply the softener as often as necessary.  It's powder blue in color.  In fact it seems to me like it has powder on it so it gives my body a matted finish whenever I use it. For the scent, hmmm...it smells clean and refreshing and a little minty like toothpaste which I like.

forgive the hairy~ness

Don't worry about the whiteness, it will subside when the softener is massage evenly on skin (approximately 30 seconds).  True it is non-greasy and is quickly absorbed by my skin.

I usually use this softener before I go to work because unlike other lotions, it doesn't make me sweat a lot so I still look clean and dry even after walking for around 30 minutes (brisk walking most of the time).  It does make my skin soft and smooth but since I apply this once only for the whole day, I still haven't achieved the silkiness part.

I have fair skin so I am not after the whitening effect, but I think Snoe White Body Softener helped in lightening the dark pigmentations around my legs and it doesn't irritates my sensitive skin which is a big plus.

Have you tried the Moringa from these softener range?  Share your thoughts, I want to try it too!

Let it Snoe,Let it Snoe, Let it Snoe

I am just so happy that Snoe granted my wish that their kiosk in Cinderella, Glorietta will also be on sale (hehehe, Thanks Snoe).  So here's what I got:

Snoe White Exfoliating Oatmeal Set

I got the set for P388 instead of P499 when individually purchased.  The set also comes in a cute travel pouch perfect of course for travelling and as a gift too.
Want to take part of their annual sale too?  Hurry you still have time to hoard.  Here's the list of the schedule of Snoe's sale and visit their facebook page here to know the items that are on sale!

Schedule of Sale:
Online & Shopinas-- Aug 1 -Aug 31
Festival Mall- Aug 10-17

SM Valenzuela- Aug 3- 5/ Aug 24-29
Shopwise Pacita - Aug 3-31
Robinsons dasma Aug 10-31
Market Market Aug 10-31
Robinsons galleria Aug 10-31
SM Center Las Pinas-Aug 28-30
Cinderella Glorietta- Aug 17-Sept 9
Festival mall Aug 10-17
SM Las Pinas- Aug 28-30

Finally! Snoe + an Apple?

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

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

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

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

Baviphat!!!!

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

Snoe and Baviphat, Check!

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye!

Human ♥ Nature Products Quick Review

I already tried some Human ♥ Nature products way back 2009 and loved a few.  But I didn't reorder until this year because I don't know any distributor and their stores are far away from my place.  I am also not a fan of online shopping (they ship here in the Philippines and in the USA).  Today, many (I guess) got interested to venture into selling HHN products and so it's a little easier for me to get hold of what I want.

"Keep your baby’s skin nourished and moisturized with our 100% natural baby lotion. It’s made with both avocado andsunflower oils plus aloe vera to keep your baby’s baby-soft skin exactly that; oh-so baby soft!"

And yes, my skin is baby-soft in the morning after using this at night.  This milky white baby lotion has a faint smell of baby powder and is liquidity and runnier than an emulsion.

"Your lips need protection too! Our better-than-ever 100% natural lip balms are made only with the finest blend of cocoa butter, beeswax, and pure natural plant oils.Now you can experience a smoother, softer glide and mouth-watering natural flavors that’s sure to keep you reaching for your lip balm again and again...and again! It’s perfect for men too!"

Not as moisturizing as my medicated lip balm (I have to reapply after 4 hours) but the peppermint flavor gives instant refreshing feeling to my lips.

"Save your hair before its gone! Real pearls, one of the strongest creations of the ocean, can help fortify your hair to dramatically reduce hair fall! Beauty and strength! Plus, you can use it as a deeply invigorating body wash!"

It doesn't produce lots of bubbles but it surely leaves my hair squeaky clean. Shiny translucent white in color with a peppermint smell.

These products delivers the same way with the products readily available in groceries but the concept of using all natural products and supporting HHN's advocacy makes me wanna reorder even if I have to wait for several days.  Oh did I mention about the prices?  It's so affordable:

Baby Lotion:  P159 for 200ml
Peppermint Lip Balm:  P64.75
Strengthening Shampoo: P119.75 for 200ml
Sunflower Beauty Oil:  P249.75 for 100ml

Sunflower Beauty Oil; a definite must try!

"Do you believe in miracles? How about 20 in a single bottle?

Our premium and best-selling Sunflower Beauty Oil is 100% Natural and packed withvitamins A, D & E that help moisturize and nourish your skin to give it that healthy glow -- without any harmful chemicals. It’s so effective and so versatile, the uses are endless! What kind of miracles, you ask? Well for starters it…

1. Softens and gives you lighter-looking underarms


2. Helps lighten dark under eye circles


3. Helps lighten darks spots and pimple marks


4. Moisturizes under eye area


5. Helps prevent and diminish the appearance of stretch marks


6. Softens feet soles, knees and elbows


7. Removes stubborn makeup


8. Can be used as overall body moisturizer


9. Moisturizes dry hair ends


10. Softens cuticles


11. De-frizzes hair


12. Adds shine to dull hair


13. Helps relieve itching and inflammation caused by insect bites


14. Nourishes and conditions eyelashes


15. Lightens dark lips


16. Soothes skin after shaving


17. Relieves itchy scalp


18. Helps soothe sunburn


19. Smoothens skin from shaving


20. Helps soothe rashes

Is there anything our Beauty Oil can't do?"

My answer? None!!!  I am so impressed with this product, I have nothing more to say :)

Thanks for Reading.  Till Then.  Bye!

*photos from Human Heart Nature website

Human ♥ Nature

"Human ♥ Nature is about loving the Philippines, loving the environment and loving our families as we provide personal care products that feel as good on your skin as they do in your heart.  We hope that your everyday choices will have a positive impact on the poor, our country and our planet." that is the story of the company, a brainchild of Gawad Kalinga volunteers Anna Meloto-Wilk, Dylan Wilk and Camille Meloto.

It claims that it is the first range of affordable and genuinely natural products in the Philippines from personal care to cosmetics, merchandise and coffee.  A "Natural Seal" is place on its product labels to guarantee the integrity of its products.  Recently recognized by PETA, the company does not test on animals.  To know more about Human ♥ Nature you can visit humanheartnature.com.

~100% natural and  cruelty free~

So why all the commotion?  Because of these:

Thanks for reading.  Till then.  Bye.