The EcoPotato Shop Shampoo Bar in Peppermint Review

I really love this shampoo bar from The EcoPotato Shop. It is the peppermint variant that is best for dry hair and scalp, promotes hair growth, and helps get rid of lice - if you have that. I actually don't have those concerns but I chose this type because it smells. Had the chance to smell it when I got one for my BB. Ms. Emily Simon-King, the owner, also mentioned that their shampoo bars may have different effects depending on the user (your mileage may vary).

The EcoPotato Shop in peppermint 

In general, peppermint gives great effects to all types of hair textures. For me, it really cleans my scalp. I don't have to worry about getting dandruff or too much sebum on my scalp even after three days without washing my hair. I never get oily or have a sticky feeling with this.

What I also love:

• It's so easy to create a very bubbly lather. Some shampoo bars take a long while to get a very foamy lather, which I think some who are trying these types of shampoo miss from using commercial ones. The Ecopotato Shop shampoo bars easily create a foamy lather even if it has been exposed already. I think the scent already evaporated but the quality is still there.
• Totally, eco friendly! When the shampoo bar is all done, you don't have to worry about throwing away any packaging! It's wrapped in paper when it came and that's basically it. 
• It is big and affordable. For Php 170 you get approximately 80 grams of shampoo bar and it is shaped comfortably like a small compact powder. I think it's a bit bigger and more affordable than the ones I've tried before. I also like that it is not hard to grip and it doesn't crumble easily when it melts over time.

Look at how much bubbles it can create!

I've been using this shampoo bar for more than month and 
look it is still quite thick.
I'm just shampooing my hair 2-3 times a week.
 It still depends on your usage. 

I'm down to my one last shampoo bar and I think it's a good reminder to stock up again or to try another variant. Hello, 11.11 / payday sale!

Check out The EcoPotato Shop and try their shampoo bars. They have other varieties but the peppermint one is the one I love. They have other eco-friendly and sustainable products, too, such as bamboo tooth brushes, conditioner bars, baths soaps, menstrual cups, and reusable menstrual pads. Oh, they're also available in Shopee, too!

Manyo Galac Whitening Vita Serum First Impression Review

I remember I answered in one of the questions that I want to be pretty like Son Ye Jin (She is/was an ambassador for Manyo. Check Crash Landing on You). Perhaps, that made me one of the winners of the “Be Manyo’s Product Planner” event. How cool is that!

This arrived 10 days after I placed the order in their Shopee store, using their voucher. I'm so excited for the results!  

Manyo Galac Whitening Vita Serum

Manyo Galac Whitening Vita Serum 
Ingredients list in Korean

Manyo Galac Whitening Vita Serum
Ingredients list in English

Tab to open, which I don't want to tear XD

Here are my first impressions:

• Watery, gel-like texture.
• Not runny, feels light and wet but not sticky.
• Easily-absorbed by the skin.
• Dries matte but skin is hydrated.
• Can be used in the a.m.
• Has a very faint citrus smell. It smells like orange soda.
• No adverse reactions, itchiness, or redness. But if you have very, very sensitive skin, check the ingredients list for potential allergens and do a patch test.

This is a very straightforward product. I think there's an instant blurring effect. If you can see in my IGTV showing the back of my palms, one has a lot of lines and it looks dry. The other one has smooth, matte, hydrated appearance. I can say that for my face, too. It dries very, very matte but still hydrated. For dry skin people, you may use a heavier occlusive. For oily-skinned people, you'll definitely love this. You can still layer your water-based or gel moisturiser after. You can also layer another serum with no problem if you like.

I'll give an update after a month or when I finish this (whichever comes first).

The Manyo Galac Whitening Vita Serum has very promising future in my vanity and I'm excited how my face will turn out.

I encourage you to try out this serum, too, and let's talk about it! (#^o^#)

Disclaimer: Though product is provided, all opinions and thoughts are my own and not influenced.

Unboxing Commenter of the Month Gifts from The Beauty Junkee

It's very rare for me to win anything. When I won The Beauty Junkee's commenter of the month (for August), I was ecstatic!

I've followed Martha a.k.a. The Beauty Junkee wayback 2011/2012, checking out makeup reviews and how-to's. I like reading her witty and unbiased reviews and easy-to-follow tutorials.

I don't really comment to every post every month. I commented before but I didn't win. So imagine, me, winning one last month.

Here's what I got. You can also check my unboxing video in my Instagram. 

Gifts from The Beauty Junkee
Commenter for the month of August

Thank you so much Martha for sharing your blessings. More power to you and your blog. ☺️

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Twinkle Blue

I recently dyed with Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Twinkle Blue. It didn't turn into the blue that it was shown in front of the box. 

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Twinkle Blue

If you have checked out my post six months ago, I dyed with Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam in Metallic Ash. It was more of an ashy type of purple on me rather than being metallic. It was nice on me and it faded well on my hair. My hair did not become brassy or coppery. My grey hairs were also like highlights. 

See how my hair looked like. These photos were taken with the rear cam of my Poco X3 NFC, without filter and near a window.

Six months is a good gap to dye again! 

I chose Twinkle Blue with the recommendation of my Bb. Though my hair may not have the blue like Jisoo's, I can say it matched the results as shown on the information.

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Twinkle Blue

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Twinkle Blue
Expected Results

I still had the same great experience that I had when I first used Mise En Scene. What surprised me this time, is that one box is enough for my long hair! If you have thicker and longer hair than me,  I suppose you need two boxes. 

I'm very happy with the results!

What do you think of my hair color? Does it suit me? Have you tried Mise En Scene Hellow Bubble Foam Color in Twinkle Blue, too?

7 Things I Actually Do For A Zero Waste Journey

A few days ago I posted in Instagram about my upcycling project. It actually got me thinking about my attempts on having a zero waste lifestyle.

See my Upcycling Project 1!

Here's a list of what I actually do

1. Buy big bottles of liquid products

This applies to shampoos (yes, I still buy for my kid. She's not yet used to shampoo bars. We tried but we're not there yet); cooking oils, liquid detergent, dishwashing liquid.

In the Philippines, it's very common to buy in sachets because they're cheaper and more convenient when travelling. Other people can also skimp a 10 ml shampoo for 10 days use. However, if you do the math, the price is almost the same if you buy a 100 ml vs 10 sachets of 10 ml of liquid products. It will also last you longer (in the case of shampoos) and you don't have to go out so much and buy frequently. 

2. Use soap bars instead of liquid soap or body wash

Many like to use body wash or liquid soap. I like them, too. They're very soapy, creamy, bubbly, and smells so good! I discovered, however, you can get the same consistency when you use a good foaming net, or body  sponge. Soap bars are straightforward products. When you're done, they're done. They can just melt away. They can also last long, given that you put them in a cool, dry area of your bathroom and on a well-draining dish. It's just that not-so-good when you share one soap bar in the family but I think it's still more economical than big bottles of liquid soaps. 

3. Separate the plastics and other recyclables in the trash as much as possible

I really try to do this but you can't really impose when you live with your parents or with someone who does not get it. Well, many cities in the Philippines implement waste segregation but they still end up in one trash collection. Absurd, right? I've noticed though that some garbage collectors actively separate the recyclables and sell them. So that's what I do, I separate recyclables such as plastic bottles of anything, hazardous plastics like bottles of bleach and cleaning agents. I make sure to empty them first. Other collectors flatten PET bottles, while others don't. I just make sure if I have PET bottles, they're empty. I also flatten cardboards or any paper recyclables.

4. Buy from refilleries

If you live close to refilleries or if you buy from stores that offer refills, take advantage of them. We have one in my area that refill dishwashing liquids, so that is a very big plus. I know some Human Heart Nature branches in Metro Manila offer refills and take in empty bottles, too!

5. Don't buy when you don't need it

This applies to everything, literally! When the pandemic started, my online shopping exponentially grew. I'd just buy anything that I think is what I need but I don't really. Sometimes, I end up buying low to no-quality products, which is actually a big waste of money.

I definitely restrain myself, checkout reviews of the products first, list out the pros and cons of it in my life, and learn how to take care of it. 

It doesn't mean if it's on sale, you need it! XD

6. Don't buy a lot of clothes and makeup

I think this can be a relative of #5. Sales are the root of all evils. Before, when there's clothing or makeup sales in the malls, I really can't help it but to check and, sadly, eventually buy what I don't need. Some end up being unused or being kept in the closet. Some end up expired.

So right now, I'm in a no-buy-makeup time. It's been months since I bought a lip color. And it was also months before a bought that lip color. I hope I can endure. I told myself that once I finish ALL the lip products I have, I can buy myself a high end brand. Maybe a Mac? XD But can't help not to buy eyebrow products. It's much more controlled because I can definitely finish them compared to lip products that really rob me. XD

As for clothes, as much as possible I don't buy now. I realized I still have a lot when I reorganized my closet. Though sadly, some can't be presentable anymore. So what I do about this is to buy good quality clothes. If it's from a good brand and quite expensive, wait a bit of a sale and avail. I also just look out on clothes that I can use across any style and for everything like as a work outfit, lounge, or to the beach. I also don't mind looking into thrifted clothing. I already do this for coming up outfits for parties lol. 

 I like pieces of clothing that are timeless and especially if I can use them for a really long time until they got holes and tears and garters bacon.

7. Reuse until they wear out

This is actually delaying the item to be trashed right? But actually, if a product has very good quality you dont have to buy again especially if it lasts a long time.  Compared to when you buy some thing cheap but it only last for a month, it's a complete waste of resource and money.

I think those are just what I do. I'm way too far to call my self on the zero waste. I try a lot and I'm hoping I can do better. 

How about you? Are living the zero waste lifestyle? Please share! m(___)m

Body Mist Scent Association

Summer makes me wonder of the body mists that could make you feel and smell fresh. It also made me kind of nostalgic. That's why I ordered these scents from a seller in Shopee.

The body mists that make me feel nostalgic!
L-R: Calgon Hawaiian Ginger, Victoria's Secret Love Spell, and 
Victoria's Secret Strawberries and Champagne

Love Spell makes me feel young and fresh!

I tried Love Spell from one of my great friends who was studying in Cebu and hosted my first ever solo trip there. She let me stay in her boarding house and toured me around the city. After buying dried fish from Carbon market, we went back to her boarding house to rest. She lent me the mist to mask the dried fish smell and it was effective. It made me feel we didn't even go to the market. I wish my friend and I can go back to Cebu again.

Strawberries and Champagne gives a cozy and warm feeling.

My Omma bought me Strawberries and Champagne mist and lotion when I was in the university. I didn't mind using the lotion even if it could be thick and totally moisturising. You wouldn't want to do that in a humid country. What I did was just take a very little amount to spread on my body. It's that moisturising and definitely a little of it takes a very long way. I was lucky enough to study in a university with air conditioned rooms. Humidity was just a minor issue. It took me more than a year to finish the lotion and I loved everyday when I wore it. The lotion smell sticks to your clothes and the mist is sweet and definitely refreshing - a great pair to the lotion. 

Hawaiian Ginger is spicy, makes me curious and tenacious.

Hawaiian Ginger was a coveted mist when I was in highschool. I just tried a spritz of this at the mall because I didn't have money to buy a bottle before. Having a bottle of this back in highschool means you're well-off. If I buy one now, I'll feel I can rule the world! Lol

Smelling these scents definitely sends me back to those good times. I feel that I was really blessed and lucky to have good mom, a great friend, and good opportunities to try awesome things. I hope everything around us will snap back to normal or even a better normal, where we can be together and do things without fear and anxiety. 

By the way, have you tried these scents, too?

Ryx Skin Sincerity Sun Shield Review

It's officially summer!

I'm quite delinquent on the use of sunscreen because I'm lazy. However, the longer days and sun glares through curtain-covered windows at high noon emphasizes the need to use sunscreen indoors, a MUST! That's why I added Ryx Skin Sincerity Sun Shield in my sunscreen rotation.

Ryx Skin Sincerity Sun Shield

Ryx Skin Sincerity Sun Shield is a light-weight gel cream that dries matte. It comes in a 20 ml tube with SPF 60. It has a simple ingredients list with moisturizing properties and two types of sun protection. Not bad. 

Ryx Skin Skincerity Sun Shield details at the back
It has shea butter and glycerine for moisture.
Titanium dioxide and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
as its sun protection ingredients.
It has alcohols as stabilizers and making the product super light-weight.
You might be wary of them if you have sensitive skin. 
Patch test is a must. YMMV. 

I love using Ryx Sun Shield when I'm just at home because it's light-weight, non-sticky, and easy to apply. It applies as watery, and then finishes matte but not flat matte. It kinds of evens out your skin tone, tones up your skin but doesn't give you a white cast. It also has a baby powder smell, which perks you up and is not irritating. It dissipates when everything is blended.

Ryx sunscreen when blended

What I love:

- Light-weight

- Easy to apply

- Matte finish

What I don't like:

- Could have extended the UV spectrum broadness but that's okay if you're indoors. I don't use this when I go out, let alone the beach(?!). 

Will I repurchase? 

Yes, I don't mind! Actually, this is my second tube already. It retails Php 120 per 20 ml. Not bad for me, even if you apply it with the #threefingers method.

Have you tried Ryx Sunshield? 

Check them out in their website and social media accounts:

http://www.ryxskinsincerity.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ryxskincareofficial/

www.instagram.com/ryxskinsincerity

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color Hair Dye Shampoo in Metallic Ash Review

It's around this time last year that I tried an outrageous hair color. This year, I want to go back to something basic but with a little bit of kick. So, I tried Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color Hair Dye Shampoo in Metallic Ash.

I chose this color because it's brown with a kick of purple. 
I didn't know until as of writing that that is Jisoo in the box.
Sorry Blinks! XD

This is my first time using a Korean brand. I bought my box from a Shopee store for Php 350, excluding shipping. Transaction and delivery time was great, not bad for every thing first time.

Like any DIY hair dyes, the box comes with the basics: developer, hair color, a pair of gloves, and an instruction manual. Along with the developer, there's a sachet of a treatment, which I think helps protect the hair. The box also comes with a cape and a hair pack, which are a big plus. Some DIY hair dyes don't include those.

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color Hair Dye Shampoo in Metallic Ash
Box contents

So like any DIY hair dyes, you just mix everything in the developer container, shake it vigorously or swirl it in circular motion for 20 seconds. As for this bubble hair dye, you swirl it, and then change the pump. The pump helps create the bubble foam, which makes the application very easy, like you're just putting on shampoo! 

Though it was very easy to apply, it took me around an hour to completely cover my hair with the foam. Why? There was too much foam! The box is actually more than enough for my shoulder-length hair. It took me long time to finish all the foam inside the pump. Then again, this is so great. It guarantees that the hair color will be evenly distributed on your hair.

Another great thing about Mise En Scene bubble hair dye is that it rinses easily, too! The foam washes off easily and does not stain your bathroom. As you rinse, your hair doesn't become stiff, which makes the hair mask application another easy step. 

The hair mask smells a bit strong to my liking but the smell diminishes after a couple of minutes when you apply. You have the option to let your hair soak in it longer or rinse it off immediately after 3 minutes. Nonetheless, it washes off easily and doesn't leave any soapy feel. It doesn't not weigh your hair down, too. Despite letting the hair mask soak for more than 3 minutes, my hair was not saturated, and heavy. I could easily dry my hair without the help of a hair dryer or constantly squishing it with the towel. 

I could say, overall, that my Mise En Scene bubble hair dye experience was easy and breezy, except for the application which took me quite a long time to complete. My hair is definitely made evenly brown and very soft. It looks very even under fluorescent light and natural lighting. My greys are also 99% covered. I could still see some of them but they have blended in very well.  I love it!

Before

 

After

In a nutshell...

What I like:

• Easy to mix and to apply
• Comes with gloves and a cape
• Does not have an irritating chemical smell
• Very bubbly and foamy. One box is more than enough for my shoulder length hair
• Does not make hair stiff upon rinsing
• Hair pack does not make hair heavy
• Color is very even
• Covers grey hair quite well

What don't like:

• Not available in local stores but available online

Will I repurchase?

Yes!

I hope Mise En Scene Philippines would bring this hair dye here. Currently, they only have the shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask sold in the Philippines. I love their bubble foam hair dye! It'll be one my options for dyeing my hair.

Have you tried this too? What color have your tried?