My Skin Care Journal as of November 2022

I just added a retinol product in my skin care routine recently. Mainly because I want to keep/achieve a youthful appearance. However, I am still testing the tides. Honestly, I forget to apply it sometimes. XD 

As I was reading about how to incorporate retinol in my skin care routine, I stumbled on the term "skin cycling" which is kind of a trending topic in the skin care community.

According to my research via Google, skin cycling is a term coined by Dr. Whitney Bowe. It is a four-night schedule; exfoliation night, retinoid night, recovery night, recovery night, repeat. The day time routine can consist of a gentle cleanser, vitamin C serum, a barrier-protecting cream, and of course, SPF. Basically, skin cycling is done at the night time where you alternate the use of actives and exfoliation.

Come to think of it, I've been doing the same night routine for my self, minus using the retinol product. If I want to be more consistent with retinol, I have to be more mindful of my skin care routine. 

Here's my updated skin care routine, by the way. 

Day Time skin care routine

1. Water cleanse 
2. Toner
• Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner
3. Serum
• I skip this step sometimes or apply Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion (office days or when feeling extra dehydrated).
4. Moisturizer
• COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
5. Sunscreen
• Biore Perfect Milk (office days)
• RA&GoWoori Real Kill
• Hello Glow (for body only)

Night Time skin care routine

1. Makeup remover
• Issy and Co Cleansing Balm
2. Facial wash
• CosRX Low PH Cleanser
3. Toner
• Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner (plus Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion when feeling dehydrated)
4. Serum
• Manyo Factory Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule
5. Moisturizer
• COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream (Applies extra on the eye area.)

Skin care on alternate days

• Detox Sundays or Mondays
• Clay masking with Apotheke Science Detoxifying Face Mask
• This is satisfying when I apply CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid the night before then do clay masking the next day. My skin feels so refreshed, clean, and ready for the next week. XD

• Exfoliation every two to three days
• Dermorepubliq Glycolic toner
• CosRX BHA

Sometimes, if I feel there's some bumps or rough textures on my skin, I slather on some Glycolic toner or BHA. I think two to three days is a good measure for exfoliation for me but if I follow this instinct, it's hard to incorporate retinol consistently. It's not good to have retinol and some acids on the same routine, and I think on the same day. So. I'm not yet sure when to insert retinol. I think after clay masking day is a good measure. Then again, I forget! XD

I've seen those skin cycling charts on Instagram and Pinterest. It could help. I may try but let's see. 

In skin care journey I've learned that

• The most important thing is to listen to your skin
• Stick to what really works for you. You can try something new and stick to it for a few weeks to a month and see. If it works, then good. If not, let go. However, this can cause over-the-budget expenses. So, read as much as you can and rely on good reviews from certified professionals or seek a forum or groups with common people trying on the products. 
• Be patient and be consistent. Results don't happen overnight. 
• Wear sunscreen or avoid sun-exposure. XD

All the products that I have listed above have all worked for me. If you check the previous routines I've posted, you can see some similar products. Redundant mentions are my holy grails (HG)! So, let's see if I can put retinol in my skincare routine. :D

Apotheke Science Niacinamide serum review

Funny that I have repurchased Apotheke Science Niacinamide 10% serum multiple times already and recommended it to my friends but I haven't really talked about or posted my thoughts about this serum in my blog or social media!

So, here I am now!

I've discovered this serum while scrolling in Insta and I think at that time I was looking for a local brand carrying a niacinamide serum. The Ordinary Niacinamide serum is just expensive for me. I'm glad I found this serum and I've been using this serum since then. That was three years ago!

The Apotheke Science Niacinamide serum claims to

• Minimize lines and wrinkles.
• Restores skin radiance.
• Reduce blemishes, calms breakouts, unclogs pores.
• Combats oily skin by balancing sebum levels.
• Improves skin's barrier function, preventing it from losing water and protecting it from pollutants and irritants.
• Protects skin agains damage from sun exposure.

Before, it is only available in 10% concentration. 

Now, it has 5% sister for folks who have sensitive skin or who want to try using niacinamide for the first time.

It sits in a bed of 100% aloe vera gel, aloe vera extract, and seaweed extract.

Apotheke Science Niacinamide 10%
A very straightforward product.
It just comes in a bottle
with a shrink plastic and
you can clearly read its claims and ingredients list.
No frills!

Once pumped, it comes out a a gel, and then
dissolves into a watery consistency.
This serum is genuinely not icky sticky!

I love this serum! I just can't remove this from my skin care routine because it has a lot qualities to love. It comes out as a gel but glides as watery. My skin quickly absorbs it. I can use it alone or along with other serums and moisturizer. It helps prep my skin before makeup application and it doesn't bother the makeup. It's perfect for  people with oily and dehydrated skin like me. It is also very soothing and cooling. I've used this multiple times on sunburned skin. 

In a nut shell...

What I like about Apotheke Science Niacinamide serum

• Affordable and locally available.
• Hydrating and soothing.
• Does not irritate me.
• Very light and skin absorbs it quickly.
• A multi-use product, not only limited to the face.

There's nothing that I don't like!

Apotheke Science Niacinamide serum retails for Php 499 for the 60 ml and Php 269 for the 30 ml. And you choose the 5% or 10% concentration.

I guess this is my HG niacinamide serum!

Have you tried this Apotheke Science Niacinamide serum, 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.

My 7/15 Shopee Sale Mini Haul

All of my 7/15 Shopee haul are now here and now I'm broke!

My skin care haul!
L-R: Apothekescience Niacinamide 10%,
Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off,
CosRX  BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, and
Klavuu Ideal Actress Backstage Cream SPF 30 PA++ Sunscreen

It'll be the first time for me to try Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off and the freebie, Klavuu Ideal Actress Backstage Cream SPF30 PA++ Sunscreen. I'll try to find time to try the cream. As for the mask, it'll be on my very next shower. I definitely need a bit of masking and some physical scrubbing.

It's my second time to purchase Apothekescience Niacinamide. I got a bigger bottle this time. I just love how it hydrates my face. It reminds me of my fave korean brans snail essence. I haven't written about this one yet but definitely, I will now very soon.

And, it's the third time for me to buy CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. It takes me a long time to finish one bottle and I just can't live without it. It really does help clean my pores!

Did you avail of the 7/15 Shopee sale, too? What were your purchases?

Online Shopping in Time of ECQ

Hi guys! How are you? How have you been holding up from all the chaos of #COVID19?

After almost four months of not writing here, I miss writing here! Yes, I did say my reviews will be on my Instagram but I haven't really been actively posting product reviews. I've posted food pictures, instead. That is to hype-up a local bakery and my friend's pastries. Well, in terms of writing about products I've tried, I'm taking my sweet time... or 'being lazy' is the better way to describe me and my blogging ethic. Then again, I miss it here. So, I may just repost what I had posted on Instagram so far.

Anyway.... I'm pretty much hanging on until this time. It's a challenge to go through this pandemic. You have to be calculative on how to consume your necessities, since going to the grocery or anywhere right now takes away a lot of time and patience. You have to deal with long lines due to social distancing and long wait-times on queue because establishments are short-staffed. Shopping online and having things delivered have made it quite easy, I should say. If you are one of my followers, you may have noticed I have done a little bit of online shopping for food and products.

Here are some of the items that I've ordered online.  ^o^

Freshly-baked products from Bread for EveryJuan

This is my first online purchase since the pandemic started. I got to know Bread for EveryJuan through my office friend, Mhoi. I believe she saw them being posted in her condominium's Facebook group or something. Apparently, the bakery is just near, but you can't really go anywhere on a whim right? I ordered from them when I was craving for affordable bread because there was no bread in the grocery when I went on a supply run at that time. I got to try their ube cheese pan de sal, both the regular and special ones, spanish bread, and their loaf bread. I love their spanish bread. Their regular and special ube cheese pan de sal are fan favourites!

Loving Bread for EveryJuan's spanish bread!

Their menu have vastly innovated since. They have nostalgic favourites, too, such as pan de coco and monay. If you want to order freshly-baked products from Bread for EveryJuan, you can send them a message on their social media sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreadForEveryJuan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bread_for_everyjuan/

Lip and Cheek Rolly Liquid Lipsticks from Sooperbeaute 

My no-makeup-buy creed was broken when I took advantage of Sooperbeaute's Buy 3 Take 1 sale sometime at the start of the lockdown. I told my self that purchasing them would be my gift to my self at the end of the lockdown. If you remember at that time, couriers were at a pause and were scheduled to be back to business in the middle of April. Government measures somehow eased up on delivery services after the Holy Week, so I guess that's why my orders were shipped earlier than expected! We're already in the middle of May and still in lockdown, but I got an early gift. XD

I got the shades Baby Girl, Bebe, and Pumpkin, with the take one, Dulzura. I just opened Pumpkin since we're still in lockdown. XD I still have tons of lip makeup just lying around and I don't have much of an excuse to open and use all of them. Maybe a swatch? Let's see.

This is me wearing Sooperbeaute Lip and Cheek Rolly
Liquid Lipstick in Pumpkin

As of today, Sooperbeaute is available to take orders from their Shopee page or shoot them a direct message on their Instagram account.

Babe Formula fragrant shampoos

Curiosity and rave reviews of this well-hyped local shampoo brand got me buying from Babe Formula. The usual feedback is that their shampoos are very fragrant, leaves the hair soft, and make it look like the hair is treated from the salon. Who wouldn't want that right?

It's been over a month since I have used their shampoos. So, I may post what I think about them soon.

Babe Formula in Nectar and Bloom

If you're getting curious, too, check them out on their Instagram account. You may want to buy them, too, I bet!

Comfort brownies From Scratch Pastries

My friend, Mich, has been baking ever since I know her from college. Just around a couple of years or so, she put her love of baking into an empire. However, because of the pandemic situation she put the baking business on hold. It wasn't until recently that she's back to business!

I'm so happy knowing that I could order her scrumptious brownies any time that I want from now on, of course with a one-day lead time. Her pastries have the right amount of sweetness. You'll definitely be comforted. Aside from her brownies, her crinkles and banana bread are to die for. One of my office friends, Drew, can attest to this. ^o^

Moist brownies From Scratch Pastries

Check out her modified product list for the enhanced community quarantine on her Instagram account. Shoot her a direct message there, too.

Marigold Skin Brightening Serum from Cleopatra's Secret Skin Care 

I got to know this brand from the numerous times they participated in Edsa Shangri-la's weekend bazaars. I'm just checking out their products whenever I get the chance to go to their booth, but I never get to buy anything from them. Following them on their Instagram account, allowed me to learn about their products and how natural healing is best for overall wellbeing.

I took advantage of their sale on their Shopee page. I got their Marigold Skin Brightening Serum for a great fraction of a cost, plus a Shopee voucher. How cool is that!

Cleopatra's Secret Marigold Skin Brightening Serum
with a freebie mask in Refreshing Basil and Thyme

I'm now using the serum. I'm still on the test phase. I'll share my thoughts about it after a couple of months, or till I get a solid feel about it. As a preview, the serum calms and relaxes you.

They're usually known for their variety of masks that targets skin concerns, such as acne, fine lines, and aging. They also have a skin care line, body oils, and acupressure tools! Get to know more about them and their products on their Instagram account.

Freshly-cooked meals from The Giving Cafe

I'm listing this at the end because I haven't taken a decent picture of all the food I have ordered from them. It's either I take a shaky picture of it or forget to take a picture. ^o^  The food that I've ordered from them always taste so homey and filling. Their food prices are reasonable, given with the quantity and quality. You won't regret ordering from them, honestly.

I got to know about them when I was browsing Grab Food during Good Friday, and they're one of the few that were open at that time. I got to try their Taiwanese Fried Pork Chop first. Since then, I always check them out when I want a freshly-cooked meal. I like their Buttered Chicken and White Pasta best.

If you'd like to order from them, they're open daily as early as 7 am to 7 pm for delivery and pickup.  They're also available in Grab, FoodPanda, and TheVault.ph. Hopefully, when this is over, I may just go to their cafe in person. <3

Get to know more about them here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGivingCafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tgcsocialentrep/


Shopping online has kept my senses away from being anxious and my bank account quite depleted. If this is the new normal, I don't know if living like this is very feasible for me. I still prefer going out once in a while, checking and trying out new things. I miss going to the malls without having to worry about getting to close with other people or dilly-dally your way out.

There's recent news going around that the enhance community quarantine will soon be lifted or changed to a general community quarantine. I don't know if that's good news already because I think it's still immature to do so and there's no vaccine.

Well, I hope everything will turn out better soon. Let's hang in there!

Apotheke Science Detoxifying Face Mask Review

I have contemplated for a long time whether to get a DIY facial clay mask. I have thought about getting the more popular Aztec Secret, Indian Healing Clay Mask or the more budget-friendly Luxe Organix Bentonite Clay Indian Healing Clay. I think, both have value for money and give out that pore de-clogging feature. But I think, almost 400 grams of clay is kind of too much for me. It may expire on me without using everything.

Thank God, I found Apotheke Science Detoxifying Face Mask when I was browsing around Instagram. Php 149 per 100 g is such a great deal of temptation. Who could say no to that!? Aside from the very affordable price, it also claims the same benefits as you can get if you use Aztec Secret's or Luxe's. It also has activated charcoal that is good for oily/acne-prone skin. After another round of contemplating, I finally gave in.

Apotheke Science Detoxifying Face Mask

What I like:

• It’s very affordable. It’s only Php 149 per 100 grams.
• I like the simple packaging with all information that you need. Ingredient list is also clear.
• It has bentonite and activated charcoal, which are perfect for those who have oily and acne prone skin.
• It does what it claims to do. It’s not drying in fairness. But if you have dry and sensitive skin, you may want to wash it off at the 5-minute mark after application. Do not wait for it to be completely dry, like I do – which I wait for it to be completely dry and become greyscale. Though I already feel itchiness.

What I don’t like:

• It takes a little bit of adjustment to use. If you use too much water, you have to add more of the clay to make a paste. Otherwise, it won’t stick on your face or you’ll end up with a droopy mess.
• It can be messy upon rinsing.
• Procrastination and laziness overtake the process, which is sad. 

Will I repurchase?

Yes, why not? It’s so budget-friendly and does what it claims. Well, it will take me a lot of time to even get a half of tub. The only thing that could get in the way is my laziness. So far, I enjoy using Apothekescience Detoxifying Clay Mask.

Have you tried Apothekescience Detoxifying Clay Mask, too? \^o^/

Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum Review

I’m enjoying the last drops of Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum and I’ve been using this since November of last year. Just a few more drops and I will be out of it. It will be bittersweet.

Over the past months, Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum has grown into me immensely. It is my last step of my night time routine and I am fine with that. My oily skin feels that the serum is enough and I don't think I experienced any transepidermal water loss because my face is glowing when I wake up. ^_^

I’m sorry if I don’t have a before and after picture. I purchased this because of the following:

• I have large pores
• My skin was dehydrated over the colder months. I have oily skin but it becomes dry on cooler temperatures and environment. It also becomes dry on certain days of my cycle.
• I have also some acne scars (PIH) due to healed acne.

In the span of my usage, here’s what happened:

• My face became hydrated. It has attained moisture that my face did not produce too much  sebum anymore to compensate dryness. The sides of my nose usually becomes dry with skin peeling off. Now, not anymore.
• My pores are not that visible anymore. They’re still there but they don’t look humongous.
• I have acne scars that have lightened. I pricked a zit on my cheek and it lighted and now it’s unnoticeable. (But please do not prick your zits!) 

Enclosed in the box are my left and right temples that
have significant scarring.
The scars there are quite dark before.
After applying the serum, the scars have lightened.
As you can see, there are other scars on the rest of my face as well.
Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum helped them heal immediately.
There's also a glow that I really like which is noticeable after application and
when I wake up in the morning.
I guarantee you that the pictures were taken without filter
and were not edited, except for the red box.

What I like:

• It moisturized my face. My face is not as dehydrated anymore.
• The ingredients list a lot of vitamin c-rich components that helped lightened my acne scars. I can’t say so much about overall brightening because I’ve been to the beach and enjoyed the sun.
• Smells citrusy but not overpowering.

What I’m neutral:

• If you use have oily skin and you use too much, it may take time to set. You may also experience tiny bumps caused by over moisturizing. I cannot use it in the morning when I rush. I only use it at night where I can massage the serum until it is fully absorbed and set. That’s why may be, I couldn’t see the immediate brightening effect that others can see or the fast effect that others were raving.

What I don’t like:                                                   

Nothing really. :D

Will I repurchase?

Yes, but not too soon. I have a vitamin C serum that I am excited to try, but I would gladly have this again. ^o^

Thank you for reading my thoughts about this wonderful serum. I bet you have already read blogs and watched vlogs about this and overwhelmed yourself with mixed reviews. It really worked well on my oily skin and like I said, I would totally repurchase because this is so good. Please do share your thoughts about Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Serum if you tried it, too! m(__)m

My Skin Care Journal as of September 2018

I have been writing a beauty or a skin care journal which I started last year. I just use a note / journaling app in my phone and write about what I recently purchased, what I think works, and my current skin condition.

Here are the things I learned and realized about writing a beauty or skin care journal:

• I realized I am very lazy to follow a complicated routine. A short, simple skin care routine works for me very well. This is how my current routine looks like with the products I use.

Day Time

Night Time

1.       Water cleanse or cleanse with a low-pH facial wash = Human Heart Nature Nourishing Facial Wash 2.       Toner = Human Heart Nature Nourishing Facial Toner 3.       Moisturizer = COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream 4.       Eye cream =  Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream 5.       Sunscreen = Bioré UV Bright Face Milk SPF50+ PA++++ - If just stay at home, water cleanse is just enough for me and fast on skin care.

1.       Double-cleanse = Biore Cleansing Oil + Human Heart Nature Nourishing Facial Wash 2.       Toner = Human Heart Nature Nourishing Facial Toner 3.       Moisturizer = Cosrx Ultimate Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask or  The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil non-humid days or exfoliation days. 4.       Eye cream = Mizon Snail Repair Eye Cream (skipped when using The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil as moisturizer). 5.  Spot treatment for pimples =  Zenutrients TeaTree Blemish Oil 6. Spot treatment for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) = Skin Genie Heal All Tamanu Oil Exfoliation: - When I feel bumps on my face, I use COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid after double-cleansing and with a 20-minute wait time. Usually after 2-3 days after COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. - On a weekend or a night before the workday, I use the Fiddy Snails method with COSRX BHA > The Beauty Bakery Charcoal & Clay Scrub Mask > Biore Cleansing Oil.

• I learned that over time, my skin has shifted from very oily to oily but dehydrated type. The dehydration mode depends on the time of the month, the season or the environment. For example, if it’s Summer or if it’s humid, I cannot stand having something very occlusive in my routine. I may need more moisture in a dry and cold environment, like being in the office.
• I like skin care products that are multi-purpose. I dab the The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil as a lip balm/cream at night. Sometimes, if I exfoliate with COSRX BHA, I moisturize with the The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil and that’s it. 
• It helped me pinpoint on what’s wrong or what’s going on with my skin and what I feel about the products that I’m using.
• It helped me in my skin care purchase decisions. So, it has made me into a very careful buyer. 
• Writing this skin care journal is a keeper! 

Do you have a beauty / skin care journal as well? Please share it! \(^o^)/

My Skin Care Journey So Far

So, I posted a picture few weeks ago in my Instagram (IG) Stories because I can’t help but be amazed on how my skin has become. It has never been that clear and in very good condition in many years!

Originally, my skin was very oily and has experienced a lot of acne. I had a very basic skin (s)care routine before. I just cleanse with a very alkaline facial wash and tone with an alcohol-y astringent. I was also very scared of moisturizers and of the thought of using oil on my oily skin. Sun screen application only happens during Summer or on a beach trip.

Fast-forward today, I learned that the basic of all skin care routine steps are always: cleanse, tone, moisturize. I also learned that there are different types of moisturizers that even oily skin peeps can enjoy. Oil for oily skin does not equate to a frying pan. Applying sun screen is anti-aging. I also learned that listening and empathizing to what your skin really needs is more important than having 10 or 20 skin care steps. “Take a step back and press reset”, just like what Liah Yoo said.

Here is the picture that I posted in my IG stories. 

I just slathered on sun screen,
concealed healing acne spots and set it all with powder.
Of course, kilay is life!

Hopefully next time, I can share my bare face with a better texture. *Crossing fingers* I have skin aging concerns aside from getting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from hormonal acne. I may need to incorporate another product for that or tweak something in my life. LOL

How about you, how’s your skin care journey? Please share all about it! \(^o^)/

Facial Moisturizers Are For Oily-Skin Girls, Too!

If you have oily skin, you may think that wearing moisturizers would be such a hassle. You may think that your skin may be more oily; you can't wear moisturizers under your makeup because it may just slide; the feeling will be muggy, especially during hot and humid days. In the Philippines, there more hot and humid days rather than cool days. And there are more enough reasons for girls with oily skin NOT to wear moisturizers.

Well, I thought so too.

Until recently, I stumbled on articles and even blogs that even if you have oily skin, you should wear moisturizers. As early as 20 years old, the proteins that keep our skin elastic, supple and moisturized may lose gradually. Diet, hormones, season and weather changes may be the contributing factors. So looking for the right moisturizer for your skin type is a must to keep our skin healthy.

Moisturizers are not only for the ones that have dry skin.  I found that there are also that are formulated for oily skin girls.  Gel or water-based one work well for oily skin girls and on those hot, humid days!

Here are some moisturizers fit for oily skin.
Images taken from Google

If you read my previous blog, I tried one with a cream-type moisturizer. It has spf and quite light for a cream-type. It can work with oily skin but with caution. If you put too much, it may cause your skin to be more oily. Maybe, if your skin is on the dry to combination side or not too oily like me, it may just work for you!

As for me, I really haven't found my Holy Grail moisturizer, yet. I'm still on the verge for looking for one and I'm not giving up! :D

How about you, do you use moisturizers? What's your HG? :3