Squeaky Clean Kids Conditioner Bar First Impressions

I've used shampoo bars before but not conditioner bars. Mainly because, conditioner bars are more finicky than shampoo bars. They melt easily compared to shampoo bars. But I've always been curious about them, so I got one from Squeaky Clean Kids during a bazaar. 

Squeaky Clean Kids Wild Flower Conditioner Bar
It has shea butter, cocoa butter, and avocado oil.
If I remember correctly,
this 25g bar retails for Php 100?
Please correct me if I'm wrong. ❤️

Generally, I could say the experience is the same when you use commercial conditioners. It lathers like the commercial conditioners, only that it is in bar form. While using it, it kind of reminded me of using Dove beauty bar on my hair when I was younger. XD

As for Squeaky Clean Kids conditioner bar, it takes a while for you to rinse everything with but it leaves your hair soft. I also noticed there wasn't a lot of uncomfortable hairfall when I was drying my hair. It smells great on the packaging but doesn't translate to my hair. That's okay with me. I don't mind. 

So let's see on the next few days how it fairs on my hair. Hopefully, it won't melt easily, too. Shampoo and contioner bars tend to melt fast if left on a wet/damp soap dish. 

Have you tried using a conditioner bar, too?

Beautylabo Whip Hair Color in Lucent Ash Review

I dyed again! This time it's with Beautylabo Whip Hair Color in Lucent Ash. I guess there's been quite a hype about this hair color recently. I guess the whip hair color line is revamped or strongly marketed here in the Philippines. Though I'm not very sure. There's a lot of reviews and demos out there that have been recently uploaded. So, it's exciting to see a lot Beauty Labo Whip around social media.

If you've been following my blog, I've been DIY hair-dyeing around 2012. Recently, Beauty Labo is my go to brand for hair dyes. A box is very affordable, can cover short to shoulder-length hair, and the color lasts pretty well up to four months. It also covers my gray hairs very well and doesn't become too brassy which I really love.

Previously, I used the Beauty Labo Hair Dye in Candy Apricot, which is in a cream-type dye. It was quite a bright shade of like reddish brown. My hair faded pretty well and wasn't too brassy. This time, I used the whip color hair dye in Lucent Ash.

Beautylabo Whip Hair Color in Lucent Ash

What's in the box of Beautylabo Whip Hair Color 

Beautylabo Whip Hair Color in Lucent Ash

under fluorescent lighting

Beautylabo Whip Hair Color in Lucent Ash

beside the window for natural lighting

What I like:

• Very easy to use! I've seen in demos and reviews posted a year ago that it did not come with English instructions. My box had two instructions. And even if I only had the Japanese instructions, it's pretty straight forward and understandable because it has images in them
• Very easy to apply! It's foamier than the Liese
• Doesn't smell really bad. It may sting if you're sensitive. And don't smell the chemicals right off the bottle because I did that and lessoned learned. LOL

What I'm neutral:

• Hair became really stiff when I was done rinsing off the hair foam dye. You need to use a separate conditioner. The box doesn't come with but there's a leave-on conditioner which you can use when your hair dry

Let's hope that the color will turn out nicely as it fades and as my hair grows. The shade on me turned out quite well. Don't you agree?

Have you tried Beautylabo Whip Hair Color , too?

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?

Fresh Tomato Glass Skin Sun Gel First Impressions Review

I got Fresh 98% Tomato Glass Skin Sun Gel SPF 50 PA++++ from Watsons PH official store in Shopee because I want an everyday sunscreen that I can just use around the house.

I contemplated on getting the Jeju Aloe sunblock variant but the "gel" consistency won me over. Gel is generally associated with being fast-absorbing, light-weight, and non-greasy.

This comes in a 100 ml tube and is very affordable for Php 299. It claims to have superior protection against the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is packed with vitamins and nutrients naturally found in tomatoes to enhance the skin's natural glow, such as hyaluronic acid. It is also free from dye, alcohol, paraben, mineral, and benzophenone.

Fresh Tomato Glass Skin Sun Gel

Fresh Tomato Glass Skin Sun Gel ingredients list:
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Homosalate, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Butyelen Glycol, Carbomer, Niacinamide, Centella asiatica Extract, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Fragrance, Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Olea europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Macadamia ternifolia Seed Oil, Betaine, Trehalose, Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract, Chlorphenesin, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, 1.2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Arginine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA

Fresh Tomato Glass Skin Sun Gel on first use.

It has a quality control tape, 

making sure the product does not spill during delivery and 

ensures that you get fresh product upon purchase.

Was contemplating on getting the Jeju Aloe sunblock variant
but the "gel" consistency won me over! ^_^

First impressions:

• Truly is non-greasy, light-weight, and fast absorbing
• Smells like hand sanitizer but nothing like tomatoes as for me
• Moisturizes my face well. I didn't use any moisturiser here but if you have drier skin than me, slather on your fave moisturiser underneath

What is your current sunscreen right now? Have you tried Fresh Tomato Glass Skin sun gel, too?

My Current Skin Care Routine as of July 2020 and Some Reviews

Hi guys! How are you? I was able to go home here in my hometown and I have been very thankful! Now, I'm listing down the skin care products that I am using since I did not bring all of them with me. I left some of them in the work city and some are slowly running out. I am getting anxious just by the thought that I won't have anything to use! Have you ever felt that?

Doing this made me realize that I have products that I'm really hiyang with and cannot live without. I guess you could say that they are my Holy Grail (HG) products. And with the on-going pandemic, this also made me realize that a basic routine really works for me.

Here is my current skin care:

Day Time

1. Water cleanse 
2. Toner: Human Nature Hydrating Face Toner or Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion 
3. Serum: Apothēkē Science Niacinamide 10%. I use this if I use the Human Nature Hydrating Face Toner. Sometimes, I skip this step.
4. Moisturizer: COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream
5. Sunscreen: Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++

Night Time

1. Makeup remover: Biore Cleansing Oil /  *Hada Labo Moisture Oil Cleansing
2. Facial wash: Shiseido Senka Perfect White Clay
3. Toner: Human Nature Hydrating Face Toner or Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion
4. Serum: Apotheke Science Niacinamide 10%. I use this if I use the Human Nature Hydrating Face Toner.
5. Moisturizer: COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream or Cleopatra's secret Marigold Skin Brightening Serum
• I use the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream if I have the serum step.
• If I skip the serum step, I use Cleopatra's secret Marigold Skin Brightening Serum immediately. No need to top it off with a moisturizer.

Exfoliation

• COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid: I use this 2-3 times a week or when I start feeling some small bumps on my face.
• CURE: Natural Aqua Gel: I use this sometimes during the day, especially upon waking up.
• Apothēkē Science Detoxifying Face Mask: I use this once a week because mixing is a tedious task for me. However, my face feels refreshed and smooth when I use this. The after-effect is rewarding.

Here are some thoughts on the products I have been using. I just realized that I have a lot of backlogged posts to create!

• Makeup remover
• Biore Cleansing Oil: I have been using this than more than I can count my fingers. I really like this cleansing oil because it removes makeup really well. I'll talk more about this soon.
• *Hada Labo Moisture Oil Cleansing: I immediately jumped to this when my Biore was all used up. It has the same consistency and quality with Biore. I'm on my last 30 ml refill bottle and I am worried I'll run out soon. I'll more about this, too on a separate post.
• Facial wash
• Shiseido Senka Perfect White Clay: I bought this around February, 2020 and a little really goes a long, long way. It helps if you use a foamer. It's not drying on me even if this is very foamy and has a high pH. I think I'll just finish this up and go back to my go-to low pH facial wash or try a Hada Labo facial wash.
• Toner: I use two different toners depending on my mood actually. Whenever I feel hot, I use the Human Nature one. I prefer using Hada Labo when going to work. Since I'm just working at home, I use this after exfoliation. More notes below:
• Human Nature Hydrating Face Toner: I have purchased this more than I can count. I'll talk more about this in a separate post soon.
• Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion: This toner helps my skin hydrated, especially in a dry, cold environment, such as the office. I'm on my last 30 ml refill bottle. I'm thinking if I should repurchase or not.
• Serum
• Apothēkē Science Niacinamide 10%: I wasn't able to bring the last spritz of this. I'm thinking of repurchasing because I like how it makes my pores look small and my sebum controlled.
• Moisturizer
• COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream: I can say this is my HG cream. I just love how it moisturizes my face and my under eyes. Truly, an all-in-one cream. I'll talk more of this soon.
• Cleopatra's Secret Marigold Skin Brightening Serum: I just recently used this around May, 2020. So far, I don't have any complaints. I'm loving the relaxing, natural, herby scent. It's thicker than the serums I've known. It works more as a face oil. I don't need to top it off with a moisturizer. My oily skin is already okay with it as the last step of my night routine. I'll talk more of this soon.
• Exfoliants
• COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid: Definitely, one of my HG exfoliants! I have repurchased more than three bottles of these already. A bottle lasts me a year and I'm on my few drops now. I have to repurchase! I'll definitely share my thoughts on this.
• CURE: Natural Aqua Gel: This was recommended by my friend. I posted just a mini review of this on my Instagram account.
• Apothēkē Science Detoxifying Face Mask: I use this once a week because mixing is a tedious task for me. However, the after-effect is rewarding. My face feels refreshed and smooth when I use this. Sadly, I've used this all up already and now I'm thinking to repurchase or try other masks. By the way, I've shared my thoughts on this here.

I'm seriously thinking about repurchasing some of the products that I have already repurchased twice. I'm also open to other options, such as for the serum and for the exfoliants. I just have to patient now and wait for the payday sale to avail my necessities!

What's your current skin care routine, by the way?


*[UPDATE] I just realized that I'm actually using the Hada Labo Moisture Oil Cleansing now. Like I mentioned, I have been using Biore Cleansing Oil for the longest time. Maybe that's why I got my self mixed up! Sorry about that guys. Will definitely talk more about those cleansing oils. HG material!

Babe Formula Shampoo Review

Hi guys! How have you been? Can you believe that, today is the last day of the second quarter of 2020, and we survived. Thank God!

If you have read one of my previous posts, online shopping has helped me survive the anxiety and the negativity COVID-19 has brought. Online shopping has also introduced me to local brands that have high-class quality, like Babe Formula Shampoos!

Babe Formula is a local brand that offers two, very fragrant shampoos, two conditioners, and a serum. There's also a hair de-tangler brush if you avail of their babe box. As for me, I only got myself of the shampoos, the nectar (aqua) and Blossom (baby pink) variants, because I bought a big tub of an everyday-keratin-conditioner.

Bought these two sometime at the end of March,
which is at the start of the COVIDity. XD

I have used both but I keep reaching out to the nectar variant rather than the blossom one. The scent reminds me of the beach. I also like the blossom variant but the beach is where I want to be right now (Don't we all?). Maybe on the rainy season, the blossom scent will comfort me. Babe Formula is the only shampoo brand that I have been using, and every bath is such a stress, anxiety-reliever.

It's been three months and it will be gone soon.

Cruelty free and colour safe!

The ingredients list. I
t has hydrolized wheat protein at the top,
which helps your hair soft and manageable.

Not brassy and no disgusting divide!
The shampoo has help the colour to fade gracefully.
I took this photo a month ago, by the way. <3

What I like:

• It's very affordable! A bottle is only Php 249. This is the price for each shampoo and conditioner.
• Both variants are very fragrant. The nectar shampoo reminds me of the beach. The blossom shampoo reminds me of cotton candy. The smell stays long on your hair and sometimes transfers on your hair towel or pillows! Well, I haven't been around polluted areas (such as EDSA), so I cannot say if the fragrance will stay long (and I'm not excited to be outside so... XD). 
• It is colour safe! I like how my hair colour has faded gracefully without turning it to be brassy. My grey hairs are also not that visible and there is no disgusting divide.
• It has made my hair very, very, very soft and not frizzy.

What I don't like:

Nothing!


What I'm neutral about:

It doesn't lather as much as commercial shampoos. I have very thick hair and I need to pour more than the usual peso-size. What I do is mix it with the right amount of water and create a fine lather. Based on the ingredients list, it contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) right somewhere down at the bottom. If you're wary on that, you may not like this brand. However, since the SLES is somewhere at the bottom, I didn't mind. Like I mentioned, it is indeed colour safe and made my hair soft with no frizz.


Will I repurchase?

Not yet but I will! My Babe Formula shampoo in nectar is running out slowly and I still have the blossom one to last for another three months, so hurray for great-hair-day-everyday for me. Now I'm wondering, should I get the conditioners, too? What do you think?

Have you used Babe Formula shampoos and conditioners, too? Please share your thoughts about it. m(__)m

Beauty Labo Hair Dye in Candy Apricot Before and After Review

Four months ago, I tried Beauty Labo Hair Dye in Candy Apricot. Now, it has faded into a bit of a brown colour. Not very brassy but a tolerable copper colour. Perhaps the shampoo that I have been using also helped with how it managed my hair.

Four months ago

Look how bright the colour is! These pictures were taken at the office. My station is right under the fluorescent lights, that is how bright Candy Apricot can be. Take note that my hair was previously coloured but my roots were already showing. Definitely, it covered the roots effectively.

I just realized that I think I wasn't able to do my hair colouring properly.
However, definitely covered those growing greys.

Freshly coloured roots! The red is so intense.

Current hair

After four months, this is what my hair has come to be. It became brown. I'd rather not say it has become brassy. It faded nicely. I believe the shampoo that I'm using currently using contributed to how it looks like. It's not frizzy, too.

The colour is still vibrantly brown and not discoloured badly.
I like how Beauty Labo Hair Dye fades this way.

The roots are already showing and grey hairs are popping, too.
I like that it does not make a line from the roots and the part that has still colour on it.
It faded well. 

Will I try this colour again? I think not. It was a fun adventure with such a striking colour. I think I'll go back to my previous hair colour. That would be either Creamy Ash or Pure Beige. What do you think? If you'd like to now more about my experience with those two hair colours, check out Beautylabo Hair Dye in Creamy Ash and Pure Beige Review.

Have you tried Beauty Labo Hair Dye in Candy Apricot, too? Please share your thoughts about it!

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!

This is Not a Goodbye, Just a Different Direction

Over past few months and years, I haven't really committed myself in delivering content here, which kind of saddens me. Though I am not connected or committed to brands or services in any way, I try as much as I can to share what's-what and my experiences on the products and services that I have tried, will try, and want to try in my own pace.

I have made a comparison between blogging on a blog and Instagram on on a previous post and over the course of the last few months of the last year, I have realized that canned, short, and straightforward content works and easier for me in sharing content. Instagram proved to be a good medium for that and works on this realization.

So in this course of the new year and turn of the decade, my product reviews and insights will be posted in my Instagram account. I will not delete or take down this baby. A lot of stuff went through here, you know. ^o^

Kudos to the bloggers who continue to blog in their blog sites despite and in spite of. Writing styles have evolved and I am taking one that really works for me without compromising my creative identity. I am happy and excited for that!

Cheers to the new year!

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

Leiania House of Beauty Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Beauty Bar Review

As you know I signed up for Leiania House of Beauty bundle last March and I got the Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Lotion and Beauty Bar. The bundle also came with the C-E-Collagen Serum Concentrate, which I am still going to try.

I am still using the Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Lotion and it is on its last drops. I like how it really moisturizes my skin. As for whitening, I don't notice any big significance but that's okay since my I'm after its moisturizing property. Read my first impressions here.

Actually, I have already used up the Leiania House of Beauty Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Beauty Bar. It just took me time to update you guys, not being able to gather up my thoughts and post about it. 

Leiania House of Beauty Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Beauty Bar is best used with with the lotion for skin moisturizing and healthier glow. This comes in a whopping 135 grams but melts easily if placed on a wet container. I sliced the soap into small pieces, so got to use it for about a month and a half.

Leiania House of Beauty Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Beauty Bar
Enriched with emollients for
exceptional moisturizing properties that helps
skin hydrated, smoothen, and lighten up uneven skin tone.

What I like:

• Smells nice! It smells like the lotion.
• Lathers well and can be used alone but I prefer to use a wash cloth or scrub for a foamy consistency.
• This is not drying. I have used kojic and papaya soaps that promises that brightening effect but it is expected that you have to use a moisturizing lotion. This Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Beauty Bar does not make you skin dry.

What I don’t like:

• This can melt easily when placed on a wet container. It is best to keep it dry and safe from splashes of water.

Will I repurchase?

I think I may! This is non-drying and really made my skin moisturized. I think it helped recover my skin from dryness. Of course, together with the lotion. The Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Beauty Bar is priced at Php 150. Leiania House of Beauty is also available in beautymnl and beautymnl constantly have flash sales, which you could take advantage of. I could take note of Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Beauty Bar or Lotion to be in my to-buy list.

Have you tried Leiania House of Beauty Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Beauty Bar, too? It really is worth a try! Please share your thoughts about it. m(__)m

Know more about Leiania House of Beauty:

Website: https://leianiahouseofbeauty.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Leiania_HOB
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iloveleianiahob/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leiania.houseofbeauty/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAb452yxOejFbTAEi0oY9OQ

Beauty Bakery Charcoal and Clay Scrub Mask Review

I had Beauty Bakery Charcoal and Clay Scrub Mask for 11 months to be exact, and that was just the time that I was scraping the last bits of it. Talk about sulit, right?

I got Charcoal and Clay Scrub Mask from the Beauty Bakery kiosk in the nearest mall for Php 199 per 100 grams tub. It’s has a creamy texture with little bits of grits in it. You’d reckon it’s a scrub and mask hybrid from its name, which I believe that you can use as a scrub or a mask at a time. You can also use it as a mask, then a scrub.

The instructions on the tub, however, says to rub it on your damp face in circular motions then rinse with warm water. You can use this three times a week. It is just a scrub as the label implies.

Beauty Bakery Charcoal and Clay Scrub Mask
Pulls away deep-seated dirt and sebum from skin. Tightens the pores. 
Instructions: Rub in circular motion on damp skin. Rinse. Use 3x a week.

What I like to do with it is to use it with the Fiddysnails Grit method. On the mask stage, I leave it for 20 minutes on my face or until it has hardened, and then wash it off. It doesn’t dry out or suck my skin’s moisture even if I prolong it for 30 minutes (of course this is not ideally recommended). It works well as a mask also.

So, it’s really like a scrub and mask hybrid. It’s nice to have for lazy girls like me, who want to have a physical exfoliator that will suck out deep seated dirt and gently scrub out dead skin cells.

Can you distinguish the texture?
It's creamy and not difficult to spread on your face.

What I like:

• Perfect for lazy people who want to save themselves from mixing.
• It’s very affordable and locally available. You can get it from their kiosks, Shopee, beautymnl, bazaars.
• It’s a scrub and mask in one. You can use it as a scrub, as a mask, or a mask then scrub.
• It doesn’t dry out my skin if used either as a scrub or mask.
• It makes my skin supple and clean after every use.
• A little goes a long way. I had my tub for 11 months. I didn’t have other masks and I used it once a week, though.

What I don’t like:

• It doesn’t have a full ingredients list.
• It doesn’t really have instructions if used as a mask. There’s no mention how many minutes to leave on your face. (It’s better to patch test first if you have sensitive skin. Here comes the advantage of a full ingredients list.)

Will I repurchase?

Yes, I may repurchase. It’s affordable and can be purchased anytime I want to (given it’s not sold out). I’m still open to using other masks and I’m curious with other masks that need mixing. If my laziness gets the better of me, I would repurchase this in a heartbeat.

Have you tried Beauty Bakery Charcoal and Clay Scrub Mask, as well? Please share your thoughts about it? \^o^/

Leiania House of Beauty Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Lotion Review

I signed up for Leiania House of Beauty last month to try out their products. I selected their body lotion and bar bundle because I want to moisturize my legs. This bundle also has a their legendary Vitamin C serum by the way.

I tried Leiania House of Beauty's Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Lotion first. It was just in time that my favorite body butter ran out. My legs have become very dry over the cooler months for some reason. Perhaps, for not using lotion always? I wake up quite late more often than not and always hurry to work. I also got scaly patches on my legs. I want them to be moisturized again. Whitening is not really my concern but I have some dark areas that I would be happy if they would be brightened.

Leiania House of Beauty
Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Lotion
100% Natural Certified Organic
Cruelty-Free

Leiania House of Beauty Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Lotion has a lot of moisturizing properties and whitening ingredients. It has Glutathion, Niacinamide and Vitamin C - perfect for whitening and moisturizing. It also contains other organic whitening ingrediets. This is perfect for you guys out there, who want to use local, cruelty-free, and organic products.

This Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Lotion also comes in a whopping 250 ml. I think it could last me more than four months  because it has a light and watery texture. You only need a small drop of it to cover your entire arm. It looks like milk and smells like berries. The smell reminds me of SkinWhite lotion, the pink one.

The color of it is like milk with the consistency of water.
It's not tacky, even in this summer heat.
Smells nice, too!

It doesn't feel tacky when you apply it. I don't even mind  putting this even if the season now is very hot and humid. I really can tell the difference if I do not apply LHoB Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Lotion. My skin will be dehydrated and, of course, not smell nice.

This baby may last me more than four months.
If you could see, it's not even half the bottle yet.

What I like:

• A little goes a long way. I don't have to put a lot because of its watery texture.
• My skin stays moisturized throughout the day.
• It smells nice and long lasting (as far as i have noticed). I thought this would give me a sour smeill because it's on the sweet side but no, it did not. YMMV though. The smell on me lasted for more than 9 hours. Though it's not as fragrant like body shop or bath and body works. Of course, upon a application it is very fragrant until 2-3 hours. Depending if you sweat a lot. The smell fades quite nicely. There's still a hint of its sweet smell and moisture even when I get home.
• Local, cruelty-free, and organic! It's so nice to know of local brands with competitive products.

What I don't like:

• Nothing of the product! 
• I just don't like the pump. I appreciate that you can lock the lotion but I can't seem to recognize if I have locked it or not. Just a personal dislike.

Will I purchase?

Maybe, I will! It's priced at Php 800 for 250 ml. It's almost of the same price as my favorite body butter. It's 100% certified organic and cruelty-free. It definitely gives me the moisture that I need, just like my fave body butter.

I'm so hyped with how it moisturizes my skin that I can't say anything of its whitening properties, yet. I will update you on this, along with the other products in the bundle that I got from Leiania House of Beauty.

Have you tried Leiania House of Beauty Skin Bomb Whitening and Moisturizing Lotion, too? It really is worth a try! Please share your thoughts about . m(__)m

Know more about Leiania House of Beauty:

Website: https://leianiahouseofbeauty.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Leiania_HOB
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iloveleianiahob/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leiania.houseofbeauty/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAb452yxOejFbTAEi0oY9OQ

My First Impressions on Nivea Acne Clear 0% Alcohol Micellar Water

This is the first time for me to buy and try Nivea Acne Clear 0% Alcohol Micellar Water. I'm not an avid fan of using micellar waters because:

1. You may use too much cotton pads - #zerowaste  no more.
2. I've gotten used to putting toners with my palms, so no unnecessary tugging or abrassions.
3. I don't think they can deeply clean your pores. I trust cleansing oils for removing sunscreen and makeup as the first step for double-cleansing.

I've read/watched blogs and vlogs that you may still need to rinse off micellar water with water after. Micellar waters contain surfactants that may just stay on top of your skin if you just let them be. This may result clogging of pores and acne. I've learned about micellar waters from Lab Muffin.

But because of the unfortunate events, it lead me to buy one.

Nivea Acne Clear 0% Alcohol Micellar Water
A 200 ml costs Php 169 in the nearest Watsons outlet.  

I got Nivea Acne Clear 0% Alcohol Micellar Water from the nearest Watsons in my area. I think it's reasonably priced at Php 165 ml per 200 ml. I know there's another brand with a better pricing per 400 ml and has more positive reviews but it wasn't available. I'd like to try that, too. But I chose Nivea Micellar Water mainly because of the price and its claim of being 0% alcohol.

Nivea Acne Clear 0% Alcohol Micellar Water Ingredients List

It's too early to tell what I like and not like about Nivea micellar water. So here's a few first  impressions:

• It took me six square, Cuddles-brand cotton pads to completely clean my face.
• I can't detect any smell.
• I still rinsed my face with water and baby towel combo to be sure. Good thing that there's no residue on the towel.
• My face has become oily-dehydrated, so I can't say it is that moisturizing. My face felt smooth to touch but there's this kind of a parched feeling. 
• I am now curious what other contenders have to offer. 

See the cleansing transition left to right.
I've used six square, Cuddles-brand cotton pads before I can declare that my face is sunscreen and makeup-free.

Honestly, I feel better with my double-cleansing method with cleansing oil then facial wash. Since there's this ridiculously water supply problem, saving water is crucial. But then, there will be more potential waste because of this alternative. I haven't really thought about using reusable cotton/cleansing pads, yet, so that's another story.

Hopefully, my acne won't aggravate and I can get a technique on how to deeply clean my face with Nivea Acne Clear 0% Alcohol Micellar Water. It's a game changer and it would be interesting to see if this would work on me in the long run.

Have you tried Nivea Acne Clear 0% Alcohol Micellar Water, too? Please share about it. \^o^/