Thoughts on going cruelty-free

I learned from my college friend, via her Instagram reposts, that she wants to lead a life 100% cruelty-free. She wants to refrain from using makeup, skincare, and fragrances from brands that still conduct animal testing. I said, "That's a great idea and direction for me, someone who wants to curate and own only a few products. Thus, a minimalist lifestyle." My college friend shares information from https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com from time to time. 

I checked https://www.crueltyfreekitty.com, where my friend shares information from time to time. I found that some of the products that I currently own are NOT cruelty-free. I felt terrible upon learning about it. I have been having this debate in my mind since then about being cruelty-free.

I'm a cat-lover. And, of course, there is no question that I respect all living creatures and abhor cruelty made against them. But how do I reconcile the fact that I own non-cruelty-free products?

It also came to mind about brands supporting Israel and their war in Gaza. The war over there is not on the edge of ending and is still going on to this day. It's easy to say that since we live far away, we're no distance from supporting brands that support any war. But lo and behold, I also have brand products that support the war. I learned about it from https://theislamicinformation.com.

It's sad knowing that one way or another, I am supporting cruelty in the form of purchasing products from brands listed as non-cruelty-free or brands listed that support the war. In my defense, I purchased them before learning about those sites. Then again, ignorance is bliss.

So, I have this constant debate: how do I become cruelty-free? How do I disassociate myself from brands that promote war? I want to lead a life that cares about my environment and promotes kindness.

It's hypocritical of me that I should go vegan or promote being anti-war constantly and such. For one, I cannot give up eating meat. I eat meat by-products. I also like good quality leather. I avoid watching the news altogether. Hence, my late knowledge of the brands supporting the war. Ultimately, I'm just human, living to the fullest as much as I can and being kind to everyone as much as I can. I'm not perfect.

In the movie A Hundred-foot Journey, sometime at the beginning, the mother is educating the son about food, or meat for that matter, being ghosts. We eat ghosts. We eat the souls of the ingredients we put into our cooking. Therefore, we should prepare the ingredients as best as possible and create a soulful dish. I've heard the same concept in Japanese cooking. Treat every ingredient as precious. The utmost respect we can give to each ingredient is creating a good dish. It may not be Michelin-star quality, but it is a dish that comforts the body and soul.

I asked my partner about this, and he said we were imperfect. We should live in our way wherein, as much as possible, we do not actively participate in cruelty. Such a vague answer, but fortunately, I recently came to my resolve. 

As for being cruelty-free, I will use whatever I have right now and finish them. If I can find a better alternative, that's great! If I don't, I will not stop looking for one. It's easy to navigate and seek out alternatives to being cruelty-free. You can't deny the quality of non-cruelty-free products, but at least today, there are more options. 

Moving forward, I will not buy from brands that support the war. I will use the products I have right now without guilt. But next time I want to purchase, I will research the brand. War is the ultimate cruelty. 

Ultimately, I'd stop being guilty of what I have. Like food, I will use and respect what I have right now. In the future, I'll exercise to be more mindful. I'm just human, after all, navigating through the world in my way.

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Mermaid Green again!

I dyed my hair again, just so ever recently after three months. As you know, the undergrowth is bad. Of course, it didn't fade well over time. I think it is the fate of bleaching your hair with a box dye at home and alone. XD

My hair update after a month and half-ish.
Look at that insane patchiness.
huhuhu

So, I dyed my hair with Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Hair Dye in Mermaid Green or 3GN. This is the second time for me to use the same hair dye. For the first time, I just dyed it over with unbleached darker hair. The green-ness didn't really come through and was showing very ashy brown. It was nice, in all fairness.

This was from December, 2022.
No green but more ashy. Not bad, I should say.

This second time around, the green-ness came out. Of course, it's because I had bleached, light-colored hair. The results are fabulous, I must say. I like it!

The green is more evident now. 
Excited how it fades on me over time.

The Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Mermaid Green 4GN can be my holy grail hair color. I'm curious how it'll fade now that I came from a bleached (patchy) hair. XD Let's see! 

What do you think? Do you like it, too?

Yearend review of my 2023 goals

I had a list of goals for this year 2023. I think I failed miserably. 

Let me break it down...

Be consistent with sunscreen

Well, I could say that I wear sunscreen almost everyday. Sometimes, I don't. I just hide in our room and avoid getting close to the window.  Unfortunately, my computer is near the window. If I need to be on the computer when the sun is fully up, I put a blanket over my face. 

One thing for sure though is that I always wear sunscreen, especially when I go out of the house. If it's late in the day, not anymore really, though.

Currently, I use Skin Aqua UV Moisture Gel.

Fully integrate retinol

I tried using a local brand with great reviews but I don't the feeling on my face. I get extra bumps on my jawline and temples, which means that I have extra moisture. When I don't use it, my face becomes  smoother after a few days to a couple of weeks. I don't get that rough horny layer, as Japanese skincare calls it. I'm not sure if the extra ingredient in that retinol product is causing the bumps or if the sandwich method is backfiring at me. 

Perhaps, I'll try from a different brand. 

I also tried incorporating Rohto Melano Anti Spot CC Essence in my routine. I noticed that I sometimes have the rough horny layer. So maybe... I'll find out more. 

Consume only 12 glasses of milktea or less!

I failed with this one right here. Well, I create my own milk tea at home with matcha powder and mix it will soy or oat milk. But soy and oat milks have become incredibly expensive that my budget cannot keep up. So, I use just regular fresh milk. 

Sometimes, I get the Mineshine Milktea from 711. It's the lesser evil compared to the ones you can buy from the shops. You get to have more tea, less sugar. 

One thing I can guarantee though is that I buy less from the shops. My tummy cannot tolerate too much cold and dairy anymore. I'm cautious if I buy milk tea and I'm outside. 

I think my goal should be buying less milktea from the shops.

Read 12 books or more for the year!

I haven't reached 12 books this year to be honest. I think I read three this year. Hopefully, I can do more reading. Reposting this goal.

Work on core and glutes even for 15 mins., 3x a week

I haven't been religious with this goal, sadly. I will make sure in the coming year to hit this! Reposting this goal.

Hydrate always

It has helped me to remember that I have this goal. Reposting this goal.

Finish and empty makeup from previous year

I think I've only finished using mascaras. They're very predictable to consume fast because the product gets all clumpy.  Other than that, none, but I threw some eyeshadow pallets that have grown mold in them. One was already old, which I got from 2021? One is just from last year, which is sad. 

One thing for sure though that I have curated my makeup kit. I only purchased until recently before our company party.  

Eat more healthily! Less fried food and takeout

I think I've done some augmentation on this goal. Recently, I don't like eating pizza, fried chicken, and fast food takeouts. But if I don't feel quite well, pizza is the go-to food, and then after that, I detest pizza. 

This goal is a work in progress and I'd like to be more religious on this one. Reposting this goal.

Mindful spending

I think my online shopping has lessened - buying only necessities only during double-day sale. I think I can specify and expound more on this goal. Reserved for another post.

Sleep more and sleep well

This goal is the hardest for me, honestly. It's a continuous work in progress. Reposting this goal.

In conclusion

I think it has helped me to keep myself on track with specifically listing out my beauty and wellness goals. It has also helped me to keep myself in check and call out myself to be more mindful. 

I think I'll give these goals a general name. :D

How about you guys, have you accomplished all or any of your goals this year? Please share! m(__)m

Expectation vs Reality: My lightest hair color to date

It's been six months since I last dyed my hair and this time, I thought about something really crazy. 

So, I bleached my hair and added a very light color to it, which is 0.0 Dust.

My expected result is far from my reality. Lol

Expectation vs. Reality
Youtube vs. Real Life 😅
Photo screen- grabbed
from youtube: @iampolinpolin

My consolation to myself is that, my hair is somewhat like Bora's hair in Sistar's video, I swear.

Bora of Sistar - I Swear MV

This is what my hair has become after one week of bleaching and dyeing it.

One week after bleaching and dyeing

Honestly, it's patchy and quite uneven but I think I've grown to like it. I'm not sure yet. My besti and friends (who saw it) liked it. So... hmmmm.

Here's what I learned from this season's DYI hair dye-ing:

• ✨There's always a limit on what you can DIY.
• ✨ Always be ready for the result.
• ✨ If you can't own the result, you can always go to the salon. 😅

How about you? Have you dyed your hair as crazy as this? Please share about it! 🙇‍♀️

Oily-skin friendly sunscreens!

I haven't really abandoned this blog and I haven't really been keen on reposting here so often as compared to posting in my Instagram and Tiktok. I'm not going to lie, it's just so easy to repost from IG to Tok and vice versa. 

Let me just share to you all the sunscreens that I have liked over the past months since September of last year. 

RA&GoWoori Real Kill 9.9 Sunscreen with Makeup Base

This sunscreen is my first every purchase from a Tiktok shop. Not bad purchasing from there. Then again, you have to be vigilant if you're getting a legit or a counterfeit product. I used this last September, 2022 and lasted me around 3-6 months. This smells like a men's cologne that is not overpowering, just light and fresh.

RA&GoWoori Real Kill Sunscreen

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics and Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream 

I've used these two sunscreens alternately from March, 2023. I liked Tocobo sunscreen first and brought it to a trip with me. I loved it and works well in a hot and humid environment. I liked Beauty of Joseon sunscreen a little later and just appreciated the cloud-like, marshmallowy texture. Both of these sunscreens are moisturizing but oily-skin friendly. I don't mind repurchasing either one of them in the future.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics and
Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream 

Skin Aqua UV Moisture Gel 

This is the newest sunscreen that I am currently using as of typing. It's lightweight but moisturizing. I purchased this during my travel last March. I kind of regret that I only bought one. I should've bought two of this or even another brand because the Watson's where I bought this had a Ramadan sale and the prices were so affordable compared to here in the Philippines, even on sale. So, next time!

These are the sunscreens that I like over the past months. They will really make you want to apply sunscreen everyday without fail and excuses.

Have you tried any of these sunscreens? Please share your thoughts, too! (^o^)

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam color in 7a Taupe Ash Gray

I decided to dye again with Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam color in 7a Taupe Ash Gray over the weekend.

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam
color in 7a Taupe Ash Gray

I got another Jennie color but I am not a fan of Jennie or BP for that matter. It's just that I like Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam DIY hair dye because it covers my grays, it fades well on my hair with no brassiness and it's cheaper compared to going to the salon. 

7A Ash Taupe Gray

Jennie in 7A Taupe Ash Gray

I think is from a new different line because it comes in a different box. Or a rebrand? I'm not so sure but rest assured it still has the same quality. 

Expected results, directions, and ingredients
The box also comes with a separate inlay of
detailed instructions like the previous versions.

I got very nice results again using Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color. I posted the results on my Instagram Reels and on Tiktok but let me also post more pictures here. 

I really like how the shade, 7a Taupe Ash Gray, suits me. I think it was able to match one of the results in the box. 

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam is now a staple in my DIY hair coloring experience!

Fear out of missing of...

 It's the end of March and I still have these @blkcosmeticsph cuties unopened. 

Blk cosmetics mini creamy all over paints
in Very Peri and Ticle Pink

I got them for a steal deal last December 2022 during the #blkcosmetics live event in tiktok. I was actually in my no-buy era but, hey, they were sold at a fraction of the price and I want to try pink and purple tints. I'm so late in the hype game but I just want to try them at my pace, my comfort(, and my budget 😅).

Sometimes, seeing all these things and events in #socialmedia makes you feel you are missing out on many things and reeling you in a different direction. I always say to myself: stick with your goals, trust the process, calm down and be patient.

Great things always come to those who wait.

Looking back and thinking about my future specifics

Happy New Year, guys! Can you believe that it's already 2023? Time flies so fast. It was just 2022 last night. XD

I bet resolutions are already coming in. I got mine, too, and I'm shameless to share in awhile.

I'm glad that for the past year, somehow I hit my goals. Let me go over them.

Chokchok skin

I believe I maintained the chokchokiness of my skin. It was just a bit of a challenge since we're back to the office and I have to adjust hydration. See my skincare journal as of November, 2022.

Coffee, dairy, and sweets

I drank less milk tea, even though I went a bit over 12 glasses. Keeping tabs on it in my Instagram helped me to check my self and keep track.

I haven't drank any coffee for the past year. Maybe just 1%, when my BB gives me her milk with coffee ( Yes, she puts a bit of coffee in her milk, sadly). Or when I eat coffee jelly or coffee icecream. Okay, maybe around 5-10%. But I don't buy instant coffee anymore or brew one. I don't choose to buy coffee. I kind of miss tasting that pure coffee with milk but I avoid it. I'm okay with smelling one when I pass buy cafes.

My coffee alternative is  corn coffee. It doesn't have caffeine. The taste is somehow there but not totally. XD It still is different.

My dairy alternative has become plant-based. Usually it's soy. Sometimes, oat. I only consume dairy when I indulge myself in milk tea. You can't really ask the shop to substitute the milk unless you go to cafes.

I opted to avoid coffee and dairy for health reasons. I work at night and has a bit of trouble now adapting my sleep schedule. Lack of sleep plus coffee equals to palpitation. I avoid that to happen. 

Consuming zero to less dairy also helped me pinpoint some health concerns. I've read that dairy may cause some vaginal itchiness and acne. And it helped! I don't get acne anymore or have issues down there. XD

Workout, hyrdation, and reading

My workout routine is very sporadic, which is sad. I'm so lazy. I want it to be more consistent and excercise like I used to, which is like three to four times a week.

I still have issues on hydrating myself. Keeping a tumbler or flask right next to me is a great reminder to stand up and drink water. Having an SO that is pro-drinking water also helps.

My reading routine this year is very slow. It kind of helps that we have a book club with our team at work. So I was able to read three and I'll be finishing one soon, so that's four from the club. I've read using ebooks and audiobooks. Some audiobooks are great companions during work. XD Of course, nothing beats reading a hardcopy. I've enjoyed "If Cats Disappeared from the World" this year. It's very different from the movie, but this is for another post.

More improvement on saving, spending, and sleep

I can say I've cut back on my online spending but it's still a lot. I always set aside for savings and bills but I'm still marupok or easily influenced, especially on things that I believe I need. Writing down my monthly online expenses help me evaluate what I really need versus what I want. It's also nice having to go in-store to check out things to buy to better evaluate quality. Not to mention, cutting back all those packaging and trash when you get your items. You won't believe how much trash I need to discard and hoping they'd get recycled. Honestly, you can't recycle every recyclables you get. If you're able to do that, please share tips!

Having said that, I want to recallibrate how I save. I want to be more specific and be more mindful on how I save and what I save for.

However, it's hard to recallibrate my sleeping pattern. Maybe it comes with age. I must say nothing beats following your natural sleeping patter: sleep at night, wake up in the morning. I've posted some of my just-woke-up face and you can see the difference on my undereyes and my overall vibe. I'm hoping this dilemma can be mended very soon.

2023 goals

I believe it helps to think about what you really want and what you want to achive. I wasn't really specific when I listed my goals last year. I was just kind of thinking about the general picture and let the specifics come along. Talking about what I have achieved, have achieved so far, and want to achieve is a refreshing thought. I need to be specific to simplify what I really want to hit. Posting my list in Instagram helps me out, too. 

My 2023 Goals

I've shamelessy blabbed on about what I've done for the past year. Is this me totally adulting? I believe goals are what keep you on track and sane, and refocus on priorities that you thought you've never had. What are your goals for 2023?

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Mermaid Green review

I dyed again! It has been four months since I last dyed my hair and it seems I'm on the Jennie shade roll. I want to try something darker and it's just a coincidence that the previous hair color I had was a Jennie shade. 

I dyed this time with Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Mermaid Green.

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Mermaid Green

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Mermaid Green

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Mermaid Green results

My hair is already long, reaching a bit deep down the bra line. My hair is thick but layered and the strands below on the bottom part have become a bit thin. One box was still okay but if you have thicker hair than mine, use two boxes. 

It was still able to cover my hair, especially on the roots but the ends haven't really processed. though it's not that noticeable, as seen on my Insta reels. It's okay and I still look decent.

Before dyeing...

Six days after dyeing...

Clearly, my hair have become darker and it made my complexion a bit brighter. My grays have become green right after application but faded well in a week. It doesn't look patchy, I dare say. So it's good. I feel this vibe compared to the vanilla blonde I tried. What do you think? Do you like it, too?

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

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Brown review

I dyed a couple of weeks ago with Mise en Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Brown. 

It came out very, very golden brown on me. You can see that it's not exactly the same with what's on the box, especially under different lighting.

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Brown
under fluorescent lighting

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color in Brown
near the window with natual lighting

I like it but I'm not sure I love it. I got raves with it, though. 

Check out my video posted in Instagram and Tiktok to see how it fairs.

What do you think?

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?

Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color Hair Dye Shampoo in Vanilla Gold

I want to copy Mamamoo Solar's hair from Honey, her latest video. Solar has honey-colored locks that make her look so fresh. I want to cop her hair color, too. 

Solar in Honey

So, I bought Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color Hair Dye Shampoo in Vanilla Gold, thinking I could achieve the same hair color, given my faded hair color. The middle effect is the targeted result.

My before-hair was already getting brassy. I forgot to talk about it here but posted it in my IG stories. If I remember correctly, it was Intense Dark Ash Blonde from Epsa. It's the cheapest DIY hair dye I've tried.

Check out the color transformation in my Instagram and TikTok accounts.

I feel like my head is a big sunset or the red panda in the movie, Turning Red. Of course, it's nowhere near Solar's hair. But I think it hits the vanilla gold-ish under different lighting.

I'm not very thrilled with my new hair color. It looks pretty decent, though. Lol

What can you say about my recent hair color? Let's see if I can get by to love it. 

Fairy Skin Premium Brightening Sunscreen Review

Hi guys! I just want to share with you the sunscreen I've been loving recently. 

This is the Fairy Skin Premium Brightening Sunscreen. It is true to its claims that it moisturizes and brightens (I believe this is the better word) your face. I'm not sure about the soothing part because I don't have any concerns of any skin irritation right now. 

The Fairy Skin Premium Brightening Sunscreen will make you really look forward to wearing sunscreen every day. It is non-sticky and very, very light. The texture is watery. Your skin can immediately absorb it. You can easily do a two or three-finger method when applying this sunscreen. 

There is also no visible white cast as it dries down.  So it really is perfect this summer and for oily-skinned people, like me. And to anyone looking for a very light-weight sunscreen. 

What I love:

• Lightweight
• Non-sticky
• Watery
• Skin quickly absorbs it
• Very affordable 
• Locally available!

Fairy Skin Premium Brightening Sunscreen

Fairy Skin Premium Brightening Sunscreen
ingredients

Fairy Skin Premium Brightening Sunscreen

I'm really glad I found about this sunscreen from one of my Instagram friends, @emuhleethebee. It's very, very nice! I love it! Check out also how I applied this sunscreen. :D

Have you tried the Fairy Skin Premium Brightening sunscreen as well?

Bioré Makeup Remover Review

I always prefer an oil-based makeup remover compared to cleansing balms and micellar waters. It's very straightforward. You just pump out what you need and use it. It frees you from using any cotton rounds and you don't have to pop any lids to use the product. 

I've tried using facial oils as a makeup remover but sometimes it's hard to actually remove them with a second cleanser. You need to rinse it off first so that your facial wash can do its thing. Some facial oils need to be rinsed off with warm water or wiped with a warm towel, though the latter can be very relaxing. But sometimes, we don't have time for that, do we? That's why a formulated cleansing oil is my go-to first step cleanser.

Time and again, I would still come back to Bioré Makeup Remover. I've tried other brands, even better, but they're hard to find in the Philippine market, worse, in the Davao market. Bioré is just so affordable and easy to find in your nearest Watsons. It does the job and even comparable to the ones I really like. I can't really find anything not to love from it.

Bioré Makeup Remover

Bioré Makeup Remover
ingredients list

In a nutshell...

What I like about Bioré Makeup Remover

• Scent is not strong.
• Removes everything from sunscreen to waterproof mascara.
• Very light, easy to rinse off.

What I am neutral about Bioré Makeup Remover

• Non-foaming type.

Do you use makeup removers? If so, what type? Please share about it. 

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. ☺️