Venus & Mars: Royal Pearl

I do believe I have covered every products from my V&M haul months ago. Guess you can tell by now that most of the products I bought from V&M are for the face. This soap is actually a repurchase.

Yes, this is another of my favorite soaps from Venus & Mars -- their Royal Pearl. The name reminds me from someone who is Maharlika while taking a bath with crushed pearls. And I would love that! Who doesn't want beautiful skin?

V&M Royal Pearl Soap | 120g for Php225 

An old photo of V&M Royal Pearl
A little difficult to read because of the flash, but this is the soap.

From their Facebook page:

Pearl powder is highly expensive and only a lucky few around the world can only have the privilege to use it. V&M Naturals brings you Royal Pearl, made out of organic emu oil, the finest pearl of South Sea, jojoba beads, olive oil and VCO.  

Have a keen eye to products that claim to have this and that. We use real crushed South Sea powder in our newest collection and we did our best to have it here just so we could make as much people (especially Filipinos) experience the benefits of genuine crushed pearls! You’ll see and feel these specially pulverized pearls straight on your skin once you try it.  

Royal Pearl Soap
Ingredients: Emu oil, crushed pearls, jojoba beads, olive oil and coconut oil 

Trivia:
I've read before that the royalties of the Imperial Palace in China swore by the miraculous rejuvenating effects of pearl powder. The Empress Dowage of Ching Dynasty China was famous for her beauty and her child-like porcelain skin even at the age of 74. Her beauty secret was using pearl powder diligently everyday. 

What is so unique about pearls?
Amino acids
It contains about 18 amino acids and over a dozen minerals. Including 10 essential amino acids necessary for the human body to heal and maintain cell nutrition. These essential building blocks of collagen and protein each has a specific function. Deficiency of any one of the key amino acids causes the skin to look coarse, depleted, old, and wrinkled. 

Naturally compatible and easily absorbed by the skin. It is naturally compatible and easily absorbed by the skin and body. Proven safe to ingest and apply to skin directly. 

Calcium
Real pearl powder is known to contain calcium. 

Natural whitener
It is a natural whitener. Imagine a whitening and anti-aging soap without any known skin whitener such as papain, arbutin, calamansi, glutathione, clair blanche. Be ready to see a more vibrant you! 

What we can achieve with Royal Pearl? 

Anti-aging
Naturally fairer complexion through its skin brightening properties
Cell renewal
Enhance skin elasticity
Improve circulation
Calming and detoxification
Protection from environmental radicals
Regulates skin discoloration
Smoothes skin texture 

Traditionally recognized benefits of using pearl powder products include: Healing, skin brightening, anti-wrinkle, and sun protection. Other anti-aging benefits: Helps to promote cell renewal, enhance elasticity, improve circulation, calming and detoxification, protects from environmental radicals, regulates skin discoloration, and smoothes skin texture. 

Jojoba beads 

Jojoba – long-acting moisture control
Jojoba gives a unique favorable texture to the skin. Unacceptable glare and greasy feel is suppressed. Jojoba has an excellent natural afterfeel. Jojoba spreads well, does not shine, is moist to touch makes the skin softer, smoother and reduces fine-line wrinkles. Jojoba dissolves excess sebum and allows pores to transpire normally.  

VNM TIP: Use the beads and pearl essence to scrub your skin. Do this for 5-20 minutes, depending on your mood.

(I was in a hurry to take these pictures that day. ^_^; Look! Still wrapped in plastic!)

After years I have tried this, it still surprises me this soap has a cantaloupe or melon scent to it. I would never ever think something like soap has such scent because it doesn't say in the ingredients or reviews as far as I know about the fruity scent and I like that. Fun and unexpected things you would find in small packages like these are so nice.

I love the results the first time I used this. It took a while to lather though. My skin looked supple and feels softer. Very gentle. I am not sure about wrinkle-fighting, but if it did, I am glad it helped whatever lines may form remain unseen by the naked eye. The texture overtime of use is a little creamy. I love to let the foam sit on my face a bit longer as I take a shower to reap more of its benefits! It doesn't sting at all nor caused redness or breakouts. I can't tell if it lightened my skin during the time I used it. I do remember my boyfriend complimented me with how my skin looks smooth and glow. (Awww...) After that, I knew I need one of these in my next V&M haul.

Again, you would have known by now that I'd use this as a facial bar cleanser; I'd cut this in pieces to save money because I want this to last forever! However, the third (or fourth?) time I purchased and used this, I noticed it had this other smell. I do not know how to describe it, but I wouldn't say it is THAT terrible or fishy -- but just something funny. It did still smell like melon, but it also smelled something else. (Olfactory Memory) I don't want anyone to think I'm being harsh. I was hoping it was my imagination and ignored this smell for two weeks, but I couldn't take it much longer that I decided to use this for my body. I didn't want to throw it away of course; at least my body had been showered with the benefit of pearls. My body feels soft, clean and moisturized afterwards.

I really don't know what that was, but it is always good to use the soap(s) as soon as it arrived in your doorsteps. Don't let it wait for another week or month. Though I would want to hoard as many products as I can to save shipping and handling fee, Venus & Mars' products do not have expiration dates. You don't know if you are getting the freshest batch in your package, so buy only what you need.

That being said, I still love this soap. I would recommend this to anyone because it will leave your skin supple. This is one of the soaps that helped me get beautiful skin and became a fan ever since.

Purchase it here.

Boots No.7 (Three Product Reviews)

I was at Target a month ago and I found Boots No.7. I've heard about this brand from two beauty gurus I've been subscribed to on Youtube. They really liked this brand and I thought to give this a try. And right on cue, weeks later, since the weather is a bit cold, it left my skin a little dry especially on my*chin area. I have been battling that about a week now.

Boots No.7 Restore & Renew Night Cream 1.69 fl oz (50 ml)

Price: $19.99

No7 Restore & Renew Night Cream nourishes and revitalises mature skin to reveal younger looking, firmer feeling & more even toned skin in 4 weeks. 

Youthful Vitality. Nourish and revitalise your skin with this replenihing night time formula. Created to replenish lost lipids and helps boost your skin's over night repair and recovery processes. Containing Matrixyl.

Help's strengthen your skins resilence to stress and the result is smoother, plumper looking skin that feels firmer and has a renewed healthy glow. Our intensive nourishing complex with an optimum blend of skin identical lipids instantly gets to work to deeply moisturise your skin and help strengthen its resilience to future dryness.

In addition our skin forming complex a unique plant extract derived from the Persimmon Tree works to boost your skin's vitality so that it behaves like younger skin. [link]

Review:
I love the packaging. It has a nice, a bit perfume-y scent to it. I apply this on my face after I washed and toned my skin at night. A little of the product goes a long way! I've been using this for over a month now, and I love that whenever I wake up in the morning, my skin looks fresh, supple, glowing and smooth. I cannot say anything when it comes to fighting fine lines because I do not have any lines on my face... yet. This didn't caused me redness or breakouts. Though I know this moisturizer aims for 'mature skin', I still bought it anyways.

*This product relieved the dryness around my chin area overnight. But after I take a bath and all, of course the product will be washed off, I look in the mirror around an hour, and I see that flakiness that cannot go away! I am not saying it did not work, but maybe I need to add something else in my routine besides exfoliating, drinking water and adding moisturizer. I'm thinking of oils like Vitamin E, then top with my day moisturizer. I hope this will fight the dryness.*



Boots No.7 Luxurious Foaming Shower Oil 200ml/6.7 oz
Price: $8.99

With a combination of nourishing Argon and hydrating Grapeseed oils, packed with Omega 6 and 9, this gentle - foaming oil transforms your everyday shower into a spa experience in the comfort of your own home, conditioning the skin as it softly cleans and moisturizes. The silky lather gently cleanses the skin leaving it feeling soft, supple and hydrated all day long. [link]

Review:
As soon as I read the name of this shower oil in the shelves and the price, I was immediately drawn to it. The packaging stood out to me. It says, "An indulgent in-shower treat, containing nourishing Argan and Grapeseed Oils for soft, supple skin." And when I read the back, it says "Indulgent shower experience.  Give yourself an indulgent start to the day with this luxurious cleansing shower oil.  With a combination of nourishing Argan and hydrating Grapeseed oils, pack with Omega 6 and 9, this gentle-foaming oil transforms your everyday shower into a spa experience in the comfort of your own home, conditioning the skin as it softly cleans and moisturises." Doesn't that sound like any expensive shower oils out there? I doubled check the price and I am positive it read: $8.99. NO WAY! I got to have it!

It says you add a little of the product in your shower puff and then massage all over your body. And I did. For this foaming shower oil, I didn't want to see it all go away so I try to use as little as I can. It is oily, and once mixed with water, it made a little foam. It did mention LUXURIOUS so maybe I thought it'd produce bubbles. Until I read somewhere that shower oils don't really produce bubbles. *poker face* Or maybe, it just meant to say that it gives you "a spa experience in the comfort of your home" as written added with the nourishing oils.

I love the scent at first; it has that floral scent to it, but the more I use this, the more I am put off by its smell which smells like a strong perfume. It makes me a little nauseous. After I rinse, the skin feels soft and moisturized. Apply your favorite lotion on damp skin, and you are good to go!

Hmm... why are the pictures of the product online are yellow, while the one I have is brown? I didn't know there were two kinds!?? One for UK (yellow), and the other for US (brown)? I don't know.



Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Hydration Mask 75ml
Price: $16.99

This peel-off gel-cream mask awakens the skin with a burst of freshness and radiance. Vitamins C and E combine to provide anti-oxidant protection which instantly hydrates and revitalizes, leaving your complexion looking visibly brighter. [link] 

Review:
I love to use this peeling mask once a week if I feel like my skin needs a boost. I use this after my face is clean and dry (then I tone and moisturize afterwards). I apply just enough amount of product on my face and wait for 10 minutes to dry. It is really sticky, messy but gentle to the skin. Do not apply this anywhere near your eyebrows and hair because it will be tricky to remove the product. It made my skin feel and look awake and soft after I used this. A peeling mask is one 'fun' product to add in one's skin regimen if you have the time that is.


Out of the three, my favorites are tied between their Restore & Renew Night Cream and Luxurious Foaming Shower Oil. I would definitely pick them again.

Have you tried any of their products?

Philips HP6401 Satinelle Epilator

I. need. an. epilator. The End.

Yep, this is my first purchase of an epilator (It is 2013! Why didn't I know this years earlier of my life!?), or as anyone else would call it, "The Torture Device". I've been thinking about it a lot, read reviews and it definitely outweighs the pros than the cons. I have been using the Strip-It Hair Hair Removal Wax for years now. Don't get me wrong, but I love the product! Waxing at home has been a ritual every two weeks to keep everything in place. However, it can be quite costly to purchase a new tub every couple of months. I need something else.

An epilator is a hair plucking device. The minute it is turned on, its 21-30 electric tweezers (depending on the brand) rotates and quickly removes the hair down to its root. It has two-speed settings: (1) gentle and (2) efficient. But in my experience, I used the first setting (gentle), and I say it still pulled the hair out down to the root in my arms, legs, underarms and upper lip hair. Within minutes, you get a hair-free skin without the nasty stubble like what you see when one shave. Sounds easy? Yes, but it definitely hurts especially if one has never gone through waxing or threading. If someone has been into a waxing salon, your body is already accustomed to the pain like you know what to expect. (I had someone to thread my eyebrows, and man, it hurts so bad! I was in tears!!!)

A month ago, I browsed on Amazon to get myself a good epilator. I have no product to compare it to so I read reviews more than thrice to be extra sure. I do not want the hassle to return the product, or leave it inside my closet and never to be seen again. There were lot of brands of epilators and it ranges from $30-$200. I am on a tight budget because I was also eyeing some other items on Amazon. LOL! So I want something affordable and does the job like it says it would.

I bought the Philips HP6401 Satinelle Epilator on Amazon for $32.99. And I would have to say, I am happy on my purchase.

Though the product says it is for the legs, I also used it on my underarms and arms and it works like magic!

Philips Satinelle epilator gives you soft, smooth skin from head to toe. Unlike disposable razors or depilatories, Philips Satinelle epilator removes hair from the roots and is gentle on your skin. Complete with two speed settings and an ergonomic grip for comfortable handling, this epilation system removes hair as short as 0.5 millimeter. The 21 hypoallergenic discs and a removable, washable head ensure a hygienic hair removal experience.

- Efficient epilation systsem removes hair from the root

- Efficiency cap ensures gentle epilation in the most sensitive areas

- Two speed setting allow for maximum performance

- Ergonomic grip for comfortable handling

- Washable epilation head for optimal hygiene  

The box comes with the epilator itself, an instruction manual, a long cord, and an efficiency cap (the purple one). But I think the efficiency cap has nothing to do anything to keep the pain at bay; others threw it out, but I still kept it to keep my epilator 'protected'. Guess it is just me.

The moment you'd use this, expect that there will be pain. Since I am used to waxing, the pain is tolerable. The hair is removed from the root so there's no shortcut, unless you don't feel physical pain at all. Doesn't it make you feel good to see those roots from the unwanted hairs in the epilator? I do. Switch the epilator on. I used neither of the two-settings; it still works fine. The sound of the rotating tweezers may sound frightening and intimidating at first, but you'll get the hang of it overtime. Keep the epilator in a 90 degree angle. Do NOT force the epilator to your skin. Let it glide to your skin as it removes hair. Take your time. Glide the epilator upwards and downwards depending on the direction of the hair. Again, it will hurt, but the results are rewarding! Once the hair is removed from the root, the hair will grow finer and sparser overtime. If this is your first time, do a patch test to see what you should expect during the epilating process. Once you are done, remove ONLY the epilator head (The back of the epilator has a marking and it shows the direction where to slide the epilator head for clean-up. Once it is completely dry, slide it back on.) and wash it with running water and let dry before storing.

I've read that others epilate after they took a shower because the pores are open and the hair is easier to remove. But for me, I prefer to epilate before I take a shower. It just feels less of a hassle. I want the hairs to be removed, exfoliate and apply lotion on damp skin. The skin feels so smooth, soft and clean especially on your underarms. Of course, I do also make sure I exfoliate the day before I'd epilate. Once hairs are removed from the root, it will take 1-2 weeks for the hair to grow before your next epilating which saves you time unlike shaving. I tried epilating the hairs on my upper lip and it hurts so bad! I cried! But if you can tolerate the pain, why not? I don't know though if some have tried epilating their bikini area... and I don't want to find out.

The Philips HP6401 Satinelle Epilator is NOT rechargeable. You need the cord to plug for your use. The cord is 5 feet long enough to cover places where you want to epilate. It can handle between a 100-240 voltage. But I am no way expert such as these; ask someone who knows better just to be extra sure if you need to use an adapter outside the U.S. Though I wanted a rechargeable epilator, I would say I am happy with what I got. The epilator doesn't come with a cap to protect the electric tweezers, so be extra careful where to place it for hygiene purposes. Do not forget to exfoliate everyday to remove dead skin and prevent ingrown hairs.

I've only used it twice since I last bought it a month ago. Despite the slight pain I felt, this is definitely worth the investment. With the epilator, you can take this baby with you wherever you go (be sure there is electricity!) and remove hairs in a breeze. Easy to use. No mess. Hair-free. Cute design. Compact. Budget friendly. No need to buy hair removing wax strips to remove hair. Done in few minutes. (Boom!)

UPDATE: March 17, 2014

I am back in the Philippines. ^^

I asked two electricians if I can directly plug this epilator and they say it is okay. 

So I did and it works just like the day I first used it. Everything's a-ok!

Before purchasing, better to research online its voltage capacity

to be extra sure especially gadgets you bought outside your country.

Always remember to ask a professional first before plugging things you do not 100% sure.

Trader Joe's Mini Haul

Before we left Stonestown (3251 20th Ave; between Buckingham Way & Winston Dr), we headed to Trader Joe's to buy some groceries... aaand some stuff for myself. I am running low of supplies so I need back-up!

Trader Joe's - Nourish All in One Facial Cleanser - $5.99

I have heard about this facial cleanser from some beauty gurus on Youtube and they loved it!

I can't wait to use it! A Cleanser, Exfoliant, Tearless and Antioxidant Rich product.

Trader Joe's - Nourish Antioxidant Facial Serum - $9.99

I really need a serum to add in my night regimen. In it goes in my shopping cart!

"This luxurious feeling Antioxidant Serum will leave your skin feeling velvety smooth while supplying it with an abundance of antioxidants including Resveratrol and encapsulated Vitamin C beads."

Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Soap - $9.99

This is the only one they have inside the store.

• Help generate a high-lather cleansing even in hard water

• Contain the therapeutic benefits of tea tree oil

• Include olive, hemp, coconut, and palm oil

• Use for facial cleansing, bathing and cleaning minor cuts and scrapes

• Made in USA

Trader Joe's Moisturizing Cream Extra Dry Formula - $3.99

I bought this product on a whim because it's $3.99. I don't have dry hands, but it is always good to moisturize.

"...this cream is really meant for the depths of winter, when cold and wet weather have done a number on your skin and you really need some relief. It was specially formulated to soothe, moisturize, and condition extra dry, rough, or chapped skin—whether caused by weather or just the dry, hot, environment of a wintertime office environment. Among the ingredients in this never-tested-on-animals cream are aloe vera, avocado oil, and jojoba oil, to soothe, comfort, and replenish your skin."

Trader Joe's Vitamin Oil E - $3.99

I also bought this product on a whim. LOL!

"4 fluid oz. Smooth onto face, hands, legs and feet as needed. also may be poured into the bath as desired for that soft and silky feel. Excellent moisturizer for all skin types. Please avoid contact with eyes. Not to be taken internally. Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Vitamin E, Coconut Oil. Contains 24,000 International Units of Vitamin e Oil per 4 Fl. OZ"

I also bought some snacks. There were a lot to choose from, but these are what I like. Have you seen the packaging? I LOVE the packaging! It is just cute, comical, and makes food a lot interesting.

Kale Chips - $3.99

I've been juicing kale since I got here, and I love the health benefits it does. And when I found these 'healthy' junk food, I just had to try them! Snacking has never been this so much fun.

Trader Joes' Gummy Tummies (Pengiuns) - $1.99

My mom and I were about to pay when I spotted these gummies! I've been fighting back these cravings for gummies for a month now. (Yes, you've read that right!) And look, they're even PENGUINS! Who doesn't love penguins? They are so cute!

...and so, while blogging this, I couldn't help but take a bite. Yummy!

That's my mini haul.

Product reviews will be posted months from now. OMG! Come to think of it, I have a lot of catching up to do.

Olive Oil Hair Treatment

I never dared to go to a salon to get a perm, hot oil or any of that to my hair. I remember this hairdresser years ago who used these harsh chemicals leaving my hair looking worse. I am glad my hair slowly recovered, and since then, this phobia always made me want to skip what they (hairdressers) wanted to do to my hair. Until I read online that olive oil is beneficial for the hair. I was a little hesitant because it IS oil, but reading other people's beauty stories made me want to try it.

Olive oil is one natural ingredient that is packed with wonderful healthy fats either you consume it or apply on the skin, you can also use it as a hair mask once a week to keep the hair shine, healthy and vibrant. This hair mask is good for all hair types.

As a matter of fact, I have Olive Oil on my hair right now. :)

1. In a small bowl, heat 2-3 tablespoons of Olive oil for 20 seconds in a microwave. Increase or reduce the amount of Olive oil depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Do not heat the oil for longer periods because it could burn your hair or scalp.
2. Massage and evenly distribute the oil focusing the ends of your hair.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap or a grocery bag and wait for 30 minutes. The heat that gets trapped inside the plastic will help absorb the oil into your hair.
4. Wash it off with lukewarm water and shampoo.
5. Don't use a blow dryer. Let your hair dry naturally.

I love this hair mask! It is easy to do right in the comfort of your home without breaking the bank. The ingredient is very natural so it's good for you.

ALAFFIA African Black Soap (Tangerine Citrus)

I've watched videos on Youtube and read reviews online and majority had awesome results after they used the African Black Soap. Unfortunately, the day I was at Whole Foods, I couldn't find blocks of soap of the product like I know of, but what I did find was a liquid form of the African Black Soap. I was so ecstatic!

Alaffia African Black Soap For All Skin and Hair Types Tangerine Citrus - 32 fl oz [$11.99]

Ingredients 

African mint (ocimum canum) extract (aqueous), African black soap (saponified shea butter* [butyrospermum parkii] and palm kernel oil [elaeis guineensis]), lauryl glucoside, tangerine essential oil, orange essential oil, lemongrass essential oil, litsea essential oil.*Certified Fair for Life - Social and Fair Trade by IMO. 

Directions 

Facial Cleanser: Apply with palm or facial cloth and massage gently over skin. Rinse clean and pat dry. Follow with Alaffia Face Cream of your choice. Body Wash: Squeeze onto a wet loofah, scrub or wash cloth and work into a lather on body. Rinse thoroughly. Shampoo: Apply to wet hair and massage into a rich lather. Rinse thoroughly and condition with Alaffia or Everyday Shea conditioner. Also good as: Hand Soap, Shaving Soap and General Household Cleanser. 

Product Description 

What is African Black Soap? In West Africa, authentic black soap is known by its Yoruba name, Osse Dudu. "Dudu" means the color black, which comes from the extensive "cooking" of soap to the point of charcoal. Many cultures in West Africa use charcoal to detoxify and purify the skin, and this is an integral aspect of the true African black soap. Furthermore, the authentic black soap is made from a centuries old recipe of handcrafted shea butter and indigenous West African palm kernel oil. Saponification is provided by adding ashes to the hot oils, then cooking the soap for six hours. The final step is to dry and cure the soap in the sun for three weeks. The extensive cooking and curing process makes authentic African black soap mild and gentle, and is the major reason for its great popularity rise in America. The second important reason is this soap's versatility. In Togo, the black soap is an "all in one" option for cleaning, and is ideal for faces and babies, shaving, shampooing, and as a general hand & body wash. Scented with a clarifying blend of citrus essential oils.

I love that this is an all-purpose product which saves you money. I usually go for products that do its individual use what my hair or skin needs. The face is delicate than the rest of the skin of our body so I am always skeptical when the product has a '2-in-1' written on the packaging... unless it's a trusted and organic brand, I wouldn't mind to give it a try.

I've been using it for a month and the product is amazing! It has that (tiny?) citrus-y scent to it, but you could still smell that earthiness of the African Black Soap like what you would expect. It has that beautiful caramel color; it is in a liquid soap and has a thick consistency. I used it as shampoo, body and facial wash. It didn't caused me dandruff, rashes, dryness or breakouts. It left my hair and skin moisturized and clean.

It did also say in the packaging that you can also use this for shaving or use it as a  general household cleaner. I like that. Very Eco-friendly.

This is a great product to try!