The Foaming Net: Cleansing Your Face with Rich Marshmallow Lather

First step in skin care is cleansing the face properly. We all know how to wash our face and it doesn't take a minute or two to get it done. But if you are talking about real serious skin care routine, you should know that that is not enough. Consider cleansing the face is a form of art, and you don't want to just scrub away like your skin is about to peel off! OMG NO! A lot of people admire Japanese and Korean women because of their supple and porcelain skin and we want that! One of those secrets is by treating your skin as gently as possible... and one of the gentlest ways to clean the skin is by using a foaming net. (And I do not mean rubbing the net in your skin! Read on.)

I've heard about this foaming net a year ago or so but never have given it a thought. Probably because it is an extra step that I dread just for washing the face? I never cared since then... until, I came across some Asian youtubers who uses a foaming net and rave how wonderful this product was. I thought to get my own foaming net and see what the fuss was about.

This is a foaming net. Whoever have thought about this is a sheer genius! I love my foaming net the day I first used it. It's been part of my skin care regimen ever since, and my skin looked better than before. Cleansing my face has never been this fun!

 I bought this at Daiso for $1.50 which is very affordable. This pack here has two foaming nets: a small pink one (130mm) and a big white one (170mm).

This foaming net helps is creating a thick and rich foam from your foaming cleanser and use that lather to gently wash your face with. Its fine bubbles cleanses deep down in your pores for thorough clean without stripping the natural oils. And also, with its marshmallow texture, it minimizes discomfort on your skin while cleansing; thus, less skin-to-skin contact. This foaming net will also double up the cleanser itself with just one (or half) pump of your cleanser which saves you money. Once this foam touches your face, I am telling you, you will be looking forward to cleanse your face because of its soft foam. You will definitely feel like you need to have this around wherever you go. Just be sure you be gentle while washing your face. Don't scrub too hard. Let the marshmallow power do its work for you. It is just relaxing!

To use this foaming net, you: (1) Wet the net and hold it between your fingers. (2) Put the facial cleanser on it and foam well by rubbing it with your hands. (3) Hold it with your fingers and remove the lather by smoothing it. (4) Wash your face gently with the lather. (5) Let the foaming net hang dry.

How amazing is this! It all look simple, but the science behind it just blows my mind every time I wash my face with it.

Not only you can buy this in Asian stores, but you can also create your very own foaming net too! This is an awesome tip which even saves you more money and it is so easy to make. I found one DIY website here! You are welcome. :)

This product right here is highly recommended. Give your skin an extra dose love!

 

Trader Joe's Nourish Facial Cleanser and Serum

While I was at Trader Joe's, I purchased their Nourish Dermatologist Formulated Antioxidant Facial Serum: for all skin types and the Nourish Dermatologist Formulated All-In-One Facial Cleanser because I've seen the facial cleanser from a lot of Youtube videos that they are raving about, so in it goes in my shopping cart. Plus, I bought a bottle of their facial serum because I feel that's what its lacking in my night regimen. Yep. Surprise, surprise!

Nourish Dermatologist Formulated All-In-One Facial Cleanser [$5.99]

 The Facial Cleanser is a gentle, sulfate-free, soap-free formula that dissolves oil without drying your skin. It's enhanced with antioxidants like green tea extract and vitamins A, C, & E, which aid in rejuvenating your skin. It's gentle enough for all skin types, from sensitive to normal to oily. You can use it for daily cleansing — use a washcloth to add a gently exfoliating element — and it makes a terrific shaving gel, too. We're selling each 8.45 ounce pump bottle for $5.99, every day, a phenomenal value for a Cleanser of this quality.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium PEG-12 Dimethicone Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Panthenol (Vit. B5), Retinyl Palmitate (Vit. A), Cholecalciferol (Vit. D3), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit. E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vit. C), Phytonadione (Vit. K), Alpha Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q-10, Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Extract, Copper Peptides, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid

Amazing to find a bottle this big (250ml) which sells for $6! I've been using it for 3 months now, and I still have a product left. It has a gel-like formula and lathers really nicely. I do not know how this exactly exfoliates the skin, as it says in the packaging, but I still opt for my trusty St. Ives Apricot Scrub twice a week to gently get rid of the dead skin cells. After washing my face, my skin feels and looks nice. I also had some breakouts around on my jaw for a couple of months due to stress and weather changes, and now it is gone. It doesn't say it has Salycilic Acid into it, but this product helped me. With its antioxidants, you just know you are giving your skin what it needs without stripping the skin's natural oils. A definite repurchase!

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Nourish Dermatologist Formulated Antioxidant Facial Serum: for all skin types [$9.99]

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.

Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tetrahexydecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C Ester), Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), Thiotic Acid (o-Lipoic Acid), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Phytonadione (Vitamin K1), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate), Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), Retinol (Vitamin A), Resveratrol, Copper Amino Acid Chelate (Tripeptide-1), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Palmitate), Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed, Chamomilla Recutita Flower/Leaf (Chamomile) Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Camellia Oleifera Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Jojoba Esters, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Citrus Grandis (Pomelo Grapefruit) Seed Oil, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Wax, Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry) Fruit Extract, Gingko Biloba Extract.

I need a serum because, due to weather changes, my skin looked somehow a bit dry. And unsurprisingly, after my first bottle I had to repurchase because my skin love it!

The packaging look sleek in a 30ml bottle costing $9.99 at Trader Joe's. It comes in a dispenser which you can control of how much product you need. A little goes a long way! I has a lovely hint of citrus-y scent to it which means you know you are applying one of the best vitamins known for radiant skin: Vitamin C. I apply this on my face, neck and chest (I use a different product to moisturize my hands) under my moisturizer to boost hydration and prevent certain signs of aging. You can't neglect them... EVER!

The serum has a waxy feel to it, and I did not like it at first, but the more I see awesome results, I didn't mind it all. It didn't clogged my pores nor caused redness. I use this as for my night regimen with just 3-5 pumps, and it just easily smoothens and absorbs to the skin. After 2 months, my skin just looks supple and healthy.

Looking at the ingredients, you may first think you are getting the best out of your money for $10 and that is a good thing. We love a good deal! But when I saw the product with its transparent container, I kind of thought, "Will this deteriorate the essential vitamins such as Vitamin C?" These vitamins are sensitive to the light so it has to be inside a dark container to protect them (vitamins) while it is waiting for us to purchase these babies. That's just a little concern of mine. But thankfully, been using it for months now, and I got excellent results for my skin.

I would definitely recommend them. They are inexpensive and a good addition in anyone's skin regimen without breaking the bank.

Dr. Bronner's Organic Peppermint Hemp Castile Liquid Soap

One product I want to try because I've seen this everywhere. I really do not have any idea what scent is popular, but luckily, the day I was at Trader Joe's, this Peppermint scent was the only variety available. Well, that was easy! I gave it a go since it was $10 for a bottle this big!

Dr. Bronner's Organic Peppermint Hemp Castile Liquid Soap 16oz [$10]

From their website:

Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Liquid Soap is our most popular fragrance. The peppermint essential oil tingles the body and clears the mind. Therapeutically used as a mild stimulant, peppermint oil increases vitality and clarity. All soaps are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program. All soaps are also certified Fair Trade. Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic bottles.  

Ingredients:
Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide**, Organic Olive Oil*, Mentha Arvensis*, Organic fairDeal Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic
Peppermint Oil*, Citric Acid, Tocopherol
* CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS
** None remains after saponifying oils into soap and glycerin  

Suggested Uses:
Completely biodegradable and vegetable-based, our Classic Liquid Soaps Made With Fair Trade & Organic Oils have been called the "Swiss-army knife" of cleaning – usable for just about any cleaning task. These simple, ecologically formulated soaps are gentle enough for washing body, face or hair, but also powerful enough for tasks like dishwashing, mopping, laundry and even pest control. Different tasks call for different dilutions of the soap.

At first glance, the packing didn't look intriguing to me. If I didn't know about the brand, I would have never ever give a second thought of getting this. As I read the packaging, I was kind of confused with all the written information for a single product. There were finer prints that I can barely read. After self-debating, I decided to get one. Besides, I can always use this as a body wash in case I didn't like it hence 'liquid soap'. 

This is an awesome versatile product for less than $10. Gentle to be used to clean oneself, and at the same time, it can be tough enough as an all-around household cleaner. Here is an article to give you ideas on how to use the Dr. Bronner's liquid soaps.

It has a light brown color to it with a thin consistency, almost just like water. I kind of got worried if I need to use as much just to get it lathered because I thought it would be at least a concentrate. I added a little on my loofah and scrubbed away, and surprisingly, it lathered really well. Now that is a huge money-saver! A little product -- as in a teaspoon of this -- is all it needs for that beautiful lather!

Though I would want to expound a bit more if it does what this product says it does, let me tell you that I used this product only as a body wash -- nothing else. How can you blame me with that peppermint smell every time I shower this myself with? It gives me that tingling feel and leaves me feeling clean and fresh. It also doubles up as it clears my mind whenever I take a shower. Everything just smells amazing!

I would love to purchase this again, and see how well it will clean fresh produce, or how well it does as a general household cleaner. Even though the answer is pretty obvious, I prefer to see it for myself and tell you all about it. But since I did not do any of that besides as a body wash, I can't type anything else for this post. I also read somewhere online that some people use this to brush their teeth with. Er, I don't know about that. I never dared to because it sounds kind of risky thinking about it. If I did, I could end up swallowing that liquid soap. It may say it is a natural all-purpose product, but that doesn't mean I want to use it to clean my teeth. Soap is soap.

The scent is ah-mazing! If you love peppermint, GET IT!

Trader Joe's Haul

Bought food and some stuff at Trader's Joe's this afternoon. :)

Trader Joe's Peppermint Hot Chocolate [$4.99]

Bittersweet chocolate shavings with a hint of natural peppermint flavor.

One (1) 8 oz canister

Besides tea, I. NEED. CHOCOLATE.

Trader Joe's Kale Chips [$3.99]

A real nutrient superhero of a snack!

I love kale. I love these nacho flavored kale chips! I just got to have one of these again.

Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Powerberries [$3.49]

Excellent source of vitamin c.

Made with dark chocolate, a natural source of flavanol antioxidants.

Had one of these before and they are so good. Love munching on these! Acai berries, pomegranate, cranberry and blueberry juices dipped in dark chocolate.

Trader Joe's Pomegranate White Tea [$2.49]

Made with organic white tea leaves, hibiscus flowers and lemongrass

Antioxidant powerhouse

I love tea! I've heard about this tea from two beauty gurus on Youtube. I really love their enthusiasm when it comes to tea. It doesn't feel like any "ordinary tea", but always something exciting. So this is a must have! If you are a subscriber to any of them, then high five!

Trader Joe's Mango Black Tea [$1.99]

I think I've seen this tea also from these two beauty gurus on Youtube. I can't wait to try this tea as soon as I get home. Perfect summer drink!

Panda All Natural Soft Licorice Chews [$2.49]

I really wanted a bar of dark chocolate, but I spotted this panda, and I thought to get this candy instead.

Chewy just like gummies, but I didn't like the taste.

Trader Joe's Antiplaque Toothpaste with Fennel, Propolis & Myrrh [$2.29]

Trader Joe's Nourish Antioxidant Facial Serum [$9.99]

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

I got to remind myself to make a review on this product. I bought another bottle of this serum, and I like it.

I will reserve my thoughts on my next post.

There's still some other food we bought at Trader Joe's, but I do think there's no need to post them here. What are your must-have purchases in Trader Joe's?

Whole Foods Haul

It's one rainy day today even while as I type this. After we had lunch and watched the LEGO MOVIE, which was awesome by the way, we ought to shop for some groceries and other stuff at Whole Foods. And OMG, I checked the receipt, and some of the items were punched twice! FTW! I try not to let that ruin the rest of my day. I'll try to be just like Unikitty who loves to think happy thoughts. *sings* EVERYTHING IS AWESOME! EVERYTHING IS COOL WHEN WE'RE PART OF A TEAM! EVERYTHING IS AWESUUUUUUM! *sings*

Yogi Soothing Caramel Bedtime Tea Bags [$4.99]

Breathe in the enchanting aroma of Yogi Soothing Caramel Bedtime Tea and fall asleep fast. This blend is a delicious combination of organic chamomile flower, skullcap, California poppy and L-theanine specifically formulated to support relaxation by calming the body and mind to promote a good night's sleep. Sweet, creamy rooibos, caramel and vanilla flavors add soothing, warming flavor that's just right for drinking before bedtime. So, relax and drink Yogi Soothing Caramel Bedtime Tea for a good night's sleep.

OMG! Caramel Tea? That is so interesting. I don't have problems falling asleep as far as I know, but Caramel flavored tea? That sounds delicious for a tea! I got to try that.

Yogi Skin Detox Herbal Tea [$4.99]

Yogi Skin DeTox Helps Purify The Skin Made With Organic Green Tea 100% Natural Herbal Tea Supplement Low Caffeine Purify Your Skin from the Inside Out! Our skin reflects our diet and lifestyle choices: it's the mirror to internal health. It's just as essential to cleanse from the inside; by reducing internal impurities, you can have clearer, glowing skin. Yogi Skin DeTox was formulated to support a healthy skin care regimen by shedding impurities. Fragrant Rose Petal and Hibiscus, used in Ayurveda to cool and soothe the skin, entice the sense with a fresh, floral scent. Traditional liver-cleansers Burdock and Yellow Dock combined with ancient blood cleansing Red Clover help purify the skin, and Organic Green Tea rejuvenates with an antioxidant boost.

We bought three boxes of this Skin Detox Tea! I love this tea and also does my mom.

Alaffia Handcrafted Shea Butter, Unscented [$9.99]

Shea butter has been a staple of African skin care for millennia. Receive the full moisturizing and protective benefits of its unique fatty acid profile and Vitamins A and E with our traditionally handcrafted, unrefined shea butter. Unscented for sensitive skin. For all skin types. 2 oz.

Simplers Botanical Argan Oil 1oz [$8.24]

Simplers Organic Argan Oil is hand-processed by women's cooperatives in Morocco, providing much needed jobs for rural women. Pressed from the nut of Morocco's native argan tree, the oil is naturally high in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and skin-supporting nutrients.

Whole Foods 365 Blueberry Cereal Bars [$1.99]

Earth Science Azulene Eye Treatment [$11.24]

A highly effective formula designed especially for the delicate eye area.  Our unique blue chamomile flower extract helps to reduce the look of puffiness and dark circles, while rich moisturizers soften and minimize the appearance of the lines.  pH 7.0.

Earth Science Almond-Aloe Moisturizer SPF 15+ [$7.49]

Moisturize and protect your skin every day. This light and silky lotion combines pure emollients and mild sunscreens with nature's most effective skin hydrators to help protect skin from premature aging and wrinkling. pH 5.5 / Vegan

Earth Science Clarifying Facial Wash [$7.49]

This mild foaming cleanser gently removes oil and other residues while oil-free moisturizers keep skin soft, never dry. Aloe Vera and extracts of cucumber, sea kelp, birch bark and lavender refresh the skin. pH 5.0 / Vegan & Gluten-free

HAWAIIAN LEAVE-IN CONDITIONING MIST [$6.99]

drink it up coconut milk

To quench dull, thirsty, tangled tresses, spritz on some light, refreshing island hydration. Protein-rich coconut milk and argan oil plus our unique plant-sourced keratin create a protective barrier that weightlessly protects--even during heat styling. For a pick-me-up anytime, this lightweight mist brings locks back to life and smoothes out curls. Hair revels in soft island beauty.

Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap 16 Oz, Peppermint [$5.00]

Authentic African Black Soap Peppermint - African Black Soap from Alaffia is made with handcrafted fair trade shea butter as well as West African palm kernel oil and peppermint. This soap is suitable for all skin and hair types and can be used as a body wash, facial cleanser, shaving soap, shampoo, and more.

Alaffia Authentic Authentic African Black Soap 16 oz, Unscented [$5.00] 

Authentic African 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. This unscented option caters to individuals with even the most sensitive skin. Suitable for all skin and hair types.

I need to get these because I absolutely love the product! I've tried the Alaffia Black African Liquid Soap in Tangerine Citrus, and I've used it as a shampoo, body wash and as a facial wash. Read my review here.

Preserve Toothbrush, Ultra Soft [$2.69]

Preserve consulted closely with dental professionals to create a toothbrush that gets your teeth cleaner but minimizes your impact on the environment.

The design includes a curved handle for those hard-to-reach places and a three-level bristle arrangement to massage your gums. And while the bristles are brand new, the handle is made from recycled yogurt cups.

The toothbrush is completely recyclable in Preserve Gimme 5 program.

Interesting toothbrush as it is made out of recycled yogurt cups? How earth-friendly. I got the colored pink toothbrush.

Preserve Tongue Cleaner [$1.99]

This tongue cleaner has a simple design and is engineered to effectively remove bacteria 10 times more effectively than brushing alone. The ribs on the head scrape away the bacteria, while the curved, easy-to-grip handle enable you to access hard-to-reach spots.

Always good to clean not only the teeth but also the tongue to keep breath fresh. It is 100% recycled materials including yogurt cups. Earth-friendly indeed.

Nature's Gate Natural Toothpaste, Whitening Gel [$5.39]

Brushing with our great tasting fluoride-free Whitening Gel Toothpaste whitens teeth by gently removing surface stains, and helps reduce dental plaque build-up while freshening breath and promoting oral health. Our unique formula contains an exclusive blend of 7 oral health botanicals to leave your mouth feeling minty clean and refreshed.

Exclusive AntioxiDental Blend includes Cranberry, Pomegranate, White Tea, Grapeseed, Aloe, Ginger and Bisabolol.

Tom's Of Maine Botanically Bright Toothpaste [$6.99]

Brushing with new Tom's of Maine Botanically Bright™ gives your mouth a foamy, clean feeling.  Plus, it tastes great and helps whiten your teeth by removing surface stains during brushing.  Ingredients are 100% derived from nature.

Spectrum Essentials Chia Seed [$7.19]

Grown in Mexico, Chia Seed was a diet staple of the Aztecs and Mayans. The Chia Seed's nutrients provided sustained energy during long hunts and had numerous medicinal benefits. Revered by the people, Chia Seed was often used in religious ceremonies which led to its ban by the Spanish during their conquest of the region.

Today we know that Chia seed is a nutritional powerhouse with a lengthy list of health benefits. It is a valuable source of Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), an Omega-3 essential fatty acid that help support normal cardiovascular function and fiber which helps support normal functioning of the digestive tract and can have a positive effect on cholesterol. Chia seeds are easily digestible and do not need to be ground. With its versatility and mild, nutty flavor, chia seed is a healthful addition to any diet.

Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Flaxseed with Mixed Berries [$5.99]

Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Flaxseed with Mixed Berries combines the best-selling Organic Ground Flaxseed with bits of real fruit including blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and elderberries. Often referred to as "Super Fruits," these berries are particularly well known for their antioxidant polyphenol levels, making them healthful and tasty. The flaxseeds in this formula are premium quality organic seeds that have been carefully selected for their nutritive content. Each serving delivers 3g of dietary fiber and 3g of protein as well as omega-3 fatty acid ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) and SDG lignans.

I am conscious about what I eat so I bought an each. I have tried flaxseeds, hemp seeds and chia seeds before, and I always add them in my food or smoothies to give them a little boost. I am no nutritionist or any health professional, but an average girl who prefers to eat healthy. Not necessarily vegetarian. I still have one of those cheat days, but as much as possible, I opt for something good for my body.

And oh! Also bought three bottles of organic and raw Kombucha ($2.50) in Hibiscus and Bilberry flavor. I forgot to take a picture though. I didn't like the taste, but it was an interesting drink. I still have a bottle left in the fridge. I'd be happy to share it with you. :)

Let me give you a small tip: I always go straight to the Beauty and Health aisle whichever mall or store I go to. It is my number one favorite aisle ever! My family and boyfriend knows this. *slowly nods*

Please let me know if you have tried any of the of the products mentioned.

Victoria's Secret Fantasies

My mom and I had our shopping at Victoria's Secret. One of the things I 'also' got were their scented lotions and perfumes. There were so many, I didn't know where to start! I can be very picky which scent I want just as long as it isn't too strong nor too sweet. It took me half an hour to get me through all the bottles just to take a whiff. There's this one particular scent that reminded me in my last two years in high school; I forgot the name. I think it's quite funny how certain scents can bring you back in time thanks to our Olfactory Memory. I decided to choose a different variety because it was, honestly, way strong for me, and hey, I want to try something new. This girl I know used to wear that scent everyday in school and seems she liked it more than me.

My nose soon got overwhelmed with all the scents leaving me with undecided bottles in my hand. If only I could stay a bit longer, but my mom was raring for us to go! I hate it when I get rushed! I want to take my time! I had to make a decision: I took another round of my sniffing, and finally, left the store with three VS Fantasies that smells to my liking. Geez, I wonder what I looked like trying to smell every perfume all at once!

I picked an each of the scents that I liked. Of course, I wouldn't be using them all at once! I wouldn't want the scents of each products overpower one after the other. I would consider each of them has its own 'personality', if you might say. I would use each of them alternately depending on my mood.

"A flirty, floral fragrance. Entice in Pure Seduction, a passionate romance of succulent red plum and sweet freesia. Experience the luxury of fragrant cleansing." 250 ml/8.4 fl oz. Domestic.

I could not believe my eyes when I saw VS Fantasies' PURE SEDUCTION line. I immediately got the body wash! *squeals* I totally forgot about this when I walked through the store, until I saw this looking straight at me. I do believe this is Elle Fowler's (Beauty Guru on Youtube) favorite scent. I knew I had to get one of these because she's been raving about this so much.

"A sexy, cool fragrance. Dive into Aqua Kiss, a cool splash of rain-kissed freesia and fresh daisy. Intensive formula is fortified with replenishing avocado and sweet almond oils, plus hydrating honey." 200 ml/6.7 fl oz. Domestic.

"Delight in Pure Daydream, a bright blend of fresh pearl orchid and pink currant."

Notes: Fresh pearl orchid and pink currant

250 ml/8.4 fl oz | Domestic

Mom also picked some items for gifts. I wanted to try them for myself, but I knew I couldn't. Mom bought six of the Midnight Exotics: Forbidden Vanilla.

Midnight Exotics: Forbidden Vanilla

Sunny Brights: Love Rush, Sunny Brights: Sky Bright and Midnight Exotics: Deep Berry body lotions

Until today, I haven't used neither of them. I'm saving them for a special occasion, perhaps? Like I said, it all depends on my mood.

Coming to Victoria's Secret makes any woman special, don't you think? Have you tried any of their VS scents? Which ones are your favorite?

Lightening Dark Circles and Reduce Puffiness with Tea Bags

Tea is my first pick of beverage besides water and fresh green juice because we know it is good for our body. Tea is a good drink for any time of the day, but personally, it feels comforting to drink tea especially when it is rainy outside... and add that with a book curled up in a comfy bed.

The first time I drank tea was actually the day back in tenth grade (4th year high school) because I was a chubby girl, and I thought one of the things I need to drink more of are teas instead of those artificial sugary drinks like sodas (my body soon learned to adjust without leaning on to sodas) to help me shed those extra pounds. I didn't like the taste of tea of course; it wasn't love at first sight (taste), but eventually, I soon loved tea and got myself branching out to different brands, tastes, benefits and stuff of tea. Tea is one versatile drink were I can enjoy a mug anywhere, anytime.

If you are a tea drinker such as myself, you can use the (used) tea bags as a treatment to help lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness. Green tea is rich with tannis and caffeine that is why this treatment works.

What you need:

• Two used tea bags 

Instructions: 

1. After you drank your green tea, place two used tea bags in the fridge and let them chill overnight. You want it cold for you to use them.
2. Lie down in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and place the two chilled tea bags over your eyes and relax for 15-20 minutes.
3. Repeat the process as often as you like. This treatment will take time to help lighten dark circles.

This is just one of the step to help lighten dark circles. The skin around the eyes are very delicate so treat it kindly. You need to have 7-8 hours of sleep every night, proper diet, hydrate with water, and exercise. Do not rub your eyes too harshly. Apply a good eye cream every night using your ring finger to prevent wrinkles and reduce puffiness.

Not only you can use these tea bags for dark circles, but also use it at night just to relax after a long day. It. feels. good.

Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Astringent

I've heard about this toner especially Thayers Original Witch Hazel Astringent from a lot of beauty bloggers and most of them say they liked it. While at Whole Foods browsing for some skin care items, I happen to see both the Thayers Original Witch Hazel Astringent and the Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Astringent. It took me a long time which to pick, but since I love roses, I went for the Rose Petal. I always want to feel extra special whenever I do my skin regimen at night so it has got to be ROSES.

Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Toner with Aloe Vera Formula [$9.95]

Over 120 years ago, Rose Thayer, niece of Henry Thayer M.D., developed an all-natural recipe for extra-soft, youthful-looking skin. As she aged, many would comment on how she always looked 10 years younger than she was. Now, for the first time, her secret formula of Rose Petal water blended with Witch Hazel extract, Certified Organic Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, is being made available.Witch Hazel helps to tighten pores, and to smooth and beautify skin without drying. Thayers® proprietary Witch Hazel extract (derived from the bark) is not distilled, thereby maintaining all the beneficial natural tannins. Assay of hamamelitannin shows that Witch Hazel bark extract is 31 times richer in hamamelitannin than the leaf extract and 87 times richer than the stem extract (Resource: Vennat, B., "Tannins from Hamamelis virginiana" Planta Medica 54(1988):454-457).

Alcohol-Free
Paraben-Free
Propylene Glycol-Free
Un-Distilled Witch Hazel (with all the beneficial natural tannins)
Moisturizes
Cleanses
No Animal Testing 

Ingredients:Water (Purified), Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice, Glycerin (Vegetable), Fragrance (Natural Rose), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract (Thayers proprietary un-distilled), Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Water (Rose), Citric Acid, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)

Directions:

Apply with a cotton ball or soft pad to cleanse, soften, refresh and moisturize skin. Use anytime throughout the day as a softening refresher.

I've been using this for 2 months and what grabbed me besides the brand itself is the vintage-y look and the rose extract of it. It is Alcohol-free, Paraben-free and Pthalate-free; great product without stripping the natural oils of the skin. For a huge bottle with a price less than $10, I find that it is really worth of a purchase which is a great value for money. I love to use this toner for my night regimen after I washed my face, as it feels soothing, removes dirt (face, neck and decolletage) and gentle to the skin. My pores, however, still look the same as they were 2 months ago. It also did say you can use this product 'anytime throughout the day as a softening refresher', I haven't tried that and I do not think I will do that either. Currently, I still have 2/5 of the product left, and it didn't caused me any skin problems such as dryness, redness or breakouts especially for an oily skin myself. It leaves my skin moisturized besides applying a recent serum and moisturizer in my regimen.

I find this product intriguing as it says, "Rose's secret to looking 10 years younger...naturally". I don't think it will happen instantly or by using just a single or two bottle to get younger skin. But I suppose it will if used for... years, maybe? This is the first time I used this product, so... kind of hard to tell such difference, but it is always good to know every time I apply this product on my face.

I love ROSES. However, the scent of this toner reminds me of an old lady scent or medicine. It makes me feel bad to I tell you it smells nothing like roses. It is not really that bad, but for a product that says it has 'roses', I kind of expect a soft and feminine scent.

For a toner with a bottle this big, this is definitely worth the purchase for less than $10. It will take you forever to finish this big bottle of toner. Great addition to anyone's skin care regimen. Made my skin soft and nice, but what I dislike the most is the scent. I cannot smell the roses at all. I want to repurchase this toner, but the smell makes me want to think twice.