STRIP-IT Hair Removal Cold Wax

I've been using Strip-It for 2 years now, and this is my review about this wonderful product! I had to stay away from razors and depilatory creams because the hair grows faster and thicker and can lead to serious darkening of the skin. I had to do something till I searched online and found this product.

Have a lighter skin that is silky-smooth and hairless for weeks! 

STRIP IT sugaring removes hair from the roots (epilating), thus hair is unseen from 2-4 weeks. With continued use, hair becomes sparser, softer, and finer. That is why it's preferable to shaving or using depilating. Since sugaring adheres tightly to the hair but not the skin as, so there is 50% less pain & discomfort than with other waxes.

Strip It will give you a clear, smooth & light skin. It also exfoliates by stripping off dead skin. It is laced with moisturizer making the skin soft. And the Calamansi lightens the skin! 

Strip It is an all natural , water-soluble, and hypoallergenic COLD sugar wax. NO HEATING is required. Get the great benefits of waxing while saving time and money!

I remember the first time I've used this cold wax. I still remember that fear I would go through just to get a smooth hair-free skin. I've seen people on television screaming after being waxed, and I thought to myself, "What in the world am I doing?!" But then, I read lots of raves from other people especially women who loved the product. If they could do it, why can't I? I ordered my first 200g tub online and hoped for the best.

I got my package days later: each Strip-It paper bag comes with: a tub of the wax, an instruction manual, a wooden applicator, and 2 Long sheets of Reusable Cloth (cut it to make up to 12 strips).

Since it was my first time to wax on my own, I had to read the manual a lot! It was frustrating how much product I wasted without even seeing the results. I even thought of giving up, but I knew I can't! My first waxing (at home) was painful. I had to scream if I must. My skin was reddish (normal reaction), but I got smooth skin like I always wanted. Every time I see those hair on the cloth, I was like, Ewww! It is so satisfying to see the hair down to the root.

In the long run, I finally got the hang of it. I can estimate the right amount of wax I needed and how hard I should exert effort to pull the hair out. I need to be patient, and eventually, realizing the pain was tolerable enough over time especially for a first time myself. There were times the tiniest hair could not be removed, and I had to ask for help. And no, I do not use it in my bikini area. That's a different story.

SUGAR WAXING TECHNIQUE:

• Make sure the skin is completely clean and dry.
• Powder lightly if skin is oily, and then brush it off completely.
• Hair should be at least 1/4 inch long.
• Apply Strip-It to your skin with the wooden spatula, in the direction of your hair growth. The skin surface must be flat so do this wile stretching your skin thus covering the full area.
• Take a cloth strip, press it down firmly onto the waxed area and rub for a few seconds only. Remember to leave a small space at the end of the strip for pulling.
• Hold your skin taut (stretched tight) so that all hairs will be pulled when you strip off the cloth.
• Then immediately strip off the cloth in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Do this rapidly but closely to the skin. *If the strip is removed slowly or sugaring stayed on the skin too long, the hair will not come off. Note that you need a little force in pulling.*
• If few stray hairs remain, you can re-wax or tweeze them.
• Wipe the skin with a damp cloth or towel afterwards to remove excess sugaring.

If redness and bumps occur, it should disappear within an hour. This is a normal reaction. As with any waxing treatment, some discomfort may be experienced. You may reuse the same cloth strip with the residual on it; soak it in water to dissolve the sugaring off. Rinse and let it dry. Do not scrub or wring.

Do not wash, use alcohol, creams, astringent or deodorant right after waxing. The pores are open at this time and may be clogged. It is advisable that you do the procedure after the bathing and before going to bed.

LOVE:

• That brown sugar scent it has! It feels I wanted to eat it, but I knew I can't!
• No heating required (A GENIUS IDEA!)
• Minimal pain over time of use
• Almost available anywhere in the Philippines
• Affordable
• That clean, smooth, hair-free feel afterwards
• Saves you time and money without going to a professional waxing salon
• Over time, the hair grew sparser and the skin is also exfoliated

NOT SO LOVE:

• Costly. You have to purchase a tub every month or so depending on your use to get rid of the hair.
• Time consuming
• Can be a little messy, but once you got the hang of it, it is no sweat at all
• Although I wanted to see a hair-free body forever, the hair will still grow. You have to wait for the hair to grow at least 1/4 centimeters before waxing

Overall, it was a good experience with the waxing right in the comfort of my own home. I always make sure I have a tub ready for me to use. If this is your first time waxing on your own, do not fear. I recommend this product to every one who wants to get smooth skin -- men and women. A sure must-have!

(I've been eyeing for their other variant, Strip-It Chocolate Sugaring as well. LOL! But, we shall see...)

Visit their Facebook Page!

Lotus Bloom Handcrafted Soaps Haul

My boyfriend was watching the television a week ago, and he saw someone introducing another kind of organic soaps. He knew how much I love it that he immediately called me over to watch the program. I instantly checked the provided website as soon as the segment was over.

He and I agreed to buy one soap for every line from the Lotus Bloom Handcrafted Soaps has. You realize how difficult it was for me to pick, and I wanted to try ALL of them, but later on I agreed and bought a soap of each. (Soon I will try the rest of their soaps from our next purchase!)

I haven't tried nor heard about Lotus Bloom Handcrafted Soaps, and I am excited to prepare the list for me to purchase online!

I bought four soaps and an aromatherapy balm: Amihan (Flower Show), Mari (Herb Garden), Yemaya (Almost Edibles), Sari (Fragrance Free), and Braveheart (aromatherapy balm).

Days later, our package arrived! And... OMG! On first impression, the packaging of their soaps are just all on effort -- and you haven't seen yet once the box is opened! One quick sniff and I was blown away how it smells really good! I mean, really! I've tried some organic soaps all my life and it smells nice --- but not as heavenly as this! It feels like I am inside a SPA right in the comfort of my home. I don't know if I was having an awful week, but the positive vibes in these soaps awakes and astounds me! The packaging also has an affirmation written on the side as well. (YES for positive vibes!)

The Lotus Bloom Handcrafted Soaps are mindfully and lovingly made by hand from luxurious rich oils of olive, coconut, avocado, rice bran, jojoba, almond and palm using only the traditional process in soapmaking.    

Natural ingredients used in our products have been chosen for their cleansing, nourishing calming and moisturizing properties to skin.

Wait till you see once the box is opened! Each of their soaps has a huge cut, wrapped by a beautiful paper, and the soaps (yet again) smells so nice! The ingredients of the soaps are just simply divine! 

I haven't used neither of the soaps yet.

[ FRAGRANCE FREE ]

SARI (green tea & brown rice) - Php150

Luxurious brew of organic green tea, full of powerful antioxidants comingles with the ultimate beauty treatment of Japanese women for centuries, rice bran. With toasted organic brown rice, finely grounded into flour, gently exfoliates dead skin cells. Nurturing for sensitive skin. Named after the Balinese rice goddess, Dewi Sri.  

Made from distilled rainwater,  saponified oils of olive, palm  grapeseed and coconut with  finely grounded organic brown rice and organic green tea.

The scent: Subtle scent. Reminds me of oats.

[ HERB GARDEN ]

MARI (mandarin, patchouli & sea kelp) - Php150

This moisturizing caress from the ocean combines in a balanced blend sea-side inspired clean scents and hand-harvested seaweed packed-full of essential vitamins and anti-oxidants to help skin recover from a long day or a night out. Traditionally handcrafted using only the richest oils  of olive, palm, rice bran, coconut and avocado. 

Made from distilled rainwater,  saponified oils of olive,  avocado, coconut, palm and  rice bran with seaweed and essential oil blend of mandarin and patchouli.

The scent: It reminds me a little of... menthol. I scent simply draws me in.

[ ALMOST EDIBLES ]

YEMAYA (chocolate & mint) - Php150

A delightful swirly soap that looks and smells so good you'll be tempted to take a bite, but please dont! Save the conditioning goodness for your skin. Combining mint with the nourishing properties of chocolate, this creamy soap leaves you clean and fresh, happy and lip-smackin' bright! Its scent reminds me of minty chocolate chip ice cream. Mmmmmmm. 

Made from distilled rainwater,  saponified oils of olive, rice bran, coconut, palm with  chocolate and essential oil blend of peppermint and spearmint. 

The scent: I haven't even used it yet, but I could already

smell that minty and chocolate scent! It smells DELICIOUS!

[ FLOWER SHOW ]

AMIHAN (sampaguita & moringa) - Php150

Such a charming soap this is! Inspired by Amihan, the blithe goddess of the North Wind in pre-hispanic Philippine mythology, this bar evokes comforting tranquil scents to every Filipino who ventured away from motherland. Sampaguita's light, airy, uplifting fragrance is embraced by plant extracts of locally-grown healing Moringa oleifera. 

Made from distilled  rainwater,  saponified oils of olive, rice bran, avocado,  coconut, palm with Moringa oleifera (malunggay) and sampaguita essential oil.   

The Scent: I LOVE SAMPAGUITA! The scent is so mild and clean.

A huge bonus that it has Moringa extract in it!

Last, but not least... the aromatherapy balm, BRAVEHEART. - Php150

Contains extra virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil, aloe vera and calendula extracts, essential oils of orange, tangerine, ginger, cinnamon and sandalwood to uplift your spirit. Grounding and warming scents.

I love that LOVE is written in the list of ingredients on the back of the product.
It really is a nice touch! Doesn't it bring a smile on your face? :)

The scent is simply fabulous. Makes me feel I am inside a kitchen; definitely reminds me of herbs. It has a nice uplifting smell to it too. I could rub it at night, feel the slight cooling sensation, and helps me drift away in my sleep.

I'm a (new) fan of Lotus Bloom Handcrafted Soaps! I am thankful my boyfriend happens to be watching television that day, or else I wouldn't know that these soaps exist -- positive vibes in a bar of soap and a small jar indeed! Can't wait to use these soaps! I will check their website in case they will have more soaps to be introduced in the market!

I really want to try their other soaps as well. :)

In the mean time, check their website and see if you might like... which I'm sure you do.

Milea All Organics Natural Avocado Natural Oil

I've always wanted to use a natural oil for my face, but I was skeptical to use such because I do have oily skin and it could cause more harm than good. I did my (mini) research online a year ago, and it turns out it has a positive effect for the skin.

While doing my online shopping, I decided to pick this MILEA Avocado Natural Oil and try it out. I know this is a "no turning back" experience once I bought it, but hey, this is now or never! Skin care is all about experimenting which product(s) suits your skin the most.

I love avocado! They are packed with nutrients, and has one of the healthiest fats around. I love it on my salad, for guacamole, or even eat it on its own. Seeing this in an oil form is a treat for me!

According to their website, this product is a/an:

After-Bath Body Oil; Food for Dehydrated, Undernourished Skin; Wound and Burn Soother and Healer.

Avocado oil penetrates the skin more deeply than other oils transporting nutrients through the outer epidermis of the skin and into the dermis. Great for mature, sensitive or troubled skin.

I bought it for Php190 in 30ml. I've been this for 2-3 months for my face and neck*, and all I can say is, my skin LOVED this product! It is greasy because it is oil, but despite that it is an oil, it didn't caused my skin redness, clogged pores nor break-outs. My oily skin is no hindrance for this oil! It did feel a little heavy on the skin, but I got used to it every time I use it. It made my skin dewy and hydrated from the inside-out! A little bit goes a long way!

* Didn't I mention I can be a little rebel when it comes to my skin care products? I prefer to listen what my skin needs; read the labels before I purchase, do a research online, and dive in what my skin needs the most. However, there is a separate oil I use for my body, but it still needs a little test drive before I do a full review about it. *

I like to use this product, whenever I feel my skin needs a boost after my bath, and when I am staying inside the house for the day. A little bit of oil glides smoothly all over the face and neck. It is oil, and I imagine how hard it is to have a shiny face out in the public; leaving the house with an oil on the face is a not a good idea. Plus, it doesn't have SPF (of course since it's OIL).

I just love this oil! Such a great find, for such an affordable and natural skin care product. This will surely last for me for few months. Worth every penny!

I do also want to try their other oils from MILEA... and I am thinking on going for the Moringa Natural Oil. LOL! Can't wait for that!

Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Moisturizing Day and Night Cream

Wanting to try these natural moisturizers from Human Heart Nature. Since I am getting into the organic vibe myself, I thought to give this a try.

I've been using this for more or less 5 months already, and I find both of these products wonderful for my skin. Please note that I do also have oily (non-sensitive) skin. And also, I do not have wrinkles (yet) on my face. I am very cautious on what products I use on my skin. I use the product not only to my face, but also to my neck and at the back of my hands -- I don't want to neglect these areas whenever I do my skin care routine, morning and night. I aim for prevention rather than cure.

At first glance, the packaging looks simple and classic. Both creams come in a convenient pump; 50ml (Php150) and a 100ml (Php250). It also keeps the product hygienic without the unnecessary dipping of fingers in a jar. The packaging is pretty much opaque, but you can weigh and estimate how much product is already left. You can also find an expiration date of the product near the cap (which I always always look for!)

I would first start the review for the 100% Natural Moisturizing Day Fluid with 15 Vitamins & Minerals.

According to their website:

How many vitamins are there in your current moisturizer? Just one? Our 100% Natural Moisturizing Day Fluid has 15 vitamins and minerals that give your skin the nutrient-boost it needs to start the day looking fabulous!

Plus you get an extra dose of Vitamin E, nature’s richest antioxidant, to help reduce the risk of sun damage. This light and easily-absorbed fluid goes on as smoothly as silk, so you won’t have that greasy feeling all day.

15 reasons to switch from your chemical moisturizer: Vitamin E • Vitamin C • Vitamin A • Vitamin B1 • Vitamin B2 • Vitamin B5 • Vitamin B12 • Vitamin D • Selenium • Lecithin • Magnesium • Calcium • Potassium • Iron • Zinc

It's ingredients are: water, dicapryl ether (vegetable derived), caprylic/capric triglyceride
(coconut derived), glycerin, glyceryl stearate, isostearyl hydroxystearate (vegetable derived), stearyl alcohol, Persea americana (avocado) seed oil, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, tocopherol acetate (vitamin E), tapioca starch, xanthan gum, glyceryl caprylate (coconut oil, palm oil and glycerin derived), fragrance (all natural), anisic acid (anise seed derived), farnesol and linalool

I love that it feels light, quickly absorbs, and it doesn't feel greasy on the skin. It is watery, and white in color. To me, it smells like sunscreen, but the product doesn't have sunscreen. I would suggest to use a SPF after applying this day fluid on the face. It is a good day moisturizer. Keeping the skin supple while topped off with vitamins and minerals throughout the day!

________________________________________________

Next, I am going to review the 100% Natural Moisturizing Night Cream with Plant Collagen.

According to the website: 

Skincare magic… while you sleep! Your skin absorbs the most nutrients at night, so let our 100% Natural Moisturizing Night Cream with plant collagen renew your skin while you’re enjoying sweet dreams. With a host of other skin-essential vitamins and minerals, our night cream erases all signs of fatigue and tired eyes as you wake up to smoother, suppler skin and a refreshed healthy glow!

It's ingredients are: water, isostearyl hydroxystearate (vegetable derived), dicapryl ether
(vegetable derived), caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut derived), glyceryl stearate (vegetable derived), glycerin, Persea americana (avocado) seed oil, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, stearyl alcohol (vegetable derived), Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, natto gum, tapioca starch, glyceryl caprylate (coconut oil, palm oil and glycerin derived), xanthan gum, fragrance (all natural), anisic acid (anise seed derived) 

  

This product help stimulate the regeneration of cells while on beauty sleep.

I love that it easily spreads and sinks on to my skin without that greasy feeling. It has that fluid-consistency. I love it keeps my skin moist, and the fact it has added collagen to replenish the skin. I also see to it that I get my 6-8 hours of sleep at night. I do not solely depend on the product alone. To me, the scent smells almost like its counterpart -- the day fluid, but it still is okay.

Keep both of these products away from direct sunlight, and store it below 35°C (95°F).

Overall, these moisturizers are so good on the skin; not only it has no harmful chemicals, but because it kept my skin feeling and looking fresh. It didn't caused me breakouts or redness at all. I love that I can find these almost anywhere in the Philippines! Very affordable as well.

ALL ORGANICS Bath Soaps

I love organic soaps! I'm always for a hunt to try (and love) soaps from different brands that I may fancy.

Today, I am to review the ALL ORGANIC BATH SOAPS. I've seen these soaps for years now, and I now finally bought some of their soaps to try. I haven't used all of soaps (yet), but I did tried some. It makes me excited to take a shower and give my skin that love it needs.

Each soaps has its own specific skin needs, but has its sole purpose: keeping the skin clean, moisturized, and fight free-radicals! I would highly suggest to read the description of every soap before purchasing. For example: the LEMONGRASS & GINGER SOAP Lemongrass tones and deodorizes. Ginger relaxes nerves and relieves muscle and joint pains; GLUTATHIONE SOAP Detoxifies, clarifies and moisturizes skin, making it clearer and whiter; SEA WEED SKIN FIRMING SOAP Sea weed has been known to make skin firm and healthy. It is used in many slimming products; ACAPULCO SOAP Acapulco kills most of fungus, bacteria and yeast. The benefits of Acapulco on skin is treating skin diseases such as Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness.; TEA TREE & ALOE VERA SOAP Active against all three varieties of infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi and viruses. Helps acne & athlete's foot. Properties include anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti- viral, and non others. Removes other skin blemishes; SALT & TURMERIC FOOT SCRUB SOAP Detoxifies, Improves Blood Circulation, Helps Heal Wounds & Skin Disease; MALUNGGAY SOAP High in anti-oxidants, Malunggay helps retain youthful glow and helps skin heal itself.

See what I mean? 

** Please bare with me that I can't give out much opinion on these soaps that claims to fight skin problems (bacteria, viruses, etc). I haven't used neither of these soaps nor knows someone who does so. **

I've also tried some soaps, which unfortunately, I didn't took a snap-shot first: Coffee Orange Bath Soap, Pineapple Cucumber Bath Soap, Olive Bath Soap, and the Shea Bath Soap. 

According to their website:

Regular cleansing and cleaning of the body is very important. Cleansing and cleaning washes away the dirt, sweat trapped in the pores to allow the skin to breath easily. It also removes the dead cells to make the skin soft and glowing. 

One generally uses beauty soap available in the market for this process. The outer skin is very sensitive and delicate, so utmost care should be taken not to expose it to harsh chemicals. Regular soaps available in the market are manufactured by the process of mixing and heating oils and lye, to this is added some synthetic fragrance. But the regular soap is not as good as it is professed to be. In fact it does more harm then good.

• Regular soaps over-cleanse the skin and make it dry, rough, often scaly, and sometimes itchy. The extra lye raises the skin's natural pH level, which in turn depletes the natural moisture. Moistures are the natural barriers that protect the skin, if this barrier is compromised, and then the skin's immune system becomes weak and vulnerable to toxins, pollutants, bacteria, and viruses. 

• The skin also gets affected by the oils, present in most of the soaps. These artificial oils, can most of the time infiltrate the skin and create free radicals, including brown spots and irregular pigment. The free radicals speed up aging, weaken skin health and vibrancy, and make the skin vulnerable to sun damage. 

• Toxic ingredients can cause a huge damage to the skin, especially after they penetrate, and gather in the body. Much soap are treated with chemicals to increase their shelf life, some chemicals are known to be carcinogens. 

There is a better alternative to regular bathing soap. All Organics offers a luxurious, natural-soap bars with fruits and vegetables extract. This hand-milled bar makes the skin feel softer, and healthier than ever before. 

The natural soap bar is altogether different from and superior to regular soaps. The natural-soap bars contains fruit and vegetable extract, which cleanses the body without depleting its natural oil or moisture, hence the immune system does not get compromised, and in fact it gets optimized.  

As it is 100% natural, it does not contain rancid oils and chemicals. Our soap bars contains 16 times more natural glycerin than most bar soaps, and also contains Virgin Coconut Oil, and other organically pure essential oils. These natural ingredients nurture the skin, renew its moisture balance, and fortify the immune system. These bars does not contain any 

chemicals, so it is ideal for the whole family, even for babies. 

All Organics Soap Bars Contain:

• 100% fresh fruit and natural vegetable extracts

• Up to 16 times more natural glycerin than other soaps

• Consistent pH and moisture levels.

• No rancid oils or chemicals

• Consistency and hardness from being hand-milled

• Comes in refreshing scents that delight the senses.

These are the bath soaps I have at home. I am currently using the RICE BRAN SOAP. :)

I've been using this brand for about a year now, and I love it! I love that they're organic, and can be found almost anywhere in the Philippines; most of the soaps I bought are from my trusted online seller. I love that it didn't irritate my skin whichever variant I use. I really love that some of the soaps from ALL ORGANICS targeted not only for people who wants to have fairer, young, and moisturized skin, but it also deals for people who has skin problems as well. Easily lathered, while leaving the skin clean, soft and moisturized. However, the soaps are easily melted because they don't have any hardening ingredients, which I suggest after using, leave the soap in a cool, dry place. Each soap weighs 100grams, and costs Php70.

I also love that these soaps has its sample sizes. The Olive Bath Soap was a free sample from an online seller (from repurchasing); she also sent me, one time, the Banana Glutathione Bath Soap. Sadly, I didn't took a picture of it; I've used it, and LOVED that hint of banana scent!

I find it awesome to see that these soaps has its expiration date; check the back to find out the soap's ingredients, and if it still is in its state of freshness! I would also suggest to store them in cool and dry place without the sun's reach.

I don't use any of these soaps for my face. (I just don't feel like it.) :]

Until now, I don't have a specific soap that I may call the best of the best from ALL ORGANICS! I simply LOVE them! I will definitely be repurchasing!