Human Heart Nature Haul

It's just one of those things I love being a girl -- SHOPPING! I am running low on some items at home, and I need buy some back-up before I ran out it. Human Heart Nature also introduced new products, so I knew I had to visit a nearest Human Heart Nature branch in my area to get into the buzz for the update.

Here are what I bought:

100% Natural Cleansing Bar

Our cleansing bar is cold-processed, which means that it takes more time to make than your usual chemical soaps, which are hot-processed. Hot-processing removes the naturally hydrating glycerin in soap, which is often replaced afterward with synthetic fillers and harmful additives that leave the skin dry and dull after bathing. Cold-processing, on the other hand, produces high-quality soap that retains beneficial natural glycerin which keeps skin soft and hydrated. As a bonus, cold-processing consumes less energy and produces less waste - so it's not only skin-friendly, but eco-friendly as well!

**I had my eye on this soap for months! Excited to try this.**

Pure Strength Black Diamond Cleansing Bar

This is more than just a soap. This is a symbol of an era where all men can be heroes. Where men don’t need to harm their environment or their health just to look good. The Pure Strength Black Diamond Cleansing Bar contains deep-cleansing bamboo carbon known in East Asia as the “black diamond” for its powerful beneficial properties. It’s charged with all-natural premium powerful ingredients and none of the compromising chemicals. So staying clean and looking good goes beyond good grooming. It’s good stewardship.

**Though I love the peppermint smell of this soap, I didn't bought this for myself; it is for my boyfriend. I want to know what he thinks about this one. If he loves it, I'd buy the rest of the HHN products made for men.**

100% Natural Kids Bath Soap - Chocolate Adventure

Our Kids Bath Soap works like a charm in getting your child clean and fresh after a long, fun day of dreaming, playing and exploring. Natural yet effective cleaning agents effectively remove dirt and grime without harmful synthetic surfactants like SLS or SLES, while natural glycerin from the soap’s cold-processing helps keep your child’s skin from drying unlike most chemical soaps.

**I know what you're thinking, and I can explain. This is one of those purchases not because I have kids at home, but rather what drawn me to this soap was because it's CHOCOLATE! Yes, even though it is labeled for "kids", I bought it anyways. I wonder why they didn't have a variety of soaps for adults -- yet?**

Kids Natural Shampoo & Body Wash for Boys & for Girls (Scent: Ocean Apple for girls)

Human Nature Kids Natural Shampoo & Body Wash is completely free from harmful chemicals as it removes dirt and grime to keep your little ones naturally fresh and clean. It’s made with a unique Protein Care System that helps keep your child’s hair healthy and skin soft and supple.

**Yep, you got me on this one. Like the HHN kids soap (above), the strawberry scent of this got me. In my hands was a shampoo suited for adults, but right at the last minute, I changed my mind and had to try this instead. Though it says its a shampoo AND a body wash in one product, I'm not going to use this as my body wash but as my shampoo. I like to try 'fun' scents.**

100% Natural Lip Balms

Your lips need protection too! Our better-than-ever 100% natural lip balms are made only with the finest blend of cocoa butter, beeswax, and pure natural plant oils. Now you can experience a smoother, softer glide and mouth-watering natural flavors that are sure to keep you reaching for your lip balm again and again...and again!

Available in 3 yummy flavors:

Tutti-Frutti, Peppermint, and Wild Berry

**I tried their TUTTI-FRUTTI years ago, and I loved it. This time, I got to try their WILD BERRY flavored lip balm from Human Heart Nature. Whenever I go out, it feels my lips needs an extra hydration, so I thought to get this every time I go out.**

100% Natural Day Moisturizer

Our 100% Natural Day Moisturizer now has beet root extract and other actives known to help skin retain its natural moisture for a full 8 hours! Loaded with 15 essential vitamins and minerals, it nourishes and helps protect your skin from environmental stresses so your skin looks hydrated and happy every 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 | Zinc | Potassium | Iron | Calcium | Magnesium

**This is a surprising find! It now comes in a new packaging. At the back of the product, besides its 15 essential vitamins and minerals, it is also added with natural antioxidant oils and beetroot extract. I had to try this myself. [ Read here for my review of their 100% Natural Moisturizer Day Fluid ]**

Nourishing Face Toner

 Nurture it with the goodness of tomato extract, from our all-new Nourishing Face Toner. It’s one of the most powerful antioxidants that soothes and helps repair skin leaving it unbelievably smooth, soft and healthy – inside and out. It doesn’t just help prevent skin damage caused by free radicals, it preps your skin for what should come next – moisturizing! The end result? Nothing but fresh, soft and breathtakingly smooth skin!

**I know what I said in my previous review on this Nourishing Toner. I checked the shelves again and again that day, but they do not have THE stocks of my FAVORITE Hydrating Toner. Out of all the days, why now? Ugh! Who knows why! I had an ambiguous feelings towards this toner. I really need a toner, so I ought to get this... and wished myself good luck.**
UPDATE: October 11, 2013 -- I've written a new review about this product here!

100% Natural Healthy Lotion - Blossom Beauty

Let your natural beauty blossom! The all-time best Human Nature body lotion is now in a refreshing fruity floral scent. Oh, but there’s more to love.. we’ve added soybean oil and a 24-hour moisture booster from sugarcane compound to the already remarkable all-natural blend of coconut, aloe vera leaf juice, sunflower and avocado oils. All to give your body added moisturization and a boost of nutrients for genuinely soft, smooth, and beautifully healthy, happy skin that’s more than just skin-deep.

Just daily skin nutrition with 12 powerful nutrients and antioxidants from nature’s best:

Amino Acids | Essential Fatty Acids | Phytosterols | Vitamins A | B1 | B2 | B9 | B12 | C | E | K | Zinc

**I need a back-up of lotion... when I saw this! I LOVE when it says: SKIN NOURISHMENT with 12 nutrients and antioxidants, front and center! I got to have it! Can't wait to try this!**

Before I forget, I also purchased a drink called Bayani Brew Classic (400ml). I drank it as soon as I got home; I was so thirsty that I didn't even took a picture of it. I was really curious about the taste so I bought a bottle. It is a all-Filipino beverage brewed from lemongrass and pandan leaves with a hint of calamansi! I LOVE THAT! Just learning the ingredients of this drink makes my mouth-water. I LOVE CALAMANSI. This refreshing drink reminds me of that summer heat, though I find the taste a bit sweet for me, but it is still okay. I want to try their other flavor: Bayani Brew Purple Leaf. Click here to find out more, or here for their Facebook page.

...and one of things that I really want to get my hands on was their Overnight Elixir. Looking at that deep red bottle is just so beautiful and tempting.

There you go! My Human Heart Nature Haul! I will make a review on these products months from now.

Visit here if you would like to learn more of Human Heart Nature's products, or make a purchase.

Venus & Mars: Jagermeister Pore Suit

Everyone knows alcohol can cause damage to one's skin. But who would have thought to turn beer into a soap for cleanser? I have never tried Jagermeister (alcohol) -- and I find it really intriguing! I had to see it myself. Beer and skin care together? I like that! I immediately had to make my purchase and see if it works on me.

I have tried this soap years ago, but I was in a rush to see results that I didn't gave this soap enough time to help me combat my skin problem. (What was I thinking back then?!) Today, I gave this soap another chance, bought it, and tried it out again. I have large pores on my T-zone and a little on my cheek area. I use a pore strip every week to get rid of whiteheads and blackheads to help my pores "breathe", and reduce its size. I've been using this soap for about 5-6 weeks, and have to say, I love its benefits for my skin.

From their Facebook page:

What are the BENEFITS of V&M Jagermeister Beer Suit?
1. The main benefit of this soap is it’s PORE ENHANCING properties
2. It dramatically CLEANSES, MINIMIZES and CLEARS pores from deep within. Black and white heads becomes less visible and lighter with each use.
3. Upon clearing of dirt, blackheads and whiteheads, it prevents pores from clogging up again by CONSTRICTING pore DIAMETER and allowing room for new cell growth. Thus, giving way to a blemish-free skin.
4. It also has benefits for pimple refinement as it relieves the skin from pimple flare-ups.
5. It aids in the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging.
6. It works as an exfoliant. Even though the skin is constantly shedding and renewing itself, dead skin cells can sometimes be left behind stuck to the surface of the skin. These extracts slough off those dead skin cells, allowing for smoother, softer skin.
7. Evens out skin tone without using harsh whiteners 

Ingredients: Emu Oil, Jagermeister, Willow tree, sugar cane extract, turmeric, pepper, cantaloupe, sugar beets, unripe grape, cajeput, lemon extract 

Jagermeister has 56 herbs, fruits, woods, barks and roots!
The alcohol in Jagermeister comes from some neutral grain, like barley, wheat, corn or rice. It could also come from sugar, which is then fermented into alcohol, like liquor. “The flavoring is from the spices and herbs, most likely anise and licorice. Once the 56 ingredients are measured and ground, they are reduced to macerates (extracts) by being steeped in a mixture of cold alcohol and water for two to three days. After the resulting extract has been filtered, it is tored in oak barrels for a period of not less than one year. At the end of this storage time, the extract is filtered once more, mixed with liquid sugar, caramel, alcohol and water, and filtered yet again. The resultant brew is then ready for bottling.” 

WHY IS JAGERMEISTER GOOD FOR THE SKIN?
Once the alcohol and its drying effects are removed, beer makes a near perfect skin care addition to soap. Since Jagermeister is practically made of herbs, fruits, woods, barks and roots, you can just imagine getting all these 53 herb's/root’s/fruit’s/wood’s/bark’s properties and benefits penetrating through your skin! They become a skin-cleansing asset when added to soap. They also bring the richness and nutritional value of fruit to the beer market and when used in soap, these transfer exceptional attributes to skin care.

“None of these skin care applications are possible without first removing the alcohol content form the beer. Not only does alcohol inhibit the chemical reaction necessary to the soap making process, it also dries the skin. This necessary extra step makes beer soap more labor intensive, hence unusually special and outstanding in it’s line.”

The Jagermeister soap is cold processed and handcrafted, and comes in 135g. Its color is dark grey with brown swirls, and is priced Php255 per bar.

I cut a piece of this soap and use that to wash my face. The scent, I assume, has a hint of the Jagermeister which is not strong at all. It lathers really well, but once I let the foam sit on my face for 2-3 minutes, it has that stinging feel to it; I sometimes ignore the stinging just to get those benefits sit in my face a little longer. It did got me alarmed thinking I'm allergic to this soap, but from the reviews and forums I've read online, other girls also had the same experience. It didn't caused me breakout nor redness, but helped me make my skin glow that other people start noticing too. My pores are a little smaller than they used to; I just don't understand how can this soap make "blackheads and whiteheads become less visible and lighter with each use". I still use a pore strip every week to keep my pores clean. I also love that it helps dry out any acne in few days especially during that time of the month.

This soap is just awesome! I am so happy I picked this soap again. I LOVE the benefits it brings to my skin. Will definitely repurchase.

Venus & Mars: Lulur

The Javanese Lulur Soap is the first soap I have ever tried from Venus & Mars. I am so intrigued by it because it's been said that the Lulur has been dated back for centuries as a skin daily ritual in keeping the skin soft and glowing especially by brides before their wedding. 

The Javanese Lulur is considered to be the queen of treatments and has been practiced in the palaces of Central Java since the 17th century. There, the pursuit of beauty has long been a daily ritual and the Javanese Lulur an integral step, leaving skin soft, supple and shining.

You know I don't like waiting for that BIG DAY just to get myself pampered when I can do it as early as now. It feels so good being pampered. As recommended by V&M, I also bought this bar to help fight my bacne aside from using their V&M Spa Milk Salts.

V&M's version of the Javanese Lulur

From to their Facebook page:

V&M's Version of the Javanese Lulur  

LUXURY BAR | Cold-processed Soaps | Skin that's clear and polished.  

What is so unique about VNM's LULUR?
It is designed to leave the skin clear from impurities by means of its turmeric content mixed with emu oil and tea tree and whiten the appearance through its powerful combination of arbutin, calamansi and papain. Moisturize and pamper the skin with the rest of the ingredients and you'll sure find a noticeable and renewed skin! 

What can we actually achieve with Java turmeric spice? 

1. It reduces pigmentation.
Turmeric can help even out skin tone. Just leave this on for fifteen minutes everyday. 

2. It makes the skin supple.
It leaves skin smooth, polished and supple. Of course, single application will not make the difference, you have to use it regularly and you'll be surprised to see how much your skin has changed for the better. Imagine the mix of turmeric with shea butter, mango and emu oil! These are super heroes when it comes to moisturizing and taming even the toughest and roughest of skins! Trust me in this. :) 

3. It inhibits cell damage.
Turmeric is an excellent anti-oxidant, hence, it stabilizes free radicals that are known to cause damage to cells that eventually leads to aging and various diseases. 

4. It reduces hair growth.
Turmeric is believed to reduce hair growth by softening even our hair strands! Some doctors even recommend using it for unwanted hair. 

5. It helps heal acne.
Many people love turmeric because of its acne-healing property. Just imagine turmeric with emu oil and tea tree! What a powerful combo that is! 

6. It is an excellent skin beautifier.
With this version??? What more is left to say?

 Ingredients: emu oil, tea tree essential oil, turmeric, tea tree leaves, shea butter, arbutin, calamansi, papain, olive oil and coconut oil, mango 

Don't be confused with this soap. It is no mistake why this is here. It is still the same soap, bought from the same brand, but with a different packaging dated 3-4 years ago. I never thought I'd see this photo again in my laptop; it was my previous purchase of the Lulur soap in V&M, and I do believe it's a 120g. What even made me ought to try it is that it even 'reduces hair growth'?? This I got to see for myself.

Previous Experience On This Soap: I'm not sure if my nose is just "sensitive", but it had a strong yet tolerable scent. I've read other reviews and majority of them doesn't seem to be put off by its scent... aside from me. It was still tolerable, and overtime, I finally get the hang of it. I tried it on my face, but it stings like crazy! I was so alarmed that I had to wash it off immediately. It didn't burnt my face or anything. I did want it to sit in my face for at least 2-3 minutes, but I can't let that stinging happen again. As suggested, I did tried this soap for my bacne, waited for few minutes before rinsing. It helped a lot especially when I used their V&M Spa Milk Salts -- leaving my back all clear like nothing happened!

Current Review On This Soap: Since I have tried this soap, I expected that stinging feel from my previous use.

I cut this soap in roughly 5-6 pieces to save money. I don't want to see this soap go away within two weeks of use. Every time I use it, surprisingly, it didn't had that 'strong scent' on my use, but had that faint scent of Turmeric. I'm not sure if it's just me, but I didn't felt any stinging feeling even after I waited 5-10 minutes before rinsing. I hate to say this, but I was actually waiting for the 'stinging' to happen on my skin.

I really can't tell if this helped me lighten my skin in over a month's use which I doubt. Like any skin care products, it would take time and patience before anyone can see the results. In my case, it wasn't an instant whitening sort of thing, but more of a brightening effect, but did help prevent any bacne from happening! Prevention is better than cure.

As for the part were it "reduces hair growth", I can't attest to that if it works. I'm not a very hairy person to begin with. I really can't tell if did worked. BUT if in some way did helped "reduce (unwanted) hair growth", that would be a bonus!

The soap is a bit pricey especially for people who are on the budget. Basing on the list of ingredients, since the highlight is turmeric, I would say buy a pack of turmeric and squeeze f-r-e-s-h lemon juice to make a paste, OR mix turmeric and milk, apply it in the area for 20 minutes to help reduce dark spots, then rinse. Of course, the soap is much convenient and ready to be used in no time! But for someone who has a busy schedule, who has no time to prepare EVERY. SINGLE. DAY, I still think it's a great alternative and much cheaper. I would say it is still depends on one's preference. You know I like to spoil myself once in a while.

Only comes in one size: Php 225 per 120g bar

Venus & Mars: SPA Milk Salt: Vanilla and Coffee Mocha Scents

A review of one of my purchases in Venus & Mars: SPA Milk Salt. 

I got to say, I still, and will be, am in love with these Milk Salts! I love scrubbing myself with these. Its scents are so divine and delicious that their Vanilla scent reminds me of powdered milk, while their Coffee Mocha scent reminds me of.... coffee and mocha which is a great pick-me-up to start any day. I am not much of a coffee person, but its scent feels like an instant fix! I really LOVE that these milk salts are gentle on the skin and dissolves for better absorption. I like that it helps fight the main causes of skin problem underneath for that healthy skin on the outside.

My favorite scents: VANILLA and COFFEE MOCHA!!!

100g SPA Milk Salts: Yummy Vanilla and Coffee Mocha scents

From their Facebook page:

Spa Milk Salt is an excellent skin whitening and slimming product. It is formulated with milk and natural spa salts that provides nourishment to the skin. It removes dead skin epidermal cells and other dirt deposits from the skin. It is very effective in absorbing oil residues. Use regularly and you’ll definitely notice a glowing and clearer skin. 

Rub the spa milk salts in circular motion to help you slim down, help tone down cellulite and firm the skin too. This is very effective when done before exercising or working out.
Spa milk salts are specially recommended to whiten underarm, bikini areas, elbows, knees and feet. It can effectively smoothen callouses too. Expect your backne to be gone after continuous use. 

Comes in four exciting scents:
1. Yummy Vanilla
2. Mango Mandarin
3. Coffee Mocha
4. Orange Burst  

What makes our Spa Milk Salt better than the ones out in the market? 

1. VNM’s Spa Milk Salt does not contain any chemical preservatives (such as paraben) that would help the product have a longer shelf life. VNM’s Spa Milk Salt’s preservative is the salt itself. 

2. VNM’s Spa Milk Salt has a more refined texture than those available in leading drugstores/department stores, making it more enjoyable to use. Some of the spa milk salts in the market hurt the skin, while this one does not. You will surely notice the big difference upon first try. V&M Spa Milk Salt has the right texture for every skin type. The skim milk-salt formulation is is ideal for thick, tough and dry, sensitive skins alike. :)
You are sure to get more value for your money!

 Ingredients: Skim milk, Spa salts, Vanilla beans/Mango mandarin/Coffee mocha/Orange 

Directions for Use: 

Pour Spa Milk Salt on your palm. You have the option to mix it with water before gently rubbing in a circular motion on skin-one drop of water is enough to cover the spa milk salt that's on your palm. Make sure your body is wet before scrubbing. Leave it on your skin for about three minutes on parts that you want to moisturize and whiten. Then rinse off with water. Lather with your favorite V&M soap. Use it regularly for a clear and smooth skin. 

This is also great as a foot scrub.

*Make sure you do not wet the product, prepare the amount that you’ll be using in a separate container before going to the bathroom to maintain the product’s condition. Works best with Bare It All Emu Cream, CPC+G and our Emu Soaps. 

For Oily Skin: This may be used everyday.
For Normal to Dry Skin: You have the option to use it every other day. Whatever works best for you.  

200g of V&M's Coffee Mocha Spa Milk Salt.... bought years ago.

A Long-Story Short:

My bacne problem started way back in high school. And I only discovered this product probably 3-4 years ago. IMAGINE THAT TIME LENGTH!!! I had no idea what to do! I had these bumps all over my upper back and it bothered me. I actually thought I should resort in purchasing expensive creams or soaps. Luckily, 3-4 years ago, I browsed their website, bought it and hoped for the best. My concern wasn't to whiten my skin, but to help fight bacne. (But if it did whiten my skin, I will find this as a huge bonus) I use just a teaspoon of this every day and scrub that in my back. I let it sit in my back for at least 3 minutes, then rinse. After 2-3 months, my back had finally cleared up. I am happy I didn't spent lots of money just to see results.

Today, I bought it to spoil myself (once in a while) and for prevention. I like to scrub this in my back 2-3 times a week to prevent any bumps that may occur while I am not looking. And also use this to gently exfoliate my underarms.

I am so careful whenever I tip the bottle in my palm because I hate to see the milk salt all over the bathroom floor; immediately recap to keep the product 'safe'. I've been using these milk salts alternately for a month now and I still have enough to last me for few months.

It really is a remarkable find. I will always keep this in my list whenever I make a purchase in V&M. Worth every penny.

Price:
Php 145 per 100g
Php 235 per 200g